Thursday, April 27, 2006

J.A.W.A. Convention: Day 1

Ahh…Tatooine. Bright sun, burning air and miles of sand to get into those hard to reach places.

It’s been a while, but I thought it was time to drop in on the annual J.A.W.A. (Junk-dealing Associates With Ambition) convention. Especially since this year I’m one of three jawa’s up for their famed Jawa of the Year award. A very prestigious award, I might add. And although they don’t provide transportation (which is okay, I’ve racked up a lot of frequent flyer miles with Jawa Express), they do set everyone up at the beautiful Watto’s Dune Sea Desert Oasis & Casino.










I asked Qui Gon if he thought he could take a break from his busy schedule of opening jars of food, cans of beer, bottles of milk, boxes of cat litter, drawers of clothes, bags of mulch and come along with me. Thankfully, he released a heavy sigh and said yes. I really wanted to show him around at what I used to do and he seemed genuinely interested. Of course the Olympic size pool and huge gambling casino didn’t hurt in his decision either, I think.

The whole convention was to take place at Watto’s for an extended three day weekend. Day one was just for arrival, unpacking and mingling. Time to say hello and maybe make a few deals. Man, the place was packed!










At first Qui was a little freaked out by how crowded it was and so I let him wander off for a while. At first, he stopped in the casino, opening slot machines as he walked by…much to the gratitude of the people playing them as they franticly followed him, scooping up credits. That is until the casino owners asked him to leave. I don’t think he even realized what he was doing. He did, however, find the hotels huge indoor tropical arboretum and seemed genuinely happy to sit by the man made waterfall surrounded by leafy things and fluttering birds. I haven’t seen him that relaxed in a while.

So I decided to make the most of it and mingle with my other jawas. I even saw a few old chums. One of the biggest surprises was seeing my old Sandcrawler driver and right hand jawa, Je’bubb. Man, has he let himself go.











It seems he too quit the droid repo life like me and decided for a more sedentary job as a speed bump on the corner of 5th and Lux’on.

“The pay is okay,” he told me as we stood pool side. “And I can set my own hours, but it still can be a dangerous job. Especially if you have to work a busy street. Now take Ko’lux…you remember him, don’t you?”

“Ehh…vaguely.”

“Well, he too got a job as a speed bump not too long ago…but on the busiest street in Mos Eisley. Now look at him…” He showed me a picture.






Jawa road kill. You just hate to see that.

As the sun went down, we all herded into the dinning area to feast. And what a feast it was. The chairmen of J.A.W.A. didn’t spare any expense.

Afterwards, we were also given tickets to the resorts big fight being hosted that evening. It’s been ages since I saw a good fight at a ritzy hotel and this one looked especially good. Rocko the Rancor vs. Killer Kratt.








Eh….the rancor won.

Tomorrow, the convention will focus on new machines and droids and the latest junk to come out or be stolen. While the last day will focus on the J.A.W.A. seminar itself where, at the conclusion, the award of Jawa of the Year will be handed out. I wonder who the other two finalists are and what they’ve done?

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yer a shoe in little buddy, If they dont give it to you there will be a chapped off Jaba to contend with.

Oh by the way, is it true that Oneida used to be a JawaDanceDoll

Just a rumor I start...er heard

A Army Of (Cl)One said...

It is always good to go back home once in a while, especially if you up for a big award and get to do the “Ha, In Your Face” dance to all those who called you the Klutzy Clone or the All Alone Clone….not that happened to me or anything.

Jedi Healer said...

Good luck, I hope you win the award!

Jon the Intergalactic Gladiator said...

Qui Gon's opening all the beer cans? Man, that sucks 'cuz then you have to drink it before it goes flat.

And how do you guys tell each other apart, anyway? You're like penguins or something, right?

Jawa Juice said...

yup...dusty penguins...

As for the beer, I feel that as a loyal friend it is my job to help Qui out in his time of need and finish all opened beer before they get warm or flat.
That's just the kind of friend I am.

Jardena said...

Better not let Qui liberate the fridge or mini bar in the hotel room, that could get pricey

Anonymous said...

Poor Qui, he seems really messed up. Good Luck JJ!

Heidi said...

The award is yours my littel pal...