Star Wars Science Adventures by Jude Watson & K. D. Burkett

Author:Jude Watson & K. D. Burkett [Watson, Jude & Burkett, K. D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Stuart wasn’t really paying attention, though. He had noticed a low buzzing noise, and climbed out of the grounded boat to investigate.

The wide crack in the large succulent plant seemed to have come alive. It wriggled and writhed like a wide, black snake, but it wasn’t getting anywhere. Stuart swallowed hard and took a few more steps. As he moved closer, one end of the snake seemed to rear up and somehow scatter into the air. Stuart felt something land on his arm. He looked down and saw a black winged insect the size of his palm. It lit for a moment, then flew back toward the plant.

“It’s an attack!” Stuart shouted, running toward the plant. He swatted at the huge insects. One by one they hovered overhead for a moment, then dove at the plant again.

Forbee-X and the other droids were there in a nanosecond.

“Where’s the attack?” asked Threepio, looking nervously around.

“These insects!” Stuart shouted between swats. “They’re going to kill this plant. Don’t just stand there, help!”

Forbee-X’s screen flashed an unhappy color. “Stuart, I’m afraid it’s too late,” she said. “This plant’s skin is tough, but our crash landing ripped it badly. The thick skin helped the plant keep water in and hungry insects out. Now that the skin is so seriously damaged, it can’t do either. The plant will no doubt die.”

Stuart gloomily regarded the long tear. The insects were already flying away. Stuart swatted at one last insect, then gave up. “Now it’s nothing but insect food. What a waste.”

Artoo whistled softly.

“Exactly right, Artoo,” Forbee-X said, laying a gentle arm on Stuart’s shoulder. “It’s not a waste to those insects who feed on it. Or the larger animals who will feed on the insects. This plant is part of a food web. If animal life on this planet is typical, the food web may look something like this.”

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