Upon first meeting the creature known only as Pico, 99% of the galactic population have this to say: “Hello? Ah… is, ah, anyone there?”
Usually a matter of moments will pass, in which the individual will appear confused. This lasts for no more than a minute, after which they will give up and turn their attention elsewhere. The remaining 1% of the population, however, looks quizzical, frowning as they wonder what exactly is making that odd squeaking noise. On further inspection they realize that – ah ha! – Pico is standing right there in front of them!
You would be forgiven for failing to notice him at first. After all, he’s small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Only a foot high and weighing little more than a bag of sugar, Pico often goes unnoticed. This unfortunate in some respects, particularly when he is mistaken for a common household pet and subsequently caged for a number of months by a small rodian girl, only escaping after masterminding a plan involving a shoe, a candlestick and a rubber band.
If you were, however, to pay close attention to Pico, you would see a small cloaked figure and very little more. Pico is rather shy and conscious of his appearance, and so wears a cowl. It is difficult to describe exactly what Pico looks like beneath his hood. It has been so long since Pico removed his cloak, that he himself is uncertain as to what lies beneath. Suffice to say, he is a peculiar thing.
(NB, for the curious: If you were to remove Pico's hood, you would see something not unlike a very small Cathar. For those unfamiliar with the species, the Cathar are relatively humanoid in appearance, yet have strikingly feline features - their eyes in particular looking almost identical to those of a cat. They also have pointed teeth and a thin layer of usually striped fur. It must be noted, however, that Pico is not a member of this species, but rather another whose name and origins currently allude galactic scientists - mostly because they are entirely unaware of the species' existence!)
Pico comes from a rather large family. He has 37 siblings – 16 brothers, 20 sisters, and 1 sibling of unidentified gender. Members of Pico’s species are separated from their parents at a very young age, and sent to live on worlds far and wide. There are in fact so many of Pico’s relatives, that you are likely to find one on most every inhabitable world, if you look closely enough. Pico does not know who his family are, or where any of them can be found – though since he has never known what it feels like to be part of a family, he doesn’t mind this at all.
In recent times, Pico has learned of the Jedi Order. After spending many years moving from planet to planet, usually hidden away in an unsuspecting traveler’s bag, he has finally made it to Naboo. This is only first step on his long journey, however. Pico does not know if the Jedi will help him – perhaps he is simply too small? Whatever the case, he has far to go. Only time will tell what will become of young Pico.
Author: Seth Vinda. Posted At: 06/02/2005 at 05:39 PM