For millions of years—longer than their collective memories could recall—the requirement to serve was achieved through devout attendance to a species called the Chih. As far as sentient species go, the Chih were at the lower end of the Waa scale used to define intelligence. They were a "two." Despite the low rating, the Chih possessed a hidden mind and filled the need, so they were captured, tamed, and absorbed into the Waa culture. Once absorbed, the Waa met every desire and request of the Chih. These needs were simple, the requests were few: food, a warm place to sleep, affection. All were given upon request, and the Waa compulsion to serve was accomplished.To humans, the Chih might be considered pets. They were small, furry, six-legged creatures that posed no threat to the Waa. They were easily pleased and coexisted well with their hosts. But to the Waa, they were more than pets. They were necessary companions who filled a crucial need for servitude which kept the Waa healthy.
