The Chosen as Swain. By Kondoru
Standard Disclaimers
Thanks to JP for Betaing.
Um, this story is about You-know-what, or failed You-know-what. If you wanted something detailed, then I'm sorry, this isn't for you. You have been warned.
Part One; Jabba's palace.
Anakin Skywalker, new Knighted Jedi now had a Padawan.
This came as a complete surprise to him. Obi wan had put in a request for a Padawan, leaving Anakin slightly jealous of the change in their relationship; He was too used to being Obi-wans learner.
Her name was Ashoka Tano, and she was a fourteen year old girl of some obscure kind.
(Later on, when he had the time, he looked up the `Padawans for Dummies` guide fresh downloaded by a too helpful Council, -She was a Togruta, from some dismal place called Shili, and she ate a lot of meat; Anakin sadly resigned himself to never having a spaceburger to himself ever again).
"I didn't ask for a Padawan." He protested when she strutted off the transport. Obi-wan gave him that `It's a big honour and don't deny it` look. "There's been a mix up of some kind."
"Master Yoda was explicit; My new Master is Anakin Skywalker." Ashoka announced loudly, daring him to argue.
Anakin had not the heart to turn her down, nor disappoint such an enthusiastic looking youngling. `Master Yoda has a sick sense of humour` he thought.
She had to have a new name, `Stripes` came to mind, -it was his first impression of her; that, according to the helpful guide, was racially offensive. But Ashoka had a snide little comment for everyone and everything. She viewed Anakin with cynicism, not abashed hero worship or wariness as many Temple younglings would do the `Hero with no Fear. `
He called her `Snips` and she seemed to accept it. (He somehow knew that she would not accept just anything).
But first of all she had dubbed him `Skyguy`. Anakin had retorted, "Call me Master and show some respect!"
Ashoka could be tricky.
That while the girl was perfectly content to cart a bag of high explosives behind enemy lines, she drew the lines at carrying a non-fatal huttlet. Non-fatal, but not non explosive, as the unfortunate Padawan discovered when Rotta puked enthusiastically all over her. Ashoka was now covered head to foot with delightful Hutt by products of varying consistency and odour.
"Stinky!" she moaned. "Why do I have to carry this piddle bottomed bundle of yech?"
"Did I warn you about Hutts?" patronised Anakin.
Rotta, for his part, was very content with his revolted saviour. She resembled his Twi'lek nursemaids, dressed like them, even, and now he had rubbed his pleasing and familiar scent on her; Why did the girl grimace so?
Jabba smelt as disgusting as he looked. Anakin wrinkled his snub nose. He barked something uncomplimentary at the weary Knight. (Should he reveal he understood Huttese or no?)
"She's not here?" Dammit, his new burden had let him down.
Jabbas guards and many pals aimed their blasters at Anakin. He lit his lightsabre and held it to Jabbas massive slimy throat. He might die…But so would that fat gangster. Anakin felt quite good about it, actually.
"Stop!" An exhausted looking Ashoka was standing in the doorway, her arms wrapped protectively around the missing Rotta.
Jabba beamed at his son. It was like two suns coming up at once. (Unlikely even on Tatooine). "Punky muffin!" He called. Rotta cooed gleefully.
Anakin gave a big sigh of relief (Though was slightly sad at not getting to chop up his arch enemy).
His Padawan (and Stinky) safe. Anakin commed the fleet, he told them that the mission was a success and he needed a pickup.
Obi-wan was delighted and Admiral Yularen said he would send a ship in right away.
Anakin had a chance at rest.
He was offered alcoholic drinks but politely waved them away, "I would like just water, if you please."
The servants smiled politely and brought him water, and many dishes of dainties.
He settled down to drink and eat.
Anakin jerked awake, he had dropped off. He awoke with a start.
Where was she?
He had only just been granted a Padawan...True, he hadn't wanted Ashoka, but he could just imagine the Jedi Council's sad looks when he announced he had lost his new responsibility in a Hutts den. In battle maybe, (Anakin saw so much action that part of him believed that no youngling would survive long at his side). but not in this pit of iniquity.
He had to find her. Anakin struggled to his feet. He looked around.
By the door is one of Jabbas security detail, bulky, green, tusked. A Gammorean.
"Where is she?" He asked with more snappishness than he intended.
"Dunno" The huge Gammorean made the sign to ward off evil sorcery.
Anakin sighed and scanned round with the Force.
But Ashoka had not gone far. She was in one of the side rooms.
Ashoka was curled up, fast asleep, curled around the Huttlet. Her head was cradled upon a huge trencher, by the bones, Anakin could see that it had once contained meat, most of which was now in the capable stomach of his Padawan. Jugs stood around, and for one horrified minute Anakin wondered if Ashoka had been given something alcoholic, but they contained the dregs of milk.
He shook her bare shoulder "come on Snips, time to go."
Ashoka slept, after the fashion of her kin when over gorged. She woke periodically, and drank a little water. (too little, to Anakins mind, after being so long in the desert with none. but the clone medic had seen no sign of dehydration, though Ashokas arms and montrals were blistered with sunburn. Certainly she had drunk copiously in Jabbas palace). Ashoka turned her nose up at the protein bars Anakin poked at her (As advised by the Guide). She had eaten what to him was a weeks' worth of food. Other than that she remained in her bunk.
Anakin left her alone except to reassure her she was going to be debriefed by the Council when they returned.
So Ashoka enjoyed an extended rest.
The new Padawan sighed happily. She liked Jabba. True, he was as yukky as his son, but boy, he knew how to eat. Ashoka had not so much real meat in ages...All she got in the Temple was vat grown pap.
"Can we go on another mission like that, Master?" she asked hopefully.
Anakin had no answer to that.