Anakin and Padme went up to Watto.

"Here, Watto, let me help you with that," Anakin said in Huttese as he picked up the broken, deactivated pit droid.

Watto stared at the Padawan as the young man fixed the droid.

"I'm looking for Shmi Skywalker."

Finally, Watto recognized his former slave.

"Ani" Lil' Ani?"

Anakin smiled.

"Ani, it is you! Look at you! You've grown! Ah, a Jedi now, huh?"

Anakin became serious again.

"My mother, Watto. Where is she?"

"Uh,... I don't owe her anymore. I sold her."

Anakin and Padme exchanged a quick glance.

"To who?"

"Some Count, something like that, from off-planet."

Anakin frowned.

"Who was he, Watto?"

Watto thought for a moment.

"I think he said his name was,... uh,... Dooku? Yeah! Dooku."

Anakin and Padme stared at the Toydarian for a moment.

"Where did he take her?" Anakin demanded.

"I dunno, but after he bought he freed her and took her off-planet with him. That's all I know. Sorry, Ani."

**********

Anakin and Padme were led into a large conference room by the Geonosian guards, and at the head of the table sat Count Tyln Dooku himself, with the bounty hunter, Jango Feet standing to his left.

Anakin scowled.

Here was the man who had committed several crimes and took his mother.

Dooku looked at him, sensing his anger towards him, and cocked a brow at him.

"Senator Padme Amidala, and Padawan Learner Anakin Skywalker. I must say, it's quite a surprise to see you here."

"Save it, Dooku! Where's my mother?!" Anakin snapped.

There was a brief pause.

"Jango, fetch Shmi, please."

"Yes, my lord."

Jango left and came back a few minutes later with Shmi.

Anakin hated to admit, but he had never seen his mother in such good condition as he was seeing her now.

Dooku turned, stood up, and went over to Shmi.

"Ah, there you are, my dear."

He slipped his arms around her waist, leaned down, and kissed her.

Anakin and Padme stared in shock, and their shock grew even more when they saw Shmi kiss him back.

They pulled apart after a few moments.

"Now then, my dear, there's someone here who wants to see you," Dooku said, guesturing to Anakin.

Shmi looked to where he had guestured and recognized her son.

"Ani?" she gasped.

She rushed around the table and hugged him.

"Oh, Ani. I'm missed you so much."

"I've missed you, too, Mom."

Shmi finally released Anakin and turned to Dooku.

"Tyln, why are they in chains?"

"I'm afraid they were caught trespassing, love."

Anakin burned with anger at hearing Dooku call his mother that.

"As you know, that is illegal here on Geonosis."

Shmi nodded sadly.

"I know."

Dooku looked at the guards.

"Take them away."

Anakin's last glimpse of his mother as he was taken away was of her being wrapped in Dooku's arms.