After Victory

When the N-1 fighter with Anakin and Artoo landed inside the Royal Palace's hangar, it was as though the young boy won the Boonta Eve all over again. The other Naboo pilots had gone from their own craft to crowd around Anakin's, cheering. When the cockpit hatch opened, grown-up hands pulled the boy out. Artoo beeped and whistled excitedly, his dome spinning. The pilots lifted Anakin on their shoulders, carrying him around triumphantly. Anakin's heart surged with joy. Once again, he brought hope to those who had none. Once again, he was a hero, not a slave boy.

Then he searched the crowd for familiar faces. Where was Qui-Gon, or his apprentice Obi-Wan? Where was Padmé, the girl revealed to be Queen Amidala herself? Finally, a small figure garbed in purple and gold entered the hangar with a retinue of guards. Her eyes caught Anakin's and she beamed brilliantly. "Ani!" she cried. Breaking royal protocol, she rushed forward as the pilots set Anakin on the ground.

"I heard what you've done," she said, gently placing her hands on his shoulders. "We captured the Viceroy, but you saved the day. When you destroyed the Trade Federation control ship, all of the battle droids shut down, making the Gungan army victorious."

Anakin couldn't stop looking at her radiant face. At that moment, she was more than a fabled angel of Iego. She was a goddess. He was at a complete loss for words. All he could do was gape at her.

"You're truly amazing, Ani. My people won't forget your bravery and neither will I." She hugged him. Noticing his reticence, she released him. "Are you all right?"

Anakin nodded. "I'm fine." Just then, Amidala's comlink beeped. It was Captain Panaka, saying he had bad news about one of the Jedi. "I'm on my way," she said. There was now worry and sorrow on her face. She looked at Anakin hesitantly.

"I should come too. The Jedi brought me here," Anakin said. Amidala nodded and he followed her with her guards to another chamber where Panaka waited.

"Your Majesty, Padawan Kenobi just returned from the power station when he and Master Jinn confronted the...man...who was with the Viceroy. The mysterious man was destroyed, but not before he mortally wounded Master Jinn."

Anakin's jaw dropped. "What?!"

The queen gasped, "Oh no." She blinked tears away and in a matter of moments, she was the regal leader again. "He shall be remembered for his heroism. If the Jedi will permit it, I would like to have a state funeral in Master Qui-Gon's honor. Is Obi-Wan all right?"

"Yes, Your Highness, though he seems to be somewhat shaken."

"At least he is unhurt. If you would please, I would like a few moments alone with Anakin."

Panaka bowed and left the room. Anakin sniffled and turned to the queen, his eyes brimming with tears. She took him in her arms, whispering to him comfortingly and smoothing his hair. "Why did Qui-Gon have to die?" Anakin finally said. "He was a good man."

"Even good people die, Ani. It's the way of the universe." She drew back and wiped away his tears tenderly with her thumb. "But Qui-Gon laid his life down for a noble cause. Always remember that." Anakin nodded. "If we remember those we love and carry them in our hearts, they live forever. My grandmother told me that once."

"My mom says that too," Anakin said. He looked down a moment, then he looked back up, fear in his eyes. "I don't know where I'm going now. The Jedi didn't want me and..."

"Shhh, don't worry," Amidala said. "I'm sure the Jedi Council will reconsider after they learn of what you've done today. If not, I'll arrange something. I promise you."

"Thank you, Your Highness," Anakin said, standing straight as though he suddenly remembered to whom he was speaking.

"It's just Padmé, all right? That's my true name." She gave him a sweet, reassuring smile that the little boy would treasure in his heart for all of his life.