Chapter 4

Anakin kept to himself the following morning as Qui-Gon arranged for the animals that would take them to the track. The Pod Racer had been picked up and delivered under Anakin's watchful eye earlier that morning, leaving him with time to kill before the noon starting time. And time to kill, meant thinking about what the Jedi - what Qui-Gon - had told him the night before.

His prejudices had never been strong, not until the other Jedi had come. He frowned; staring out across the dunes from the upper balcony of the small slave quarter hovel he called a home. Qui-Gon had been right. He'd been looking at the older man with contempt he didn't deserve because of an action someone else had taken. Because of a direction another of his order had decided to send him on for his life path.

It wasn't fair to Qui-Gon, it wasn't fair to Padmé - who obviously trusted the Jedi with her life - and it wasn't fair to himself. He admitted it silently, though he was sure he wasn't yet ready to reach out and offer the friendship he sensed Qui-Gon wanted. He was, however, willing to give the Jedi the benefit of the doubt.

"You're awful quiet this morning, Anakin."

He smiled faintly, crossing his arms over his chest as he didn't change the direction of his gaze. "I'm usually quiet. Having you here has brought out my talkative side."

Padmé stepped up to stand beside him. "Have you given any thought to coming with us?"

"You don't give up do you?" He slanted a look at her, marveling at how the sun gave her hair the look of burnished copper and cinnamon.

The blush she'd been lacking when she'd first joined him spread quickly across her cheeks. "Where else would you go?"

"I was thinking of joining my mother on Cleigg's moisture farm."

Padmé frowned, turning to look at him squarely. "I don't see you being happy with that kind of lifestyle."

"What do you know about moisture farming?"

She looked away, out across the dunes. "Not much. But it can't be nearly as exciting as racing pods."

"True." Anakin shrugged, hopping up onto the wall and reclining his back against the taller wall partition as he let the outside leg dangle down the drop towards the ground. "But anything's better than being a slave."

"Don't you want to leave Tatooine?"

"And do what?" He looked at her curiously. "I can't be a Jedi - I'm too old. I'd never be any good as a diplomat. Unlike some people I know." He grinned roguishly and winked at her but she looked away nervously. "I'm too quick to temper. I suppose I could be a mechanic for some high and mighty Senator, or maybe fly ships; they can't be that much different from pod racing."

"See, there are lots of things you can do."

"That's two, Padmé."

"Well, yes, but there are other things tied to those you could do."

"Like what?"

"Controllers for traffic, or Droid repairs - your work with 3P0 is exceptional." She blushed deeper, unable to meet his gaze.

"Thanks. Not many people can stand 3P0 the way you do."

"He's very helpful," she told him honestly. "I would... that is, the Queen could use someone like him on her staff."

Anakin eyed her carefully, wondering at her slip up. "I think your Queen had better meet him first. He tests even my patience - and I'm his creator."

"But he's wonderful!"

"Then he's yours."

She stepped back, shocked. "I couldn't."

"Why not? You like him better than I do and even if your... your Queen can't use him, he'd be useful elsewhere."

"I couldn't Anakin, really."

"You sure? You'd be doing me a favor."

"I - a favor?"

Anakin sighed, playing to her reluctance. "I'd rather you think of him as a gift, but I have to admit, his chatterbox tendencies get on my nerves. Seeing as how he's really programmed for etiquette and protocol - I'd intended him to help mom - he seems wasted here. And I might be tempted to one day use him for target practice."

"No!" Padmé pounced on that, coming so far as to grab Anakin hands as she rushed to his side. "I'll take him, I'll-"

Her words were cut off, not because she'd intended to be, but because Anakin no longer heard her. Danger swirled about Padmé. Secrets revealed themselves as her touch conveyed more than she'd intended. Her mission came to him with sudden clarity, the dangers she'd faced and the knowledge that she had more dangers to face yet. Her saw her facing the senate - not as a handmaiden, but as Queen Amidala. He saw her returning to Naboo - and their plot to free her people failing. He saw them enslaved and felt her despair, her-

"Anakin?" Her touch disappeared, her hands moving to his cloth covered shoulders and shaking. "Anakin? Are you alright?"

He almost rolled off the wall so suddenly did the images disappear. He closed his eyes for a heartbeat, taking a deep breath, inhaling the scents of his home planet and knew what he had to do. Somehow, someway, he had to go with them.

He opened his eyes to meet her gaze. "I'm fine."

"Are you sure?" Her brow was wrinkled with concern. "You seemed pretty out of it. Should you be racing today?"

She was close. Close enough he could see the flecks of gold that highlighted her eyes. Her concern for him washed across his senses in soothing waves. He couldn't tell her about his abilities just yet, not completely, but when she looked at him with those expressive eyes, he felt compelled to explain - at least partially. He managed to find a smile for her through his shock. "I'm fine, Padmé, honest. I just... see things sometimes."

"Is it dangerous?"

"Only if there are other people around." He looked away. "I never see things this way when I'm racing, though, so you shouldn't worry."

"I don't understand. How can you see things in more than one way?"

Anakin felt his face heat. "It's hard to explain to someone who can't. Qui-Gon would be able to explain better than I can."

"I asked you."

He sighed, wondering if he shut up and ignored her if she'd go away. He was still turning over what he'd seen in his mind's eye, still reeling from the shock that Padmé wasn't just Padmé but the ruler of her people. Still, he doubted ignoring her was smart. She wouldn't have achieved her position without some kind of tenacity. He answered her question reluctantly without looking at her. "When I'm racing, for example, I don't let myself think about what's coming; I simply let my instincts and the Force guide my actions. Kind of like a pre-cognitive reaction time."

"How is that different from the other?"

He shifted uncomfortably, wondering exactly how much he could reveal without making her uncomfortable. He knew they were alone, utterly alone, so it was safe to speak of her secret but something was holding him back. Something was telling him that, in revealing that he knew her secret, things would change between them. He remained silent, wondering exactly how he could answer her.

"Anakin?"

He looked back to her, unable to think of anything but what he'd just seen to explain it. "I see possible futures. I know why you're here and who you are, Padmé. I know you're headed to Coruscant to plead the plight of your people to the Senate. I know that they'll be unwilling and unable to help you. I know that you won't take it lying down and you'll be compelled to return to your home world to try and free your people. I also know you'll fail."

She recoiled from him so suddenly and so thoroughly that she stumbled.

"Watch it!" Anakin reached out, grabbing her arm to keep her from falling back down the stairs and into his house. The move brought his legs back around the wall to be plant firmly on the sand covered terrace.

Padmé was pale, all color having drained from her face as she stared at him in shocked silence.

Anakin released her as soon as she was set firmly back on her feet. "Now you know what it is to be me. I'll see you at the track, Padmé." He turned to go, heading for the small courtyard where his podracer had been built. He couldn't bear to see the pity that would creep into the other emotions in her gaze. He couldn't bear to be an object of her pity.

"Anakin."

He stopped, his foot one step down from the top step, and closed his eyes against the pain in her voice. He felt it as if she'd stabbed him in the arm with a fork; agonizingly sharp as it cut to the bone. He didn't say anything, simply waited as he felt her gathering her strength around her like a cloak.

Padmé's voice was steady. "If you know I'll fail, then you know why."

He winced. "You won't like the answer."

"I didn't like the last one."

"You'll think I'm conceited."

"Never." She laughed shakily. "If there's anything I've learned in the last few days, it's that you do as little as possible to draw attention to yourself."

He cleared his throat uncomfortably, fighting back the thrill at her words as he finally turned to look at her. She was composed, but pale. "You're right; I don't like drawing attention to myself."

"But you're going to help us anyway." Her lips tilted slightly. "Why will I fail, Anakin?"

He looked away uncomfortably, ducking his head to stare at his feet. "Because I won't be there to help you."

His head came up as her footsteps came closer and he jerked a little as she stopped in front of him. She caught and held his gaze, searching for something he couldn't name. He was miserable as she did, wondering what she expected to see, and knowing she'd think him egotistical for saying such a thing. But her reaction was the last thing he was expecting.

"I believe you," she told him gently, hesitantly reaching up, only to lose her nerve and let her fingers fall away before ever making contact. "Are you sure I can't convince you to come with us when you know I'll fail without you?"

Anakin stared into the eyes that would haunt him for the rest of his life. "If you can find a way to secure my release from Watto, I will do anything you ask me to, Padmé. I would even be your slave."

She laughed softly. "I'd rather have you as my friend."

Anakin smiled knowingly, managing a roguish grin. "Tell me that in a couple of years and I might just believe you. I need to get to the track; it's almost time."

"I'll come with you."

He didn't argue as she fell into step beside him, making their way to the front of the hovel together. As they walked, Anakin pulled a pair of black leather bantha-hide gloves from one pocket and slipped them on. They didn't touch, Anakin ensuring his hands were busy, but he felt almost hopeful for the first time since the strange Jedi had set him on his path. Padmé believed him, trusted him and was willingly to trust him with the welfare of her people. A warmth spread through him he couldn't describe as he helped her into the speeder that had been sent to collect them. Taking his seat beside her, he focused on the first task ahead of him - winning the Boonta Eve Classic - before daring to dream of anything more.

--

Anakin and Padmé arrived at the preparation area to find Qui-Gon and Watto deep in discussion. Anakin paid them no mind, preferring to have as little to do with his Master as possible, and helped Padmé out of the speeder. He felt a twinge of unease, a shiver spreading through his frame and looked around as Padmé's feet hit the ground.

Sebulba was staring at him. Anakin met the Dug's gaze for a half second, smiled cockily, and then turned his back on the spiteful little creature. He caught sight of his pod and moved straight for it, completely oblivious to everything around him. C3P0 and Jar Jar were nearby, arguing about who would bear Anakin's standard out onto the field.

Anakin didn't give them more than a passing glance and a hard stare at the Gungan. 3P0 always bore his standard; it wasn't open for negotiation. Turning to his Pod, he ran his hands over the frame and then proceeded to check each of the connections before the engines would be hooked up to the creatures who would haul them out to the field. Padmé was speaking with Qui-Gon about something - he could hear both of their low voices behind him - but he paid them little mind. He was focused now, concentrating on the race ahead and those who were depending on him to win.

The bleating of the animals was loud inside the hangar as they were herded in by their handlers. They were moved into position, one for each engine, and Anakin jumped to help hook his engines to their harnesses. Padmé and the rest of his friends, except for 3P0, disappeared and he assisted his droid with the harness that would help him hold the flag. Anakin grinned proudly as the white and silver symbol fell gracefully from the top to flutter about the droid's head and shoulder; he'd designed both himself and was as proud of his symbol as he was of his mechanical mascot.

He double checked the cables, ensuring they wouldn't stain the engines when they pulled taught, and then waited as each of the races was pulled from the hangar. His would be almost last, like normal, in deference to the fact he was the only slave to race. While previously he'd been insulted by the designation - Sebulba got to go out first - this time he used the extra time to check of the controls.

Sebulba would likely be out for blood this time and Anakin was determined that if blood was going to be spilled, it wasn't going to be his.

--

The glare off the sand was almost unbearable as Anakin slapped his helmet onto his head and wrapped the lower covering around to protect his neck and lower face. He'd waved to the crowd when announced and then proceeded to ignore the announcer as the other drivers were introduced. He checked the power feeds, using the extra time to ensure the power flow was stable, his power-couplings adjusting for the extra kick the Jedi's power source provided with little trouble.

The crowd roared, announcing the entrance of Jabba the Hutt - the real power on the planet, and Anakin settled himself deeper in the Pod racer's seat, flexing his hands about the controls. The signal would be given shortly, and he took a deep breath to relax. He cleared his mind- harder than usual with the outcome of this race meaning so much to so many - and focused himself inward. He focused on that part of him that knew things. That could anticipate with such accuracy and control his movements.

The start signal was given and he rammed the power controls forward to the stocks. The pod lurched forward and died. He swore in hutteese, his cheeks heating as he heard the laughter from the crowd. Ignoring them took a supreme amount of will as he checked the power levels again. They'd fluxuated again, sliding downwards in a sudden curve. Anakin slipped the power from one side to the other, balancing the power again and then flicking the transfer switches. He'd have to check later to see why the pod had stuttered.

He slammed the controls forward again and the pod jumped off with a speed that snapped his neck backwards and sent his heart into his throat. His hands moved independently, his mind working furiously as he fought to calculate how long he would need to catch up to the pack. Not just catch up, but out-distance the leaders.

He was unimpeded heading into the first turn, letting the Force guide his movements as he slid around it, so close to the wall he could almost feel the pressure of the pod against the stone. He slipped into the next turn just as tightly, shooting through the pitted ground ahead like a bird skimming the water. Focused, undaunted, he threw the pod around like a child's play toy, shaving milliseconds off his time around each obstacle with finesse he'd not demonstrated previously.

The first of the lagging pod racers materialize up ahead and Anakin sent his pod rocking from side to side as he slid in and around them, maneuvering with cool confidence, darting deftly between the cracks in their formation. Several tried to block him, one attempted to ram him. He pulled back abruptly, slowing the pod to an almost-stop, and surprised the other racer enough to force him to send himself into the wall.

Anakin throttled forward again, ignoring the twinge in his gut at the nasty trick; one that had likely cost the other racer his life. But there was no time for twinges of conscience as he threw the pod around the next two opponents, barely avoiding the debris thrown over one of their shoulders that was designed to blow out his engines.

His body shook, his shoulders being wrenched to the side as the engine of one of those pod raced slammed into the side of his racer and caught on the edge. Anakin kept his grip on the power controls, neatly flipping the pod around the next obstacle and feeling the wrenching sensation as the engine of the other racer tore away. The sound of a crash behind him was quickly obliterated by the howl of the wind across his helmet.

His eyes narrowed as he throttled back to take a hairpin turn, using the pod's momentum to swing around a series of snake-like curves before shooting into an underground cavern. He throttled forward again, dodging the stalagmites and stalactites that shot from the ground and hung low to catch him.

His eyes remained focused ahead as they entered Beggar's canyon and the wide open plain between the rocky walls. His pod shot forward like a gundark on speed, darting neatly through the area and into the next series of canyons before the Tusken raiders - who always camped out on the ridges during races - could get a pot shot.

Anakin let himself relax further, feeling the adrenaline pulsing through his veins like a familiar companion, even more familiar than the comforting feeling of the Force that felt like a protective shroud around his pod racer.

He zoomed past the stands, barely noticing them and shot out and back into the twists and turns of the course. He made the trek once more, this time unimpeded, as he was between the front of the pack and the back. The Force urged him on as he began his third and final lap, a sense of urgency he'd never felt before coupled with the knowledge that Sebulba would win if he couldn't catch up.

And then, as if by magic, Sebulba's pod appeared in front of him. Sebulba had two other contenders on his tail. As Anakin watched, letting his hands fly his pod unconsciously, both contenders were smashed to smithereens. One was dead - the debris left by the body of the racer on the floor of the curved canyon and the wall evidence enough - the other simply had his engines destroyed.

Anakin's eyes narrowed, focusing on Sebulba as his pod racer shot past the second wreck and quickly gained on Sebulba's rig. The Dug piloted carefully, ensuring his racer was expertly positioned between the walls of the canyons so not to allow anyone to pass him. Anakin bided his time, throttling back and letting the Dug steal ahead again. Not for fear, but to give himself enough time to react if Sebulba tried any dirty tricks.

And he did. Bits of debris kept Anakin busy as they shot into the twists and turns of the next canyon when Sebulba made his mistake. He took a turn too tightly and Anakin jumped on the opportunity, not caring one iota that they were entering the underground cavern as he did so. He shot level with Sebulba and neatly dipped his pod racer about one of the hanging rock spears before matching level with the other pod as they shot back into daylight.

Sebulba took the opportunity of the small cave exit to slam his engines into Anakin's. Anakin held steady, not sparing the Dug a glance and tried to get his engines to throttle forward. Something caught and hooked as Sebulba's pod slammed into Anakin's a second time, tying the opponents together in the deadliest part of the track.

Laser blasts and old fashioned bullets peppered the area around the pod racers and a line of fire danced its way down Anakin's right shoulder and back before the whipping wind and his situation drove it from his thoughts. He jerked his controls, attempting to dislodge his pod racer as they entered the final turns and sped across the dunes towards the finish line.

Sebulba's pod was heavier, but Anakin was more skilled, as the Dug tried to shove the lighter pod into the canyon walls. The sound of the Dug's curses could be heard over the wail of the engines as they sped across the sand. "You can't win, slave scum!"

Anakin glanced back, his smile feral, and hit the throttle one last time, sending the pod lunging forward. His head snapped back as the line holding Sebulba's pod to his broke and snapped, leaving the Dug to spin off into the sand as Anakin shot forward at full speed. The roar of the crowd was almost deafening as they rose to their feet, cheering, as he sped past the line, marking his final lap around the track. He throttled back quickly, landing the pod in the winner's circle and let out a whoop of excitement as he pulled his helmet free.

He saw shapes running towards him as he hauled himself free of the pod racer's seat. Standing on the nose, he raised his arms to the crowd with an ecstatic shout, punching his helmet in the air.

"Anakin! Anakin! You did it!"

Still running on adrenaline, his smile wide, Anakin spun, dropping off the nose as Padmé ran towards him. She lunged at him, wrapping him in a tight hug, her delighted laughter holding a twinge of relief as she stared up at him with luminescent eyes.

Anakin ducked his head without thinking and claimed her lips in a celebratory kiss - a kiss which seemed like the most natural action in the galaxy.