Age of Stars: Episode I

by Silver as the Rain

Adopted daughter of Shmi Skywalker, Jupiter has known nothing but a slave's life. Valuable because of her peculiar gifts, she finds she has great affinity with Anakin as they share the same strange powers. Her world, or event the universe, is drastically changed the day a mysterious figure appears to take them away, opening the vastness of space and so much more to Jupiter's eyes.

11. Chapter 11

Anakin was already resting in the room that he and Jupiter had been given to share, fast asleep on the bed and Jupiter stroked his soft hair, knowing that he was homesick and missing his mother. She missed Shmi too, though she hid it better than her younger adopted brother. Satisfied that he was peacefully dreaming, Jupiter pushed herself off the bed and stepped out of the room to get some fresh air.

Before leaving her and Anakin to sleep, Obi-Wan had given her directions on where to find various places where she might want or need to go. She headed to the nearest balcony which was down the hall, the sun long having set and her curiosity pulled her to see the night view of Coruscant. Of course, she was not disappointed. Everything seemed even larger at night as the tall dark buildings loomed into the night sky, the twinkling lights shining brilliantly and although they looked nothing like stars as they were too bright and intense, Jupiter did not feel so isolated as she gazed at the still heavily busy traffic. Did this world ever sleep?

"Not lost, are we?" A deep and slightly cynical voice asked and Jupiter stood up a little straighter, turning around to see Master Windu walking towards her. He inclined his head as he joined her, leaning against the balcony edge and looked out over the bustling city.

"It's so different from what I'm used to. I couldn't sleep." Jupiter admitted quietly, leaning on her arms as they rested over the side, a steep drop looming below her but she paid it no mind. "The bed is soft and comfortable, the water is fresh and I can change the temperature to whatever I like instantly. There isn't any sand, there's plenty of food, there's all this noise and the air smells so different." Closing her eyes for a moment the senses around her were so sharp and intense that even as she tried, she could not even picture her old home world. "I'm constantly being made aware of how far away from home I am."

"I thought you said you never wanted to go back there." Master Windu frowned at her, voice slightly accusing but Jupiter only chuckled.

"I don't, absolutely not. However, when you stay in one place for so long, you can't help but feel attached to it." She reasoned simply, her eyes never turning to meet his even as he scrutinised her suspiciously. "I'll admit, I am a little worried about what's going to happen to both Anakin and me. Although I don't want to go back, I'm not exactly sure I want to move forwards, either."

"You don't have a choice. Life moves you forward whether you like it or not." Master Windu answered her bluntly, finally turning away to look back over the city. "It's your choice what you make of it, you can either let it swallow you or take control." Jupiter pondered on the wise words for a moment before she nodded her head, signalling she understood. "You should try to get some rest. You had a long journey, you must be tired even if your mind is not."

"I'll try." Jupiter nodded, standing upright and casting one last look over the city. There was something almost iridescent about the way the lights glowed off the buildings, the streets and the hundreds of colours dazzled her. "Goodnight Master Windu." She spoke before leaving, however Master Windu straightened with a frown, surprised. He watched her leave before exhaling, turning back to the city scene with questions tumbling through his mind, refusing to be quelled.