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Place: Podracing Arena.

Today was the big race. I have never heard so many people saying that Sebulba will win all in one place. As I walked among them, it gave me great pleasure to merely smile at their boastings, knowing full well that it wouldn't be Sebulba taking home the winning credits. Qui-Gon had gone ahead of us to make sure that everything was in order with the Podracer. I stood at the entrance of the arena, waiting for Anakin, Padme, Jar Jar and Shmi to arrive. I watched Qui-Gon walk away, then frowned as I saw him stopped by Watto. Watto circled Qui-Gon from the air, his scrawny wings beating rapidly. A few heated words were exchanged before Watto held up a chance cube in his hand. He said a few words to Qui-Gon before tossing it to the ground. What in the world was happening? I was even more confused when my senses caught the Force being released over the cube. Watto stared at the cube as it came to rest then yelled angrily at Qui-Gon. Qui-Gon merely stood still and smiled at the furious alien.


As he left, Anakin and the others arrived. Immediately he took his anger out on the rest of us. "You better stop your friend's betting, or I'll end up owning him too!" He hissed in Huttese. I blew him off. It didn't surprise me that Qui-Gon had done some betting. Eventually, even strangers come to Tatooine and are seduced by the constant betting. Plus, I had learned not to underestimate my Master. "What did he mean by that?" Anakin asked as he slid to the dirt floor. Qui-Gon merely smiled and evaded the question, helping Shmi to the floor.

Anakin and Qui-Gon got the Podracer ready to be pulled onto the track as Shmi, Padme, Jar Jar, and myself waited on the elevator lift for Qui-Gon. We watched as Qui-Gon gently lifted Anakin into the Pod and whispered a few encouraging words to him. Then he ran towards the lift and climbed in. "Is he nervous?" Shmi asked worriedly. Qui-Gon smiled and touched her reassuringly. "He's fine." I nodded knowingly. I could sense Anakin's peace and at the same time, his excitement. Then to my surprise, Padme turned on Qui-Gon, her brown eyes sparking like fire.

"You Jedi are far to reckless. The Queen would," She was interrupted tersely by Qui-Gon. "The Queen trusts my judgment, handmaiden. You should too." He retorted, his gaze speaking volumes. Padme merely glared and stepped away from him into the lift. "You assume too much." She muttered. Shmi watched the two of them with suspicious eyes. I too eyed Padme as she slumped over the railing, her brown eyes furious. I glanced from her to my master. Qui-Gon seemed unfazed by her tirade, but Padme was obviously upset. But the mention of a queen had sparked my interest and at the same time my skepticism. It seemed impossible to me, that a queen could even be NEAR Tatooine. Obviously my master's being here is more complicated than I had once thought.

We finally reached the top of the elevator lift and I peered over the edge, just as the flags representing the cities and planets were carried across the arena. I eyed C-3PO, his uneasy steps carrying him across the arena, his uncovered hands grasping Anakin's flag. I smiled and cast a final glance at Anakin. Then in my mind I whispered, "May the Force be with you Anakin." Anakin looked up at the elevator lift and smiled. I wasn't sure if he could see us, but I knew he had heard me for as soon as I thought it, the reply came, "With you also friend." I smiled and closed my eyes as Jabba prepared to ring the gong signalling the beginning of the race. When the brazen gong rang out across the arena, my eyes snapped open and were instantly glued to the track below. The pods raced out of the ring, save Anakin and another racer, Ben Quadranaros I belive. He never could keep his Pod in good repair. Serves him right! But Anakin! He was still stuck in the arena. He was too good to be making mistakes now. Especially with so much at stake.

I closed my eyes and questioned him.


Ani!! What are you doing down there?


Almost immediately the frantic reply came.


I don't know! The power blew! I can't get started!


I shook my head.


Come on Ani!! You had to do something to make it do that! It was fine the night before!!


Again the reply came, this time a little more stable.


I know! I know! Maybe I pushed the power too much. Lemme try something.


Ani! You don't have that much time! Hurry up!


I know Elaina!! Let me see, GOT IT!!


The whole dialog had taken less than a few seconds, but when my eyes opened once again, Anakin was speeding out of the ring. I looked behind me. Padme's face was filled with relief and Jar Jar's face was blank. But Qui-Gon eyed me knowingly. I looked away, instead focusing on Anakin's pod in Shmi's visual screen. She sighed nervously as we all peered over her shoulder to watch. For the next twelve minutes, we were in agony as we watched Ani's pod take terrible beatings from Sebulba, avoiding scattered metal and flames. In the last circuit things got tight as Anakin and Sebulba pushed beside each other, each pressing for an advantage.
Sebulba's tow wires became attached to Ani's pod and the two were stuck together. If they didn't get off of each other, there was a sure chance of one of the pods blowing to pieces out in the arena. Sebulba tried to force Ani away time after time, finally coming to realize this. But Ani slipped away, making Sebulba fly out of control and into the dusty sands.
Anakin had won! The first human to ever win a Podrace. He actually won! I quickly pressed the button of the lift to take us down. Finally it reached the bottom, but not after Qui-Gon chiding me to be patient. Patient? Ha! I couldn't be patient now! We ran to congratulate him. His face was dirty, save for the spots over his eyes where his goggles had been, but he was all smiles. "I won Elaina! I WON! Thanks for your help at the beginning there." He whispered as I held him close to me. As I held him in a fierce embrace, I sensed nothing but happiness emanating from his entire being.