Disclaimer: All things Star Wars belong to Lucasfilm.

At the Homestead
by ami-padme
(ami_padme@yahoo.com)

Chapter 9

The three of them watched Anakin and Padmé walk away, and board their ship.  The ramp was drawn up.

Then nothing.

Owen had expected them to get in and take off, but the ship was still idle and there was no indication they were about to leave.

"Maybe once they get the message, they can just respond, and they might not have to actually leave?" Beru said hopefully.

"Maybe," Owen agreed, though he didn't really believe that.  He pulled Beru closer to him and she wrapped her arms around his waist as they continued their watch on the ship.  Owen kissed her forehead.

Dad returned to Shmi's graveside.  Owen glanced back and saw him sitting there, talking softly to his wife.  It was a heartbreaking scene, but at the same time, Owen couldn't help being glad of it.  Shmi had been found and returned home, and laid to a proper rest.  Anakin had been able to come and say goodbye.

None of that had seemed likely at all that horrible first night, when they had failed to find and save Shmi.  So, even though they still would have to live with the grief of losing her, and Dad would still have to adjust to his injuries, Owen was relieved that they wouldn't have to live with the gnawing uncertainty any longer.  The family had gotten their closure.

Suddenly, Anakin's ship came to life.  It took off and headed straight for the atmosphere, moving so swiftly that Owen had to wonder what they found when they got on board, and what Anakin's Master's message had said.

"I wonder where they're going," Beru said, mostly to herself.

"Back to Coruscant?" Owen guessed.  "Or probably somewhere we've never even heard of."  The ship was already out of sight by then.  "You think they'll come back?"

"I don't know about that," Dad said gruffly.  Owen hadn't noticed him come up behind them.  "He's got those rules to worry about.  And this wasn't exactly a pleasant visit."  Cliegg shook his head.  "I wish there was something else we could have done for him."

"Don't be so hard on yourself," Beru said.  "It's not like he blamed us for what happened."

"I don't think he did," Owen concurred.  He had felt some kinship with Anakin – over losing one's mother, if nothing else.  Anakin's anger, as real and powerful as it was, hadn't been directed at any of them.  Owen privately wondered if they'd be having such a casual conversation about it if it had been aimed at them.  But he thought he understood Anakin's feelings, at least up to a point.

"You're probably right," Dad finally said.  "But who knows about seeing them again."  After a moment, he added, "I'm going to go back inside.  Maybe get some rest.  It's already been a very long day."

Beru pulled back from their embrace and looked up at him.  "Shouldn't we join him?"

Owen's eyes went back to the sky, which was clear and blue as far out as he could see.  The ship, of course, was long gone, but he had a silly, sentimental impulse – to wish Anakin luck, or something equally foolish.

Eventually, looked back down at Beru, and gave her a kiss.  They went back inside together.