The storm had grown fierce once they had reached the slaves' part of the city. All the buildings looked near alike; none taller then two stories.

"It's very different from Coruscant!" Qui tried to say, fighting against the howl of the wind and the flying dust.

"Very!" responded Obi.

They walked single file, Qui in front with Anakin. Obi had Naya wrapped up in his cloak and was carrying her. Sabé and Padmé were in between Obi and Qui, trying to get as much shelter as possible from the flying sand.

They soon reached a small home, which Anakin indicated as his own. He opened the door, and the group followed him in. The door wooshed shut behind Obi, cutting off the sounds of the storm. They all had to yawn several times for their ears had grown used to the deafing howl outside.

An older woman emerged from farther inside the house. Her expression was one of surprise, which was to be expected upon finding five strangers in your own home.

"Hi mom!" chirped Anakin. "These are my friends, Naya, Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, Padmé and Sabé."

"Uh...hello" the woman said softly.

Qui noticed how uncomfortable the woman was. "I'm sorry for intruding. Your son was helping us with some of our parts when a sandstorm arose. He was kind enough to offer us shelter."

Meanwhile, Anakin was talking excitedly to Naya. "Come on, I'll show you the droid I built!" He grabbed her hand and led her into his room.

Obi, Padmé and Sabé were still standing at the door, wondering what they should do.

"Oh, dear me!" exclaimed the woman. "I'm sorry, I've forgotten my manners! My name is

Shmi Skywalker. Please, come in. I'm sorry I was a bit cold, my son is always bringing home the oddest things, and people. He can be very impulsive at times, but he just wants to help. That's a rare thing these days."

"That it is." replied Qui sadly.

She led them to the kitchen, where she motioned for them to sit down.

"Are any of you thisty?"

"Just some water for Sabé and I, please." said Padmé. "I don't really know about Obi and

Qui, though."

"Water for us as well." added Obi.

After she had got them some water and gone to check on Ani and Naya, she came back into the kitchen and sat down at the table.

"So where are you all from?"

"Sabé, Padmé and I are from Naboo. Qui-Gon is from Coruscant." replied Obi.

"Wow. I've never been to either of those places. I guess that's the life you get for being a slave." she said sadly.

"I actually wanted to talk to you, Anakin's mother about that. You see, I'm a Jedi." said Qui.

"A Jedi!" she exclaimed breathlessly. "What does that have to do with Ani?"

"You see Shmi, your son is very gifted. He has great potentiel to become a powerful Jedi. I would like to take him back to Coruscant with me to train him."

"To train him?! Become a Jedi?!" Shmi was silent for a moment. "But how can you bring him with you? He is a slave. Watto will not give him up freely."

"I know. That is why I wish to buy his freedom. Sadly, I only have enough to free him."

Shmi was silent for a long while. Then she rose, obviously having come to a descion.

"Very well. All I want is for Ani to have a good life. Could you promise me that? Promise me he'll have a better life that a slave's life?"

"I give you my word as a Jedi." answered Qui.

"Very well. I'll go tell Ani. It would be best if left immediatly. Usually, one sandstorm is followed by another." Shmi turned and headed to Anakin's bedroom, bringing wonderful news.

Until then, Obi, Sabé and Padmé had been quiet. Then Obi spoke up.

"Are you sure that this is such a good idea?"

"I am positive. Now go and get Naya, the storm is almost over and we will be leaving soon. The sooner we can get to Coruscant, the better."

*Don't forget to R&R please.*