Disclaimer: I own not Star Wars; George Lucas owneth it.


Title: New Clothes and a New Life

Time: TPM

"You don't have to do this..."

Padme caught Shmi's hands in her own. "Shmi, it fits you and I don't need it anymore. Believe it or not, you need more than two dresses, three tunics, and a pair of pants out here."

"It's just so extravagant..."

"You've never seen the queen's wardrobe. That's extravagant."

Shmi twirled in front of the mirror. It was a simple outfit with a dark brown skirt and a brilliant blue tunic. "It's wonderful."

"It's yours."

"Thank you."

She stood there, just staring at herself. Only a day since I bought my freedom, if that, and so much has changed. Even used... I've never owned anything this beautiful before, this well-made.

She smiled wistfully. What will Qui-Gon think?

One of the other handmaidens stuck her head through the open door. "Shmi, the Jedi wanted me to let you know dinner is ready."

She started for the door, then turned to the handmaidens.

"Go on," Padme encouraged her. "We eat with the queen."


There was a set of gasps as she walked into the small dining room. The Jedi ate separately from the other occupants on the ship and Qui-Gon had invited the Skywalkers to join them at meals for the duration of the voyage. Shmi supposed it was mostly to keep her and Anakin from becoming overwhelmed with either royal manners or the dealings of the crew; part of her secretly hoped it was because Qui-Gon wanted to be near her.

The young apprentice she'd heard so much about during the sandstorm was staring, open-mouthed.

Anakin was grinning. "Mom!" He jumped up and ran over, hugging her waist. The reality of their new life had finally hit him, and the little boy had been bouncy for hours.

She locked eyes with Qui-Gon for a split second. He was smiling softly at her, but there was something positively mournful in his eyes.

"When are we going to arrive at Coruscant?" she asked, detatching her son and sitting down at the small table.

"We aren't going to Coruscant," Obi-Wan muttered.

"Given the transmission received while we were on Tatooine, and reports Queen Amidala has received about the current situation in the Senate..." Qui-Gon began.

"Jar-Jar's got an army," Anakin blurted.

"Jar-Jar Binks does not have an army," the young Jedi snapped.

"The Gungans may be able to help the Queen," Qui-Gon finished. "Right now, it seems like a better shot than going to the Senate."

"I wish he'd let us know before we even left Naboo," Obi-Wan muttered.

"Padawan, apologize. These people are free because we left Naboo, and the Queen's entourage would have likely died if we had not left Naboo's system."

"And now you think of breaking the Code, not simply bending it!"

"Padawan, please leave until you can treat other civilized beings as such."

"Master..." Obi-Wan ground through barely clenched teeth.

Qui-Gon pointed towards the door. "Padawan Kenobi, GO!"

He left in a huff.

"Qui-Gon, what was that about?"

"Jedi aren't allowed to form attachments to other beings. Master-apprentice relationships are the closest things we ever have to family. I... I should have let you know." He pushed away from the table. "I am sorry, Shmi," he whispered, then left.

Shmi held Anakin close. "Finish eating, Anakin. I'll be back in a little while."

She stumbled through the ship, back to the door to Padme's quarters. Shmi wasn't sure how long it was before the very young woman came around the bend in the corridor.

"Shmi! What happened?"

"Just need to talk..." She wasn't sure what had made her turn to the handmaiden like this, but it was like the girl had become a surrogate daughter in the few short days they had known each other.

Half an hour later, Padme wrapped her arms around the former slavewoman. "If I had known you felt that way about him, I would have warned you. Qui-Gon is known for bending rules, but I doubt he'd dare break them. Helping the universe as a Jedi is so important to all of them..."

"He is a very special boy..."

Shmi's eyes hardened, tears still falling.

If they want to train my son, it will be on my terms.


Qui-Gon walked around the tiny observation room late that night.

I should have told her.

How much of a fool could I be, thinking there was a chance?

How many generations would it take before someone else would shake the Council, if I left?

My own desires, or the good of all the Jedi?

I can't choose her...

I've only hurt her by not letting her know.

He tried to hold in a rare Jedi sob.

I hurt Shmi.

There was a swoosh as the Queen of Naboo entered the room, alone.

"Good evening, Master Jedi."

"Good evening, Your Highness."

She walked over to a viewport. "The universe is so peaceful out here."

"Indeed it is."

They stood in silence for a long moment, each lost in thoughts of what would come all too soon.

The Queen turned to leave. "Take care not to break her heart, Master Jedi," she whispered as she left.

Qui-Gon stared after her. How did she know? Did Padme tell her?

What am I going to do?

He settled into a meditation posture and tried to touch the Force, to slip into a relaxation meditation where it would be as if none of this ever happened...

Every time he almost reached his goal, he saw her.

It was late in the night when he finally gave up, lying down on a couch with his legs hanging far over the end and trying to get some sleep.


Shmi lay quietly in the small room aboard ship she and Anakin shared, trying not to wake the small boy.

Why did I have to be so foolish? The Maker has given us our freedom, which is more than we could have ever dreamed of even a month ago.

Her dreams had been haunted by the long-haired Jedi, holding her close, telling her of all the wonders of the universe.

She was afraid for him, even given all she had learned so harshly.

Tomorrow, there would be fighting. While she hoped Anakin and herself could find a safe place to stay, somewhere safe from the fighting...

You can never have him, Shmi, so stop worrying about him!

Qui-Gon Jinn would be on the front line.