Here we are again, don't worry I will never, ever discontinue any of my
stories!!
Never!!!!
But always remember that reviews help alot!
Chapter Three
Anakin came trotting down the stairs again.
"Are you guys hungry?" He asked his friends when he came to the ground again; he didn't wait for an answer as he led the trio back into the house. Obi-Wan had left from the terrace outside and had gone to help Shmi. Anakin ushered them into a small dinning area in the kitchen. Anakin had them sit down and he began a small conversation. Padmé asked him why they had not ever tried to escape their harsh life Shmi answered her.
"All slaves have a transmitter placed inside their bodies somewhere," She informed the handmaid as she circled the table pouring water into small cups.
"I've been working on a scanner to try and locate mine." Anakin chirped in.
"Any attempt to escape..." Shmi said letting Anakin finish.
"And they'd blow you up! Boom!" The boy added thumping the table for added effusiveness.
"How wude!" Jar Jar commented
'Could that be what the spikes on his face are?' Qui-Gon wondered to himself.
"I can't believe there's still slavery in the galaxy!" Padmé exclaimed "The Republic's antislavery laws-"
"The Republic doesn't exist out here." Shmi said calmly taking her seat. "We must survive on our own-"
Jar Jar's long tongue swiping up a bite from a bowl on the table cut off her words.
"'Cuse me." He apologized as the Gungan gave a small belch.
"Has anyone ever seen a pod race?" Anakin asked trying to steer the conversation on a more agreeable subject.
"They have pod racing on Malastare," Qui-Gon said, "Very fast, very dangerous."
"I'm the only human that can do it." Anakin informed proudly.
"You must have Jedi reflexes if you race pods." The Jedi Master, catching Jar Jar's tongue between his fingers as the Gungan tried to pilfer another nut-like morsel from the table. "Don't do that again." He said softly.
"Ehhh!" He agreed and Qui-Gon released his tongue.
"You're a Jedi Knight, aren't you?" Anakin asked.
"What makes you say that?"
"I saw your laser-sword, only Jedi carry that kind of weapon."
"Perhaps I killed a Jedi and took it from him."
"I don't think so," Anakin said with admiration, "No one can kill a Jedi!"
"I wish that were so." Qui-Gon answered solemnly, his dark blue eyes holding a weathered look that only came from a lifetime of seeing many sufferings.
"Have you come to free us?" The boy asked earnestly.
"No, I'm afraid not." Qui-Gon answered, retelling himself again that guilt was not a reason to compromise a mission as important as this.
"I think you have." Anakin said, "Why else would you be here?"
Qui-Gon looked hard at the young slave before answering, "I can see there's no fooling you, Anakin." He answered, "We're on our way to Coruscant on a very important mission."
"How did you end up here in the outer rim?"
"Our ship was damaged and we're stranded here until we can repair it." Padmé answered him.
"I can help! Me and Obi-Wan can fix anything!" He said with pride.
"I believe you can," Qui-Gon said with a slight chuckle, "But first we must acquire the parts we need."
"We havin' no mula to trade." Jar Jar said.
"These junk-dealers must have a weakness of some kind." Padmé said with the tone of one working on a riddle.
"Gambling." Shmi answered with disdain for the very word, "Everything here revolves on betting on those awful races."
"I built a racer!" Anakin said as an idea began to form, "It's the fastest ever! You could enter my pod, and get Watto to let me pilot it for you!"
"Anakin," His mother interrupted, "Watto won't let you."
"Watto doesn't know I built it. You could get him to think it was yours" He pointed at Qui-Gon, "And get him to let me pilot it for you."
"I don't want you to race neither dose Obi-Wan, it's awful, we die every time Watto makes you do it!" Shmi exclaimed.
"But Mom, I love it!" He objected, "The prize money would more then pay for the parts they need." He added softly.
"I'm sure Qui-Gon doesn't want to put your son in danger," The handmaiden beside her said in a reassuring tone, "We'll find some other way."
"No," Shmi said letting out a heavy breath, "there is no other way, I may not like it but he can help you. He was meant to help you."
Anakin's face lit up, and Qui-Gon began to wonder about two members of the small family.
(I know, it's been long and in the movie anyway, but I had to get it out of the way! And it will be worth it, the reunion scene is next!)
Obi-Wan stood outside looking over the night-cloaked sky. It was late and his family had long since gone to bed, on Shmi and Anakin's instance, their guests were staying too, not wanting them to venture back to the ship at night for the threat of bandits and Sand People.
Putting his hands out against the wall that was a balustrade, Obi-Wan let himself relax from the strains of the day. He and Anakin had spent many nights in this spot staring at the sky; Anakin asking questions Obi-Wan answering them. Anakin telling his dreams about being a star pilot one-day and being the first one to see all the systems that shown as stars to them.
Obi-Wan didn't need to turn, as he knew whom the steps belonged to that approached him from the door that led to the inside. His focus went to the ground, as the footsteps grew louder.
"You remember me." He said quietly, he didn't turn the tone of his voice betrayed none of the emotions he felt, but the Jedi master could feel them swirling through his life force. The hollowness of dream lost, and bitterness for the one who had caused it.
"Yes." There were no questions, no accusations, just the same emotions swirling about the younger man's frame, Qui-Gon was at a loss and gently he probed Obi-Wan's mind.
There was nothing, just a slight hiss of pain.
"Don't...." The former Jedi croaked, Qui-Gon complied, but confused at how the subtle use of the Force was hurting the other.
Obi-Wan turned, and light was reflected of the spines from the implant, and Qui-Gon understood, even he could feel the suppressing powers of the mechanism, any use or touch of the Force would hurt, and possibly injure the young man in front of him.
Swallow the accusations he wanted to lay into the Jedi for several years, and his pride, the slave abruptly stated, "You know Anakin is strong in the Force."
"Yes," Qui-Gon answered, wondering why the quick change of subject, "Why..."
"Can you help him? Can you take him away from here?" Obi-Wan asked an anxious voice.
The sudden flare of urgency in the young man's tone stunned Qui-Gon. Why was he so frantic to get the boy off this planet?
Obi-Wan, seeing the bewildered expression in the Jedi's face, backed off some and answered Qui-Gon in a calmer tone.
"He's in danger." Was the quite, worried answer, "Kel Dor a crime lord here, he owned me once, he hates Jedi and anyone with knowledge of the Force. If he finds out how gifted Anakin is..." He didn't finish his sentence, but the ending was very clear.
"I didn't come here to free slaves." The answer was calm and, but tentative.
But no mater what the tone was, the younger man's eyes blazed suddenly, "I should of known better." He spat and started to walk back into the house, crossing by the Jedi.
"Obi-Wan..." Qui-Gon said trying to stop the other, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't bother with apologizes or excuses." The slave said pushing the hand off his shoulder, Qui-Gon could feel the intensity of the emotions behind Obi-Wan's words, they whipped around his life force with power of a hurricane. "It's too late for them, all I want now is my family safe." And he walked into the house leaving Qui-Gon in the lonely night air.
Watto hovered silently while he listened to Anakin tell of the proposition from Qui-Gon. Just as the boy finished, a bell chimed overhead and the tall Jedi walked in.
"The boy tells me you want to sponsor him in the race!" The flying merchant exclaimed in disbelief. "How can you do this?"
Qui-Gon displayed the small holo projector of the Naboo ship, "My ship will be the entry fee."
After the deal was negotiated Watto gave his summary, "So you supply the pod and the entry fee, I supply the boy, we split the winnings hmm, fifty- fifty I think."
"If it's going to be fifty-fifty I suggest you front the entry fee." Qui- Gon reasoned, "If we win you keep all the winning's minus the cost to the parts, if we lose you keep my ship. Either way, you win." Qui-Gon's proposal was swaying the avaricious mind of the dubious Toydarian as he contemplated.
"Deal!" He announced, and Anakin's smile began to light.
"Obi-Wan!" Anakin called joyfully as he ran out to the back where his brother was repairing the rusty engines of a decrepit speeder, "I'm going be in the race tomorrow!"
"That's wonderful Ani!" Obi-Wan said returning the boy's smile wiping grease off of his hands.
"I know I'll do it this time, I know I will! I can't wait!" Anakin was beside himself with happiness, "You'll be there tomorrow with Mom, right Obi-Wan?"
"I don't know Anakin," He answered slowly, "Watto might have me stay at the shop."
"But you have to be there! It won't be the same, you have to come!" Anakin declared with disappointment, "I've got to win this one. I need you there."
"Anakin..."
"Promise me you'll be there."
That face! Obi-Wan bit his lip trying to regain his resolve, and it wasn't working. Anakin looked at him strait in the face with his huge blue eyes looking like a sad little hungry kitten, begging for a sardine. Shim had become immune to this look over the years, but Obi-Wan still had a soft spot for this little look of his brother's.
"Alright, I promise." He relented, claiming defeat he made a mental note to ask Shmi how to stand up to the Hungry Kitten Look.
"Yippy!" Anakin yelled throwing his arms round Obi-Wan.
There was a sudden pounding on the doorframe near them as Watto bellowed at them.
"You two! Back to work!"
The next day broke early and humid, but the racing crowd didn't care, it was the Bonta Eve race today!
The pit hanger just outside the staring line was filled with the sounds of pre-race zeal. The whirl of hypospaners, the groan of overhead cranes lifting pod engines, the fervent tittering of pit droids, and of course the desperate prayers, low tenored bribes, vociferous boasts of the race contestants.
The gentle hum of Watto's wings was sharp contrast to the background noise of the repair crews as he talked warningly to the Jedi beside him.
"I'm warning you, no funny business." Watto said.
"You don't think Anakin can win?" The Jedi asked inertly.
"Don't get me wrong, I have great faith in the boy, he's a credit to your race." Watto made a gesture to the left, "But Sebulba is going to win I think I'm betting heavily on Sebulba."
An idea sudden idea formed in the Jedi Master's mind, "I'll take that bet." He said with feigned voice of a gambler.
"You'll what?" Watto asked.
"I'll wager my racing pod against," He pretended to think, "The boy and his family."
"No pod is worth three slaves! Not by a long shot!" Watto informed him with the air of one who has to inform someone of something perfectly obvious.
"The boy then." Qui-Gon said, but not with deliberation, maybe he could find some method freeing the other members of Anakin's family later.
"Well, hmm...we'll let fate decide." The dealer said, unable and unwilling to make a choice between his three slaves, he reached into the pouch at his side. "I just happen to have a chance cube here." He said with a feebly attempt at sounding innocent. "Blue it's the boy, red...his brother."
With that, and not giving the Jedi time to take in this new proposal, Watto threw the cube over the sand at Qui-Gon's feet.
TBC
I know I'm evil!!! But I couldn't help myself!! But the next chapie will come don't worry, and don't have a heart attack either!!
But always remember that reviews help alot!
Chapter Three
Anakin came trotting down the stairs again.
"Are you guys hungry?" He asked his friends when he came to the ground again; he didn't wait for an answer as he led the trio back into the house. Obi-Wan had left from the terrace outside and had gone to help Shmi. Anakin ushered them into a small dinning area in the kitchen. Anakin had them sit down and he began a small conversation. Padmé asked him why they had not ever tried to escape their harsh life Shmi answered her.
"All slaves have a transmitter placed inside their bodies somewhere," She informed the handmaid as she circled the table pouring water into small cups.
"I've been working on a scanner to try and locate mine." Anakin chirped in.
"Any attempt to escape..." Shmi said letting Anakin finish.
"And they'd blow you up! Boom!" The boy added thumping the table for added effusiveness.
"How wude!" Jar Jar commented
'Could that be what the spikes on his face are?' Qui-Gon wondered to himself.
"I can't believe there's still slavery in the galaxy!" Padmé exclaimed "The Republic's antislavery laws-"
"The Republic doesn't exist out here." Shmi said calmly taking her seat. "We must survive on our own-"
Jar Jar's long tongue swiping up a bite from a bowl on the table cut off her words.
"'Cuse me." He apologized as the Gungan gave a small belch.
"Has anyone ever seen a pod race?" Anakin asked trying to steer the conversation on a more agreeable subject.
"They have pod racing on Malastare," Qui-Gon said, "Very fast, very dangerous."
"I'm the only human that can do it." Anakin informed proudly.
"You must have Jedi reflexes if you race pods." The Jedi Master, catching Jar Jar's tongue between his fingers as the Gungan tried to pilfer another nut-like morsel from the table. "Don't do that again." He said softly.
"Ehhh!" He agreed and Qui-Gon released his tongue.
"You're a Jedi Knight, aren't you?" Anakin asked.
"What makes you say that?"
"I saw your laser-sword, only Jedi carry that kind of weapon."
"Perhaps I killed a Jedi and took it from him."
"I don't think so," Anakin said with admiration, "No one can kill a Jedi!"
"I wish that were so." Qui-Gon answered solemnly, his dark blue eyes holding a weathered look that only came from a lifetime of seeing many sufferings.
"Have you come to free us?" The boy asked earnestly.
"No, I'm afraid not." Qui-Gon answered, retelling himself again that guilt was not a reason to compromise a mission as important as this.
"I think you have." Anakin said, "Why else would you be here?"
Qui-Gon looked hard at the young slave before answering, "I can see there's no fooling you, Anakin." He answered, "We're on our way to Coruscant on a very important mission."
"How did you end up here in the outer rim?"
"Our ship was damaged and we're stranded here until we can repair it." Padmé answered him.
"I can help! Me and Obi-Wan can fix anything!" He said with pride.
"I believe you can," Qui-Gon said with a slight chuckle, "But first we must acquire the parts we need."
"We havin' no mula to trade." Jar Jar said.
"These junk-dealers must have a weakness of some kind." Padmé said with the tone of one working on a riddle.
"Gambling." Shmi answered with disdain for the very word, "Everything here revolves on betting on those awful races."
"I built a racer!" Anakin said as an idea began to form, "It's the fastest ever! You could enter my pod, and get Watto to let me pilot it for you!"
"Anakin," His mother interrupted, "Watto won't let you."
"Watto doesn't know I built it. You could get him to think it was yours" He pointed at Qui-Gon, "And get him to let me pilot it for you."
"I don't want you to race neither dose Obi-Wan, it's awful, we die every time Watto makes you do it!" Shmi exclaimed.
"But Mom, I love it!" He objected, "The prize money would more then pay for the parts they need." He added softly.
"I'm sure Qui-Gon doesn't want to put your son in danger," The handmaiden beside her said in a reassuring tone, "We'll find some other way."
"No," Shmi said letting out a heavy breath, "there is no other way, I may not like it but he can help you. He was meant to help you."
Anakin's face lit up, and Qui-Gon began to wonder about two members of the small family.
(I know, it's been long and in the movie anyway, but I had to get it out of the way! And it will be worth it, the reunion scene is next!)
Obi-Wan stood outside looking over the night-cloaked sky. It was late and his family had long since gone to bed, on Shmi and Anakin's instance, their guests were staying too, not wanting them to venture back to the ship at night for the threat of bandits and Sand People.
Putting his hands out against the wall that was a balustrade, Obi-Wan let himself relax from the strains of the day. He and Anakin had spent many nights in this spot staring at the sky; Anakin asking questions Obi-Wan answering them. Anakin telling his dreams about being a star pilot one-day and being the first one to see all the systems that shown as stars to them.
Obi-Wan didn't need to turn, as he knew whom the steps belonged to that approached him from the door that led to the inside. His focus went to the ground, as the footsteps grew louder.
"You remember me." He said quietly, he didn't turn the tone of his voice betrayed none of the emotions he felt, but the Jedi master could feel them swirling through his life force. The hollowness of dream lost, and bitterness for the one who had caused it.
"Yes." There were no questions, no accusations, just the same emotions swirling about the younger man's frame, Qui-Gon was at a loss and gently he probed Obi-Wan's mind.
There was nothing, just a slight hiss of pain.
"Don't...." The former Jedi croaked, Qui-Gon complied, but confused at how the subtle use of the Force was hurting the other.
Obi-Wan turned, and light was reflected of the spines from the implant, and Qui-Gon understood, even he could feel the suppressing powers of the mechanism, any use or touch of the Force would hurt, and possibly injure the young man in front of him.
Swallow the accusations he wanted to lay into the Jedi for several years, and his pride, the slave abruptly stated, "You know Anakin is strong in the Force."
"Yes," Qui-Gon answered, wondering why the quick change of subject, "Why..."
"Can you help him? Can you take him away from here?" Obi-Wan asked an anxious voice.
The sudden flare of urgency in the young man's tone stunned Qui-Gon. Why was he so frantic to get the boy off this planet?
Obi-Wan, seeing the bewildered expression in the Jedi's face, backed off some and answered Qui-Gon in a calmer tone.
"He's in danger." Was the quite, worried answer, "Kel Dor a crime lord here, he owned me once, he hates Jedi and anyone with knowledge of the Force. If he finds out how gifted Anakin is..." He didn't finish his sentence, but the ending was very clear.
"I didn't come here to free slaves." The answer was calm and, but tentative.
But no mater what the tone was, the younger man's eyes blazed suddenly, "I should of known better." He spat and started to walk back into the house, crossing by the Jedi.
"Obi-Wan..." Qui-Gon said trying to stop the other, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't bother with apologizes or excuses." The slave said pushing the hand off his shoulder, Qui-Gon could feel the intensity of the emotions behind Obi-Wan's words, they whipped around his life force with power of a hurricane. "It's too late for them, all I want now is my family safe." And he walked into the house leaving Qui-Gon in the lonely night air.
Watto hovered silently while he listened to Anakin tell of the proposition from Qui-Gon. Just as the boy finished, a bell chimed overhead and the tall Jedi walked in.
"The boy tells me you want to sponsor him in the race!" The flying merchant exclaimed in disbelief. "How can you do this?"
Qui-Gon displayed the small holo projector of the Naboo ship, "My ship will be the entry fee."
After the deal was negotiated Watto gave his summary, "So you supply the pod and the entry fee, I supply the boy, we split the winnings hmm, fifty- fifty I think."
"If it's going to be fifty-fifty I suggest you front the entry fee." Qui- Gon reasoned, "If we win you keep all the winning's minus the cost to the parts, if we lose you keep my ship. Either way, you win." Qui-Gon's proposal was swaying the avaricious mind of the dubious Toydarian as he contemplated.
"Deal!" He announced, and Anakin's smile began to light.
"Obi-Wan!" Anakin called joyfully as he ran out to the back where his brother was repairing the rusty engines of a decrepit speeder, "I'm going be in the race tomorrow!"
"That's wonderful Ani!" Obi-Wan said returning the boy's smile wiping grease off of his hands.
"I know I'll do it this time, I know I will! I can't wait!" Anakin was beside himself with happiness, "You'll be there tomorrow with Mom, right Obi-Wan?"
"I don't know Anakin," He answered slowly, "Watto might have me stay at the shop."
"But you have to be there! It won't be the same, you have to come!" Anakin declared with disappointment, "I've got to win this one. I need you there."
"Anakin..."
"Promise me you'll be there."
That face! Obi-Wan bit his lip trying to regain his resolve, and it wasn't working. Anakin looked at him strait in the face with his huge blue eyes looking like a sad little hungry kitten, begging for a sardine. Shim had become immune to this look over the years, but Obi-Wan still had a soft spot for this little look of his brother's.
"Alright, I promise." He relented, claiming defeat he made a mental note to ask Shmi how to stand up to the Hungry Kitten Look.
"Yippy!" Anakin yelled throwing his arms round Obi-Wan.
There was a sudden pounding on the doorframe near them as Watto bellowed at them.
"You two! Back to work!"
The next day broke early and humid, but the racing crowd didn't care, it was the Bonta Eve race today!
The pit hanger just outside the staring line was filled with the sounds of pre-race zeal. The whirl of hypospaners, the groan of overhead cranes lifting pod engines, the fervent tittering of pit droids, and of course the desperate prayers, low tenored bribes, vociferous boasts of the race contestants.
The gentle hum of Watto's wings was sharp contrast to the background noise of the repair crews as he talked warningly to the Jedi beside him.
"I'm warning you, no funny business." Watto said.
"You don't think Anakin can win?" The Jedi asked inertly.
"Don't get me wrong, I have great faith in the boy, he's a credit to your race." Watto made a gesture to the left, "But Sebulba is going to win I think I'm betting heavily on Sebulba."
An idea sudden idea formed in the Jedi Master's mind, "I'll take that bet." He said with feigned voice of a gambler.
"You'll what?" Watto asked.
"I'll wager my racing pod against," He pretended to think, "The boy and his family."
"No pod is worth three slaves! Not by a long shot!" Watto informed him with the air of one who has to inform someone of something perfectly obvious.
"The boy then." Qui-Gon said, but not with deliberation, maybe he could find some method freeing the other members of Anakin's family later.
"Well, hmm...we'll let fate decide." The dealer said, unable and unwilling to make a choice between his three slaves, he reached into the pouch at his side. "I just happen to have a chance cube here." He said with a feebly attempt at sounding innocent. "Blue it's the boy, red...his brother."
With that, and not giving the Jedi time to take in this new proposal, Watto threw the cube over the sand at Qui-Gon's feet.
TBC
I know I'm evil!!! But I couldn't help myself!! But the next chapie will come don't worry, and don't have a heart attack either!!