Chapter 12 - Even Piell's Mission
As Qui-Gon drove them back to the Temple, he couldn't help but think, 'Perhaps I should've put some credits on the race.' They both watched as Anakin's pick, racer number five, won round after round. 'No, it would set a bad example for my grand-padawan,' he eventually told himself.
They parked in the Hangar-bay and Qui-Gon turned around to pick up the bag of goodies he'd bought for Anakin. Of course he had to buy his grand-padawan a model racer. This one was labeled standard ages twelve and up, but Anakin had a knack for technical builds. He probably would enjoy the extra challenge to build it. And he needed a flag to wave in the crowd too.
Qui-Gon turned back to see Anakin nodding off in his seat. Then he realized his problem. All the new things to see had worn down the boy, and he'd begun to take the nap he desperately needed.
Qui-Gon was trying to shuffle the packages in his grip to allow him to carry Anakin as well, when a voice interrupted him from behind. "Master Jinn, do you need a hand?"
"Oh, Master Fisto. Yes, if you could carry this bag, I'll carry Anakin," Qui-Gon answered.
"Are you headed to Knight Kenobi's quarters?" Kit Fisto asked.
"Yes, we are." Qui-Gon nodded.
"Oh good, I was headed there myself," Kit replied.
Qui-Gon was about to inquire why, when it hit him. "You missing a padawan again?"
"Mmm," Kit grunted. "Though this time she did message me. So I doubt they're in any sort of trouble."
"Wha- Tro-ble?" Anakin half woke up to question.
Qui-Gon patted him back to sleep and he responded. "Those two have certainly caused their fair share of mischief."
Kit laughed. "Yes, they certainly have."
Qui-Gon shifted Anakin in his arms to reach the buzzer. Bant Eerin surprised him by opening the door.
"Where's Obi-Wan?" He asked.
"Hello Master Jinn. Come inside."
At her invitation, Qui-Gon walked in and gently lowered Anakin to the couch.
She went on with her explanation as he did this. "Obi-Wan was summoned to the Council, and I offered to wait here for your return."
"Oh, well. That's nice of you," Kit praised. Bant smiled up at her Master.
"The Council! Today was supposed to be his day off. I have half a mind to storm in there and…" Qui-Gon fumed.
"Oh, I wouldn't. There were extenuating circumstances." Qui-Gon turned to the Padawan, and she began to sweat under his gaze. "Uh, Something happened, and they needed his opinion. It's concerning..." She then lowered her voice to a whisper so the youngling couldn't hear, "A-n-a-k-i-n's M-o-t-h-e-r."
Even Piell typed the code into the machine. Getting any signal out from Tatooine was proving to be very difficult. He had to pay the last of his Republic Credits to a shifty looking dealer to get the better machine to use. And he had to wait until the systems lined up, and the sky was clear. But in the end, Even was glad he had. He needed the Council to hear this message.
The holo activated, and Even saw he was being displayed in the center of the Council Chambers on Coruscant. There was an unexpected party present, too. Knight Kenobi was seated in Even's own usual chair. "Greetings Masters, Knight Kenobi." He bowed to greet them all.
"Master Piell, how goes your mission?" Mace asked.
"And Shmi Skywalker?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Yes, I think it wise I start at the very beginning." Even said. "When I arrived on Tatooine I went straight to the last known residence of Shmi Skywalker…"
The suns were high overhead as Even walked up to the slave's quarter. Homes in Mos Espa were not marked as well as they were in other sections of the galaxy. Even had to use Qui-Gon's descriptions and sketches to find the house. Yet he was sure he had the right one.
Even walked up to it and knocked on the door. No one answered. Still, it was possible she was working in the Toydarian's shop, so he decided to try walking around the neighborhood, and see if any of her neighbors could point him in the right direction. Just then the door to Shmi's residence opened.
Behind the door was an elderly man with skinny, boney shoulders. "Who are you?" He asked defensively.
"Hello, sir," Even bowed, and the man's eyes opened in shock. "My name is Master Piell. I've come from Coruscant, and I'm looking for Lady Shmi Skywalker."
"She's gone. Watto sold her right after the last Boonta Eve," he said. "Won me and my boy Ro'heara in a bet afterwards.
Even looked down and sighed. This was unfortunate. Still, he had come to free a whole planet from slavery. He couldn't stop to worry over one slave. Then he looked back up at the man. Remembering Anakin's mention of Elders who'd taught him to steer clear of the Tuskens, Even decided to try. "Sir, are you familiar with Tatooine? I'm hoping to find the Tusken camps."
The man's eyes went wide. Faced with a man he assumed to be crazy, he became even more anxious. He moved to close the door again, but Even put up a hand to stop him.
"Wait. I am a Jedi. We freed the woman Shmi's son, the boy Anakin Skywalker. I can free your people, too. I just need a little help."
The man let go of the door and it drifted open. His mouth dropped and he stepped back and ushered Even inside. "I know the people you should talk to," he said, barely above a whisper.
"That man's name was Bevan Kotek, and his help was invaluable to me." Even's face became serious as he said this, and the Council bowed their heads slightly in respect.
"He was the one who introduced me at the elder's house. That was where some of the existing slaves scattered off. I suspect one of them told his Master about my inquiries, but I don't blame him. He likely felt he had no choice, given the situation," Even went on.
"Jira, a former slave, was one of the lucky ones who was able to buy her and her family's freedom. Some of the community called her an elder because as a free woman she was able to survive far longer than an average slave. I understand she used to know Anakin, but she had no better idea of where Shmi was sold to either. It saddened her discussing this, but her mood improved dramatically when I told her of the plan. She knew other resources, other business owners in town who wanted to get rid of the Hutts, and even a few who were educated. These educated residents helped me to revise the basic treaty I brought and to form a basic government. They even promised to write an official letter requesting Jedi assistance concerning their Republic status."
"Very good. That will make it easier to explain to the Senate why we interfered in Hutt Clan matters, should there be any complaints," Oppo Rancisis pointed out.
"Unfortunately, as I said before, one of the slaves had told his Master, who had told the other slave owners in the area about my arrival. The next day I went to Anakin and Shmi's former owner's shop. Watto, the Toydarian, threw me out faster than I could ask about Shmi. While I was there I saw the remains of Bevan being carried out the back of the shop. He had been killed."
"I found Ro'heara, his son, soon afterwards, and he said Bevan knew what his fate would be the second he decided to help me."
"Then why did he do it?" Mace Windu asked.
"I believe it was because of his attachment to his son. He clearly loved him, and as a father, felt responsible for making his son's life better, even at the cost of his own," Even explained.
"Hmm, great things one would do for their younglings," Yoda hummed knowingly.
"Yes, and after exhausting every effort to locate Shmi, I had only one course of action left. To find the Tuskens. The townspeople were only able to give me a general direction of their camp, as their people tend to be nomadic. Eventually, I struck out on my own to find them."
Using the Force to guide him, the Jedi Master journeyed across the Tatooinian desert. He went to the Jundland Wastes, where the residents of Mos Eisley said he should look. Once there, the Force guided him to the Valley of the Spirits, where he found a small encampment.
Even knew his approach was essential, as the wrong steps could make his progress immensely difficult. He laid down his weapon, as to approach with it could be seen as an act of aggression, and instead picked up the gifts he'd brought. There was a bottle of water from Glee Anselm, blessed by the Nautolan Ocean Spirit. He'd heard that water was sacred to the Tuskens, and thought they'd appreciate it. He also brought a seedling developed to survive on the radiation damaged Mandalore. Even felt it should be able to survive in Tatooine's dry soil too, and it's leaves and roots would provide a lot of nutrition when prepared properly.
The next thing he did was pull the hood of his robe over his head. He figured that if the Tuskens covered their own skin so well, there was a chance they'd react to his own exposed flesh with antipathy. The robe he wore today was much longer than he would've chosen otherwise, and he was very warm under the layers.
Even walked upto the village and placed the items on the ground in front of him. Then he stepped back and bowed.
The villagers reacted immediately. They surrounded Even with their primitive weapons. Though their approach looked very aggressive, Even could tell they were really very anxious, and didn't know what to make of the strange foreigner approaching their homes. He could've called his lightsaber from the rock he hid it behind several meters away, but trust requires, of all things, trust. He'd never be able to build a relationship if he overreacted now.
Even pulled out a small translation droid, one of a very few which had Tusken in it's database. "I come to talk to your leaders. I wish you no harm. Take these gifts as a sign of my amicable intentions."
When the droid began to speak in their own language, many jumped back in shock. The few that didn't quickly ordered the rest to pull Even up and drag him with them into one of the huts.
"My conversation with the Tusken chieftains was a long one. They were very untrusting, but in the end they gave me one stipulation to get their cooperation. The Tusken peoples want their land back." Even said.
"I understand why they would ask that, but isn't that impossible at this point. Even if your government could kick out the Hutts, it would still require the population of the settlers to get Tatooine republic status. And without republic status, your government is almost powerless." Ki-Adi-Mundi pointed out.
"Yes, the Chieftains are aware of that. That's why they specified that they only require back certain land, important for religious reasons. I looked into it and the land is on the outskirts of a town known as Anchorhead. The settlers have built several farms there."
"My team of colleagues was able to find land on the other side of the Jundland Wastes that my ship's Geoscanners showed had better promise for these settlers' way of life than their current land. And better news, the land was not claimed by anyone yet. The only thing I had to do was to meet with the settlers and convince them to resettle," Even told the council.
"You see, this land would support your moisture farms and there will be plenty of Poonten grass for your Bantha herds, too." Even explained to the crowd of blank faces.
A single hand went up. "And what of my current land. I'm supposed to give it up to savages."
The crowd muttered in agreement.
Even sighed. He was tempted to debate the term savage, as his own time with the Tuskens showed them to be good people who loved their Uli-ah, as much as any species loves their younglings. But he also knew prejudices like these were often deeply rooted and would be hard to resolve.
One of the men in his audience, a moisture farmer by the name of Cliegg Lars, according to his name tag, stood up and spoke. "My farm has been in my family for generations. My mother, my father, and my late wife are buried there. Now, I'd rather have a peaceful savage for a neighbor, then any of the criminals the Hutts bring in. But those Tuskens haven't been peaceful for a long time. They are monsters who make it so our wives can't travel alone anywhere. Tell me, can your government really control the greedy Hutt Poodoo or the Monsters that know no civilization?"
"I will bring these issues up to those writing your constitution. I'm sure we can negotiate the proper stipulations," As Even tried to reassure them, he made a note for himself to do this. "Are there any other issues you'd like covered?" Even turned the conversation. In the end, he knew the people would do nothing until he had everything worked out and in writing.
When he was finished, Even was preparing to go, when one of the party came up to him and asked, "Are you really a Jedi?"
"Yes. Yes I am." Even turned back to him.
Cliegg's eyes squinted appraisingly. "You're approach here is all wrong." He folded his arms. "I can help. But I'm going to want something in return."
Even almost shrugged off such a statement as another greedy person offering to help, in exchange for some type of favor. On one such mission a criminal promised to allow him to go through a territory unhindered if he would help the criminal gang kill their competition. Even had to explain to the gang leader that that was not the Jedi way.
Still something in this man's posture told him to hold back his judgement. No, Cliegg's request was not coming from his own greed. It was for another's interest. Even nodded for him to go on.
"My wife gets to see her son."
Even did not know how to interpret this. How could he help this family's custody situation?
"I don't care what bizarre ways you guys have. Separating a mother and child is low," Cliegg went on. "I have sway in this community and I know what they want most. Let my wife see her boy, and you'll have my help, and my land."
"Pardon, but I'm afraid I don't understand. The only way I could do as you suggest is if the Jedi order inducted your wife's child… But Tatooine isn't in the republic yet, and your young haven't been routinely tested for Midi-Chlorian counts, except for…" Even's voice dropped as he connected the facts. "Shmi Skywalker! Do you know how to find her?"
"Shmi Skywalker is my wife… I met her in the markets of Mos Espa as I was doing business, and I fell in love. It wasn't wise, she was enslaved for goodness sake, but…" Cliegg sighed. "I never met Anakin. She was protective of him, but I started saving up to buy her and her boy, though it would've taken me forever. That Watto is a kung businessman and her boy Ani was a lucky win. The old junk dealer made fast use of the boy's talents in the ring as well as with mechanics. A lot of the profit he made was in selling what junk the boy repaired or restored for him."
"Anyways," Cliegg continued, "he would never have sold the boy and his mother for anything short of a Pazaak Shark's winnings, though I did start saving. I did not tell Shmi any of this yet though, because it wouldn't have been fair to get her hopes up. Though when your people won the boy from Watto, his mother was a lot less valuable. I made Watto an offer and he took it."
Even nodded. "I asked about Shmi, though no one could tell me anything. Jira, her old friend from Mos Espa, will be relieved to hear this news."
"Though my wife is free now, she is still troubled by her scars from slavery. Especially being separated from her boy. However, when we contacted your Temple in Coruscant asking about him, the only reply we were given was a generic explanation of your attachment policy. Not even a confirmation that the boy made it and was safe." Cliegg glared at the Jedi in front of him.
"I assured Cliegg that Anakin indeed made it to Coruscant, and told him that I was not aware of any such request for information. I tried to convince him that if the Council was aware of it, no one would have reacted so dismissively." Even told the Council. "Though I doubt he believes me."
"Indeed. Heard of this, I did not," Yoda confirmed.
Everyone looked at one another. "It was probably a seeker that sent the reply. Most requests would go to them first," Ki-Adi-Mundi suggested. "They wouldn't have known the details of how to respond, in Skywalker's case."
Yoda nodded. "Talk to them, I will have to. Not the way to treat concerned family members this is."
"Exactly! To think, what the Order must look like!" Eeth Koth added.
"Well," Obi-Wan interrupted. "What should we do about Cliegg's request? I assume he's still willing to help you if Anakin can see his mother again."
"Are we really going to debate this?" Oppo yelled. "The boy is already too heavily attached."
Mace held up a hand to quiet the Master. "We already discussed this. The boy is a part of our order now. Attachments or not." He and Yoda shared a quick look.
"Right, and if he sees his mother again, in a much safer place than he left her in, I'm sure it will do him a lot of good. You were so worried about his anxiety." Depa Billaba pointed out.
"Only it's not just his mother, you'd be introducing him to a stepfather and possibly step siblings as well. He could become attached to them. Or they could create conflict and jealousy over his mother's affections. Do any of you know what to do if this happens?" Oppo pointed out.
His protests were met with silence. Then Mace spoke up, "The boy should at least see his mother. We can take caution with these other family members. Surely they will understand that."
Even breathed a sigh of relief. This was the conclusion he hoped the Council would reach.
"Yes, I am in agreement that the boy should go," Plo Koon stated. "Only it is a dangerous world, Tatooine, and we would be negligent if we allowed him to go without protection."
"Yes, all this talk about the Order's reputation. He's just a youngling. If we bring him out and something happens, how will we look then?" Adi Gallia questioned.
There was a loaded silence that stretched across the chambers. Twelve minds quickly set to work on the problem.
Qui-Gon looked up when he heard the door open. He watched his Padawan walk in with hunched shoulders and he knew the man carried a great weight." Obi-Wan, what's the news?"
"Master," he greeted. "Where's Anakin?"
"We got home about an hour ago. He took a nap and then when he got up he was 'Hungrier than a Bantha.'" Qui-Gon used his fingers for quotation marks. "Even though he ate plenty earlier." He shrugged his shoulders. "A growing boy. So Bant and Master Fisto took him to the refectory. She says she knows his meal plan."
Obi-Wan nodded and collapsed into the chair beside Qui-Gon. "We're going back to Tatooine."
"Is there a problem with Shmi?" Qui-Gon asked tensely.
"Not exactly. That Sithspit Watto…"
"You didn't even meet the guy," Qui-Gon interrupted.
Obi-Wan shifted his angry eyes over to his Master. "I've heard enough from Anakin. If I did meet him," Obi-Wan shook his head. "I'd specify, but you'd be giving me meditation exercises for a month."
Qui-Gon chuckled.
"He sold her," Obi-Wan continued.
Qui-Gon looked back to Obi-Wan with worried and disappointed eyes.
"He sold her. Her buyer freed her, and then she married him." Obi-Wan wiped his face with his hand. "Now I've got to find a way to tell Anakin. Then they'll be planning a trip back to Tatooine. So he'll get to see her again. Half the Council and probably a small army of other knights will be going with us."
"Ah-ha ha ha," Qui-Gon laughed. Obi-Wan glared but the older man only laughed harder. "A mission with half the Council along. Doesn't sound like the best mission ever?" he teased.
Obi-Wan sighed. "It's just they spent hours discussing this. Most were more concerned with the Order's reputation than anything else. Then when they started talking about safety measures to send him... I think they only stopped because Master Piell had to go."
Qui-Gon chuckled again. "Welcome to adulthood, Padawan."
Said Padawan moaned and rolled his eyes.
Hello Everyone,
I know there is no canon date as to when Shmi was bought and freed, but I decided to make it soon after TPM because, from what I understand of the movie, Shmi had a close relationship with Owen Lars, Anakin's step brother. I imagine her raising him since she was very young, and telling him stories about his brother, who went to be a Jedi.
And in Legend's verse, Shmi did contact the Jedi after she was freed to learn about her son's fate, and they were just as dismissive of her. Most interpretations have the council actually giving her that reply, but I figure the Council can't actually answer every piece of mail that comes in. It's logical that it was another department that replied to Shmi's request.
My interpretations of the Tusken Raiders are very different too. From what I've read it sounds like they don't like any foreign settlers to their world, and they see all water as theirs, thus bad moisture farmers for using their water. This is too simplistic so I'm going with a slightly different interpretation. They are similar to Native Americans, in a way. They were kicked off their land and treated like savages by settlers who vastly misunderstood them.
I'm also going to state that I don't interpret all of Tatooine to be criminals and scum. Much of the Hutts, and the business they bring in is. But I believe there are casual settlers on Tatooine who just want the scum out of their cities. The presence of Cliegg Lars is evidence of this. Also, Cliegg once rounded up a group of thirty men to go after his wife when she was captured. I think he had some pull in his community. We'll see more of that later.