My undying thanks to everyone who left reviews and read the last post. I truly appreciate your comments and suggestions.

Jedi Knight Revan: Glad to see you back. Thanks so much for your kind comments. I have been trying to improve my writing by starting new stories with hopes of improving my versatility. Glad I still have you guessing how Palpy will make his move. All I can say is patience ;).

NothingFeelsGood: Thank you so much. After Chapter 13 is completed (There will be a 2nd part, possibly a 3rd) then we will skip ahead a few years. And yes, the sequel is already being worked on so no worries.

Optimus Primal: Jedi Maximal: Nice name. Thank you so very much for reading. Next chapter is up and as I mentioned above, there will be a sequel after this story is completed which should be in another 10-12 chapters ;).

Emerald Green Queen: As far as Dooku, I think it is a case of his own idealism and sense of right and wrong working against him. The Darkside has definitely twisted his perceptions and he has just begun down the dark path. As for Sifo-Dyas, you make an interesting point; however, the Jedi won't know that Sifo-Dyas has died for quite some time and being that his demise happened in a rather disreputable place, by that point, the cause of death would be unknown. Of course there will be conjecture, but they won't know for sure until AotC. Thanks for pointing out my errors, I truly appreciate it ;). As for Palpy and the Force, keep these observations in the back of your mind. This will be a topic that will continue throughout the remainder of this fic and its sequel ;). And Anakin still turning to the darkside? Hmm..that would be sweet torment ;). Thanks again for your very detailed comments. They are of great benefit as I think about subsequent chapters. Keep them coming :).

0AnakinSolo0: Thanks for your kind comments. All I can say about his role in the Clone Wars is keep reading ;). And as far as your story, check your review bos ;).

Lochar: Thank you so much. Wanted to show that despite his poor choices, Dooku still had the opportunity to redeem himself. Now that seems les likely.

LetNys: Thanks a bunch. The impending pod race should be fun.

Nini the Electrocuted Sheep: Yes, another pod race. We shall see what old Jabba has up his proverbial sleeve. As far as Sifo-Dyas and Dooku, the results of the events are canon; however, how everything transpired came out of my little brain as there was very little to go on. Thanks again for reading and hope you enjoy this chapter!

Hieiko: Only being ten we are already seeing Anakin's impulsive tendancies coming to light. We shall see where this will lead him in the future. Thanks for reading!

Ghostrider: I am once again humbled by your overly kind comments. I am just thrilled that you are enjoying this and am happy to keep coming up with new directions to take this. I appreciate your reviews and thanks so much for reading!

Pokey: Well, Jabba didn't become a rich gangster for no reason. Thanks a billion for reading!

Fortune Zyne: Thanks!

Without further ado, onto the story...Hope you all enjoy! Briefly, phrases in elipses are translations of language.


"You did what?" Padmé Naberrie asked heatedly, forgoing any pretense of royal detachment as she glared at the sulking sandy haired boy.

"It wasn't my fault….honest," Anakin weakly retorted, glancing down at his feet as he kicked around the sand that was between them. "There just wasn't any other way to help my Mom."

The youthful Naboovian Queen remained standing with both hands on her hips; much in the same manner her mother did whenever she or her sister had gotten into trouble as children. In an equally menacing stance, only a few feet behind her, Sabé also glared; however, Anakin was not the source of her agitation.

"And you, Master Jedi," the decoy interjected while clenching her jaw. "Why didn't you do anything to stop him? Don't you Jedi have mind tricks or something?"

Obi-Wan shifted uncomfortably on the hot desert sand as the stares of both women bear down on him. The discomfort he felt reminded him grimly of the many rebukes he received as a youngling from the crèche masters. He briefly cleared his throat before uttering his defense. "The Hutt instantly recognized Anakin and had I tried to use the Force, I might have caused too much unwanted attention."

"That is why you should have let us join you. Perhaps we could have together come up with another solution." Sabé then turned anxiously towards the Queen. "Isn't that right, your highness?"

Always being rational, despite her own anger, Padmé ignored her decoy's rant as she continued to focus on Obi-Wan. "Then of course you acted in our best interest." The Jedi slightly grinned as he observed the astonished look Sabé gave Amidala. She was about to continue her protests when Padmé added, "Besides, what's done is done. Now, we must focus on resolving the situation."

As the others nodded, she turned to Anakin. "What will you use to race? Qui-Gon sold your pod."

A slight grin crossed the boy's face as he finally chanced looking up at the Queen. "Jabba let me rummage through his stockyards to find a pod for the race."

Padmé scoffed as she retorted, "And you trust that he wouldn't sabotage one?"

"No, but he is allowing me to take it and do whatever repairs are needed. So, if he's done something to it, I will find it before the race," he answered confidently.

The young monarch continued to stare at him, wanting to shout at the top of her lungs for gambling with his life in such a way. But alas, she did not. From the few brief conversations that they had on the topic since his arrival on Naboo, Padmé was well aware of the terrible life that Anakin and his mother had endured for years. Being a free woman, the inability to choose one's own destiny was something beyond her comprehension. And as an advocate for freedom throughout the galaxy, the very notion of slavery disturbed her to her moral foundation.

Therefore, it did not surprise her in the least that Anakin would gladly surrender his life so his mother could have a taste of the freedom which he now experienced. However, the quickly growing boy had in just a few short months become an extremely important part of her life. Anakin was the one she could share Padmé's feelings with and not have to hide behind the cool façade of Amidala, much like she did with her handmaidens. With them, even though they were all close, personal friends, Padmé had to keep up the illusion of control and not show any signs of weakness so that they would never doubt her ability to lead. Anakin was different though.

After many nights of struggling with decisions or agonizing over the long lasting affects of the occupation, the sandy haired boy would join her in the Royal Gardens or on her veranda and he would always listen to every word that escaped her lips. Many times, Padmé found herself rambling about nonsense, but Anakin just sat by her side and nodded in understanding, even though she knew that that he truly didn't at times. However, he was always quick to offer a hug of comfort or a kind word which would quickly lift her spirits.

Friends such as him do not come along very often in a lifetime. And now it was quite possible that he could be lost forever. How could she have allowed this to happen? She was the brave Queen Amidala who saved her whole world; yet, she felt powerless to do anything. But as she again looked at the determined face of her friend, how could she stand in the way from of freeing his mother?

"I can't say that I approve of this. You could be killed."

"I'm sorry, Padmé. Really I am. And I know the risks, but if this allows me to save my Mom, I have to try."

The young Queen's face softened. Had the situation been reversed, she too would be doing anything to help her family. Anakin was no different. Plus, she sensed that despite his brave front, the boy was frightened and desperately needed her support. Without warning, she walked up to him and knelt down to give him a warm embrace. Padmé felt Anakin relax within her arms as he whispered, "I'm scared, angel."

Anakin stiffened as he realized what he had just called Padmé. However, she did not appear disturbed as she continued to hold him. She then whispered back, "Me too." Padmé withdrew slightly to look him in the eye. "Just promise me that you will never race again after this."

Anakin slightly grinned as his head bobbed up and down. "I promise."

As the two youths broke their embrace, Padmé asked, "Where are you supposed to get the racer?"

Anakin grinned. "Jabba is having some of his servants bring to us here. It should…" His face became blank as his voice tapered off. The former slave abruptly turned away from the Queen as he shot his gaze over to a nearby sand dune. Padmé was going to query about his sudden change in demeanor when she noticed a caravan of two large animals, pulling a metallic object, slowly approaching. Before she could refocus her attention on Anakin, the boy had already broken into a full sprint towards several strangers. Sabé and she exchanged a momentary glance of confusion until everything was made clear by the boy's joyous shouts.

"Mom! Mom! It's me!" He yelled as he raced across the desert floor.

A short figure who was walking near the head of the group, withdrew her hood when she heard the familiar shouts. A wave of pure bliss pulsed throughout her veins as she immediately recognized the voice. "Ani!" she cried at as she hastened her pace towards the sprinting child. The two beings collided into a crushing hug and Anakin felt his legs lift off the ground as Shmi spun him around.

"Oh my goodness, Ani…"

The boy tightened his embrace as he muttered, "I've missed you so much, Mom. I thought I'd never see you again."

Tears of happiness fell down Shmi's face as she held onto her son—her heart—for dear life. She hoped that the gods were not playing a cruel joke on her—that this was real and not some hope filled dream, like thoes she has had too often since moving into Jabba's Palace. After her arrival, Jabba placed her in his makeshift infirmary where all his slaves and guards would receive some treatment whenever they became sick or injured. However, there was no fully trained healer to help so Shmi relied on the skills she'd obtained years prior.

A few years after she was taken from her home on Dantilla, she used to assist the only physician that would make occasional stops into the slave quarter. He taught her how to use the local folk medicine to cure the more common maladies that would infect the other slaves. However, Watto did not allow her to offer her services without recompense so he forbade her to ever help again. Despite his objections, Shmi would sneak off at nights to help those that she could, often times taking a very small Anakin with her who picked up on some of the techniques quickly. This skill though proved to be advantageous for Jabba was appreciative of it and allowed her private quarters unlike the other servants of the palace.

As mother and son reluctantly broke their embrace, Shmi hurriedly wiped the tears that fell across her face as she asked hoarsely, "What are you doing here?"

A large smirk filled his face. "I'm here to rescue you."

"What? How is that possible?"

Before Anakin could answer, Obi-Wan, Padmé and Sabé had finally joined them. A smile of recognition showed on Shmi's face as she saw the girl Queen approach her. "Hello Ms. Skywalker. Remember me?"

"Of course," Shmi replied. "You were the handmaiden that was with Master Jinn on your last visit." Anakin and Padmé shared a knowing grin, hoping soon they could reveal her true identity. Shmi smiled at them briefly then looked towards the parked ship before returning her gaze towards Padmé. "Where is he, by the way?" Anakin's mother then turned towards the group who remained silent.

Obi-Wan finally spoke. "I'm afraid he was killed shortly after we left Tatooine."

Shmi's face noticeably fell. "I am very sorry to hear that. He was a good man."

"Indeed he was," the young Jedi sadly replied.

"So who's training you now, Ani? And why aren't you on Coruscant?"

The boy sighed deeply. "That's a very, very long story. But I promise, I will tell you everything once I win the race.

"Race?" Shmi said rhetorically. As realization of who the pod was for dawned on her, a worried crease filled her face as she muttered, "Oh Ani, please don't tell me that this pod is for you? You know how I feel when you used to have to do that."

Anakin shrugged. "It was the only way I could get Jabba to release you."

Before Shmi could protest, a tall, hooded figure moved towards the group from behind the convoy. The Hutt's viceroy, Bib Fortuna revealed himself and grinned briefly before ordering two large Gamorreans to load the racer into the cargo bay of the Angel Queen.

"As per your deal with the mighty Jabba, we have delivered the pod," the Twilek said in Huttese. He then moved to stand ominously over Anakin. "The race is in two standard weeks, Skywalker. If you don't show, Jabba will hunt you down like the slave scum you are."

The anger coursed through Anakin's veins, causing his jaw to tighten as he answered. "I don't back away from deals, slimeball."

Fortuna smugly grinned as he pulled Shmi towards him. Anakin then yelled, "Make sure my mother is on Malastare so I can take her home when I win."

"That's of course if you survive, Skywalker. If I were you, I would worry more about that." Bib retorted.

The boy quickly reached out his hand, which his mother clasped lovingly. She then said in the language of her people, "Meningtvi tutamei, Anakin oi pensa ut tolime." (I have missed you, Anakin. You are never far from my thoughts)

Fortuna and one of the Gamorrean guards pulled her away, breaking her hold with her son, causing him to shout in reply, "Meningtvi tutamei mein pensa tui, Maidra." (I miss you and think of you often, my mother.)

Streams of tears fell down Anakin's face as both Padmé and Sabé moved over to console him. The young Queen knelt down while removing a silk handkerchief from her robes. She then gave it to the boy who wiped at his face furiously as it grew red in anger. Sensing his pain, Padmé softly whispered, "Anakin, no mendin est. Yrin Matdra libare hein. (Anakin, do not fear; for you will save your mother.)

A thin line formed on his lips as he tried to fight through the anguish of being torn away from his mother once again. Anakin's smile grew as he looked straight into Padmé's deep brown eyes. "No et mendi, Padmé. Tengamei yrin en bida." (I do not fear, for as long as I have you near by, Padmé)

The two youths embraced one another until Obi-Wan joined them. "I hate to interrupt, but I don't think it is safe for us to remain."

Padmé nodded. "Agreed." She then turned to Anakin, "Let's get back to Naboo. We have a lot of work ahead of us before the race."


The arboreal alien strutted through the Palace arrogantly on his way to the audience chamber. Twilek slave girls and dancers reached out their hands with the hope of touching the famous Dug. However, Sebulba was not interested in their affections as he swooped by them in order to begin his audience with Jabba. Since losing the Boonta Eve classic, the galaxy known racer had spent months trying to live down the insult of being beaten by a human slave boy.

"I have come as requested mighty Jabba," he said respectfully in the language of the Hutts.

A loud laugh bellowed throughout the room, causing the other occupants to chortle in response. "Ah, the famous Sebulba. Back on Tatooine at last!"

The Dug gritted his teeth at the slight. Jabba knew perfectly well that he wished to avoid the planet at all costs since his loss to the Skywalker boy. It amused him to no end to watch Sebulba squirm in his presence, unable to do anything in response.

"I have a proposition for you, Sebulba."

A sneer filled his features as he asked, "What do you wish, oh exalted one?"

"I have made a deal with an old…rival of yours who will be racing in the Malastare 100 in two standard weeks. I want to make sure that he doesn't win, but I wish no permanent harm to fall upon him."

The Dug, who inwardly was irritated for having been called her to do the Hutt's dirty work, nodded sharply in response. "And what is in it for me."

The giant slug slightly chortled before answering, "You get to help make Anakin Skywalker a slave again."

Sebulba stiffened at the mention of his competitor's name. Indeed, it was he who bought the former slave's pod from the tall human immediately after the Boonta Eve race. The Dug then spent the last several months, modifying and reconfiguring the pod for his own use. Especially since his was destroyed in the last race. But more importantly, also being well adept at fixing things, Sebulba wanted insight into the child that had outwitted him. He believed that by taking his racer and learning its secrets, it would prepare him for the day when he would face the boy again. And now with one of the grandest races in the galaxy only two short weeks away, which coincidentally was on his homeworld of Malastare, the Dug believed fate was about to grant him his revenge.

"What if the boy wins? He has proven to be…more cleaver than most slaves."

An evil smirked occupied the face of the giant Hutt as the different possibilities ran through his greedy mind. "Then I hope pain is something you enjoy, Dug."

Sebulba was normally not one to respond well to threats. Especially since part of the gamesmanship of podracing was to launch barbs at the other racers, hoping to get into their minds before the race even started. However, the Dug was well aware that while his own species was considered dangerous, failing Jabba was beyond hazardous to one's health since the gangster had every bounty hunter in the galaxy at his disposal. Yet, the opportunity to confront Skywalker was too good to pass up and if the boy should be killed in the process, then so be it. Accidents were commonplace in podracing.

"I will do as you ask Jabba, but if I succeed, I believe a little compensation is in order."

The Hutt chortled. "You were always my kind of scum, Dug. Very well. Knock Skywalker out of the race and I will sponsor you for the next five seasons without my normal twenty percent kickback."

"Deal!" Sebulba cried out almost too anxiously as a murderous grin eclipsed his face. That human boy would dearly pay for his insult.


He crept stealthily behind the large granite deposit which was only several hundred yards from the entrance to the lair of the Bando Gora. The bounty hunter who donned the silver armor of the ancient Mandalorian race had been tracking his current prey across dozens of parsecs and had even defeated his rival Montross to reach Kholma. Jango Fett, who was the anointed head of one of the few remaining clans of the Mandalorian people, sat unceremoniously upon the dirt floor, reaching for a small holoviewer.

As the device came to life, a blue holographic image of Count Dooku appeared above the unit, dressed in black.

'Greetings Jango Fett,

My name is Tyranus and I have a proposition. I am offering five million Republic credits for the capture of Komari Vosa, the leader of the Bando Gora. Payment will be issued upon her capture.'

This message had become the bane of the bounty hunter's existence over the past several weeks. This venture had cost the life of his close associate and friend Roz, as well as the destruction of his ship, which he inherited from his adopted father, Jaster Mareel. However, all was not a loss as he acquired the prototype Firespray-class attack ship Slave I, which aided his efforts to reach this distant world.

Although he rarely involved himself in the motives of the countless contractors he had dealt with throughout his career, something about this mission, aside from the enormously high bounty, disturbed him. Jango had been in the business a long time and he had never heard of this man called Tyranus and even more curious was the fact that the true Overlord of the Mandalorian people, Valkin Ord had sought his whereabouts just days before he received the bounty on Vosa.

Could they be in this together? If so, had Lord Ord found someone with the financial backing to help their race once again rise from the ashes? Stirred back to reality, Jango then placed the unit back within his armor, and withdrew both of his silver encased blasters, ready to complete his mission. However, before he left for the strong hold of the Bando Gora, the Mandalorian heard a sound coming from the forest behind him. In one move, he whirled about to see the end of a blaster rifle pointed straight at his helmet, while the person holding the weapon released a wry grin.

"Don't do that again. I could have killed you."

Zam Wesell lowered her rifle as she moved towards the bounty hunter. "I wasn't about to let you have all the fun, Fett. Besides, I saved your hide and you owe me some of that big bounty you're after."

Fett unconsciously shook his head as he recalled distinctly why he preferred to work alone. "If memory serves me correct, I saved you back on Tatooine, so we are even."

The changeling noticeably shrugged as she gazed out towards the nearby fortress. "Komari Vosa is notoriously brutal and rumor has it that she was once a Jedi."

"Jedi are not as invulnerable as most people make them out to be," Jango observed grimly, recalling the vicious encounter years ago that saw several Jedi Knights killed, but at the expense of his adoptive father's life. He had been impressed with their prowess with their almost mythical lasersword, as well as their overall combat skills.

Yet, despite their magical powers, the bounty hunter had discerned a way to kill several before having to escape with the remnants of their once mighty clan. It was a moment that had troubled him for years to come since a true Mandalorian warrior would rather fight to the death than seek ways to preserve his life. From that moment on, Jango Fett vowed to never to relent until he drew his last breath.

"Still Fett, you are going to need somebody to watch your back."

Unwilling to maintain the argument, the Mandalorian nodded. "Very well, then. Just keep out of sight and if you should spot Vosa, do not try to engage her. She's mine."

Zam smirked. "Whatever you say, boss."

The two bounty hunters withdrew from their hiding place and headed towards a slight embankment that surrounded the fortress. The lair of the Bando Gora was an ancient structure, which was constructed by the indigenous members of Kholma who were massacred centuries ago by their Bogdan neighbors. The building was constructed with large, sand colored permacrete blocks with several turrets extending hundred meters into the night's sky. Shadows of red and black flickered within the hallway from torches that were inside the open windows.

An old wooden door was open at the entrance. Jango made a subtle gesture, ordering Zam to find another way in. The bounty hunter walked cautiously down the main corridor, using the support pillars for cover as he moved through the darkness. Years of battle hardened training had Fett's senses on full alert as he continued his journey further into the heart of the fortress. Yet surprisingly, nothing had responded to his infiltration. Perhaps this Vosa was not a Jedi after all.

At that same moment, a blood curdling scream reverberated throughout the chamber and as Jango looked about, several cultists wielding vibroaxes were charging towards him. Instinctually, the seasoned warrior flipped himself forward and underneath their attack, taking them completely by surprise. He then fired both blasters at his would be attacker; however, they kept moving closer as some of Fett's shots were being deflected off of their blades. Quickly, Jango placed one of his blasters back into its holster and extended his arm which had a flamethrower attached to it. Without conscious thought, he unleashed the flames, setting fire onto the unsuspecting attackers. The cultists screamed out in horror as they flailed themselves about the room in order to extinguish the flames.

Seizing advantage from the confusion, the bounty hunter hurried out of the chamber and down an adjacent corridor. He was about to stop when he heard the crack of several projectiles hitting a nearby wall. He turned only enough to see several cultists wielding dartguns. Not wanting to have them continue to give chase, Jango hunched over and fired one of his rocket propelled grenades towards the roof of the corridor. The blast created a cave in effectively barricading him from his attackers.

The armor clad warrior took in a deep breath before he continued his search. He hastened his pace as he guessed that more cultists would be alerted to his presence. Jango hurried his way to an open portal at the end of the corridor. He quickly darted through it and instantly paused when he realized where he was. Bodies of both humans and aliens were chained against the walls, while others were bound to stone tables scattered throughout the room. Anguished wails and exhausted pleas filled the air as Fett realized that he had stumbled upon a room the Bando Gora apparently used for torture. He was slowly withdrawing back towards the opening from which he entered when a soft, feminine voice spoke:

"Aren't their cries just music to the ears?"

Jango shifted to his left to see an angular, short haired woman leaning against a support pillar near the corner of the room. Her facial features were obscured by the darkness, but the bounty hunter was certain that this was his prey. However, at that moment, he did not feel like the predator.

"What?"

She moved slightly towards him, but remained mostly hidden in the dark. "I enjoy their pain and their torment. It makes me appreciate all that life has to offer." The woman shifted momentarily before she continued, "I take it you are here for me."

"Komari Vosa?"

"Jango Fett," the Dark Jedi replied coldly. "I see our reputations precede us."

Annoyed at her lack of fear, the bounty hunter barked, "There is a large price on your head and I am here to take you in."

Stepping out the darkness, Komari smirked as she turned her back to Jango. "Oh? And whom may I ask is issued the bounty?"

"I don't reveal my employers' names."

The former Jedi Padawan closed her mind and looked into the Force for an answer. She noticeably trembled when she saw the image of her former Master ever present in the bounty hunter's mind. However, it was strange that he seemed to call himself Tyranus….unless.

"I see it didn't take my Master long to learn everything he needed from Sifo-Dyas. He truly has fallen," she said more to herself than her opponent. Had Fett not been standing ominously nearby, Komari would have crumbled to the floor in despair. Her Master…Sar Dooku who taught her the ways of the Force including how to be a servant of the light had succumb to the lure of the Darkside. The anger within her swelled as she realized that the man who had her expelled from the Order was now an agent of darkness.

The hypocrisy.

"Whatever. Now, you can come quietly or else I will take you by force."

The leader of the Bando Gora grinned smugly as she turned to face him. "So confident you are in your abilities." She paused briefly. "My former Master always used to say that I had to do things the hard way so I think you are going to have to take me; if you can."

Jango extended his arm and was about to fire his suspension cord when the ominous echo of a lightsaber igniting filled the room. The bounty hunter instead opted to reach for his blasters, but before he could take aim, they sailed out of his hand and crashed against the back wall. Still trying to comprehend what had just occurred, Fett felt himself being flung across the room. As he hit the ground, Jango withdrew both his concealed blasters and fired blindly in the direction he thought Komari was approaching. However, once he ceased shooting, the Dark Jedi was nowhere in sight.

Gathering himself into a crouching position, the bounty hunter used the advanced optics built into his helmet to scan the darkness for Vosa. He was about to rise to his feet when a jaw rattling kick met his head, hurdling him back down to the ground.

"Your techno gadgets are no match for the Darkside." Komari then summoned another powerful Force-induced push, which flung the slumping bounty hunter, who abruptly stopped when he crashed into the rear wall. Before he lost consciousness, he saw a glowing red hued blade pointing at his throat. He nearly scoffed as he resigned to the fact that he too would die like his adopted father, by the blade of a Jedi's lightsaber.

TBC-Thoughts, suggestions and comments are always welcomed!