Wow, thanks so much for the wonderful reesponse to the last chapter. I am truly honored and thankful that so many of you left comments and thoughts. I really do appreciate them. Since I am running a little short on time at the moment, I will only post responses to those who asked questions or needed something commented on. But again, my thanks to everyone who is reading, lurking and posting. Thank you Thank you Thank you!
Optimus Primal: Jedi Maximal: Yes, I plan to take us through a lot of the backstories of how these major events (e.g., Clone Wars) came about. But remember that this is AU so there will be some differences, some major on how things will unfold. As for your other question, all this issues will be addressed, but again, they might not happen quite the same in the movies. But rest assured, there will be even more action in this upcoming part, as well as in the subsequent sequel. Thanks for reading!
Emerald Green Queen: Glad you liked the Emerald Green lightsaber. Thought that might get your attention ;). As for Siri, she is from the EU--Jedi Apprentice books. She and Obi-Wan grew up together as competitive Padawans with always a hint of something more between them. This interaction will definitely be further addressed in upcoming chapters. Thanks also for pointing out the problem areas. No matter how many times I look this over, I always miss something. Guess a writer's work is never really done. Thanks again!
Lizziemackenzie: Thanks for your comments. Per your suggestions I think you will see in this chapter the changes I have incorportated with personal titles. Thanks for the discussion and glad you are enjoying!
Lochar: Yes, Anakin was the only one. Remember when Sebulba took out Mawhonic, it caused a major pile up so all the other racers either stopped or had their pods damaged. Definitely a dangerous sport. Thanks for reading!
Now, without further ado, here's part II of The Naboo Chronicles...Enjoy!
Nearly three years have past since Anakin won the race on Malastare, securing his mother's freedom. It was a difficult transition for the woman who had spent well over a decade in slavery. Though, with the help of Queen Amidala's personal healers, including Yané, Shmi acclimated to her new home quickly. After briefly working with the hangar staff who maintained the Royal Starship's astromech droids, she became involved in the Refugee Relocation Movement whenshe met the Naberries. Shmi wanted to help those who remained in dire circumstances back on Tatooine. With the help of Ruwee Naberrie, they expanded the organization to help the many slaves that resided in the Outer Rim.
Initially, their activities had been small in scope, but as they were receiving more help from off world supporters, they were able to lend more aid to the slaves, creating undue attention from the Hutts. They would not condone the pirate vessels which would occasionally attack their relief ships, interrupting shipments to those in need. Despite the increased danger, Shmi and many others continued their work with hopes of making a continued difference.
Reconstruction on Naboo continued to progress. Most of the major cities have returned to their full glory, prior to the invasion. All of the planet's plasma energy refineries were operating close to full efficiency, reestablishing the valuable export back into the Galactic market. As rebuilding was nearing completion, the Queen was required to travel less and could concentrate on domestic issues. A growing movement that was gaining greater prominence was the expansion of Naboo's military. With elections for many of the major positions in Parliament, including the throne, rapidly approaching, it was becoming a divisive issue amongst the populous. Queen Amidala was a staunch pacifist, which had been the tradition for over a millennium; however, even members of her own party were changing their stance towards improving the military. Despite her efforts during the Occupation, re-election was not going to be the certainty her advisors had once projected even a year prior.
Anakin continued to make great strides both academically and with his training to use the Force. He quickly became one of the top students at the Academy, making the highest marks in both mathematics and the sciences which hadn't seen in years. His dream was to become a master starship builder and he was well on his way to realizing it with his stellar performances. As always, Obi-Wan continued to journey to Theed to train Anakin. The Jedi Knight was constantly amazed at the growing strength in the Force the boy seemed to command. Had he been trained in the temple, Anakin would be challenging the much older Padawans both with their knowledge of the Force and proficiency with a lightsaber.
Indeed, Obi-Wan was beginning to have difficulties in keeping up with him However, despite the natural gifts Anakin possessed, his young student still had much to learn. Yet, the Jedi was pleased that the boy seemed willing to let his abilities grow with time and practice instead of relying entirely on his natural talent. Obi-Wan mused that it was his surroundings that kept him grounded. With his mother raising him again and the very strong friendship with the Queen, they had helped Anakin suppress his anger and instill a certain peacefulness that he never thought the boy would ever achieve. On many occasions while he watched Anakin train, Obi-Wan chuckled to himself as he realized that attachments were responsible for his student's continued growth in using the Force. Perhaps the Council and the Code were wrong.
However, this realization did little to help him with Sabé. Since their discussion on Malastare, the chief handmaiden had pulled away from him so much so, that he rarely saw her when he was on Naboo. Both Padmé and Anakin had tried to talk to Sabé about what happened, but she refused to talk about it. When she and Obi-Wan were placed into unavoidable situations, they were always polite and cordial with one another, but unlike before, a huge abyss existed between them. Obi-Wan never shared with anyone the pain that their estrangement caused him, but Anakin could feel it through the Force. He hoped that one day both his friends would find their way back to one another. Still, he knew enough, even at a young thirteen, not to interfere.
Apart from his achievements in both school and with his training, Anakin was growing physically as well. As each summer passed, the once small boy had grown several inches to where he was now taller than Padmé, but only a couple inches shorter than Obi-Wan. However, being thirteen, Anakin was experiencing the awkward growth spurts of a young adolescent: lanky torso with seemingly too long arms and legs for his body. Although Shmi and Obi-Wan assured him that it was part of growing up, Anakin was frustrated because he wanted to look his best, especially for Padmé.
While he had his two closest friends from school, Ellisé and Miles that he spent considerable time with, his friendship with the Naboo Queen continued to grow with each passing year. The now seventeen year old ruler confided in the boy even more on matters of state since he was becoming a regular fixture during Royal Court sessions. His growing interest and understanding of politics would lead to many late night talks as they would discuss the current state of events on both Naboo and in the Republic. However, events unknown to them werealready set into motion…
Valkin Ord sat confounded at his workbench as he watched yet another model of the redesigned superlaser overload. While he and his Geonosian partners had settled many of the structural problems that had plagued the original prototype, the newest problem was now to find a nearly indestructible focusing element. It not only had to supply power to the weapon, but it would also have to concentrate the released energy without melting down the weapon itself.
The only element in the entire galaxy capable of such a feat was the rare mineral known as kelvacyte. The few worlds that possessed high output mines belonged to the Republic mining guild who kept close watch upon these deposits by assigning Jedi Knights to facilitate them. The well known arms dealer then had to search for mines that were too small to be part of the guild, but large enough to give him ample supply in order to properly conduct his tests.
The Mandalorian had been so lost in thought he didn't hear his chief lieutenant enter the room. "Lord Ord, our raid groups have found another small mine on a planet in Wild Space. They will be bringing back the supplies for another test."
Valkin nodded curtly as he focused his eyes on his blueprints. "Please get in contact with Archduke Poggle and request that he send us more durasteel."
The heavyset Michalis nodded briefly before leaving the Mandalorian's presence. Valkin reclined in his chair while folding his arms. He feared that further delays and failures would not be tolerated by the Dark Lord or his apprentice. Fortunately, Count Dooku had taught him some useful skills in manipulating the Darkside; but, those would hardly be enough to withstand the potential onslaught that Darth Sidious could unleash on him if he wished.
The middle aged man paced nervously within his comm room as he waited for the holoviewer to make the connection. Former King of Naboo Renaltus Veruna had been sentenced to permanent exile at the Highlands castle of Florenza and had not left since the day he arrived nearly five years prior. Then Senator Palpatine promised that he would not remain long; however, after the Trade Federation debacle he had not heard from the newly installed Chancellor of the Republic.
He wanted answers.
After several minutes, the holoviewer flickered momentarily, then focused upon a figure wearing the robes of a high ranking Republic official. He glanced curiously at the image calling on him briefly before a sly grin eclipsed his face.
"Why King Veruna, my old friend. It has been a long time."
"Palpatine," Veruna muttered.
"What can I do for you? As you know I am a busy man."
The former King sneered. "Yes, much too busy to help the one who made it possible for you to get into that miserable office."
Palpatine raised his eyebrow curiously. "Might I remind you, Your Majesty that you were responsible for the illegal embargo that gave reason for the Trade Federation to blockade Naboo, as well as tried to fund a new military without popular support? That and a whole list of other little…indiscretions. I'm surprised Queen Amidala didn't lock you away in the spice mines of the nearest moon."
"She understands the value of mercy, Chancellor Palpatine," he said scornfully while clenching his fists. "Or should I say, Darth Sidious?"
The Sith Lord noticeably stiffened upon Veruna's revelation. "You knew?"
"Didn't take much of a genius to figure out who the mysterious Sith was after the Neimoidians invaded." Veruna paused to observe the Chancellor who was watching him oddly—as if he was looking through him. "Besides me, only you were aware of our under the table dealings with the Trade Federation and the Commerce Guilds. Therefore, it made sense that you would be behind their occupation of the planet."
Palpatine snickered. "Interesting theory. But you don't have any proof or you would have used it years ago."
Veruna wrapped his arms tightly as he retorted, "Perhaps I was sticking to our accord, which apparently you conveniently forgot."
"What is it that you want?" The Supreme Chancellor asked calmly.
"I want my name cleared and to be restored to my rightful place…on Naboo's throne."
Palpatine briefly looked as if he would explode in anger. But just as sudden, his normal tranquil demeanor returned. "And if I refuse?"
"The Jedi will be very interested to learn what I know about the beloved leader of the Republic," the former King threatened.
"I will consider it, Your Highness," Palpatine said, giving him a mock bow. At that moment, Veruna's image disappeared leaving the Sith Master alone. For the past few years, he and his apprentice, Lord Tyranus had taken great measures to obscure their presence in the Force. But this fool of a man, who knew enough to create problems, would have to be dealt with; and to do so they would risk revealing themselves. Palpatine then quickly keyed in the sequence of buttons on his desk and within seconds, the image of the Count of Serenno stood before him.
"What is your will, my Master?" Dooku asked as he bowed down.
"A situation has arisen on Naboo that I must personally deal with."
"Do you require my assistance, Milord?"
"Yes. I need you to come to Coruscant and use your abilities to block the Jedi's awareness.
Tyranus rose and bowed dramatically. "I shall return at once, my Master."
There was something serene about swimming under water, Anakin mused as he closed his eyes upon reaching the bottom of Varykino Lake. He enjoyed the separation from all outside sounds as the only thing he could hear was the constant thumping of his heartbeat. One of the many advantages of using the Force was the ability to regulate his breathing which enabled him to hold his breath for far longer than any ordinary human could. Yet, this technique required great concentration that he was quickly losing when he sensed Padmé's bright presence as she swam towards him.
Anakin opened his eyes when the young Queen floated submerged in front of him. The two youths smiled at each other as they rose up to the surface together. Padmé playfully splashed her friend while giving him a mock scowl.
"What was that for?" Anakin queried.
"You know I hate it when you stay under for that long."
Anakin rolled his eyes briefly. "I know what I'm doing, Padmé." Before she could respond, a wall of
water splashed her in the face, followed by the loud cackles of the guilty boy.
"That's it, Skywalker!" She yelled as she leaped onto him while trying to dunk him under the water.
The High Protector flailed his arms in surrender as the much smaller young woman got the drop on him. But, the Queen didn't relent, which caused Anakin to snatch her wrists, then wrapped her arms behind her in order to stop the merciless assault. Their gleeful chuckles died off as they looked at one another curiously. Anakin had always cared for his friend since the first moment he saw her; yet, lately, he has been experiencing unusual feelings where she was concerned. It was probably nothing he mused, but he did notice that her distinctive flower like scent always seemed now to make his heart race.
Sabé sighed deeply as her two friends frolicked in the water. While they had continued to become closer, she was distancing herself more and more from everyone, including Padme. Not a day passed by that she didn't harbor the deep regret of turning away from Obi-Wan. If only she could go back and change time, he would still love her and they would be happy. But after what she said and the way she has treated him since, there was no chance that he would ever consider taking her back.
The chief handmaiden kicked a single stone in the dirt while she unconsciously paced on the shore. Meanwhile, Eirtaé and Rabé observe her silently.
"I wish she would just comm him," Rabé pointed out.
Eirtaé shook her head. "Too much pride is in that one to ever admit that she was wrong."
The dark haired Queen's hairdresser sighed loudly. "All too true, but maybe one day she will realize that he has been just as miserable without her as she is."
"You know our Sabé. So willing to believe the worst before even trying.
Rabé nodded slowly. However, before she could answer, the loud buzzing of a comlink interrupted her train of thought. Upon learning who was calling, Rabé stood up and walked over to Sabé in order to allow her to answer. The chief handmaiden accepted it thankfully and instantly turned her attention back towards her friends.
"Your Highness!"
Anakin and Padmé nervously broke their playful embrace as the Queen withdrew while placing her feet on the lake's floor. "What is it?"
"Urgent comm message from Governor Bibble."
Padmé gave a quick smirk at Anakin as she said, "We'll continue this later."
Anakin curtly nodded as he floated away on his back; meanwhile, the young Queen quickly swam to the shore. While Rabé wrapped a dry robe around her, Sabé handed Amidala the comlink.
"My apologies for interrupting your vacation, but I thought this information was too important to wait for your return."
Padmé exchanged a worried look with Sabé as she answered, "It's quite alright. What is the situation?"
"One of our survey teams on the farthest moon has found something…significant."
The young Queen scrunched her face. "What do you mean?"
"I think you better come back to Theed to see for yourself."
Now concerned, she responded, "We'll be underway within the hour."
After appearing before the Jedi Council for his usual six-month report, Obi-Wan headed into the dormitories to see an old friend. He pressed the door buzzer twice, and then stood patiently waiting. A moment later, the doors slid open to reveal a smiling Siri Tachi with several articles of clothing draped over her free arm.
"Moving out?" Kenobi asked wryly.
Siri rolled her eyes as she motioned for him to enter. "Just preparing for a mission."
"Where are you off to?"
"The Council ordered Master Gallia and myself to investigate some problems that have been occurring all along the Kessel Run," she answered while folding one of her brown tunics.
"What kind of problems?" Obi-Wan asked as he leaned against the doorframe leading into her bedroom.
"Seems like the slave trade through that corridor has been increasing recently."
Kenobi noticeably straightened as he rubbed nervously at his growing beard. "Who do they believe is behind it?"
Siri shrugged as she turned to look at him. "We honestly don't know. Could be anyone. The Hutts, Black Sun or Krayn."
"Krayn?" Obi-Wan said worriedly. "Qui-Gon and I ran into several of his minions a few years ago near Sullust. I thought the Republic had finally shut his operation down?"
The diminutive Jedi shook her head as she pulled out another bag from her closet. "No, they were only able to seize some of his lieutenants and they never gave him up."
"I guess then there is such a thing as honor amongst thieves?" Obi-Wan deadpanned.
The room fell silent as Siri completed her packing. While she was still mentally reviewing the mission briefing, a tendril of sadness from her friend stretched out into the Force, catching her attention.
"Enough about my exciting life, how is the High Protector doing?"
Obi-Wan smiled proudly. "He continually surprises me with how eager and quickly he learns new techniques. If he was here, I would think he would be ready for the trials within the next five years."
"That doesn't surprise me," Siri retorted. "I sensed his power when we were on Malastare and his actions during the race only prove how strong the Force is with him."
Kenobi nodded silently as he nervously rubbed his hand through his lengthening hair. At that moment, Siri again felt the wave of sorrow radiating off of her friend. A pang of guilt began to fill her as she had a reasonable notion as to what was at its source.
"And how is your handmaiden?"
Obi-Wan shuffled his feet uncomfortably as he shifted his gaze about the room. "Well, I suppose. she is well. We rarely speak and when we do, it is only polite conversation."
Siri moved over and patted his shoulder affectionately while offering him a consoling smile. "I'm sorry that things didn't work out."
"So am I," he muttered.
"It was probably for the best though." Siri queried.
"What do you mean?"
She straightened to her fullest height before responding. "Going off and training Anakin without the Council's approval is bad enough, but if they found out that you had fallen in love, you'd be expelled for sure." Obi-Wan snickered in response, causing Siri to ask, "What's so funny?"
"You sounded like Sabé. Those were her reasons why she chose to end the relationship."
Siri sighed as she realized that it was her suggestion which prompted the young handmaiden to act. However, despite the pain that she had inadvertently caused him, she would never reveal this fact to her closet friend. Perhaps in end, she did care for him in a way inappropriate for Jedi to experience. But, now was not the time to dwell on such things. "Well, you know us women, always the rational ones when it comes to love."
Obi-Wan slightly scoffed as he turned away. "Possibly."
At that moment, Siri's comlink beeped loudly, indicating that Master Gallia was waiting for her in the launch bay. "I have to go, Obi-Wan. But as soon as I return, I will take a leave of absence so I can visit you on Corellia."
"I'd like that," he answered. "It's been a long time since we've just talked."
"Indeed it has, Obi-Wan," she said with a sad smile. "Be well, my friend and may the Force be with you."
"May the Force be with you, Siri."
With that the blonde haired Jedi headed to her ship, while Obi-Wan made arrangements to return to the Corellian training academy. He hoped that spending time with a good friend could help him forget about all that he had lost.
Upon the completion of their meeting with Obi-Wan, both Yoda and Mace Windu returned in silence to the Council's private meditation chamber. The two revered masters sat on their respective sofas pensively as they contemplated what they had felt from the young Jedi.
Yoda was the first to break the quiet air of the room as he noticed his fellow Councilmember struggling to reach his normally serene state. "Having trouble concentrating you are, my old friend?"
Mace released a deep sigh as he hunched over in defeat. "How can you remain so calm after sensing what we all did from young Kenobi?"
"Much have I seen in my eight-hundred years, that little surprises me.
The dark complected Jedi contorted his face in worry as he asked, "Still, the Chosen One is growing in power and the Sith have not made any move against him."
Yoda closed his eyes as he peered into the living Force for answers. "As before, hard to see through the veil of the Darkside, it is. But strong young Skywalker is becoming. A powerful ally he could be, if open we remain." The diminutive Jedi paused briefly to witness the doubting glare of his companion prior to continuing. "A fierce and terrible foe though, if our enemy, he becomes."
Mace nodded slowly. "In time, I don't doubt that we can forge an alliance with the Skywalker boy. However, it is the Council, as well as the other Jedi that concern me. Especially since they did not see what you or I did; they will be compelled to disapprove of such an accord."
"That is if, to take him in as a Jedi, the Force wishes," Yoda stated solemnly.
"What do you mean?"
The elder Jedi slumped as he released a deep breath. "Important to the Chosen One's destiny, the Force said of the Jedi Order. But important, how? And if he is not to become one of us, worrisome it is what is affiliation shall be. Curious this puzzle is and no closer to the answer now than we were three years ago."
In apparent agitation, Master Windu rose abruptly to pace the room. He turned his focus towards the bay windows that overlooked the city. As he folded his arms under his long robes he said, "You are aware that the prophecy of the Chosen One can be interpreted aside from the traditional viewpoint."
Yoda nodded as he kept his stare fixed on his friend. "Indeed, I am. The end of both the Sith and the Jedi, his appearance could mean."
"Then perhaps we should at least consider…"
"Destroying the boy?" The small Master finished for him while raising his ears. "Against the code, that would be. Not to mention, contrary to the will of the Force." Yoda's face fell as he sensed the persistent anxiety growing greater within his friend. "Have you been on the Council so long, to lose your power, you fear?"
Mace spun around to look at the Jedi angrily, but his momentarily lapse of calm quickly ebbed as Yoda's expression remained neutral "My apologies, Master," he said contritely. "I just can't imagine the Republic, let alone the galaxy without the Jedi to maintain the peace."
Yoda groaned as he again, closed his eyes. "Imagine that the galaxy will find a way to survive without us, I do. But know that result, we do not. For now, faith we must have in the Force's guidance."
"Faith…" Master Windu muttered as he returned his gaze out the window. Like every Jedi that ascended through the ranks, he too learned of the Chosen One prophecy as a Padawan and the promise of that person bringing balance to the Force. However, not until he had been elevated to Master and given a place on the Council did he discover the nebulous nature of this divination and what it could signify, not only to the Jedi Order, but also to the galaxy as a whole: the end of everything as they have known it, but not the end of time.
Mace released a deep sigh as he wished that the Force had not made its will known to both he and Master Yoda on Naboo. The lives of prophets throughout recorded history were always marred with great uncertainty as he was becoming keenly aware. For the moment though, all he had to hold onto was his faith in the Force. It had yet to abandon him.
The glow from the triple moons that orbited Tatooine always cast long shadows from the many buildings that filled the city of Mos Eisley. Two figures, whose features were obscured by the hooded cloaks they donned, moved stealthily from building to building as they carefully approached the slave quarter. Shmi Skywalker, who visited the spaceport often to pick up parts for her former master, gave a nod to her companion to hurry over to the column behind which she was hiding. Ruwee Naberrie panted heavily after he ran over to her, setting down the two containers of medicine in order to catch his breath.
"Are you alright?" Shmi asked concerned.
Releasing a deep breath, Ruwee nodded before he answered, "This would be much easier if I was twenty years younger."
The middle aged woman fought back the urge to chuckle by returning her gaze over to the adjacent building. A second later, a red flash from the darkness indicated that the way was clear from them to continue. Shmi hurriedly walked across the street followed by a tiring Ruwee. She paused briefly to exchange greetings with a much younger woman before entering the domicile. Shmi made way to the rear of the hovel to find a small boy gasping for air as he coughed incessantly.
"How long has he been this way?"
The boy's mother, Kandri responded worriedly, "For well over a week. I told our Master several times that Lhandren had fallen ill, but that damn Rodian kept sending him on errands until he collapsed a day before yesterday."
Ruwee watched the two women quietly as he handed Shmi the medical supplies. She quickly pulled out several vials and mixed their contents into a small syringe. Turning her attention back towards her companion she said, "Help Kandri elevate him so I can administer the injection."
The Naberrie patriarch nodded quickly as he, in conjunction with Lhandren's mother propped the boy up. He noticeably tensed when he saw Shmi approaching with the needle, prompting his mother to start singing to relax him. Once the medicine was delivered, the boy quickly fell asleep.
The slave woman smiled as she wrapped Shmi in a tight hug. "I don't know how I ever can thank you."
"No thanks are necessary. We are just glad you let our contacts know what was going on before we left the planet."
Unbeknownst to them, Kandri's and Lhandren's Master, a disreputable Rodian named Glavin slammed the door shut as he entered. "What is going on here?" he asked, pointing his blaster at the strangers.
A surge of panic filled Kandri's eyes as she waved her hands in submission. "These are friends that came to help Lhandren get better."
Glavin contorted his face and in one motion, smashed the butt of his blaster against Kandri's cheekbone, knocking her to the ground. Shmi and Ruwee tried to cross the room to help her, but the Rodian fired a single blaster shot at their feet. "Stay where you are or else you'll be in far worse shape than this slave scum."
"We just brought medicine to help the boy. You didn't have to hurt her," Shmi pointed out angrily.
"I don't care why you say you're here. No one helps nobody for nothing," Glavin observed. "I believe we should let Jabba sort this out."
The former slave woman exchanged glances with Ruwee who was carefully reaching for his concealed weapon. Even though Shmi had insisted that he did not need it, the middle aged man thought the better of it. However, the Rodian had gotten the drop on him and it was next to impossible to get his blaster out before he could get a shot off. They were about to leave with Glavin when both Ruwee and Shmi stopped abruptly at the sound of a loud shriek followed by the sound of a blaster falling to the floor.
Standing behind the green Rodian was a tall, burly man who had one arm wrapped around Glavin's neck while with his other hand he had a mid-sized blaster pointed at the alien's head. "What seems to be the problem?" the man asked gruffly.
The slave owner flailed his arms as he cried, "Nothing is the problem. Nothing at all. I just didn't know my slaves had company."
"I thought I heard you mention something about seeing the Hutt?"
Glavin shook his head. "Oh no, I was just trying to scare them. I wanted them gone."
"Why don't you take your own advice before I splatter your brains on this nice ladies' door?"
The Rodian nodded, causing the man to back away, but still point his blaster at him. "I will, sir. Thank you for sparing me."
"Get lost before I change my mind."
Glavin cowardly ran into the darkness, which caused the burly man to sneer. He then turned his attention back at the room where the older woman was already kneeling on the ground helping the one that was attacked. Meanwhile, Ruwee approached him carefully as he said, "I don't know what we would have done had you not shown up."
The man smiled. "You'd probably be stripped clean of credits to avoid the judgment of the Hutts. They tend to favor the side that is most profitable."
Ruwee grinned. "Then we owe you our thanks, sir."
"No sirs for me. Never was comfortable with formalities. The name's Lars, Cliegg Lars and yours?"
"I am Ruwee Naberrie and my companion helping young Kandri over there is Shmi Skywalker."
Cliegg nodded his head in acknowledgement, but his eyes lingered upon Shmi as she offered a warm smile before returning to treating the young slave's injuries. "You look quite familiar, Madam Skywalker, have we met before?"
Continuing to focus on her patient, Shmi answered, "It's possible. I used to…work over in Mos Espa."
Cliegg snapped his fingers. "That's right. You used to work for Watto, but then he lost you in some pod race." As Shmi nodded her head, he added, "What are you doing back on Tatooine? I would think you'd never want any part of this dead spot in the universe again."
"We are part of an organization, based out of Naboo that relocates refugees from war-torn planets and also ships humanitarian supplies into the Outer Rim where the Republic's anti-slavery effort doesn't reach."
The burly man simply smiled as his gaze remained transfixed upon the woman. He watched her toil ridden hands work adroitly as she treated the injured slave. Cliegg had never before witnessed such compassion mixed with a strength that seemed to be radiating from her. Regaining his senses, he turned to Ruwee. "You both should get a move on. While that Rodian seemed frightened, I can promise you that he'll be back and probably with some friends."
Shmi's face scrunched with worry as she said to Kandri, "I don't want to leave you like this."
The young slave woman shook her head. "No. It is better if you leave. Besides," she said, pointing to the bruise on her face, "I've had worse and he won't do anything more to hurt me. Slaves cost too much money and despite how mad he can get, his cheapness always gets the better of him."
Shmi smiled while helping her friend get back onto her feet. Reaching inside her robe, she pulled out a comlink and handed it to Kandri. "Keep this and let us know how Lhandren is doing."
"Again, I don't know how I'll ever repay you both."
Ruwee shook his head as he answered, "Your thanks are more than enough. Just be well."
Cliegg smiled at the generosity of the two visitors. Indeed, it was such a rare thing to see on this world filled with thieves, bounty hunters and poor farmers trying to make a living. Motioning for them to follow, both Ruwee and Shmi got into his nearby landspeeder which he quickly started and took them to the landing bay. Once they arrived, Ruwee quickly disembarked to prepare their ship for departure; meanwhile, Shmi and Cliegg remained standing near the entrance.
"Thank you again for your help. It was fortuitous that you were nearby"
Cliegg tipped his head. "It was my pleasure, Madam Skywalker."
She smirked as she said, "Please call me, Shmi."
"I hope our ways cross again, Shmi."
"I will make sure they do, Cliegg." She gave him a cursory peck on the cheek and then quickly made her way back to their ship leaving the frazzled moisture farmer hoping that she would make well on her promise.
TBC-Thoughts, comments and reviews are always appreciated!
