Chapter 4

In the city, Qui-Gon explained the way the culture was set up. "… moisture farmers, some indigenous tribes and scavengers. The few spaceports like this one are havens for those that do not wish to be found."

"Like us," Padme added.

Qui-Gon chose a small shop, reasoning it was not likely to be as dangerous.

They entered, to be greeted by a Toydarian. He called a young boy into the shop, then took Qui-Gon out the back of the shop to look for the parts, leaving Jar Jar, Padme and Jessica with the boy. Jessica was studying the boy. The boy was studying Padme. Jar Jar was studying a funny-looking droid.

The boy asked Padme. "Are you an angel?"

Jessica burst out laughing.

Padme tried to ignore her. "What?"

"An angel. I heard the deep space pilots talk about them. They're the most beautiful creatures in the universe."

Jessica was struggling to stop laughing.

"You're a funny little boy. How do you know so much?"

"I listen to all the star pilots who come through here. I'm a pilot, you know, and someday I'm gonna fly away from this place."

"You're a pilot?"

"All my life."

"How long have you been here?"

"Since I was very little. Three, I think. My mom and I were sold to Gardulla the Hutt, but she lost us betting on the Podraces."

Jessica abruptly stopped laughing. She hated slavery, and so did Padme. She could sense Padme's concern.

"You're a slave?"

The child grew offended. "I'm a person, and my name is Anakin!"

"I'm sorry," said Padme quickly. "I don't fully understand. My name is Padme."

"I'm Jessica" she said, stepping forward.

Just then, Jar Jar touched the droid. It activated and started jumping around the shop.

"That's Jar Jar."

"Hit the nose!" shouted Anakin.

Jessica took advantage of the distraction to pull Padme aside. "Padme, tell me you sense it! This boy is the cause of the disturbance we felt."

Padme's eyes widened in surprise as she reached out. "You're right! The Force is strong with him!"

Jessica had a distant look in her eyes. "Keep talking to him. He likes you. I need to think…"

Anakin had studied Padme as she and Jessica talked. When she turned back to him, he said, "I'm gonna marry you one day."

This caught Jessica's attention. "What makes you think that, Anakin?"

He shrugged, flushing with embarrassment. "I don't really know…"


Anakin had gotten over his embarrassment and was telling Padme how good he was at building things just as Qui-Gon got back. He was in a bad mood. "We're leaving. Come," he snapped.

"I was glad to meet you, Anakin," said Padme.

"I was glad to meet you too!" he called after her.

Jessica lingered behind the others. "We will see you again, Anakin," she said with a smile, then left.


The source of Qui-Gon's bad mood was quickly revealed. They had nothing to trade for the parts. They wandered the city.

Jar Jar saw some frogs, hanging from a shop display. He looked around to see if anyone was watching, then flicked out his tongue and grabbed it. It was still attatched to the display. The shopkeeper came out, demanding payment. Jar Jar got scared, and spat it out. It went flying, and hit a Dug. The Dug was furious. He kicked Jar Jar over and confronted him.

Just then, Anakin Skywalker came to the rescue. He explained to Qui-Gon, "Your friend here picked a fight with an especially dangerous Dug called Sebulba."

"Thank you, my young friend."

Jessica stepped forwards. "I said we'd see you again."