Chapter 15

"Shmi."

She turned to see Jessica.

"Where is Anakin? The Jedi Council has deigned to test him."

Shmi heard the anger in Jessica's voice. Indeed, she would have had to be deaf to have missed it. It scared her a little. But she realised the anger wasn't directed at her, or at her son. "I think he's with Jar Jar," she said.

Jessica nodded. "Thank you. Do you want to come? It might help Anakin to know you're nearby."

Shmi thought about this. "Yes, I think I'll come."

Jessica led Shmi out to the main hall, where Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon were waiting. "Shmi's coming with us," she announced. "I'm going to find Anakin."


Jessica found Anakin quickly. He was sitting outside the Queen's chambers.

"Ani." She smiled at the boy, and held out her hand. "Come on. The Jedi Council wants to test you."

"Great!" Then he paused. "Can I go tell Padme?"

"Certainly. We'll go and tell her now."

Jessica knocked on the door, sending, 'Ani wants to see Padme.'

'Alright… but Padme isn't here. Only the Queen.'

From inside, Amidala called, "Come in."

Jessica pushed open the door, and bowed to Queen Amidala. "Your Majesty, Anakin wants to see Padme."

Amidala smiled at Anakin. "Padme isn't here. I sent her on an errand."

"Oh," said Anakin. "I wanted to tell her I'm going to the Jedi Council."

"I will give her your message."

Anakin grinned. "Do you think I'll become a Jedi?"

"You may," Amidala told him. "But you don't have to, if you don't want to."

Anakin frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Well, you don't have to become a Jedi. I'm fairly sure Jessica here would like to train you."

"What?" Anakin looked at Jessica. "What does she mean?"

'Thanks a lot, Padme. Is this payback for something on Tatooine?'

'Yes.'

'What?'

'Do you want the list?'

"I'll explain on the way," Jessica promised Anakin. "Your mother should probably hear this, too." She then looked to Amidala. "If you'll excuse us, Your Majesty, we must leave."

Padme nodded, grinning. She'd been stressed after the Senate meeting, but teasing her Master always made her feel better.

As if sensing her thoughts – and she may have been – Jessica sent, 'Tell me about the Senate when we get back.'