Anakin's speeder zips across the san with Obi-Wan and Padme in passenger seats.
"What's your name?," Obi-Wan asks.
"Anakin Skywalker. Look, I'm sorry I got you involved with the Hutts. I didn't mean-"
"That's unimportant now. You're a slave aren't you?"
"Yes,... My mother and I are both slaves."
Padme leans in, "There's slavery on this planet?"
"You're obviously not from the outer rim. Especially you," he looks at Obi-Wan, "I didn't expect I would meet a Jedi Knight out here."
"I'm actually a padawan learner. I haven't been granted the status of a knight yet."
"Either way, I'm surprised to find one on Tatoonie. Y'know I used to...," Anakin cuts himself off, "Where are we going, if you don't mind me asking? I'm late enough as it is."
"We need to buy a hyperdrive. I want you to take us to a shop. Preferably one that's honest."
"I know a good place."
"In the meantime, we can talk. You say you're a slave, but I've never seen a slave fly or fight as well as you."
"I guess I'm a natural. Not that I would expect a Jedi to have seen many slaves."
"I've come across more than a few."
"But you never freed any? Made sure systems that had slaves were no longer allowed to keep them?"
"We fight injustice but we do not force our will on other systems. Changing laws is what the Republic is for."
"If you say so. We're reaching Mos Espa. I'll take you to the shop."
Some time later, they arrive in a parts shop. Small droids scamper along the ground and a winged insect-like alien flutters to them as they enter. "Anakin," Wato greets him, "Need a few parts for the pod race tomorrow, eh?"
"Not today, Wato. I brought some friends form the Republic. They're interested in a hyperdrive."
Obi-Wan reveals a holographic disk which displays their shape, "Do one have one for this model?"
Wato whistles, "Ah, Nubian. Gorgeous! How did a nice ship like that end up in the dunes, eh?"
"That's our business and our business alone. Do you have the part we need?"
"I may have something in the back that would be compatible. This way."
Obi-Wan turns to Padme, "Make sure he doesn't leave," then follows Wato.
"What's the deal with that guy?," Anakin asks once they leave, "Is he your master? Are you a Jedi too?"
"No and no. I'm... a handmadien for Queen Amidala of Naboo."
"So you're a slave like me?"
"Certainly not! I serve the queen gladly and I'm generously rewarded."
"What about that Jedi? How much does he pay to bark orders at you?"
"My planet is under attack. My queen is doing everything she can to help my people and the Jedi are our only hope. You'll excuse me if I follow orders at the moment."
"Sorry, I... I didn't know. I wish I could do something to stop it."
"Perhaps you can. Obi-Wan thinks the Force is strong in you."
"In me?"
"That's why he's interested in you."
"If the Force is real, I doubt it'd ever exist in a slave."
"For what it's worth, I was impressed seeing you fight those gangsters."
"You weren't so bad, either."
They smile at each other sheepishly just before Obi-Wan returns from the backroom with Wato. "Wato did not have the part," he tells them, "He put in an order for a compatible drive, which should come tomorrow. It's not much but it will get us to Coruscant, which is all that matters," he faces Anakin, "Since we'll be here overnight, I'd like to have words with your mother."
"Come on! I got your money back, I gave you a ride, and I helped you get the hyperdrive. I'd say that makes us even."
"I could always take this matter up with the local militias."
"Fine. Let's go!"
Some time later, their speeder arrives at the Lars moisture farm as the twin suns set in the background. A few R2 units scuttle about in fornt of the homestead as a middle aged man and a teenage boy roughly Anakin's age approach them. "Anakin," the middle aged man announces, "You're late." Anakin hangs his head as if he is about to confess but Obi-Wan steps forward.
"My apologizes," he says politely, "We are the reason why young Anakin has not shown up to work. Our ship needed repairs and he discovered us on his way here. He has been a great help all day and I am willing to compensate you for any troubles." Anakin looks up at Obi-Wan with a slight smile, knowing he will not be in trouble.
"No worries," the middle aged man shakes Obi-Wan's hand, "I am Cliegg Lars and this is my son Owen."
"I'm Obi-Kenobi and this is Padme. Nice to make your acquaintance. I understand Anakin lives on your farm with his mother. Is she available? I'd like to speak with her to ensure the young man will not be punished."
"Shmi is inside preparing dinner. I'm sure she would understand," Cliegg thinks for a moment, "In fact, why don't you join us for dinner? I'm sure you've had a long day."
"That is very kind. Thank you," he gives Anakin a knowing look as they make their way to the homestead.
Later, Shmi Skywalker, a middle aged woman, exits a kitchen area with glasses of bantha milk. She comes to the table where everyone sits. Cliegg rises to help her, "Let me take that tray, Shmi." "It's no trouble. Sit, please," Shmi tells him as she begins to set the glasses down. He does so.
"Your son is quite the pilot," Obi-Wan tells her.
"Anakin learned how to pod-race at a young age," she explains, "Sometime he'll even take the speeder down to Beggar's Canyon."
"Pod-racing? His reflexes must be sharp. Almost like a Jedi."
"I doubt I'm anywhere close to being a Jedi," Anakin sneers.
"My son is being unusually humble today. Some of the older pilots have watched him and they say it's almost as if he can see things happen before they happen."
"Can we change the subject?," Anakin asks.
"Anakin tells me you two work for Mr Lars," Padme obliges him.
"He... bought us, yes," Shmi holds his hand.
"But we soon became more than that," he explains lovingly, "We hope to get married someday."
"So why don't you?"
"It's unlawful for slaves to marry citizens," Shmi tells her, "Cliegg wants to pay for my release, but I don't want that to happen until we have enough money for Anakin to be released as well. That way, we can be one family."
"You need money for your release," Obi-Wan finally comes to a realization, "That is why you... asked for money."
"Yeah," Anakin grumbles, "Sometimes I go to the marketplace and... ask people for money."
"We have plenty of Republic credits," Padme offers, "We have more than enough."
"Republic credits are not recognized in the Outer Rim," Shmi explains, "We only take wupiupi."
"We spent all ours buying the new hyperdrive," Obi-Wan elaborates.
"There must be some other way to raise money besides... asking for it in the marketplace."
"Anakin is quite the pod-racer," Cliegg explains, "The Hutts allow money prizes but if a slave competes, they have to have a representative to earn any winnings."
"Pod races are also very dangerous," Shmi mentions, "I had Anakin stop doing it. I died every time he got in a race."
"Shmi, do you mind if I speak to you in private?," Obi-Wan asks.
"Sure," she curiously stands up and leaves with Obi-Wan. Padme and Anakin exchange looks.