To Preclude Destiny

by whimsicalbubbles

AU A young bounty hunter receives Anakin Skywalker as payment from Gardulla the Hutt. On discovering his high midi-chlorian count she gives him to the Jedi. Anakin is raised in the Jedi Temple, enabling him to accept and live the Code, preventing his fall to the dark side.

1. Chapter 1

Raja kept her voice low, ensuring the mammoth Hutt slithering behind her wouldn't hear. "Name?"

The slave woman looked up, startled, tears filling her eyes.

The small knot of worry tightened in Raja's chest. She focused on adjusting the toddler in her arms to buy a few more precious seconds. "What's his name?" she murmured, her voice gravelly from her helmet's distorter.

Understanding filled the older woman and she whispered back, "Anakin. Anakin Skywalker."

Raja nodded once and stood. "He'll be okay." It wasn't much, but it was all she could offer the desperate woman whose child she was now taking. The slave nodded once, gratitude in her eyes, even as sorrow over losing her son sent tears down her cheeks.

Raja turned, balancing the toddler on her hip and stalked toward the exit. She could sense Gardulla the Hutt watching her, seeing if she was satisfied with the bargain. At the door, Raja paused and turned her head back toward the greedy creature behind her.

"I have business to finish elsewhere," she said, her voice hard. "Shall we conclude ours?"

A warbling laugh sounded from the creature. It seemed they were both pleased with their bargain. She tightened her grip on Anakin Skywalker and walked through the door.