Chapter 6
He hates Tatooine.
He, or rather, Anakin Skywalker, grew up a slave here, his mother died here, and he wanted nothing to do with this sandy dust ball, the hellish planet in the galaxy.
When his brother told him that he had hidden Luke on Tatooine for over two decades in one of their talks in the afterlife, he could hardly believe it. But rethinking it over later, he recognized the brilliance of the plan - the reason Obi-Wan took Luke back to Tatooine was that Vader would never risk going to Tatooine because he might reawaken Anakin. Tatooine was probably the one place that Obi-Wan could be perfectly sure that Vader would never visit again.
Vader would never return to Tatooine, and the old man knew this. Yet, he did indeed return here shortly after the battle of Yavin when he was tracking down his son to search for his identity.
Oh, why does the Force have to be so damn cruel at times? Whenever he makes a declaration of something, fate always nips him in the back.
Fortunately, Vader never tracked down Obi-Wan and Luke on Tatooine; if he did, Luke would have been morphed into a greater weapon for him to use against the Jedi, a tool for an Empire, and a twisted being who would have been beyond redemption. He had owed Obi-Wan the biggest gratitude he can earn for morphing Luke into a person so kind and with a warm heart that would never lose faith in even the second most evil man in the galaxy.
Without Luke, and inadvertently without Obi-Wan, he would have still been that tool who would have followed the Emperor's commands without question, a person full of denial, and just a mere weapon.
Right now, thoughts of what could have and what ifs are insignificant. Vader didn't miss Qui-Gon sending his protege to uncouple the hyperdrive and Captain Panaka to advise the Queen of their landing. He settles on going into the spaceport alone as he left the cockpit to find other clothing and came upon Jar Jar Binks, the Queen's handmaiden Padmé, and the little R2 unit.
The Jedi Master slows, considering the possibility that going into the city alone would make him more noticeable. "Jar Jar," he says finally. "Get ready. You're going with me. The droid as well."
He continues without looking back. The Gungan stares after him in disbelief, then in horror. By the time he regains his wits, the Jedi is out of view. Wailing in dismay, he chases after him and comes upon Obi-Wan in the main cabin hoisting the hyperdrive out of the bowels of the ship.
"Obi-One, sire!" he gasps, throwing himself to his knees in front of the younger Jedi. "Pleeese, me no go wit Quiggon!"
Obi-Wan is inclined to agree but knows better than to say so. "Sorry, but Qui-Gon is right. This is a multinational spaceport, a trading center. You'll make him appear less obvious by going along." His brow furrows as he turns back to the hyperdrive. "I hope," he mutters to himself.
Jar Jar climbs to his feet and trudges disconsolately towards R2-D2, his mouth set in a grimace of forbearance. The astromech droid beeps in sympathy, then makes a series of encouraging clicks.
Qui-Gon reappears, dressed now as a farmer in a tunic, leggings, and a poncho. He walks past them to where Obi-Wan is studying the hyperdrive. "What have you found?"
Obi-Wan's young face clouds. "The generator is shot. We'll need a new one."
"I thought as much." The Jedi Master kneels next to his protege. "Well, we can't risk a communication with Coruscant this far out on the edge of the galaxy. It might be intercepted and our position revealed. We'll have to get by on our own." He lowers his voice to a near whisper. "Don't let anyone send a transmission while I'm gone. Be wary, Obi-Wan. I sense a disturbance in the Force."
Obi-Wan's eyes lift to find his. "I feel it also, Master. I will be careful."
Suspiciously, the Jedi Padawan eyes Vader momentarily, noting his upgraded armor, height, and balanced weight. He proposes the Sith hadn't had the requirements to loosen up his armor for quite some time. The ship did belong to a Queen after all so them possessing tools is extremely likely.
Right now, though, Vader appears to be a veteran and someone who is experienced in battle. Of a Sith Warlord. Of Jedi killers of history. Truth be told, Vader could turn into a brute in all but a single second, but unlike the history lessons about the Sith of Old, the dark side is heavily under control instead of untamed as claimed by the Jedi. Surprising.
His light side within him that he now feels almost overwhelms Kenobi and Jinn's presence alone. For a brief moment, Kenobi ponders if he could defeat them if he uses the light. In their history lessons, Sith operating the light is utterly impossible because they are too prideful, and at the mere thought of the light, the Sith grows weak.
Not this one, however.
Unlike most of his Sith ancestors, he appears to use the light side as a beacon. Qui-Gon knows the Council is wrong about a great many things. He feels they allow the Jedi Order to become a sort of chancellor's police, rather than concentrating on knowing the Force. Yes, they are wise to refuse to rule - but unwise to simply accept the status quo. Short-sighted, to lose touch with the living Force by spending so much of their time and energy on enforcing laws that could as easily be left to civilian authorities. Immoral, to refuse to act against evils such as slavery. Yet, is it possible they are wrong about the Sith being all evil and the dark side not being controllable?
According to the Jedi teachings embedded in each of them, the Sith had no self-control. Their inclinations to use the dark side has no bounds which are why the dark Jedi have all been claimed and are now in a Jedi's prison, their judgment having been cast by the Council.
Many Masters would have never agreed to work with a Sith and would attempt to behead Vader to bring "peace" and "balance" to the galaxy, but despite this merit, enforce by the beliefs of the Council and despite them countlessly forcing his buttons, Vader didn't yet kill nor threaten any of them so thus he can use the law to his side when the time comes.
"Don't even think about it, Jedi. I don't have to use the dark side to do battle with you. Do not force my hand." Vader speaks absent-mindedly, cutting through the Jedi Padawan's thoughts and silencing them. He loves the fool but he is not above roughing Obi-Wan's younger self up.
"But that presents great danger if he proves to turn against us," Obi-Wan continues, as if the former Dark Lord of the Sith isn't standing there.
"He's standing right here, Jedi," Vader quips, surprising the Jedi Master and Padawan. "And he wouldn't turn on you."
Both Jedi raise their eyebrows. So, who is possibly a Sith has a sense of humor?
While they are pondering about recent events, Vader is too pondering as well. Unbeknownst to them, Vader begins to form a plan; he has no plans to allow Obi-Wan and Anakin to be as distant as in the original timeline. He remembers his Padawanhood when he had always felt the pain from Obi-Wan in his quarters, no doubt silently weeping for the death of his Master and how Qui-Gon could have trained him better.
Obi-Wan and Anakin always deviated until they became brothers by the Force, never being able to amend their past and truly understand one another. Their Force Bond always maintained reservation with one being a strict loyalist of the Jedi Order while the other continued to go rogue and would have perhaps become a younger and far more powerful version of Qui-Gon Jinn, a fate that the Jedi unquestionably wanted to avoid.
Even now, even with the younger version of his brother, he can open up the Force Bond but that will allow him to see all of the things Vader did and what happens to him. Vader is not willing to allow his brother who can still be swayed from the Jedi Order after seeing its flaws to suffer from those memories. Besides, he might tell the Jedi Council and Vader's plans will be forfeit.
No, not yet would Vader disclose things to him. Obi-Wan did see through the flaws of the Council after the Order had fallen. It was Obi-Wan's pride and belief that he was good a teacher as Yoda that steered his student and friend Anakin to the dark side as he grew a lust for power thanks to the Emperor. Obi-Wan felt his arrogance motivated Anakin to become something else, something warped and evil. He was ashamed of this failure and wanted to do right with Luke only to die before he could teach him more about the Jedi. As Obi-Wan, he was powerful yet flawed, and as Old Ben, he wisely matured upon the realization of these flaws.
If he can somehow convince the younger version of Obi-Wan to realize the flaws of the Jedi and form an attachment between Anakin and Obi-Wan, they wouldn't have to face the burdens of suffering as they did in the original timeline. Perhaps Kenobi seeing what Anakin and his mother had gone through would leave more of an understanding between the two and their bond might be stronger as it was when other Anakin and Obi-Wan were one with the Force...
"Recommend you bring your Padawan with you," Vader declares ominously, as he continues to stare at the desert. "If this unknown threat is out there, it would be wise for you to remain together."
Qui-Gon furrows his eyebrows, inquiring, borderline suspicious. "I'm going to assume that this being is not your apprentice who have intentions to kill us and for you to bring the Queen to Gunray?"
"I prefer remaining to myself... at least for now. Apprentices are too dangerous, for they can usurp you and betray you in under a second. The problem with the Sith is that they use manipulation which is why I don't consider myself among their Order. The Force comes from the life force, and the Dark Side is creative, chaotic, and beautiful, like life itself. The Dark Side is not evil. It is merely power, and power is only evil when wielded by evil hands. If not controlled, it can be your downfall. I have witnessed this myself." Vader responds crisply.
The two Jedi exchange shock looks that he is willing to admit the flaws of the Sith Order and the dark side. Dark side wielders usually attempt to conquer all that is light, but Vader is a different man; he accepts both the light and the darkness, acknowledges both sides exist, and instead of attempting to destroy one or the other like the Jedi or Sith, he becomes a completely mysterious man.
Vader adds, "Fortunately, I have seen through its twisted way and turned away from embracing the dark side entirely."
"Impossible," Obi-Wan replies precipitously, staring at him with intense eyes. "Once one walks down the tainted path, one cannot return from the dark side."
Vader scoffs and chuckles. "Of course, the Jedi would manipulate their students in believing that those who touch the darkness cannot return."
Obi-Wan sputters for a response, "The Jedi do not manipulate their students!"
Vader sighs, growing tired of the Jedi's meddling. "Need I remind you of Darth Revan who is view as the Prodigal Knight in your Order? Despite the countless temptations of the dark, Revan still resisted and became one of the Jedi's greatest saviors. Well, he didn't have a choice because of the hypocrisy of the Council choosing to wipe his memories. That's pure manipulation."
"Revan is not a hero nor a role model," Obi-Wan counters. "He was someone who is rightfully shunned upon by the Jedi Order, breaking multiple rules of the Code and continuously touched the dark side. Additionally, he gave into his attachments, knowing what they could do to him. Revan was a fallen."
"And you don't?" Vader asks, prompting a raised eyebrow from the younger of the Jedi. "Oh, come on, Kenobi, I sense the bond you wish you could have with Jinn: of the longing. Any attempts to deny it would be fruitless." Obi-Wan is shocked but Vader continues, choosing to abandon the previous subject. "This mysterious foe is after the Queen. I shall see to it that he fails. For now, you should remain together. If this Sith walks into the city, two Jedi may be necessary to keep him at bay at least."
Qui-Gon arches his eyebrows, deciding to point out something. "You appear to be determined that this is a Sith without any proof. It is odd that a second Sith just happens to emerge on the same day you do."
"Oh, come on, Jedi," Vader responds, wanting to bang his head repeatedly into a wall, "it is incontrovertible this is the work of the Sith. Your arrogant Council may not accept that the Sith has managed to slip past their eyes but they have been moving around for thousands of years, their strength and power never deteriorating. I am well aware of these feeble dark Jedi your Order has been combating for decades since the Sith of old, but trust me, Jedi, they are merely a prelude for what's coming."
Not for the first time, Qui-Gon Jinn is at odds with himself. How could the Sith's tainted presence of the dark side manage to avert their eyes for many decades? He had known the Republic is growing ever more corrupt, and the Jedi Order is ever relying on politics, but in reality, they should have sensed the Sith in the Republic Senate.
Qui-Gon is conflicted about what to do next, wishing to keep this silent. Undoubtedly, the Council would label Vader as a liar, believe they would sense it, and openly accuse him of being someone who is attempting to overthrow the Jedi Order. Between himself and his young Padawan, Obi-Wan might be the one to tell the Jedi Council about Vader's information. He has dedicated himself to the Jedi Code and the Jedi Council. He is trapped in the flawed Jedi ways.
"Obviously," Vader presses on, "if I was to betray you, it would have been now since this planet is considered outside of the Republic. I can kill every single guard and handmaiden and bring the Queen to Coruscant or murder her, along with you two. However, I am not devoted to killing either of you."
Qui-Gon knows he is correct. On Naboo, there is a slight chance that they could have been able to escape, but on a planet such as Tatooine, there is little to no chance of escaping for them. Now would be the best time to turn on them.
"I'm willing to go with you, Master," Obi-Wan replies, shooting a momentary glare at Vader for a second. He too knows Vader is correct, despite never admitting it.
Qui-Gon rises, gathers up Jar Jar - surprisingly listens to Vader and brings Obi-Wan along - and the R2 unit, and heads down the loading ramp to the planet's floor. An empty carpet of sand stretches away in all directions, broken only by massive rock formations and the distant skyline of Mos Espa. The suns that give the planet life beat down with a such ferocity that it seems as if they are determined to steal that life back again. Heat rises off the sand in a shimmering wave, and the air is so dry it sucked the moisture from their throat and nose passages.
Jar Jar glances skyward, eyestalks craning, billed amphibious face wrinkling in dismay. "Dis sun gonna do murder ta da skin of ills Gungan," he mutters.
At a signal from Qui-Gon, they begin to walk or, - in the case of the R2 unit, to roll - after the Jedi Master. A strange caravan of animals and riders, carts, and sleds appears against the distant skyline like a shadowy mirage, all misshapen and threatening to evaporate in the blink of an eye. Jar Jar mutters some more, but no one was paying attention.
They didn't get far when a shout brought them around. Two figures are running toward them from the transport. As they near, Qui-Gon can make out Captain Panaka and a girl dressed in rough peasant garb. He stops and waits until they caught up, a frown creasing his leonine features.
Panaka is sweating. "Her Highness commands you to take her handmaiden with you. She wishes for Padmé to give her own report of what you might-"
"No more commands from Her Highness today, Captain," Qui-Gon interrupts quickly, shaking his head in refusal. "Mos Espa is not going to be a pleasant place for-"
"The Queen wishes it," Panaka interrupts him right back, his face angry and set. "She is emphatic. She wishes to know more about this planet."
The girl takes a step forward. Her dark eyes find Qui-Gon's. "I've
been trained in self-defense. I speak a number of languages. I am not afraid. I can take care of myself."
Captain Panaka sighs, looking over his shoulder toward the ship. "Don't make me go back and tell her you refuse."
Qui-Gon hesitates, preparing to do exactly that. Then he looks at Padmé again, sees strength in her eyes, and changes his mind. She might be useful. Traveling with a girl might suggest a family in transit and present a less aggressive look.
He nods. "I don't have time to argue the matter, Captain. I still think this is a bad idea, but she may come." He gives Padmé a look of warning. "Stay close to me and my student."
"May the Force be with you, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan."
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are stunned for a moment before giving a reply: "You too, Vader."
Anakin Skywalker cannot take his eyes off the girl. He noticed her the moment he entered Watto's shop, even before Watto said anything, and he hasn't been able to stop looking at her since. He barely hears what Watto said to him about watching the shop. He barely notices the strange-looking creature that had come in with her and was poking around in the shelves and bins. Even after she notices he is staring at her, he could not help himself.
He moves now to an open space on the counter, hoists himself up, and sits watching her while pretending to clean a transmitter cell. She is looking back at him now, embarrassment turning to curiosity. She is small and slender with long, braided brown hair, brown eyes, and a face he finds so beautiful that he had nothing to which he could compare it. She is dressed in rough peasant's clothing, but she seems very self-possessed.
There is also a man not far from behind her, staring around in awe. His robes are extremely strange and the way his hair is fashioned. There is also a strange braid on his hair.
She gives him an amused smile, and he feels himself melting in confusion and wonder. He takes a deep breath. "Are you an angel?" he asks quietly.
The girl turns to stare at him. "What?"
"An angel." Anakin straightens a bit. "They live on the moons of Iego, I think. They are the most beautiful creatures in the universe. They are good and kind, and so pretty they make even the most hardened space pirates cry like small children."
She gives him a confused look. "I've never heard of angels," she replies.
"You must be one of them," Anakin insists. "Maybe you just don't know it."
"You're a funny little boy." The amused smile returns. "How do you know so much?"
Anakin smiles back and shrugs. "I listen to all the traders and pilots who come through here." He glances toward the salvage yard. "I'm a pilot, you know. Someday, I'm going to fly away from this place."
The girl wanders to one end of the counter, looks away, then back again. "Have you been here long?"
"Since I was very little-three, I think. My mom and I were sold to Gardulla the Hutt, but she lost us to Watto, betting on the pod races. Watto's a lot better master, I think."
The man stares at him in shock. "You're a slave?"
The way he said it makes Anakin feel ashamed and angry. He glares at him defiantly. "I am a person!"
"I apologize," he apologizes quickly, looking upset and shameful, bowing his head slightly since he didn't mean to hurt his feelings. He should have known from his previous enslavement. With Obi-Wan's first encounter with Qui-Gon's former apprentice, he was enslaved in a deep sea mine on Bandomeer with a bomb collar among other slaves. That awakened him to a new galaxy but made him realize how close he was to falling into the dark
He studies the girl intently for a moment, thinking of other things, wanting to tell her of them.
"You are a strange girl to me," he says instead. "Same for you." He eyes the other man dubiously. "My name is Anakin Skywalker."
She chuckles. "Padmé Naberrie."
"Obi-Wan Kenobi."
The strange creature she comes in with wanders back to the front of the shop and bent over a stout little droid body with a bulbous nose. Reaching up curiously, it pushes at the nose with one finger. Instantly armatures pop out from every direction, metal limbs swinging into place. The droid's motors whiz and whirr, and it jerks to life and begins moving forward. Padmé's odd companion goes after it with a moan of dismay, grabbing on to slow it down, but the droid continues marching through the shop, knocking over everything it came in contact with.
"Hit the nose!" Anakin calls out, unable to keep himself from laughing.
The creature did as it is told, pounding the droid's nose wildly. The droid stops at once, the arms and legs retract, the motors shut down, and the droid goes still. Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Padmé are laughing now, and their laughter increases as they see the look on the unfortunate creature's long-billed face.
Anakin looks at Padmé and the girl and older man at him. Their laughter dies away.
In the salvage yard, Watto is studying the screen of a portable memory bank he held in one hand, tracing through his inventory record. Qui-Gon, arms folded into his farmer's poncho, stood waiting patiently, the R2 unit at his side.
"Ah, here it is. A T-14 hyperdrive generator!" The Toydarian's wings beat wildly as he hovers before the Jedi, his gnarl finger jabbing at the viewscreen. "You're in luck. I'm the only one hereabouts who has one. But you might as well buy a new ship. It would be cheaper. Speaking of which, how're you going to pay for all this, farmer?"
Qui-Gon considers. "I have twenty thousand Republic dataries to put toward-"
"Republic credits?" Watto explodes in disgust. "Republic credits are no good out here! I need something better than that, something of value..."
The Jedi Master shakes his head. "I don't have anything else." One hand comes up, passing casually in front of the Toydarian's face. "But credits will do fine."
"No, they won't!" Watto snaps, buzzing angrily.
Qui-Gon frowns, then passes his hand in front of the pudgy blue alien again, bringing the full force of his Jedi suggestive power to bear.
"Credits will do fine," he repeats.
Watto sneers. "No, they won't!" he repeats. "What do you think you're doing, waving your hand around like that? You think you're some kind of Jedi? Hah! I'm a Toydarian! Mind tricks don't work on me-only money! No money, no parts, no deal! And no one else has a T-14 hyperdrive generator, I can promise you that!"
Chagrin, Qui-Gon wheels back for the shop, the R2 unit following at his heels. The Toydarian shouts after them to come back when they have something worthwhile to trade, still scolding the Jedi Master for trying to foist Republic credits on him. Qui-Gon re-enters the shop just as Jar Jar pulls a part from a large stack and sent the entire arrangement tumbling to the floor. His efforts at correcting the problem brought a second display crashing down as well.
The boy, his Padawan, and the Queen's handmaiden are deep in discussion, paying no attention to the Gungan.
"We're leaving," Qui-Gon announces to the girl and the younger man, moving toward the shop's entry, the R2 unit trundling along behind.
Jar Jar is quick to follow, anxious to escape his latest mess. Padmé gives the boy a warm smile. "I'm glad I met you, Anakin," she says, turning after them.
"As am I," Obi-Wan agrees, unable to believe that there is a growing fondness for the young boy. He knows slavery all too well even though it appears worse out here. He hasn't suffered what this boy must have suffered.
"I'm glad I met you, too," he calls after them, a reluctance evident in his voice.
Watto flies in from the salvage yard, shaking his head in disgust. "Outlanders! They think because we live so far from everything, we know nothing!"
Anakin is still staring longingly after Obi-Wan and Padmé, his gaze fixed on the empty doorway. "They seemed nice enough to me."
Watto snorts and flies into his face. "Clean up this mess, then you can go home!"
Anakin brightens, gives a small cheer, and goes quickly to work.
Qui-Gon leads his companions back through the lime plaza of salvage shops toward the main avenue. At a place where two buildings are divided to form a shadowed niche, the Jedi Master moves everyone from view and produces his comlink from beneath his poncho. Padmé and the R2 unit stand waiting patiently, but Jar Jar prowls the space as if trapped, eyes fixed nervously on the busy street.
When Captain Panaka responds to the comlink's pulse, Qui-Gon quickly fills him in on the situation. "Is there anything of value on board for us to pay the Toydarian?"
There is a pause at the other end. "A few containers of supplies, the Queen's wardrobe, some jewelry. Not enough for you to barter with. Not in the amounts you're talking about, Ambassador."
"All right," Qui-Gon responds with a frown. "Another solution will present itself. I'll check back."
"Is anything going our way?" Obi-Wan mutters bitterly.
Qui-Gon ignores his Padawan and tucks the comlink beneath his poncho and signals to the others. He is moving toward the street again when Jar Jar grabs his arm.
"Noah gain, sire," the Gungan pleads. "Da beings hereabouts crazy nuts. We goen be robbed and crunched!"
"Not likely," Qui-Gon replies with a sigh, freeing himself from the Gungan's grip. "We have nothing of value. That's our problem."
They start back down the street, Qui-Gon trying to think what to do next, Obi-Wan flanking behind the Maverick. Padmé and R2-D2 stay close as they make their way through the crowds, but Jar Jar begins to lag behind, distracted by all the strange sights and smells. They are passing an outdoor cafe, its tables occupied by a rough-looking bunch of aliens, among them a Dug who is holding forth on the merits of Podracing. Jar Jar hurries to catch up to his companions but then catches sight of a string of frogs hanging from a wire in front of a nearby stall. The Gungan slows, his mouth watering. He has not eaten in some time. He glances around to see if anyone is looking, then unfurls his long tongue and snaps up one of the frogs. The frog disappears into Jar Jar's mouth in the blink of an eye.
Unfortunately, the frog is still securely tied to the wire. Jar Jar stands there, the wire hanging out of his mouth, unable to move.
The vendor in charge of the stall rushes out. "Hey, that will be seven truguts!"
Jar Jar glances frantically down the street for his companions, but they are already out of sight. In desperation, he lets go of the frog. The frog pops out of his mouth as if catapults, winging away at the end of the taut wire. It ricochets this way and that, breaking free at last to land directly in the Dug's soup, splashing gooey liquid all over him.
The gangly Dug leaps to his feet in fury, catching sight of the hapless Jar Jar as he tries to move away from the frog vendor. Springing across the table on all fours, he is on top of the Gungan in an instant, grabbing him by the throat.
"Chubba! You!" the Dug snarls through its corded snout. Feelers and mandibles writhe. "Is this yours?"
The Dug shoves the frog in the Gungan's face threateningly. Jar Jar cannot get any words out, gasping for breath, fighting to break free. His eyes roll wildly as he looks for help that isn't there. Other creatures pushes forward to surround him, Rodians among them. The Dug throws Jar Jar to the ground, shouting at him, hovering over him in a crouch. Desperately, the Gungan tries to scramble to safety.
"No, no," he moans plaintively as he strives for an avenue of escape. "Why me always da one?"
"Because you're afraid," a voice answers calmly.
Anakin Skywalker pushes his way through the crowd, coming up to stand next to the Dug. The boy seems unafraid of the creature, undeterred by the hard-eyed crowd, his bearing self-assured. He gives the Dug an appraising look. "Chess ko, Sebulba," he says. "Careful. This one's very well connected."
Sebulba turns to face the boy, his cruel face twisting with disdain as he catches sight of the newcomer. "Tooney rana dunko, shag?" he snaps, demanding to know what the boy meant.
Anakin shrugs. "Connected-as in Hutt." The blue eyes fix the Dug and see a hint of fear on the other's face. "Big-time connected, this one, Sebulba. I'd hate to see you diced before we had a chance to race again."
The Dug spits in fury. "Neek me chawa! Next time we race, wermo, it will be the end of you!" He gestures violently. "Uto notu wo shag! If you weren't a slave, I'd squash you here and now!"
With a final glare at the cringing Jar Jar, Sebulba wheels away, taking his companions with him, back to their tables and their food and drink. Anakin stares after the Dug. "Yeah, it'd be a pity if you had to pay for me," he says softly.
He is helping Jar Jar back to his feet when Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Padmé, and R2-D2, having finally missed the Gungan, reappear hurriedly through the crowd.
"Hi!" he greets cheerfully, happy to see Padmé and Obi-Wan again so soon. "Your buddy here was about to be turned into orange goo. He picked a fight with a Dug. An especially dangerous Dug."
"Nossir, nossir!" the chagrin Gungan insists, brushing off dust and sand. "Me hate crunchen. Tis da last thing me want!"
Qui-Gon gives Jar Jar a careful once-over, glances around at the crowd, and takes the Gungan by the arm. "Nevertheless, the boy saved you from a beating. You have a penchant for finding trouble, Jar Jar." He gives Anakin a short nod. "Thank you, my young friend."
Padmé gives Anakin a warm smile as well and the boy feels something burning his cheeks that he cannot recognize.
"Me doen nutten!" Jar Jar insists, still trying to defend himself, hands gesturing for emphasis.
"You were afraid," the boy tells him, looking up at the long-billed face solemnly. "Fear attracts the fearful. Sebulba was trying to overcome his fear by squashing you." He cocks his head at the Gungan. "You can help yourself by being less afraid."
"And that works for you?" Padmé inquires skeptically, giving him a wry look.
Anakin smiles and shrugs. "Well... up to a point."
Anxious to spend as much time as possible with the girl and the younger man, he persuades the group to follow him a short distance down the street to a fruit stand, a ramshackle affair formed by a makeshift ragged awning stretches over a framework of bent poles. Boxes of brightly colored fruit are arranged on a rack tilted toward the street for viewing. A weather old lady, gray-haired and stoop, her simple clothing patch and worn, rise from a stool to greet them on their approach.
"How are you feeling today, Jira?" Anakin asks her, giving her a quick hug.
The old lady smiles. "The heat's never been kind to me, you know, Annie."
"Guess what?" the boy replies quickly, beaming. "I've found that cooling unit I've been searching for. It's pretty beat up, but I'll have it fixed up for you in no time, I promise. That should help."
Jira reaches out to brush his pink cheek with her wrinkled hand, her smile broadening. "You're a fine boy, Annie."
Anakin shrugs off the compliment and began scanning the fruit display. "I'll take five pallies, Jira." He glances at Padmé eagerly. "You'll like these. "
He reaches into his pocket for the truguts he had been saving, but when he brings them out to pay Jira, he drops one. The farmer, standing next to him, bends to retrieve it. As he does, his poncho opens just far enough that the boy caught sight of the lightsaber hanging from the belt about his waist.
The boy's eyes go wide, but he masks his surprise by focusing on the coins. He only has four, he finds. "Whoops, I thought I had more," he said briskly, not looking up. "Make that four pallies, Jira. I'm not that hungry anyway."
The old woman gives Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Padmé, and Jar Jar their pallies and takes the coins from Anakin. A gust of wind whips down the street, rattling the framework of poles and causing the awning to billow. A second gust sends dust swirling in all directions.
Jira rubs her arms with her gnarled hands. "Gracious, my bones are aching. There's a storm coming, Annie. You'd better get home quick."
The wind gusts in a series of sharp blasts that send sand and loose debris flying. Anakin glances at the sky, then at Qui-Gon. "Do you have shelter?" he asks.
The Jedi Master nods. "We'll head back to our ship. Thank you again, my young friend, for-"
"Is your ship far?" the boy interrupts hurriedly. All around them, shopkeepers and vendors are closing and shuttering windows and doors, carrying goods and wares inside, wrapping coverings over displays and boxes.
"It's on the city's outskirts," Obi-Wan answers, turning away from the stinging gusts of sand.
Anakin takes his hand quickly, tugging on it. "You'll never reach the outskirts in time. Sandstorms are very, very dangerous. Come with me. You can wait it out at my home. It's not far. My mom won't mind. Hurry!"
With the wind howling all about them and the air clouds with sand, Anakin Skywalker shouts goodbye to Jira and leads his newly adopted charges down the street in a rush.