Chapter Three
"Shit! I gotta go!" Anakin exclaims after checking his chrono. He rushes over to grab his cloak and heads across the practice mat toward the exit.
"You're not seriously going to that old-timer's party, are you?" Treel, a Padawan two years younger than Anakin yells out.
"Remember last time?" another chimes in. "You never thought you'd get that purple dye off your…"
"Don't remind me. Yes I'm going. I'll tell you later why. Thanks for the match!" Anakin can hear the two Padawan's lightsabers hum back to life as he leaves the training room in a hurry. He's lost track of time and is not sure he'll be able to get everything done.
He's got to run by the supplier and make sure Obi-Wan's dress tunics are clean, then make sure his Master is clean as well. He needs a shower himself before he finds his own uniform. Next, he has to get his Master to the docking bay and commandeer a cruiser before all the good ones are taken, or who knows what they'll end up driving. Worse case, they'll be forced to flag a public transport, and end up arriving late, smelling like….a public transport.
He makes it to the supplier in record time, flings the dress browns over one shoulder, and turns toward their apartment, when a big, dark-skinned Master steps in front of him.
"Planning on attending the functions tonight, Padawan Skywalker?"
"Yes, Master Windu." As you probably already know. "Are you going as well?"
"Why, yes. I'm in charge of the auction."
Auction? What auction? "What auction, sir? It's been a few years since my Master and I have been to the celebration, but I don't recall any auction."
"It's all Senator Amidala's idea. Proceeds will go toward the Galactic Youngling's Relief Fund."
Anakin's never heard of that charity before and Padme's never mentioned it either. Maybe he and Padme aren't as close as he thought.
Good.
"Sounds like a worthy cause," Anakin states with as maturity as he can. Mace Windu always makes him feel like that little nine-year-old boy from Tatooine.
"It is, although I cannot imagine how the end can possibly justify the means."
"Why do you say that?" And why is Master Windu taking up all his time? What's he up to?
"Apparently, this year, all the male Masters and Senators in attendance will be presented for auction to the highest bidder – to offer their services for the evening. Last year, it was the female species bid upon. I suppose, turnabout is fair play."
"Sounds….interesting." Anakin is miffed. These are more words than Master Windu has spoken to him since he came to Coruscant. "I hope you do well in the auction."
"Oh, I'm disqualified because I'm the auctioneer, but that doesn't mean….Master Kenobi will be present, will he not?"
"Yessir." Anakin's brow knits in confusion.
"Good. That's good."
A smile. It was small, but for a fraction of an instant, Anakin could swear he saw a smile on Mace Windu's face. Amazing.
"I shall see you tonight then. May the Force be with you, young Skywalker."