As dusk settled over the Lars homestead, the rest of the family arrived, eager to meet the Jedi Shmi often spoke of. Anakin, a mix of anticipation and nervousness bubbling within him, greeted them at the door. "Hello, I'm Anakin," he introduced himself, his gaze flitting between the two men.

Owen, the younger of the pair, responded with a playful smirk, "So, you're the one Shmi can't stop talking about. I've heard quite a lot about you from her."

Cliegg, his weathered face etched with warmth, stepped forward. "We both have. Welcome, Anakin. I'm Cliegg, your stepfather, and this young man here is Owen, your stepbrother."

"I've never had a brother before," Anakin answered, "Nice to meet you."

Together, they walked towards the dining area where Padmé, Shmi, and Beru were already seated around a table laden with food. Anakin instinctively gravitated towards Padmé, hoping no one would notice. A comfortable silence descended as they began their meal, the clinking of utensils and the aroma of home-cooked food filling the air. Owen, ever the inquisitive one, broke the silence, his eyes settling on Padmé. "And who might you be?"

Padmé offered a polite smile. "I'm Padmé, a Senator from the Republic. Anakin is currently protecting me from potential assassins."

Owen raised an eyebrow, his skepticism returning. He asked the reasonable question, "Then why are you here on Tatooine?"

"Anakin was worried about his mother," Padmé explained, her gaze meeting Anakin's for a brief moment, "and I encouraged him to check on her. I joined him so he could visit his mother, but wouldn't have to abandon his mission."

"Why the sudden worry now?" Shmi chimed in.

Anakin took a deep breath, his voice laced with a hint of unease. "I've been having nightmares about you dying for the past month…"

Owen's eyes widened in realization. "Wait, you mean you dreamt about her being in danger when the Tuskens took her?"

Anakin nodded, a sense of awe and confusion entered Owen as he realized the extent of Jedi powers. "They're called Force visions."

Throughout the evening meal, Shmi observed the subtle exchanges between Anakin and Padmé. The way their eyes met, the unspoken understanding that seemed to flow between them, it all brought back memories of a young Anakin, captivated by Padmé's grace and beauty. A mother's intuition told her there was more to their relationship than met the eye. She wanted to guide Anakin through his feelings. As everyone prepared to retire for the night, Shmi gently pulled Anakin aside, leading him to a quiet corner of the homestead. "Ani," she began, her voice soft but filled with concern, "Do you have feelings for Padmé?"

Caught off guard, Anakin stammered, "W-why would you say that?"

Shmi smiled knowingly. "I know you, Ani."

A wave of sadness washed over Anakin's face as he confessed, "Yes, but… it doesn't matter. I'm a Jedi, so no attachments." His voice dropped to a near whisper as he added, "Besides, she doesn't feel the same way about me, and before you ask how I know. She told me so herself."

Shmi could sense the doubt in her son's last words, the lingering hope that refused to be extinguished. She probably knew Anakin better than anyone, and his demeanor spoke volumes. She also couldn't help but recall Padmé's own subtle reactions throughout the evening, the way her gaze lingered on Anakin, the genuine concern etched on her face. There was a disconnect between Padmé's words and her actions, and Shmi was determined to uncover the truth. "I'd forgotten about the Jedi's restrictions on attachments," Shmi remarked, feigning ignorance. "Is that why you never visited?"

Anakin nodded solemnly. "Yeah, this trip… it's unauthorized." This revelation only solidified Shmi's suspicions. This wasn't just a casual visit; it was a secret journey undertaken against the Jedi's wishes, and Anakin had Padmé join him. She may have even helped persuade Anakin to take this trip.

Leaving Anakin to his thoughts, Shmi set out to find Padmé, but she was nowhere to be found within the homestead. Finally, she ventured outside, drawn by the soft glow of moonlight bathing the desert landscape. There, she found Padmé and Anakin sitting side-by-side, their voices hushed as they shared a quiet moment under the starry sky. As Shmi approached, Anakin turned and greeted her with a smile. "Hi, Mom."

"I was hoping to speak with Padmé," Shmi announced.

"About what?" Anakin inquired, a hint of protectiveness creeping into his voice. He probably knew exactly what she wanted to talk to Padmé about.

Padmé placed a reassuring hand on Anakin's arm. "It's alright. I was hoping to speak with her as well."

Padmé followed Shmi back to a secluded room, Shmi's heart pounded in anticipation for the conversation. Once inside, Shmi turned to her, her gaze gentle but inquisitive. "So, what was it you wanted to ask?"

Padmé hesitated for a moment before replying, "I wanted to know if you were alright with Anakin and me leaving for Geonosis tomorrow morning."

Shmi's brow furrowed in surprise. "Of course, dear. But why ask me privately?"

Padmé lowered her voice, confiding in Shmi, "Anakin is hesitant to leave, but I believe your encouragement might sway him. I could help so many people by going there."

Shmi's intuition kicked in. "Is that what you two were discussing outside?"

"Partly," Padmé admitted, then redirected the conversation. "What about you? What did you want to talk about?"

Shmi's expression turned knowing. "It's about you and Anakin."

A flicker of surprise crossed Padmé's face. "Is he that transparent?" she wondered aloud.

Shmi replied with a warm smile, "To his mother's eyes, yes." Silently she thought, anyone with eyes really. The puzzle is more Padmé's feelings.

Padmé's voice hardened slightly as she stated, "As he would likely tell you, I don't reciprocate those feelings."

"He didn't seem entirely convinced," she observed gently. Shmi noticed a subtle shift in Padmé's demeanor as she spoke those words, a momentary vulnerability that betrayed a feeling of fear. It wasn't fear for herself. It was a fear of something else.

Padmé's eyes darted towards the door, ensuring their privacy before whispering in almost a panic, "He can't believe I have feelings for him. He'd abandon his Jedi path for me in a heartbeat if he even thought I loved him back."

So it was a fear for Anakin's future. Shmi's heart ached for both her son and Padmé, caught in a web of unspoken emotions and conflicting desires. "So, do you love him?" she asked softly, adding, "You can be honest with me. I won't tell him."

"No," Padmé responded a little too quickly, her voice betraying a hint of desperation. "But that's beside the point. I know how much becoming a Jedi meant to him. I can't bear the thought of him throwing away his dreams for me."

Shmi was now certain that Padmé's heart belonged to Anakin, but Padmé was determined to protect him from himself, even at the cost of her own happiness. With a mix of understanding and hope, Shmi said, "I'll encourage Anakin to consider going to Geonosis." She added in a quiet whisper of advice, "If you do love him, you should tell him."

The first rays of dawn illuminated the guest room, revealing two neatly made beds where Anakin and Padmé had spent the night. Anakin's mind churned with a torrent of thoughts and emotions. Padmé's unwavering conviction that they should go to Geonosis, his mother's subtle encouragement, and the knowledge that Count Dooku, the enigmatic figure who had saved his mother's life, was somehow involved in it all. He had initially resisted Padmé's pleas, unwilling to expose her to potential danger, but his mother's words, probablt at the behest of Padmé, had chipped away at his resolve. She had told him that he should at least thank Dooku for his rescue by visiting him on Geonosis.

Just as he rose from his bed, contemplating their next move, a series of frantic beeps and whistles filled the room. Artoo, his small frame buzzing with urgency, rolled in, his binary language conveying a sense of alarm. Padmé stirred from her sleep, her eyes widening in concern. "What's wrong, Ani?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.

Anakin quickly deciphered Artoo's binary. "He says we've received a transmission on our ship," he explained, a knot of apprehension forming in his stomach.

Driven by a mixture of curiosity and a growing sense of unease, Anakin and Padmé followed the excited droid out of the homestead and towards their docked vessel. Inside the ship, Anakin activated the communication console, and Obi-Wan Kenobi's holographic image flickered to life. "Anakin," the Jedi Master's voice echoed through the cabin, a hint of urgency in his tone, "My long-range transmitter has been knocked out. Retransmit this message to Coruscant." Artoo abruptly paused the message, leaving Obi-Wan's image frozen mid-sentence. Anakin exchanged a knowing look with Padmé, a silent understanding passing between them. This was no ordinary message.

"Patch it through to the Jedi Council chamber," Anakin instructed, his voice tight with anticipation. Padmé swiftly moved to the control panel, her fingers flying across the buttons as she established the connection. A moment later, she nodded, confirming that the signal was being transmitted.

Anakin turned back to Artoo. "Go ahead, Artoo," he said, his gaze fixed on the holographic image of his master.

With a confirming beep, the message resumed. Obi-Wan's voice continued, "I've tracked the bounty hunter Jango Fett to the droid foundries of Geonosis. The Trade Federation is to take delivery of a droid army here, and it's clear that Viceroy Gunray is behind the assassination attempts on Senator Amidala's life." Anakin and Padmé exchanged knowing glances, neither of them suprised by this revelation. Obi-Wan pressed on, "The Commerce Guild and Corporate Alliance have both pledged their armies to Count Dooku and are forming an…" Suddenly, the image lurched violently, and the unmistakable forms of droidekas materialized, their weapons aimed at Obi-Wan. "Wait! Wait!" Obi-Wan's voice was cut off as the droids surrounded him, the transmission dissolving into static. Anakin surged forward, his instincts urging him to act, but a heavy realization washed over him. This was a recording of events that had already transpired. He was witnessing the capture of his master, but he was powerless to intervene.

Within the hallowed halls of the Jedi Temple, the atmosphere crackled with tension as the Jedi Council gathered, their faces etched with worry and determination. "He is alive," Master Yoda declared, his voice heavy with the weight of this message. "Feel him in the Force, I do."

"But they have taken him," Mace Windu interjected, his gaze stern and unwavering. "And the wheels have begun to spin more dangerously."

Yoda nodded in agreement. "More transpires on Geonosis than has been revealed, I sense."

"I agree," Mace concurred. "We must not sit idly by."

A deep frown creased Yoda's brow. "The dark side, I feel," Yoda said. "And all is cloudy."

Mace Windu turned to his fellow Jedi Masters, his expression grim. "Assemble," he commanded, invoking an ancient protocol rarely used. He turned back to Anakin, "We will deal with Count Dooku. The most important thing for you, Anakin, is to stay where you are. Protect the Senator at all costs. That is your first priority."

Anakin acknowledged the order with a heavy heart, a sense of defeat washing over him. "Understood, Master," he replied, ending the transmission. Padmé, who had been listening intently, rushed to the ship's console, her fingers dancing across the controls. "What are you doing, Padmé?" Anakin asked, a mix of confusion and apprehension in his voice.

"We're going to Geonosis," Padmé declared, her eyes blazing with determination.

"No, we can't," Anakin protested. "Master Windu ordered me to stay here." He couldn't bear the thought of leading Padmé into the clutches of Gunray, regardless of Dooku's assurances.

"Dooku invited you, and Obi-Wan went there undercover. We will be much safer than him," Padmé countered, her voice unwavering. "We're closer to Geonosis than the Council. We have the best chance of rescuing him."

"If he's still alive," Anakin added somberly, the weight of uncertainty bearing down on him.

Padmé's eyes widened in disbelief. "Anakin, are you truly going to sit here and do nothing while he might be dying?" she cried, her voice laced with a mix of anger and desperation. She grasped his arm, her grip firm. "He's your friend! Your mentor!"

"He's like a father to me!" Anakin shot back, his emotions threatening to spill over. "But you heard Master Windu. He gave me strict orders to stay here."

A sly grin spread across Padmé's face as she corrected him, "He ordered you to stay here to protect me." She released his arm, and the roar of the ship's engines filled the cabin.

"Padmé!" Anakin exclaimed, realizing he was now bound to follow her to Geonosis, hoping that Dooku's offer of safe passage still stood.

"He ordered you to protect me," Padmé repeated, her voice firm yet gentle. "And I'm going to save Obi-Wan. So, if you intend to protect me, you'll have to come along."

Count Dooku entered the dimly lit cell where Obi-Wan Kenobi was being held captive, his elegant robes flowing behind him. He had been surprised to find Obi-Wan alone, having anticipated the presence of Anakin Skywalker as well. The absence of his former Padawan's grandson complicated matters considerably. With Anakin, he had the leverage of his mother's rescue, a powerful tool to sway him to his cause. However, with Obi-Wan, the situation was far more delicate. The Jedi Master's first word, uttered with cold disdain, spoke volumes about the challenge Dooku faced. "Traitor," Obi-Wan spat, his gaze fixed on Dooku with a mixture of anger and disappointment.

Dooku met his accusation with a calm demeanor. "Hello, my friend," he replied, his voice smooth and measured. "I must confess, I wasn't expecting them to simply imprison you. I also didn't expect your spying. Had you come directly to me, things would be much simpler."

Obi-Wan's voice remained sharp. "I was under the impression that you were the leader here, Dooku."

"This incident was not of my doing, I assure you," Dooku insisted, his tone laced with sincerity. "I will petition for your release. Your spying, does little to help my case."

Obi-Wan's response was laced with sarcasm. "Well, I certainly hope it doesn't take too long. I have important matters to attend to."

Dooku's curiosity was piqued. He hadn't anticipated Obi-Wan's presence on Geonosis and wondered how the Jedi Master had discovered the Separatist activities. "May I inquire as to why a Jedi Knight finds himself so far from Coruscant, here on Geonosis?"

"I've been tracking a bounty hunter named Jango Fett," Obi-Wan answered directly. "Are you familiar with him?"

Dooku was well aware of Jango Fett's involvement, but revealing that information would be unwise. He chose his words carefully. "I am not aware of any bounty hunters present on Geonosis." Technically, he wasn't lying, as Jango Fett had not yet reported to him.

"He is here, I assure you," Obi-Wan countered, his gaze unwavering.

Sensing the conversation veering into dangerous territory, Dooku swiftly changed the subject. "It's a pity our paths haven't crossed before, Obi-Wan," he remarked, his voice taking on a warm and cordial tone. "Qui-Gon Jinn often spoke highly of you. I wish he were still with us. His guidance would be invaluable in these turbulent times."

Obi-Wan's response was immediate and resolute. "Qui-Gon Jinn would never join you."

Dooku's confidence remained unshaken. "Don't be so certain, my young Jedi," he countered. "Remember, Qui-Gon was once my apprentice, just as you were once his."

"Are you suggesting that his loyalty to you would supersede his loyalty to the Jedi Council and the Republic?" Obi-Wan retorted, his voice laced with disbelief.

Dooku continued, unfazed by Obi-Wan's skepticism. "He was well aware of the corruption that festered within the Senate," he pointed out, wishing Anakin were present. Anakin, with his firsthand experience of slavery and injustice within the Republic, would have been far more receptive to his arguments. "They all know, of course, Yoda and Mace Windu included. But Qui-Gon, with his unwavering sense of justice, would never have tolerated such corruption had he known the truth, as I do." He paused, allowing his words to sink in.

"The truth?" Obi-Wan questioned, a flicker of curiosity momentarily breaking through his defiance.

He had Obi-Wan back again. This was his chance. "Indeed, the truth," Dooku affirmed, his voice filled with conviction. "What if I told you that the Republic is now under the control of the Dark Lords of the Sith?"

Obi-Wan's eyes widened in shock. "No! That's impossible. The Jedi would surely be aware of such a threat." And there went the chance.

Dooku should have anticipated this denial, the Jedi's unwavering faith in their own abilities often blinding them to the true nature of the darkness that surrounded them. "The dark side of the Force has clouded their vision, my friend," he explained calmly. "Hundreds of Senators are now under the influence of a Sith Lord known as Darth Sidious."

"I don't believe you," Obi-Wan stated flatly, his skepticism returning in full force.

"Your belief is irrelevant," Dooku countered. "It is the truth. You must join me, Obi-Wan, if we are to defeat the Sith and restore order to the galaxy."

"I will never join you, Dooku!" Obi-Wan exclaimed, his voice ringing with unwavering conviction.

Dooku recognized the futility of further persuasion. He had played his hand, revealing his knowledge and extending an invitation, but Obi-Wan remained unyielding. Hope dwindled, but it was not entirely extinguished. Anakin remained, the last beacon of possibility, the potential key to Dooku's plan. He could not risk releasing Obi-Wan now. The Jedi Master would surely turn Anakin from Dooku, jeopardizing everything. A difficult decision weighed heavily on Dooku's conscience. "Securing your release may prove challenging," he remarked to Obi-Wan, his voice tinged with regret. He did not wish for Obi-Wan's demise, but if that was the price to secure Anakin's allegiance, then so be it. His focus now shifted to finding Anakin.