The Plan

Braylen took a deep breath, looking at Shimi with uncharacteristic vulnerability. "Hey, Shimi... this wasn't exactly how I planned on doing this, but here it goes." He paused, gathering his thoughts. "You and Ani... you've both become important to me. More than I expected. But I'm not exactly good when it comes to love and relationships." He gave a soft, humorless chuckle. "I'm a Sith—emotion isn't something I handle well."

Shimi listened intently, her heart pounding as she tried to anticipate where this was going.

Braylen continued, his voice quieter. "Anyway... I knew that if there was ever a chance for us to be anything, I needed to free you and Ani. I don't even know if that's something you want... but I had to offer. I don't want you living like this."

Shimi's mind reeled. Freedom? The very thought of it was something she had only dreamed about—being a family, far away from the life of slavery. But she also knew Braylen. His disdain for the idea of buying slaves ran deep, a fundamental part of his belief system. Yet here he was, offering her and Anakin their freedom. It felt surreal, like a moment she had longed for but never thought would come.

Before she could stop herself, the word escaped her lips. "Yes." Then, almost as quickly, she asked, "But... what about Watto? He's not just going to let us go, especially when he finds out about Ani."

Braylen nodded, having anticipated this. "That's why it's important Watto continues to think Ani is just a normal boy. His abilities... they can't be revealed, not yet. I'll train Ani myself, quietly. And Watto? Leave him to me."

Shimi looked into Braylen's eyes, seeing the determination and a flicker of something else—maybe hope. The weight of the years she'd spent as a slave, the dreams she had buried, all came rushing to the surface. Freedom. A chance to live a different life. A chance for Anakin to be more than just another cog in the machine of Tatooine's harsh world.

She placed her hand gently on his arm. "Braylen... are you sure? This isn't just about Ani or me—it's about who you are, what you stand for. You don't believe in buying people."

Braylen's jaw tightened. "I'm not buying your freedom, Shmi. I'm taking it. Watto doesn't own either of you. I'll make sure of that."

Shimi nodded, her heart full of emotions she could barely express. "Then yes, Braylen. We'll take this chance."

As Braylen entered Watto's cluttered shop, the distinct hum of the Toydarian's wings filled the room. Watto hovered lazily behind the counter, eyeing him with a curious grin. "Ah, Braylen! What brings you here?"

Braylen didn't waste time. "I want to talk about Shimi and Anakin."

Watto's grin widened, almost as if he'd been expecting this. "I bet you do."

Braylen crossed his arms, keeping his voice steady. "I want to buy them."

Watto's smile faded, and he rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I see... well, that's a problem. They're not for sale."

Braylen narrowed his eyes. "Watto, I know you. What do you want?"

Watto floated down from his perch and thought for a moment, tapping his fingers together as if calculating. "Well... you're good at what you do, Braylen. So here's my offer. You work for me—say, the next four years. At the end of that time, Shmi will be yours."

Braylen's jaw tightened. "Shimi and Anakin, or no deal."

Watto's eyes gleamed with greed, but he shook his head. "Ah, the kid. Now that's the tricky part, isn't it? He's only five. I can't put a price on someone so young... not when there's still so much potential."

Braylen's expression darkened, but he kept himself in check. After a tense pause, he exhaled slowly. "Fine. You have a deal. Four years. Shimi and Anakin, both. Where do I sign?"

Watto's grin returned, wider than before. "Right here, my friend." He produced a datapad from behind the counter, and with a flick of his hand, the contract appeared on its screen.

Braylen signed without hesitation, feeling the weight of what he'd just agreed to settle in his chest. Four years—four years of servitude. But it was a small price to pay for the freedom of Shimi and Anakin.

As Braylen entered the small home, he could hear Shimi moving about in the kitchen. She was clearly trying to keep herself busy, but her anxious energy was palpable. When she saw him walk in, she immediately stopped what she was doing, wiping her hands on a towel.

"Well?" she asked, her voice shaky but hopeful.

Braylen met her gaze and gave a slow nod. "It's done. In four years, you'll be free."

Shimi let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, her relief quickly replaced with concern. "What about Ani?"

Braylen's expression darkened. "I'm sorry. Watto wouldn't budge on Anakin. But we have four years to figure something out." He crossed the room, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I'll find a way, I promise."

Shimi nodded slowly, absorbing the weight of his words. She knew Braylen wouldn't rest until he kept his promise, but the thought of waiting—of watching Anakin grow up under Watto's control—gnawed at her.

"And now," Braylen added with a sigh, "I have to consult my master about what she thinks of this... arrangement."

Shimi looked up at him with concern, her voice softer. "Not to mention that you've essentially sold yourself into servitude for the next four years."

Braylen gave a humorless chuckle. "Yeah, I suppose I have. But it's worth it... for you and Anakin." He paused, then added more seriously, "I'll manage Watto. He thinks he owns me now, but he doesn't know what he's dealing with."

Shimi reached out, placing her hand over his. "Thank you, Braylen. I know what this must be costing you... and I'm grateful."

Braylen squeezed her hand lightly. "Just keep Ani safe. I'll take care of the rest."