The next day, Anakin got up early so he could head out and make some final modifications on the Pod, to make sure it was prepped and ready for the race. R2 and 3PO helped out with the final touches, including touching it up with blue paint. As Anakin and the droids continued to work, Padme came out to check on him.

"You about done?" she asked.

"We're nearly finished with the decorative paint," 3PO replied, causing R2 to beep in contradiction. "I amtoodoing my part. In fact, I'd say I'm doing more than that."

R2 just gave a mocking whistle.

"Gold-plated blowhard? Well, I never!"

Both Anakin and Padme chuckled in response to their antics. Padme then turned to Anakin, noting an off look on his face.

"Is something wrong?" she asked.

"Sorry, it's just… you were in my dream last night. You were leading an army into this massive battle."

"That feels unlikely. I hate violence."

"Well… it was just a dream."

Padme just shrugged it off. "Come on. Your mom said we need to leave soon. Qui Gon and Obi-Wan have already gone ahead to the arena."

"Right. Better get ready."

-X-

Outside the city, Darth Maul piloted his ship to the coordinates Aurra Sing had provided him. Once spotting her ship, he touched down next to it, lowering the ramp so he could come out and speak to her.

"My time is very precious to me," Maul told her. "So you had best not be wasting it."

"Overheard some busybodies putting up a Nubian ship as collateral for the big Podrace today. Don't get a lot of those out in the Outer Rim."

"You'll forgive me if I… double-check our findings," Maul replied, pushing a few buttons on an armband.

As he did, six black probe droids flew out of Maul's ship, heading out into Mos Espa.

"If this turns out to be a waste of time…" Maul threatened, turning to her. "You will not live to regret it."

-X-

At the arena, Qui Gon and Obi-Wan met with Watto to go over the final particulars of their deal.

"I want to see your ship as soon as the race is over," Watto demanded.

"Worry not, my friend," Qui Gon reassured. "You will get your winnings before the suns set. And we are far away from here."

"Not if your ship belongs to me."

"You don't think Anakin will win?" Obi-Wan wondered.

"The boy is talented, don't get me wrong," Watto replied. "But Sebulba is gonna win," he gestured to Sebulba as he was doted on by several Twi'lek girls near his orange pod. "He always wins," he then leaned in close to the two Jedi. "and between the three of us, I'm putting a heavy bet on him to win."

"Is that so?" Qui Gon challenged. "Well, in that case, I'll take your bet."

That caught Watto and Obi-Wan by surprise.

"What do you mean?" Watto asked.

"I wager my pod against, say… the boy and his mother."

Watto couldn't help but laugh in response.

"You're a bold one. But no pod is worth the price of a slave. Let alone, two. Even if it is the 'fastest pod ever built'"

"If you're so certain about Sebulba's chances, what have you to worry about?"

Watto paused for a moment, seeing Qui Gon's point. "Perhaps… but only one. That's the best I can do."

Qui Gon grimaced a bit. "Fine. The boy then."

"I don't think so. The boy isn't with that much. The mother maybe…"

"The boy or no deal."

Watto paused for a moment before thinking of something. "Tell you what, we'll let fate decide," he pulled out a small cube from his pocket. "I just so happen to carry a chance cube with me for such things. Blue, you get the boy. Red, his mother."

Qui Gon nodded, causing Watto to smile. He gave the cube a hardy toss toward the ground, letting it roll precariously. After a few moments, its momentum started to die down, and its odds of landing in Qui Gon's favor were growing slim. Taking the chance, he carefully lifted his hand, affecting the cube's roll on its last leg. Finally, the cube landed… on the blue side. Qui Gon smiled while Obi-Wan looked on in surprise. Watto however, fumed in disbelief.

"You got lucky," Watto insisted. "That is all. It won't make any difference after the race."

"We shall see," Qui Gon replied as Watto flew off.

"Master" Obi-Wan started to ask.

"I wouldn't do such things if it was not absolutely necessary, Obi-Wan," Qui Gon insisted. "I have Shmi my word I would find a way to free Anakin from his life of servitude."

"So, Anakin is a factor in your plan here," Obi-Wan reasoned. "Do you really think he is what you think he is?"

"The boy is unusually strong in the Force. Even if he isn't what I suspect… he deserves better than this."

"On that, I will agree," Obi-Wan replied as he looked up and saw the others arriving.

Anakin, Pame, and Shmi rode in with Kickster on Eopies that were pulling Anakin's pod inside. As the Eopies knelt to let their passengers off, Watto flew up to Anakin.

"You best watch your friend. He keeps betting, and I'm gonna own him too."

Anakin gave a confused look as Watto flew off and the two Jedi came over.

"What was that all about?" Anakin wondered.

"I'll tell you later," Qui Gon promised.

Qui Gon helped Shmi off her Eopie as R2 regaled 3PO with the events of their adventure up until this point.

"All this space travel seems rather intense," 3PO commented. "How I got into that starship in the first place, I will never know."

-X-

Back with Maul and Aurra Sing, one of Maul's drones finally returned. It stopped in front of him, displaying a hologram of the ship that it had scanned.

"That's the ship I saw in the shop," Aurra confirmed. "That the one you're looking for?"

"Yes," Maul confirmed. "You said they were using it to barter in a race?"

"Yeah. It should be starting soon if you wanna catch them."

Maul paused for a moment, weighing his options. "No… if they are in attendance it will be too crowded. Too public. I will lie in wait for their return. However…" he turned to Aurra. "Should they lose, it would leave them stranded. Making them easier to capture."

He held out a hand to his ship, using the Force to pull out a metal case. He grabbed it, opening it and revealing several credits.

"They are yours if you decrease their chances of victory. By any means necessary, but I wish them alive… for now."

Aurra Sing smiled in response, taking the case. "I'll see what I can do."

"Good. Now go. I need to prepare."

As Aurra went to play her part, Darth Maul retreated back into his ship. Entering into a private chamber, he used the Force to activate a communication device before getting down on one knee. Just as he bowed his head, a hologram activated of a man in a black cloak with a hood covering his eyes.

"Lord Sidious," Maul addressed.

Darth Maul. What have you to report?"

"The intelligence we received was legitimate. The Princess is here on Tatooine… as well as the Jedi," his fist tightened at the mention of the Jedi. "I gave my word to Dooku that I would not slay the Jedi, but…"

"Do what must be done, Lord Maul. The capture of young Amidala is your only priority. If the Jedi get in your way… deal with them. As for Count Dooku… we will deal with him in time."

Maul let out a breath of satisfaction upon hearing that. "Our thousand years of skulking in the shadows are at an end. At last, we will reveal ourselves to the Jedi," he rose his head to face Sidious. "At last, we will have revenge."

"You have been well trained, my young apprentice. They will be no match for you."

-X-

Meanwhile, the Boonta Eve Podrace opening was already underway. All the racers had their pods moved out onto the track in preparation for the start of the race. The stands were jam-packed with attendees, each of them filled with enthusiasm for the upcoming proceedings. Up on the announcer's booth, a two-headed alien called Fodesinbeed stood in a podium overlooking the race.

"Greetings,"the Beed head addressed in Huttese."And welcome to the annual Boonta Eve Classic! The most dangerous of all Podraces."

"A fan favorite for a reason," the Fode head continued in basic. "And with a turnout to match with attendees from all corners of the Outer Rim territories. Even as we speak, the contestants are making their way out onto the starting grid. A lot of fan favorites this year, including the likes of Ben Quadinaros from the Tund system."

"Gasgano in the new Ord Pedrovia"

"Two time winner, Boles Roor."

"And the fan favorite to win, and reigning champion, Sebulba of Pixelito!"

As he started to climb into his pod, Sebulba soaked in the praise and adulation given by the fans.

"And alongside him, a late entry. Young Anakin Skywalker! A local boy."

Anakin looked up from the work on his pod and gave a modest wave to the crowd, much to Sebulba's irritation.

"Let's hope he does better than last time."

"Agreed. I see that the flaggers are making their way out onto the track."

Just as Fode said, several aliens carried flags across the front of the track, each one representing a racer present in the event. 3PO was even out there holding up a flag representing Anakin. Back with his pod, Anakin was making some final modifications to his pod when Shmi came over. Seeing her approach, he set down his tools and hugged her.

"Stay safe out there, Ani," She pleaded.

"Don't worry Mom," Anakin reassured. "They won't even touch me."

Shmi smiled before letting go of Anakin and heading toward the stands. As he watched her go, Sebulba came over to his pod, looking it over in contempt. Feeling a little mischievous, he grabbed part of Anakin's pod and gave it a good pull, breaking it.

"Uh oh," he let out half-heartedly. Before walking over to Anakin."You're not gonna walk away this time, Skywalker. You're dead, slave scum."

"Don't bet on it, slimeball," Anakin countered.

Sebulba grunted before walking away. Anakin just brushed it off as Padme and Qui Gon walked up.

"You all set, Anakin?" Qui Gon asked.

"As I'll ever be," Anakin replied as Qui GOn placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Remember, concentrate on the moment. Don't think, feel. Trust your instincts. They will serve you well."

Anakin nodded in response. "I will."

Qui Gon smiled before stepping away. "May the Force be with you."

Anakin gave another nod as Qui Gon went back to the viewing platform. This left Anakin and Padme alone to talk.

"Well… this is it," Anakin let out.

"Looks like," Padme agreed. "Good luck, Anakin… all our hopes lie with you now."

"I won't let you down, Padme. I promise."

The two shared a brief hug in response. Just as Anakin pulled away though, Padme leaned in and gave him a kiss on the cheek, much to his surprise.

"For luck," she told him before heading back to the viewing platform.

Anakin couldn't help but smile placing a hand on the cheek she kissed before returning to the task at hand. He quickly climbed into his pod and placed his helmet on his head.

"And now,"Beed spoke up."Our most gracious and glorious host, Jabba the Hutt!"

The crowd roared as up on an isolated balcony, a giant slug-like alien everyone recognized as the aforementioned Jabba came out, along with several other slug-like aliens and a few female slaves.

"Welcome!"he proclaimed."Let the race begin!"

With that, the racers all began powering up their pods. All the various pit crew members, ranging from humans to small pit droids, all made their way clear of the track as the racers got ready. One by one, energy beams ignited, connecting the engines of the numerous racing pods. At the same time, Padme and Qui Gon made their way to the viewing platform where Shmi, Obi-Wan, and Jar Jar were waiting for them.

"Is he nervous?" Shmi asked.

"A little," Padme answered. "But I'm sure he'll be alright."

"I know he will," Qui Gon reassured.

"Let us hope so," Obi-Wan responded. "Our entire situation is dependent on him. Should he fail…"

"You recall what I said before about centering on your anxieties? Trust in the Force, my friend. And trust in Anakin."

Obi-Wan took a breath, realizing Qui Gon's point. "You're right, Master."

Qui Gon smiled as the platform rose up, allowing them to get a full view of the entire event. Back out on the field, the engines continued to rev. Computer screens activated, displaying the technical readouts of each racers engines. Power coursed through every pod. The tension as the audience waited for the race to start was palpable. Anakin gripped his controls as he looked ahead toward the track, patiently waiting for the cue to go so he could cut loose and show everyone in attendance what he was capable of. Up in the viewing platform, the others were antsy, waiting for something to happen.

"Ooh, this is gonna get messy," Jar Jar dreaded, covering his eyes with his hands. "I can't look."

"You could've waited on the ship if you wanted, Jar Jar," Obi-Wan reminded.

"Eh…" Jar Jar replied, opening one of his hands. "I didn't like how Captain Panaka was looking at me."

Obi-Wan just shrugged as he went back to waiting for the race to start. Up on his balcony, Jabba bit off the head of a frog and spit it onto a gong. The gong rang out, signaling the start of the race. At that moment, a green light on a bridge overlooking the racers turned on, signaling them to go. All at once, the racers darted forward across the starting line, ready to claim victory in the race ahead… except for Anakin, whose pod stalled out.

"Uh oh," Fode let out. "Looks like young Skywalker's having some technical trouble."

"What?!" Anakin let out. "No!"

The others looked on in confusion and concern, with Shmi clasping her hands in response. Qui Gon wrapped a comforting arm around her as Anakin tried to get his pod working again.

"Come on," he let out, working with the controls. "Come on!"

He continued flipping the ignition switch, hoping to get something going again. Suddenly, after one final attempt, the engines sprung to life, much to his delight.

"Yes!" he cheered, pushing the controls into overdrive.

Anakin then took off as fast as he could, hoping to catch up with the others while there was still a chance to win.