I woke up to the sound of the early birds singing their morning songs. I rolled over on to my back and that’s when I heard a small moan, which was coming from next to me.
“ Morning, Anakin.” I said ,as Anakin pulled me close to him, but rolled me over, so that way, I was facing him.
“ Morning, Padme.” He said ,with a smile on his face.
“ I hate to say this, but we need to get going and get back to the house, before someone gets up and notices that we are not there.” I said, snuggling up to him even more.
“ I know. There are times that I just wish I could sleep in some, and I just want to tell everybody that I’m in love.” Anakin said, as he looked straight into my eyes.
“ Oh really? Who is it that you are in love with?” I asked, knowing what he is going to say, but I still wanted to hear it for myself.
“ The one and only person that I love is you, Padme. I love you so very much. You are the only one for me.” He said, as he looked at me, hoping that I loved him too. “ That’s what I have wanted to hear for a long time. I love you too, Anakin and only you.” I said, before leaning up as he lowered his head and we began kissing each other.
He rolled us over, so that way, he was on top of me. I could feel him getting hard, and then he lowered his head and started kissing me again.
“ Um… Anakin, we really do need to be going, before someone wakes up and see us coming back into the house.” I said, as I moved my head away from his kisses.
“ Damn, Padme. Why do you have to ruin my fun? You are right though. We do need to get back, because we both know that Obi-Wan will give a lecture about not being here, and may let you off this time around.” He said, as he got up, holding out his hand to help me up, before he had adjust himself in his pants.
He reached down, picked up his robe and put it on, so that way, he could cover up his hard on. We left the small house and walked back to the main house. Using the Force, I opened the back door. I was praying that no one was up yet.
“ Good morning, you two.” My grandmother said, as she turned our way and had raised her eyebrows, because she knew that we were out all night long.
“ Um… Good morning, Grandma.” I said, stopping in mid-step and looked straight at her.
“ Am not going to say anything about this, but you both better get cleaned up before breakfast.” Grandma said, as she smiled and nodded towards the refreshers.
We both nodded to her and then went our separate ways to the two different refreshers. I went further down the hallway and went into the downstairs refresher, while Anakin went upstairs to refresher up there. Twenty minutes later, I came into the dinning room. I saw everyone who was in the room turn and look my way. “ Morning, everybody.” I said, but I heard a voice coming into my head.
“ We will talk later, young lady.” The voice said.
I turned to the person and I saw Obi-Wan looking straight at me. That’s when I knew from the look on his face, that he knows about mine and Anakin’s secret. I sat down at the table and started putting the food onto my plate. I was just pouring my milk, when Anakin came walking into the room.
“ Morning.” Anakin said, as he sat down next to me.
“ Obi-Wan knows about our secret.” was all I said to Anakin, in his head.
“ Oh Shit!” he said back to in my head.
“ Yeah, I know.” I said.
“ We are giving you another ship. Obi-Wan here, told me that Lily’s family has asked him, if you could destroy the ship.” My father said, as he took a sip of his juice.
“ That sounds great. I can’t wait to get all this stuff behind me. The sooner the better.” I said, picking up my glass of milk and taking a sip from it.
“ We will get the ship after breakfast and then you can be on your way to wherever you need to go, on your mission.” My father said, as he started eating his breakfast.
“ You’re leaving us, Paddy?” Han asked, as he put his milk down on the table and I saw that he had a milk mustache.
“ Am afraid so, Han. We have a very important mission to do, before heading back to the Temple on Coruscant.” I said, looking at him.
“ Oh, but you will come back and visit us later?” he asked, as he started to pout at me.
“ We’ll see. I’ll try to get away from the Temple and come and see you, ok?” I said, as I looked over to Obi-Wan. “ Ok. Well, I guess that will have to do for now.” He said, giving me a small smile.
We ate the rest of our breakfast, with my grandmother telling us that the spring fling celebration was going to happen over the weekend. She was going to enter in the pie baking contest.
“ Oh, man. I wish I could be here. Grandma’s pies are awesome. She gets first prize most of the time, that’s how great they are.” I said, as I finished my breakfast.
“ Oh man, that does sound great. I would love to have a taste test of a pie.” Anakin said, as he looked at my grandmother, and gave her a smile.
“ Well, guess what? You happen to be very much in luck. I have a spare pie, so that way, you can take it with you, Anakin.” Grandma said, as there was a sound of a bell ringing.
“ That sounds great. What was that?” Anakin asked.
“ That’s Logan. He is in bed. He got worse last night, and I called the doctor and he will be here later this morning.” Grandma said, getting up and headed upstairs, as she could take care of my brother.
“ Well, I’ll go, get the ship and get it ready for you to talk off this morning.” My father said, as he got up and left the house.
“ I need to get to the shop.” Grandpa said, as he too left the table.
“ Boy, Paddy, what did you do to make everybody to leave the room? Oh, crap. Am late. Bye and love ya, sis.” Han said, as he got up, came around the table and gave me a hug and kiss goodbye, before grabbing his books and headed out the door for school.
“ I really can’t believe you two. So, how long has this been going on?” Obi-Wan asked, as he looked from Anakin and me.
“ It’s only been going on for four days now.” Anakin said, but he stopped talking, just as my grandmother came back into the room.
“ I see. Well, we will finish the conversation on the way to our next destination.” Obi-Wan said, as he got up and followed my grandmother with his plate and cup.
“ Great. You know, I do wish he would let us be ourselves. No, we have to follow the Code and live like monks.” Anakin said, as he finished his tea and started gathering up his dirty dishes.
“ You know, the Jedi here can do whatever we want to, but the only thing we can’t do, is kill someone in total anger. That is something that we both agree on.” I said, also getting my dishes too and we headed for the kitchen.
“ You know, someone needs to tell the council that. They are such dull butts, and they have no fun, whatsoever.” Anakin said, as we went back into the dining room.
We helped my grandma in the kitchen ,until my father came back to the house.
“ Well, the ship is ready and Obi-Wan is already there. I hope that you have a very safe trip. I love you, baby girl.” My father said, as he came up to me and gave me a hug and kiss goodbye.
“ Ok. I hope to see you soon. I love you too, Daddy.” I said, hugging him back.
“ Well, I better join Dad in the shop. It was nice meeting you, Anakin. Take care of my baby girl for me.” He said, as he shook Anakin’s hand.
“ It was nice meeting you too, sir. Believe me, I will take great care of her.” Anakin said, before my father left the house for the shop.
“ You keep safe and remember what I told you. It’s nice to meet you, Anakin and whatever you do, don’t let them hold you down. If they do you know that you both are together, you are always welcome here. Oh, and here you go. Anakin.” Grandma said, as she let go of both mine and Anakin’s hands, so that way, she could get a pie for us. She handed me the pie, after I gave her a hug goodbye.
Anakin and I got into the speeder and we headed to landing platform. We got on board and I made my way to the cockpit, after putting the pie in the cooling compartment. Sitting down in the pilot’s chair and Anakin took the co-pilot’s chair, we lifted off the platform and headed for our next stop: Tatooine.
“ Well, you two. What do you have to say for yourselves? You both know that you are breaking the Code, and this time, I don’t think Masters Yoda and Windu will be so lenient on you guys.” Obi-Wan said, after we went into hyper-space.
“ Obi-Wan, we are in love and I don’t think that’s so wrong.” Anakin said, know that it was wrong of him to say that.
“ Oh, boy. Yes, it’s very wrong to be in love, because we are not allowed to have any kind of attachments.” Obi-Wan said, as he was trying to explain why we should not be together.
“ But aren't we already breaking a rule of the Code and isn’t it, Masters Yoda and Windu, who are also helping us break this rule of the Code?” I said, turning around and looking straight at Obi-Wan.
“ True. It is them who are also breaking the Code.” Obi-Wan said, as he sat back in the chair and started stroking his beard.
“ So, why should they be upset about Anakin and I? Have you ever been in love with someone, Master?” I asked, as I watched Obi-Wan, and saw him look down and he even stopped stroking his beard,
“ Yes, I have twice and the one I truly loved was a Jedi. Due to our duties to the Jedi Order, we called off our relationship, because we didn’t want to be expelled from the Order. We stopped seeing each other, and the last time we saw each other was the very last time. She was killed by a bounty hunter.” Obi-Wan said, as I saw the hurt and sadness come across his face.
“ I’m so sorry to hear that.” I said, as I took a hold of his hands.
“ We were on a mission. Me, her and Anakin. Well, Anakin and I were the only ones to come back alive. She died in Anakin’s arms.” Obi-Wan said, as he looked over to Anakin and he saw him gave him this surprised look.
“ I didn’t know that you loved her. I also thought that you had no feelings towards her. I’m so sorry.” Anakin said, as he looked at Obi-Wan.
“ Yes, I loved her very much. From that day forward, I promised myself never to fall in love again.” Obi-Wan said, and I noticed that his eyes were welling up with tears.
“ Am sorry to hear about her death, but don’t you have those sexual needs that everybody has?” I asked, wondering if he really doesn’t’ have sex.
“ Gee, thanks, Padme. Yes, I do get those feelings and yes, there are a few women that I go and see. It’s ok for us to relieve our sexual needs, just as long we don’t get romantically involved.” Obi-Wan said, as I could tell that he was getting a little embarrassed about talking about his sex life.
“ Um… ok. Well, then, I’m glad to know that you are not a monk after all. Going back to the Jedi Code, we are breaking a Code. There is no, and I repeat no Jedi Master that is allowed two Padawans at the same time, but yet here we are. You have Anakin and me as both your Padawans, and it was the council that put us together.” I said, looking straight at him and he knew that what I was saying was correct.
“ Yes, you are correct about all that. Like I said before, I have been wondering why they are breaking the Code.” Obi-Wan said, as he sat back and started with his beard again.
“ Did your grandmother say that there are Jedi on Corellia that are married and even have children?” Anakin asked, as he looked straight at me. ,p> “ True, we do have some Jedi on Corellia. Yes, they are married and they even take their children as Padawans. The Jedi Council recognizes them as part of the Jedi Order. You know, I was part of that group too, until my Master thought it would be good for me to see how the other Jedi live. We came to the Temple and I was there only for a month, before Anakin showed up at the Temple.” I said, looking over to Anakin and smiled at him.
“ Did you know that Padme was the only one who didn’t stare, laugh or move away from me, when I walked down the hallways of the Temple? She also was the only one who would talk to me? I guess from that moment on, since I met her, I knew that she was the one; even at the age of nine.” Anakin said, as he reached over and took a hold of my hand.
“ Ok, you guys. I can tell that there is something between you two. For now, your secret is safe with me, but just be very careful, ok?” Obi-Wan said, as he put his hand on top of mine and Anakin’s.
“ Yes, Master. Oh, Obi-Wan, can you do me a huge favor, please?” I asked, as we all sat back in our seats.
“ Sure, what is it?” Obi-Wan asked.
“ Well, I don’t want people to know my real name, so when we are with other Jedi, could you please call me, Paddy? When we are like this, you can call me Padme.” I said, getting up from my seat.
“ Sure, I’ll do that for you.” Obi-Wan said.
“ Thanks. Well, I’m going to lay down of a little bit, so I’ll see you both later.” I said, before leaving the cockpit.
I walked through the ship and saw the three rooms, plus the refresher. Going into the largest quarters of the three, I shut the door and walked over to the bed. Sitting down on the bed, I leaned over and started taking off my boots, before laying down and falling asleep. Four hours later, I was woken up and went over to the data pad that was on the small desk and opened it up. Taking out the chip that I had in my pocket, I slipped the chip into the pad and began looking at the list that Master Windu gave me.
“ Damn, the Hutts. Why does it have to be the Hutts?” I said to myself.
The problem was, not only did I have to deal with one, but I have to deal with two of them. One was on Tatooine and the other one was on Nal-Hutta.
“ Well, I guess it’s time to let Jabba know that we are coming.” I said, getting up and headed for the cockpit.
“ That was quick nap.” Anakin said, as I stepped into the cockpit.
“ I couldn’t sleep. There were too many voices running through my head. Ok, up and out of my seat, Anakin.” I said, shooing him out of the pilot’s chair.
Obi-Wan got out of the co-pilot’s chair, so that way, Anakin could sit back down in the chair.
“ What are you doing?” Anakin asked, as he watched me getting the ship out of hyper-space.
“ Well, for starters, we are going to see the people, who are on the list that Master Windu made for us.” I said, as the Navi-computer cut off and we dropped out of hyper-space.
“ Ok and who is on our list?” Obi-Wan asked.
“ Jabba the Hutt.” Was all I said.
“ You have to be kidding me? You know what he could do to us?” Anakin said his eyes almost bugged out of his head, at the mention of the Hutt’s name.
“ I do know that we have been neutral friends with the Hutts. I’m going to call him up and ask if we can see him.” I said, as I looked at Anakin and smiled at him.
“ Ok, but do you need a ….” He started to say.
“ What do you want?” the Twi’lek majordomo said in Huttese.
“ I would like to have an interview with Jabba.” I said also in Huttese.
“ And why do you want to talk to him for?” Bib Fortuna asked me.
“ Let’s just say, it involves a Jedi named Lily. He will know what it is about.” I said, not telling him why I want to talk to Jabba.
“ Tell me and I’ll let Jabba know.” He said, giving me his devilish grin.
“ Sorry but I’m not playing your games. What I have is for Jabba only, so go and tell him that I want to talk to him. I will give you an hour.” I said, before shutting off the communications with him.
“ What the hell? You can speak Huttese?” Anakin said in total surprise.
“ Yes, I know Huttese and about five other languages too. Well, on Corellia you have to speak Huttese, because we deal with them on the planet.” I said, just as the com-link buzzed.
“ Oh, My Lady, its so great to see you again.” Jabba said, as he came up on the holo screen.
“ It’s good to see you too, Jabba. The reason for me calling, is to ask for an audience with you” I asked.
“ Yes, I will grant you an audience. I also can see that you have two people with you.” Jabba said, as he noticed Anakin and Obi-Wan sitting in the cockpit with me.
“ Yes, they are with me. Thank you for letting us see you on short notice.We will be landing there in about two hours from now.” I said, looking at the Navi-computer’s time.
“ I will be heading to the track, because today is the Boonta Eve Classic Pod-race. We can talk after the races, or you can join me there.” Jabba said.
“ Ok, that sounds good. We can join you at the races, then. First, we need to go and talk to someone before the race, so we’ll see you later then.” I said.
“ Yes, you can see the person and then see you and your friends at the race.” Jabba said, as the commutation ended.
“ Oh, great We get to see a Pod-race.” Obi-Wan said, as I hit the switches to get us back into hyper-space.
“ Anakin is still the only human to race in the Pod-race and even win.” I said ,as I sat back, just as the stars in front of us blurred, as we went back into hyper-space.
“ I thought Pod-racing was illegal?” Obi-Wan said, as we sat down in the lounge area.
“ They are, but on the planets that are controlled by the Hutts, they still have them.” I said.
“ There has to be a way to this type of sport.” Obi-Wan said, as he went over to the Caf machine and got himself a drink.
“ Wish it could be that easy, but it’s not.” I said, getting up and also getting a cup of tea.
“ There is one thing I wish they can outlaw: slavery, but that won’t ever happen either.” Anakin said, as he had a little bit of sadness in his voice.
“ I have a feeling that won’t happen in our lifetime. The only way to end slavery, is to make the Hutts get regular jobs. They give up their gangster life all together.” I said, sitting down on the couch next to Anakin.
“ I wonder how my Mom is? Do you think we can stop by Watto’s Junk Shop and see her?” Anakin said, as he got up and got him something to drink too.
“ That was what I had in mind, Anakin. Did I tell Jabba that I needed to go and see someone, before going to the Arena? We are going to see Watto and then head to the Pod-race. We will talk to Jabba and then see your mother.” I said, taking Anakin’s hand and giving him a smile.
“ Ok, that sounds good. I just hope that she is still doing fine and that Watto is treating her right.” Anakin said, sitting back down.
“ It’s been ten years, since you have seen her?” Obi-Wan said, as he took a sip of his drink.
“ Yes, it’s been that long. I still miss her very much.” Anakin said, looking a little sad.
“ Man, I really can't believe that the council wouldn’t let you see her some, you know?” I said, looking at Obi-Wan.
“ They believe that there shouldn’t be any attachments to anyone or anything.” Obi-Wan said.
“ You know what? For a moment there, it sounded like you are starting to think that some of the stuff that the council believes in, are somewhat wrong.” I said, as I know what I asked him was correct.
“ I do have to admit that some things just don’t sound right. Well, I think I’m going to lay down for awhile. You think the two of you can behave yourselves?” Obi-Wan said, with a laugh.
“ Yes, Master.” Anakin and I said together.
“ I think am going to lay down too.” Anakin said, as he got up and followed Obi-Wan to the sleeping quarters.
“ Well, I guess I’ll be meditating.” I said, as I got up, went back into the cockpit, sat down and started to meditate.
Two hours later, I was brought out of my meditation by a beeping sound. Opening my eyes, just as Anakin came into the cockpit. He took his seat in the co-pilot’s seat.
“ We are now entering Tatooine’s space.” I said, bring us out of hyper-space.
“ Great.” Anakin said, as he hit a couple of buttons on his side of the cockpit.
“ I take it, we are now near Tatooine?” Obi-Wan said, as we came out of the hyper-space.
“ We are now entering Tatooine’s space. We should be landing in about 10 to 15 minutes. This is FG264 requesting to land.” I said, as I turned on the commiseration link to the flight control of Mos Espa.
“ This is Mos Espa Flight control. FG264 what is your cargo?” the flight control asked.
“ My cargo is only passengers.” I said, as I looked at Anakin and rolled my eyes.
“ Roger, FG264. You are clear to land at docking bay 64. Welcome to Mos Espa.” The flight control said.
“ Roger, docking bay 64. Thank you and hope you have a great day.” I said, which caused both Anakin and Obi-wan to snicker.
“ Thank you and you too.” The controller said, sounding surprised.
I cut off the commutation with the flight controller and continued to fly towards their destination on Tatooine.
Five minutes later, we entered the atmosphere and flew over the city of Mos Espa, until we came up to the building that held docking bay 64.
I slowly landed the ship into the bay area. Once on the ground, I started shutting off the engine and powering down everything, before getting up out of the pilot’s chair and heading out of the cockpit.
“ Ok, you two. It’s time for us to get going.” Obi-Wan said, as he came up behind us and tapping Anakin on the shoulder.
Anakin moaned, as he pulled away from me, opened up the hatch door and the ramp came down.
As we headed down the ramp of the ship, a short and stocky human came out of the office that was across from the ramp.
“ Welcome to docking bay 64. Am Jocko and if there is anything that you need, just let me know. I’ll see if I can get it for you.’ The human said, as he came over to us.
“ Thank you, but right now, the only thing that we need is a rickshaw.” Anakin said, as he watched me shut and lock the ship’s hatch.
“ As you wish, sir. Please follow me.” The dock worker said, as he left the room and headed out of the building.
We walked up to the upper level of the docking bay, through a small room that opened up to the outside and to city streets.
Opening up the door, the very hot air of the desert planet came rushing into the room.
“ Well, this is one thing that I never missed about this place.” Anakin said, as we walked out into the early morning sun and the hot air of the early morning traffic of the city streets.
“ The rickshaw is here. Anakin, do you have the address to this place that we are going to?” Obi-Wan asked, as the rickshaw pulled up beside us.
We climbed on board the rickshaw, but it was very tight, with the three of us sitting there. Anakin put me on his right leg, which made some room for us.
“ To Watto’s Junk Shop.” Anakin said, to the ES-PSA droid, as he gave the address to the place that we need to go to.
I held on tight to the side of the rickshaw, as the droid took off from the bay. It charged along the city streets, expertly zigging and zagging around the morning traffic. Every once in a while, it would blast a shrilling sound ,when someone didn’t get out of our way.
I turned a little bit, so that way, I could see Anakin. I could see that he was having problem about seeing his former master. He said that he is ok aboutit, but I could sense and even read all the emotions that were running through his head.
“ You know, Watto did treat me and my mom better than most slavers. He really didn’t beat too often, like a few friends of mine. Their masters did beat them all time, over the very smallest thing.” Anakin said, as he was remembered some of the times here on Tatooine.
“The good thing is, that you got out of the slavery. That is what your Mom wanted for you.” I said, reaching up and stoking his cheek. Then, he leaned his head down and kissed me.
“ Thank you, Padme. You always seem to know what to say, to make me feel better about myself. You even seem to calm me down, when I get very upset.” Anakin said, as the rickshaw slowed down and came up to the shop.
“Ok, you two. We are here at the shop.” Obi-Wan said, as he saw the Toydarian sitting outside of the shop.
Obi-Wan stepped out of the rickshaw, as it stopped just in front of the shop. Anakin helped me up, before getting out of the rickshaw. Once he was standing next to the rickshaw, he lifted up his hand and helped me out of the rickshaw.
We walked over to the small table that had parts scattered parts all over it. Obi-Wan was acting like he was looking through the junk, while Anakin went over to the Toydarian and stood next to the table, seeing something on it that needed to be fixed.
He also saw that the Toydarian was fiddling with an electronic driver, on a broken piece of equipment. It looked like a droid component.
“No, chuba da wanga, do wanga!” Watto yelled at the broken component, and at the trio of pit droids, who were scrambling all about, as they were trying to help.
“ What did he say?” asked Obi-Wan, as Anakin went over to the smaller table that was in front of the Toydarian and looked around, before he picked up some kind of electronic component.
“He said no, not that one, that one.” I said, as I was watching Anakin very closely.
“Chut, Chut Watto.” Anakin said, as he came closer to his former master.
“Anakin said, excuse me, Watto.” I said, as I continue to translate for Obi-Wan.
“ Key Bode?” Watto said, in total surprisement.
“ What?” I continue to translate the Huttese.
“ He seems a little surprised to see Anakin.” Obi-Wan saidm with a little laugh.
“ True. He does seem that way.” I said.
“ Dimava, Chut Chut.” Anakin said, as his words were barely audible about the loud pit droids.
“ Anakin just told him, "I said excuse me".” I said, as I watched Anakin looking down, at a couple of things on the table.
“ To ana bopa!” Watto yelled at the droids and they immediately shut down and snapped back into their storage position.
“ Let me guess, he told them to shut down.” Obi-Wan said, as he watched the droids.
“ Yes, you are correct, Master.” I said, with a laugh.
“ Ding mi chasa bopa.” Anakin said, as he offered to help the Toydarian, by taking the piece of the broken droid. He started expertly manipulating the piece.
Watto was just watching him for a moment, then both Obi-Wan and I watched the Toydarian’s eyes begin to get large, in surprise, as he just sat there and watched Anakin fix the droid.
“ Oh, sorry. Anakin told Watto "Let me help you with that".” I told Obi-Wan, as I was standing there and watching Watto.
“ Ke Bood? Yo boan pee bota. No wega mi condorta. Kin Chasa du Jedi. No bata tu tu.” Watto said.
“ He said," What? I don’t know you … what can I do for you? You look like a Jedi. Whatever it is… I didn’t do it."” I said to Obi-Wan, who somewhat laughed at the last part.
“ Anakin, it seems he doesn’t know or even remember you.” I said in Anakin’s head.
“ Yeah, I know.” He answered back in my head.
“ Mi boska di Shmi Skywalker?” Anakin finally asked bluntly.
I saw Watto’s eyes narrow suspiciously at the mention of Shmi Skywalker.
“ Anakin just told him, "I’m looking for Shmi Skywalker". From the look on his face, he just realized it’s Anakin that is standing right in front of him.” I said, as Watto looked over to me then back to Anakin.
“ Annie? Little Annie? Naah!” Watto said, as he realized that it was true, his ex-slave was standing right in front of him.
Anakin’s way to answer him was a twist of his hands, and the sound of the little piece of equipment whirred to life. Smiling widely, Anakin handed the part back to Watto. Anyone who knew Watto’s ex-slave, would know Anakin. He was the only one who could work such magic on the broken droid parts.
“ You are Annie. It is you! Ya sure have sprouted and Paddy, you too!” He said, as his wings started beating furiously, which lifted him right off the stool that he had been sitting on and he hovered in the air.
“ Hello, Watto. It’s been a while.” Anakin said.
“ Weehoo! A Jedi! Waddy a know? Hey, maybe you couldda help wit some dead beats, who owe me a lot of money….” He was telling us, before Anakin interrupted him.
“ My mother, Watto!” Anakin demanded, as he looked straight in the Toydarian’s eyes.
“ Oh yeah, Shmi. Well, she’s not mine no more. I sold her.” Watto said, as he broke eye contact with Anakin.
“ Sold her!” Anakin said, as I came up to him and put my hand on his forearm and giving it a gentle squeeze. I could feel that he was getting angry with the Toydarian.
“ Years ago. Sorry, Annie, but you know, business is business. I sold her to a moisture farmer, who’s name I believe, is Lars. The last I heard, he freed and married her. Can you beat that?” Watto said, with a little laugh.
“ Do you know where they are?” Anakin asked, as he was trying very hard to digest all what Watto was telling him.
“ A long way from here. I believe it was someplace over on the other side of Mos Eisley.” Watto said, as he stroked his scruffy chin.
“ Well, could you narrow it down some? There are lot of deserts between here and there.” Anakin asked, as he could tell that Watto was thinking really hard.
,p> “ I’d like to know now, Watto!” Anakin said, as his tone and expression grim and was very close to being threatening. The way I saw Watto’s features tighten up, that’s when he got the hint that Anakin wasn’t fooling around.
“ Well, let’s go look at my records and see if we can find an address of the moisture farmer.” Watto said to us, before he led us inside the shop.
“ I haven’t been in here for a long time.” I said, looking around the clutter room.
“ Your uncle and cousin was just here two days ago. You are Jedi too. Oh and who is this?” Watto said, as he went over to the cabinet that held some of his records, and turned to look at Obi-Wan.
“ Cool. Maybe, I’ll stop by their place, while I’m here on Tatooine. Oh, this is mine and Anakin’s Jedi Master or teacher.” I said, as I went over to Anakin and started helping him look through a couple of boxes that were next to the door of the back room.
Twenty minutes later, of looking around, I was looking through the last box that was sitting on the floor.
“ Found it! The Farmer’s name is Cliegg Lars and the farm is located at the Great Chott Salt Flat, in the Jundland Wastes. I know where that is.” I said, picking up the records on what Lars bought and the address of the homestead was on it.
“ Great work. Now, we need to get going, because we do have other things to do, before we head over to the moisture farm.” Obi-Wan said, as he looked at the clock that was hanging on the wall.
Anakin shut the lid on the box and got up from the floor that he been sitting on, before helping me up off the floor.
“ Thanks again, Watto.” I said, as I watched Anakin head straight out the door, without even saying another word to Watto.
“ You can stay and help with the dead beats, Nessie?” Watto said to me, as I was heading for the door.
“ Sorry, can’t. Have a great day, Watto!” I said, before walking out of the shop.
“ Ready, My Lady?” Anakin said, as he held out his hand to me and helped me onto the rickshaw.
“ To the Mos Espa Grand Arena.” Anakin said to the droid, as he got into the rickshaw. Once in the seat, he pulled me onto his lap, just as the droid hurried off and rolled through the traffic on the street.
Twenty minutes later, we made it to the arena. Like before, we got out of the rickshaw. Anakin grabbed my hand and led us through the waves of people, who were making their way into the arena and their seats. As for us, we had to go to the ticket window, to get our tickets. Which we found out that Jabba had gotten us some great seats up on the circular lifts.
When we finally got into the arena, I led the guys to where we would be sitting. They were right on the track. They have to pass us to get into their pit boxes.
We go in the circular lift, before Anakin pushed the button that makes the lift go into the air.
“ So, what’s going on out on the field?” Obi-Wan asked, as there was a sound of horns blearing, to let the crowd know that the Ceremony was about to start.
“ It’s an event called the ceremony. What it is basically, is a parade of flags bearers.They each carry the racer’s distinctive emblem and they also line up, just before the starting grid. Once the bearers clear the grid, then the Pod-racers would start their engines.” I explained.
“ What is the first part of the race?” Obi-Wan asked, as he just saw numbers on the viewer that we had in front of us.
“ Well, it starts here and then it goes into what’s called the Starlit Flats, that’s the easy part of the course. It’s here, in this stretch of desert, that the racers will jockeyed for a strong starting positions.” Anakin said, as he was telling Obi-Wan the first part of the race.
“ Then, the racers all need to line up single file, before entering the curving canyon that cuts through the Waldo Flats. That is one of the first tricky parts of the course.” I said, as we heard the count down for the race to start.
“ Then, from the Waldo Flats, it opens up into the mushroom mesa; which is a rocky expanse, dominated by immense bulbous rock formations.” Anakin said, as he turned on the viewer that was on the railing in front of us.
“ The fun part is called the Metta Drop, which is a huge sudden escarpment drop. The racers go right into the Ebe Crater Valley, where the racers have to navigate opening (the notch) to enter Beggar’s Canyon.” Anakin said, as he smiled, as he remembered how he really liked that part of the race.
“ From there, the racers will continue through the length of the desert plains, which is abutting the Dune Sea.” I said, as we watched the racers come to the first part of the race.
“ Dune Sea has one of the most hazardous areas. One called the Arch Canyon, which forces the pilots to maneuver through the stone wickets, before entering another series of Canyons, which includes three dangerous places: the Whip, Jag Crag Gorge and the subterranean Laguna Cave. From there, you will be emerging from the caves. The racers have to careen through the tight Canyon Dune Turn, which to make matters worse for the racers, it is also known to be the campsite of the vengeful Sand People or we also call them Tuskin Raiders.” Anakin said, as we watch a race lose one of his engines.
“ If the racers survive the pot shots from the Sand People, they now have to dodge the rocky obstacles in Bindy Bend, before entering the last stretch of the Canyon, which includes the Coil, Jett’s Chute and the Corkscrew.” I said, as the racers were coming up to the craters.
We stood there and watched, as one of the racers fell right into one of the craters.
“ Oh, my. Well, anyway, leaving the Corkscrew via the Devil’s Doorknob, the pilots emerged onto the Hutts Flats, which is a broad featureless expanse that leads right back here.” Anakin said, as we watched one of the racers get hit from one of the Sand People. The engine started smoking, but he did manage to clear the camp, before quitting and causing the racer to come to a sliding halt on the desert floor.
Three minutes later, the leader of the race crossed the finish line, before it started its second lap of the race.
There was two more crashes of Pod-racers, before the race came to an end.
We did meet up with Jabba after the race. Of course, he was surround by some members of his court, but also of the other beings, who owed him money and they were paying him their lost of their bets.
He did tell us to meet him at his palace, in two hours.So, with time to kill, we took another rickshaw back to Mos Espa.
Once we arrived back into the city, we got out of the rickshaw and walked through the city. Anakin wanted to show us some spots that he used to go to, when he was a child. One of the places that we stopped at, was a small Market area. Not only can you get your food, like veggies, but your meats there too, but it had a little sitting area, with a couple of table and chairs, so that way, you can eat your food.
So, we came away from one of the tables that had different kinds of meats and cheeses. I looked over to one of the tables and saw a small group of people. One of the girls sitting at the table kept watching me, and I could feel dislike coming from her and it was towards me.
Anakin stopped and looked at the small group. Then, a smile came across his face, before he walked over to the small table and group of people.
“ Kitster?” Anakin said, as we came up to the small group.
“ Yeah and who wants to….” Kitster said, as he stopped talking to one of the girls that was sitting next to him.
“ Come on, Kitster. Don’t tell me that you don’t know your best friend.” Anakin said, as the other guy looked at Anakin and then a huge smile came across the guy’s face.
“ Oh my, Anakin… Is it really you?” Kitster said, as he got from his chair and came up to Anakin and gave him a hug.
“ Anakin, hey. So, what are you doing here?” one of the girls asked him.
“ Hey, Amee. I’m doing pretty good. I’m here on business.” He said, as the girl named Amee got up from her seat and also gave Anakin a hug.
“ Hey, Anakin. Oh, wow. You’re a Jedi now and who have we here?” this red head guy said.
“ Hello, Seek. This is Paddy, and Paddy, these are some friends of mine: Wald, Amee, Melee, Seek and my best friend, Kitster. This is Obi-Wan, who is my Jedi Master.” Anakin said, as he pulled me to him and still had an arm around me, as he introduced me to the small group.
“ Hello, it’s nice to meet all of you guys.” I said, as I could feel and read that someone had jealousy towards me, because Anakin was holding me close to him.
“ So, what have you been doing this morning?” Kitster asked.
“ We were at the Pod-races.” Anakin said.
“ And no one recognized you? Um… I remember you from one of the races. I sat next to you and couple of other people.” Amee said, as she looked straight at me.
“ No one recognized him, and yeah I remember you too. I used to see the races when am here with my grandparents. I used to watch Anakin race; that was the only reason why I even went to the races in the first place. I guess you can say that, I had a crush on Anakin.” I said, as Anakin pulled me closer to him and was hugging me.
That’s when I felt some hatred coming from one of the girls sitting at the table. I followed through the Force and found out who was sending the death looks… It was Melee.
“ Paddy, is that you?” I heard my name being called out behind me.
“ Rolla, hey. What are you doing here?” I said, as my cousin came up to me and gave me a hug.
“ Hey. Am here to pick up a couple of parts and you?” Rolla said, as he looked at Anakin and noticed that he still had his arm around me.
“ Anakin, Obi-Wan and I are here for business, which we need to get going, because we have a couple things to do. Oh, Rolla, this is Obi-Wan and this is Anakin. Guys, this is my cousin, Rolla.” I said, as I introduced the guys to my cousin.
“ It’s good to meet you. Well, I need to get going too. You need to come over and have dinner with us sometime.” Rolla said, before he walked away from us.
“ We too need to go.It’s really nice meeting all of you.” Obi-Wan said, as he looked at us, to remind us that we still had to go and head out to Jabba’s Palace.
“ It was great to see you guys again. Next time, I’ll spend a little more time with you guys.” Anakin said, as we left the groups, headed back to the ship and over to Jabba’s Palace.
I flew the ship over the desert, until we came up to the North Dune Sea.
We looked up at one of the bluffs that over looks the desert and saw a building that is Jabba’s Palace.
“ Well guys, here we are. Jabba’s Palace.” I said, as I landed the ship, just outside the palace door.
“ Yeah, that’s it. Well, lets get this done.” Obi-Wan said, as he got up from his seat.
“ Um… shouldn’t one of us stay behind and watch over the ship, just in case the Sand People or the Jawas come snooping around?” Anakin said, looking at both me and Obi-Wan.
“ You don’t have to worry. If someone does come close to the ship, there is an alarm that will go off, or do you really want to stay here?” I said, looking at Anakin and saw that he was very hesitant about leaving the ship. I guess it has something to do with that he didn’t like that his first Master was a Hutt and she treated him badly.
Everybody who lives on here Tatooine knows that this really isn’t a place that you want to be at, if you could help it. Only the scum of scum come here, and if you piss off Jabba, well, lets just say, that you will not make it out of the palace alive.
“ Ok, I’m going with you guys.” Anakin said, as he stood up from the chair.
“ Great. So, lets do this, and get it over, so that way, we can leave here. I really don’t want to be caught out here after dark.” I said, as I walked out of the cockpit.
The three of us walked out of the ship and like before, I shut and locked up the ship, before setting the alarm on it.
We walked up to the small path that led up to the Palace door.
“ You know, it’s really hard to believe that this place is a Monastery too.” I said, as we stopped at the door and I started knocking on the huge metal door.
“ What do you want!” a small door opened up and this eyeball looking thing came out and started demanding what we wanted in Huttese.
“ We have an audience with Jabba.” I said, not letting my fear come into my voice.
Without a word, the small door shut and then the big metal doors began to open up.
We walked in and stood in the opening of the entrance of the palace. There to meet us was Bib Fortuna.
“ Welcome, My Lady. Master Jabba is in his private chambers. Please follow me.” Bib Fortuna said in Huttese.
“ Thank you, Bib.’ I said, as we followed the Twi’lek up a couple of steps, before going down a small hallway.
We stopped at a door and Bib Fortuna knocked on the door.
“ Who is it!” we heard Jabba calling out.
“ It’s the Jedi, Master.” Bib Fortuna said, with a shaky voice.
“ Come in.’ Jabba said.
The door opened up and the three of us walked into the room.
I noticed that the room was very moist, almost the kind of atmosphere of Nal-Hutta. I could almost feel sweat bead up on my skin.
“ My Lady. It’s so good to see you. I hope that you and your friends enjoyed the races this morning?” Jabba asked.
“ Yes, your grace, we did. The reason why we are here, is that am looking for Lily Milloadary.” I said, only telling him the half truth about Lily.
“ I see. Well, I too am wondering where she is. She was to deliver some things to me.” Jabba said.
“ I see. Was she to deliver some Spice to you?” I asked.
“ Why, yes. How do you know that? If she don’t show up soon, she will have a very huge bounty on her head.” Jabba said, as he was getting a little upset.
“ Well, I hate to be the barrier of bad news, but she will not be delivering your Spice to you.That bounty would be useless also, because she was killed. All her cargo was taken by the person who killed her.” I said, and I could feel Jabba’s temper cool down some.
“ Oh no. She bring me two cases of Glitterstim Spice, and now you tell me that it’s all gone?” Jabba said to me, with a worried look on his face.
“ Yes, your grace. It’s all gone, but we are willing to pay for the price of the Spice.” Obi-Wan said, as he looked over to me and I nodded.
“ Master Kenobi here, said that we will be willing to pay for the price of the Spice that was lost.” I translated what for Obi-Wan.
“ I see. I paid 27,300 credits and one barrel of alcohol too, which was another 1,000 credit. So, all together that would be 28,300 credits.” Jabba said, as he looked at Obi-Wan.
“ Oh wow. Jabba said the whole total of the delivery was worth 28,300 credits. Um… you think the council will agree to that amount?” I said, to Obi-Wan and saw him swallow very hard, when he heard the price.
“ Wow, that is a lot of credits. I will just have to convince the council that we have to pay him that much or we may lose his alliances and the Hutts too.” Obi-Wan said, as he started rubbing his chin.
“ Master Kenobi, told me that we will pay for the delivery, because your friendship and trust in the Jedi mean a lot to us.” I said, bowing my head to him and showing that we will do as he asks of us.
“ That is great to hear, that the mighty Jedi are under my control. Hahaha.” Jabba said, with a laugh.
I just stood there listening to that evil laugh and I could tell from Anakin’s stance, that he was holding in his anger towards the ugly slug. Of course that laugh, just sent chills down my spin.
“ Of course, Your Grace. We are at your service.” I said, trying not to gag with each word.
“ We have a deal. You have two weeks and if I don’t get the money by the last day of the two weeks, I will put a bounty on all your heads.” Jabba said, as he glared at all of us.
“ Jabba just gave us two weeks to get the money to him. If we fail to deliver the money to him, he will put a very huge bounty on our heads.” I said, to Obi-Wan, who just nodded.
“ I will have to contact Masters Yoda and Windu and let them know what’s going on and see what they have to say about that.” Obi-Wan said, almost looking nervous about the deal that we are making with the Hutt.
“ Um… Your Grace. Master Obi-Wan here, said that he will contact the Jedi Council and let them know what is going on. They can start getting the money together and can be delivered to you.” I said, as I translated somewhat of what Obi-Wan said to me.
“ And tell him that we will bring it to him personally.” Obi-Wan said, with a bow of his head.
“ Fine. You all can leave now.” Jabba said, as he dismissed us from his personal chambers.
We bowed our heads, before turning around walking out the door, where we found Bib Fortuna waiting for us.
We followed Bib Fortuna down the steps and to the entrance of the palace. We shielded our eyes, as we stepped outside the doors into the brightness of the suns.
“ Well, that was interesting. How are we going to get that kind of money, Master?” Anakin asked, as we headed down the path to where the ship was still sitting at.
“ Yes, that was. I’m not sure, but we will just have to beg and plead with Masters and Yoda and Windu. I’m sure that they will get the money.” Obi-Wan said, as I unlocked the ship and the ramp came down.
We boarded the ship and I started up the engines of the ship, while Anakin and Obi-Wan found their seats and buckled in.
“ Yes, that was interesting. We now know that she was to be here four days ago, with two cases of Glitterstim and one barrel of alcohol. We have two weeks to come up with over 28,000 credits.” I said, as the ship was lifting off the ground. I turned it towards the Great Chott Salt Flat, in the Jundland Wastes.
“ That stuff is very expensive. I just hope that the council will agree to pay that high price that he wants for the crates and barrel.” Anakin said, as he turned in the Co-pilot’s seat.
“ Me too, me too.” Obi-Wan said, as he was hoping that he didn’t get us all in trouble.
The rest of the flight was in total silence. Mostly, we were in total thought on how we were going to get out of all this alive.
We soon passed over the race grounds, in which, we just saw the races earlier in the day.
I flew us straight over the desert, and headed straight for the city of Mos Eisley. When I saw the port coming into view, I veered towards the north and crossed past it, before I lifted higher in the sky.
We were twenty miles out of town, when the first moisture farm came into view. About another twenty miles away, a second farm came into view, and thirty miles away, the last farm came into view. If you follow the flight course, you would see that the farms were almost in a direct line from the city.
“ That’s the one, just below that bluff.” I said, as I started to lower the ship and hitting our thrusters, as we began to land on the ground.
I landed the ship on the bluff, that overlooked the small homestead that covered the desert floor.
“ I can’t believe it. I’m really going to see my Mom again.” Anakin said, as I started shutting down the engines of the ship.
I reached over, put my hand on his arm and gave it a gentle squeeze, as I gave him a comforting smile.
“ You know, we are breaking a Code, because Anakin isn’t supposde to feel any attachment towards his mother.” Obi-Wan said, as he looked through the window and saw the homestead below us.
“ Well, sorry. I can’t get over those feelings, Master… You don’t know what it’s like to leave your mother like I did.” Anakin said, as he glared at Obi-Wan.
“ You’re right, Anakin. I don’t know what it’s like, and I’m sorry for what I said.” Obi-Wan said, as he was trying to understand what Anakin was feeling.
“ Well, before we go down there, we need to contact Masters Yoda and Windu, and tell them about the money that we have to give to Jabba.” I said, turning towards Obi-Wan.
“ Ok, fine. Hit the communication link, please.” Obi-Wan said, as he watched me lean over and hit the com-link and Master Windu showed up.
“ Hello, guys. How are things going?” Master Windu asked.
“ Well, everything was going great, until Master Obi-Wan here, made a deal with Jabba the Hutt.” Anakin said, as he glared back at Obi-Wan.
“ I see and what kind of deal did you make with Hutt, Master Kenobi?” Master Windu asked, as he turned his attention to Obi-Wan.
“ Well, sir, he let us know that Lily was four days late in her delivery to his Palace. He was about to put a huge bounty on her head, and he was very surprised to learn that she was dead, and that all of her cargo was missing. Now, he wants his money back for the lost cargo. It’s 28,300 credits and we have two weeks to give it him or he would put a huge bounty on our heads.” Obi-Wan said, as we watched Master Windu sit back and rested his chin into his hands.
“ I see. Well, then, I guess Master Yoda and I better get the credits ready. When we have all of it, we will let you know.” Master Windu said, as he nodded to Obi-Wan.
“ Thank you, Master. Next stop will be Nal-Hutta. I believe that we will be paying off another Hutt, but we’ll let you know after our meeting.” I said, letting him know that I have seen the list and who was on it.
“ Ok, that’s fine. Just let me know how much.I hope that everything goes well with the next Hutt. May the Force Be With You.” Master Windu said, before ending the communication.
“ Well, that was easy enough. Well, I think it’s time.” Anakin said, as he got up and walked out of the cockpit.
“Let’s go and be there for him. I know that’s hard for you at times, but as for me, I’m there for him no matter what.” I said, getting up and following Anakin out of the cockpit.
“ You guys know that the door won’t open up by itself.” Obi-Wan said, as he came into the lounge and patting Anakin on the shoulder, before giving it a small squeeze to let him know that he's there for Anakin.
“ Obi-Wan leave him alone. This is a huge thing for him and if he needs a little time to gather up his emotions, then he needs time.” I said, coming up to Anakin and I wrapped my arms around him.
“ Thanks, Padme. You always make me feel better about myself, and that’s why I love you.” Anakin said, putting his arms around me and pulling me closer to him. Right in front of Obi-Wan, Anakin began kissing me.
“ Um… Anakin, we do need to stop and go down to the house and see if your mother is still here, before it gets dark.I love you too.” I said, as I pulled away from him and smiled up at him.
“ Yes, you’re right. I can do this.” Anakin said, as he let go of me and opened up the hatch. The ramp went down, then we all started to head out of the ship.
“ You know, you could be a little more supportive of him, mostly while we are here.That’s all am asking of you, Master.” I said, before following Anakin down the ramp.
“ Wow, she has spunk.” Obi-Wan smiled, as he followed us down the ramp and into the hot air of Tatooine.
“ Padme, you’re right. Anakin, I’m sorry.” Obi-Wan said, as he gave Anakin a brotherly hug.
“ Um… ok. What is he talking about Padme?” Anakin asked, turning my way.
“ All I told him was that he needed to be a little more supportive of you, that’s all.” I said, looking at both men and smiling at them. I could feel that at this moment, I just gained Obi-Wan’s respect.
“ I just learned one thing at this very moment. Masters Windu and Yoda were correct, in putting the three of us together. Padme, here is the one thing that I have learned from you: you are the one who will keep us together, as a family unit and to show us that we are a person who has feelings and we also need to respect the feelings of each other. Also, to keep Anakin here in line too.” Obi-Wan said, with a huge smile and we had a group hug.
“ Thanks, Obi-Wan. That really means a lot to me. Ok. We need to start heading down to the homestead and get inside, before it gets dark.” I said, as I noticed that one of the suns was starting to sink lower in the horizon.
“ She’s right. Now, lets get going.” Anakin said, before heading down the bluff and walked towards the homestead.
“ Lets go.” I said, as I followed Anakin.
I caught up with him and he took a hold of my hand and held it, as we got closer to the buildings.
The first form that we saw, as we got closer to the homestead was a very thin droid.It was dull gray in color, with weather beaten metal coverings, which made it look like it was a need of an oil bath.
It looked like he was working on some sort of fence sensor, as we came up to him.
“ Oh, hello there. How might I be of service. I am See…” the droid started to say, as he rose with a slow and jerky motion.
“ Threepio?” Anakin said, as he could hardly believed his eyes.
“ Oh my! Oh my maker! Master Anakin! I knew you would return! I knew you would and this must be Miss Padme!” Threepio said, as he turned from Anakin to me.
“ Hello, Threepio.” I said back to him, and very surprised that he remember me.
“ Oh, my circuits. I’m so pleased to see you both.” The droid said very happily.
“ What does he mean by that?” Obi-Wan asked, as he looked at me.
“ I’ll explain to you both later.” I said.
“ I’ve come to see my mother.” Anakin said, as Threepio turned back to him.
“ I see. Please come. We need to get inside now.” He said, as he started heading for the indoors.
By the time we caught up to Threepio, he was already inside the courtyard.
“ Master Cliegg! Master Owen! Might I present three important visitors!” Threepio called out.
The first people to come out into the courtyard was a young man and woman.
“ Hello ,I’m…” Anakin started to say, but was interrupted by a voice that he missed for the past ten years.
“ Ani…Ani! Oh my, Ani!” an older woman came walking out of the building, with an elder man beside her.
“ Mom!” Anakin said, as he ran to his mother and swept her off her feet and held her to him.
“ Oh, Anakin. You have grown up. I missed you so much, and I’ve worried so much about you too. When I called the Temple to see how you were doing, no-one would tell me. Oh, sorry. I want you to meet your new family.” Shmi said, as Anakin let her go and she turned to the small group that was now standing behind her.
“ Hi, I’m Anakin Skywalker.” Anakin said, as he introduced himself.
“ Oh, my. Anakin, the Jedi.” The younger woman whispered breathlessly to the younger guy that stood next to her.
“ Yes, and Shmi here, is my mother.” Anakin said, as he put his arm around his mother.
“ Well, she’s mine too. Ok, not my real mom, but as real a mother as I’ve ever known. Oh, I’m Owen Lars and this is my girlfriend Beru Whitesun.” Owen said, as he came up to Anakin and shook his hand.
“ Hello.” Beru said, as she came over and shook our hands.
“ This is my husband, Cliegg Lars. This is my son, Anakin. Oh my, Padme?” Shmi said, as she realized that I was standing next to Anakin.
“ Hello, Anakin. Its finally great to meet you. Your mother here has told us a lot about you.” Cliegg said, coming up to us and shook Anakin’s hand.
“ Hello…ma’am. Its great to see you again too. I’m Padme and this is mine and Anakin’s Jedi Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi.” I said, as I introduced everyone to Obi-Wan.
“ It’s good to meet you, Master Kenobi. I thank you for looking after my son for me. Well, we better get inside and eat dinner. Have you eaten yet? If not, I hope that you guys are hungry.” Shmi said, just as we heard an animal howl off in the distance.
“ I’m hungry.” Anakin said, as he nodded to his mother.
We went inside the building and the guys headed towards the living area, while me, Shmi and Beru went into the kitchen and started finishing up with dinner.
I was in the middle of cooking the meat, when a voice came into my head.
“ Is dinner ready yet? I’m hungry.” Anakin whined in my head.
“ Not yet and quit your whining, Anakin Skywalker!” I called out loud to Anakin.
“ I didn’t hear Anakin say anything” Beru said, as she looked at me, in total shock.
“ I know you didn’t hear him. Anakin and I can communicate telepathically.” I said, as Shmi started to laugh.
“ I’m glad to see that someone else can put him in his place at times. He would whine about when dinner was ready, when he was younger. I too had to get on to him about the whining.” Shmi said, as she remembered Anakin when he was younger.
“ Hey, you guys can stop talking about me. Mom, what’s to drink? Hey, baby. What’s that you are cooking?” Anakin asked, as he came into the kitchen, came up behind me and wrapped his arms around me, before resting his chin on my shoulder.
“ Well, we have milk and tea.” Shmi said, as she saw me and Anakin being cozy with each other.
“ I’m trying to cook the meat. Now, would you please go away, so I can finish this up?” I said, slightly turning my head.
Before letting me go, Anakin leaned his head forward and started kissing me.
“ Ok, you two.” Obi-Wan said, as he came into the kitchen.
“ Ass hole.” Anakin said in my head, as he let go of me and stepped way.
All I could do was laugh and everyone in the kitchen was watching us. I looked over to Obi-Wan, but instead of seeing a stern look, I was very surprised to see him just shaking his head and even smiling.
“ Milk would be good for now.” Anakin said, as his Mom grabbed a glass and poured the milk for him.
“ Dinner will be ready in about ten minutes. So, everybody get washed up, and that goes for you too, Master Jedi.” Shmi said to Anakin, as she gave him a playful swat on the butt with a towel.
“ Oww, Mom that hurt. Ok, fine.” Anakin whined, as he put the glass down and went over to the sink and washed his hands.
Ten minutes later, the guys came into the dining area and sat down at the table. Me, Beru and Shmi brought out the food and drinks, and sat them down on the table.
Once we had all the food and drinks on the table, we joined the guys at the table.
“ So Padme, have you seen your grandparents lately?” Shmi asked, as she poured herself a glass of blue milk.
“ Yes, ma’am. We were just at their place, before coming here.” I said, as I poured myself some tea.
“ How are they? They were such nice people. I really missed your grandmother’s pies.” Shmi said, as Anakin somewhat choked on his milk.
“ You mean to tell me that the pies that I used to eat came from your grandmother? Wait a minute. I remember you used to come into the shop with your grandfather.” Anakin said, before turning my way.
“ Yes, that was me and I was the one who brought your mother the pies. Sorry that I made you forget about me.” I said, as I saw a surprised look on his face, as he realized that I used a Jedi mind trick on him, as to make him forget about me, until it was time for him to remember me.
“ You used a mind trick on me. I’m going to get you for that.” He said, as he poked me in my side, which caused me to laugh.
“ Anakin, stop!” I begged, as we stopped laughing, but we looked at each other and we felt the love that was growing between us.
“ I didn’t know that you two really knew each other, before coming to the Temple” Obi-Wan said, as he looked at the both of us.
“ Yeah, we knew each other growing up. You remember me telling you that my grandmother is from here? Well, anyway, my grandparents would come to Tatooine, when it was winter on Corellia.” I said, as we began passing the platter of meat around the table.
“ Really? So, who was the person that we met this morning?” Obi-Wan asked, as he tried to remember the person who we saw today.
“ Oh, that was my cousin, Rolla. His father was my grandmother’s brother’s son. They have a place that is between Anchorhead and Mos Eisley. My grandfather would come to Mos Espa to get parts for things around the manor. The place that he would go to was Watto’s Junk Shop, because he knew he could get things there that you couldn’t get anywhere else on Tatooine. That's how we met, and it was on a rare rainy day that Shmi came to the shop to give Anakin his lunch. She saw me sitting there, waiting for my grandfather to finish looking for stuff to fix the stuff around the manor. She gave me one of the sandwiches that she had made.” I said, as I started eating the potato.
“ That was the first time that we met. This is good.” Anakin said, as he bit into the meat.
“ Thank you. Yes, that was the first time that we met.” Shmi said, as she began to eat her dinner.
While we ate our dinner, Owen and Beru told us that they were finishing up schooling and after they graduated from school, they were going to get married. Cliegg told us what his farm does, and Shmi would grow veggies and take them to Mos Eisley and sell them to a couple of restaurants and in the market.
After dinner, the guys went back into the family room, while me, Beru and Shmi cleaned up the dishes, before joining the men in the living area.
“ Padme, does your family still own their business?” Shmi asked, as she sat down in the chair, next to Cliegg.
“ Yes, ma’am. They still own the shipping business that they did, when they were here on Tatooine.” I said, sitting down on the couch between Obi-Wan and Anakin.
“ I’m sorry to hear about the death of Master Qui-Gon Jinn. He was a good man. So, what brings you here to Tatooine?” Shmi asked ,as she watched the three of us, as Anakin and I looked over at Obi-Wan, who just nodded the ok to tell them.
“ My Jedi Master, Lily died and we are investigating her death.It led us here to Jabba the Hutt.” I said, as I watched Shmi’s eyes get really big.
“ You deal with that slug?” Shmi said and I could hear a little anger in her voice.
“ Yes, ma’am. There are times we have too, because as Jedi, we have to deal with all kinds of people and creatures. We treat them like equals and we can’t judge them.” Obi-Wan said, as he looked around the room.
“ Well, that just proves what kind of people you Jedi are. I wouldn’t give them the time of day.” Cliegg said.
“ If someone is in need of help, that’s what I do. I help them with whatever their problem is.” Anakin said.
“ So, how long are you here for?” Shmi asked, as I could read that she really wanted Anakin to stay the weekend with them.
“ We are here for only the night, and I think I’ll be heading out to my quarters on the ship.” I said, getting up.
“ We do have a spare room. It has one large bed and twin size be. I wouldn’t go outside now, it’s way to dangerous. The Sand People roam the desert at night, but the chose is yours.If you do go out, then go together. It would be a little safer that way.” Cliegg said, as he looked at the three of us.
“ Can we talk about for a moment?” Obi-Wan asked, as he looked at both me and Anakin.
“ Sure, you can use the garage. It’s right through those doors.” Cliegg said, as he nodded towards the door that was next to us.
We nodded and headed out to the garage.
“ So what do you guys think?” Obi-Wan asked, as Anakin shut the door.
‘ I believe we should take the room, because they are right about it being way too dangerous out there. If the Tuskin Raiders don’t kill you, then some other kind of creature will.” I said, as I could feel a little sadness coming from Anakin.
“ Obi-Wan, I have a small request. I would like to spend the weekend with my new family and get to know them, just a little bit, before we leave here.” Anakin said, as he looked at Obi-Wan and he had the begging look in his eyes.
“ You know what? It’s only for the weekend and we do need a little break for a couple of days. Plus his mother was hoping he could stay too, and it’s only fair, because we did stay a couple of days with mine. I think we should stay too.” I said, looking straight at him.
“ Ok ,we will stay for the weekend. You’re right and it would do Anakin good to spend time and get to know his new family.” Obi-Wan said, as he nodded to Anakin and gave him a smile.
“ Thank you, Master. This means a lot to me and even to my mother.” Anakin said, as he came over to Obi-Wan and hugged him.
“ You’re welcome, Anakin. Now, go tell your mother that we will take the room.” Obi-Wan said, before we walked back into the room.
“ Oh, before you give us your answer about the room, I was hoping that you three will join us this weekend?” Shmi asked, as she took a sip of her tea.
“ We would love to take you up on that invitation on the room, for the whole weekend.” Obi-Wan said, as he gave Shmi a smile.
“ That is so wonderful. Well, the,n please follow me to your room.” Shmi sai,d as she started to head out of the room.
“ You know, Anakin, you have made your mother very happy. So, thank you.” Cliegg said, before we walked out of the room and followed Shmi down the hallway to the spare room.
“ Well, here we are. It’s not much, but the beds are very comfy.” Shmi said, as we walked into the room.
“ It doesn’t matter about the room, just as long the bed is comfy.” Anakin said, as went over to the big bed and sat down on it.
“ Padme, I hope that you don’t mind sharing a room with these two?” Shmi said, giving a sorry look.
“ It’s ok. We all share a room back at the Temple, so I’m used to it.” I said, smiling at her.
“ Well, then, goodnight. I hope that you all sleep well. Welcome home, Ani. I love you.” Shmi said, as she gave her son a motherly hug and kiss.
“ Thanks, Mom. I love you too.” Anakin said, as he returned her hug and kissed her on the cheek.
Shmi bid us goodnight again, before walking out the door and shutting it behind her.
“ Ok, here is the deal. You two can have the large bed, but you two better just sleep in it and that’s all. Do I make myself clear? I will tell the council about your relationship and you both will pay dearly. Do you understand me?” Obi-Wan said, as he gave us a very stern look and we both knew that he meant business too.
“ Yes, Master, we understand. We promise nothing will happen in the bed.” Anakin said, as he looked at Obi-Wan, before taking my hand and squeezing it.
“ Yeah, Master. We both promise nothing will happen.” I said, letting go of Anakin’s hand and went to my side of the bed.
Sitting down on the bed, taking off my boots, I climbed into the bed. Obi-Wan and Anakin both followed my lead and took off their boots too, before laying down on the beds.
Anakin used the Force and turned off the lights, before turning towards me and pulling me into his arms. I looked up to him, before he leaned his head down and gave me a kiss goodnight.
“ Night, Padme. I love you.” He said, before closing his eyes and falling asleep.
“ Good nigh,t Ani. I love you too.” I said, before closing my eyes.
“ Good night, Padme. Goodnight, Anakin.” Obi-Wan said, before closing his eyes.
“ Good night, Master.” Both Anakin and I said night to Obi-Wan, before falling into a peaceful sleep.