Qui-Gon Jinn sat on a bench outside the Jedi Council chamber,
watching absently out the window. Obi-Wan sat beside him, looking bored. Ships
and airspeeders zipped by the spire like lines of tiny, flying insects. The
sun was down behind the buildings, throwing them into black silhouette against
the brilliant sky.
Right now Anakin Skywalker was inside the chamber, being tested
by the council. Qui-Gon longed to know what was going on in there.
Suddenly the door opened. He all but jumped out of his chair
and walked quickly inside. Obi-Wan followed.
Yoda spoke first. "Finished we are, with our testing. Right
you were."
"The boy has a very high concentration of midichlorians,"
explained Mace Windu.
"The Force is strong with him," added Ki-Adi Mundi.
"He is to be trained then?" asked Qui-Gon. He was sure the
answer would be yes.
There was a strained silence.
"No," said Mace Windu. "He will not be trained."
"No?" Qui-Gon echoed incredulously. "He is the Chosen One!
You must see it!"
Yoda closed his eyes. "Clouded, this boy's future is."
Qui-Gon thought for a moment. "I will train him then. I take
Anakin as my Padawan learner." Out of the corner of his eye he saw Obi-Wan's
startled expression.
"An apprentice you have, Qui-Gon," Yoda reminded. "Impossible
to take a second."
"The Code forbids it," added Mace Windu.
"Obi-Wan is ready," Qui-Gon said.
Obi-Wan immediately stepped forward. "I am ready to face the
trials."
Qui-Gon took a deep breath. "Obi-Wan is headstrong, and he
still has much to learn of the Living Force, but he is capable. There is
little more he can learn from me."
"Our own counsel we will keep on who is ready," said Yoda.
"The boy's fate will be decided later."
"Then he must stay in my custody. He has no where else to
go," said Qui-Gon.
Yoda and Mace Windu exchanged glances.
"I don't think we can let you do that..." began Mace Windu.
"Train him not!" warned Yoda. "Dangerous, it may be!"
"Then let me return to Tattooine for his mother. They can
stay here," said Qui-Gon, stung by their lack of trust.
"Very well," Yoda conceded.
"But return quickly," said Mace Windu. "The Queen will soon
return to Naboo. You must go with her for her protection."
"May the Force be with you," said Yoda.
Qui-Gon bowed and left the room, followed on each side by
Obi-Wan and Anakin.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Can't I go with you?" whined Anakin. He and Qui-Gon stood
on the landing platform of the small ship they would be taking to Tatooine.
"No," Qui-Gon replied gently. "That would defeat the whole
purpose of us going. Just stay here with the Queen, we'll be back soon."
Obi-Wan appeared at the top of the ramp. Qui-Gon glanced at
him, ruffled Anakin's hair, and followed Obi-Wan into the ship.
They sat down in the cockpit, and Obi-Wan took the controls.
Smoothly, the ship lifted off and flew up, out of Coruscant's atmosphere.
Starlines flared in the viewport as they jumped into hyperspace.
Obi-Wan sat still a moment, then got up without a word, and
stalked off somewhere to the back of the ship. Qui-Gon watched him go. Obi-Wan
had said barely two words two him since the council has tested Anakin. Maybe
it was a bad idea to offer to train the boy. But it was done now. Obi-Wan
just needed a little time.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Qui-Gon slipped the loose, gray poncho over his head, his
sole disguise. The brown robe of the Jedi was much too recognizable.
"Should I stay here, Master?" asked Obi-Wan.
"Yes, I shouldn't be long," Qui-Gon replied. "Tatooine is
not really a fun place anyway," he added.
Obi-Wan nodded, and Qui-Gon lowered the ramp. He grabbed a
small pouch of credit chips and hid it in his belt before stepping out into
the boiling heat.
It was a rather long walk to Mos Espa from where they had
landed. Qui-Gon was hot and tired by the time he reached the town. As Qui-Gon
wound his way through the crowded marketplace, he spotted a familiar face.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Far across the street, Shmi started. She stopped uncertainly
in front of a small adobe store. Her heart beat a bit faster as her eyes met
Qui-Gon's over the distance. You came back. I knew you'd come back,
she thought.
Qui-Gon began making his way through the crowd toward her.
She waited by the storefront. Shmi was at a loss for words when he reached
her, so she just looked up at him and smiled. Qui-Gon took her hands.
"I came prepared this time," he said. "And I am here to free
slaves." He smiled slightly.
Shmi's heart leapt. Free.
They walked together to Watto's shop, and Qui-Gon explained
the situation along the way. The council didn't want to train Anakin. He was
too old, too much fear, they said. Of course he's afraid, she thought.
He needs me.
"I will train him myself if I have to," Qui-Gon was saying.
"I don't think the council realizes how important it is."
They stopped in front of Watto's shop. "You're very kind,"
said Shmi. "It would be my greatest wish for Anakin's dream to be fulfilled."
Qui-Gon looked down at her intently. "I know," he said quietly.
He started to go into the shop.
Shmi stopped him. "Watto won't want to listen to you," she
cautioned. "He's still angry about losing the bet."
"I'll be careful," said Qui-Gon. He went inside.
Shmi stood casually outside the door so she could listen to
the conversation without being noticed. The little bell rang, signaling Qui-Gon's
entrance. Shmi heard the flapping of Watto's wings and his familiar Huttese
greeting.
"YOU!" Watto yelled, recognizing his customer. "How dare you
come back to my shop!"
Shmi winced.
"After you robbed me of all my possessions..." Watto continued
his ranting about all his grievances until Qui-Gon stopped him.
"Settle down, my friend. I'm prepared to offer a good price
this time."
That consoled Watto rather quickly. Suddenly he was all business.
"Well, of course," he said smoothly, "We'll find what you need, just tell
me what you're looking for."
"I'm looking for a slave, actually."
Watto paused. There was an uncomfortable silence. Watto shook
it off. "Well, I've got this new Rodian that I got to replace the boy..."
He began describing the Rodian slave's advantages, but Qui-Gon interrupted
him.
"You know which one I want. The boy's mother."
Watto was again silent. "She's not for sale," he barked.
"Not even for this much?" Qui-Gon asked. Shmi heard the plasticky
clicking of credit chips.
"No. She's not for sale."
"This much?" More clicking.
"No."
"This much?"
"No!"
"How about this much?"
"NO! You would have to have a thousand credits before I would
sell her to you." Shmi's eyes widened. A thousand credits! She
couldn't believe Watto was asking that much. He must really be angry at Qui-Gon.
"Really? Well, here you go."
Shmi held her breath, trying to hide her astonishment from
the passers by. She could hardly believe anyone would pay that much for a
slave-- but to Qui-Gon she was not a slave. She was a person.
Watto was silent for a moment. "No."
"Well, how about this much?"
"It's going to have to be a lot more than that."
"I don't have any more," Qui-Gon admitted.
"Then you don't have any slave!" yelled Watto. "Get out of
my shop!"
"I don't think I can leave without a slave," Qui-Gon said
thoughtfully.
"Then buy my Rodian!" Watto said, exasperated.
"No, not a Rodian. I'm very particular about my slaves," Qui-Gon
replied. Shmi tried not to laugh. Qui-Gon was unflappable. "Oh look, I just
found fifty more credits in my pocket," Qui-Gon said with surprise. Shmi
could picture Watto's glare. "Last chance," Qui-Gon said.
"Then will you leave?" asked Watto.
"Of course."
"And not come back?"
"You have my word."
"Deal!" said Watto.
Shmi heard the hand slap and felt a rush of satisfaction.
Free. She could hardly remember a time when she was allowed to do whatever
she wanted. She could go to Anakin. She could live her own life. She wiped
a tear of joy from her face.
Qui-Gon came out of the shop and saw her standing by the
door. She beamed. "I guess I don't need to tell you..." he said.
Impulsively, she hugged him. "Thank you," she whispered.
He smiled. "Let's go. I don't have much time to be here."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Obi-Wan lowered the ramp and came outside when Qui-Gon
and the boy's mother came into view.
Qui-Gon introduced them. "Shmi, this is my apprentice, Obi-Wan
Kenobi. Obi-Wan, this is Shmi Skywalker." They smiled as they shook hands.
Obi-Wan seemed to be in a better mood than when Qui-Gon had left.
"You can put your things in the back," Qui-Gon said to Shmi.
Obi-Wan noticed the quick touch of their hands as she headed toward the ship's
stern. Qui-Gon joined Obi-Wan in the cockpit.
"Master," Obi-Wan said, "I was thinking while you were gone,
and I am sorry for my behavior earlier. I was angry about the boy. But I
am grateful you think I am ready to face the trials."
Qui-Gon smiled. "You've been a good apprentice Obi-Wan. And
you're a much wiser man than I am. I foresee you will become a great Jedi
Knight."
They gripped hands, friends once again. Obi-Wan sat down in
his pilot's chair. "I was also wondering if there isn't another reason you
wanted to free the boy's mother," he said, smiling mischievously.
Qui-Gon arched an eyebrow, but didn't deny it. "She deserves
better than slavery."
Footsteps echoed in the corridor and Shmi entered. Obi-Wan
watched Qui-Gon carefully. Qui-Gon looked at the ceiling. Shmi looked back
and forth between them, then sat down.
"All ready?" Obi-Wan asked nobody in particular. He started
the ship and took off.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
After their return to Coruscant, Obi-Wan walked with Qui-Gon
and Shmi in the Jedi Temple. They were supposed to be showing her around,
but she and Qui-Gon were doing more talking than showing. Obi-Wan trailed
quietly along behind, feeling a bit like a third wheel. He had no doubts now
of Qui-Gon's feelings for her, even if he wouldn't admit it. They had been
inseparable since they had come back from Tattoine.
Lagging farther and farther behind, Obi-Wan stopped to watch
some students training, allowing the other two to continue their conversation
alone. Mace Windu was helping a little boy about Anakin's age with his lightsaber.
As Qui-Gon and Shmi passed, he let the boy try it on his own. The dark skinned
Jedi Master watched them intently. He walked over to stand beside Obi-Wan
without taking his eyes off the couple.
"Who is she?" he asked.
A strange question, Obi-Wan thought. Mace Windu should be
able to infer who she was. "Shmi Skywalker," answered Obi-Wan. "Anakin's mother,"
he added.
Mace was silent for a moment. "I hadn't expected..." he stopped.
Shmi and Qui-Gon left the room, continuing their tour.
Obi-Wan stared at him, puzzled by the way he was acting.
One of the students, a little Twi'lek girl of about seven,
needed help. Mace returned to the children without saying anything more, but
Obi-Wan did see him look up once to stare at the door that Shmi had just
walked through, as if he expected her to return.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Shmi walked beside Qui-Gon in the hallway to Senator Palpatine's
quarters, where Anakin was staying with the Queen and her handmaidens. She
walked more quickly as it came into view, passing Qui-Gon. Through the glass
walls she could see people sitting around, including Anakin and Jar Jar.
The others must have been the Queen's handmaidens. She burst through the
door. Everyone looked up in surprise, except for Anakin.
"Mom!" he cried, jumping out of his chair and into her waiting
arms.
"Heyo!" said Jar Jar.
"Oh Ani," she whispered, hugging him tightly. "I missed you."
"I missed you too, Mom."
Qui-Gon came into the room a moment after Shmi, and stopped
behind her.
"Master Qui-Gon sir! you're back too!" Anakin said happily.
Qui-Gon smiled. Anakin looked around, his grin fading. "Where's Obi-Wan?"
he asked.
Shmi and Qui-Gon exchanged glances.
"He was with us in the Jedi Temple," Qui-Gon said.
"I didn't see him leave," said Shmi. "Maybe he had something
else to do."
Qui-Gon nodded, inwardly embarrassed. He knew why Obi-Wan
had left them. The entrance of Senator Palpatine spared him an awkward moment.
Palpatine bustled in from the adjoining room, apparently on
his way somewhere. He stopped, noticing Shmi. After a short pause, he broke
into a smile.
"Well, hello. I don't believe we've been introduced," He
said.
Shmi stood up and offered her hand. "Shmi Skywalker."
"Oh, of course, I remember now," he said, shaking her hand.
"I am Senator Palpatine."
"Pleased to meet you," she said sincerely.
"Perhaps you would like a tour?" he offered, "There are a
great many things to see here."
"I think Qui-Gon already--" she began.
"Oh, but I bet he didn't show you the senate chamber!" Palpatine
said. "You must see it; it's simply spectacular..." he led her down the hallway
as he began describing the room.
Shmi looked back over her shoulder and shrugged slightly to
Qui-Gon as she retreated down the hallway.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Wasn't it amazing? I told you, there's no bigger meeting
room in the entire galaxy!" exclaimed Palpatine.
"Yes, it was awfully big," Shmi answered.
"A pity it isn't used better," he sighed. "The Republic isn't
what it once was."
"Is it? That is a pity."
"A lot of corrupt people have great influence over it," he
explained. "Sometimes I wonder if I'm any better than the rest."
"No," Shmi said, shaking her head. "I won't believe that.
You're a kind man, I'm sure you're a fine senator."
"You think so?" he began. He was interrupted as Mace Windu
came around a corner in the hallway.
"Shmi Skywalker!" said the Jedi Master. "It is a honor to
finally meet you. I am Mace Windu, Jedi Master."
"I'm glad to meet you too, Master," Shmi replied. "Senator
Palpatine was showing me around just now."
"Oh was he? That's wonderful. Very kind of you, Senator."
Palpatine smiled, happy to be acknowledged.
"But he probably didn't show you the Jedi Council chamber,"
continued Mace. "You shouldn't miss that."
"Oh, but what if they're meeting in there?" Shmi worried.
"I wouldn't want to interrupt."
"They're not meeting right now."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course I'm sure. I'm on the council."
"Oh," Shmi said, turning and shrugging to Palpatine as she
was led away.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"It is beautiful," Shmi said, looking out the windows of
the council chamber. "I'm glad you brought me here."
"I'm happy to help," Mace replied.
"Is this where Anakin was tested?" she asked. "It's a good
place for testing, so peaceful. It's easy to be nervous otherwise."
Mace nodded. "He is very strong in the Force."
"Why isn't he to be trained?"
Mace avoided her gaze. "He is too old. Too much fear and
anger in him already." He glanced at Shmi. Seeing her downcast face, he added,
"But we haven't decided for sure yet. Later he may be allowed to train as
a Padawan with one of the masters."
"Oh I hope so!" Shmi exclaimed.
"So do I," answered Mace. For your sake, he thought.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
As Shmi returned to Palpatine's quarters, she was stopped
at the door by a guard. He must have seen the shocked expression on her face,
because he quickly put her fears to rest.
"I'm sorry, you're not in trouble. I only wanted to meet you.
You must be Shmi Skywalker."
Her face relaxed. "I am. It seems like everyone knows me
around here."
"They probably do. I've heard a lot about you. My name is
Panaka."
"Nice to meet you, Panaka." She shook his hand. "Were these
good things or bad things you've heard about me already?"
"Good. Apparently you made quite an impression on some people."
Shmi looked down, embarrassed.
"So, are you going to stay here by yourself while we go to
Naboo?" he asked.
"Well, I am staying here, but Anakin will be with me, and
Senator Palpatine will be here still, and Mace Windu."
"Oh, I see," he said. "I guess it wouldn't be much fun to
come with us."
"Well, Anakin has to--"
"He could come too. Padme would love for him to come along."
"All right. I'll come along then," Shmi decided.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Shmi climbed the ramp of Queen Amidala's starship, with
Anakin following.
"Can I go to the cockpit, Mom?" Anakin begged as soon as
they were inside.
"Yes, go ahead."
Shmi continued into the ship alone, and almost bumped into
Qui-Gon. She smiled. "Hello."
"Hello," he said. "I didn't think you were coming."
"I wasn't," she answered. "Panaka asked me to go."
"Oh." Qui-Gon paused. "I understand." He nodded coldly and
strode away.
Shmi didn't know what to say. "Qui-Gon..." she said helplessly,
but he continued walking.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Anakin stood on the bridge of the Queen's ship, watching
Ric Olie pilot the ship down towards Naboo's surface.
"Aren't there any ships?" Anakin asked.
"We aren't picking any up on sensors," said Ric.
"There should be," said Obi-Wan. "They need a droid control
ship for their army."
"Maybe they cloaked it," suggested Panaka.
"Be careful," warned Obi-Wan.
Ric guided the ship down towards Naboo. They hugged the treetops
as they searched for a place to land to keep out of view as much as possible.
Finally they landed in a clearing in the forest, the trees hiding the silver
ship perfectly. The Queen sent Jar Jar to the gungan city, and Panaka and
the guards to Theed to determine the situation. The rest of the group waited
in the forest.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"They're here!" Anakin's voice called as he came running
through the trees toward the waiting group.
"Good, they made it," said Queen Amidala.
Several landspeeders buzzed through the trees behind Anakin,
arriving only seconds after him. Captain Panaka jumped out.
"Good news, your Highness!" he said, walking toward them.
"The army is gone. Governor Bibble is in control of the city."
"What?" exclaimed the Queen. Her white painted brow furrowed.
"Where are they?"
"We don't know," replied Panaka. "Bibble says they just got
in their ships and left. I don't think we'll be needing the Gungans help
anymore."
At that moment Jar Jar appeared out of the water, shaking
himself off. "There'sa nobody dere," he began.
"That's all right Jar Jar. We don't need to fight anymore,"
she said. "We will all sleep at home tonight."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
It was dark by the time Shmi returned to her room in the
palace. Some of the Naboo were still celebrating in the streets, and the light
of their glow torches flickered on the buildings like a thousand fireflies.
Faint sounds of music and laughter drifted up to her window on the cool evening
breeze.
Despite the people's cheery festival, Shmi had a sadness in
her heart that night. She hadn't talked to Qui-Gon since they left Coruscant.
She missed his company.
Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the patter of feet
in the hallway. She smiled. Anakin would cheer her up. He burst into the
room.
"Mom!" he shouted excitedly. "Mom! Master Qui-Gon said they
decided to make me a Jedi! Mace Windu is going to be my Master!"
"Oh Ani, that's so wonderful!" she hugged him tight.
"But, I wish--" he said uncertainly. Shmi looked at him encouragingly.
"I wish Qui-Gon could be my master."
"I'm sure he wishes he could be too. But Qui-Gon has an apprentice
already," she said.
"I know," Anakin whined.
"You'll be fine," said Shmi. "Now get to bed. Tomorrow will
be a big day."
"Good night Mom."
"Good night Ani."
He scampered off to his own room, leaving Shmi standing alone
again. Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice a dark figure slip silently
through the window. It walked across the room behind her, coming closer and
closer. It loomed behind her, dark and menacing, its black and red face like
a nightmare in the moonlight. Then, without warning,
It tapped her on the shoulder.
Shmi turned, and seeing the awful face, screamed. The thing
covered her mouth.
"I am not here to hurt you-- this time," it said. "I will
let you speak, as long as you are quiet."
Shmi nodded, terrified. The thing took its hand off her mouth.
Shmi took a few deep breaths, and asked, "Who are you?"
It smiled, showing a mouthful of nasty yellow teeth. It was
not a friendly gesture. "My name is Darth Maul. I have a message for you,
from my master."
"Did you have to scare me like that?" Shmi demanded.
The thing shrugged, grinning again. "It's more fun that way."
Shmi glared at it.
"Here," it reached into its robe and brought out a small holocube.
"Here is the message. You can listen to it now."
Shmi took the holocube and set it on a small table. She glanced
at Darth Maul, who leaned against the wall in the corner of the room, shrouded
in the shadows. It didn't look like it was planning to leave. She pushed
the button on the cube. Another dark figure appeared, hooded and clothed
in black robes.
"Hello Shmi," the holo began. "If you are listening to this
message you have doubtless met my apprentice, Darth Maul. I hope he was kind
to you."
Shmi snorted.
"I am sorry I had to come before you in this form, but I
felt it was necessary for you to believe me. I am not who you think I am."
The dark figure in the holo removed its hood. As the face came into view,
Shmi gasped and staggered backwards.
It was Senator Palpatine.
"Yes, I am Palpatine. But I am also Darth Sidious, a Dark
Lord of the Sith. I am responsible for the blockade and invasion of Naboo,
the inability of the Senate to do anything about it, and countless other
crimes. Why, you ask? Power. I wanted to become Chancellor. Emperor, even."
Shmi's watched in numb amazement.
"I had almost fulfilled my plan when I met you. But you showed
me that being evil isn't always good. Bad things result from it." He paused.
"Like slavery. I knew that I could never gain your favor if I was evil, so
I've decided to mend my ways. From now on I renounce the Sith Order."
Mixed feelings ran through Shmi. She was flattered that she
could inspire this kind of change in a person, but at the same time, she
felt betrayed. She had thought Palpatine was a good person. This was the last
thing in the galaxy that she had expected.
"As you may or may not have heard already, I have been elected
Chancellor of the Senate. It seems ironic that just when I am no longer interested
in my schemes, they come true. But I hope that I can use my new position
to undo the wrong I have done. You are too generous to harbor bitterness
toward me for all this. I pray you will forgive me."
The holo fizzled out to darkness, and silence fell over the
room. Shmi stood for a moment, staring at the inanimate holocube. Darth Maul
moved from his spot in the corner. His lip curled in contempt. "A pity,"
he said. Shmi looked at him apprehensively.
"I take it you haven't reformed too," she said.
He made a noise in his throat. "I tried to make my master
see what foolishness this is, but he wouldn't listen. I fear he is too infatuated
with you to be reasoned with."
He walked toward her, and Shmi backed up a few steps.
"I think there is only one course of action left to take,"
he said, smiling devilishly.
Shmi didn't take her eyes off his hands. She kept backing
up until she hit a wall. Darth Maul's hand moved toward his belt, and Shmi
screamed.
She ran along the wall to the far end of the room, watching
out of the corner of her eye as he ignited his lightsaber, filling the room
with blood red light. He ran after her. Shmi dodged skillfully, running around
the room, staying just out of reach. Maul's face twisted in anger, surprised
at her evasiveness. Still, she couldn't keep this up forever. Her muscles
were getting tired. She would have to get out of here somehow, and get help.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed in the hallway. Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan,
and Captain Panaka ran into the room. Shmi slumped to the floor, closing her
eyes. Safe. Maul backed into his corner, outnumbered.
"What happened?" asked Qui-Gon. He helped her up.
Shmi pointed to the holocube, still sitting on the table.
Obi-Wan pressed the button, and the holo sprang out of its little box. They
watched the whole thing. All was silent for a moment afterwards.
"Impossible!" declared Panaka.
"The dark side is hard to detect," Qui-Gon said, he glanced
at Maul.
The tattooed warrior boiled. "If my Master will not help me,
then I will preserve the Sith by myself!" he announced, and leapt for Obi-Wan,
who was standing between him and the window. Obi-Wan drew his saber in defense,
and Qui-Gon quickly joined the duel. Shmi watched with admiration as he powerfully
fought the young sith.
It seemed the duel had just started when Darth Maul suddenly
dropped to the ground. The two Jedi stared incredulously down at his fallen
body. A blaster hole smoked in his chest. Everyone looked at Panaka, who twirled
his blaster around his finger and shoved it back in its holster. Shmi shot
him a grateful smile. Qui-Gon saw it.
Qui-Gon switched off his lightsaber and walked to the door.
"I've been thinking," he said. "What makes me better than Panaka, who just
saved your life, or Palpatine, who renounced the dark side because of you?
And I think Mace Windu changed his mind about Anakin awful quick. I can't
beat that can I?"
Shmi opened her mouth, but no words came out.
"You choose who you want. I only want you to be happy." Qui-Gon
disappeared out the door.
Obi-Wan and Panaka stared at the closed door. Then they turned
to look at Shmi.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Qui-Gon walked across the dark garden courtyard, his long
strides carrying him quickly over the stone path. A fountain bubbled in the
center where all the paths converged. He paused there, trying to remember
which way led back to his room.
"Qui-Gon!" Shmi's voice echoed across the courtyard. She
ran along the path to him. Qui-Gon turned and looked at her as she caught
up to him, but didn't say anything.
"Qui-Gon," she said again. "I don't--" she paused, trying
to find words. "You said you wanted me to be happy."
"Yes," he replied, turning to leave.
"Wait," She put a hand on his arm. "What if-- what if I would
be happiest with you?"
Qui-Gon didn't move for a second. Then he turned around, a
smile on his face. Shmi slipped her arms around him and hugged him joyfully,
until Qui-Gon tilted her face up and kissed her.
The End
Oh my jeezy cow, is that really the end? What the heck
kind of ending is this? What kind of twisted, sadistic author would leave
you hanging like that? I guess you'll have to wait three years until I write
a sequel. Muahahahaha!!!! Just kidding. For the sanity and enjoyment of readers
like you, the following scene has been added. It takes place quite a few
years after this story.
Shmi leaned on the metal railing on the balcony outside
her home, looking out at the last glow of the sunset quickly fading behind
the skyline. Sunsets were so much prettier now, thanks to Chancellor Palpatine's
efforts to clean up Coruscant's pollution. It smelled better too.
She heard footsteps behind her on the balcony, and her husband
leaned on the balustrade by her side.
"Are the kids asleep?" she asked.
"Yes," he answered.
"Good." She snuggled closer to him and leaned her head on
his shoulder.
"Mace and Anakin left for the Outer Rim today," Qui-Gon said.
"They're going to help with the negotiations with the Hutts. Tattoine will
soon be part of the Republic, I think."
"And the slaves will be free. He always said he would come
back and free them one day." She sighed. "It seems like he's always gone
though. I'm glad you're on the Council now. You don't have to leave so much."
He smiled. "Don't worry, when Anakin gets back he'll be here
for a while. He's going to stay with Amidala until the twins are born."
"She'll be missed in the Senate," said Shmi. "I bet she'll
be elected Chancellor after Palpatine."
"I wouldn't be surprised," Qui-Gon agreed.
"Is Obi-Wan taking a padawan yet?" she asked.
"Yes, he was in the Temple yesterday watching the students."
"Did he like any of them?"
Qui-Gon nodded. "He still hasn't decided though."
"He's has a nice break lately hasn't he?"
"Yes, for once there are more Jedi than we need for missions.
It's pretty tranquil in the galaxy, so we can afford a vacation every so often."
"Chancellor Palpatine has sure done a good job keeping the
peace," Shmi said.
"It's almost like there's balance in the Force," Qui-Gon said.
Shmi looked up at him. "You think Anakin is responsible for
all this?"
"Well, the prophecy says..." he trailed off, thinking. What
had Anakin done to make anything better? Qui-Gon thought hard. He
couldn't think of anything. Well, if not Anakin, who? Chancellor Palpatine
seemed to be at least partially accountable, but he couldn't be the Chosen
One. He had been a Sith Lord before--
A thought struck Qui-Gon. No way, that's impossible,
he thought. Nevertheless, the pieces began to fall together. He looked
at his wife with a shocked expression on his face.
Shmi winked. "Things aren't always as they seem." She kissed
him on the cheek. "Good night."