...for the very first time. When did this movie come out again? I am late, is there still room on this bandwagon? Anyway more thought vomiting on this movie...
Sith Pattern: I do appreciate that Palpatine is old, rich, white male fascist. Dooku is old, rich, white male fascist. Anakin shakes things up a bit by starting out young and poor but he’ll get there and has the rest down. Meanwhile our heroes are Padme Amidala, Mace Windu, Yoda, Bail, etc. Would have loved for George Lucas’ original casting of Obi Wan to have gone through! This does make Mirror!verses and morality flip AU's very weird because the Galaxy is being saved from aliens by three white guys? Unfortunate implications aside I can suspend a lot of disbelief about laser-swords and magic IN SPACE but I gotta draw the line somewhere.
Anakin’s attachment: Is well-shown here with convenient comparison to Cleigg – her husband and her son, the two who should love Shmi the most. At her funeral Cleigg is all ‘you’re in a better place. Thank you for the time we had,’ vs Anakin’s ‘I wasn’t strong enough to save you, I won’t fail again’ and ‘I miss you’. Exact opposites. Cleigg was entirely focused on Shmi while Anakin was focused on himself.
Also Anakin’s focus kinda screwed up Obi Wan’s mission when he wasted precious moments FINDING Anakin to get his galactically-important message through.
Mace Windu Not Killing Dooku: Shatterpoint, along with some fanfics, has Mace beating himself up for not ending the war by killing Dooku but my man you’re too hard on yourself! You only killed Jango when he decided to fuck around and find out with you in the death arena. Dooku did not fuck around and find out so your only chance would’ve been to throw away all your Jedi morals and stab him in the back! Thus risking becoming Darth Tyrannus 2.0 and screwing the galaxy.
Jango why did you fuck around and find out? I get Mace held a laser sword to your throat and you had a working jetpack going into the arena…but that arena is No Man’s Land. Even if Galidraan was canon you could’ve stayed back and taken pot shots.
The scene with Boba giving one last keldabe kiss to his father’s helmet is heartbreaking! Ouch!!!
Padme: So I kinda get being willing to confess her terrible taste in men on Space Fantasy Death Row. She doesn’t want to live a lie and is straight up expecting to die so what does it matter if she confesses? And then she does live so consequence time! Still feels like she’s ignoring the genocide – or George Lucas is ignoring the obvious implications. Genocide does work for foreshadowing Jedi genocide and Nazi comparisons (boy howdy does it!!!). But murdering every single member of an entire tribe down to the babes in arms doesn’t work for ‘Anakin doesn’t Fall here, he just dips his toe in the Dark’.
Padme otherwise doesn’t seem too terribly out of character throughout. She stands her ground against Anakin and where she does give in – rescuing Shmi – or chooses to go after Obi Wan? Well both did do her immensely big favors it’d be weirder if she brushed them off. Plus, rescuing both comes with additional benefits – no assassin will look for her on Tattooine (it worked before) and Obi Wan’s rescue could offer the opportunity to discuss peace with the Separatists before war happened.
And it did – in the cut scene :P
Dual with Dooku: So Anakin did put his duty first when Padme fell in the (barren, sans enemies) sand with an ally but damn if his attachment to her wasn’t still affecting him. The hot-headed idiotic attack was the worst possible timing! Why does everyone beat Mace up (including the man himself) for not killing Dooku but give Anakin a pass when he had every chance of ending the war Right There if he’d been able to keep his head on straight for two minutes.
The End: As with the first movie, we end with Mace and Yoda clearly knowing what the Sith are doing, though they're split with Mace believing Dooku while Yoda thinks its a trick. And I think they’re both right because I read somewhere Dooku and Palpatine were hoping to sow doubt between the Jedi and the Senate but also was telling the truth – from a certain point of view. Anyway, they aren't oblivious. Yoda straight up says the Shroud of the Dark Side has Fallen.
The last scene really drives that home! How the beginning of the war is the beginning of the Empire. The war kills the Republic and this is repeatedly smacked into our brains with the imagery of Palpatine standing at the head of everyone else, the most powerful Supreme Chancellor ever as the army of white-clad troopers marches out into the galaxy below him. The Destroyers lift off. The Empire’s freaking theme music plays.
Overall the movie had its high points and stinkers but that was a damn fine end!
Summary: Daughter to a man lost in his own misery, you were sent to the Naberrie home to be raised alongside Padme and Sola. With an uncanny sense of other’s emotions: You thought for a long time you were to be a servant to her family, with many nightmares of what a life might be like as a menial worker for a noble house. The reality couldn’t be further from your darkest dreams.
Word Count: 4,633
Fandom: Star Wars
Pairing: Padme Amidala x Chubby!Fem!Reader
Trigger Warnings for this chapter: Slavery, Freedom from Slavery, Watto being a drunken bastard of a Slave Master.
The First Bonus Chapter!!!! The Freedom of Shmi Skywalker. Takes place roughly 2 years after the Battle of Naboo.
Taglist: @anakinswhore @a-dorin
Between the restoration projects, organizing farm labor and trades, ensuring shipments of supplies were guarded, and your queen’s good health. You were run ragged with management issues and diplomatic meetings with Padme. Every evening you two would wash up in the refresher, get into the plainest nightgowns, and collapse on the large plush bed. Ignoring the shear drapes catching in your feet, the sheets underneath your body’s. Naboo nights ever got too cold, but in the mourning, you would wake and find each other in a mess of tangled limbs, hair, and sheets.
For the last year this has been your daily life. Intermittent between some newfangled mess to fix in the Senate legislation or bills regarding your home world. The stray spy or reporter trying to break into the palace. There was the one day with the gualamas running rampant in the new year’s parade. No one was seriously injured thankfully, it did however encourage Padme to personally attend their training sessions, which were delightful to watch. Considering how well she road them and spoiled them with treats: it was a wonder why the herd even went wild in the first place.
But that was a while ago. You had kept in contact with Talin, who on your behalf turned in credits for Shmi Skywalker’s freedom. Giving her a Holo message every time on what was happening in the world. What you knew was happening in the Jedi Temple. And what little messages you received about her son.
Anakin: from what Obiwan shared with you over what few comms you received. Was advancing through the lessons with a natural precoalition. While not allowed a saber yet, he was advancing through force lessons when they were practically applied. His reading however was slow going. Since he didn’t have much reading material aside from factory manuals and mechanic pads, it was difficult for him to read for hours on the history of the Jedi without fidgeting. For the most part he enjoyed everything he was learning. And would be advancing soon to youngling learner and building his own lightsaber.
You never received word back from Shmi other than her gratitude’s. But it was enough for you.
Until Talin couldn’t find her.
“Did you talk to her owner Watto?”
“He was in a drunken ramble about his failing businesses and didn’t want anything to do with me when I mentioned the royals of Naboo.” Talin shifted seemingly afraid. “I couldn’t stay there any longer. Not only was Watto cause a scene and pinning the blame on me, but there’s word going round about the Hutts going after old debts again. And I’ve been safer in Aldeeran than traveling.”
“It’s alright Talin.” You soothed. “It means a lot to me that you would take such a risk considering your history with the Hutts. I can send a guard or two to watch over you and your residence until your certain the Hutts are not after you?”
“I wouldn’t want to push you for that, but it would make me feel better.”
“I’ll get you their names and codes tomorrow, and they should be there in Aldeeran in two days if they take the fastest routes.”
“If I may ask…What are you going to do about Shmi? I know you promised her boy her freedom, but with Watto acting strange and my connections falling short-“
“I’ll reach into my own connections to find her Talin. I just sent you the profiles of the five guards I’m considering sending, let me know which two you’d prefer, and I’ll send them to you.”
“Thank you, your majesty.” Talin bowed. The holo fizzling out with a beep.
You stood before the grand window in one of the larger meeting rooms. Overlooking the many waterfalls surrounding Theed. It was your designated space to hold council with extended members of nobility, senators, or anyone else the Queen was required to meet. You would be there as both guard and hostess for the most part. Mingling with the husbands, wives, partners, and children of prominent figures. On Naboo and beyond.
Grabbing the dust cloth from a nearby drawer, you began cleaning up the wooden table of crumbs from tea cakes and snacks. The cups, saucers, and silverware clicking as you placed them in a tub to be taken to the kitchens to be cleaned. The motions served to keep you centered on the tasks. Rather than fearing the worst.
The most likely scenario was the money you had been sending over the year was enough to pay off her debt to Watto and she was getting settled into a new life as a free woman. You knew she had achieved much in her life and acquired many skills to survive on. But you had hoped she would send a message along Talin on her freedom.
“You received troubling news?” Sabe asked dressed in her handmaid gown. She had brought some staff to aid in the cleanup. You had already cleared the table and seats, they only had to start the floor sweeper droids and take the dishes away.
“I’m afraid I’ll have to leave Naboo for a while on a personal matter.” You replied. “Is Padme in her chambers?”
“She is.”
“Good. I’ll need someone to oversee the construction of the latest farrier ships with the Gungan’s ship master while I’m gone. The meeting with Bail Organa will have to either be postponed or hosted by one of the other maidens, he’s due to meet in the mid-week dinner. The rest of my duties can be managed by the lead architects and event organizers.”
“Yane can host Senator Ogana and his family while they wait for the Queen. Eirtaé would be best to work with the Gungan ship master, with some of our own ship masons. I will be sure to let them know their new duties.” Sabe replied to your considerations.
“Thank you Sabe. You and the others are saints in a pinch.”
“If my may be bold to inquire the nature of your departure?”
“You remember Anakin Skywalker?”
“Of course, does it relate to him?”
“In a way, his mother is not in Mos Eisly. And my contacts cannot find her.”
“You intend to search on your own?” She seen pensive. “Will Padme even let you?”
“Considering It’s Shmi I’m concerned for, absolutely.”
With that you left to your shared room. Passing by some young girls studying in the legislative youth program. You heard their whispers on your appearance. Until the shyest among them reminded them of your position and successes.
“No way that’s her.” One of them whispered as if on a theater stage.
“I thought she’s be-“ another started. But you would not let her finish.
“Thinner?” you interrupted. Standing to attention just past their little posse. You felt them twitch in the hallway at your word. You turned around facing the group. “Prettier?” you remarked. Walking calmly, you stood over the trio. Only three years their senior, and a rapport with the highest members of society and you could still not escape shallow judgements. “Appealing? Do speak your mind about my appearance, and capabilities based on that alone.”
“I apologize for them your majesty. They didn’t know.” The shy one spoke.
“On the contrary Milda. Your friends should be mindful of the company they keep and the world they intend to lead.” The shy one blushed while the other two blanched. “Arria, you’ve received the highest marks on your writings, unless you intend to remain as a novelist, your marks in public speaking and policy need to improve if you plan to become queen one day. Niles Your ability in the blade is impressive, yet that temper will cause many diplomatic issues if you cannot let insults slide off your skin like oil and water.”
By now the three were all terrified.
“In addition, my face and image are among the most common on this planet since I am not only Amidala’s fiancée, but her Shield maiden. I have endured the most intense and rigorous training second only to the Jedi knights to protect my queen. And something as shallow as appearance and bloodline should never define your opinions on others.”
Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, your majesty.” The three replied.
“Keep this in the forefront of your minds, a kingdom does not stand on something as breakable as popularity and money. These are socially constructed and change in time. Respecting and aiding allies ensures survival of a nation.”
“Yes, your majesty.”
“Now get to bed. Your tests are not something to miss without a valid reason.”
They all but ran from you to their boarding rooms. And you sighed. Knowing they would not be the last to learn a lesson on appearances.
Padme had consented to your departure with a small guard and supplies. On the stipulation you share everything you did through dreaming. One of the latest skills you acquired through meditations and Quigon’s whispering. Departing in the morning after solidifying the time it would take to travel and search for Shmi. With a little wiggle room for emergencies like Jawa’s tearing apart your ship.
You had packed the most sand durable clothing you could. Even the grey habit and red corded thread you had worn the first time. Figuring it would be safer if you remained anonymous. When the time came to depart and had everything on the cruiser. Padme had hugged you close, pecked your cheek, and bid you safe journey through the stars.
“I’ll be back in three weeks, don’t’ send an army on my account if I’m gone the month.” You teased.
“I’ll send Jedi if I want to!” She held your shoulders like her mother did when she wanted a point to get through to your brain. “One month. Not a moment longer.”
“As you wish Padme.” You gave her one last hug, waving from the cockpit as the ship rose into the blue sky. And remained with the view until Naboo was gone from your sight. The flight and landing to Naboo were ultimately uneventful compared to your first time.
“Kaam and Jadla will stay with me on this search. The rest of you remain on this ship and keep raiders and scavengers from tearing it apart.” You secured the red cord around your waist, the other’s chose flashier apparel than what was usually worn in the outer rim. But were opened to wearing sand ponchos in case of a storm. “I know we agreed a month to search, but I doubt it will be that long in reality.”
“What makes you say that your majesty?” Jadla asked. A stout plump woman who had been inspired by your advancement in shield maidenry she was working on that path herself.
“The force is with Shmi Skywalker.” You replied. “It’s with us as well.”
Kaam only hummed.
“We will return before nightfall and update you on any progress. Hopefully we will not have to hire a scouting party or go fight Tuskin raiders.” You snapped your bracers on, checking the energy packs you set on your thighs in case you needed to recharge them. “Keep on your guard. And do not start anything I’d rather not risk a diplomatic crisis because Padme felt it necessary to invade an outer rim planet for my sake.”
The other’s chuckled at the idea. And you departed with high hopes in your heart.
It took little time to return to Watto’s parts. Retracing the journey through memories and tracing Padme’s steps. Ordering the two guards to remain outside the doors, you walked into the scrap dealer.
The place was just as bad as it was a year ago. But the growing pile of unfixed junk was much greater than before. There was no one waiting at the bar, what little droids were working were doing so with sparks and errors, and the smell. It reminds you of the cantina swill you tried the year before.
“Coo naga tah mess gee je ateema huh? U nopa stuka mee'm work unko? “ The blue alien shouted from the back yard. Covered with grease, oils, and alcohol. Watto looked as repugnant as he did when Quigon and Padme first met him. When he saw you he changed his tune.
“Ah a customer eh, Whatcha be needing to repair? An Astromech? Cleaner droid? I’m out of my ship parts…”
“I’m actually looking for a slave?” you asked. You couldn’t read his mind. But he was a Toydarian, since Quigon’s tricks didn’t work on him it was safe to assume you would not be able to read him either.
“Ah noble from some other world huh? Sorry I don’t do that anymore.” He growled. Wings flapping harsher.
“I do not care if you were part of the business of enslavement or slave labor. I’m looking for my friend Shmi Skywalker. We lost contact with each other a week ago, I wanted to know she’s safe.”
“First that Kasserian now some noble, BAH. I’m nota telling you anything!” Watto yelled.
“Nothing but money will satisfy you, how about I pay for the information?” you replied.
“I don’t take republic credits!”
“Good thing I already traded them for local currency then.” You replied. “Let’s barter.”
The Toydarian made a thoughtful sound. “500 wuipupi’s”
“100.”
“You believe me to be a cheapskate!” He growled. “450!”
“175.”
“ehhhhhh, 350!”
“200?”
“250, no less!”
“Deal.” You held out your hand to shake.
“let me see the credits first!”
So, you pulled out 100 wuipupi’s. “Consider this a down payment on the information. Where is Shmi Skywalker. And no lying please. She’s a good friend of mine.”
Watto counted the 100 on the counter. Considering your demand reasonable he answered: “I sold her.”
“To whom?”
“There’s an organization called the Whitesuns. They’ve been buying slaves from all over the planet. I’m not sure what they do with them. But I needed the credits, and they were willing to pay the remaining debt she had plus interest for the loss of the boy I had.”
You placed the remaining 150 your owed him, plus a 10 credit tip. “Thank you Watto.”
You left the place as soon as you could. Kaam and Jadla trailing behind you back to the ship.
“So, she’s free?”
“It depends on what this Whitesun organization is doing to their slaves.” You replied sipping on your tea. Already eaten the rations back onboard the solid silver cruiser. “If they’re buying debt and then forgiving it immediately then yes. But if they’re hiring cheap labor, they’d be able to keep the slaves as long as their financial machinations go. If they’re providing housing and food for them then that debt keeps building until there’s no possible way to pay off what they owe.”
The crew were contemplative. Most of them living on Naboo for their entire lives. Slavery was just a far-off nightmare to them. Since such practice was banned and laws against it were enforced by the republic senate. But the reach of the senate did not often go to the outer rim planets. Thus, it was a living nightmare to trillions.
“Kriff” mumbled Kaam.
“Yeah, Kriff.” You agreed. Finishing off your tea. “I’m going to be meditating for the night. If the force is as guiding to the Jedi, it may lead me to Shmi.”
Varying well wishes graced you as you headed to the cockpit. Settling yourself in the pilot’s chair you got comfortable in the seat and focused on your breathing. Long slow draws in and out. Tapping into the subtle energy of the Planet.
The north was filled with Sarlacc pits, the one you sensed a year ago having reproduced since you last checked. Mos Eisly was to your right. It was just as busy with people doing shady business. Or getting drunk on a weekend night. To the south the Krayte Dragon loomed in the distance deep underground devouring whatever poor creatures it could in the sand dunes.
“You did not check the west.” You heard Quigon’s voice whisper through the force.
“Last I checked it was just raiders, Jawas, and creatures built to survive the desert.” You replied, visualizing yourself and Quigon in the void of space. Standing over a graphic of Tatooine between you. The planet filling with colored markers like a battle map.
“The last time you checked yes. Yet you are not here again a year ago. You are here two years later.” Quigon reminded you. “Even the dunes have shifted their positions because the wind has blown them away.”
You kept yourself silent. The gentle rebuke and subtle reminder to remain focused on the here and now. So, you reached your senses towards the west. Your left. Hordes of Dewbacks and Bantha had made a place among the shifting sands. New moisture farms had been built. Among the settlements you sensed it. Sensed her.
“Northwest. In the moisture farms!” You whispered. The marker appearing on the little planet. A single bright star encompassing the new moisture farm region. Quigon was pleased.
“You have improved since I became aware of myself in the force.”
“Quigon. I appreciate your tutelage, but I worry for Anakin. I receive some updated from Obiwan, but they are getting shorter and more basic.”
“There is much the order keeps to themselves. A trait of the Jedi I had hoped the council would remove in this age of secrecy.” He sighed. His figure losing the browns and turning more hazy blue, you were leaving your trance state. “Know that the boy is advancing and evolving into a promising Jedi, and you will see him again when you and Padme need him most.”
You nodded knowing your time was up. The twin suns were rising and you had to find Skywalker. “Thank you Quigon. I look forward to the next lesson with you.”
He smiled as he faded into the force once more. And you opened your eye’s and watched the twin sun rising in the blood red sky.
“Kaam, Jadla we’re going into the desert. We’re going to need some eopies or speeders to traverse the dunes.”
“Did you do some Jedi magic to find the Whitesuns?” Jadla joked.
“No, I used some Jedi magic tricks to Locate Shmi Skywalker.” You replied.
“You’re serious? She’s serious….” Jadla replied.
“Yep.” Kaam said, hauling a bag of water over his shoulder. While you ran off to get some Eopies and a guide.
It didn’t take long to find a willing guide and the eopies to take you to the moisture farms in the Northwest. You would have to watch out for the young Scarlacc pits. And some raiders that had routes through the dunes. But you were confident you would get to Shmi and the Whitesun farms with no harm.
It took three days on the back of the Eopies. But the first sign you had made it were the watch towers and the warning shot from a blaster rifle.
The guide raised his rifle to shoot back but you pulled the gun out of his hands. Tossing it to the sand in front of your group. Calming the panicked eopies through the force.
“Are you mad?!” the guide yelled.
“They are no raiders. We’re here for our friend not to start a fight!” you yelled right back. “If you want to get into a scuff with some farmers do it on your own dime, not mine.”
“Crazy core worlder!” but he did not move against you again.
By the time you had calmed the animals and the guide, a speeder was approaching with someone from the tower. Covered head to toe in as much clothing to protect their skin from the suns and sand. They held the rifle up towards you and spoke: “State your business!”
“I’m looking for a former slave from Watto, Shmi Skywalker. I was providing financial aid towards her freedom and we lost contact after Watto sold her. I was told she was bought by the Whitesun organization.” You decided to pull your hood and scarf back to reveal your face. Letting the sleeves fall back far enough to show the bracers with the royal seal of Naboo. “I’ve come to discuss her payment to freedom.”
The Rifle didn’t move, but eventually the watcher eased themselves. Before pulling of their own hood. Revealing the one Shmi Skywalker you were looking for.
“I had to be certain it was you, your majesty.” She spoke. The rifle laying across her lap.
“I understand. May we rest our Eopies and talk?” you asked.
“Certainly.” She started her speeder up. “Head to the base of the tower. There is a shed and pen for your animals to take refuge. We can talk more inside the tower.”
With that she sped off. Knowing the animals were too slow to follow closely.
“You have such strange connections.” The guide remarked. “are you royalty?”
You glanced over to the hooded guide. “How much would it take for you to keep that a secret.”
“Forty food and water rations.” He answered candidly.
“I’ll see how much I can afford back in Mos Eisly. They don’t take republic credits and we’re limited in local money.”
“That’s fair.” He got off his animal and tugged it by the harness. Walking off to the tower but not leaving his gun in the sand. “Ugh it’s going to take me a while to get this cleaned.”
“Good, you won’t listen into conversations you shouldn’t care for then while cleaning.” Jadla remarked urging her eopie forward.
By the time the four of you reached to tower and tied your animals up with food and some water. Shmi had made a small meal and set her gear aside. Sitting at the carved stone table.
“I must apologize for making Padme worry about me.” She started off. Watching as Kaam and Jadla set themselves near the slim windows and doors. The guide remained outside with a cleaning kit for his weapon provided by you. “I had heard from the traders about Naboo’s recovery efforts. I imagine she must be working hard to aid her queen.”
“She does much for her home but has worked hard to enter her concerns to the senate. She’s been advocating on behalf of the slaves for your right to be free. And for enforcement efforts on such practices to be expanded to the outer rim. There’s plenty of discussion happening after she shared the heroism of you and your boy, and your part in saving Naboo from the Trade Federation.” You took a sip of the blue milk. Adoring the taste. “But she was worried when her contact couldn’t find you or provide your payment. What’s happened since our last meeting?”
“About three months after you and Anakin left, Watto was having a hard time keeping his business going. Anakin was the only one who knew how to repair the engine parts Watto sold. I’m a decent repair when I have the schematics, but many of the things in the outer rim are older than the Hutts.” She sipped on her own drink. “Watto wasted what money he earned after taxes and shakedowns to drown himself in drinks and races. I already had a master like that before Watto so I knew how to avoid the worst of his drunken ramblings and rages. A man came in asking for parts and since Watto was out binging I did what I could to make money. Over the month he’d come back for more parts, or just scrap, and we got to talking. He had returned from the core worlds after his wife died with his son. Back to the moisture farms I’m guarding. And he offered to buy me from Watto and give me my freedom.”
You smiled at that. “I hope he didn’t have to empty his pockets; with the amount we were sending you It seemed like it would be an endless debt to pay. I was growing concerned for padded payments.”
“That’s the thing. I only needed 502 more wuipupi’s to pay myself off. That’s thanks to you and Padme’s assistance over the last year. Lars had insurance from his wife’s death and the businesses he had in the core worlds and had more than enough to cover the remainder of my debt to Watto.” She started shaking her head. “Although Watto wasn’t giving up the last useful thing he had and demanded extra. I knew he would. And I hope you tell Padme I’m sorry. But I asked your friend Talin if she could place a tenth of what she was giving me into an account. I had hoped to use it for savings for a farm, but he demanded a thousand republic credits.”
You ran the numbers in your head as she took another sip of her milk. “He really demanded 40,000 wuipupi’s from him.”
“After Quigon got Anakin for free he needed to make up the difference in losses.” She explained. The thought of her boy sending her mood down a bit. “But with that savings from Talin I was able to cover 35,000 of it, Lars paid the rest.” She looked up from her cup with a smile. “I’m free from Watto. I’m free from my servetitude. If it wasn’t for you and Padme sending that aid I-“
She withdrew herself and grew quiet. “I don’t want to think about the what ifs. I’m free now. I’ve even agreed to marry Cliegg when we can afford the documents.” She refilled your glass when you finished the first one. “I haven’t heard about Anakin since the last time I talked to Talin which I need apologize to her. I heard what Watto almost did to her in the cantina, she did so much for me as well, acting as a runner for you.”
“The only thing she wanted to know was if you were safe. I can take care of that for you.” You reassured her. Taking your hands off your glass and over hers. “And Anakin is advancing through the lessons faster than any Jedi expected. He’s not as interested in the history of the jedi unless it’s the technology and sabers. But from what Obiwan has told me: he is on track to become a youngling learner where he’ll be training with few distractions for the next couple years.”
Shmi huffed. Her eye’s growing watery but not a single tear fell. Water conservation was paramount. She could not waste the tears on joy. She took her hands from under yours, pulling them to her lips to kiss them reverently. “You have done so much for me and my boy. I cannot thank you enough in this life.”
You let her trembling hands hold onto yours, the two of you sitting in quiet gratitude with the desert winds bushing the sands to new places.
By the time you were leaving, the suns had risen once more. You had met Lars and thanked him for aiding in Shmi’s freedom. And set up an account with Talin for wedding supplies and buying out other slaves in Mos Eisly. Having explained the Whitesun Organization’s goal of getting every slave on a moisture farm in the outer rim deserts. It would take a bit of documentation, but you and Padme had agreed to fund charities working hard to end slavery while she lobbied in the Senate with Ness for more enforcement. Meeting with the leaders in the morning when the Tower guard rotated shifts. It was exciting to be a part of this. To know the people you wanted to help were getting and benefiting from that help.
When you returned to Naboo, you were going share every little detail with Padme.
And possibly fund Shmi’s wedding as well, if you could do so as a gift.
- meanwhile back on tatooine, after becoming free, Shmi sets about the long task of officially starting the slave revolution. There’s has always been one, sort of, but it was more just the underground, and no real intent/genuine way to change things.
- it’s different now, now there is hope, there is help, there is the start of a plan.
- Cleigg Lars is not part of the plan. Well, he and the other moisture farmers are part of them plan but not...the plan does not include him smiling shyly at Shmi, nor bringing her her favorite fruits from the market when he comes to town. These were not part of the plan, but, but it’s nice, he’s nice. Shmi remembers when she was young wanting dashing and daring, but now. Nice is wonderful, and while Cleigg may not be dashing, he is gentle and good, and he’ll hold the hand of an escaping slave while Shmi or Beru cuts out the transmitter. Daring he most certainly is, if not in the way young Shmi envisioned. This is a man who built a small, hidden surgery in his home to keep slaves hidden. This is a man who built a small hide space in his speeder to transport runaway slaves to his farm. If that is not daring, Shmi does not know what is.
- two years after they meet, Cleigg asks her to marry him, and with all her free ability to say no, Shmi says yes.
- Anakin comes to the wedding. Her boy is growing like a weed and Shmi and his Jedi mother commiserate on this. His Jedi father merely scoops the gangly fourteen year-old up even now, like he weighs nothing, giving a laughingly protesting Anakin purring kisses on the top of his head.
- Shmi is happy when Cleigg, Owen and Anakin appear to get along. Anakin is not a farmer, but he has helped farm on dozens of worlds, and Cleigg and Owen are not warriors, but they are fighting a war, and above all that, all three speak mechanic and are happy with it. Beru takes to teasing Ani immediately who accepts it was eye rolling complaints, becoming siblings in the way only a freed boy and first freeborn child can.
- Padme, who has been in contact with Shmi and has made sure Naboo one of the stops on the freedom trail (the ease which this happens is aided by the fact that a former slave boy had helped free the entire planet, not once but twice, first with pod racing and second with destroying the droid control ship) is also in attendance.
- Shmi wonders when she will attend the wedding of this brave young woman and her son. For the age gap has grown smaller as Ani gets older and the smiles the two exchange are shy and sweet.
- Shmi and Cleigg get married in the light of the setting suns, with their family surrounding them. The desert wind blows and in the distance and Kryat dragon screams. It is a wonderful day.
- Four years later and all is ready, the slavers know something is happening, Ani, his Jedi parents, Obi-wan, Padme, her handmaidens, and many Nubian volunteers and well as the resistance fighters themselves are gathered. It is a bloody week. But by the end the Hutts are run away or dead, slavers await either republic trial or some have gone to feed the sarlac.
- Anakin and Padme have little time to talk, it isn’t until a week and half after the end of the rebellion that they truly speak, and Anakin is still bloody, though this time due to having just delivered a baby. He is washing his hands when Padme finds him and she hands him a towel.
- Anakin is a much different person than the one in another universe, this one does not take himself to seriously, for sure he has just aided in the freedom of his people, which brings him unending joy, but odds are when they return with the prisoners to Curoscant, Master Nu will set him to work putting away returns or maybe reading stories to younglings. He is a Jedi and no task is to big or to small, which i the biggest lesson he has learned.
- He is also not stifled by a code that simply couldn’t fit him, instead, Yananna had given her nine year old padawn a different version, one that suited the emotion driven boy better and would help him embody the Jedi she knew he could be.
- Emotion, yet peace. Ignorance, yet knowledge. Passion, yet serenity. Chaos, yet harmony. Death, yet the Force
- in many ways one would assume this was the same as the other code but it is subtly different and Ani has fixed many machines, plowed many fields, and performed many kata’s while contemplating this version of the code.
- however, this code comes with the acknowledgement of emotions, but that even with them, one can find peace, anakin is angry and part of him will always be angry by the fact that he was a slave, the peace comes from knowing that he has a right to this anger, but also that he will not let anger be his new master.
- Padme invites the Jedi and Shmi and Cleigg to visit Naboo, and after a few months of making sure Tatooine is settled and peaceful, they make the trip.
- Anakin and Padme, however more amture Anakin especially is, ares till young, idealistic, and have a tendency to follow their hearts before their heads ever catch up. So Anakin is barely eighteen when he and Padme get married.
- It is different though. They know each other better, both view the other person as a living breathing, flawed person, however wonderful they find the other to be.
- Their families know, sure, the rest of the Galaxy must be kept in the dark but the people they love most know, and are happy for them. (Pooja and Ryoo make adorable flower girls).
- Obi-wan is uncertain about all of this, but cannot deny that the force had sung with joy as each slave breathed free for the first time. And it is glorying now in this marriage.
- He must meditate on this, and if perchance his meditations stray towards what this might mean for himself and a certain duchess of Manadalore well...
There was a message from an unknown sender waiting on Anakin’s com channel when he finally stumbled into his bunk after three straight days of fighting on Muunilinst. According to the time stamp, it had been there for awhile, but he must have missed it under the constant barrage of orders and battle updates of the last few days. Anakin could barely keep his eyes open, but his heart raced at the sight of the blinking notification. Padmé. It must be from Padmé. Who else would be writing him from an unlisted com frequency?
It wasn’t from Padmé. Anakin, it read, you hardly know me, but your mother would have wanted us to look after each other. I know the Jedi are involved in the fighting. Are you alright? Please, don’t be a stranger. Cliegg Lars.
Cliegg Lars? Cliegg Lars?! How did he even have Anakin’s com frequency? Anakin certainly didn’t remember giving it to him. But then, he didn’t remember much about that last trip to Tatooine. Just the rattle of his mother’s dying breath, the weight of her body, and the stench of burning flesh as he cut down Tusken after Tusken. The rest of it was lost in a haze of rage and grief and sand.
For a moment, Anakin wanted to ignore it, delete it, smash the comlink on the floor. He didn’t need this reminder of his failure as a Jedi and a son, not when he’d just spent the last three days failing over and over again to protect his men. No, Anakin didn’t need this, but maybe Lars did. His mom always said that the biggest problem in the galaxy was that no one helped each other. She would want him to look after her widower.
Yawning hugely and struggling to focus his eyes, Anakin sent out a quick reply and feel asleep with his boots on.
****
Cliegg woke alone to the smell of caf and frying eggs. Lying with his eyes closed, he imagined Shmi must have gotten up before him and started making breakfast. But when he reached across, her side of the bed was cold. A few of her dark hairs still clung to her pillow, but it had lost the shape of her head. His wife slept in sand now and Cleigg would sleep alone until he joined her. He let his grief was over him, then pushed it aside and started his day.
In the kitchen, Beru puttered around the stove while Owen methodically shoveled forkfuls of egg into his mouth. He grunted a greeting as Cliegg floated to the table on his power chair. Since Cliegg’s injury, Owen had taken over more and more of the farm work. He needed to eat fast if he had any hope of staying on top of it.
“Good morning,” Beru said as she set a plate and steaming mug of caf down in front of him. Cleigg took a sip of the caf before digging in. The eggs weren’t quite like Shmi’s, but the caf had just the right about of blue milk mixed in. Beru joined them with her own breakfast a moment later. “There’s a message for you on the comm channel,” she said as she settled down on the bench next to Owen.
“Really? Who from?”
“Anakin,” Owen grumbled between mouthfuls. “Days late and a few hundred credits short as always.”
Beru frowned at her husband, but Cliegg just sighed. After years of Shmi’s stories about her sweet, talented boy, the strange young man who had walked off into the desert and came back with her corpse had been something of a disappointment. He’d fixed every broken thing on the farm, but had barely spoken to any of them. What Cliegg chalked up to grief and shock, Owen put down to Jedi pride and standoffishness, and no amount of tutting on Beru’s part would change that. Cliegg had hoped that maybe getting to know Anakin would. It had been a disappointment that when Cliegg reached out and the boy never reached back.
“What does it say?” Beru asked, leaning forward to get a glimpse as Cliegg pulled the message up on a data pad. He read it over, then read it again, and a third time just to make sure. Weren’t the Jedi supposed to have educated the boy? Shmi had been a slave her whole life and she wrote better than this.
“Well?” Owen put his fork down and joined his wife in trying to sneak a peek. He had a man’s shape and bore a man’s burden, but, by the suns, he looked just like a boy at that moment.
Cleigg chuckled and read Anakin’s message aloud, word for word as he’d written it. “Sorry. Tired. Three days fighting Muunilinst. Lost rt arm Geonosis. Hop u r well. Anakin.”
Owen and Beru blinked at him as they tried to process Anakin’s incoherent jumble of a message. Owen took a long gulp of his caf to help and shook his head.
Beru’s fork clattered on the table as it slipped from her fingers. “He lost his <i>arm</i>?!” Beru exclaimed. She pulled the data pad from Cleigg’s hand to read it over herself. “He lost his arm and they sent him fight?” She slapped it down on the table with a bit more force than necessary.
What? Cleigg pulled the pad around read the message again. Lost rt arm Geonosis. The fighting there had happened just after Anakin and his woman left, a little over a standard month ago. Even with all the medicine a Hutt could afford, there was no way he’d be well enough to tie his own boots, let alone fight in a war. Yet, from the sound of it, that’s just what he was doing. The Jedi had promised Shmi that they would take care her son and provide him with an education. Based on Anakin’s message, they’d done neither. Well, someone needed to look after this boy and it might as well be his family. Cleigg Lars set aside his breakfast and began to write.
Right, so, this thing needs a title and also an end goal. Help a fangirl out with suggestions.
