Embroidering Loose Threads by Naboo Queen PROLOGUE "No pod is worth 2 slaves. No deal." Watto flew away in disgust. It was on the tip of Qui-Gon's tongue to ask only for the boy, but something held him back. A whispering told him what he should do. Qui-Gon was on the verge of ignoring it. He may not free Anakin if he kept pushing. But then the prodding came again. Qui-Gon gave in. The Force wanted him to have both Anakin and Shmi. A thought came to him. "How about the pod and 10,000 Republic Credits?" "I told you they are no good to me," Watto snapped. "What are you going to do now, start waving your hand again?" "No," Qui-Gon replied. Indeed, he should not have tried the mind trick before. He had to think fast so he asked the Force for guidance. The answer came. "I seem to recall that there are many spacers who come through here," Qui-Gon commented, "they might be foolish enough to give you a fair trade in exchange for credits." The junk dealer was silent a moment, mulling over what Qui-Gon said. "You have a point, Outlander," Watto replied presently, "If you win, you get the boy and his mother. But of course you won't win." "Deal!" Qui-Gon agreed with a grin. PART ONE Shmi Skywalker was cleaning up the breakfast dishes in the Queen's transport. Anakin was up in the cockpit with the pilot Ric Olie. She sighed and smiled. She and Anakin were free. Qui-Gon watched her from the door, pleased with Shmi's expression. He had only known her for two days but he knew that she had had little to smile about in life. The Jedi was pleased to have brought her such happiness. The next evening, Shmi was sitting on the balcony of her rooms on Coruscant. She was a little overwhelmed by the night sights below her. A knock. "Jedi Jinn!" She said surprised. "I thought you would still be at the Temple." "I needed to speak to you," Qui-Gon said. "I know, Jedi," she replied softly. "You may call me by my name." He walked toward the window, his arms folded. He continued, "I wanted you to know that even though, for now, Anakin cannot be trained, I believe the Council is wrong. Dead wrong." He turned to her, "I swear to you that your son will be a Jedi." His jaw was set. His eyes steel. Shmi was taken aback by Qui-Gon's anger. This was not what she expected from a Jedi, and he spoke against the Council! Before she knew what she was doing, Shmi walked over to him and ventured softly: "Qui-Gon?" "Yes?" the Jedi grumbled. Shmi swallowed, "You have said a lot about Anakin being a Jedi, but well, Ani has wanted to be many things. A pilot, a Jedi, the owner of a racing league . . . Many things. He's nine." She looked up into his face, "It is you who are disappointed. We are fine." Qui-Gon looked down at Shmi astonished. "It is YOU who wants Anakin to be a Jedi," she emphasized in a whisper, gently turning away, mortified about speaking so frankly to a stranger. Qui-Gon was agape. How could she say that it was all his desire? He wanted what the Force wanted, and he was sure that . . . He caught himself and for the first time looked around him. Everyone but he sensed something about Anakin that made them nervous. Even Shmi whom he respected . . . Pride. The word whispered and echoed in Qui-Gon's mind. Selfish. It hurt, but Qui-Gon let the echoes flow. Let the truth sink in and let him remember. Qui-Gon remembered as he sensed Darth Maul weakening. Qui-Gon was ready to push the Sith and was not going to wait for Obi-Wan to recover from his fall. Then Shmi's face floated before his mind. "What YOU want." *What I want.* He would wait. Qui-Gon flipped and spun around the Sith, fighting him off with all his strength, not with the intent of finishing him, but rather to hold him until Obi-Wan came, if he . . . Suddenly the snap-hiss of Obi-Wan's lightsaber reached Qui-Gon's ears. Obi-Wan was back! The fight continued as Darth Maul faked Qui-Gon out and dazed him with a hit to the chin. But before the killing blow could be struck, Obi-Wan deflected the red saber, and it sank deep into Qui-Gon's upper arm, missing his chest. Qui-Gon slumped to the floor, knocked unconscious. With a roar, Obi-Wan flung himself at the Sith, infuriated. *Not in anger* Qui-Gon tried to yell before darkness claimed him. "We will watch your career with great interest," Chancellor Palpatine said to Anakin as Shmi Skywalker came rushing up to her son, hugging him as she angrily informed him that once the celebrations were over he'd be grounded until he turned 21. Then she turned to Obi-Wan. "And how is Jedi Jinn?" "He is healing. The wound, I fear, may paralyze his right arm slightly, but beyond that he will recover." A deep voice added, "Yes. He will recover here on Naboo." Queen Amidala had come up behind Obi-Wan. All bowed in respect. She turned to Shmi, "As will you, Mrs. Skywalker, and Anakin." "While the Council deliberates on our fates?" Shmi asked. Obi-Wan nodded. Qui-Gon was in surgery for hours. When he finally came to, he was pleased to see a familiar face. "My young Padawan." "No more, Master. The Council has made me a Jedi Knight." Qui-Gon tried to sit up, "Jedi? And I missed it. . . With a smile playing at the corners of his mouth, Obi-Wan gently pushed his mentor down. "Master, you had a valid excuse for your absence at the ceremony." "Where's Anakin?" "He's fine. He and his mother are staying with you, in the care of the Queen until the Council convenes and . . ." "And figures out how they're going to punish me?" Obi-Wan looked down, not wanting to look his master in the face. Qui-Gon was doing sit-ups. He was up to 300, but still felt a little out of shape. His hand was stiff, but functional. It would always be a slight handicap with the lightsaber. Qui-Qon heard a swish and sensed Shmi Skywalker entering with a cup of tea. "Qui-Gon?" she asked puzzled. "Here," he jumped up with a smile. "You should be in bed." "I only hurt my arm, not the rest of me," the Jedi replied. "And how is it? The droid asked me to check." Shmi leaned over and took his hand, tracing the palm with her fingers, "Are the nerves responding to my stimuli?" *You have no idea,* Qui-Gon thought. He nodded. She smiled. "You are on the mend, and if you behave, they'll discharge you tomorrow." "Tomorrow!" Qui-Gon exclaimed, "I have another day of just laying on my back?" "Can't you enjoy some rest for once?" "I suppose," he said sulkily. She smiled kindly. "Shmi?" Qui-Gon ventured, suddenly serious. "Yes?" "I wanted to tell you . . . this hard to say . . ." Shmi looked at him expectantly, "I wanted you to know that you were right, what you said about me in Coruscant. You were right, and I believe it saved my life." Shmi looked down from his intense gaze, blushing to her ears. Qui-Gon cleared his throat deciding to change the subject, "Where's Obi-Wan?" "He and Ani have been almost living in Queen Amidala's pool," Shmi replied, relieved. "You know how rare water has been in our lives." "Do you swim?" She shook her head, "I'm not quite ready for that 'plunge.'" "You're afraid!" Qui-Gon accused. "Of water?" Qui-Gon glared at her, a grin on his face. "Oh," Shmi exclaimed exasperated, "I suppose it's useless to try to hide anything from a Jedi! Wouldn't you be afraid, if you've never been near so much water before?" "I suppose." Changing the subject, "What can I do here all day?" "I'll read to you." Qui-Gon was meditating. He knew the moment was coming. He couldn't describe it, as is usual with the Force, but he believed that some change had occurred in his life and it had nothing to do with losing a Padawan. Or finding the Chosen One. The boy, whom he'd promised would be a Jedi. Could he still be his master? Was that the Will of the Force? Qui-Gon believed it was. Perhaps if he pushed the Council again and . . . He stopped. No, he was in trouble enough as it was. Now he sensed that he was going to have to explain Shmi to the Council. Shmi. Qui-Gon thought of her all the time and was almost embarrassed. He had never fallen in love before. He hadn't needed to. His devotion to the Jedi had been absolute and he had been a formidable warrior. Yet he never made the oath of celibacy as most did if they were still single after ten years as a Jedi. Why had he held back? Shmi was before him again. He could not explain what it was about her. How did such things whisper so near to him? He knew he wished her near him. That was an unsettling feeling. But not an unwelcome one. Terror. A darkness was invading Shmi's entire being. She was violated and paralyzed, in darkness. The darkness. It was there around her sucking her into the black hole of death. No, not all dark. There was a glow, a green glow she struggled towards it. She was astonished to look in to the face of Qui-Gon Jinn, his lightsaber in front of him. It was quickly turned off. "What?" Shmi asked. "I sensed danger. You were . . ." "I was dreaming. Forgive me." "Funny, I couldn't tell it was a dream . . ." "Dreams are mostly emotional. You must have tapped into mine somehow." "Somehow," Qui-Gon whispered. It had never happened to him before . . . not with anyone. But he'd heard some married Jedi speak of it. He looked at Shmi who was illuminated by the moonlight, a tangle of sheets about her, her long nightgown seeming to glow. *Uh. I'd better leave like in a matter of mille-seconds or else I'm in real trouble.* Shmi was strangely silent before him; he noted her hair, falling down over her shoulders . . . . And that was it. She was in his arms. Then his lips were in her hair. Whispering comfort. Promising to take the darkness away. Sunlight streamed through Shmi's room. Her head was on Qui-Gon's shoulder. As she stirred, she saw him watching her. "Good morning," He said pleasantly. She smiled back shyly. They had spent the night in each other's arms, but had done nothing more. But it was unlikely they'd be able to convince anyone of that if someone came upon Qui-Gon in her bed! "I'd better go," The Jedi whispered, sensing her thoughts. "I'll meet you at the pool." Anakin cannon-balled into the pool, soaking Obi-Wan who was watching from the sidelines. It started a huge splash-fight. Shmi watched and laughed, her feet dangling in the deep end. That was all that she dared. Anakin looked over to the door and saw Qui-Gon come into the pool area, in his bathing suit. That reminded Anakin. "Hey Obi!" "Yes?" "Do you think Qui-Gon digs my Mom?" Obi-Wan choked on pool water, "What?" "You know. Does he like her?" Obi-Wan followed Anakin's gaze, which beheld Qui-Gon sneaking up behind Shmi, lifting her up and throwing her into the pool. He fell in with her, caught in her flailing arms. Obi-Wan was astonished, "I believe he does." Anakin's mind had already left the subject at hand. He had a mischievous look on his face, "Let's get 'em!" The ensuing splash fight, viciously spewing water from all directions out of the pool, was the first thing that Yoda observed as he entered Theed Palace. "Only unexpected it was," Yoda commented. Qui-Gon had a sheepish expression on his face. He felt like he was an apprentice back at the Temple, caught talking after lights out. "Come to speak with you I have. Many things we left unfinished." Qui-Gon braced himself, then humbly replied, "Yes, Master." Shmi was sitting at a table by the pool. Amidala had joined the young people and they were playing water volleyball. Shmi was wearing a floppy white hat to match her modest bathing suit. Qui-Gon came up to her silently. Because Jedi could sense everything, what had happened between them the night before could not have been kept from Yoda. She was mortified, but ventured to ask, "What did he say?" Qui-Gon sat on a deck chair beside her and said casually, "He said I should marry you." PART 2 Shmi kicked off her high heels. The banquet that night was the most fancy Shmi had ever attended. It seemed these celebrations would never end. She was clad in a simple, peach gown, and her hair was done elaborately in braids, yet it did not suit her. She felt uncomfortable. Worse, she was unnerved by Qui-Gon's proposal. The whole night she had avoided him. She liked him; maybe she was in love with him. The previous night she had felt such comfort and chaste love. She shook her head, but they had only known each other a little while. This glow could fade very quickly. To commit to marriage based on it was unreasonable. A soft knock at the door. She knew who it was. Before she could speak, Qui-Gon blurted out: "Shmi, I do apologize. For a Jedi, we can be very direct and . . . I quite often act out--speak out--my instincts. It's what we call the living Force and I am usually attuned and . . . " Shmi raised a hand, "I know about that. And thank you. I don't believe you do understand. You can't. You're a Jedi. You shouldn't understand." Qui-Gon nodded. Shmi swallowed, "I do . . . welcome your attentions. I want you to know that. But a proposal is too soon." Qui-Gon replied, "Obi-Wan is ordered back to the Temple. I will go with him. Then we can see how things continue from there." She smiled. Anakin began his education in a small Naboo town. Naboo utilized a home-schooling network where children were expected to learn, yet were not confined inside tight buildings. Anakin made many friends and thrived in this environment. Shmi enjoyed the company of her peers in the village. The small family had never been more content except . . . "Why can't things be the way they were?" "The way they were?" Shmi asked her son. "With Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. They just went away. It's like they don't care." Shmi sighed, "They do care, Ani. But they have their lives to live, as do we. The times when we were all together were special, but rare." "But why can't things be like that all the time?" Anakin wanted to know. A mischievous look cam over Shmi, "Because we are involved in something that's called 'life.'" Anakin was not too crazy about that answer. He couldn't help complaining, "But I miss them!" "I do too, Ani," Shmi softly replied. Shmi was used to nearly daily messages from Qui-Gon. He was once again sent on assignments, usually around Coruscant so that he could always return to the Jedi Temple. He was going through some retreat--or penance--but he never divulged that to her. Then one day, after four months of this life, Shmi received a message from Obi-Wan Kenobi. The Council had requested that Anakin make a visit to the Temple. Shmi packed his bags and they were out on the next transport. Anakin was immediately taken away from Shmi once they entered the Temple. He was to spend time with other apprentices, participating in some of their exercises. Shmi was to have no contact with him. This made Shmi happy for, despite her earlier words, she did hope he was chosen to be a Jedi. Shmi's quarters were in the pleasant rooms reserved for lay-retreatants. Here she requested and received instruction in swimming at the Temple pool. Yet she was lonely. She had no contact with Anakin and she had not seen Obi-Wan or Qui-Gon. That is, until a week later, at breakfast Shmi saw Qui-Gon's familiar figure stalk in to the lay-retreatant's dining area. Her face lit up at seeing him again. He sat down and said quickly, "I haven't time to stay but I want to know if you'd like to go out to dinner tonight. Shmi smiled, "I don't believe I have other plans!" After an enjoyable dinner, Qui-Gon and Shmi walked for a long time, talking about Anakin, Qui-Gon's assignments, and Shmi's swimming lessons. Both were aware of the powerful attraction, yet restrained themselves until they were on the walkway waiting for a taxi. Qui-Gon kissed her gently and held her for a while. "I've missed you," he whispered, finally saying what had been on both their minds, "you have taught me so much." Shmi stayed in his arms, "I've missed you too. Can I see you again, sooner?" He shook his head, "I am being assigned ambassador duties on Caw-rilcar. I won't be seeing you for quite awhile." Shmi sighed against him, held him a little tighter. He'd be gone . . . unless . . . She looked up into his face, "Can I go with you?" He looked lovingly back at her, "You could but . . ." She interrupted, "You asked me to marry you before. I wasn't sure then. I am now." "So you would marry me?" She nodded. He smiled and kissed her again. The taxi arrived. Shmi knew he was coming. Before she could blink he was lifting her high above him and kissing her--far more passionately than before. It took their breaths away. "Wooah," Shmi finally managed to say, "we're not married yet!" Qui-Gon laughed and set her down. He pulled out a velvet box and explained, "It's a tradition on Coruscant that when one gets betrothed, the man gives to the woman a piece of jewelry. I noticed your love of bracelets. And," he pulled it out, an emerald shimmering bracelet; "I give this to you as a token of my love and affection." He slipped it onto her slight wrist. She touched his face. Then they embraced gently, "I love you," she whispered into his ear. "Let's go show Ani," He suggested. "Who by the way, gave me his hearty permission to ask for your hand." Shmi smiled. Maybe cloning wouldn't be such a bad thing if they used Qui-Gon as a model. The Council had informed Shmi that they wished for Anakin to remain a lay-person, with Qui-Gon assigned as mentor in his role as step-father, but not master. "So what will happen to me now?" Anakin asked his mother. "We go to Caw-rilcar with Qui-Gon." His face darkened, "The Council doesn't want me to be a Jedi?" The truth. "No Anakin, they don't." Angry tears streaked down Anakin's face. "Put it behind you, Ani. You have to." He made a fist with his hands, "I've always dreamed. . ." "Yes, I know. And your dreams can still come true,'" Shmi said firmly. "You just have to find them. Ani, a year ago would you have ever dreamed that you would be free? That you would have a father? A Jedi Father?" He shook his head. "You want to be a pilot. You can still do that. Qui-Gon will teach you. And racing, they have it on Caw-rilcar. Remember, if you were a Jedi, you could never race, or even go to see one. They wouldn't let you." She added quietly, "And they wouldn't let you see me." Anakin's expression darkened, "Yeah." "Or Padme." Anakin nodded, then burst out, "But why not? What's up with them?" "Because you would have been in training. A Jedi's life is not like others'. I don't think you're suited to it. I believe that. And look now, look at the blessings we have!" Shmi hugged him. "Would you ever have dreamed it?" "No," he admitted reluctantly. Qui-Gon and Anakin were fishing in River Theed. Talking and bonding. "Qui-Gon?" Anakin asked tentatively. "Yes." Qui-Gon was untangling his line. "I was talking with Mom, and . . . she said that, well, that you'd be like a father to me now." Qui-Gon set down his rod and looked down at Anakin, "Yes." "She also said that, well even though . . . well you're just like a father . . . She said I could just call you Qui-Gon." Qui-Gon put his hand on the boy's shoulder, "And that's fine, Ani." "But I wanted to . . . I was hoping I could call you 'Dad.'" Qui-Gon held back a choking feeling in his throat. "Sure, if that's what you want." Anakin grinned, "Good." Padme and Shmi unwrapped yards of material. "I don't want so much. It's not me." "Oh, but it's so lovely, Shmi." Padme held it up to her. "I like it," Anakin piped up. "If Mom doesn't want it, you can keep it for our wedding." "Anakin Skywalker!" Shmi exclaimed. Anakin rolled his eyes, "Mom, she already knows. I told her when we first met!" Shmi arched an eyebrow at a mortified Padme. The Queen turned to the youth in exasperation, "Ani, why don't you go find Ric Olie to show you some engine or something." Padme shook her head when Anakin was gone. "I'm sorry about that. I'm afraid he has a bit of a crush on me." Shmi nodded her head, "I know. But I should apologize; he should not talk like that to one so much older. He doesn't understand." "He's nine," Padme smiled. "He'll grow out of it." Four weeks later Shmi met Qui-Gon inside the Jedi temple. They faced their palms outward and together, then made the sacred oaths. Their honeymoon was spent on a pleasure cruiser. Though they did not lack passion, they really were more like an old-married couple. Content and bonded. Qui-Gon felt almost retired, and found he didn't mind. The gentle Shmi was all he really needed now. Who would have thought she would have been the one the Force wanted him to marry? He should have by the galaxy's logic married some Jedi warrior wannabee with tight pants, red hair, and a huge chip on her shoulder. Not a . . . the word echoed in his mind, feminine genius. . . . He began to ponder what that might mean, and then threw up his hands. * Oh I'll leave that one to the Jedi theologians!* "What was that all about?" Shmi said from her vanity. She had seen him throw up his hands in the mirror. "Nothing," Qui-Gon replied and lay down on their bed choosing a poem to read to her before they retired for the evening. Epilogue "Mom! Dad!" the 19-year old Anakin Skywalker yelled and he ran up to Qui-Gon and Shmi following the graduation ceremony at the Academy. He hugged them both and exclaimed, "I'm off to Naboo." He paused, and asked, "Are you sure that's OK?" "Of course, Ani," Shmi replied. "Have fun, and say 'Hi' to Padme for me." "Will do," Anakin gave a wicked grin, "She's going to marry me, you know!" And he dashed off as sunlight glimmered through the idyllic scene. THE END

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