The Jedi High Council had assembled for the second time that morning.
Master Martus Kael Vorran stood in the centre of the chamber, his hands clasped comfortably behind his back. Beside him stood Anakin Skywalker, who was doing a respectable job of remaining still despite having spent the journey upstairs asking whether the Council would approve their mission.
Mace Windu examined the information displayed on his datapad.
"You're requesting permission to travel to Tatooine."
"Correct."
"To investigate the circumstances of Shmi Skywalker."
"To secure her freedom, if she remains enslaved," Martus clarified. "I've already established contact with several individuals familiar with the region. We have sufficient funds available to arrange her release legally."
Ki-Adi-Mundi leaned forward.
"And you intend to take your Padawan?"
"I do."
"Would it not be wiser to leave him here?"
Martus glanced towards Anakin.
"That rather depends on what you believe we're trying to accomplish."
Mace set down his datapad.
"Explain."
"Anakin has spent the last two months learning to recognise his emotions, control his reactions and think before acting. His mother's situation remains his greatest concern. I believe resolving that uncertainty, with appropriate supervision, would benefit his development."
"Attachment remains a concern," Ki-Adi-Mundi observed.
"Yes, you've mentioned."
"Master Vorran."
"Forgive me. It's simply that we've discussed this particular concern at considerable length."
Yoda tapped his walking stick against the floor.
"Let him finish, we should."
Martus inclined his head.
"Thank you, Master."
He turned towards the other Council members.
"I'm not suggesting that we encourage Anakin to become dependent upon his mother. I'm suggesting we acknowledge that she is a person whose circumstances matter independently of her son's Jedi training."
Plo Koon nodded.
"A reasonable distinction."
"Furthermore, I've already promised Anakin that I would investigate the possibility of helping her. I'd prefer not to begin our relationship by teaching him that a Jedi's word means very little."
Mace studied him.
"And what happens if the situation cannot be resolved peacefully?"
"Then we withdraw, reassess and consider our alternatives."
"You won't resort to violence?"
"Not unless someone's safety makes defensive action necessary."
"Martus."
"Mace, I am perfectly capable of conducting a conversation without drawing a lightsaber."
"That has not always been your preferred approach."
"Nor has it always been necessary to ask twice."
Depa Billaba looked down, concealing a smile.
Yoda regarded his former apprentice for a moment.
"Prepared, you are?"
"Transport is arranged. I've identified several possible contacts, reviewed the local laws and prepared sufficient funds for negotiations. I also intend to keep the Council informed."
"And your duties here?" Mace asked.
"I've arranged for Master Plo Koon to oversee the matters requiring immediate attention during my absence."
Plo Koon inclined his head.
"We have already discussed the arrangements."
Mace looked between them.
"You planned this rather thoroughly."
"I find it helps when requesting permission for something."
Anakin looked up at his master.
Martus gave him a reassuring nod.
Yoda closed his eyes briefly.
"Compassion and wisdom, a Jedi must balance. Protect the innocent, our duty remains."
He opened his eyes.
"Approved, your mission is."
Anakin's face brightened.
"Really?"
Mace raised a finger.
"With conditions."
Anakin immediately straightened.
"You will follow your master's instructions, avoid unnecessary danger and remember that you represent the Jedi Order."
"Yes, Master Windu."
Mace turned towards Martus.
"And you will provide a report upon your return."
"Naturally."
"No unnecessary complications."
"I'll endeavour to keep them to an absolute minimum."
Mace's expression suggested that he considered this an ambitious promise.
Yoda smiled faintly.
"May the Force be with you both."
Martus bowed.
"And with you, Master."
As they left the chamber, Anakin waited until the doors had closed before looking up.
"We're really going?"
"We are."
"To Tatooine?"
"Yes."
"To see my mom?"
"That is rather the point of the exercise."
Anakin grinned.
Martus placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Come along. We have a ship to catch."
Tatooine
The stars stretched into brilliant lines as Martus's vessel emerged from hyperspace.
Tatooine filled the forward viewport, its familiar ochre surface illuminated by the twin suns of the desert system.
Anakin leaned forward in his seat.
"There it is."
Martus glanced towards him.
"Recognise it?"
Anakin nodded.
"Yeah."
He watched the planet grow larger.
"It looks exactly the same."
"Two months is hardly enough time for an entire planet to change."
Anakin smiled faintly.
"I know."
Martus adjusted their approach vector.
"How are you feeling?"
"Excited."
"Anything else?"
Anakin hesitated.
"Nervous."
"Understandable."
"What if Watto won't let her go?"
"Then we'll explore our options."
"What if he wants loads of money?"
"We've prepared for that possibility."
Anakin looked towards him.
"What if she's angry that I left?"
Martus turned from the controls.
"Why do you think she'd be angry?"
"Because I left her behind."
"Anakin, your mother encouraged you to leave because she wanted you to have opportunities she couldn't give you on Tatooine."
"I know."
"Do you think she'd blame you for accepting them?"
The boy considered that.
"No."
"Neither do I."
Anakin looked back towards the planet.
"I just really want to see her."
Martus smiled.
"Then we'd best get this ship on the ground."
Mos Espa had changed very little.
The same sun-bleached buildings lined the narrow streets, the same merchants called to passing customers, and the same mixture of droids, speeders and wandering animals competed for space.
Anakin recognised the marketplace almost immediately.
"Watto's shop is this way!"
Martus followed him through the crowded street.
"Slow down, Anakin."
"Sorry!"
"No need to apologise. Just remember that the rest of us haven't developed the ability to walk through solid objects."
Anakin laughed and reduced his pace.
They reached the familiar junk shop a few minutes later.
Inside, Watto hovered over a dismantled mechanical assembly, muttering to himself in Huttese.
He looked up as they entered.
"Yeah, yeah, what do you want? I'm busy!"
Then he noticed Anakin.
His wings faltered.
"Little Ani?"
Anakin stepped forward.
"Hello, Watto."
Watto stared.
"Well, I'll be! Look at you! All dressed up like a Jedi!"
His gaze shifted towards Martus.
"And who's this?"
"Master Martus Kael Vorran," Martus introduced himself. "Anakin's teacher."
Watto's expression became suspicious.
"Another Jedi, huh? What is it with you people and my shop?"
"We're looking for Shmi Skywalker."
Watto's expression changed.
"Shmi?"
"Yes," Anakin said quickly. "Where is she?"
Watto rubbed his chin.
"She's not here anymore."
Anakin went still.
"What?"
"I sold her."
The boy's face tightened.
"You sold my mom?"
"Hey, hey! Don't look at me like that! Business is business!"
Martus placed a hand on Anakin's shoulder.
"To whom?"
Watto glanced towards him.
"A moisture farmer. Cliegg Lars. Good customer, paid a fair price."
"Where can we find him?"
"Out near Anchorhead. But listen, before you start causing trouble, the man freed her."
Anakin blinked.
"He what?"
"Freed her! Took her out of slavery. Last I heard, they were getting married."
Anakin stared.
"Married?"
Watto shrugged.
"That's what I heard."
Martus studied him.
"You're certain?"
"Of course I'm certain! He came back to tell me! Looked happier than a bantha in a mud bath."
Anakin turned towards his master.
"She's free?"
"According to Watto, yes."
"Then we can go see her?"
Martus looked back at the Toydarian.
"Could you provide directions to the Lars homestead?"
Watto waved towards a dusty terminal.
"Yeah, yeah. I'll send you the coordinates."
"Thank you."
Watto blinked.
"You're thanking me?"
"You've provided useful information."
"Huh. Strange Jedi."
Martus smiled politely.
"So I've been told."
The journey towards the Lars homestead took them across a wide expanse of open desert.
Anakin sat beside Martus in the speeder, watching the familiar dunes pass.
For several minutes, he said nothing.
Then he looked towards his master.
"Master?"
"Yes?"
"If my mom's free, does that mean we don't have to rescue her?"
"It means the situation has changed."
"But you promised."
"I promised to help secure her freedom. If she's already free, that's excellent news."
Anakin considered that.
"So what happens now?"
"We make sure she's safe, speak with her and find out what she wants for her future."
"Can she come with us?"
"That's something we'll discuss with her."
Anakin looked towards the horizon.
"I hope she does."
Martus nodded.
"I know."
The homestead eventually appeared beyond the dunes, its moisture vaporators standing against the pale desert sky.
Anakin leaned forward.
"That's it!"
Martus slowed the speeder.
"Patience."
"Sorry!"
"You're going to wear that word out before you're ten."
Anakin laughed.
They approached the entrance.
A man emerged from the homestead, wiping his hands on a cloth.
He was broad-built, weathered by years of desert work, and regarded the approaching visitors with understandable curiosity.
"Can I help you?"
Martus stepped out.
"Cliegg Lars?"
"That's right."
"Master Martus Kael Vorran. This is my apprentice, Anakin Skywalker."
Cliegg's eyes widened.
"Anakin?"
The boy stepped forward.
"Is my mom here?"
Cliegg looked at him for another moment.
Then his expression softened.
"Well, I'll be damned."
He turned towards the entrance.
"Shmi! You'd better come out here!"
A woman's voice answered from below.
"What is it, Cliegg?"
"Just come and see!"
Footsteps sounded from the entrance.
Shmi Skywalker emerged into the sunlight.
She looked towards Cliegg first.
Then towards the visitors.
Her hand rose to her mouth.
"Anakin?"
Anakin was already running.
"Mom!"
Shmi hurried towards him, catching her son as he threw himself into her arms.
For several moments, neither managed to speak.
She held him tightly, one hand against the back of his head.
"Oh, Ani."
"I missed you!"
"I missed you too, sweetheart."
Anakin buried his face against her shoulder.
Shmi closed her eyes.
Cliegg watched quietly from a short distance away.
Martus remained beside the speeder, allowing them their moment.
Eventually, Shmi drew back enough to look at her son.
"Look at you."
Anakin smiled through his tears.
"I'm a Jedi now!"
"I can see that."
"And I've got a master!"
He turned and pointed.
"That's him!"
Martus approached.
"Mrs Skywalker."
Shmi smiled.
"Shmi, please."
"Martus Kael Vorran. It's a pleasure to meet you."
She extended her hand.
"Thank you for looking after my son."
Martus shook it.
"He's been a pleasure to teach."
Anakin grinned.
"Even when I ask too many questions?"
Martus looked down at him.
"Especially then. Although I reserve the right to reconsider after your next hundred."
Shmi laughed.
Cliegg stepped forward.
"Cliegg Lars."
The two men shook hands.
"Anakin's told me a little about his mother," Martus said. "I'm pleased to hear she's no longer enslaved."
Cliegg nodded.
"Bought her freedom from Watto. Best decision I ever made."
Shmi smiled at him.
Cliegg returned the expression.
"We were married recently."
Anakin looked between them.
"You're married?"
Shmi knelt beside him.
"Yes, Ani."
"Does that mean he's my stepdad?"
Cliegg chuckled.
"I suppose it does, if you're comfortable with that."
Anakin considered the unfamiliar arrangement.
Then he smiled.
"Okay."
Shmi brushed a strand of hair away from his forehead.
"There's someone else I'd like you to meet."
She looked towards the homestead.
"Owen!"
A young man appeared at the entrance, followed by a young woman.
"This is Owen, Cliegg's son. And this is Beru Whitesun."
Owen approached.
"So you're Anakin."
"Yep!"
"Your mother's told us about you."
Anakin looked surprised.
"She has?"
"Quite a lot, actually."
Beru smiled.
"Especially about your podracer."
Anakin brightened.
"I built it myself!"
"So we've heard."
Martus glanced towards Cliegg.
"Would you mind if we came inside? There's something I'd like to discuss with the family."
Cliegg gestured towards the entrance.
"Of course. Come on in."
An Offer From Earth
The Lars homestead was considerably cooler inside.
Cliegg led everyone into the main living area while Beru prepared refreshments. Anakin remained close to Shmi, occasionally glancing at her as though checking she was still there.
Martus accepted a glass of water and took a seat opposite Cliegg.
"Now," Cliegg began, "what brings a Jedi Master all the way out here? I doubt the Order sends its members across the galaxy for family reunions."
"Ordinarily, no," Martus replied. "But Anakin's circumstances are somewhat unusual."
"That's one way of putting it."
"I originally came to secure Shmi's freedom. Since you've already accomplished that, I find myself in the rather pleasant position of having one less problem to solve."
Shmi smiled.
"Then you've come a very long way for nothing."
"Not at all. Anakin's had the opportunity to see his mother, and I've had the pleasure of meeting his family."
Cliegg nodded approvingly.
"Fair enough."
"However, there's something else I'd like to discuss."
Owen leaned against the wall.
"What's that?"
"An opportunity."
Martus reached into his robes and retrieved his holographic communications device.
He placed it on the table.
"Anakin, would you mind showing everyone where I come from?"
Anakin grinned.
"Really?"
"Go ahead."
The boy activated the device.
A holographic image of Earth appeared above the table, slowly rotating.
Shmi leaned forward.
"What a beautiful planet."
"That's Earth," Anakin explained. "Master Martus was born there!"
Cliegg studied the projection.
"Never heard of it."
"Very few people have," Martus replied.
Owen frowned.
"How does an entire planet stay unknown?"
"Earth lies within a region of space that's extraordinarily difficult to navigate without accurate coordinates. Its people have also chosen to limit contact with the wider galaxy."
"Why?" Owen asked.
"Several reasons. Security, political independence and a rather understandable reluctance to become involved in the Republic's more complicated affairs."
Cliegg chuckled.
"Can't say I blame them."
Martus smiled.
"Quite."
He changed the hologram.
The planet disappeared, replaced by an enormous city.
Its architecture was unlike anything the Lars family had seen.
Curving towers rose between expansive gardens. Elevated transport networks crossed above wide pedestrian avenues, while sleek vehicles travelled silently between buildings. Beyond the city stretched forests, rivers and enormous stretches of protected countryside.
Beru stepped closer.
"That's incredible."
Anakin pointed excitedly.
"Show them the reactor!"
Martus raised an eyebrow.
"Patience, Anakin."
"Please?"
"Oh, very well."
The image shifted towards a massive circular structure surrounded by landscaped gardens and scientific facilities.
At its centre, a brilliant blue light glowed within an enormous containment chamber.
Cliegg stared.
"What in the blazes is that?"
"An Arc Reactor. One of Earth's principal energy technologies."
"That little thing powers all those buildings?"
"That particular installation supplies a substantial portion of the surrounding region. Earth operates a distributed planetary energy network, so no single reactor is responsible for keeping the entire civilisation functioning."
Owen leaned forward.
"How much fuel does it need?"
"Far less than conventional systems of comparable output. The technology is designed for extremely efficient energy production, storage and distribution."
Anakin grinned.
"Master Martus says they can make smaller ones too!"
"Indeed. Although building one is considerably more complicated than Anakin makes it sound."
Shmi examined the hologram.
"And people live there?"
"Billions."
"Are they all human?"
"Predominantly, yes."
Cliegg scratched his chin.
"And you're offering us what, exactly?"
Martus deactivated the hologram.
"A chance to visit."
The room became quiet.
Shmi looked towards him.
"Visit Earth?"
"Yes. And if you find it suitable, I can arrange for you to apply for permanent residency."
Owen straightened.
"You're asking us to leave Tatooine?"
"I'm offering you the option. There's a rather important difference."
Cliegg folded his arms.
"This farm has been in my family for years."
"Then I wouldn't dream of telling you to abandon it."
Martus glanced towards Shmi.
"But I also understand that Shmi has spent much of her life without the freedom to choose where she lives. I thought she might appreciate seeing what other possibilities exist."
Shmi looked at him for a long moment.
Then she turned towards Cliegg.
"What do you think?"
Cliegg considered the question.
"Well, I wouldn't mind seeing this Earth of yours. But moving there? That's a much bigger decision."
"Naturally," Martus replied. "I wouldn't expect an answer today."
Anakin looked between them.
"Mom, you should see it! There's oceans everywhere, and really big cities, and Master Martus says there's no slavery!"
Shmi's expression softened.
"No slavery?"
"Earth's laws prohibit it," Martus confirmed. "And those laws are enforced."
Shmi lowered her eyes briefly.
For someone who had spent so much of her life being treated as property, the thought of living somewhere that recognised her freedom without question was difficult to dismiss.
"And Anakin?" she asked.
Martus understood immediately.
"His training will continue on Coruscant. But Earth is my home, and I've already discussed the possibility of supervised visits with the Council."
"You'd allow him to see us?"
"When his responsibilities permit, yes. I won't promise unrestricted travel, but I see no reason why his relationship with his family should simply cease to exist."
Anakin moved closer to his mother.
"See? I told you!"
Shmi put an arm around him.
Cliegg looked towards Owen.
"What do you reckon?"
Owen glanced at Beru.
"I'd like to see the place before deciding anything."
Beru nodded.
"So would I."
Cliegg looked back at Martus.
"Well, Master Jedi, I suppose you've got yourself some passengers."
Martus smiled.
"Splendid."
A World Beyond the Republic
They departed Tatooine the following morning.
Cliegg had arranged for a trusted neighbour to oversee the moisture farm during their absence. Owen had checked the equipment twice, while Beru had packed enough clothing for several days.
Anakin had spent much of the previous evening explaining everything he knew about Earth.
Which, Martus privately reflected, was an impressive amount considering how little time the boy had actually spent studying it.
Now the family sat in the passenger compartment of Martus's ship.
Cliegg examined the polished interior.
"This is some vessel."
"Thank you."
"Built on Earth?"
"Designed and constructed there."
Owen studied a nearby display.
"These controls don't look anything like standard Republic systems."
"They wouldn't. Earth's engineering developed independently."
"Is it faster?"
"In several respects."
Anakin leaned forward.
"Show them!"
Martus looked at his apprentice.
"You're becoming rather fond of giving orders aboard my ship."
Anakin grinned.
"Sorry, Master."
"One day, I shall teach you the difference between enthusiasm and commanding an entire spacecraft."
Cliegg laughed.
Martus settled into the pilot's seat.
"Everyone secure?"
A series of confirmations followed.
"Excellent."
The vessel lifted from the desert, climbing through Tatooine's atmosphere.
Shmi watched her homeworld shrink beneath them.
She had once believed she would never leave it.
Now she sat beside her son, travelling towards a planet she had never known existed.
Anakin reached for her hand.
"Are you okay, Mom?"
She smiled.
"Yes, Ani."
"You're not scared?"
"A little."
"Master Martus says being scared isn't bad. It's what you do when you're scared that matters."
Shmi looked towards the cockpit.
"Does he?"
Anakin nodded.
"He's teaching me loads of things."
"I can see that."
The ship cleared Tatooine's gravity well.
Martus entered a sequence of coordinates.
"Now, ladies and gentlemen, we're about to take a slightly unconventional route."
Owen frowned.
"Unconventional how?"
"Earth's location isn't accessible through standard Republic navigation charts. We use a protected series of hyperspace coordinates and specialised navigation systems."
Cliegg looked towards Shmi.
"Sounds complicated."
"Only if you're flying," Martus replied.
He activated the hyperdrive.
The stars stretched into lines.
And Tatooine disappeared behind them.
The final stage of their journey took them through a region of space where conventional navigation would have been unreliable.
Martus's ship followed a carefully calculated course before emerging into a quiet star system.
A blue-and-green planet appeared ahead.
Shmi rose slightly from her seat.
"Is that it?"
Martus smiled.
"Earth."
Anakin pressed closer to the viewport.
"Look at all the water!"
Cliegg stared at the enormous oceans.
"That's a lot of moisture."
Owen glanced at him.
"Dad."
"What? It is."
Beru laughed.
Martus guided the ship towards the planet.
As they descended, the family began to make out the shapes of enormous cities surrounded by forests, farmland and carefully maintained natural landscapes.
Unlike Coruscant, Earth had not covered its entire surface with buildings.
Its cities had grown upward and outward in carefully planned districts, leaving vast areas of the planet untouched.
The ship passed above an elevated transport network where sleek vehicles moved silently along designated routes.
Anakin pointed towards a distant structure.
"There's the reactor!"
Martus nodded.
"One of them."
Cliegg stared through the viewport.
"That's bigger than I expected."
"It usually is."
They approached a landing facility surrounded by gardens and glass-fronted buildings.
A voice sounded over the communications system.
"Earth Orbital Control to Vorran vessel. Identity confirmed. Welcome home, Master Vorran. Your designated landing platform is ready."
"Much obliged," Martus replied.
The ship descended smoothly.
Within minutes, its landing gear touched the platform.
Martus powered down the engines.
"Well, everyone."
He turned in his seat.
"Welcome to Earth."
The Earthborn
The landing ramp lowered.
Shmi stepped outside first.
A gentle breeze moved through the gardens surrounding the landing facility. The air was pleasantly warm, carrying the scent of flowers and freshly cut grass.
She stood still for a moment.
There was no sand blowing into her eyes.
No oppressive desert heat.
No familiar mechanical groan of moisture vaporators struggling against the elements.
Just the distant sound of moving water.
"It's beautiful," she whispered.
Cliegg emerged behind her.
"Well, I'll be."
Owen and Beru followed, both looking around with undisguised curiosity.
Anakin hurried down the ramp.
"Mom! Look!"
Beyond the landing plaza, an enormous city stretched towards the horizon.
Its towers were elegant rather than imposing, many incorporating gardens and terraces into their architecture.
Transparent transport tubes connected several buildings, while pedestrian areas were separated from the faster-moving traffic overhead.
Cliegg looked towards Martus.
"How does everyone get around?"
"Public transport, private vehicles, walking, cycling. Depends on the distance and personal preference."
"Those things up there fly?"
"Some use controlled antigravity systems. Others use magnetic propulsion."
Owen looked impressed.
"And they don't crash into each other?"
"Not often. Automated traffic management helps considerably."
A small service droid approached.
"Welcome, Master Vorran. Your guests have been registered for temporary visitor access. Would you like transportation arranged?"
"Yes, please. Something comfortable for six."
"Of course."
Anakin watched the droid depart.
"That was fast."
Martus smiled.
"Efficiency has its advantages."
They crossed the plaza towards a waiting transport.
As they travelled through the city, Beru noticed several signs identifying nearby facilities.
HEALTHCORE.
CURELABS.
CENTRAL MEDICAL INSTITUTE.
"Are those hospitals?" she asked.
"Some are medical facilities. Others are research institutions."
Cliegg glanced towards a building with a large blue emblem.
"Healthcare must cost a fortune here."
"Essential healthcare is publicly provided."
Cliegg blinked.
"Provided?"
"Yes."
"You mean people don't have to pay a doctor every time they get sick?"
"Not for medically necessary care."
Cliegg shook his head.
"That's something."
Martus noticed him shifting uncomfortably in his seat.
"Your leg troubling you?"
"A little. Old injury."
"How long?"
"Years."
"Would you like someone to examine it?"
Cliegg looked surprised.
"You can arrange that?"
"Of course."
"Just like that?"
"Well, there will be an assessment. We can't promise a treatment before determining the problem."
Cliegg considered the offer.
"Wouldn't hurt to ask."
"Precisely."
The Heart of the City
Their next stop was a public observation terrace overlooking one of Earth's largest energy installations.
At its centre stood an enormous Arc Reactor, its blue-white core visible through multiple layers of transparent shielding.
The surrounding complex included research laboratories, power-distribution facilities and carefully maintained public gardens.
Anakin approached the observation window.
"That's incredible."
Martus stood beside him.
"Rather impressive, isn't it?"
"Can we go inside?"
"Not today. The reactor chamber is a restricted engineering environment."
"Can we visit another time?"
"Perhaps, with the proper authorisation."
Anakin studied the structure.
"How does it work?"
Martus smiled.
"That's a rather long conversation."
"I like long conversations."
"I've noticed."
Owen joined them.
"Is that really enough to power a city?"
"With the supporting infrastructure, yes. The reactor is part of a larger energy network."
"What's the fuel?"
Martus began explaining the basic principles, simplifying some of the more complicated engineering concepts.
Anakin listened intently.
Shmi watched them from a nearby bench.
Her son looked happy.
Not simply excited, as he had been after winning the podrace.
Happy in a way she had rarely seen during their years on Tatooine.
Beru sat beside her.
"He's very close to his master."
Shmi nodded.
"I can see that."
"Martus seems to care about him."
"He does."
Shmi watched as Anakin asked another question.
Martus listened, considered it and answered without impatience.
"He reminds me of someone," Shmi said quietly.
"Who?"
Shmi smiled.
"Someone who believes my son deserves a future."
Later that afternoon, Martus arranged a tour of one of Earth's medical centres.
Cliegg underwent a preliminary examination using a combination of advanced imaging and non-invasive diagnostic equipment.
The attending physician reviewed the results.
"There's evidence of an old injury affecting the joint and surrounding tissue," she explained. "We have several treatment options, including regenerative therapy. I'd recommend further assessment before deciding which is most appropriate."
Cliegg looked towards Martus.
"You weren't joking about the medicine."
"I rarely joke about someone's health."
Owen raised an eyebrow.
"Rarely?"
Martus smiled.
"One must allow for the occasional exception."
Shmi had also been offered a general health assessment.
For the first time in years, she sat in a medical facility where nobody asked who owned her, whether she had permission to receive treatment or whether she could afford it.
The physician spoke directly to her.
Asked about her concerns.
Explained her options.
And treated her as someone whose decisions mattered.
By the time they left, Shmi had become unusually quiet.
Martus noticed.
"Everything all right?"
She nodded.
"Yes."
Then she looked at him.
"It's just strange."
"What is?"
"Being somewhere where people don't seem to expect anything from me in return."
Martus considered that.
"Kindness shouldn't always come with an invoice."
Shmi laughed softly.
"No. I suppose it shouldn't."
A Choice Freely Made
That evening, Martus brought the family to a residential district overlooking a large park.
He had arranged temporary accommodation in a spacious guest residence with several bedrooms, a kitchen, a private garden and a view of the city.
Cliegg inspected the living room.
"This is temporary?"
"For your visit, yes."
Owen looked towards the balcony.
"Not exactly roughing it, are we?"
"Not unless you find comfortable furniture particularly distressing," Martus replied.
Beru laughed.
Anakin hurried towards the windows.
"Mom, come look!"
Shmi joined him.
Beyond the glass, the city lights shimmered beneath the evening sky.
Anakin leaned against her.
"Do you like it?"
She put an arm around him.
"Very much."
"Would you want to live here?"
Shmi looked towards Cliegg.
He approached them.
"Well, that's the question, isn't it?"
Martus remained near the doorway.
"There's no need to decide tonight."
Cliegg turned towards him.
"What would happen to our farm?"
"That's entirely your decision. You could retain ownership and arrange for someone to manage it, lease it or sell it. I can help you understand the financial and legal implications, but I won't make that choice for you."
Owen nodded.
"I'd want to think about it."
"As you should."
Beru looked towards the city.
"And if we wanted to stay?"
"Earth has a residency process. I can sponsor your applications and help you establish yourselves, but you'd still need to understand the laws, customs and practicalities of living here."
Cliegg folded his arms.
"You make it sound almost ordinary."
"Moving to another planet is a significant decision. I'd rather you made it with your eyes open."
Shmi looked towards Anakin.
"And my son?"
Martus approached.
"Anakin remains my Padawan. His training is on Coruscant, but I'll continue arranging appropriate opportunities for him to visit. Earth can be another place where his family lives, not a replacement for the life he's building."
Anakin looked up.
"So I can have two homes?"
Martus smiled.
"I don't see why not."
The boy considered that.
Then he turned towards his mother.
"Wouldn't that be wizard?"
Shmi laughed and hugged him.
"Yes, Ani. It would."
Cliegg looked towards his wife.
"Well?"
She thought for a moment.
"I'd like to stay a little longer. See more of the planet. Learn what life would actually be like."
Cliegg nodded.
"Then that's what we'll do."
Owen glanced towards Beru.
"I could get used to the weather."
"That's because you haven't had to repair anything yet," she replied.
Cliegg laughed.
Martus smiled.
"Excellent. I'll arrange a longer visit."
Anakin looked relieved.
"Thank you, Master."
"You're welcome."
Later, after the others had retired to their rooms, Martus found Anakin standing on the balcony.
The boy was looking up at the stars.
"Having trouble sleeping?"
Anakin shook his head.
"Just thinking."
"About?"
"My mom."
Martus joined him.
"Good thoughts, I hope."
Anakin nodded.
"She's free."
"Yes."
"And she's happy."
"She certainly seems to be."
Anakin looked towards him.
"You kept your promise."
Martus rested his hands on the balcony railing.
"Cliegg freed your mother before we arrived. He deserves the credit for that."
"But you brought me to see her. And you brought everyone here."
"That I did."
Anakin considered something.
"Master?"
"Yes?"
"When I'm older, I want to help people like you do."
Martus looked down at him.
"That's a worthwhile ambition."
"Not just Jedi. Everyone."
"Even better."
Anakin smiled.
"Maybe I could build things that help people."
"I think you'd be rather good at that."
"Like the medical machines?"
"Precisely."
"Or the Arc Reactors?"
"Perhaps start with something slightly smaller."
Anakin laughed.
They stood together for a while, watching the lights of Earth.
Eventually, Anakin looked up.
"Do you think I could help people on Tatooine too?"
Martus considered the question.
"Yes. Although helping an entire world is rather more complicated than helping one person."
"Because of the Hutts?"
"Among other things."
Anakin frowned.
"But slavery's wrong."
"It is."
"Then why doesn't someone stop it?"
Martus was silent for a moment.
"Because knowing something is wrong and having the means to change it are two different things. Governments, laws, economies and powerful individuals can make even obvious injustices difficult to correct."
Anakin looked troubled.
"So what do we do?"
"We learn. We prepare. We help where we can. And when we have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference, we use it wisely."
Anakin considered that.
"Mind, body, spirit?"
Martus smiled.
"Mind, body, spirit."
The boy leaned against him.
"Goodnight, Master."
"Goodnight, Anakin."
Martus watched his apprentice disappear into the residence.
Then he looked back towards the city.
His mission had begun with a promise to help one woman escape slavery.
He had discovered that she was already free, reunited her with her son and offered her family a new opportunity.
Whether they ultimately chose Earth or Tatooine would be their decision.
And that, Martus thought, was precisely how it should be.
Freedom meant very little if someone else insisted on deciding what you did with it.
End of Chapter Three