Featured song:

"You'll Be in My Heart" by Glenn Close and Phil Collins

________________________

The newly fixed Nubian took a long trip to get to Coruscant, there still being a distance to go at the moment. For now, most of the passengers were sleeping, but Padme decided to look at Bibble's transmission again.

"The death toll is catastrophic. We must bow to their wishes. You must contact me."

Padme felt sad hearing this message, but then her sadness changed to concern when she caught something in the corner of her eye. It was Anakin. He was shivering.

"Are you alright?" Padme asked.

"It's very cold." Anakin shivered.

Padme approached Anakin, a soft orange blanket in hand, which she placed over Anakin.

"You come from a warm planet, Ani. A little too warm for my taste. Space is cold."

Anakin looked up at Padme and said, "You seem sad."

Padme told Anakin, "The queen is worried. Her people are suffering, dying. She must convince the senate to intervene or..." Padme couldn't bring herself to say what she dreaded to a child. "I'm not sure what'll happen."

Anakin pulled out his right hand from the blanket with something in it.

"I made this for you... so you'd remember me."

Padme looked at the gift Anakin gave her. It was a little wooden square with little patterns carved into it.

"I carved it out of a japor snippet," said Anakin. "It'll bring you good fortune."

"It's beautiful," said Padme. "But I don't need this to remember you by."

Anakin smiled a little.

"Many things will change when we reach the capital, Ani, but my caring for you will remain."

"I care for you too, only I..."

Anakin wasn't sure what to say. He was a little scared by what would happen once he became a Jedi. What if he wasn't cut out for it? What if he messed something up? What if none of the Jedi liked him? He was worried about all of those things.

Anakin left the room and went to where his mother and Qui-Gon were resting.

"Mommy..."

Shmi was woken up by that. Anakin stopped calling her 'Mommy' all the time when he was seven, but now he only ever called her that if he had a bad dream or was scared.

"Ani, what's the matter?" Shmi said.

Anakin told his mom about how scared he was about how things were going to change once he met the Jedi. He was ready to go and chase his dream, at least... he thought he was, but he was also scared. What if his dream was all for naught? What if he did something bad? What if he couldn't remember all the rules or pass the tests he needed to pass? What if people laughed at him and he could never show his face anywhere again?

Shmi took Anakin into her arms and hugged him tightly.

"Ani, this is your dream. If it's what you want, then it's your choice to go after it. If the Jedi are even half as wise as Qui-Gon, I'm sure they will be honored to have you. They would have to be brainless not to see what a special boy you are."

Shmi tickled Anakin's neck a little, making him giggle, like she always did to cheer him up.

Anakin was going to need some rest before they arrived on Coruscant, this Shmi knew. But, Anakin said he wasn't tired. Nevertheless, Shmi made him get into a cot and tucked him in, and she sang him a special song to help him fall asleep.

Shmi:

Come stop your crying

It will be alright

Just take my hand

Hold it tight

I will protect you from all around you

I will be here

Don't you cry

Anakin started to feel a little better hearing his mother sing to him like she always did since he was a baby.

For one so small

You seem so strong

This bond between us can't be broken

I will be here

Don't you cry

While Anakin was falling asleep, Qui-Gon woke up to the sound of Shmi singing. He couldn't help feeling smitten by her voice. Shmi had a beautiful singing voice; it was no wonder Anakin was so peacefully falling asleep to her song.

'Cause you'll be in my heart

Yes, you'll be in my heart

From this day on

Now and forever more

Shmi tucked Anakin in under the soft blanket, the little boy looking so peaceful when he was asleep.

You'll be in my heart

No matter what they say

You'll be here in my heart

Always

Shmi kissed Anakin's head and left him to rest. Neither Qui-Gon nor Shmi could deny it, Anakin was adorable when he slept.

"Do I get a goodnight kiss too?" Qui-Gon teased.

Shmi chuckled at Qui-Gon, and she did give him a goodnight kiss too, which he was happy to return.

__________________________________

Eventually, the Nubuian ship arrived on...

"Coruscant," said the pilot. "The whole planet's one big city."

Anakin couldn't believe his eyes when he looked out to see Coruscant. It was huge! And it was so busy too. There were vehicles moving everywhere, people on the streets, and buildings were showing signs of endless activity everywhere. Most people, when they dream of the big city, typically dream of going to pursue careers as artists, business people, or a big-shot of some kind. Anakin, he just dreamed of freedom and becoming a Jedi.

"There's Chancellor Valorum's shuttle. And look over there. Senator Palpatine is waiting for us."

The ship was landed on a platform, where everyone exited to meet with Senator Palpatine, and he wasn't alone.

The Jedi bowed respectfully, Anakin mimicking their actions. And then, Queen Amidala and their handmaidens came to the front.

"It is a great gift to see you alive, Your Majesty." Palpatine said. "With the communications breakdown, we've been very concerned. I'm anxious to hear your report on the situation."

While Palpatine spoke with the queen, Anakin looked at Padme standing by the queen's side as her handmaiden again. The two smiled at each other discreetly.

Palpatine introduced another old man as Supreme Chancellor Valorum.

"Welcome, Your Highness," said Chancellor Valorum. "It's an honor to finally meet you in person."

"Thank you, Supreme Chancellor."

"I must relay to you how distressed everyone is over the current situation. I've called for a special session of the senate to hear your position."

"I'm grateful for your concern, Chancellor."

Anakin followed with the handmaidens, curious about how everything here worked.

"There is a question of procedure," said Palpatine. "But I'm confident we can overcome it."

With Anakin with the handmaidens and Shmi following him to ensure the child didn't get into trouble, Qui-Gon informed Chancellor Valorum that he needed to speak with the Jedi Council posthaste.

"The situation has become much more complicated."

Anakin stopped and turned around when he overheard this. He thought about seeking answers to all the questions running through his head... until Padme told him to come on.

"Come, Ani." Shmi said, taking Anakin's hand.

With his free hand, Anakin made a motion as though questioning Qui-Gon, he motioned back to tell him to run along. So he did.

The queen and her entourage took a shuttle to go to a safe place.

_______________________________

The queen and the others arrived in an apartment where Palpatine was discussing with the queen.

"There is no civility, only politics. The Republic is not what it once was. The senate is full of greedy, squabbling delegates. There is no interest in the common good."

The queen was silent as Senator Palpatine went on.

"I must be frank, Your Majesty. There is little chance the senate will act on the invasion."

"Chancellor Valorum seems to think there is hope," said the queen.

"If I may say so, Your Majesty, the chancellor has little real power. He is mired by baseless accusations of corruption. The bureaucrats are in charge now."

"What options have we?"

"Our best choice would be to push for the election of a stronger supreme chancellor, one who could control the bureaucrats and give us justice. You could call for a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum."

The queen wasn't sure that was such a good idea, though.
"He has been our strongest supporter."

But Palpatine was insistent.

"Our only other choice would be to submit a plea to the courts." He said.

"The courts take even longer to decide things than the senate."

Nothing worse than when people can't decide on things quickly. Like, say, you're on your lunch break, and you decide to go buy something, but the person in front of you in line can't decide what  they want to order, and then they end up holding the line and by the time you finally get to order your food you can barely enjoy it because your break is about to be over, if at all. But this... this was more severe.

"Our people are dying, Senator. We must do something quickly to stop the Federation."

"To be realistic, Your Majesty," said Palpatine. "I think we're going to have to accept Federation control for the time being."

"That is something I cannot do."

While political disputes were being dealt with, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan arrived at the Jedi Temple, an amazing structure that looked a little like a palace. It did have five tall towers on it, after all. And at the top of the center tower were the chambers of the Jedi High Council, the Jedi in charge of keeping order within the Jedi Order. You could say, they were pretty much like a smaller scale version of the Senate, but just for the Jedi.

Qui-Gon explained to the Jedi Council what had happened on Tatooine with Darth Maul.

"He was trained in the Jedi arts." Qui-Gon said. "My only conclusion can be that it was a Sith Lord."

"Impossible," said one Jedi. A literally large-headed creature called a Cerean, named Ki-Adi Mundi. "The Sith have been extinct for a millennium."

"I do not believe the Sith could have returned without us knowing," said a dark-skinned human Jedi. His name was Mace Windu.

And between the two council members who'd spoken was a little green man with pointy ears. His name was Yoda. He was one of the wisest and the oldest living Jedi in the order, currently. You can bet he had some words regarding this matter.

"Ah, hard to see, the dark side is."

"We will use all our resources to unravel this mystery," said Windu. "We will discover the identity of your attacker. May the Force be with you."

The two Jedi bowed, and Obi-Wan started to leave, but was surprised when his master didn't follow.

"Master Qui-gon," said Yoda. "More to say have you?"

Qui-Gon crossed his arms and said, "With your permission, my master, I have encountered a vergence in the Force."

The council was silent for a moment.

"A vergence, you say?" said Yoda, sounding intrigued.

"Located around a person?" added Mace.

"A boy." Qui-Gon answered. "His cells have the highest concentration of midi-chlorians I have seen in a life-form. I am uncertain how it is possible, but I believe he is the Chosen One."

"You refer to the prophecy," said Mace. "Of the one who will bring balance to the Force. You believe it's this boy?"

"I don't presume to-"

"But you do." Yoda interrupted. "Revealed your opinion is."

"I request the boy be tested, Master."

"Oh? Trained as a Jedi you request for him, hmm?"

"Finding him was the will of the Force. I have no doubt of that."

The Jedi Council members all looked at each other and thought for a while. Mace spoke up.

"Bring him before us then."

And with that, Qui-Gon did follow Obi-Wan out of the room this time.

_____________________________

Meanwhile, Anakin waited outside a door, where he told a guard he wanted to see Padme. The  guard sent this message over his comm, and once he was given the okay, he let Anakin enter the opening door.

"I'm sorry, Ani, but Padme's not here right now." said a hooded figure.

"Who is it?" said a voice that turned out to be the queen.

"Anakin Skywalker to see Padme, Your Highness."

Anakin bowed before the queen, who explained Padme was out on an errand, and Shmi was sent to help her.

"I'm on my way to the Jedi temple to start my training, I hope." Anakin said. "I may never see her or my mom again, so I came to say goodbye."

"We will tell them for you," promised the queen. "We are sure Padme's heart goes with you as well as your mother."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

______________________________

Later, at the Senate building, several politicians were gathered for an important meeting.

"The chair recognizes the senator from the sovereign system of Naboo." Chancellor Valorum announced.

Palpatine came forward on a floating platform on which a spotlight shone.

"Supreme Chancellor, delegates of the senate, a tragedy has occurred, which started right here with the taxation of trade routes and has now engulfed our entire planet in the oppression of the Trade Federation."

However, a Neimoidian senator by the name of Lott Dodd, objected.

"This is outrageous! I object to the senator's statements."

"The chair does not recognize the senator from the Trade Federation at this time," said the Chancellor, unpleased with Dodd's lack of manners.

"To state our allegations," Palpatine continued. "I present Queen Amidala, recently elected ruler of Naboo, who speaks on our behalf."

The queen stood up and approached the podium to speak.

"Honorable representatives of the Republic, I come to you under the gravest of circumstances. The Naboo system has been invaded by the droid armies of the Trade-"

"I object! There is no proof!" shouted Senator Dodd. "This is incredible. We recommend a commission be sent to Naboo to ascertain the truth."

"The Congress of Malastare concurs," said another senator. "With the honorable delegate from the Trade Federation. A commission must be appointed."

Chancellor Valorum was about to say something else, when Mas Amedda, the second in command, interrupted him.

"Enter the bureaucrat," said Palpatine to the queen quietly. "The true rulers of the Republic. And on the payroll of the Trade Federation, I might add. This is where Chancellor Valorum's strength will disappear."

The queen was devastated seeing what she was seeing now. She hated that Palpatine appeared to be right in this situation.

"The point is conceded," said Chancellor Valorum. "Will you defer your motion to allow a commission to explore the validity of your accusations?"

Although deferring might have sounded like the easiest route to take, Queen Amidala did not back down.

"I will not defer. I've come before you to resolve this attack on our sovereignty now. I was not elected to watch my people suffer and die while you discuss this invasion in a committee."

For once, everyone was silent in the senate.

"If this body is not capable of action," said the queen. "I suggest new leadership is needed."

People gasped at the queen's statement.

"I move for a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum's leadership."

And just like that, the senate got noisy again. Some began chanting, "Vote now! Vote now!" until Amedda shouted "Order!"

"Now they will elect a new chancellor," said Palpatine. "A strong chancellor, one who will not let our tragedy continue."

Meanwhile, Obi-Wan thought his master was in over his head allowing Anakin to be tested by the Jedi Council.

The two Jedi walked outside to talk for a while.

"The boy will not pass the council's test, Master. He's too old," said Obi-Wan.

"Anakin will become a Jedi, I promise you." Qui-Gon said.

"Do not defy the council, Master, not again."

"I shall do what I must, Obi-Wan."

Qui-Gon stood by a balcony and looked out at the sun setting in the distance.

"They will not go along with you this time." Obi-Wan said.

Qui-Gon placed a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder and said, "You still have much to learn, my young apprentice."

__________________________

Anakin, on the other hand, was a little nervous to take his test. He stood in the middle of the Jedi Council Chambers. Being surrounded by all these Jedi Masters, he felt as if he were waiting at the gates of judgement or something. The test was simple, according to the Jedi.

Master Windu held a tablet on which pictures would appear, and Anakin had to identify them...without seeing them with his eyes. He would need to rely on the Force to name the picture.

There was a ship, then a cup, then another ship, and finally a speeder.

The Council was intrigued; Anakin got every single one right.

"Hmm..." Yoda scratched his chin. "How feel you?"

"Cold, sir." Anakin replied.

"Afraid are you?"

"No, sir."

"See through you we can."

That did make Anakin a little afraid.

"Be mindful of your feelings," said Mace.

"Your thoughts dwell on your mother," said Ki-Adi.

"I miss her." Anakin confessed.

"Afraid to lose her, I think, mmm?" Yoda said.

"What has that got to do with anything?"

"Everything. Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering."

Ironically, that warning just made Anakin more afraid. As intelligent as he was, he was still just a little boy.

"I sense much fear in you."

____________________________

As for the queen, her worry only continued to grow. Jar Jar approached her.

"Yousa tinkin yousa people ganna die?"

"I don't know," the queen answered.

Something else hit Jar Jar's mind, and it wasn't because he bumped his head this time.

"Gungans get pasted too, eh?"

"I hope not."

"Gungans no dyin' without a fight. Wesa warriors. Wesa got a grand army. Dat's why you no liken us, mesa tinks."

"Your Highness?" said a new voice.

It was the captain, and he wasn't alone. Close behind the captain came Senator Palpatine, who looked very happy.

"Your Highness," said the captain. "Senator Palpatine has been nominated to succeed Valorum as supreme chancellor."

"A surprise to be sure," said Palpatine. "But a welcome one. Your Majesty, if I am elected, I promise to put an end to corruption."

"Who else has been nominated?" the queen asked.

"Bail Antilles of Alderaan and Ainlee Teem of Malastare." said the captain.

"I feel confident our situation will create a strong sympathy vote for us." Palpatine said, sitting down. "I will be chancellor."

"I fear by the time you have control of the bureaucrats, Senator," said the queen. "There'll be nothing left of our people, our way of life."

"I understand your concern, Your Majesty. Unfortunately, the Federation has possession of our planet."

The queen took a breath to calm down and spoke again.

"Senator, this is your arena. I feel I must return to mine." She turned to a surprised Palpatine. "I've decided to go back to Naboo."

"Go back? But, Your Majesty, be realistic. They'll force you to sign the treaty."

"I will sign no treaty, Senator. My fate will be no different than that of our people. Captain."

"Your Highness."

"Ready my ship."

But Palpatine insisted the queen remain on Coruscant where she would be safe. The queen replied with, "It is clear to me now that the Republic no longer functions. I pray you will bring sanity and compassion back to the senate."

And without another word or hesitation, the queen left.

_________________________________

That night, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan joined Anakin in the Senate chambers.

"The Force is strong with him," said Mace.

"He is to be trained then?" Qui-Gon inquired.

"No, he will not be trained."

"No?" Qui-Gon sounded appalled.

Anakin said nothing, though he was disappointed.

"He is too old."

"He is the chosen one. You must see it." Qui-Gon said.

"Mmm. Clouded this boy's future is." Yoda said.

Qui-Gon could see the very thing he feared had come to fruition. Thus, he needed a solution.

"I will train him, then." Qui-Gon said, holding Anakin's shoulders. "I take Anakin as my Padawan learner."

"An apprentice you have, Qui-Gon." Yoda reminded Qui-Gon. "Impossible to take on a second."

"The code forbids it." Mace said.

"Obi-Wan is ready," Qui-Gon insisted.

"I am ready to face the trials," said Obi-Wan.

"Our own counsel we will keep on who is ready." Yoda insisted stubbornly.

Qui-Gon could clearly see that the Jedi Council required a little more convincing.

"He is headstrong, and he has much to learn of the living Force, but he is capable. There is little more he can learn from me."

Everyone was silent again for a moment, and then Yoda spoke up.

"Young Skywalker's fate will be decided later."

"Now is not the time for this," said Mace. "The senate is voting for a new supreme chancellor, and Queen Amidala is returning home, which will put pressure on the Federation and could widen the confrontation."

"And draw out the queen's attacker," said Master Mundi.

"Go with the queen to Naboo and discover the identity of this dark warrior." Mace continued. "This is the clue we need to unravel the mystery of the Sith."

"May the Force be with you," said Yoda.

And so, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Anakin left the Council Chambers to head off on the mission.

_________________________________

Qui-Gon, however, was not happy with how the Jedi Council treated Anakin. It was clear to him they did not even think he was worth giving a chance, and some looked at him like he was a monster or something. Anakin was just a child, and he had no idea where he and his mother would go now that they were freed from slavery.

Obi-Wan tried to convince Qui-Gon, though, that the Council was right.

"It's not disrespect, Master. It's the truth."

"From your point of view," said Qui-Gon.

"The boy is dangerous," said Obi-Wan. "They all sense it. Why can't you?"

"His fate is uncertain. He's not dangerous. The council will decide Anakin's future. That should be enough for you. Now get on board."

Obi-Wan left to get on board, but Anakin, who'd been standing with R2-D2, heard everything.

"Qui-Gon, sir, I don't want to be a problem."

"You won't be, Ani." Qui-Gon said. He knelt down to Anakin. "I'm not allowed to train you, so I want you to watch me and be mindful. Always remember: Your focus determines your reality. Stay close to me and you'll be safe."

Anakin was curious about something else though.

"Master, sir, I heard Yoda talking about midi-chlorians. I've been wondering. What are midi-chlorians?"

"Midi-chlorians are a microscopic life-form that resides within all living cells."

Anakin scrunched his nose slightly at that.

"They live inside me?"

"Inside your cells, yes. And we are symbionts of them."

Anakin was confused.

"Life forms living together for mutual advantage." Qui-Gon explained.. "Without the midi-chlorians, life could not exist, and we would have no knowledge of the Force. They continually speak to us, telling us the will of the Force. At least, it is one way to determine one's fate. When you learn to quiet your mind, you'll hear the right voice speaking to you."

Anakin was still a little confused.

"With time and training, you will understand, Ani. You will." Qui-Gon promised.

Anakin still seemed a little uncertain, so Qui-Gon decided he needed to show Anakin something important, but not just yet because the queen arrived.

"Your Majesty, it is our pleasure to continue to serve and protect you." Qui-Gon greeted.

"I welcome your help," said the queen. "Senator Palpatine fears that the Federation means to destroy me."

"I assure you I will not allow that to happen."

"Wesa going ho-o-o-ome!" Jar Jar cheered.

"Come on, R2." Anakin said. R2 whistled in response.

And so the ship took off. On the way, however, Qui-Gon asked Anakin to speak with him in private.

_________________________________

Qui-Gon stood with R2 and Anakin in an empty room.

"Now, Anakin. Before I show you what I am about to show you, you must promise me you will keep it secret." Qui-Gon said.

Anakin wasn't sure what to expect, but he nodded and promised Qui-Gon he wouldn't tell anyone whatever secret he had. So, Qui-Gon removed the necklace he was wearing from underneath his shirt.

Anakin admired how shiny the gold and blue diamond heart was around Qui-Gon's neck. But he was also confused. Even the high council didn't appear to have expensive jewelry, unless they were hiding it under their clothes like Qui-Gon was. It was so shiny and beautiful; it looked so valuable; Anakin wondered why Qui-Gon didn't just use that to buy the parts he needed, not that he wasn't grateful he hadn't.

"This amulet was given to me by someone very special to me." Qui-Gon said. "I was chosen to guard it because it holds great power within it that must never fall into the wrong hands."

Qui-Gon removed the necklace and had Anakin hold it in his hands.

"What's it for?" Anakin said.

"Right now, Anakin, all I can tell you is that this necklace has been passed down for generations, and each holder has been required to choose a successor, a most critical decision. I believe you are the one I can trust to one day look after this amulet."

"Me?"

"Yes, you. Listen, Anakin. If I don't make it out of this mission, I want you to promise me you will look after the amulet and never take it off. That way you will never lose it."

Anakin was hesitant though. He didn't want to think that Qui-Gon or any of his friends might not survive this mission, but seeing how many people died podracing, even he couldn't ignore the inevitable. But he had a question.

"How does it work?"

Suddenly, the blue diamond heart on the necklace glowed in Anakin's hands. Anakin's blue eyes were wide with wonder at the sight before him.

When the amulet stopped glowing, Anakin gave it back to Qui-Gon, who returned it to his neck and hid it under his shirt again.

"Now that you've held it in your hands, the amulet and you share a connection, as it has with all of its previous holders. When the time comes for you to hold it, its power will only work for you and one chosen by you." Qui-Gon said. "Use it wisely."

"I will, Qui-Gon, sir. I promise."