As the trio flew through lightspeed, they decided to talk.

"So the rumors are true, Senator. Nute Gunray has betrayed the Republic. How did this happen?" Qui-Gon asked Padmé.

Padmé sighed.

"It all started a few weeks ago. A number of warships landed on Alderaan and an army of battle droids lead by Gunray and several other government officials from other worlds invaded Theed and said they were taking control of our government. They called themselves 'The Separatists', and said they wanted to create a government free of the Republic. Alderaan is a peaceful planet with no weapons, so obviously we couldn't fight back." she explained.

"What about your gungan friend? Tarpals, was it? He and the other gungans with him had weapons. And this ship is equipped with quite a few turrets according to what I'm seeing on this terminal." Obi-Wan said as he looked at a ship terminal screen.

"Also, how were you able to not be captured? You clearly couldn't have been since you were there to save us." said Qui-Gon.

"To answer the first question. My gungan friends have weapons because Alderaan is home to two civilizations. The human civilization on land that's lead by the House of Organa, and the underwater gungan civilization. The gungans do carry some weapons, but only use them in times of crisis. As for why my ship has turrets, that's because my ship isn't from Alderaan. She's a J-Type 3-7 Nubian equipped with a few turrets just in case I run into any trouble when I'm offworld, not many other Alderaan citizens have a ship like mine." Padmé explained.

"But why was Tarpals and those other gungans there to help us? Obi-Wan and I didn't see any other gungans in Theed on our way to the palace or when we were fleeing from there." Qui-Gon asked.

"Captain Tarpals is a longtime friend of my family and the Organas, so it's no surprise he would help us. He and his fellow rebel gungans had been trying to fight back agaisnt the Separatist invaders ever since the invasion begaun. Unfortunately, the rest of the gungan civilization doesn't get along with people from the surface, so that's why you didn't see any others." Padmé told them.

"But what about you? How did you escape the Separatists?" asked Qui-Gon.

"I've always been the rebellious sort. Even though I'm my planets senator, I've been known for sneaking out at night sometimes to avoid studying politics and so I can see the stars. When the Separatists first invaded, I just barely escaped Theed before it was taken over, then I met up with Tarpals and the other gungans, and we've been sort of a rebellion of sorts against the Separatists. We've mainly just been sabatoging some of their smaller ground vehicles and providing what food and supplies we can to the Alderaan citizens. Our intel told us that two Jedi were about to arrive at Theed and go to the palace, and Tarpals and I realized we could seriously use your help. I'm just sorry I didn't come up with a more thought out plan." said Padmé.

"It's alright; you did your best. But there's something I want to ask. Exactly how old are you, Senator Amidala?" Qui-Gon asked.

"I'm 15, for your information." Padmé said proudly, "I come from a family of nobility and studied to be a part of galactic politics ever since I was a little girl. By the time I was 14, I proved myself and was elected senator by my people."

"Oh, yes. I've heard that Alderaan elects its senators and other government officials sometimes when they're at a very young age." Qui-Gon said.

Suddenly, the ship's computer started beeping.

"That's not good." said Obi-Wan as he looked back at the ship's computer.

"What is it?" Qui-Gon asked worriedly.

"The hyperdrive is damaged. We won't be able to make it to Coruscant." Obi-Wan said.

"It must've been damaged when we were trying to escape." Padmé said.

"We should stop somewhere for repairs. Where's the nearest planet to us, Obi-Wan?" asked Qui-Gon.

Obi-Wan checked the navigation computer.

"According to the scanners, there's only one planet besides Aldreaan that's near us. It's a planet that's located in the Outer Rim a little past Alderaan." Obi-Wan replied.

"What planet is it?" Qui-Gon asked.

"Tatooine." Obi-Wan said.

"Then we'll have to land there. We'll go around Alderaan to avoid another attack from the Separatists." said Qui-Gon.

"Master Qui-Gon, Tatooine is not a friendly place. I hear it's ruled by a group of gangsters called the Hutts." Obi-Wan said warningly.

"We don't have any other option, Besides, we won't stay there long. It should only take a day or two to get the parts we need and repair the hyperdrive." Qui-Gon reassured.

They went out of hyperspace and landed the ship on Tatooine in a canyon where they would be hidden. Once they were landed, they put on disguises. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon put on ponchos over their Jedi robes. The ponchos are the same as the one Qui-Gon wore in the actual Phantom Menace. Padmé's outfit was the same disguise she wore on Tatooine in the actual Phantom Menace.

"Are there any settlements near us?" Padmé asked.

Obi-Wan looked at the computer.

"There are two towns near us: Mos Eisley and Mos Espa. Eisley is much closer." he answered.

"We'll go there first and see if we can find any ship parts to buy. But it's best if we use false names, as we don't know who we can trust on this planet." Qui-Gon decided.

But then... Qui-Gon sensed something.

"Qui-Gon? Are you all right?" Obi-Wan asked in concern.

"I... I'm not sure. I feel a powerful presence near us. We must be cautious when we leave." the master answered.

They left the ship and headed out of the canyon, but once they were out, they heard a voice.

"Hi, there." the voice said.

The trio turned to see a young man sitting on some rocks above them. The boy was about Padmé's age and wore the clothes of a farm boy. He was the young man in the picture at the top.

Qui-Gon and now Obi-Wan both sensed an incredibly powerful presence coming from the young man and realized he was who Qui-Gon was sensing before they left the ship.

"I saw your ship land nearby and thought I'd wait for you here. Since this is the closest exit to the canyon." the young man said with a smile.

"Who are you?" Qui-Gon asked.

The young man hopped off the rock he was sitting on and landed in front of the trio.

"You first." the young man said.

"My name is..." Qui-Gon decided they should use false Aliases, as they didn't know who they could trust, "...Luke. These are my friends, um..." He couldn't think of false names for Obi-Wan and Padmé off the top of his head.

"My name is Ben." said Obi-Wan as he extended his hand out to the boy.

"Nice to meetcha, Ben." said the boy as he shook Obi-Wan's hand.

Anakin then turned to Padmé. There was a quiet moment as the two gazed into each other's eyes. Then Padmé answered.

"Padmé." she said as she shook Anakin's hand.

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were shocked that Padmé was being so honest with this stranger.

"Sena-" Qui-Gon whispered loud enough for Anakin to hear.

Qui-Gon then cleared his throat in an attempt to divert the boy's suspicion.

"We told you our names, now what is yours?" he asked.

The boy answered...

"The name's Anakin. Anakin Lars." the boy, now revealed to be Anakin, said.

"How very nice to meet you, Anakin." said Padmé.

"It's very nice to meet all of you, too." said Anakin with a smile, "So, what brings you three to Tatooine?"

"Our ship is damaged and we need parts to repair it. Do you know the safest way to get to Mos Eisley?" Qui-Gon asked.

"You don't want to go to Mos Eisley. It's a town filled with nothing but criminals. Plus, the ship parts they have there are terrible. The best place to get ship parts is Mos Espa, but it's miles away. I can give you a ride, but we gotta stop at my place first." said Anakin.

"Very well. Do you have a ship or a speeder we can ride in?" Qui-Gon asked.

"Follow me." Anakin said.

Anakin lead them to his ship. It was a T-16 Skyhopper. The same kind Luke had a toy of in A New Hope:

"It'll be a tight squeeze, but we should all fit." said Anakin.

Obi-Wan had a doubtful look on his face. Anakin brought Padmé into the ship, but Obi-Wan stopped to talk to Qui-Gon.

"Qui-Gon, I don't trust this boy. There's something... concerning about him." said Obi-Wan.

"You sensed the power in him too, didn't you?" Qui-Gon said.

"I did, and... I don't like it. We should find another way to Mos Espa. Without him." Obi-Wan said.

Qui-Gon shook his head.

"I don't believe this boy is dangerous. Let's go with him and see what happens." said Qui-Gon.

Obi-Wan sighed in defeat, and they boarded Anakin's skyhopper. When they entered, they saw Anakin showing Padmé all the ships controls.

"This is incredible. You really modified this ship all by yourself, Anakin?" Padmé asked Anakin in astonishment.

"I had a bit of help from my older brother. But yeah. I did most of the modifications myself." said Anakin.

"We're all ready to take off, Anakin." Qui-Gon said.

"Alright. Everyone strap in." said Anakin.

Anakin sat in the pilot seat, Padmé sat in the passenger seat next to him, and Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon sat in the passenger seats behind them.

The skyhopper took off, and they soared high in the sky.

"You said you had an older brother, Anakin. Anyone else you live with?" asked Qui-Gon.

"It's just me, my brother, and our mom. We live on a moisture farm in the middle of nowhere. My dad died when I was very little, so it's just been the three of us trying to make a living ever since." said Anakin.

A few minutes, they landed at Anakin's home. Ignore C-3P0:

Anakin landed the ship in a landing area of the farm. It's the area from this picture:

Once they exited the ship, they were greeted by a young man who appeared to be in his early twenties, about Obi-Wan's age, standing on the bridge above them.

"Anakin, you were supposed to be back here nearly half an hour ago. And who are these people?" the young man asked.

"Sorry, Owen, but these folks need a ride to Mos Espa to get their ship repaired. I'm gonna grab some power converters to charge up the skyhopper, then I'm gonna take them to Espa." said Anakin.

"Is this your brother, Anakin?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Yep. Meet Owen, everyone." Anakin said.

Just then, a middle aged woman stepped outside and onto the bridge next to Owen.

"Ani, you brought guests?" the woman asked.

"I sure did. Mom, Owen, this is Padmé, Ben, and Luke." said Anakin.

"We won't bother you for too long, Mrs. Lars. We'll be off to Mos Espa soon enough to get our ship repaired." said Qui-Gon.

The woman smiled.

"Please, call me Shmi. But why don't you all stay for dinner first? I've got some fresh bantha cooking and some blue milk ready." said the woman.

Qui-Gon smiled.

"That would be lovely." he said.

"Great. Come on inside." Shmi said.

Shmi went inside, Owen was about to as well, but not before giving Qui-Gon, Padmé, and Obi-Wan a slight glare.

Anakin and Padmé both went inside, so was Qui-Gon, but Obi-Wan once again stopped him.

"Qui-Gon, we should get going. The senate needs to know what's happened to Alderaan." said Obi-Wan.

"I know. But I sense something in Anakin. I believe he could be of great importance. Let's see what we can learn about him, then head to Mos Espa." said Qui-Gon.

"You guys coming?" Anakin called from a doorway that lead inside the house.

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan stepped inside the moisture farms interior and they all went to the dining area. Anakin and Padmé sat next to each other while Shmi and Owen were preparing food in the kitchen.

"So what's with your mother calling you 'Ani'?" Padmé asked Anakin.

Anakin shrugged.

"It's a nickname she's been calling me pretty much my whole life." Anakin replied.

"Do you mind if I called you by that nickname?" Padmé asked.

Anakin smirked.

"I'll make an exception for you. Plus, it's better than the nickname Owen calls me." he said.

"What nickname is that?" Padmé asked.

"It's-"

But then Owen and Shmi then entered the dining area with food.

"Dinner time, everyone." Shmi said.

They all sat at the table and ate.

"So, how long have you all been moisture farming?" Qui-Gon asked.

"Our family's been moisture farming here for generations. Although, things have been difficult ever since my husband passed away." Shmi said with a sad look for a moment.

"I'm very sorry to hear that." said Qui-Gon.

Obi-Wan turned his head to Anakin.

"So, what do you do for a living, Anakin?" Obi-Wan asked the boy.

"I help around the farm and fix things. In my free time I pilot my skyhopper and podrace." Anakin responded.

"Podrace? You actually do podracing?" Padmé asked in astonishment.

"He does. And it's nearly gotten him killed several times; and he never wins any races." said Owen.

"I would've won my last race if Sebulba hadn't cheated." Anakin remarked.

"You must be incredibly skilled if you can both pilot AND podrace, Anakin, especially at your age." said Qui-Gon.

"You could say that, Luke. Whenever I'm in the sky or when I'm racing through the canyons, I just... feel where to go. It's weird though, I never could figure out how I could do that." said Anakin.

Owen turned his attention to Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Padmé.

"So, why was your ship damaged?" Owen asked.

"Well, you see..." Obi-Wan said as he tried to come up with a lie.

"Our hyperdrive was damaged in a space battle." Qui-Gon cut in.

"You got into a battle in space? With who? Pirates?" Shmi asked.

"May I talk to you in private for a moment, Shmi?" Qui-Gon asked.

"Of course." Shmi said.

They went to another room to talk. It was the same room Luke, R2, and 3-P0 were in when they got that message from Leia in A New Hope.

"Have you ever noticed anything... unique about your son?" Qui-Gon asked.

"He's very kind and talented. He always helps those in need whenever he can." said Shmi.

"No. I meant something more... unusual." Qui-Gon questioned.

Shmi was silent for a few moments.

"You're a Jedi, aren't you?" she asked.

Qui-Gon took a small step back.

"How did you know?" he questioned.

"Your lightsaber is sticking out." answered Shmi as she pointed to Qui-Gon's lightsaber, which was accidentally showing.

"I am a Jedi. And my name isn't Luke, it's Qui-Gon Jinn. Ben's real name is Obi-Wan Kenobi. He's a Jedi as well." Qui-Gon admitted.

"You've sensed something powerful about my son, haven't you?" Shmi said.

Qui-Gon nodded.

"I sense he is incredibly strong in the Force. I've never sensed someone so powerful in all my life." said Qui-Gon.

"I knew it." Shmi sighed.

"Is there anything you've noticed about your son in the past? Anything that you wouldn't notice with an ordinary person?" Qui-Gon asked.

"When he was three... the day his father passed away... he got very upset. He started crying and then everything around him started shaking, then floating. It went on for nearly a full minute until he passed out. When he awoke the following morning Owen and I told him it was all just a dream." Shmi explained.

"Why didn't you tell him it was real?" Qui-Gon asked.

"I..." Shmi took a moment as tears began to well up in her eyes a bit, "I didn't want to lose him, too. I was worried Jedi would come and take him away, but none ever did... until now."

"The Jedi don't go to crime infested planets such as Tatooine very often, we're too busy dealing with situations in the inner parts of the galaxy; so that's probably why we never came for Anakin. But I assure you, we are not here to take your son from you. If he wishes to stay here, then that's perfectly fine." Qui-Gon reassured.

Shmi nodded and wiped her tears away.

"Owen and I decided it would be best that the less people who knew about Anakin's Force powers, the better. Even Anakin couldn't know." Shmi explained.

"I understand. But you can't keep it a secret from him for the rest of his life. The Force is something that doesn't stay unnoticed forever." said Qui-Gon.

Shmi took a deep breath.

"If you want to make him a Jedi, you'll have to ask him first. He doesn't even know that the Jedi exist, all he's heard are mere rumors of people with those kinds of powers." said Shmi.

"I will explain everything to him, then it will be his decision on whether or not he chooses to become a Jedi." said Qui-Gon.

They headed back into the dining area where Obi-Wan was eating his food, while Owen sat across from him and ate his own food. Owen gave Obi-Wan the occasional glare. Anakin and Padmé were also chatting.

"Have you ever left Tatooine, Ani?" Padmé asked Anakin.

"No, but I want to someday. I want to leave Tatooine so badly and explore the galaxy, but I'm needed here at the farm." said Anakin.

"You may get your chance to leave after all, Anakin." said Qui-Gon.

Anakin, Padmé, Owen, and Obi-Wan turned to face them.

"What do you mean?" Anakin asked.

"Ani... come out to the courtyard. There's something we all need to talk about." said Shmi.

They headed back outside to the courtyard of the moisture farm.

"It's time we were honest with you, Anakin. My name is not Luke, it is Qui-Gon Jinn. And Ben's name is actually Obi-Wan Kenobi." said Qui-Gon.

"Qui-Gon, what are you doing?!" Obi-Wan said.

"I had a feeling you guys weren't being completely honest." Anakin said before turning his attention to Padmé, "And you? What's your real name?"

"My name really is Padmé. I am Senator Padmé Amidala of Alderaan. No dishonesty there." said Padmé.

Anakin smiled.

"A senator, eh? Well I appreciate your honesty." said Anakin before turning his attention to Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, "But I have a feeling you two have more you want to tell me other than your real names."

Qui-Gon nodded.

"Have you ever noticed anything different or unique about yourself, Anakin?" he asked.

Anakin raised an eyebrow.

"What? You mean like my podracing skills? Yeah, I'm pretty good-"

"That's not what he's talking about, Anakin. Do you... remember the dream you had? The one you had the day your father passed away?" Shmi interrupted.

Anakin was starting to become more confused.

"The one where I was crying and everything around me was floating? Yeah. But what does that have to do with anything?" Anakin asked.

Shmi took a deep breath.

"It wasn't a dream, Ani. It all really happened." Shmi said.

Owen cut in.

"Mom, what are you doing?!" he said.

Obi-Wan realized what was happening and also cut in.

"Qui-Gon, is it really the best idea to talk to him about this?" he asked the Jedi Master.

Anakin on the other hand had no idea what was going on.

"I'm confused. What do you mean it wasn't a dream? It's impossible to make objects float like that." said Anakin.

"It is for someone who doesn't have the Force... But you do, Anakin." Qui-Gon said.

Anakin was becoming more confused.

"The Force?" he said.

Qui-Gon took out his lightsaber hilt.

"The Force is an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us, it penetrates us, it binds the galaxy together." Qui-Gon explained before levitating the hilt above the palm of his hand.

Anakin took a step back in shock as he saw the lightsaber levitate.

The hilt floated back down into Qui-Gon's hand.

"It's what gives Obi-Wan and I our power. It's what gives you your power. It's what gives all Jedi our power." Qui-Gon said.

"What's... a Jedi?" Anakin asked.

"The Jedi are the guardians of peace and justice in the Republic. Have been for over a thousand generations." explained Qui-Gon.

Anakin took a step forward.

"And what's that in your hand?" Anakin asked as he pointed to the hilt in Qui-Gon's hand.

"This is my lightsaber." Qui-Gon said before switching the lightsaber on and unleashing the green blade.

"Whoa!" Anakin said in astonishment.

"A lightsaber is the weapon of a Jedi Knight. Not as clumsy or random as a blaster. It is a truly elegant weapon." said Qui-Gon.

Anakin turned his head to Obi-Wan.

"Do you have one of these lightsaber things too, Obi-Wan?" Anakin asked him.

Obi-Wan sighed.

"Yes. I do." he said, almost reluctantly, as he pulled out his lightsaber and switched it on, releasing the blue blade.

Anakin looked at the two blades in amazement, but then brought his attention back to the Jedi holding them.

"So, wait, you say I have the Force in me. Does that mean...?" Anakin said as he tried to find the words.

"Yes, Anakin. We'd like you to come with us to become a Jedi. We've never sensed someone as strong in the Force as you before. You have great potential." said Qui-Gon.

Anakin didn't know how to respond.

"I... I don't know... I want to leave Tatooine, but I'm not sure I want to become some space wizard as soon as I do." Anakin said.

"Being a Jedi is about more than being some space wizard. It's an important duty and responsibility." Obi-Wan interjected.

"Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon said to him with a slight glare, which silenced him.

Anakin turned his head to his mother and brother.

"Why didn't either of you tell me it wasn't a dream? Or that the Jedi existed?" he asked them.

"Because being a Jedi is a damn fool's crusade. We'd probably never see you again and you'd spend the rest of your life helping complete strangers when you should be here with us." said Owen.

Shmi on the other hand approached her son and cupped his face with both her hands.

"Because we didn't want to lose you like we lost your father... But you deserve a life better than the one you have here. If you want to leave with them, it's ok." Shmi told him.

Anakin had a conflicted look on his face. He looked at his mother, then at Owen, then at the guest trio.

"I... I don't know. I need time to think this over." said Anakin as he moved his mother's hands away.

"Well, you won't have very long to think about it. We need to get our ship repaired and head to Coruscant as soon as possible." said Qui-Gon as he and Obi-Wan switched off their lightsabers.

"Coruscant? Why do you need to get to Coruscant?" Anakin asked.

"My homeworld, Alderaan, has been invaded by a group of traitors to the Republic who call themselves the Separatists. We barely escaped the planet with our lives, but my ship was damaged by Separatist fighters. We need to repair my ship and get to Coruscant to inform the galactic senate of the invasion." said Padmé.

"There's been an invasion? Does that mean war could happen?" Shmi asked.

"Possibly. If we don't get to Coruscant soon, then who knows what the fate of the galaxy could be." said Qui-Gon.

"Whatever the fate of the galaxy is, I don't want my brother involved in your war either." said Owen.

"Owen-" Anakin spoke.

"I'll take you to Mos Espa first thing in the morning. Then the three of you can leave and never come back." Owen said to the trio while glaring at them.

"Sounds good to us." Obi-Wan said.

Shmi looked up at the sky.

"The suns are setting. You can sleep in the guest rooms we have." she told the trio.

Shmi and Owen brought them to a couple of rooms that had beds in them. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon slept in a room that had two beds in it, while Padmé went to the room next to theirs to sleep, but then she heard footsteps outside her room and saw Anakin heading towards the stairwell that lead outside. She followed him to see he was now outside and gazing at the twin suns setting. Same spot and pose Luke was in in A New Hope, the same theme was even playing.

Anakin looked at a small nearby rock and tried to use the Force to lift it, but he couldn't.

"You come out here often?" Padmé asked him.

Anakin turned to see her standing behind him.

"Yeah. Almost every time the suns set I come out here and think about the future... I was so eager to leave this place and explore the galaxy. But now? I'm not so sure I want to anymore. My family needs me; they can't run this farm by themselves. And I don't know when I'd ever see them again, and I... I..." he tried to find the words.

Padmé took his hand.

"I know what it's like for everything to change for you so soon. When I was little, my father decided that I would study in politics and become a senator when I got older. I didn't want to at first, but once I was elected and started helping my people, I really started to feel like I was doing something good for the galaxy and making a difference... Maybe you will too if you become a Jedi." said Padmé.

Anakin gazed into her eyes, then took a deep breath.

"Maybe you're right." he said.

They went back inside.

We cut to a ship landing on Tatooine from space. This ship:

And out stepped a hooded Darth Maul. He pressed a button on a device on his wrist and three miniature probe droids flew out of the ship and went separate ways into the desert.

"I will find you, Senator." said Maul.

We cut to the following morning. Where Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are about to leave with Owen in the skyhopper.

"Wait for us." said Anakin.

They saw Anakin and Padmé approaching them.

"You both are coming as well?" Qui-Gon asked.

"We are." said Anakin.

"And what about our offer, Anakin? Have you reconsidered?" asked Qui-Gon.

"I'm... not sure yet. Let's just focus on fixing your ship first." said Anakin.

Obi-Wan and Owen both groaned.

They got on the skyhopper and flew to Mos Espa.

Thx for reading. Next is the podrace.

Also in case you're wondering why Anakin's last name is Lars instead of Skywalker, keep reading and you'll see why he changes it later on.