(6:22:25 PM): Obi was depressed and confused.. he'd been turned aside... no master had chosen him as their padawan and he was at a loss.. he'd been told it was because of his lack of control.... and had been offered a rank as a scout.... he wanted nothing to do with that.... and now he just didnt know what to do with himself

(6:23:57 PM): So he ran away. Nothing was worse then being a force user who wasn't a Jedi inside the Jedi order. He didn't want to go home to his 'real' family either. Nothing for him there. Not the disgrace he was. He was powerful inside.. if only he was discilplined... if only he had fought harder.. but now.. there was nothing. At thirteen there wasn't much he could do but vanish into the seedy underworld of Coruscant

(6:37:22 PM): It would end up being a seven year oddysee... nothing that he was too proud of... he'd learn to drink... steal... lie... although he kept a certain degree of honor about him... he was not depraved enough to prey on the weak and helpless

(6:39:23 PM): Eventually he found himself on a desert planet full of roughiens and skum of various kinds. In a port called Mos Espa. Crowded city.. but not like Coruscant. Full of hungry people... and slavery. But it was a great place to find the sorta jobs Obi-Wan had been doing for the last few years. Saddly, he was down to his last few credits.. and most of the shops didn't take Republic money.

(6:41:05 PM): Obi sighed... he'd been wandering about trying to get his bearings.... and find a safe place to sleep for the night.... he was out of money... and he figured the desert got very cold at night... it could be a problem

(6:42:37 PM): There were pleanty of allies he could curl up in.. with wamp rats. Hell, they were probably edible too, solving his food problem. HAd he really sunk so low? To be homeless and wandering from port to port in search of food and money?

(6:44:53 PM): "What have I done in life to deserve this..." Obi asked.. peering into an alley "Im a failure through and through... I cant even make it on my own... "

(6:49:54 PM): A small form peered up at him from behind. A boy, no more then five, with bright blue eyes and bleach-blonde hair. He was holding a piece of fruit in one hand.. the other reaching out to tug on Obi-Wan's ragged clothing. "Mister?" The boy asked

(6:55:37 PM): Obi turned and looked at him "Hello there.... you know its not wise to talk to strangers dont you?" he asked.... looking down at the brazen child

(6:57:04 PM): The boy smiled up at him. "Sa chuba kayfoundo?" He asked, holding out the small fruit to him. There was a bit of oil on his hands and clothing.. along with dust and dirt.. making him look as if he'd been crawling arround a garage all day.

(6:58:20 PM): "im sorry I dont understand" Obi said with a frown..... he was sure had he been a Jedi he would have learned a wealth of languages... but he only spoke a few... although he did recognize the language... he didnt understand it

(6:59:19 PM): The boy grinned. "I asked if you were hungry sir." He chuckled a bit. He clearly found it strange for someone not to understand Huttese. It was a well known language.. especially around the types of circles the boy had guessed this man fell into.. but then again, perhaps Obi-Wan had never done any busness with the Hutts before.

(7:08:26 PM): "I suppose.. I am... but I cant acept anything from you.. '

(7:08:31 PM): "matter of principal and all"

(7:09:04 PM): The boy chuckled and pressed the fruit into his hand. "Go on.. take it. You look hungry. Can't let you go hungry." He spoke well for someone so young, a smile pressed over his lips.

(7:12:23 PM): "I dont deserve this ... " Obi-wan said with a bittersweet smile "a five year old feeding me because I cant do it myself... " he shook his head "I should have just stayed and been a scout... "

(7:13:13 PM): "Do you have a place to stay?" the boy asked, folding his arms behind his back and standing there, looking up at the disgraced man.

(7:14:12 PM): "No... I dont.. "

(7:14:36 PM): The boy nodded his head. "Then you should come home with me. I can find you a place to sleep."

(7:15:53 PM): "I couldnt impose..." Obi said... looking at the child "And your mother wouldnt want you bringing home a stranger Im sure

(7:16:27 PM): The boy dropped his arms and grabbed for Obi-Wan's hand. "come on!" It was like he didn't even hear Kenobi's words at all.

(7:18:02 PM): Obi sighed and let himself be drug along... sighing... at least he could apologize to the child's parents for taking fruit from him..

(7:19:02 PM): "My name's Anakin.. what's yours?" The boy asked, dragging him towards the residential part of town.., well.. the ghetto part. He'd seen places like this before on Coruscant. Very poor area... where those with limited money lived

(7:21:47 PM): "Ahh... well.. you can call me Ben" obi said... frowning ... this child's family would be too poor to take him in.... what was he doing?

(7:23:14 PM): The boy nodded. "Ok Ben." He beamed, only letting go of his hand when they got to a small hut. At least it was cool inside. "Mom! I'm home!" The boy called out, "We have a guest!" --- From the kitchen a woman with long brown hair came out, whiping her hands on her apron. She gazed down at her blue-eyed boy and cast a small smile at Obi-Wan. "Hello." She told him.

(7:28:32 PM): "Im sorry miss.... I didnt mean to let him drag me... I'll be leaving as soon as he lets go.. I cant impose"

(7:29:18 PM): As Anakin took off the mother stepped forward. "It's alright. Clearly he feels you are in need of some help... please, sit." She put a hand forward, indicating the table.

(7:36:28 PM): "Does he bring home strays all of the time?" Obi asked.. sitting.... she seemed quite agreeable with this.... and he could use some hospitality for once

(7:37:29 PM): The woman smiled. "That he does." She glanced towards the door her son had vanished through, "He sees the good in people.. and knows when they need help. It almost breaks my heart sometimes that I cannot do more for him."

(7:42:30 PM): "I dont know what good he saw in me.. Im a failure... "

(7:43:24 PM): "He sees the good that perhaps even the person themselves cannot see. But regardless of what you say.. I saw it too.. just now when you came in." She headed towards the small arch that split the main room and the kitchen, "Are you thirsty?" She asked.

(7:44:53 PM): "Ma'am even if I was I could not accept"

(7:45:25 PM): She chuckled. "Is that a yes, or a no?" She smiled a bit. This one was stubborn.. but she could easily see why her son had brought him home.

(7:49:19 PM): "Liquid is a commodity on this world... how could I take that away from someone who does nto have much to begin with" He said.. setting his fruit on the table

(7:52:15 PM): "That it is." She took a knife and a small bowl and brought them to the table. Taking the fruit, she placed it in the bowl and began to cut it. "That is why you must eat and drink what you can."

(7:59:44 PM): "I just came from offworld.. Im sure I have a few days before it takes its toll on me... I cannot take anything from you... save for perhaps a corner to sleep in... then I'll be on my way"

(8:00:28 PM): "If you insist." She picked one of the pieces of fruit up from the bowl and moved around the table towards Obi-Wan. "What is your name? I am Shmi Skywalker."

(8:01:29 PM): "My name is Obi-wan Kenobi... but I rarely go by that... it is a name the Jedi Gave me.... call me Ben.. please"

(8:02:19 PM): "Alright Ben." She smiled and placed the fruit to his lips. "Please.. take a bite. I have a rule in my house.. no one goes hungry who doesn't need to."

(8:08:51 PM): Obi sighed and took one slice.... chewing it slowly and thoughtfully "Im a smuggler and an outlawy... you know... "

(8:09:21 PM): "That's alright." She smiled softly, "And we are slaves, if you didn't know."

(8:10:51 PM): "Thats one thing I never got myself into.... slave trading... " Obi said with a frown "Its not right.... are you treated well?"

(8:13:19 PM): "As well as possible. Our owner gives us privacy out here.. but he works poor Ani worse then he does me. My son has a gift with all things mechanical and Watto likes to exploit that." She sat down next to him and plucked a piece of the fruit from the bowl for herself.

(8:18:20 PM): "There is little I can do in that case .. " obi said softly... "No money here"

(8:19:37 PM): "Do not worry.. would not ask you to do anything." She placed a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder. "like I said.. you are clearly a good person."

(8:20:05 PM): "Not good enough.. " Obi said with a frown "Now I cant accept anything else alright"

(8:21:46 PM): She chuckled. "You sound like my son in a way." She smiled at him, standing up and calling for him -- anakin ran right out, peering over at Obi-Wan and smiling as well. Clearly pleased that the man was still here. "You can sleep in my room if you want! I can sleep on mom's bed with her." The boy suggested.

(8:23:45 PM): "No... if you are working you sleep in your own bed... I will not take that aawy from you.... the floor is fine"

(8:25:22 PM): "The floor is dirty." The boy retorted, "You can have the bed." He smiled, putting his hands at his hips. - Shmi laughed and looked at Obi-Wan. "Anakin's very stubborn.. I don't think you will hear the end of this. Best to just give up and let him have his way."

(8:30:47 PM): "Then I suppose Im just going to have to leave " Obi said rising "I cant let some strangers take me in.... and treat me like one of their own... when they are worse off than I.... at least I am a free man... "

(8:31:39 PM): The boy frowned a bit and went around to Obi-Wan. "Think we are not good enough to take care of you?" He asked in a near sad tone.

(8:33:07 PM): "No.. I think it is unfair that you should stoop so low as to take in a failure like me... youre already bad off enough without me"

(8:34:41 PM): "We are not stooping." The boy looked hurt, "The biggest problem in this galaxy is people not trying to help one another just for those kind of reasons." He reached up and took Obi-Wan's hand.

(8:36:51 PM): "Fine... fine.... just one night... no more.. " Obi said with a sigh

(8:42:44 PM): The boy smiled. He was a stubborn one.. and he escorted Obi-Wa into a back bedroom. It was a little messy.. spare parts of droids all over.. a few models.. and a small and cozy bed. It could easily fit him at least.

(8:43:19 PM): And he was tired.... he greatfully collapsed into it... he hadnt had a real bed in some time..... just a hard metal bunk on a freighter...

(8:43:50 PM): Anakin pulled the blanket over the man before going out into the dinning room. "He seems nice, doesn't he mom?"

(8:46:51 PM): "Yes dear, very nice.... but so sad... " Shmi said... taking the uneaten fruit and putting it away to save for later

(8:47:19 PM): He nodded, frowning. "He seems to need help. I have to find a way to help him. At least he isn't sleeping in the street."

(8:51:13 PM): "Annie dont hold him here if he doesnt want to stay.. " Shmi said patting him on the head... "Now.. to sleep with you.... "

(8:51:59 PM): He nodded. "Yes Mom." He smiled, running off to Shmi's bedroom. He was a good kid... with a habbit of trying to rescue people.. and animals...

(8:55:31 PM): Shmi set about cleaning up before going to sleep herself... she hoped their guest would be kind enough not to slip off during the night.. it would upset Annie terribly

(8:56:52 PM): Anakin didn't take well to his help being rejected. It was bad enough that the other kids didn't care for him that much.. that they teased him even thoguh he was never mean to anyone. Shmi could see that her son bottled his anger.. pushed it deap into himself.. and tried to bottle his sadness and disapointment too. All locked away under his 'goodness'.

(9:02:37 PM): Obi didnt want to leave though.... he slept well into the next day.... he was exhausted.... and malnourished to a degree... he drank most of his money away

(9:03:27 PM): By the time he woke there was some dried food sitting in a bowl for him.. and a note that said "Feel free to stay here. Didn't want to wake you. See you when we get home"

(9:11:12 PM): obi sighed... and ate it... he was famished

(9:12:22 PM): The two slaves were being nice to him.. and they seemed geniunine. Even if he wasn't a Jeid, he didn't loose his gifts with the force. Even drinking too much hadn't totally dulled his senses.

(11:28:10 PM): Speaking of drinks... he could use one.... he was feeling sorry for himself again....

(11:29:44 PM): In a small home like this though, with limited means, there was no money for alchol. besides, Shmi didn't drink and Anakin as far too young. - But Obi-Wan didn't have long to look before the mother returned home, looking a bit tired.

(11:30:45 PM): "How long before he tires of me and I can leave?" Obi asked.... frowning.... "You look really tired... anything I can do for you?"

(11:32:50 PM): Shmi gave him a soft smile. "You can leave if you like. we keep no prisoners. We just offer you a good place to rest... You are welcome to stay for as long as you like."

(11:33:32 PM): "I dont want him to tdo anything foolish like come after me

(11:35:22 PM): "A good heart you have.. and that is what he admires. Do not worry if you choose to leave. I will make sure he stays put."

(11:39:38 PM): "Ive heard of some of the means... that slavers use to keep their wards from getting away... :

(11:41:27 PM): Shmi sighed a bit. "Every slave here has a trasmitter implaneted in their bodies somewhere. Try to escape... and you are blown up."

(11:42:24 PM): Obi nodded "I'll have a talk with him .... when he comes home"

(11:43:47 PM): "That would be a good idea." She walked into the kitchen, working on preparing dinner. "Tell me where you would go once you leave here."

(11:46:48 PM): "I dont know... Ive been running ... for a long time" obi said with a sigh "I want to settle down you see.... but as soon as I do I get .... so painfully sad I drink myself into oblivion..."

(11:47:42 PM): "Perhaps then.. you should stop drinking." She pulled a few things together and put them in a pot. "You might then have money... to do what you wish. Or perhaps it is company you long for."

(11:49:01 PM): "I just want to sorrow to end... and the drink makes that happen..."

(11:49:37 PM): "and what is your sorrow?" She gave him a concerned look over her shoulder. One that only a loving mother knew how to give.

(11:51:44 PM): "I was not good enough.. "

(11:52:48 PM): "Not good enough for what?" She turned on the small cooking space and started heating up her food.

(11:54:48 PM): "To be a Jedi"

(11:56:38 PM): "Perhaps the Jedi were not meant for you.. or you for them. Perhaps it is time you discover what you were meant for." She whispered, deciding this was why her son had brought him. To help the poor man.

(11:57:44 PM): "I was meant to be nothing.... and that is what I am.... the one thing I had the ability for .... and I failed at it.... " obi said.. sagging visibly... "I have no greater purpose... the Jedi decided that for me"

(11:59:50 PM): "are you going to let them tell you who you are? Only you can tell you who you are." She turned towards him, "My son sometimes dreams about the Jedi... about fighting with lazer swords... he was born a slave, but he will not let anyone dictate that to him... even if the situation seems hopeless."

(12:00:38 AM): "It doesnt matter anymore really... being a Jedi is just another form of slavery.... slavery of the mind.... I was raised in such a sterile environment.... "

(12:01:28 AM): "now you are no longer in such an enviroment.. you are free to make your own choices.. so why are you filled with sorrow that you feel you must drown?"

(12:02:29 AM): "Because.... when I ran away the world hit me like .... " Obi said with a sigh "I was raised ... to not know many emotions.... it was confusing... I did know one and I believe that is why I was let go"

(12:05:00 AM): "Then you should sit down... relax... and start to learn your emotions. To decide what to do with your life from now on." She went to him, and reached for his hands.

(12:09:11 AM): "I dont know what I want ... " Obi said with a sigh... plunking into a chair and putting his head in his hands

(12:10:18 AM): "That is why... you must learn..." She smiled, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.

(12:11:40 AM): "I wanted to be a Jedi... I know I could have done good with their training.... "

(12:12:38 AM): Shmi rubbed his shoulder. "What kind of training?"

(12:19:18 AM): "I am an ace with a blade..a lthough I cannot use one lest I call attention to myself... " Obi said with a sigh "They'd drag me in as a Darksider..."

(12:20:18 AM): "A darksider?" She asked, rubbing his shoulders as gently as possible.

(12:21:58 AM): "Mmph... yes... someone who uses the force...t hat isnt one of them... "

(12:22:50 AM): "I do not pretend to know much of anything about the force Ben.. thus I fail to understand what it is you speak of."

(12:24:00 AM): "Its... hard to explain.... you can manipulate things as no normal person could" Obi said... moving his hand to demonstrate as the rubbing relaxed him..... he lifted a saucer from the counter and put it on the table... "The Jedi do not take well to those who use these powers.... without their training..."

(12:24:57 AM): Shmi let go of Obi-Wan's shoulder and watched for just a momment. "I have never seen another person do that before.." She said quietly.

(12:36:48 AM): "its not a common gift.. " Obi said... sighing "Not common at all.... and I was supposedly ... well gifted"

(12:38:00 AM): "Your gift does not need to be wasted... It is sad if they fear those who use it outside of themselvs."

(12:39:06 AM): "They do... because they feel that strict discipline is the only way to use it.... no emotion at all.... but I... I cannot help loving... "

(12:40:30 AM): "Such things... such gifts.. as long as they are used for the good of others.. why should you not?"

(12:43:59 AM): "I dont understand them..." Obi said with a sigh "Perhaps I should just stop trying... and stay here for a time.... I should repay your kindness"

(12:44:57 AM): "As I said.. you are welcome to stay for as long as you like. Ani will love having you here.. especially when he sees what you can do."

(12:46:11 AM): "I will find a job... will your master care that I am here with you?"

(12:47:06 AM): "He will not care... as long as we are not late.. and do what we are told. As far as masters go he is not a bad one.." She paused a bit... as if there was something more.

(12:49:23 AM): Obi looked at her and smiled "Anything else troubling you? I will try to behave myself.... although I cannot promise"

(12:50:26 AM): "It is nothing. My son and I are happy given our situations.. and if we can bring happyness to another... then we are happy again."

(12:51:06 AM): "I will do anythign you ask.... I can do repairwork to some degree.... but not the electronical things your son seems to be able to do"

(12:52:39 AM): "He has a gift with machines.. knows how to fix them without being taught. So special he is." She smiled, sliding into the chair next to him. "I do not ask you to do anything for us. You bring us company as it is."

(12:54:00 AM): "We will have to make better sleeping arangements.. I cannot take your son's bed every night ..." Obi said... "I am fine on the floor until I can purchase better"

(12:55:15 AM): She smiled. "We will think of something. For now.. just get some rest... and decide what you want to do with your life."

(12:56:16 AM): "I will go and look for work tomorrow.... some money for food would be nice.... I cant eat your rations... "

(12:57:05 AM): "You are kind to say so." She reached out to pat his hand gently. "I am sure you will find your way soon enough."

(12:58:00 AM): "I hope so... It is very difficult to pull myself out of the declines I go through"

(12:58:51 AM): "because of your alchol problem?" She squeezed his hand gently then got up form the table. "Just restrain yourself from that."

(12:59:11 AM): "Its not that easy... Ive become a bit of an addict..."

(1:00:16 AM): "There are ways around this. Being restrained from drinking... might be hard out in this world... so many bars.'

(1:00:41 AM): "Yes.. I noticed... had i money I would have been in them... but I got dumped here.. with nothing"

(1:01:18 AM): "Your last transport not go well I take it? That happens around here.. but it could have been worse."

(1:02:29 AM): "I was working with a crew.... but I sppose I was deadweight to them... they did not bother to come get me when they were leaving...'

(1:03:32 AM): "Well, no need to worry about it now. You are safe here. We will watch over you till you get back on your feet."

(1:05:33 AM): Obi nodded "I am greatful to have found people like you"

(1:08:06 AM): She nodded, patting his cheek before returning to the kitchen. --- Anakin didn't come home till just after dinner was ready. One cheek was lightly bruised and his clothing was streaked with oil. "Mom, I'm home!" He called out.

(1:08:45 AM): Obi rose to greet him "Anakin.... look at yourself... is it always like this?" He asked... frowning at the bruise

(1:09:36 AM): The boy tilted his head and smiled at Obi-Wan, clearly pleased that the man was still there. "Um.. sometimes. I'll go get clean." he smiled, and moved past Kenobi towards the bathroom.

(1:13:09 AM): "Im hoping the bruises are from his work not maltreatment?" obi asked Shmi... after the boy had disappeared

(1:13:47 AM): Shmi sighed a bit, putting dinner on the table. "Best not to think like that. Anakin is alright..

(1:17:31 AM): obi nodded... he supposd it was time to build himself a new sabre. and keep it handy in case..... this was a rough town... and if he was going to stay with these people he was goin to defend them as well

(1:18:33 AM): Anakin came back soon after, cleaner but still bruised as he sat in his chair. He smiled over at Obi-Wan. "So you like it here then?" He asked, plunging into his food.

(1:21:00 AM): "its a bit hot... and dangerous .... but Im going to stay for a time... I need to repay you.."

(1:21:53 AM): "repay us?" The boy blinked at him. Apperently he hadn't even thought of a reward for helping Obi-Wan. It hadn't even occured to him.

(1:22:45 AM): "Yes, you helped me" Obi said...reaching out to pat him on the head

(1:23:30 AM): The boy chuckled softly, and smiled as he worked on his dinner. - Shmi smiled too, though quietly, eating only after she'd put some food into Obi-Wan's bowl. No one would go hungry at her table if she could help it.

(1:26:03 AM): Obi sighed... but ate it.... saying no wasnt going to get him anywhere... he'd make sure there was more to go around in the future

(1:27:48 AM): The boy was something special... selfless.. a slave boy who was compassionate and thinking of others. - As dinner ended, Shmi turned towards Obi-Wan as she cleared the table. "Now remember what we talked about."

(1:30:16 AM): "Yes, yes.." Obi said ... turning to Anakin "How about we go and have a little talk?"

(1:31:07 AM): The boy nodded, sliding down from his chair and running out to the back. the suns had set by then, showing the bright stars.

(1:31:58 AM): Obi leaned against the rounded wall of the house and looked at Anakin.... sighing "Now... Im staying for a while... to help you and your mother out.... but please understand.... things get bad for me if I stay in one place too long..."

(1:33:31 AM): The boy gazed up at the stars as Obi-Wan spoke, a smile on his lips. "How long have you been up there? Are you a pilot? Do you like to fly?" It was like the boy didn't even hear him. Not a far stretch given he was five years old.

(1:34:16 AM): "Yes... I can fly.... pretty good too... but I havent done it in a while... Ive just been a passenger most of my time.... and its been seven years"

(1:34:49 AM): The boy finnaly looked over at him. "Seven years from what? That's longer then I've been alive! Wow." The boy grinned.

(1:35:08 AM): "Seven years from the biggest dissapointment in my life..."

(1:36:22 AM): "Oh well.. do you like to fly? I LOVE to fly but I've never been to space. Watto wants me to start pilotting his pods though.. says I have a gift for it. It seems to scare mom though."

(1:37:52 AM): "I like to fly.... yes... I miss it.... but I dont deserve that freedom"

(1:38:24 AM): "Why not?" The boy tilted his head to the side, staring up at Kenobi.

(1:39:36 AM): "Because I am a failure Anakin..... your mother tells me you know of the Jedi... "

(1:40:16 AM): The boy nodded. "I dream about them sometims. I dream about having a lazersword and fighting in battles.. saving people.. freeing slaves."

(1:40:27 AM): "Its nothing like that..."

(1:40:37 AM): "What's it like then?"

(1:41:13 AM): "Slavery.... but in another way"

(1:41:33 AM): The boy's eyes widdened. "Are you serious? Tell me!"

(1:43:16 AM): "I was a padawan... until I was thirteen.... " Obi said... settlin down on the cooling sand and sighing

(1:43:54 AM): "Is that what you meant about dissapointment?" The boy was good at math.. and he sat down next to Obi-Wan, still azing up at him.

(1:45:00 AM): "Yes... I was not chosen by a master to continue my education.... I was offered a rank among the scouts...

(1:45:38 AM): "Why did no one want to teach you?" then the boy paused and smiled, "Wow.. so you were in the Jedi... what can you do?"

(1:46:39 AM): "well... I think they figured out that I was attracted to one of the masters.... it was distrating..... and so they said I was unfit..... I could not control myself well enough to continue

(1:47:23 AM): The boy frowned. "That doesn't seem very fair..." Then he brightened again, "Maybe you were just meant for other things?"

(1:50:43 AM): "Mm.. no. I was meant to be a

(1:50:50 AM): Jedi... I am sure of it.... I just failed'

(1:51:18 AM): "You cannot really fail if you were meant to be. You'd just have insisted you try harder." The boy assured him.

(1:52:12 AM): "once youre out youre out... there is no try harder.." Obi said with a sigh

(1:52:49 AM): "Then you're not meant to be a Jedi. It's just that simple."

(1:53:11 AM): "Then I am meant to be nothing and my gifts were wasted upon me"

(1:54:01 AM): The boy stood up and put his hands on his hips. "Please Ben.. don't think like that. Mom says no gifts are wasted.. that even if you don't understand them they are yours to learn and grow from."

(1:55:06 AM): "And if I do I am a criminal..."

(1:55:17 AM): "Why are you a criminal?"

(1:55:43 AM): "Anyone who practices force talents outside of the Jedi is considered dangerous... if I were to go about using them I'd be in trouble"

(1:55:50 AM): "So they are wasted... "

(1:56:11 AM): The boy frowned hard at that. "The Jedi.. do that? They... think that?"

(1:58:01 AM): "They convert or imprison those they do not destroy"

(1:58:16 AM): "But that.. that's evil.. I thought they were the good guys."

(1:59:35 AM): "They are... but they see other force useres as the bad guys..."

(1:59:57 AM): "What's the force anyway?" The boy changed topics. Typical...

(1:59:57 AM): "I dont want to poison your mind against them child... I am just bitter"

(2:00:31 AM): "I dont really know how to explain it.... but you can touch things with your mind.... feel a flow of energy.... and let it empower you if you are skilled enough to harness it"

(2:01:19 AM): The boy nodded and stretched his hand forward. "You mean like this?" He asked. A small stone that had been laying on the sandy patto lifted a few inches from the ground.

(2:02:27 AM): "Anakin.... you ...." Obi said... "Your mother said she'd never seen aynone do what I showed her... you havent told her.... "

(2:03:05 AM): Anakin blinked at him. "She told me never to tell or show anyone else but.. I figured you were safe."

(2:05:49 AM): "I can show you a few things then maybe..... " Obi said... "Though Im sure Im a terrible teacher"

(2:06:20 AM): Anakin let the stone drop, he smiled at Obi-Wan. "Can you? That would be great!"

(2:07:35 AM): "Yes... I was thinking about building myself a sabre anyway... "

(2:08:05 AM): "Sabre?" his blue eyes sparkled, "You mean a LAZER SWORD?" He beamed.

(2:09:42 AM): "Yes... we call them lightsabres.." Obi wan said... chuckling "But listen... you mustnt tell anyone... "

(2:10:06 AM): The boy nodded and put a finger to his lips. He knew how to keep a secret. He wouldn't tell anyone.

(2:10:41 AM): "We could get into trouble.... or they might come and take you away..... that might not be a bad thing for you though.... even though they are wrong in many ways.. they would treat you better than you are"

(2:11:37 AM): "I don't want to leave mom... not unless she can be freed too. She works hard too.. I try to make things easier for her. I think maybe that is why I was born."

(2:11:53 AM): "How about your father?" Obi asked

(2:12:28 AM): Anakin smild a bit and shook his head. "I have no father." He tapped his lips. "You can keep a secret too right? Mom doesn't tell anyone unlesss she thinks they are safe."

(2:12:46 AM): "Yes of course I can.... "

(2:13:52 AM): "Mom always said.. I came to her.. to her belly.. without the help of any man.." Being five he explained it how he knew it. "Thus no father. But she said others arn't supposed to know because I'm special."

(2:16:03 AM): Obi nodded... wondering if this was true... it was a bit hard to believe

(2:16:41 AM): But there was something he'd heard in the temple.. or rather.. read in his studies. The prophecy of the chosen one.. born of the force.. to bring balance to the force.

(2:18:13 AM): This was one child the Jedi should never get thier hands on... they would change him... Obi would have to teach him the best he could...

(2:19:03 AM): That was why he was there.. to protect the boy from the Jedi... to keep him safe.. and to train him in ways that might help the force.

(2:20:02 AM): "I suppose.... you are my purpose Anakin..."

(2:20:39 AM): "Me?" The boy's eyes flashed like small gems inside his skull.. beautiful saphires.. full of life.. warmth.. and wonder.

(2:21:13 AM): "There is a story among the Jedi.... that one like you would come .. and set things right.... I suppose its my job to teach you the way.... "

(2:21:45 AM): "I'd love to learn anything you want to teach." The boy stood, brushing the sand off his clothing.

(2:22:15 AM): "Well... do you get days off ?"

(2:22:51 AM): "Only when Watto doesn't feel like opening his shop or dragging me to a race." The boy chuckled softly. "But I have afternoons and evenings."

(2:23:18 AM): "If I give you a list of parts can you get them for me?

(2:23:51 AM): The boy nodded. "Sure. There's always stuff no one wants. I can fix it... maybe find ways to win it in gambling."

(2:24:50 AM): "No gambling.. I can give you money for what you cant find"

(2:25:02 AM): "But I thought you didn't have any money?"

(2:26:08 AM): "Im going to find a Job... to help you and your mother... there will be some for parts"

(2:26:41 AM): He nodded. "I will do what I can." The boy grabbed his hand and smiled. "I think mom is going to like having you here."

(2:27:43 AM): "Hopefully" Obi said with a small chuckle

(2:28:12 AM): "She seems to like you already." Anakin assured him, patting Obi-Wan's shoulder as he went inside.

(2:32:43 AM): Obi-wan did not take long to find a job... this place seemed to lack those good with words and numbers... it was a bit of a sleezy job but it would pay well.. and all he had to do was keep an eye on numbers... and keep them straight.... in his first week he'd uncovered some errors that had pleased his bosses.... so he was quite happy with himself... the only problem was he had to be in the bars a lot

(2:34:05 AM): And that presented temptations. But that would have to be weighed against Anakin.. and the boy being disapointed in him... and against Shmi. She could make you feel guilty with a look... a pleasent look at that.. or rather.. sad but not angry.

(2:34:59 AM): He liked Shmi... and Anakin... and he worked hard to teach the boy what he knew... he came across what he needed.. but the crystals were a problem

(2:35:58 AM): They were a restricted good. The Jedi kept a close eye on them. However.. the crystals of dead Jedi and dark Jedi could b stolen before bodies recovered.. and sold.

(2:37:09 AM): He had to find them on the black market... so he put his feelers out.. saying he was looking for unusual mineral samples of specific composition

(2:37:49 AM): And eventually he did locate two. One blue... and one red.. the red being artifical in nature.. an ancient Sith crystal.

(2:39:03 AM): He debated over which one to give to Anakin... the red was a bad thing... forged of hatred it was said.... in the end he gave him a choice.... explaining them carefully

(2:40:00 AM): The boy looked at the two crystals. One blue, like his eyes, and one red. When Obi-Wan explained the story of the second he looked up at him. "Forged of hate? Does it feed on hate? Make a person hate? I don't hate anyone."

(2:41:22 AM): "Im not sure.. I think perhaps I should use it for now... " Obi said "It doesnt really matter... "

(2:42:17 AM): The boy plucked the red crystal from Obi-Wan's hand and stared at it for a momment. "No.. it would be better if I do. If it has bad effects I can count on you to help me.. I.. I know I can't do the same for you in return."

(2:44:25 AM): Obi nodded "now... for starers we are going to align the focusing crystal to put little energy into the blade... so it doesnt hurt me or you... might give a bad burn.... later I will show you how to fix it so it does damage"

(2:45:19 AM): The boy nodded. He was excited now... learning from this man. He could hardly contain his enthusiasm as he put the red crystal back in Obi-Wan's hand.

(2:47:44 AM): Obi showed him how to place the crystal in the holders, and how to move them to align it.... he carefully tested the blade with a scrap of cloth .. it singed it slightly but did not cut

(2:48:45 AM): The boy watched with unblinking eyes. "wow..." he breathed, wanting to run and tell his mom but restraining himself. Though she was to know... others might overhear.. the other children who never liked him.

(2:52:58 AM): Obi turned it off and handed it to him "Go ahead... "

(2:53:34 AM): Anakin curled his fingers around the cylander, tilting his head as he flexed it.. turning it on. "This is so wizard." he grinned.

(2:54:00 AM): "get used to it's weight"

(2:54:40 AM): "I've always wanted a lazer sword.." He glanced at Obi-Wan, feeling the weight in his hand, "Err.. lightsaber."

(2:55:49 AM): "Now... you must promise.... before you ever even use it.... that you will never weild it in anger...."

(2:57:12 AM): He looked at Obi-Wan. "I don't get angry. That would be suicidle for a slave." He smiled happily.

(2:57:46 AM): "You will not always be a slave.... if I can help it" Obi said... smiling softly ... "now... lets go have dinner.... we will work more tomorrow alright?"