Chapter Two – Diverging Paths
Scene I – The Council Divided
The midday sun over Dantooine cast long shadows across the Enclave's main chamber. Holograms flickered with Senate updates, while Revan listened to the Jedi Council's message in silence.
"Senator Amidala is under threat," Master Windu's voice echoed.
"We request protection be assigned from your enclave."
Revan exhaled slowly. "They want me on Coruscant. Again."
Behind him, Naruto leaned in from the doorway. "Let me guess… you're not going."
Revan raised an eyebrow. "You're getting better at reading me."
Naruto grinned. "You just hate politicians."
Revan didn't argue.
From across the chamber, Qui-Gon Jinn entered with Anakin at his side, both freshly returned from a border patrol. Revan looked to them both.
"I need the two of you to go to Coruscant. Senator Amidala's life may depend on it."
Anakin's eyes lit up. "Padmé?"
Revan gave him a knowing look. "Yes. But this is about more than feelings. It's about duty."
Qui-Gon nodded. "And you?"
Revan turned to the holomap. The desert planet of Tatooine glowed softly.
"I have a promise to keep."
Scene II – Tatooine Bound
On the landing pad, Ahsoka adjusted her utility belt while Naruto bounced beside her with impatient energy.
"You really think Anakin will be okay with us flying off to save his mom without him?" Ahsoka asked.
Revan stepped past them, calm as ever. "He must stay focused on Padmé. And I trust Qui-Gon to keep his heart balanced."
Naruto cracked a grin. "You just want to avoid getting dragged into a Senate meeting."
Revan didn't deny it. "I can face armies. But senators…"
Naruto held up a hand. "Say no more. Cowardice respected."
Ahsoka laughed out loud. "Naruto!"
"What? I'm just saying Master Revan's wise enough to know when a battlefield is a waste of time!"
Revan smirked as the ship ramp closed behind them.
Scene III – The Secret Mission
The twin suns of Tatooine scorched the barren world below as their ship descended near Mos Espa.
Revan checked the coordinates one more time. "Watto sold her. Years ago. But I found her. Married now, to a farmer named Lars. Recently taken by Tusken Raiders."
Ahsoka's face darkened. "Then we're too late."
"Maybe not," Revan said.
They moved quickly. Tracks, settlements, and whispers from frightened locals led them to the camp. A quiet infiltration followed—stealth, skill, and compassion in perfect rhythm.
They found her alive—but barely.
Revan cradled Shmi Skywalker in his arms as she looked up at him, tearful and dazed. "You… you know my boy?"
Revan nodded. "I do. He's training to be a Jedi."
Her smile flickered like a dying flame. "Tell him… I'm proud."
They got her out.
Alive.
Scene IV – Threads of Destiny
That evening, back on the ship, Naruto sat quietly, looking out the viewport.
"She was lucky," he whispered. "He'll get to see her again."
Ahsoka leaned beside him. "And she'll get to see the man he becomes."
Revan stepped forward, placing a hand on both their shoulders.
"Not all battles are fought with lightsabers. Some are won by simply being there… when someone needs you most."
Later that day
The holo-comm flickered to life in the Jedi Enclave, projecting Revan's calm, steady figure to Anakin and Qui-Gon on Coruscant.
"Anakin, I have news about your mother," Revan said.
Anakin's breath hitched. "Is she safe?"
"She is," Revan confirmed. "She was captured by Tusken Raiders we tracked her to a remote encampment and freed her. She is now here at the Enclave, under Jedi protection and recovering."
Relief washed over Anakin's face, though the memory of her suffering lingered. "I thought… I'd lost her forever."
"You didn't," Revan said firmly.
the cunctation turned off. "We must be vigilant," Qui-Gon said to Anakin,
"I don't like just waiting here for something to happen to her," Anakin muttered, pacing.
Qui-Gon's calm voice cut through. "What do you see?"
"She covered the cameras," Anakin said, eyes narrowing. "I don't think she likes being watched."
"What is she planning?"
"She programmed R2 to alert us if there's an intruder."
"There are many ways to kill a senator."
"I know, but we want to catch the assassin too, don't we, Master?"
"You're using her as bait."
"Her idea," Anakin replied.
"Don't worry. No harm will come to her. I can sense everything happening in that room."
Anakin shook his head. "It's too risky."
"Besides, your senses aren't fully attuned yet, my young apprentice."
"And yours?"
"Possibly." Qui-Gon smiled faintly.
A few miunts later
"I couldn't find a speeder I liked," Anakin teased, catching up.
"If you practiced your saber as much as your wit, you'd rival Master Yoda," Qui-Gon called from behind.
"I thought I already did."
"Only in your mind."
"Pull up! Pull up!" Qui-Gon shouted as Anakin dove dangerously close to power couplings.
"I know you don't like it when I do that."
"Anakin, that's suicide!"
Anakin grinned. "Sorry, Master."
They lost Zam briefly.
"I'm sorry, Master."
"That shortcut only led him the opposite way."
Anakin jumped off his speeder, landing hard.
"I hate when you do that," Qui-Gon muttered.
"Zam went into the club, Master."
"Patience. Use the Force."
"Sorry."
"She's hiding, not running."
"Yes, Master."
"Next time, don't lose her."
"Yes, Master."
Inside the smoky club, Anakin spotted Zam Wesell moving toward an exit.
"Stop!" he called.
Zam whipped around, her form shifting as she revealed herself—a shapechanger.
Before they could react, Zam fired a dart from a small concealed launcher.
Anakin barely caught sight as the tiny needle struck.
Zam hissed, "Wee shahnit… sleemo," her voice warping.
She collapsed, her true form twisted and unnatural.
Qui-Gon bent to examine the fallen assassin, pulling out the dart. "Toxic dart. Paralytic agent."
"Someone else is involved," Anakin said, eyes flashing with determination.