Harry barely had enough time to complete a proper shut down of the Radon Ulzer engines, skillfully diverting all energy away from the turbines to prevent overshooting the space in front of the viewing platforms. With a sense of relief, he watched as the excess energy dissipated safely, ensuring the podracer's stability. However, his moment of accomplishment was quickly overshadowed by the deafening roar of excited fans swarming around him and his now motionless podracer.

  Feeling a mixture of nervousness and exhilaration, Harry remained seated in the pod for several moments, taking in the chaotic scene unfolding around him. Amidst the chaos of cheers and applause, he caught sight of Jar-Jar Binks, whose boundless enthusiasm propelled him towards the podracer with reckless abandon. In his enthusiasm to congratulate the new race victor, Jar-Jar inadvertently sent three bystanders tumbling off the opposite side of the podracer.

  Despite his initial worry over the chaos, Harry couldn't suppress a smile as he spotted familiar faces in the crowd. His mother, Kitster, and Padmé stood nearby, their expressions a mix of pride and excitement. Encouraged by their presence, Harry finally decided to step out of the pod, only to be immediately engulfed in a tidal wave of their hugs and embraces.

  For a moment, Harry reveled in the warmth of their affection, cherishing the rare opportunity to be surrounded by loved ones in the midst of such jubilation. However, his moment of tranquility was short-lived. Much to his dismay and the amusement of Kitster and Padmé, Harry suddenly found himself lifted off his feet by the enthusiastic crowd, before being hoisted onto their shoulders and upraised arms as they repeatedly tossed him into the air and chanted his name.

  After several minutes of that, the jubilant crowd finally lowered Harry to the ground, dispersing from the race track to attend to their own tasks before the setting of the twin suns. Harry found himself surrounded by a smaller group consisting of Jar-Jar, Padmé, Kitster, and his mother, who beamed with pride at his achievement.

  Returning her smiles, Harry's expression suddenly shifted to one of confusion as he scanned the area. He turned to his mother, seeking answers amidst the bustling atmosphere.

  "Where's Qui-Gon and the droids, Mom?" he inquired, his brow furrowing in puzzlement. "Actually, for that matter ... where's Watto? He's usually among the first to find me after a race. I thought he'd be down here almost immediately."

  His mother's smile remained intact as she glanced towards the viewing platforms before returning her gaze to Harry. "Qui-Gon went to see Watto about collecting … well … his winnings," she explained, her tone tinged with amusement. "And as for Watto ... well, it seems he had placed heavy bets against you. I imagine he's not in the best of moods right now."

  Harry worriedly looked at the ground, his apprehension deepening as he thought about the potential fallout from Watto's loss. He knew from past experience that the Toydarian could be particularly irritable when things didn't go his way, often making life unpleasant for both him and his mother until he found a new opportunity to turn the tide in his favor. However, when he eventually glanced up, he was greeted by a smile so radiant on his mother's face that it almost eclipsed her features entirely.

  Bewildered by her cheerfulness, Harry raised an eyebrow inquisitively. "Mom?"

  She shook her head, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I won't spoil the surprise. But Qui-Gon has some news for you when he joins us … although it might …"

  As if on cue, Qui-Gon materialized beside them, his expression warm and inviting. Harry's mother wasted no time in turning her attention to the Jedi, though a hint of concern flickered across her features. "How ... how did it go? Were you able to ... where's Watto? Is everything alright ..." Her words trailed off anxiously.

  In response, Qui-Gon offered a reassuring smile and a nod. "All is well. As the saying goes, when one gambles, they eventually face their losses. Today happened to be Watto's turn. Fortunately, he saw reason, and there was no need to involve the Hutts. He will honor our agreement."

  Qui-Gon paused, his gaze shifting between Harry and his mother before settling back on her with a meaningful look on his face. "Have you informed young Anakin yet?"

  His mother's smile remained gentle yet enigmatic as she turned her attention to Harry, her gaze softening with maternal affection. "I wasn't sure if you had wanted to tell him," she responded to Qui-Gon without shifting her gaze away from her son.

  Caught off guard by the cryptic exchange, Harry felt a wave of confusion wash over him. "Tell me what?" he interjected, trying to make sense of the conversation unfolding before him.

  Ignoring Harry's question, Qui-Gon looked to his mother, his tone thoughtful. "Perhaps … this is a conversation for you to have with your son. It will be a significant change in his life, and I wouldn't want to overstep."

  His mother met his gaze with understanding, nodding in agreement. "Thank you for that," she acknowledged before turning his attention to Harry and smiling. "Although …" she paused, looking past the walls of the arena, "… perhaps it would be best to discuss this matter in the privacy of our own home rather than out here."

  Harry looked frantically back and forth between the two of them, noticing Qui-Gon look back towards Harry, opening his mouth before closing his mouth and nodding. "That is fair. You are his mother after all. Although, I do wonder …"

  Harry's confusion deepened as he observed the exchange between his mother and the Jedi, a sense of apprehension creeping into his thoughts. Before he could voice his concerns, Qui-Gon's words were interrupted by the unexpected arrival of a Gamorrean worker, accompanied by an antigrav sled bearing the hyperdrive parts that had been the subject of Qui-Gon's wager with Watto.

  Rather than completing his sentence, Qui-Gon shook his head and abruptly broke away to talk with the alien, leaving Harry to stand awkwardly between his mother and Padmé. Harry's confusion only deepened as he watched Padmé exchange furtive glances with his mother without talking.

  "Tell me what?" Harry repeated, his tone tinged with frustration as he directed his gaze towards his mother, seeking answers.

  Out of the corner of his eye, he caught Padmé's guilty glance towards his mother before she quickly averted her eyes, feigning interest in Harry's podracer.

  Unfortunately, his mother remained tight-lipped, her smile masking whatever secrets she held, contenting herself with repeating she would tell him later once they were home. Although Harry couldn't help but notice the slight wistfulness in her eyes, a subtle hint of something left unspoken.

  After several further futile attempts to extract information from his mother, Harry resigned himself to the fact that he wouldn't uncover the truth until they reached the privacy of their home. With little else to do, he engaged in conversation with Kitster and Jar-Jar about the race, their enthusiasm contagious as they eagerly shared their thoughts and experiences on his performance.

  Eventually, Qui-Gon rejoined them, breaking the flow of conversation. "Padmé, Jar-Jar, it's time to say your goodbyes. The arrangements for the parts are settled," he informed them briskly. "We need to get those back to the ship. The sooner we install them and depart this planet for Coruscant … the better I'll feel. I worry that lingering on this planet any longer than necessary would be … unwise."

  Turning back to face Harry, Qui-Gon offered a warm smile, gratitude evident in his expression. "Thanks again for what you did ... for what you volunteered to do," he began, his words laced with sincerity. "It was more than most would have been willing to do for strangers. For that, you have our deepest appreciation. I'll ... well I'll see you later. May the Force be with you."

  With that, Qui-Gon pivoted away, leaving Harry to grapple with a sense of confusion that lingered behind, wondering what the man had meant. He kept an eye on Qui-Gon, even as Padmé and Jar-Jar exchanged their farewells with him and his mother before readying themselves to leave.

  As the goodbyes drew to a close, Harry found himself rooted to the spot, a nagging unease settling in the pit of his stomach. Suddenly, he recognized the familiar sensation that washed over him, as the same unpleasant … almost malevolent sensation that he had experienced earlier. His eyes darted around frantically until they landed on a sight that sent a shiver down his spine: the same probe droid he had seen earlier, lurking at the edge of the area, concealed within the shadows.

  Instinctively, Harry's instincts screamed danger, compelling him to act. Ignoring the perplexed looks of his mother and Kitster, he sprinted towards Qui-Gon, who was already leading the group out of the arena.

  "Qui-Gon!" he called out, surprising the Jedi with the urgency in his voice.

  The Jedi turned, his gaze meeting Harry's with mild surprise. "Hello again. What is it?" he inquired, his tone tinged with curiosity.

  "I'm ... not sure …," Harry began tentatively, relieved to see that his words didn't immediately elicit a look of displeasure from the Jedi. "But I had this feeling ... and, well, it feels ... I'm not sure. I'm not entirely sure how to describe it, but sometimes I get a sense from certain people when they're about to do something ..." He trailed off, his uncertainty evident as he shrugged his shoulders, oblivious to the raised eyebrows of Qui-Gon. "And, well ... there's a probe droid at the edge of the arena that I have a feeling ... means you harm."

  Harry shook his head, a flush of embarrassment coloring his cheeks as he looked down at the ground. "I know how this sounds ... but I've never felt emotions from a droid before, let alone feelings this strong. I just felt I should mention it ..." His voice trailed off, and he hesitantly looked back up at the Jedi, freezing as he saw Qui-Gon studying him intently before slowly turning his gaze in the direction Harry had indicated the probe droid.

  After casting his gaze over the area, seemingly unfazed by the presence of the probe droid that remained fixated on Qui-Gon's party, the Jedi turned back to Harry, his expression thoughtful. "That is most remarkable ... even when focusing on the droid, I barely feel anything ... and yet you managed to sense the disturbance without its focus directed at you ... truly remarkable. We shall have much to discuss," he mused, his tone carrying a note of genuine admiration. "However, I realize now that I was correct and we have lingered here for too long ... we must deliver these parts to the ship before whoever controls that droid tracks us down. Thank you for the warning, Anakin … I will see you soon."

  With a decisive gesture, Qui-Gon motioned for Jar-Jar, R2-D2, and Padmé to lead the antigrav sled out of the arena, ensuring the safety of the crucial hyperdrive components they had acquired. As they began to make their way towards the exit, Qui-Gon paused, turning back to Harry with a reassuring expression.

  "Do not be afraid of what you sense, Anakin," he counseled, his words imbued with wisdom and encouragement. "Trust your feelings. They will guide you true."

  With those words of guidance, Qui-Gon rejoined his party, their purposeful strides carrying them swiftly out of the arena. As they departed, Harry watched with curiosity as the probe droid abruptly veered away in the opposite direction, its hasty departure confirming that it had indeed been focused on their group.

  As Qui-Gon and the others gradually vanished beyond the gate, heading in the direction of the edge of the settlement. Harry turned his attention back to his mother, Kitster, and C-3PO, rejoining them, his mind buzzing with unanswered questions about the cryptic conversation he had witnessed. Before he could even utter a word to his mother, however, a voice called out to him, disrupting his thoughts.

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  Swiveling around, Harry spotted Gasgano, the Xexto podracer, making his way towards him.

  "Tsit, vweter tnoo!" Gasgano greeted him in his native tongue.

  Harry's apologetically shook his head signaling his inability to understand. "Sorry," he explained, "I know Huttese and a few other alien languages, but Xextish isn't one of them. I only know a few words."

  Gasgano nodded understandingly and switched to Galactic Basic, his words now comprehensible to Harry. "Hello, Anakin Skywalker," he began, gratitude evident in his tone. "I wanted to thank you for what you did for me during the race."

  Harry glanced around cautiously, ensuring no one was eavesdropping before turning his attention back to Gasgano, a puzzled expression on his face. "I'm not sure what you mean," he replied, though even to his own ears, his response sounded unconvincing.

  The Xexto racer regarded Harry with a quizzical expression, his multifaceted eyes narrowing in contemplation as he tilted his head. "So, you have no idea what happened to my pod ... how I suddenly went from facing a certain death at the base of the collapsing dune in a dead pod to being miraculously pushed out of harm's way to safety?"

  Harry managed to mostly suppress his smile, maintaining an air of nonchalance as he shrugged once more. "No clue," he replied casually. "But I'm honestly relieved that you're okay. I've grown … tired of Sebulba's reckless racing tactics. It seems that in every race he's involved in, there are … 'accidents' that result in competitors suffering severe, often career-ending injuries. I'm certainly not looking forward to our next race together ... especially after the way I had won today. Although I'm sure Watto will love the outcome?"

  Gasgano's expression shifted to one of surprise as he processed Harry's words. "Sorry? Watto will love it?"

  Harry nodded slowly, "Aye. Watto, the Toydarian who owns both my mother and me, takes pleasure in making me race … almost as much as he enjoys placing bets on me racing. I have no doubt that the betting frenzy surrounding the next rematch between Sebulba and me, will be utterly absurd."

  As Harry observed Gasgano's puzzled expression, he froze unsure what brought on the confusion.

  "I think there might be some misunderstanding here," Gasgano began, his tone thoughtful. "After the race, I inquired about you. I wanted to express my gratitude for helping me … oh right ... well, not helping me." He chuckled lightly, in response to the look on Harry's face. "Eventually, some of the arena's pit droids directed me to Watto, informing me that you were one of his slaves."

  "I must admit, I was taken aback when I first heard that. While you certainly aren't the first slave I've raced against, you're by far the youngest, and ... well, you seem ... I'm not sure the word in Galactic Basic, but most content, perhaps … normal … happy?" He shrugged, hoping Harry would understand the sentiment behind his words. "You appeared to genuinely enjoy racing, which is something I haven't observed in other slaves who race."

  "Anyways, when I heard that you were a slave, I decided I'd approach Watto with an offer … well … I'm not sure if you've heard of me …" he paused, looking at Harry.

  But before Harry could continue, Kitster jumped in, his voice brimming with excitment. "Heard of you? Of course he has! Every racer worth their weight, and even those who aren't, knows of your career and your racing team."

  Gasgano's smile was warm as he nodded at the young boy before turning his attention to Harry, his demeanor becoming serious again.

  "Well, I suppose that simplifies things," Gasgano began, his tone tinged with a hint of humility. "Perhaps your friend exaggerates my reputation a bit, but I have indeed enjoyed a lengthy and relatively successful career in racing. Despite my fair share of close calls, including today's harrowing experience, I've managed to emerge from each race with all my limbs intact." He chuckled wryly.

  Leaning in slightly, Gasgano's expression grew earnest. "It hasn't been officially announced yet, but this year marks the end of my career on the circuit. Due to this impending retirement, and in light of what you did … or what I believe you did … for me out on the course, I had wanted to express my gratitude by offering to have you take my position on the team, allowing you to race under my banner."

  Harry's eyebrows shot up into his hairline in astonishment, mirroring the shocked reaction of his friend Kitster, who dropped the hydrospanner he'd been holding, his expletive echoing loudly in the sudden silence. Harry glanced towards his mother, who wore a look of concern, her eyes fixed on the Xexto racer, who seemed unaware of the scrutiny he was being subjected to.

  Gasgano's gaze shifted from Kitster back to Harry, his expression earnest as he continued his story. "So, once I had discovered that you were Watto's property, I approached the Toydarian with the intention of purchasing your freedom. My aim was to offer you the opportunity to race on my team and eventually to replace ..."

  Harry found himself momentarily stunned, missing the rest of what Gasgano was saying, his attention fully captured by Gasgano's previous words. He glanced towards Kitster, whose expression mirrored his own mixture of surprise and happiness. However, when Harry turned to look at his mother, he was taken aback by her expression, a look of worry and fear etched across her features.

  Before he could decipher his mother's expression, Gasgano's next words abruptly shattered the moment of hopeful anticipation. "... Unfortunately, when I finally located Watto ... I was unable to buy your freedom."

  And in that instant, the fleeting happiness that had swelled within Harry following his podrace victory and when Gasgano had mentioned purchasing his freedom crumbled into nothingness. A heavy sense of depression washed over him, filling his being with a profound sadness. He shook his head, his heart heavy with the realization that Watto's selfishness had dashed any hope of freedom.

  'Of course,' Harry thought bitterly, his mind swirling with resentment as he shook his head. 'Watto wouldn't want to sell me, especially not after that race. No doubt he's already looking forward to the next race, looking forward to the prospect of winning from the races. Even with winning the Boonta Eve Classic, I'm sure I'll still just be a betting underdog for several races. He'll milk every opportunity to line his pockets … why would he consider letting me go.'

  As Harry's gaze fell to the ground, his sorrow gradually gave way to a simmering anger that ignited within him like a smoldering ember. It began as a flicker deep within his chest, fueled by the unfairness of his situation. While it had started as a small kernel of anger within him he felt it slowly expanding throughout his body.

  To his surprise, as the sensation moved into his arms, Harry felt the heat of his anger transform into … something else. The heat began to change into a rushing feeling of … energy, almost as if he had electricity running down his arms, begging to be unleashed.

  The intensity of the sensation coursing through Harry's arms was so intense that he found himself momentarily fascinated, his gaze fixated on his fingertips as if expecting to see sparks flying. However, his reverie was abruptly interrupted as he noticed Gasgano's expectant stare on him.

  Shaking himself out of his trance, Harry took a deep, steadying breath, willing himself to focus on the present and not his anger. "Sorry," he murmured bitterly, his voice slightly distant. "I got lost in my thoughts."

  To his surprise, Gasgano chuckled warmly, his expression sympathetic. "No worries. I can only imagine how distracting it must be to realize you're already free, no longer belonging to Watto. I know that I'd certainly be ..."

  Harry's heart skipped a beat, his attention snapping back to Gasgano with sudden urgency. "Wait... what do you mean ... I'm free?" he interjected; his voice tinged with disbelief. "I thought you said Watto wouldn't sell me?"

  The Xexto racer regarded Harry with surprise before casting a glance towards his mother. "Oh ... you weren't aware?" he replied, his tone tinged with surprise. "I assumed you would have been the first to know. Watto wasn't exactly very keen to talk about it ... seems he lost a considerable sum of money betting against you … and apparently, losing you was a bitter pill to swallow on top of that." He paused, his expression somber. "But what I meant was that I was unable to buy your freedom ... because Watto had already made a bet regarding it ... a bet which he lost. It sounded like he made multiple wagers with a man, regarding engine parts and your freedom …"

  Harry's gaze flickered towards his mother, his expression one of utter surprise as he silently mouthed, "Qui-Gon Jinn … the Jedi?" Her guarded nod confirmed his suspicions before she looked away, leaving him reeling with a mix of astonishment and uncertainty.

  "Mom, what does this mean?" Harry's voice trembled with apprehension as he sought clarification. "He owns me now?"

  His mother's guilt-ridden gaze had been fixed on the ground, but at his question, she looked up abruptly, her eyes wide with reassurance. "Not at all, Ani," she replied, her voice laced with relief. "When Qui-Gon mentioned the wager as we came down to see you, he specifically stated that he had wagered for your freedom, not your servitude. You are free, Ani," she affirmed, a gentle smile gracing her lips.

  Unsure how to act, Harry felt his breath catch in his throat, his mind struggling to comprehend the enormity of what his mother had just revealed. The weight of his newfound freedom pressed upon him, leaving him momentarily paralyzed with disbelief.

  Turning his gaze towards his mother, Kitster, and Gasgano, Harry found himself at a loss for words, his shock palpable in the stunned silence that enveloped him.

  Finally gathering his thoughts, Harry turned back to his mother, his voice trembling with disbelief. "Free ... seriously ... we're free ... Mom, I can't believe it," he murmured, his words filled with a mixture of incredulity and awe. "This is ... seriously, I can't believe it ... do you think he'd let us ..."

  But his hopeful question died on his tongue as he caught the shift in his mother's expression, the happiness fading from her face. "Mom ... what is it?" Harry pressed, his heart sinking as he sensed her discomfort.

  With a hesitant glance towards the edge of the arena, his mother avoided meeting his gaze before reluctantly turning back to him. "The wager wasn't for us, Ani," she confessed, her voice strained with unease. "Watto would never have agreed to that ... it was only for you ..."

  Harry's shoulders slumped visibly, the weight of dashed hope pressing down upon him once more. The glimmer of excitement he had felt at the news of his own freedom fizzled out, replaced by a heavy sense of resignation. He paused for a fleeting moment, thinking on all the credits he'd wagered on himself during the race, but discarded the idea as he had little hope that even with the good odds, it wouldn't be enough to convince Watto into releasing his mother … especially to him, now that he was free.

  Turning back towards his mother, Harry opened his mouth to voice his questions about their uncertain future, but before he could utter a single word, Gasgano cleared his throat, effectively capturing their attention.

  "Well, that may have been the case," Gasgano interjected, his voice cutting through the somber atmosphere, "but as I mentioned earlier, when I approached Watto, he was in a rather foul mood. Losing a significant amount by betting against his own racer, only to then also lose that racer himself, had left him … in a rather unpleasant state. So, when I discovered that I couldn't secure your freedom as a means of repaying you … well … I decided to express my appreciation in a different manner … I thought I could still show my appreciation by purchasing your mother's freedom …"

  Before Gasgano could finish his sentence, he was interrupted by the sudden impact of a small figure colliding with his midsection. Gasgano's eyes widened in surprise as he recognized the familiar form of a nine-year-old boy enveloping him in an enthusiastic embrace, having managed to close the distance between them in a remarkably small amount of time.

  "Thank you ... thank you ... thank you ..." the boy exclaimed repeatedly, his voice filled with genuine gratitude.

  After releasing Gasgano from the tight embrace, the boy turned towards his mother, only to find her on her knees, her eyes locked on the Xexto racer in disbelief. With a soft smile, Harry closed the distance between them, hurrying to envelop her in a warm embrace.

  Witnessing the raw emotion of the moment, Gasgano nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm ... perhaps I can give you both some time to consider your futures, now that you are both free that is," he suggested, his voice gentle. Pausing for a moment, he looked between the pair before continuing. "Here is my communicator frequency. Or else, I'll be lingering around the settlement for a few days, until we depart for Manaan for the next race."

  Harry reluctantly released his embrace with his mother, turning towards Gasgano and nodding in acknowledgment. He accepted the small slip of paper offered to him, recognizing the numbers as a communicator frequency scrawled upon it. With a sense of newfound hope and possibility, Harry tucked the slip safely into his pocket, his mind buzzing with the promise of opportunity.

  "However, do not feel pressured by my offer … or my actions," Gasgano continued, his tone sincere and understanding. "If you haven't made a decision by the time we depart, or if you choose a different path altogether, there will be no hard feelings from me. Your mother's freedom is meant as repayment for your actions, not a bargaining chip. And if you do opt for a different course of action, know that my offer stands indefinitely. You can reach out to me at any time."

  He paused, his gaze lingering on Harry with a mix of gratitude and respect. "I honestly, would be honored to have you race for my team. And once again ... thank you for saving my life. I understand that you deny it, but I know what I saw and experienced. Truth be told, I've witnessed stranger things, so I'm not concerned. However, I respect your decision to keep it a secret. I imagine it will reduce the attention others give you, but it will also allow others to underestimate you. And that, Anakin, is a valuable asset never to be underestimated. Good luck."

  With those parting words, Gasgano turned away, making his way towards the podracer pit.

  As the Xexto racer took only a few steps away from the group, Harry felt the weight of Kitster's exuberance as the boy practically pounced on him in his excitement.

  "Ani ... you did it!" Kitster exclaimed, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "You're free! You have a chance to join Gasgano's racing team! Everyone will know your name! You can truly become the best pilot in the universe, just like you always said you would! Okay ... I'm going to round up the gang. They'll never believe me, but they're going to be so excited!"

  Before Harry could even think of a response, Kitster darted off, his figure disappearing around a corner in a blur of motion. Left behind, Harry and his mother shared a moment of soft laughter, their spirits buoyed by Kitster's infectious excitement.

  Kind Regards,

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