The Shadows Star: Book 2

37: The Junkyard

Watto, now keenly aware of the seriousness of the situation, led Anakin and Sombra to a dusty old storage room filled with boxes, records, and various mechanical parts. The smell of engine oil, dust, and something rotten hit her and she did everything in her power not to gag. "Hurry it up over there!"

Watto began to fumble through a stack of datapads until he found the one he was looking for.

With a sense of urgency, she kept her eyes fixed on the toydarian as he activated the datapad and began scrolling through the entries. Anakin, still in a state of shock over the revelation about his mother, tried to maintain his composure.

After what felt like an eternity, Watto finally spoke up, "Here it is, Lars. Cliegg Lars. The location is ina here. Take it and leave."

She nodded, her gaze never leaving Watto. "Thank you for your cooperation," she said tersely. She took the datapad and Anakin's hand and left the room.

The three boarded the rickshaw once more. "Cheesa Mos Espa. Ateema!" (The outskirts of Mos Espa. Now!) Sombra commanded the droid.

As they sped toward the ship, Sombra couldn't shake the feeling of helplessness that had settled over her. She knew Anakin was going through an emotional storm, and their shared connection only amplified the weight of his distress. Her hand found him, and she gave a reassuring squeeze, silently conveying her support. She felt the burden of his emotions, but she remained stoic, determined to take on his pain silently.

Padmé, seated beside them, sensed the tension in the air and the impact this search was having on both Anakin and Sombra. She knew that their bond had a unique way of intensifying their emotions, and she offered a comforting presence, ready to assist however she could.

The silver ship appeared before them and they began to board. Anakin made his way to the solace of the upper deck and Sombra looked at her friend, "Padmé, could you take us to these coordinates? I should keep an eye on Anakin."

Padmé smiled kindly and nodded, taking the datapad to the cockpit. R2 rolled up to Sombra and chirped in confusion. Sombra pats the droid's top with a smile, "I hope we'll be okay R2, but I'm not sure. Can you help Maé fly the ship?"

The droid beeped and rolled after Padmé. As the ship took off, leaving Mos Espa behind, Sombra remained near the ship's entrance, her emotions in disarray. Anakin's pain and turmoil had permeated her very being, and it felt like a storm of emotions raging inside her heart and mind. But she allowed it, knowing that taking on his pain would take it off of his shoulders.

The weight of his stress pressed down on her, and it became too much to bear. Her chest tightened, and she struggled to breathe, each breath feeling shallower than the last. Her vision blurred as tears welled up in her eyes, and a sense of suffocation overcame her. Each passing moment felt like an eternity as she struggled to regain her composure.

As her panic deepened, she felt a gentle presence approach her. C-1 had noticed her distress and made his way to her side, his concern evident in the soft hum of his circuits. He knelt beside her, his metal hand resting gently on her trembling shoulder.

"Young miss," C-1's soothing voice filled her ears, a stark contrast to the chaos within her mind. "You are experiencing another episode of panic. I am here to help. You are not alone."

Her tear-filled eyes turned toward her faithful droid companion, finding solace in his unwavering support. C-1's presence was a stabilizing force, and he understood her in ways that others couldn't.

Slowly, her breathing began to steady, guided by C-1's calm demeanor. He continued to speak to her in a gentle and reassuring tone, guiding her through relaxation techniques and offering words of comfort.

As the minutes passed, Sombra's anxiety began to ebb, and the tightness in her chest gradually eased. She looked up at C-1, gratitude and relief in her eyes.

"Thank you, C-1," she whispered, her voice shaky but filled with appreciation.

The droid nodded, his optical sensors displaying a warmth that transcended his mechanical form. "It is my primary duty and my privilege to care for you, Miss Sombra. You have a resilient spirit, and you are not alone on this journey," he pats her head kindly and helps her to her feet. "I worry for you, young miss. These episodes have only increased in frequency, and you have not told Master Koon that they returned."

"I'm alright C-1," she smiles. "I don't want him to worry over nothing."

Sombra quietly made her way to the upper deck, where she knew Anakin had retreated. The dimly lit room was filled with a silent atmosphere, and she could sense the gentle ebb and flow of the Force as Anakin delved into his meditation.

She approached him with soft steps, her presence unobtrusive. Anakin sat cross-legged, his eyes closed, his brow furrowed in deep concentration. His connection with the Force was palpable, a shimmering aura that surrounded him.

Sombra settled down beside him, mirroring his posture, and closed her eyes as well. With each steady breath, she reached out through the Force, seeking the connection that bound them together.

Their minds met in the ethereal realm of the Force, and it was as though a veil had been lifted, allowing them to perceive each other's thoughts and emotions with intimate clarity.

Anakin's presence in her mind was a turbulent tempest of emotions. His worry for his mother was like a raw wound, throbbing with pain and anguish. Guilt gnawed at him, a relentless predator that refused to let go. Sombra could feel his determination to save her, a fierce flame burning within him.

In response, Sombra's thoughts flowed into Anakin's consciousness like a gentle stream. She shared her feelings of comfort and sympathy, her understanding of the heavy burden he carried. She let him feel her unwavering support and her belief in his strength.

Together, they existed in a moment of profound connection, their minds intertwined in the intricate dance of the Force. Words were unnecessary as they shared their innermost thoughts and feelings, finding solace and understanding in each other's presence.