Just beyond the shed's threshold, Chen Ang's gaze fell upon a shuttle, merely 5% complete, a raw skeletal frame adorned with numerous exposed parts and pipelines, presenting a rugged, worn appearance. Anakin was amid the scattered parts, and Chen Ang could discern Anakin's innate talent in handling them.
The parts Anakin brought back always seemed weathered yet consistently performed well.
Embarrassed, Anakin attempted to forge a path. "I've always wanted to build a shuttle, but Watto never approves, so I've hidden it here. Hey!"
Struggling to manipulate the parts, an inadvertent mishap ensued. A resounding crash echoed as the shuttle collapsed, parts scattered in disarray, leaving Anakin gazing at the chaos, frustration evident in his tousled hair.
"Your idea is excellent, just slightly lacking in structural optimization," Chen Ang remarked with a smile as he approached, picking up a broken piece from the floor. "I'll assist you in fixing it!"
A glimmer flashed in Chen Ang's eyes. He harnessed all his energy to absorb knowledge about machinery from the communication waves in the sky. Tatooine, obviously not a technologically advanced planet, lacked widespread network connectivity. Chen Ang spent considerable time before unearthing a maintenance book titled "Mechanical Foundation – Tatooine Garbage Collection."
Typically, Chen Ang would start with fundamental science, but Tatooine was evidently not a serene place. Here, scientific knowledge lagged, prioritizing pragmatism (Tatooine folk cared more about weapons' effectiveness than how they were made).
In the interstellar era, countless weapons threatened Chen Ang. Fortunately, Tatooine's people didn't habitually don armor or exoskeletons. Even when faced with a storm, Chen Ang couldn't breach their armor. To survive Tatooine, he urgently needed an identity.
"Skywalker is still a child, and the shuttle remains unfinished. It seems there's a long story from the arrival of Jedi here. Technology and the original force coexist, weaving together spirit and science—a truly enchanting world, offering much for me to learn."
Thankfully, Anakin's parts collection was typical of Tatooine. The rare ones, Anakin couldn't procure. He scavenged parts from Watto's shop or scoured the desert for garbage. Both sources featured in the book "Tatooine Garbage Collection."
In Anakin's estimation, Chen Ang seemed hesitant at first, which might explain his unfamiliarity with Tatooine's mechanical style and models. However, Chen Ang swiftly showcased his mechanical prowess, leading the maintenance with ease. He was adept at handling each part, assembling them meticulously.
Observing Chen Ang's adeptness, Anakin exclaimed, "You must be Tatooine's most skilled mechanic. If I had this, I'd be able to free my mother and myself."
The previously shambolic shuttle now exhibited a unique mechanical order compared to its dilapidated state. While they resembled old second-hand goods, they appeared vastly different from their prior state.
"In truth, it could have been better. It's essentially a mosaic of parts, with only your creative structure or design. I simply assembled them correctly, nothing extraordinary," Chen Ang said, a hint of dissatisfaction in his voice, wiping his hands with a rag.
The technology of this world was far beyond Earth, leaving many uncertainties that curbed his abilities. Eventually, Chen Ang dared only to use these components effectively, restoring their state and adhering to their parameters, refraining from altering even Anakin's original design.
"But this is amazing! How perfectly you utilized them! I dare say Tatooine can't find another mechanic like you. Those amateurs can't even discern a condenser from a trigger, let alone modify a Blaster without risking an explosion!" Anakin exclaimed, holding up a small crystal tube and enthusing about its worth and components.
Gazing at Chen Ang with great hope, Anakin remarked, "You must be a mechanic from other planets. You're the best I've ever seen."
"But you're much better than me!" Chen Ang looked at the flustered Anakin with sincerity. "I was just a clueless child at your age!"
Anakin sheepishly lowered his head and then suddenly feigned awakening, exclaiming, "Come on! The Quines selling food right outside are leaving. They might seem lazy and disorganized, but their cuisine is the best here."
"I'm not inclined to eat from the Quines. If you'd introduce me to your family, I'd be delighted!" Chen Ang smiled and gently touched Anakin's head. "Would you like to learn together with me? We can exchange knowledge. Honestly, I'm learning too."
"Really?" Anakin looked up at Chen Ang, surprise sparkling in his eyes. "Are you truly willing to teach me?" His mechanical expertise came solely from Watto's shop; in Tatooine, only the master would teach a slave to add value to his property.
"Please, don't use any nicknames. You can call me directly by my name, Chen Ang!" Chen Ang smiled warmly and took Anakin's hand, teaching him the syllables of his name one by one.
"No, I can't be so disrespectful; I'll still call you 'teacher'!" Anakin gazed at Chen Ang, his eyes determined, grasping Chen Ang's hand fervently, saying, "My mother knows you. Please come with me; she'll be delighted!"
Chen Ang chuckled at the resolute child. "Since you've called me 'teacher,' I'll embrace that responsibility! The remarkable Jedi apprentice, the future Dark Knight, light and dark, all lie in your hands."
In Tatooine's town, unscrupulous characters abounded. Fortunately, Anakin guided Chen Ang away from conflicts. Despite Anakin's youth, he was well-liked here, thanks to his helpful character coupled with his exceptional innate mechanical talent.
In the Interstellar Era, even Jedi couldn't underestimate technological weaponry. Chen Ang felt estranged in this place. If not careful, he might lose his way to someone else. Earthlings in this universe were like mere natives, confronted with incredible technology and racial abilities surpassing Chen Ang's imagination.
It was a perilous yet opportunity-laden environment. Chen Ang believed he could grow stronger and more powerful given time. Peace was invaluable during this period. Every minute, every second, he was learning swiftly, seeking to comprehend this world.
While there was a guiding storyline, the real universe held too many complexities that films struggled to depict—histories and cultures of planets far beyond human imagination. It was a multifaceted society, a reminder for Chen Ang: he wasn't in a standalone adventure game or a film centered on a few protagonists.
This was a universe, a vast realm spanning thousands of planets, intricate and ever-changing, where destiny wasn't a scripted tale. People's actions influenced one another, creating a world of intricate relationships.
When faced with the vastness of the Galaxy, Chen Ang felt overwhelmed. The variety of races, diverse cultures, and profound histories were astonishing. Gazing at the starry sky, he realized the unprecedented enormity of this world, surpassing anything he could have imagined on Earth.
Contrary to Chen Ang's expectations, Anakin's home exuded warmth. Though adorned with modest decorations and seemingly trivial details, it emanated a sense of homeliness, offering Chen Ang comfort surpassing even that of his icy lab.
As the door creaked open, a gentle female voice flowed out of the house. "Anakin, come here! Taste my new sauce." Chen Ang spotted a tender mother figure emerging from the kitchen.
Though not entirely surprised to see Chen Ang, Shmi Skywalker warmly invited him to sit down. "It's been a while since we've had a guest. Ever since the last time Anakin ousted that rude fellow, he hasn't brought anyone home. He must trust you a great deal."
Smiling broadly, Shmi raised an eyebrow at Chen Ang, pulled out a chair for him, and offered him a cup of hot tea. "Anakin holds you in high regard. When he was seven, I couldn't manage him. It's incredible to see someone who can."
"Hello, ma'am!" Chen Ang greeted her warmly. "My spaceship just emerged from the storm, and he saved me. Luckily, I have the knack for fixing things, so I've taught him a bit about mechanics." Chen Ang understood her concern—it was a mother's natural worry for her child—but he wasn't someone to feel insulted or belittled easily.
Chen Ang wasn't the type to feel slighted or scorned with an air of superiority.
"He's finally found a real mentor!" Shmi beamed. "You know, I've been worried about how to guide him. He loves these things, and I'm no help. Please, sir, let me prepare a room for you! It's just beside Anakin's, though I hope you won't find him too noisy."
"That's quite alright. I'm currently without much wealth or possessions. If not for your hospitality, I might be left out!" Chen Ang jested, flashing a smile. "I plan to open a repair shop in the city, hoping for a good start."
"Certainly, Anakin admires no one like he does you!"