It wasn't often that the sparring chambers of the Jedi Temple were filled with so many occupants, especially high ranking masters as well as the entire Jedi Council. However, the two combatants were no ordinary fighters. Valin Horn who was the more physically imposing of the two had received the rank of Jedi Knight five years ago. The 24 year old was one of the Order's finest knights but even he was lost to the legend of his closest friend and current opponent Ben Skywalker.

Ben Skywalker was the most promising padawan the Jedi had seen in generations. He was a born leader attracting followers like a magnet. He had never lost a duel since he learned how to wield a lightsaber and he also became an exceptionally talented stategist. Every duel he fought many came including masters hoping to show their students the art of saber combat.

Valin knew that he could not afford to make a single mistake or Ben would certainly exploit it. The duel had gone significantly longer than most of Ben's fights and that gave Valin a surge of hope. As they circled each other he saw that Ben was starting to favor his right leg. Upon seeing this opening, Valin lunged forward swinging high at Ben's left shoulder hoping to pin him with a counter strike on his left leg. However, Ben had his own game to play. He quickly reached up to parry the strike with a powerful thrust to Valin's shoulder causing him to step back and counter with a move to his leg. Ben sidestepped it and swung for Valin's wrist connecting with it sending his saber flying away.

Jacen Solo stood watching the display with expectant awe and wonder at his cousin and apprentice. Ben had just disarmed one of the best duelists of the order with not much more than a sidestep. All he could do was shake his head in awe and beam at Ben as he walked toward the battle circle. Jacen engulfed Ben in a bearhug then turned away to address the crowd, "The match between Valin Horn and Ben Skywalker has come to a conclusion. My apprentice is the clear victor, though both fought admirably and I hope the council will take this display into consideration."

With a quick nod from Jacen, Ben and Valin bowed and made their way toward the refresher while they were bombarded with cheers from many of the young knights and padawans. As Jacen watched them go he couldn't understand why the council refused to knight Ben. Granted he was only fifteen years old but he had proven himself time and time again. Now with his latest attempt at passing Ben on to the trials he was as certain as he had ever been that his apprentice would be granted knighthood.

"I thought I had you when I saw you limp," Valin commented after they had left the refresher. "Only now do I see it was a ploy."

Ben looked over at his friend, "You shouldn't try to overpower your opponents so much . . . but if it's any consolation I did have a cramp there so I didn't plan that."

Just then a group of female padawans passed by them. Ben simply smiled at them and instantly they all began to blush as they quickly walked away. Valin couldn't believe how he could attract so much female interest. "I wish I could've attracted women like that when I was your age."

"Are you sure he's ready Jace?" Jaina Solo asked looking toward her brother. The council had convened once again on the issue of Ben Skywalker's knighthood. The Solo twins were new additions to the council consisting of Grandmaster Luke Skywalker, his wife Mara Jade Skywalker, Corran Horn, Kyle Katarn, Kenth Hamner, Kam and Tionne Solusar, Seba Sebatyne, Kyp Durron, the Mon Calamarian master healer Cilghal, and Leia Organa Solo. Some individuals such as Han Solo and Mirax Horn were permitted to attend meetings.

Everyone gave Jacen their undivided attention. "Yes. He may be young but he has proven himself time and time again. His potential is unlimited. He has accomplished feats that many of us haven't even achieved. We all know this and we cannot ignore it."

Kyp Durron decided to join the 'Great Debate' as many now called it. "Ben has tremendous skills. Due to his youth no doubt, he has an ambition to learn anything of interest. Most, if not all of us, have been approached by him to instruct him." With a glance at Luke he added, "I believe your son is ready."

Luke was deep in thought about the whole matter. As a father he had wanted Ben to be a knight for some time now but after talking it over with Mara he had decided he could not allow his fifteen year old son the rank of Jedi until the council was in agreement. He made it a point to stay away from the arguments due to his biased nature. He was beginning to ponder his decision when Leia broke him out of his reverie. "Luke, I'm sorry but don't you think this is a large responsibility to place on the shoulders of a fifteen year old boy?".

Jacen was taken aback by his mother's statement concerning her nephew. "Mom Ben is a man not a boy. He has matured far beyond his years. Why are you and Jaina so protective of him!" Turning to address Luke he said, "There is nothing more he can learn from me."

Jaina however, shared her mother's concerns. "Jacen you know we just want what's best for him and right now I can't help but feel overprotective of him. He's my little cousin after all."

The atmosphere in the council chambers had gone sterile quite fast as the Solo's had relentlessly continued their family argument for hours without end. Fellow council members tried to intercede but failed. Finally silence fell on the group and Corran Horn took advantage. "I know that in many ways he is ready," he paused to gauge the reaction to his words and saw many nods in agreement. "But I give this warning. He is headstrong and proud. It wouldn't surprise me if he takes things for granted. He attracts followers wherever he goes and bonds with them quite easily. I don't want this taken the wrong way but Valin is ten years older than him and yet Ben is the leader and far more powerful of the pair. I believe he is close if not ready for knighthood but we must continue to teach him humility. Luke, Mara, you must forgive me for bringing this up but I feel that I must. If he were to fall to the dark side it could mean utter devestation for this galaxy and it could tear this Order apart. We must watch him closely."

Luke, who had stayed silent throughout the meeting, had heard enough. "All in favor of this proposal," he paused, seeing the majority approve it, "Ben Skywalker shall be a Jedi Knight."