italics indicates mind speech or thought
JA, before Obi-Wan Kenobi becomes an apprentice.
Initiate Obi-Wan Kenobi sat on his bed in shared quarters with four other initiates. It was hard to find privacy. The others had gone to last-meal. He knew he would get in trouble for not eating, but Kenobi forewent last-meal to have time to himself.
The day had not been a good one.
His saber instructor had been particularly hard on him today. No, it was his not imagination. The knight, his instructor had signaled him out and had made him an example of how not to be able to fight properly.
The healing saber burns were proof of the knight's tenacious attack on Obi-Wan.
Initiate Kenobi knew that several of the masters' would be arriving tomorrow to watch he and the other initates' saber abilities. His instructor had explained he would be teamed up with Bruck.
He had heard that even the great Master Qui-Gon Jinn would be there. Obi-Wan did not fool himself for a second. A master like that would never take him. His only hope might be a stray healer or two looking for a padawan that would not necessarily need to be that great with a saber. Jinn was of no concern to the little one that sat on his bed and wallowed in his own self-pity.
Master Qui-Gon Jinn was way out of reach for the littliest of initiates, Obi-Wan Kenobi. He could never ever aspire to be chosen by one so renown.
Master Jinn will take someone like Bruck or one of the other more capable initiates.
Kenobi thought the reason behind that was because Bruck was the favorite in the class and battling with Obi-Wan would make the other initiate,Chun, look like a well-trained padawan.
Obi-Wan had not been able to successfully grasp the use of the saber or the katas being taught him. He was at least 3 katas behind the others.
Obi-Wan Kenobi did not even care if the masters came tomorrow.
No one will choose me. I can't seem to do anything right. And I only have two months before I turn 13, then off to the Agricorps I go. Better back your bag Kenobi.
The only one at the temple who had any faith in him at all was Master Yoda. But he was on the council and was not looking for a padawan.
Master Yoda and I would have made a good master and apprentice pair. He is closer to my size than any of the masters here.
Obi-Wan was quickly approaching his 13th birthday, but his growth had not kept up with his age. He was at least a head shorter than the other initiates even the "girls".
Sitting on his little cot bed Obi-Wan let his self-misery overtake him to a point of gut-wrenching depression.
By the time Bruck Chun mops up the floor with me tomorrow during our sparring session for the masters to witness, I will be the laughing stock of the entire temple. I guess I should thank my saber instructor Knight Xanatos for that. He's the one who paired me, "little me", with Bruck Chun and no one ever beats him.
The only light in Master Jinn's apartment at the temple was the moonlight that filtered through the balcony door he had thrown open, upon his return, to watch the night skies and once again breathe the smell of his now home Courscant.
He had managed to sneak in the temple almost unnoticed. Of course he had notified the council and his former master of his arrival, but he did not want to be bothered this evening.
He knew all too well he would get a visit from his former padawan, now Knight Xanatos. His former padawan had sent him several communiqués raving about a young initiate Bruck Chun he wanted Qui-Gon to see.
Of course Qui-Gon would see the boy. That was the reason he was here. He had not had a padawan since Xanatos very shakily became a knight. "Xani's" last trial was not as successful as Jinn had hoped it would be. He was a knight but he was grounded at the temple and had been for two years since becoming a knight.
The council would not even allow him to have a padawan.
It was a private matter between Jinn, "Xani', and the council. His former padawan had failed to keep a close rein on his temper and the council became all too aware of it.
His had not even been allowed to have a mission. Something that did not go unnoticed, but because he was the Great Master Jinn's former padawan, the gossip if there was any, was very closed off in private circles of various knights and a few masters.
Xanatos had a streak of cruelty. The council masters could see it, even feel it, but Qui-Gon was blind to it. Whether he intentionally blinded himself to Xani's ruthlessness or truly did not see the same Xanatos that the council saw was not in truth known by any one even Master Qui-Gon Jinn. The master had meditated frequently on Xani's supposed failings and had come up with nothing sound enough that the council should have denied the padawan, now knight his place in the Jedi order, but deny fully his place they had. They did promise the restrictions would be lifted if the new knight adhered strenuously to their teachings over the next three years.
Had Crion been any other master's apprentice he would more than likely not been allowed his knighthood. Jinn had been very loyal to "Xani" and still was. He did not and had yet to see what the council saw in the young man, his shortcomings.
He in fact very much wanted to see his former padawan but he was not going to be pressured into taking an initiate as his padawan just because "Xani" was pushing the boy at Jinn.
The choosing of ones' apprentice was a very personal and private matter. Xanatos failed to see that. He said he just wanted the best for his former master and that Bruck Chun was the very best.
Qui-Gon Jinn very much wanted to take a padawan this time, but it would be on his terms, no one elses.
He just hated to disappoint Xanatos to the point the young man would think Jinn did not value his opinion. That was not the case at all. He just did not know how to tell Xani it was really none of his business without possibly hurting the feelings of his beloved former padawan.
The all too-familiar peck at the door announced the arrival of his own former master.
Jinn welcomed the little troll in and set out to the kitchen to make tea.
" Tired I know you are. Keep you long I will not. Greet you I wish only too do. Wise decision it is to take a padawan. One I want you to see I do."
"Not you too master. You know I choose my own padawans with the help of the force."
"Know that I do, See him I wish of you, nothing more.. Suppose Xanatos has one for you he does."
"Yes and I am avoiding him now even though I would like nothing better than to spend some time with him. It's been two years since he became a knight and I still miss him on my missions. He was such a help to me. I still haven't gotten over the restrictions you and the council put on him. I have been able to move past it, but I have not forgotten it."
"Hummmph"
That was all that came from Yoda because he himself did not care for Xanatos Crion. Had the decision of Xanatos' knighthood been left up to him and not the entire council, "Xani" would be a farmer and they, the council masters would not have to keep such a close watch on him. These things were not said to Jinn because the master hated to anger or sadden his former apprentice.
"You know very well there will be interviews and saber demonstrations by all the initiates available for apprenticeship. I will see the one Xanatos wishes to be my apprentice and your choice also during this time. But make no mistake I will choose my own apprentice."
Master Yoda gave Qui-Gon a quick jab to his chins with the gimer stick and a delightful look of merriment crossed his face.
"Hold you to that I will, For know who you will choose I do. Will of the force it is. Foreseen it I have already. Tell you the boy's name I do not."
Jinn only rolled his eyes at the little master's ravings.
This was the master who had warned him not to take Xanatos as a padawan. Laced with the dark side he was, Master Yoda had said.
Master Yoda's warnings went unheeded and Qui-Gon took the boy as his padawan, never once regretting it.
Had I listened to Master Yoda, my life would not be as full as it is now. I do not care or believe what the council said about Xanatos. He will make a great knight when they allow him to prove himself.
Qui-Gon had resentment toward the council members for the probation that had been leveled on his former apprentice, but he could never stay upset with Master Yoda. They still had a tendril of their training bond and it, for Jinn was a very cherished thing. They tended to sidestep issues about Xani so as not to cause hard feelings toward one another.
The following morning…………….
Qui-Gon sat at the table with his friend Mace Windu and a few other masters who had arrived at the temple in search of a new padawan.
The table of initiates at the other side of the room was unusually quiet this morning. They were trying to be on their best behavior.
The laughter and occasional food fights were not being conducted this day.
Qui-Gon literally beamed when he saw Knight Crion enter and walk over to him.
"Oh my master, you managed to sneak in unnoticed last night."
"Yes I desperately required some well needed rest or I would have called you."
Jinn did not have to shield to keep his little white lie from Xani. Because much too his surprise when Xani and he separated as master and padawan the training bond went too. Very unusual for a pair together so long to lose all of their bond, but it happened.
Jinn's attention went from Crion to a boy from the initiates' table that got up to dispose of his tray. The boy stood only a couple of inches shorter than Xanatos and his hair was as strikingly white as "Xani's" was black. Every master there seeking a padawan could not help but feel Bruck Chun's presence. He radiated with the aura of the force encircling him.
"Can't help but notice him can you Qui?"
"Is that him? The one you think would make me an ideal padawan."
"Wait till you see him fight."
"Just fighting abilities make an ideal apprentice it does not, Knight Crion. Know that by now you should."
Xanatos had forgotten that the meddlesome troll as he liked to call Yoda was sitting there.
Always ready to contradict me the green troll is. I wish he would mind his own business.
The smile on Xanatos' face was a lame excuse at trying to tolerate his master's former master combined with his overpowering hatred for the ancient master.
Yoda knew all too well what "Xani" thought of him and the feelings were just about mutual.
Jinn could see they were headed for a heated discussion if he did not put an end to it.
"O.K. stop, both of you." I will not have the two most important people in my life arguing on my first day back. Like I told Master Yoda, Xani, I will choose my own padawan."
"So Master Yoda has one for you. We all here at the temple know who that would be don't we Master Yoda?"
The "word" Master Yoda liked to use when he wanted to ignore what was being said came out of him.
"HUMMPH"…..
Xani grabbed Jinn by the arm to get his attention so he could look in the direction of a scrawny little pale- faced boy who had just gotten up to put his tray away.
"That is who your former master has chosen for you. Obi-Wan Kenobi, the most bumbling inept initiate I have in my class, maybe the worst the temple has ever seen in its history. He will be lucky if he ever finds a master. I predict he is headed for the "fields" of Bandomeer."
Jinn did not like how Xanatos described the little boy even though he seemed right in his assessment of him. He was just too small and clumsy looking to make a knight.
Xani's comments had riled the aged Yoda.
"Almost to the fields you went Knight Crion if remember correctly I do. Remarks just made now better kept to yourself they are. Tolerate them I will not."
"That's enough both of you. Master Yoda, you cannot be serious. That boy doesn't look big enough to carry a light saber, let alone use it."
Xani broke out in laughter. Obi-Wan looked over and his face turned beet red. They were staring and laughing at him.
"You are right Qui-Gon. His fighting abilities are atrocious. I can't wait for you to see them."
Qui-Gon looked right into the eyes of the little boy and saw his hurt at being scrutinized by them.
"That's enough "Xani". It is not necessary to be cruel to him even if he will never be a padawan. Some here are destined to be other than a Jedi Knight."
"Blind you both are. Grow one day he will. As for you Knight Xanatos, maybe better teacher Initiate Kenobi needed to have to be better at his light saber skills. Think of that have you?"
That brought silence to the table where the masters sat. Even the ones who were trying to eavesdrop on the heated argument between the three stopped what they were doing to hear the rebuke Yoda was giving Xanatos. Yoda had just very rightly put Knight Xanatos Crion in his place. Even the great Qui-Gon Jinn did not try to reprimand the old master for his cruel statements to his former padawan. What he said was not the truth. Xani was one of the best in saber techniques. That was why he was given the job of teaching saber classes while grounded at the temple. The statement was clearly said only in an act of cruelty on Master Yoda's part.
No one would dare correct Master Yoda when he was clearly angered by something. In fact anger was seldom emitted from Master Yoda, but today was entirely different.
Yoda got up and walked away……..
The young initiates were all getting ready for the saber tournament.
They had already been paired by their saber instructor, Knight Xanatos.
Slowly the locker room of the training salle emptied as the young padawan hopefuls went out to the practice arena, nervously anticipating meeting the masters there to procure a padawan this time.
The only ones left in the locker were Knight Xanatos and Initiate Bruck Chun.
"Did you do the exercises I told you to do to limber up before your match? I think you and Kenobi are last on the list to do battle. That way your performance will be fresher in my old master's mind."
"I did a few of them."
Bruck shuffled from one foot to the other. He was a little nervous. He wanted badly to become the padawan to Qui-Gon Jinn.
Xanatos clipped the boy on the side of the head soundly with his right hand.
"I told you, you needed your muscles limbered up and the wait itself for your tournament might stiffen you up."
Bruck shot an angry look to his instructor and co- conspirator.
"Look Xanatos. I don't have to worry about "Oafy-Wan" beating me. He couldn't fight his way out of a paper bag."
The indicated familiarity that Bruck had by calling instructor by his first name would have tipped anyone off that there was more between the pair than instrucor and student. No one of course knew how familiar and jointly coniving the two were. It was their a secret.
Bruck snickered at his own joke. He waited for Xani to join in with his laughter. It did not come.
" I agree you don't have to worry about Kenobi, but don't take Qui-Gon for a fool. There are others here who are not be as good as you with the saber, but they possess other qualities that might be conducive to making a good padawan. I hate to admit it, but that green troll is right There is more to choosing a padawan than his fighting skills and I know my former master well enough to know he will look into the other qualities that you initiates possess before choosing one. But one thing I want you to make certain today is that Master Jinn will not ever consider Obi-Wan Kenobi for his apprentice."
Bruck was not even sure why Xani had such hatred for the Kenobi kid. He didn't care. Knight Xanatos had been grooming Bruck Chun to become Master Qui-Gon's apprentice since he stepped into the arena for his first saber training."
That gave Bruck another thing to think about as he went to the training arena to defeat Obi-Wan Kenobi. His abilities in other padawan qualities were sorey lacking.
Master Jinn sat in the back of the arena observation dome, to allow the other masters vision of the training salle. He was so tall he would have impeded another's view with his head. He was accompanied by Master Yoda and his old former crèche buddy Mace Windu.
Qui-Gon let his eyes drift first from the boy, Chun then to the little scruff of a child, What was his name, Oh yes Obi-Wan.
Jinn also surveyed the other entries. He had no desire to take a girl padawan. When their hormones kicked in they were hard to handle. That is what he had been told, for none of his padawans had been female.
Master Tahl was there. She already knew which initiate she wanted. Some little girl by the name of Bant was who she was just about sure would be her next padawan.
"What did you think of the boy Master Yoda signaled out to you?"
Mace waited until Yoda had gone over to give his usual pep talk to the padawan hopefuls before he broached the subject of Kenobi with Jinn
"I would rather not comment on it. I do not wish to do the boy any disservice, but really Mace, what was Master Yoda thinking?"
Mace was a little put off by what his old friend said.
"You know Master Yoda does not choose someone just because of their personality. It is always the will of the force with him. Evidently he knows something about this boy that we don't"
"You are not saying that you agree with him are you? Let me assure you Mace there is nothing I see in that one that makes me want to take him as my apprentice. Yoda will not force his will or the will ofhis force on me. The will of the force has surley blindsided him this time if he thinks it has directed me too take Kenobi a my padawan."
"Did Xanatos feel the force in his decision for you to consider Bruck?"
"He knows me Mace. He knows what is expected from my padawans. He was one, remember?"
"I remember he reached his knighthood by the skin of his teeth. There is a reason the boy Kenobi is not trained as well as the others in his class."
Jinn had reached his patience with his old friend.
"I never will admit that the council was right for censoring Xanatos. And are you saying that Xani is not training the boy as he trains the others. That is ridiculous Mace. He has no reason to treat Obi-Wan Kenobi so unfairly, no reason at all."
"Maybe we should not even be having this conversation if you are going to try to blame Xanatos for the boy's inabilities. If anyone looked close enough they could tell he is best suited for the Agricorps, in that I agree with Xanatos. I think his destiny is Bandomeer, for I know it will not be with me. No matter what Yoda said. I can not even fathom me taking him as my padawan."
They were down to the last pair of initiates to show their abilities in a training battle. No one had so far piqued Jinn's attention. Of course there were to be two more mock saber battles over the next week or so with the initiates pairs. Then later there would be interviews with the hopefuls and the checking the academic scores.
The interviews would also include an interview with the crèche masters that that overseen the children since they had been at the temple.
Taking a padawan or at least choosing one is so tedious. It will take at least two weeks to complete the tests and interviews.
Jinn did perk up when he saw the tall white haired boy. Chun was followed by the scrawny little Kenobi fellow.
Qui-Gon could not help but smile at the comical sight of the child with a training tunic on which was at least a size too big for him. The master had to hold it in to keep from chuckling out loud when the little one had to stop before entering the ring to recuff the way-to-long sleeves of his tunic.
Qui-looked over to see Xanatos smiling at him. He pointed to the ring and shook his head yes. Qui-Gon reasoned he was assuring him that Bruck's talents would astound his former master. Jinn returned the smile.
At least I will have time to visit with Xani while I am choosing my padawan. I hope he and master Yoda can tolerate each other while I am here. I think when I am away they try to steer clear of one another.
There was one little step that had to be taken to enter the battle arena and because of his nervousness, Obi-Wan missed that step and fell right onto the battle arena's hard floor. The thud sound of Obi's body hitting the grained wood flooring echoed through the arena gallery and everyone looked up. .
Muffled laughter could be heard throughout the auditorium. Qui-Gon himself had to throw his hand over his mouth to keep from laughing out loud. It was funny but certainly no reason to make the boy more self-conscious than he evidently was.
Qui-Gon could do nothing but shake his head. He had a feeling that the misstep that the Kenobi child had just taken was not going to be the only reason for laughter around the arena today.
I think this battle will be far more amusing than what I have already witnessed with the boy "falling" into the arena.. I think the Kenobi child will be yet another source of amusement by the time Bruck Chun finishes with him......
JA, before Obi-Wan Kenobi becomes an apprentice.
Initiate Obi-Wan Kenobi sat on his bed in shared quarters with four other initiates. It was hard to find privacy. The others had gone to last-meal. He knew he would get in trouble for not eating, but Kenobi forewent last-meal to have time to himself.
The day had not been a good one.
His saber instructor had been particularly hard on him today. No, it was his not imagination. The knight, his instructor had signaled him out and had made him an example of how not to be able to fight properly.
The healing saber burns were proof of the knight's tenacious attack on Obi-Wan.
Initiate Kenobi knew that several of the masters' would be arriving tomorrow to watch he and the other initates' saber abilities. His instructor had explained he would be teamed up with Bruck.
He had heard that even the great Master Qui-Gon Jinn would be there. Obi-Wan did not fool himself for a second. A master like that would never take him. His only hope might be a stray healer or two looking for a padawan that would not necessarily need to be that great with a saber. Jinn was of no concern to the little one that sat on his bed and wallowed in his own self-pity.
Master Qui-Gon Jinn was way out of reach for the littliest of initiates, Obi-Wan Kenobi. He could never ever aspire to be chosen by one so renown.
Master Jinn will take someone like Bruck or one of the other more capable initiates.
Kenobi thought the reason behind that was because Bruck was the favorite in the class and battling with Obi-Wan would make the other initiate,Chun, look like a well-trained padawan.
Obi-Wan had not been able to successfully grasp the use of the saber or the katas being taught him. He was at least 3 katas behind the others.
Obi-Wan Kenobi did not even care if the masters came tomorrow.
No one will choose me. I can't seem to do anything right. And I only have two months before I turn 13, then off to the Agricorps I go. Better back your bag Kenobi.
The only one at the temple who had any faith in him at all was Master Yoda. But he was on the council and was not looking for a padawan.
Master Yoda and I would have made a good master and apprentice pair. He is closer to my size than any of the masters here.
Obi-Wan was quickly approaching his 13th birthday, but his growth had not kept up with his age. He was at least a head shorter than the other initiates even the "girls".
Sitting on his little cot bed Obi-Wan let his self-misery overtake him to a point of gut-wrenching depression.
By the time Bruck Chun mops up the floor with me tomorrow during our sparring session for the masters to witness, I will be the laughing stock of the entire temple. I guess I should thank my saber instructor Knight Xanatos for that. He's the one who paired me, "little me", with Bruck Chun and no one ever beats him.
The only light in Master Jinn's apartment at the temple was the moonlight that filtered through the balcony door he had thrown open, upon his return, to watch the night skies and once again breathe the smell of his now home Courscant.
He had managed to sneak in the temple almost unnoticed. Of course he had notified the council and his former master of his arrival, but he did not want to be bothered this evening.
He knew all too well he would get a visit from his former padawan, now Knight Xanatos. His former padawan had sent him several communiqués raving about a young initiate Bruck Chun he wanted Qui-Gon to see.
Of course Qui-Gon would see the boy. That was the reason he was here. He had not had a padawan since Xanatos very shakily became a knight. "Xani's" last trial was not as successful as Jinn had hoped it would be. He was a knight but he was grounded at the temple and had been for two years since becoming a knight.
The council would not even allow him to have a padawan.
It was a private matter between Jinn, "Xani', and the council. His former padawan had failed to keep a close rein on his temper and the council became all too aware of it.
His had not even been allowed to have a mission. Something that did not go unnoticed, but because he was the Great Master Jinn's former padawan, the gossip if there was any, was very closed off in private circles of various knights and a few masters.
Xanatos had a streak of cruelty. The council masters could see it, even feel it, but Qui-Gon was blind to it. Whether he intentionally blinded himself to Xani's ruthlessness or truly did not see the same Xanatos that the council saw was not in truth known by any one even Master Qui-Gon Jinn. The master had meditated frequently on Xani's supposed failings and had come up with nothing sound enough that the council should have denied the padawan, now knight his place in the Jedi order, but deny fully his place they had. They did promise the restrictions would be lifted if the new knight adhered strenuously to their teachings over the next three years.
Had Crion been any other master's apprentice he would more than likely not been allowed his knighthood. Jinn had been very loyal to "Xani" and still was. He did not and had yet to see what the council saw in the young man, his shortcomings.
He in fact very much wanted to see his former padawan but he was not going to be pressured into taking an initiate as his padawan just because "Xani" was pushing the boy at Jinn.
The choosing of ones' apprentice was a very personal and private matter. Xanatos failed to see that. He said he just wanted the best for his former master and that Bruck Chun was the very best.
Qui-Gon Jinn very much wanted to take a padawan this time, but it would be on his terms, no one elses.
He just hated to disappoint Xanatos to the point the young man would think Jinn did not value his opinion. That was not the case at all. He just did not know how to tell Xani it was really none of his business without possibly hurting the feelings of his beloved former padawan.
The all too-familiar peck at the door announced the arrival of his own former master.
Jinn welcomed the little troll in and set out to the kitchen to make tea.
" Tired I know you are. Keep you long I will not. Greet you I wish only too do. Wise decision it is to take a padawan. One I want you to see I do."
"Not you too master. You know I choose my own padawans with the help of the force."
"Know that I do, See him I wish of you, nothing more.. Suppose Xanatos has one for you he does."
"Yes and I am avoiding him now even though I would like nothing better than to spend some time with him. It's been two years since he became a knight and I still miss him on my missions. He was such a help to me. I still haven't gotten over the restrictions you and the council put on him. I have been able to move past it, but I have not forgotten it."
"Hummmph"
That was all that came from Yoda because he himself did not care for Xanatos Crion. Had the decision of Xanatos' knighthood been left up to him and not the entire council, "Xani" would be a farmer and they, the council masters would not have to keep such a close watch on him. These things were not said to Jinn because the master hated to anger or sadden his former apprentice.
"You know very well there will be interviews and saber demonstrations by all the initiates available for apprenticeship. I will see the one Xanatos wishes to be my apprentice and your choice also during this time. But make no mistake I will choose my own apprentice."
Master Yoda gave Qui-Gon a quick jab to his chins with the gimer stick and a delightful look of merriment crossed his face.
"Hold you to that I will, For know who you will choose I do. Will of the force it is. Foreseen it I have already. Tell you the boy's name I do not."
Jinn only rolled his eyes at the little master's ravings.
This was the master who had warned him not to take Xanatos as a padawan. Laced with the dark side he was, Master Yoda had said.
Master Yoda's warnings went unheeded and Qui-Gon took the boy as his padawan, never once regretting it.
Had I listened to Master Yoda, my life would not be as full as it is now. I do not care or believe what the council said about Xanatos. He will make a great knight when they allow him to prove himself.
Qui-Gon had resentment toward the council members for the probation that had been leveled on his former apprentice, but he could never stay upset with Master Yoda. They still had a tendril of their training bond and it, for Jinn was a very cherished thing. They tended to sidestep issues about Xani so as not to cause hard feelings toward one another.
The following morning…………….
Qui-Gon sat at the table with his friend Mace Windu and a few other masters who had arrived at the temple in search of a new padawan.
The table of initiates at the other side of the room was unusually quiet this morning. They were trying to be on their best behavior.
The laughter and occasional food fights were not being conducted this day.
Qui-Gon literally beamed when he saw Knight Crion enter and walk over to him.
"Oh my master, you managed to sneak in unnoticed last night."
"Yes I desperately required some well needed rest or I would have called you."
Jinn did not have to shield to keep his little white lie from Xani. Because much too his surprise when Xani and he separated as master and padawan the training bond went too. Very unusual for a pair together so long to lose all of their bond, but it happened.
Jinn's attention went from Crion to a boy from the initiates' table that got up to dispose of his tray. The boy stood only a couple of inches shorter than Xanatos and his hair was as strikingly white as "Xani's" was black. Every master there seeking a padawan could not help but feel Bruck Chun's presence. He radiated with the aura of the force encircling him.
"Can't help but notice him can you Qui?"
"Is that him? The one you think would make me an ideal padawan."
"Wait till you see him fight."
"Just fighting abilities make an ideal apprentice it does not, Knight Crion. Know that by now you should."
Xanatos had forgotten that the meddlesome troll as he liked to call Yoda was sitting there.
Always ready to contradict me the green troll is. I wish he would mind his own business.
The smile on Xanatos' face was a lame excuse at trying to tolerate his master's former master combined with his overpowering hatred for the ancient master.
Yoda knew all too well what "Xani" thought of him and the feelings were just about mutual.
Jinn could see they were headed for a heated discussion if he did not put an end to it.
"O.K. stop, both of you." I will not have the two most important people in my life arguing on my first day back. Like I told Master Yoda, Xani, I will choose my own padawan."
"So Master Yoda has one for you. We all here at the temple know who that would be don't we Master Yoda?"
The "word" Master Yoda liked to use when he wanted to ignore what was being said came out of him.
"HUMMPH"…..
Xani grabbed Jinn by the arm to get his attention so he could look in the direction of a scrawny little pale- faced boy who had just gotten up to put his tray away.
"That is who your former master has chosen for you. Obi-Wan Kenobi, the most bumbling inept initiate I have in my class, maybe the worst the temple has ever seen in its history. He will be lucky if he ever finds a master. I predict he is headed for the "fields" of Bandomeer."
Jinn did not like how Xanatos described the little boy even though he seemed right in his assessment of him. He was just too small and clumsy looking to make a knight.
Xani's comments had riled the aged Yoda.
"Almost to the fields you went Knight Crion if remember correctly I do. Remarks just made now better kept to yourself they are. Tolerate them I will not."
"That's enough both of you. Master Yoda, you cannot be serious. That boy doesn't look big enough to carry a light saber, let alone use it."
Xani broke out in laughter. Obi-Wan looked over and his face turned beet red. They were staring and laughing at him.
"You are right Qui-Gon. His fighting abilities are atrocious. I can't wait for you to see them."
Qui-Gon looked right into the eyes of the little boy and saw his hurt at being scrutinized by them.
"That's enough "Xani". It is not necessary to be cruel to him even if he will never be a padawan. Some here are destined to be other than a Jedi Knight."
"Blind you both are. Grow one day he will. As for you Knight Xanatos, maybe better teacher Initiate Kenobi needed to have to be better at his light saber skills. Think of that have you?"
That brought silence to the table where the masters sat. Even the ones who were trying to eavesdrop on the heated argument between the three stopped what they were doing to hear the rebuke Yoda was giving Xanatos. Yoda had just very rightly put Knight Xanatos Crion in his place. Even the great Qui-Gon Jinn did not try to reprimand the old master for his cruel statements to his former padawan. What he said was not the truth. Xani was one of the best in saber techniques. That was why he was given the job of teaching saber classes while grounded at the temple. The statement was clearly said only in an act of cruelty on Master Yoda's part.
No one would dare correct Master Yoda when he was clearly angered by something. In fact anger was seldom emitted from Master Yoda, but today was entirely different.
Yoda got up and walked away……..
The young initiates were all getting ready for the saber tournament.
They had already been paired by their saber instructor, Knight Xanatos.
Slowly the locker room of the training salle emptied as the young padawan hopefuls went out to the practice arena, nervously anticipating meeting the masters there to procure a padawan this time.
The only ones left in the locker were Knight Xanatos and Initiate Bruck Chun.
"Did you do the exercises I told you to do to limber up before your match? I think you and Kenobi are last on the list to do battle. That way your performance will be fresher in my old master's mind."
"I did a few of them."
Bruck shuffled from one foot to the other. He was a little nervous. He wanted badly to become the padawan to Qui-Gon Jinn.
Xanatos clipped the boy on the side of the head soundly with his right hand.
"I told you, you needed your muscles limbered up and the wait itself for your tournament might stiffen you up."
Bruck shot an angry look to his instructor and co- conspirator.
"Look Xanatos. I don't have to worry about "Oafy-Wan" beating me. He couldn't fight his way out of a paper bag."
The indicated familiarity that Bruck had by calling instructor by his first name would have tipped anyone off that there was more between the pair than instrucor and student. No one of course knew how familiar and jointly coniving the two were. It was their a secret.
Bruck snickered at his own joke. He waited for Xani to join in with his laughter. It did not come.
" I agree you don't have to worry about Kenobi, but don't take Qui-Gon for a fool. There are others here who are not be as good as you with the saber, but they possess other qualities that might be conducive to making a good padawan. I hate to admit it, but that green troll is right There is more to choosing a padawan than his fighting skills and I know my former master well enough to know he will look into the other qualities that you initiates possess before choosing one. But one thing I want you to make certain today is that Master Jinn will not ever consider Obi-Wan Kenobi for his apprentice."
Bruck was not even sure why Xani had such hatred for the Kenobi kid. He didn't care. Knight Xanatos had been grooming Bruck Chun to become Master Qui-Gon's apprentice since he stepped into the arena for his first saber training."
That gave Bruck another thing to think about as he went to the training arena to defeat Obi-Wan Kenobi. His abilities in other padawan qualities were sorey lacking.
Master Jinn sat in the back of the arena observation dome, to allow the other masters vision of the training salle. He was so tall he would have impeded another's view with his head. He was accompanied by Master Yoda and his old former crèche buddy Mace Windu.
Qui-Gon let his eyes drift first from the boy, Chun then to the little scruff of a child, What was his name, Oh yes Obi-Wan.
Jinn also surveyed the other entries. He had no desire to take a girl padawan. When their hormones kicked in they were hard to handle. That is what he had been told, for none of his padawans had been female.
Master Tahl was there. She already knew which initiate she wanted. Some little girl by the name of Bant was who she was just about sure would be her next padawan.
"What did you think of the boy Master Yoda signaled out to you?"
Mace waited until Yoda had gone over to give his usual pep talk to the padawan hopefuls before he broached the subject of Kenobi with Jinn
"I would rather not comment on it. I do not wish to do the boy any disservice, but really Mace, what was Master Yoda thinking?"
Mace was a little put off by what his old friend said.
"You know Master Yoda does not choose someone just because of their personality. It is always the will of the force with him. Evidently he knows something about this boy that we don't"
"You are not saying that you agree with him are you? Let me assure you Mace there is nothing I see in that one that makes me want to take him as my apprentice. Yoda will not force his will or the will ofhis force on me. The will of the force has surley blindsided him this time if he thinks it has directed me too take Kenobi a my padawan."
"Did Xanatos feel the force in his decision for you to consider Bruck?"
"He knows me Mace. He knows what is expected from my padawans. He was one, remember?"
"I remember he reached his knighthood by the skin of his teeth. There is a reason the boy Kenobi is not trained as well as the others in his class."
Jinn had reached his patience with his old friend.
"I never will admit that the council was right for censoring Xanatos. And are you saying that Xani is not training the boy as he trains the others. That is ridiculous Mace. He has no reason to treat Obi-Wan Kenobi so unfairly, no reason at all."
"Maybe we should not even be having this conversation if you are going to try to blame Xanatos for the boy's inabilities. If anyone looked close enough they could tell he is best suited for the Agricorps, in that I agree with Xanatos. I think his destiny is Bandomeer, for I know it will not be with me. No matter what Yoda said. I can not even fathom me taking him as my padawan."
They were down to the last pair of initiates to show their abilities in a training battle. No one had so far piqued Jinn's attention. Of course there were to be two more mock saber battles over the next week or so with the initiates pairs. Then later there would be interviews with the hopefuls and the checking the academic scores.
The interviews would also include an interview with the crèche masters that that overseen the children since they had been at the temple.
Taking a padawan or at least choosing one is so tedious. It will take at least two weeks to complete the tests and interviews.
Jinn did perk up when he saw the tall white haired boy. Chun was followed by the scrawny little Kenobi fellow.
Qui-Gon could not help but smile at the comical sight of the child with a training tunic on which was at least a size too big for him. The master had to hold it in to keep from chuckling out loud when the little one had to stop before entering the ring to recuff the way-to-long sleeves of his tunic.
Qui-looked over to see Xanatos smiling at him. He pointed to the ring and shook his head yes. Qui-Gon reasoned he was assuring him that Bruck's talents would astound his former master. Jinn returned the smile.
At least I will have time to visit with Xani while I am choosing my padawan. I hope he and master Yoda can tolerate each other while I am here. I think when I am away they try to steer clear of one another.
There was one little step that had to be taken to enter the battle arena and because of his nervousness, Obi-Wan missed that step and fell right onto the battle arena's hard floor. The thud sound of Obi's body hitting the grained wood flooring echoed through the arena gallery and everyone looked up. .
Muffled laughter could be heard throughout the auditorium. Qui-Gon himself had to throw his hand over his mouth to keep from laughing out loud. It was funny but certainly no reason to make the boy more self-conscious than he evidently was.
Qui-Gon could do nothing but shake his head. He had a feeling that the misstep that the Kenobi child had just taken was not going to be the only reason for laughter around the arena today.
I think this battle will be far more amusing than what I have already witnessed with the boy "falling" into the arena.. I think the Kenobi child will be yet another source of amusement by the time Bruck Chun finishes with him......