"Marquis, you are one of the most unusual cases that this council has ever come across." Said an amused Master Windu."

Master Shaak Ti was particularly interested in my history, and would ask me countless questions regarding my life as a clone.

The twelve members of the Jedi Council were arranged in a semi-circle around me, with Master Yoda in the middle.

"Too old, I fear you are." The elderly Yoda told me, a hint of doubt lacing his coarse voice. "Difficult to train at your age."

Obi-Wan came to my defense. "Master Yoda, if we are talking about age, remember that Marquis is only ten years old. Ten years is the age of most of the clone soldiers in the Grand Army."

"True, however clones are engineered to develop twice as fast as a normal human. Biologically, Marquis is twenty years old. This much older than the Council feels comfortable with training." Master Mundi said.

The energetic Master Kit Fisto appeared to be on my side. "Being a clone trooper," he told the Council, "Marquis has already learned the vital skills he would need in combat. This would allow him to possibly graduate as a Padawan much sooner than the average Jedi."

"It's the fear, however that the older one is before training, the more risk they have of defecting from the Order. There also is the fact that Marquis, like all clones, has been genetically modified by the Kaminoans. The Order prefers to recognize naturally born beings." Replied Mace Windu

Again, Obi-Wand defended me, as I remained completely silent. "With all due respects Master Windu, there is not a fraction of evidence that supports that Marquis has been genetically altered from the original host DNA. While it is true that most clones' genes have been modified, it is also known that a small batch of clones with the host's untouched DNA was produced. The fact that Marquis displays much more variability than his brothers suggests that he has the untainted DNA of Jango Fett within his chromosomes."

"The DNA of an independent acting, reckless bounty hunter is not the finest of the qualities eligible for training." Master Plo Koon uttered to the Council.

Negotiations are decently non-accusative so far. I thought deeply to myself as the Jedi squabbled over every aspect of my life. Perhaps Master-Obi Wan doesn't have to train me himself.

Aayla Secura unexpectedly entered the room, with a delicate smile resting on her face. "Marquis's midi-chlorian results have arrived." She gleefully announced to the Council. "He has a midi-chlorian count in excess of 18,000."

Silence overcame the bickering in the room. Whether this was good or bad, I could not tell.

What is a midi-chlorian count? Did I have a wrong amount? Did I fail this midi-chlorian test?

"Only young Skywalker has a higher count." Master Mundi said.

The news encouraged Obi-Wan, who started chatting with the council.

Mace Windu shook his head, clearly expressing his perspective on the situation. "I'm sorry Master Kenobi. This council cannot afford risking the Order's security by training Marquis. It would be an unwise decision doing so, and I am only following what I believe is right for the Jedi Order."

For being such an honorable man, Master Windu sure can be stubborn.

In the corner of my eye, Obi-Wan stood out of his chair, and began pacing to the center of the room, in front of the whole council. His face screamed with determination as eleven other serious council members stared at him in utter confusion.

What the hell was Obi-Wan doing?

"It has occurred to me, that in a situation such as this, I would be forced to make a very demanding decision. I will train Marquis myself. My training is no longer beneficial to a maturing Anakin; he can no longer receive his wisdom from me, but only from experience. Though he still has much to learn." Obi-Wan gazed at his Padawan with a bright grin, "I believe that young Skywalker is prepared to become a Knight."

Several council members threw disapproving glances at Kenobi, who effortlessly shrugged them off, before speaking again.

"When Master Qui-Gon-Jinn declared Anakin to be his Padawan, I initially felt that he was foolish for making such an irrational judgment. It took over ten years of cumulative wisdom for my perspective on my master to be altered. Today, I uphold Master Qui-Gon as one of the greatest Knights in the Jedi Order." Kenobi looked straight into the eyes of every council member. "I, Master Obi-Wan Kenobi hereby declare to the Jedi Council that Marquis will be accepted as my Padawan, and that Anakin Skywalker shall now be celebrated as a protector of the Republic, a Jedi Knight."

He needed said more. We left the room in complete silence.

It took me a while to get this chapter down, but here it is. Next chapter, Obi-Wan will begin training Marquis. It will be a much more relaxed than the previous chapters. Thanks for your patience!