.

"There is benevolence in the Force. Use it wisely."

.

The sound of André's voice whispered through his mind like a message on a breeze and Qui-Gon relished the positive feeling that filled him. His state of mind had gone from self loathing a few minutes ago to a sudden burst of appreciation of the Force.

He had no idea what to expect, and gazing around his quarters his eyes were drawn to his blinking computer screen. Qui-Gon stepped toward it and his inquiring gaze caught the date at the bottom.

Blinking and rubbing his eyes he looked at the date intensely.

Warmth raced through his body, not a burning sensation or one of sorry, but the warmth of optimism. Controlling his racing heart a tingling sensation crept through his body bringing a feeling of excitement and anticipation with it.

His knees felt weak and he sat in the chair; moving his pulsating fingers to press the keys.

Questions filled his mind and even though the computer was an inert object he spoke to it, like it was going to answer him.

"Oh please let it be true, let my eyes not be deceiving me."

.

Messages and recently opened files popped up on the screen, the last message he received was from the Chancellor. It was an answer to a message he'd actually sent over two months ago, asking the Chancellor to send him off to attend a mission. Any mission that would take him away from the temple.

He held his breath momentarily remembering that message. "I was such a fool."

Deleting the message, he clicked the date enlarging it on the screen.

.

000

.

Two months… The date on the screen was telling him that he was back in time by two months.

"Please!" He whispered tapping anxiously at the keys again.

Typing in his code; a list of databases filled the screen. Scrolling down and hitting the enter key, a list of initiate classes popped up.

Qui-Gon searched and scanned the list of twelve year olds and to his relief Obi-Wan Kenobi's name popped up as large as life.

It seemed like long minutes before he could take his eyes of the name. Then he couldn't help himself and he laughed, it was a thankful sound and he gently touched the highlighted name.

A touch of uncertainty filled him; the screen was blank for what seemed like a long time and yet in reality, only moments passed before details of the highlighted name appeared on the screen.

Requiring more proof that Obi-Wan was indeed alive and in the temple; he hit another key that brought up times and classes that Obi-Wan was in at any given time of the day.

Releasing a build up of stress made him sigh, and his happiness lifted him when he recognised the teaching Master who was Obi-Wan's teacher for his maths lesson. The class had finished ten minutes ago; so he took out his com-unit punching in a code.

"Master Garrick, this is Qui-Gon Jinn."

.

"Qui-Gon! I heard that you returned to the temple last night, you certainly didn't waste any time causing a stir in the council chambers did you."

Qui-Gon's memory was a bit sluggish and he thought back. His friend was actually talking about the night that happened two months prior when he'd been recalled from a mission on Fargo and was told he had been placed on deactivate service.

"Oh, yes last night, er- I don't want to think about that just now, Kyle, but I suppose I do have some apologising to do. Nevertheless, that isn't why I contacted you. I would be indebted if you could answer a question for me?"

"Certainly Qui-Gon what is it."

"Was Obi-Wan Kenobi in your maths class today?"

"Yes he was, why?"

Qui-Gon felt like cheering, but held his composure behind a smile that his friend Kyle Garrick couldn't see. "How did he look?"

"How did he look? Well he looked fine Qui-Gon, what's this all about; does this have something to do with the allegation that Bruck and Alto made to me a few minutes ago?"

Qui-Gon felt a cold shiver run up his spine. "What allegation?"

"Bruck and Alto stayed back after everyone left the room and were searching for something, I asked them what they were doing and Alto said that he'd lost a pen that belonged to his new master. He said that he believed Obi-Wan took it."

"What was an apprentice doing in the same class as the initiates?" Qui-Gon asked trying to clear the cobwebs, while remembering the event.

"You know Nikko Marron, well he took Alto as his apprentice yesterday, but he was finalising a treaty this morning and he didn't have time to assign Alto a new programme."

"Oh I see, what about this allegation. Have you mentioned it to anyone yet?"

"No, not yet… To be frank Qui-Gon, there appears to be an ensuing conflict with those three boys, and I find it hard to believe that Obi-Wan would take something that didn't belong to him."

"I agree; will you let me look into the claim before you say anything?"

"Very well Qui-Gon, but don't use your usual tact and finesse to get to the truth, after all they're only boys and in the past you haven't exactly been fond of talking to initiates!"

Qui-Gon shook his head in sadness. (Did everyone here know what an arrogant upstart I was?)

"You have a point Kyle, and I can assure you that the Qui-Gon you knew…um… before last night has seen the light and is a different man today."

.

"Ha! That's not what the council think my friend, and if I heard right, you should keep out of Mace Windu's way today. Until he releases his frustrations to the

Force, over you!"

"Thanks for the warning Kyle, I'll let you know what I find out."

.

000

.

Qui-Gon ended the call and was about to leave his quarters when a buzzing sound brought his attention back to his computer screen. He pressed the call waiting button without thinking and the image of Master Windu appeared as large as life.

"Hello Mace!" Qui-Gon said cheerfully, not worrying about what he did two months ago. Nothing could make him unhappy now that he knew Obi-Wan was alive.

"Master Jinn!" Mace Windu's voice was icy and wasn't as jovial as Qui-Gon felt.

"Mace, can I call you back? I'm in a bit of a hurry and if you will indulge me – I have to attend to a matter."

"Qui-Gon you know very well that this conversation will not wait. You caused such a scene in the council chambers last night when you accused us of disrupting the negotiations by re-calling you; then accusing us of forcing you back because we had ulterior motives." Mace said taking a deep breath.

"We were not impressed by your disrespectful attitude. The negotiations were stalled because of you and I'm sure that the team we've sent today will finalize them without delay."

Qui-Gon's memory rushed back to greet him of that eventful night and so he wouldn't rile Mace today.

"I am calling you now in the hope that a good night's sleep and several hours of meditation may have cleared your head and you've had time to realise that you need to apologise to the members of the council."

Qui-Gon was abrupt and condescending in the chambers on the evening in question and he'd risked being censured; he knew he was in serious trouble.

"Yes, Mace I'm sorry, and I've had time to meditate and I fully agree with you. I will apologise to them today, but first I have something very important to do."

.

"Don't try that remorseful tone with me Qui-Gon, it's a bit late to use reverse psychology on us and expect to manipulate us again. You sound contrite, but I know you too well. I am informing you that you are to appear before the council in one hour. Make sure you're not late." Mace hung up before Qui-Gon could say anything.

.

Qui-Gon couldn't help but smile; he remembered those words exactly and in the heat of the moment that day he'd contacted the Chancellor and asked to be assigned another mission. He shook his head and thought (my indiscretions have finally caught up with me.)

His life was going to be different now and he would endeavour to work more closely with the council, nothing would prevent him from doing the right thing where Obi-Wan and the Jedi order were concerned.

He grabbed his robe and headed out, he felt like doing a jig as he stepped lightly down the hall. The force filled him with a new purpose and stretching further than he had before, he could sense Obi-Wan's signature in the garden.

Qui-Gon didn't want to startle Obi-Wan after the way he'd treated him previously, so he raised his shields.

His interactions with the youngling over the past year hadn't been virtuous and unfortunately for Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon hadn't given him a chance; so he didn't want to unnerve him unnecessarily.

Through the trees and thick undergrowth lining the path he could see the object of his search sitting on a bench, reading.

.

There were two boys heading toward him, one he recognised as Bruck Chun, a white haired boy who always seemed to be in the middle of anything underhanded and always blamed others for his actions. (That reminded him of his own previous underhanded apprentice.)

He didn't recognise the other boy. He presumed that was Alto, Nikko's new apprentice.

He felt his own annoyance rise for not sensing the jealousy and resentment leaking from Chun's shields markedly directed at Obi-Wan.

Rubbing his chin he thought, (how insensitive and blind I've been.)

.

Delving into Alto's aura he sensed his insecurities and worst of all, the boy seemed susceptible to suggestion.

The Force told him to hold back as he watched initiate Chun begin poking Obi-Wan in the chest, but Obi-Wan stood up and pushed him away.

It wasn't hard to feel Obi-Wan's irritation rise at Chun, but strangely Obi-Wan's feelings toward Alto were more of disappointment rather than anger.

He would ask Obi-Wan about that later.

Alto stepped in-between them and gained Obi-Wan's attention by speaking to him, while Chun backed away and slipped something into Obi-Wan's satchel.

Qui-Gon moved quietly through the bushes until he was mere metres away keeping his presence hidden. After a few moments, the boys' voices rose; he knew it was time to intervene.

.

000

.

"What is going on here?" Qui-Gon said calmly as he came into view.

All three boys turned toward the voice and the white haired Chun's shields rose higher, but not enough that a seasoned master could not detect. The boy stepped forward and bowed to Qui-Gon.

"Master Jinn, I'm initiate Bruck Chun and this is my friend Padawan Alto Reese; we believe Initiate Kenobi took something that doesn't belong to him."

Qui-Gon glanced at Obi-Wan whose annoyance at Bruck rose, but he seemed more flustered and uncomfortable seeing Qui-Gon; than hearing the accusations from Bruck. He assumed it was because of their previous interactions and consequent run-ins.

.

He remembered one of many events that occurred between them. Yoda had enticed him to the workout arena with the intention of a spar, but he got his shackles up when Yoda had instead suggested that he show young Obi-Wan some kata's.

Of course he'd refused quite vocally and left the boy standing in the middle of the arena embarrassed and stunned.

He hadn't thought of the humiliation that may have enveloped Obi-Wan at the time and although he didn't actually speak to the boy; he vented his annoyance to Yoda in front of him.

Then there was another time he'd actually bumped into Obi-Wan in the hall, he'd been distracted by his own morbid thoughts and even though it was his fault he'd blamed Obi-Wan for not watching where he was going.

The Force had pushed at his impenetrable shields but to no avail, he wouldn't acknowledge that he was doing the boy an injustice and that they were meant for each other.

Obi-Wan's voice brought his inward thoughts back to the present.

"I didn't take anything from either of them Master Jinn!" Obi-Wan pleaded quietly, but quickly lowered his eyes when Qui-Gon's eyes met his.

"Calm yourself initiate, I'm certain this can be sorted out… Padawan Alto, please explain what this is all about?"

.

Qui-Gon felt a shrill of panic rise up in the padawan, he wasn't as bold as Chun and he didn't want to be the one to tell the tale.

Qui-Gon actually remembered this incident when it happened months before, it was the one André mentioned.

At the time he hadn't cared if Obi-Wan stole the pen or not; he'd received the last minute mission and was on his way out of the Temple. He was in a hurry to leave before the council stopped him and brushed off the event leaving Obi-Wan to fend for himself against the accusations.

He'd used it as another good reason not to take Obi-Wan as his padawan. Once again he'd ignored the force and allowed him to be accused of thievery.

He pushed that memory away, because now was not the time to digress.

"Padawan, I am waiting for an answer. What is it that you believe has been taken?" Qui-Gon insisted.

"U-hh - Master Jinn, I-I think h-he took my masters pen. I'm sure it's in his bag."

.

Bruck knew that Alto was liable to back out of their plan to get Obi-Wan into trouble and he took a pace forward to grab Obi-Wan's bag off the bench, but Qui-Gon put his arm out preventing Bruck from touching it.

"What are you doing initiate Chun?"

"I wanted to show you that Master Marron's pen is in Oafy- Wan's bag." Bruck said, but blushed when he slipped using an insulting nick name that he'd labelled Obi-Wan with.

He was about to chastise Bruck, when Master Nikko Marron arrived on the scene.

.

Qui-Gon nodded to Nikko who was an acquaintance and contemporary of his; he waited for the master to take control of the situation.

Nikko was one of the few Jedi who could scold Qui-Gon for not listening to the flow of the Force and get away with it.

He remembered before Xanatos turned, Nikko tried to convince him that if he opened up and allowed the nuances of the Force to guide him he would see that his apprentice was hiding his true persona behind strong shields and that Xanatos would one day hurt him.

Now he hoped that Nikko still had the same approach when it concerned his own apprentice.

.

000

"Qui-Gon, it's good to see you my friend. I see you've met my new padawan Alto."

"Hello Nikko, yes we've just met, although, not under pleasant circumstances it seems."

"Yes, I received a message from my padawan saying that he believed an initiate stole something from him."

Qui-Gon nodded and felt the Force flex, Nikko was stretching out and searching the boys' aura's for disturbances.

Qui-Gon could sense Bruck's impatience and because of his arrogance he wanted to dig the knife deeper into Obi-Wan.

"Master Marron, initiate Kenobi stole..."

"Bruck!" Nikko said holding his hand up to silence the boy. "I did not ask for your opinion. I am quite sure my apprentice can explain what is going on here."

He turned to Alto. "Padawan, please tell me what this is all about?"

Both masters felt Alto's anxiety and his desire not to deceive his new master, but the plan had already been put in motion and they'd already put the pen in Obi-Wan's bag.

Bruck was his friend, so he had to follow through with Bruck's plan.

Breathing deeply to calm him-self Alto still stumbled over his words. "M-master, I'm sorry, but I took your silver pen to class. I know I shouldn't have done that, but I wanted to show it to my friends and tell them all about you. When the class ended; I didn't get it back and Obi-Wan was the last person to hold it."

Obi-Wan looked at the Master with pleading eyes. "Master Marron, I didn't touch it and I certainly didn't take it!" Obi-Wan said assertively.

Qui-Gon sensed the truth radiating from young Obi-Wan and he hoped that Nikko would sense it too.

Qui-Gon watched his friend analyse the disturbance surrounding the three boys. Bruck had impressive shields, but arrogance caused them to leak and his overconfidence made him assume that Master Marron would believe his padawan over Obi-Wan and his haughtiness was easily detected.

However, Alto was nervous; embarrassment and guilt surrounded his aura.

Qui-Gon thanked the Force for not only giving him another chance, but for making him see that there was so much more to the Force than he'd assumed. Nevertheless, he didn't want to interfere with a master and his padawan, not unless the blame was placed on Obi-Wan.

"Initiate Kenobi, may I look in your satchel please?" Nikko asked calmly as he reached for the bag.

"Of course Master Marron, I didn't touch your pen and I have nothing to hide." Obi-Wan said confidently.

Nikko picked up the satchel and Qui-Gon relaxed knowing that Nikko would sense that Obi-Wan's aura wasn't on the pen.

However, he could sense a rising anxiety in Obi-Wan's aura, but it was more from sensing Bruck's arrogance and knowing that Qui-Gon was there to witness this fiasco.

When Master Marron pulled out the silver pen, he used the Force to identify the auras on it. Qui-Gon also sensed the truth that only Alto and Bruck's were on it, especially Bruck's.

Distress and shock filled Obi-Wan's signature, when he saw the pen. However, Nikko placed his hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder.

"Well it certainly is my pen, and 'someone' did put it in your bag young Obi-Wan."

"I saw him put it in his bag, Master Marron!" Bruck said accusingly.

.

Qui-Gon had expected Obi-Wan to deny it; but even though a fleeting sense of defeat and depression began filling him it was pushed aside as soon as Nikko touched his shoulder, he sensed calming waves penetrating Obi-Wan's body and he was impressed with Nikko. He was consoling Obi-Wan and asking him to be silent.

"This is a serious situation, but before I decide on a course of action I am going to speak to my padawan in private."

Bruck wasn't listening to Master Marron properly; he was too busy glaring at Obi-Wan and his conceit made him speak when he should have kept quiet.

"See Kenobi even looks guilty and he doesn't deny it."

"Initiate Chun, you've said quite enough on this matter and until I have spoken to my apprentice; your presence here is not required. I will speak to you later, you are excused. Please return to your duties and speak of this incident to no-one, do you understand?"

Bruck's annoyance flowed through the force; he wanted to witness Kenobi getting into trouble, but he knew not to argue with a master.

"Yes Master Marron." He bowed and walked past Alto winking at him as he left the garden.

.

000

.

"Qui-Gon, I sense a very interesting change in your Force connection, you seem to have uncovered an awareness of the force that was hidden deep within you before. I presume you have the same impressions about this as I do?"

"Yes my friend, I've been given the opportunity to use the Force as it should be used and I sense we are of the same opinion."

Nikko nodded and turned to Obi-Wan.

"Obi-Wan do not worry about this; all isn't as it seems." He said tapping a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I can assure you that the truth will be revealed. I will speak to you later today."

Nikko turned to his apprentice. "We have much to discuss Padawan come with me."

.

Ooo

.

Obi-Wan was confused, he'd felt a sense of calm fill him when Master Marron touched his shoulder and the force seemed to be telling him that all would be well. It was a strange and yet a comforting sensation.

Master Jinn was still standing in front of him when he picked up his satchel and their eyes met.

"Master Jinn, if you will permit me to speak in my defence. I did not take Master Marron's pen and I didn't put it in my satchel." Obi-Wan said it quickly, knowing from past experience that Master Jinn usually didn't want to hear anything he had to say.

"Obi-Wan I…"

.

"Master Jinn!" Mace Windu snapped as he strode up to Qui-Gon. "Excuse my interruption young initiate, but I have important business with Master Jinn and I'm sure that you have somewhere else to be at this time, so if you will excuse us, run along young man?"

Obi-Wan jumped slightly at the gruff voice and he blurted out. "Yes Sir, Master Windu." Hurrying off before Qui-Gon finished what he was about to say.

Qui-Gon was stunned, he was just about to tell Obi-Wan that he knew he didn't do it, when Mace scared the living daylights out of him and the boy disappeared as quick as a bolt of lightning.

"Mace was that necessary. You scared him half to death!"

"That's Master Windu to you, Master Jinn! I told you one hour, and by my calculations it's now! The council is waiting for you!"

.

Ooo

.

Obi-Wan left the garden in a rush; his thoughts were in a jumble. He was annoyed that he let Bruck trick him again, and leaving himself wide open to be accused of theft.

Once again he'd taken the bait and lost focus allowing Bruck to put the pen in his bag. He wasn't sure who he was angrier with, them or himself for falling for Bruck's deception.

Obi-Wan tamped down his emotions; thinking of Master Jinn. It appeared that every time he came face to face with that master, it always ended with him being made to feel unworthy.

It wouldn't matter so much if there were an abundance of knights looking for padawan's, but Obi-Wan knew that there weren't enough prospective masters to take all of them and now there was one less because Master Marron had taken Alto.

Obi-Wan's building depression put thoughts in his head, Alto is his padawan; surely he will believe his own apprentice!

.

The more he thought on it the more distressed he became and the calmness that was in him was dissipating quickly.

He was in his room when a knock on his door startled him; stretching out, he sensed the aura of his friend Garen.

.

"Hi Obi-Wan, what are you doing in here? I thought we were going to practice for the tournament."

"I'm sorry Garen, I forgot; I just had a run in with Bruck and Alto."

"Alto! Didn't he become a padawan yesterday, why is he still hanging around with Bruck?"

"They accused me of stealing Master Marron's pen, Bruck put it in my bag and Master Marron found it."

"Oh no! Why can't that Chun just disappear! What did Master Marron say; did you tell him you didn't do it?"

"Yes, I told him, and you'll never guess who else was there."

"Who?"

"Master Jinn."

"Oh for Force sake and I suppose he believed Bruck and Alto!"

"I don't know; it was weird. He didn't want to hear what Bruck had to say. He asked Alto to tell him what was going on and it was strange that he didn't snap at me like he has done in the past."

"That has to be a first, he's always abrupt and never says hello to any of us initiates; so what did he do?"

"Nothing! Master Marron arrived and Master Jinn didn't say much at all. Master Marron didn't accuse me of taking his pen; even when he found it in my bag. He put his hand on my shoulder and I felt a calming sensation fill me, like he didn't think I did it."

"That is weird; what about Bruck?" Garen asked.

"Bruck was being his usual obnoxious self and Master Marron told him to leave."

"Ha! That would've been awesome to witness, Bruck being told off for a change."

"Yeah I guess it would, but I'm worried that they still might blame me."

"Master Marron is a fair Master Obi-Wan, and he probably knows Bruck had a hand in it. Come on let's go to the sparing arena, and you can release some of your frustrations on me."

"You're right, go on ahead, I have to change into my workout clothes and put my books away. I'll meet you there in a few minutes."

.

000

.

Obi-Wan changed and was about to leave when he saw Master Marron and Alto coming down the hall toward him.

"Ah hello, Obi-Wan may my padawan and I speak to you for a moment?"

Obi-Wan felt his nerves jump and he tamped down his anxiety. "Yes Master Marron, Padawan Alto, come in."

"My padawan has something to say to you." He said nodding to Alto.

Alto cleared his throat. "Obi-Wan I want to apologise for accusing you of taking my masters pen and I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused you in the past. I've been foolish in allowing Bruck to influence my actions and I know that what I did to you is unacceptable conduct for a Jedi. I let Bruck put the pen in your bag so you would get into trouble. I am sincerely sorry."

"Obi-Wan, I am ashamed of my padawan's conduct and I apologise to you also for allowing my apprentice to act so hurtfully. I sincerely hope that now that he is my apprentice his lack of good judgement will cease. I have informed Master Yoda about Bruck and I'm certain he will be punished for his actions, as will my apprentice."

Obi-Wan couldn't believe his ears and getting an apology from Alto was not what he expected, but Master Marron had nothing to apologise for.

"Master Marron, please you have nothing to apologise for, you didn't know."

"Young Obi-Wan, when a master accepts a padawan, he accepts responsibility for their actions, as the apprentice accepts that his behaviour reflects on his master as well."

Obi-Wan nodded, realising the truth of his words. "I understand and I thank you for discovering the truth, and I accept your apology Master Marron." He bowed and then turned to face Alto.

"I thank you too Padawan Alto for telling me the truth. I accept your apology, and I offer my congratulations to you on becoming Master Marron's apprentice."

Alto was amazed that Obi-Wan was being so gracious and he felt ashamed that he'd listened to Bruck all this time. "Thank you Obi-Wan and I'm truly sorry for my behaviour."

.

ooo

.

Qui-Gon stood in the centre of the chambers; all eyes were on him and he thought back to the night he'd returned to the temple. He had to remember that to them it was last night.

(They'd called him back from the mission, he knew he'd been stalling, but he didn't want to return to the temple because he knew that Yoda and the council wanted him to watch the initiate tournament and then accept one for training, and Yoda had been pushing Obi-Wan at him.

Nevertheless, due to his stubbornness he was adamant that he wouldn't take another apprentice and he'd argued with them late in the night cycle.

Then he'd organised to leave for a mission the next morning, which as it stood now; would have been this very day.)

What a fool he'd been, he could have been training Obi-Wan already except for his inflexibility.

.

"Master Jinn, Chancellor Valorum just contacted us. Apparently you offered your services to him and he expected you in his office this morning. I'm actually surprised that you're still here!" Mace said glaring at Qui-Gon.

Qui-Gon decided silence was his best option. He sensed their irritation bouncing around the room.

"We have explained to him that you are unavailable and have offered him another team, which he has accepted."

Mace expected an argument so he continued quickly.

"After last night we were certain that you were going to follow our directive and obey our commands, and yet it appears you were planning on leaving the temple today. Is that true?" Mace asked.

.

Qui-Gon dipped his head, and he had the distinct perception that they expected him to deny what they already knew to be true.

"Master Windu, councillors, I admit that I have been disrespectful and rebellious. I do confirm that up until early this morning, I had every intention of disobeying your directive."

He saw Mace, glance around at his fellow councillors. But he needed to get his failings off his chest before Mace continued.

"However, during my um'-meditations, my impressions of how I perceived the Force and my place in it were shown to me to be false. I have gained an insight to my failings and my unacceptable behaviour. I know now that I was dwelling in a place that would eventually lead me to a dark and murky future. I'm ready to renounce my past failings and that future, and be the Jedi I should be..."

He sensed they didn't believe him, but it didn't matter, he'd done the right thing. He glanced at Yoda who seemed to be staring at him with questioning eyes.

Mace leant forward in his chair. "You sound sincere Master Jinn; nevertheless, you've gone against the council's decisions before and as you just admitted, 'you were' planning to leave earlier this morning."

"Yes Master Windu, but I have changed and I will accept any punishment you see fit."

"Very well, until we are certain that what you are now saying is in fact true, we have taken you off active status and have informed the chancellor as well. You will remain here in a teaching roll for an indeterminate time. This directive isn't open for discussion either!" Mace added.

"I understand and accept your ruling. With respect and as the Force is my witness I fully agree with you. I do wish to be taken off active duty and a teaching assignment will suit my needs."

The council members weren't quite ready to believe Qui-Gon because he was always at odds with them in the past and fought them with every decision.

Although there seemed to be a distinct change in Qui-Gon's attitude, they presumed it was a ruse to keep from being reprimanded further.

Qui-Gon felt the ripples in the Force smooth out around Mace Windu and most of the other councillors seemed to unwind a bit at his words; on the other hand, he sensed Yoda's inquisitive nature pique; he was intrigued by Qui-Gon's changed attitude.

Mace leaned back in his chair; clearing his throat. "Very well, Master Jinn, we expect you to spend sessions in meditation to reconnect with the Force and re-acquaint yourself with the code. You will also report to Master Deacon, head of sabre instructions; he will assign you a class to teach. That is all for now, may the force be with you."

000

.

Qui-Gon knew that they were excusing him from the chambers, but he still had something to say. He nodded and stepped forward. "With all due respect, may I make a request, Masters'?"

Qui-Gon felt a resolute solidarity in their reaction and he almost smiled knowing that they didn't really think he'd changed.

"A request! What now?" Mace asked as calmly as his exasperation would allow.

"As I said, I have come to my senses and my request is to take an apprentice.-"

"An apprentice! Now you want to take an apprentice…Just like that!" Mace said cutting him off.

Surprise and concern wafted through Qui-Gon's senses, radiating from each councillor and he wondered why. This was what they had wanted him to do, he knew that.

"Yes, I do-" he began.

Mace held up his hand silencing Qui-Gon.

"Last night, Master Jinn! You were adamant against such a request, or have you forgotten?"

"No, Master Windu, but I was wrong."

Mace glanced around the room and now through Qui-Gon's heightened connection he could sense the questioning worry coming from the others.

"This is out of character and rather an abrupt change, Qui-Gon?" Ki- Mundi questioned.

"Yes I know, but, I can't explain it to you; only that I have changed for the better I hope."

.

"This is astonishing... And for the benefit of all the initiates your request is denied at this time."

Qui-Gon felt his old irritation rise at Mace and he folded his arms over his chest in defiance.

"You've sought after me to take an apprentice for some time and now that I agree with you. You are refusing?"

TBC...