(Two years ago)
Jinn was kneeling in front of a large box in his own quarters, where he was packing possessions of his previous Padawan. Old books, remained clothes, his favorite posters from the walls—everything that could remind him of Obi-Wan's presence. Anakin should come soon (right now he was getting some things from the store house—new Jedi uniform, different items, and other not very important, but necessary things) and here should be some free space.
Suddenly, Qui-Gon was interrupted by the firm knock at the door. Who could possibly visit him? Friends (though they should be on the missions right now), somebody from the Council or… Obi-Wan? Maybe, he wanted to talk. But could Qui-Gon explain his decision? With a sigh, Qui-Gon approached the door with bated breath.
He was mistaken: there was Dooku.
After Qui-Gon's knight ceremony they hadn't been in touch with each other. So, the elder Jedi's visit was an unusual event and a big surprise.
"Good evening, Master. Please, come in." Qui-Gon said rather surprisingly, but stepped in, inviting his guest.
"Oh, I've told you many times, call me Dooku, you're not my Apprentice for many years. You are almost as old as I am." He sat in Master Jinn's favorite armchair without any invitation and curiously looked at Qui-Gon.
"Glad to see you, but—"
"I think you're wondering about purposes of my visit? Am I right?" After a nod from his former Apprentice he continued: "Well, I've just heard that you have a new Padawan. It is true, I see." Dooku pointed at the pile of old Obi-Wan's things on the floor.
"Yes, you're right. I think—" Qui-Gon was interrupted once again.
"So, tell me, is he really the Chosen One from the ancient prophecy? I remember how you liked to gather old data chips from the library and study them instead of your lessons."
"Yes, he has the highest count. I believe in him… So the Council does. They allowed me to train him." Qui-Gon started defensively. "However, it happened yesterday. How could you—"
"I have many sources of information. A rejected ginger-haired boy, perhaps?" The older Jedi suggested, inspecting his fingernails.
"You… you have seen Obi-Wan. Where was he? I could not find his location through the Force," Jinn said angrily. He did his best not to show any emotions, but obviously failed. Especially, when he thought that his previous Padawan was in danger (Qui-Gon didn't trust Dooku enough).
"He was all right. In one of those cheap canteens on the lower levels of the city. Do not worry; he was going to get to Bandomeer this morning. He is a dutiful and obedient young man and won't bring you more troubles in the future."
"How have you discovered that he was there?" What was Dooku planning, after all?
"You see, I only wanted to visit some old friends, but felt a great disturbance in the Force. Did you know that he had been suffering from terrible nightmares for the last days? Poor boy!" Dooku shook his head, trying to show his sorrow for a former Jinn's Padawan.
"Really?.. And he told you about them? Well, he mentioned nothing, when I still was his Master."
"Indeed, you were. I think he didn't trust you enough—very clever of him. I can't believe that you have done this to him. To take this Skywalker boy and to reject your own Padawan!" Dooku said, with admiration in his voice.
"It's no business of yours!" Qui-Gon narrowed his eyes. There were no reasons to discuss it with Dooku.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't make myself clear. I want to congratulate you!"
"What? To con… congratulate me?" Jinn asked skeptically.
"Indeed. I always considered you as a man of reason. For some years I have been thinking that I was wrong. But not anymore: at last you came to your senses."
"What do you mean? Are you mocking me?" Jinn was confused.
"Of course not! You've understood that there are some great things you can do—to train your Chosen One, for example, and not to waste your precious time with a pathetic life form like this Kenobi. Even if Skywalker destroys the galaxy, nobody would forget your name. And if he brings the balance, you will be a hero. You found him. You trained him."
"I… I have not thought about this. I just… Never mind."
"You see, I even envy you. To train the Chosen One! What can be more important? You rejected your previous apprentice! In front of all the Council, I must add. He was such a promising young man, a very good swordsmen, loyal to the Jedi Order, intelligent and sincerely respected you. You know, many Jedi think that you're quite dangerous because of your special ways, but he trusted you completely. I'm wondering whether could I do so too? I mean, could I replace you if I had found somebody more important? I think, no. But you did!"
"Damn, Master! What are you speaking about?"
"I'm proud of you, that's all."
Qui-Gon didn't answer.
"Well, I just wanted to congratulate you. Now, I believe, you have a new Padawan to train. Oh, I'm sorry, I almost forget to give this to you. You see, your former Padawan asked me to return these things. At first, I wanted to throw them away… But then I was curious. Have you really presented him a river stone on his first birthday with you? It's so originally. Do you remember that cloak from Naboo, which I've presented you? Silly me! There are many less expensive things!"
"It was Force-sensitive!" Qui-Gon took the braid and the stone and threw them in the box.
"Really? Obi-Wan didn't mention it. Now, I must go. I was glad to see you, Qui-Gon."
After he had gone, Master Jinn carefully took out the braid and put it into the secret pouch on his belt. (Later, he gave the stone to Anakin. Skywalker was not as happy as Obi-Wan had been, but accepted it politely.)
Qui-Gon was confused. Master Dooku was so proud of him, but this made him think that he had done something wrong. But it was too late and he could not change anything. Besides, he would not, even he had a chance to do so. The cost was too high.
