Chapter 4

As Qui-Gon Jinn withstood Yoda's verbal lashing, he thought about the young woman.

"Anything else?", asked Mace Windu.

"We have met another Force user. I think.", Qui-Gon said.

"Think you or know you?", asked Yoda.

"She is a human girl, appears to have eleven years old, yet…", he paused, frowning.

"Yet?"

"I cannot really say. Her countenance, her eyes speak of one much older. Darker, as well."

"You believe her to be a Sith?"

"No.", definitely not, thought Qui-Gon. "Her darkness comes from pain, and loss." He related the conversation he had with her on the control room of the Nubian ship. As well as the let's-stick-Qui-Gon-to-the-wall episode. The other Masters chuckled.

"Unexpected and creative is the use of the Force by the young one.", said Yoda.

"I don't think it was the Force, the power she used."

"What think you it was, then?"

"It was different, like nothing I've ever felt. Not even when I've visited places where the Dark side lingers." The Jedi Masters froze and looked to Yoda.

After a pregnant pause, it was decided that Anakin Skywalker would be tested immediately and Hermione Granger was to be watched.

After the Jedi council determined that Anakin was not to be trained, Qui-Gon decided to do so unofficially and added, "From what I understand, the Queen wishes to return to Naboo, and to bring Hermione Granger along.", said Qui-Gon. Anakin, still present, perked up.

"Go you will, take your Padawan, and leave your ward behind will you, in the care of the Jedi Order.", said Yoda. "No, not negotiable. Done will this be." Yoda was firm, gestured to one of the Masters and Anakin was lead away. "Underestimate the Dark side we must not. Clouded is his future, and yours as well. Watch Hermione Granger you must. Dangerous she might be."

Anakin brooded as the strange Jedi Master led him away. He had gained freedom, but what for? He had dreamed of becoming a Jedi and now, even if Qui-Gon had decided to make him his ward and unofficially train him, he still wouldn't be accepted by them.

What was to become of him? Would anyone ever want him around?