"Hey, Oafy-Wan!"
Bruck Chun's yell made Obi-Wan Kenobi shake his head in fatigue. He had been avoiding the other man as much as he could since returning from Bandomeer.
So much time had passed since Obi-Wan had become a worker in the Agri- Corps. He had slowly, but surely, become that best worker they had ever had, using his deep touch of the Force to revive whole crops that would have been lost, and save lives.
Then, Master Ji-Re-Ku had asked him to return to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, to personally retrieve a shipment of dactyl crystals. It was a show of great trust to send a seventeen year old boy alone on a mission like that.
And now that he had arrived, he had to deal with Bruck Chun.
The ice-blue eyed boy walked up to him and wrapped his arm around his neck jokingly, wrinkling the collar of his light blue-gray tunic, "Farmer Kenobi! It's been a while since I've seen you!"
"Nice to see you, too, Bruck," Obi-Wan sighed, brushing a strand of longish hair from his face. As a farmer, he had no specific way to wear his hair, nor did he sport a braid like Bruck, "How goes your training?"
"I'm having the best time of my life," Bruck smiled mischievously, "Master Daliwren is an amazing teacher."
Obi-Wan had already learned so much from the various Masters, "Bruck, you need to submerge your feelings of malice towards me. It is unbecoming of a Jedi Padawan to drag on old grudges."
Bruck glared at him angrily, "What makes you think that you know more than me when it comes to Jedi training? You're just a farmer."
Obi-Wan shrugged, "Whatever works for you."
He slowly walked away, leaving his old rival to turn red and stutter angrily. Obi-Wan just grinned as he walked away. Even on Bandomeer, he had been trained by a former Jedi Master turned farmer named Ji-Re-Ku, who had realized his potential.
He had gone through the same, maybe more training than Bruck had.
The only regret he had was that he had not been able to learn from Master Qui-Gon Jinn, the man he had revered so much.
A droid rolled over to whir beside him as he walked down the Temple corridor.
"Kenobi, the Council has asked for you to meet them as soon as possible," The droid uttered quietly, "I am sent to retrieve you and bring you to the Council's chambers."
Confused, Obi-Wan followed the droid. His mind whirled.
Why would they want to see me? I'm a farmer, and a damned good one, too, He thought, Maybe they want me to plant some trees in the Council room to add some color…
The doors to the Council room had always given him butterflies in his stomach. Since he had not seen them for about five years, they had that effect, times ten, now.
They opened, admitting him into the center of the room. The figure that stood by Yoda's side stunned him into a shocked silence. He almost forgot to bow to the Council members…
When Qui-Gon had been summoned to the Temple on Coruscant, he found that there could only be one reason. Five years had passed since he had refused Obi-Wan as an apprentice…
And he had been alone ever since.
Now, Yoda informed him of the boy's growth. Qui-Gon had been very surprised when he heard that he had been trained as a Jedi Knight by one of the elder Jedi farmers. He felt equally surprised at the tinge of jealousy he felt.
He stood by Yoda's side for a while, and then moved to look out the window over the view of Coruscant.
Then Obi-Wan had entered.
The older man was pleasantly surprised, yet again, by the young man's appearance. He was strong and tall, yet his hands and footsteps still held a grace that only a trained Jedi could hold.
"Master Yoda," Obi-Wan bowed, "Council. Master Jinn."
Qui-Gon nodded to the young man that had grown into such a hard worker.
"Test you, we have decided to do," Yoda frowned slightly, "Trained, we know you have been. We must test your learning. Dangerous, unguided training is."
Obi-Wan nodded in understanding.
"A duel your first trial shall be," Yoda said, sending a slight glance over at Qui-Gon, "Meet Qui-Gon Jinn in the training arena, you shall, after the sun sets."
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan started at the same time, "Master Yoda, I—"
"Fought against fate too long, you have, Qui-Gon, a boy's future you held in your hands," Yoda held a look of resolution in his face, "The Force has revealed what was to be, what was disturbed. Reconciliations must be made, Master Jinn."
"Yes, Master," Even Obi-Wan could see the beginnings of a frustrated glint in the Master's eyes, but he quickly doused the spark.
"Master Yoda, I'm afraid I cannot," Obi-Wan said quickly. All eyes shifted to him as he realized that he had just refused an order from a member of the Council, "I must return to Bandomeer soon…the dactyl runs low…"
"The shipment will go as planned," Yoda's eyes narrowed, "Escort it, another will. Consider yourself no longer a farmer, you might. Dismissed you both are."
The farmer and the Master both bowed quickly and left the room together. Obi-Wan, in a flash of embarrassment, remembered what his teacher had taught him…
The farmer, though important, is considered the lowest. Let them think that you are weak, then, when the timing is right, reveal your true strength.
With that thought, Obi-Wan held the door for Master Jinn and waited for him to exit first. He disliked the idea of trickery, but, technically, this was not trickery, merely a humble hiding of his abilities.
Obi-Wan realized, as he headed towards the turbo-lift, that both he and Qui- Gon were walking the same direction. Again, he waited for the master to enter the lift first, and then he stepped inside.
He typed in his destination quickly. Master Jinn typed his in as well.
Silence reigned in the car.
"Master, Qui-Gon…I have heard much about your missions," Obi-Wan spoke up quietly, "I would like to say thank you for everything you've done for the Republic."
"Gratitude is not needed," Qui-Gon did not look at him, "The Jedi are but keepers of the peace."
"As are farmers," Obi-Wan chuckled slightly.
There was a little more silence, and then the farmer realized that he did not need to keep his distance. His fate was written in stone, so he did not need to fear slip-ups anymore.
"You know something?" He said suddenly.
Qui-Gon merely looked at the young man, who held a bemused look of thought on his face.
"The hallways here are so drab," He chuckled as he felt the lift begin to slow, "Perhaps some Terellian moon-roses or a Corellian fire bush here and there…"
He smirked as he stepped off the lift.
Inside, Qui-Gon fumed. That boy was sending him on a guilt trip!
He had not chosen him, and there was a good reason for it…one he could not think of at that moment. He did not want another Padawan, not after his failure with Xanatos…
"Kenobi, you are far too cocky," He said out loud as he and the former Jedi hopeful began to split ways, "Your attitude will not avail you during your testing,"
"On the contrary, Master, it was my attitude that kept me alive all these years on Bandomeer," Obi-Wan laughed, "I will meet you in the arena, Master Jinn."
The arena was large and almost barren, save for a scattering of large rocks, beams, and boulders. Obi-Wan stood in the center, waiting, fingering the hilt of his self-made saber.
He had come early. He had never fought an actual opponent other than the other Jedi in the Agri-Corps, and he had learned much until he had even bested his teacher.
Considering his teacher was a farmer…that might not be saying much.
The doors at the far side of the arena opened and Qui-Gon entered. Soon after, Yoda and the other members of the Council sat in their seats.
The two men stood apart from each other, each studying the other. The way they each stood, the way they breathed…everything told a little about the mindset of the opponent.
The exact same second as the beginning bell rang, Obi-Wan flashed into action. He took the Jedi Master by surprise, and the look on Qui-Gon face was evidence enough. They burst into a sharp flurry of action. Block, slash, parry…
Obi-Wan feinted to the right and blocked Qui-Gon's return attack with a one handed swipe. It left him looking at the Jedi Master over his shoulder, and his side was very, very unprotected…
Qui-Gon swiped down. His face was pure concentration. He was gathering the Force around him.
Two can play that game.
Obi-Wan stretched out his mind for the Force, asking it rather than pulling it, towards him. It responded readily to his trained call, recognizing him as one who could control its power.
The lightsaber fight continued.
Qui-Gon slashed down, nearly catching Obi-Wan on the leg. Then he did.
The Master's slash caught him in the outside of the thigh, catching him completely by surprise. A quick brush with the Master's saber blade across his chest convinced Obi-Wan that he had to try harder.
He regained his feet and met each attack. He was not going to let this opportunity slide! He had a chance to prove that even though he was a farmer, he could fight just as well as any Jedi.
Obi-Wan train of thought shattered as a sudden wave of power surged through the room. It was not the Force…but the Dark Side, and he knew nothing of where it came from…
He tried to build a safeguard, trying to resist the utter, raw force…
His carefully and solidly built mental shields were smashed, his handle on the Force was wrenched away from him brutally, and his mind was sent into blackness…
Qui-Gon felt the explosion of evil strength that flooded the arena. He felt the Force cover the Council members, and he erected a shield of his own. But the brunt of the attack was not aimed at any of them.
He felt the attack hit Obi-Wan Kenobi. He watched as the ripple of energy wrapped itself around him, convulsed its crude, but deadly, strength into his form. It exploded forward with its force.
The farmer was sent smashing into the wall of the arena.
Obi-Wan cried out in pain as his back impacted hard with the stone wall. His lightsaber literally shattered into a thousand glowing pieces as he watched, then, just as suddenly, joined back together and clattered against the wall next to his hand.
He slumped to the floor, panting, straining. He needed to know…is it over?
There was calm as he slowly stood, then slumped, his face in his hands.
Another blast, less than the first, exploded through the arena. This time, he was ready.
The Jedi farmer gritted his teeth and crossed his arms in front of his face, physically pulling the Force into play, to block the evil wave that tried to attack him. The ripples in the Force were actually physically visible in the air…
When the wave finally dissipated, Obi-Wan slumped, struggling for breath. He felt a hand on his shoulder…Master Qui-Gon…
I don't have the strength to continue this…I concede…just let me rest…
The realization that Qui-Gon was there to help hit him when his legs collapsed, sending him towards the floor. Master Jinn reached down and caught him, gently laying him on the dusty floor.
"I'm sorry…Master Jinn…" He held his hands up to cover his aching eyes. His head throbbed and pulsed with each beat of his heart.
"We will determine who attacked you. Until then, rest," Master Qui-Gon's Force command was strong, but, somehow, Obi-Wan pushed it away, almost effortlessly. He was glad for the ease of the motion else the strength would have drained him…
Qui-Gon was astonished…no one had blocked a command like that before…
"Help me stand…please…"
Qui-Gon did as he asked. The farmer swayed unsteadily on his feet, but steadied.
"Master Qui-Gon, this is my one chance to prove that I know the Force," He pleaded quietly, seeing the faces of the Jedi Council. Already, Yoda was making his way toward the Arena entrance, "I have to finish this fight…"
Qui-Gon shook his head, and Obi-Wan's heart sank.
Then the Jedi Master chuckled slightly, "If it is a duel you wish, we shall duel, but not now, not here. You have been attacked, Kenobi. That means we need to find your attacker…"
"There is no doubt who it was…" Obi-Wan clipped his saber hilt to his belt as the world began to spin again. He had felt that type of attack before, on Bandomeer…
A simple Agri-Corps meeting with Clat'Ha and SonTag had turned into a nightmare as a disgruntled Offworld miner had attacked. But there was a guiding force behind the miner…
The source of the attack held Xanatos' feel…
He had fought against Xanatos many a time, both on Bandomeer and off, whenever he encountered him. Their encounters were always short and seemed to be fairly erratic.
But he remembered that feel…the taint…the depth of the shadow…
Qui-Gon caught him again, but the farmer's eyes were already closed, and there was no strength in his body. He wilted lifelessly into the Master's grip, one word, one name, frozen onto his lips.
Five hours…
Qui-Gon paced in front of the room that the Healer had taken Obi-Wan to. He did not want to simply stand here and do nothing. There was a man in there that was dying…
Why do I care so much?
Qui-Gon sat on a bench, suddenly engulfed with a strange feeling of loss. He felt as if he had missed a part of his life that he could not afford to lose…
"Healing, he is," Yoda… "But have enough strength, he does not."
"What do you mean, Master Yoda?" Qui-Gon asked the small being as he leaned on his staff.
"A Padawan apprentice he was meant to be," Yoda's eyes narrowed, "A Master's strength he was supposed to share."
The Jedi Master hit the ground with such force that a small chip of stone flew off and hit the wall. Qui-Gon was bewildered…Is Yoda angry with me over something that I cannot change no matter what I do?
"Shown it to me, the Force has," Yoda sighed, "Your Padawan he was to be. Very disappointed am I in you, yes, very disappointed…He will become a Jedi Knight, for he had shown the training needed at his age."
"Who will be his master?" Qui-Gon asked huskily. He refused to meet the elder Jedi's gaze, for fear that more retribution would follow…he had made a very deadly mistake…
"Master Mendon Aden," The elder looked at the Master, "Unless you were to challenge him for your rightful place as Obi-Wan's Master…"
Qui-Gon tried to stifle the snort of derision, but it failed miserably.
"Running from the will of the Force yet again, are you, Master Jinn?" Yoda sent a look that could only be considered as a glare of pity and disappointment, "I fear, for your sake, that you do not refuse it once too many. I fear that it will abandon you."
Qui-Gon's sharp intake of breath sent Yoda walking slowly past him. The elder Jedi spared one last glance of sympathy back at the Jedi Master before continuing on his way…
Would I really challenge Mendon Aden to be Kenobi's Master? I know…I know that he is special to me…why else would I be so nervous? What should I do…?
He buried his face in his hands.
What…
Should…
I…
Do…?
Bruck Chun's yell made Obi-Wan Kenobi shake his head in fatigue. He had been avoiding the other man as much as he could since returning from Bandomeer.
So much time had passed since Obi-Wan had become a worker in the Agri- Corps. He had slowly, but surely, become that best worker they had ever had, using his deep touch of the Force to revive whole crops that would have been lost, and save lives.
Then, Master Ji-Re-Ku had asked him to return to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, to personally retrieve a shipment of dactyl crystals. It was a show of great trust to send a seventeen year old boy alone on a mission like that.
And now that he had arrived, he had to deal with Bruck Chun.
The ice-blue eyed boy walked up to him and wrapped his arm around his neck jokingly, wrinkling the collar of his light blue-gray tunic, "Farmer Kenobi! It's been a while since I've seen you!"
"Nice to see you, too, Bruck," Obi-Wan sighed, brushing a strand of longish hair from his face. As a farmer, he had no specific way to wear his hair, nor did he sport a braid like Bruck, "How goes your training?"
"I'm having the best time of my life," Bruck smiled mischievously, "Master Daliwren is an amazing teacher."
Obi-Wan had already learned so much from the various Masters, "Bruck, you need to submerge your feelings of malice towards me. It is unbecoming of a Jedi Padawan to drag on old grudges."
Bruck glared at him angrily, "What makes you think that you know more than me when it comes to Jedi training? You're just a farmer."
Obi-Wan shrugged, "Whatever works for you."
He slowly walked away, leaving his old rival to turn red and stutter angrily. Obi-Wan just grinned as he walked away. Even on Bandomeer, he had been trained by a former Jedi Master turned farmer named Ji-Re-Ku, who had realized his potential.
He had gone through the same, maybe more training than Bruck had.
The only regret he had was that he had not been able to learn from Master Qui-Gon Jinn, the man he had revered so much.
A droid rolled over to whir beside him as he walked down the Temple corridor.
"Kenobi, the Council has asked for you to meet them as soon as possible," The droid uttered quietly, "I am sent to retrieve you and bring you to the Council's chambers."
Confused, Obi-Wan followed the droid. His mind whirled.
Why would they want to see me? I'm a farmer, and a damned good one, too, He thought, Maybe they want me to plant some trees in the Council room to add some color…
The doors to the Council room had always given him butterflies in his stomach. Since he had not seen them for about five years, they had that effect, times ten, now.
They opened, admitting him into the center of the room. The figure that stood by Yoda's side stunned him into a shocked silence. He almost forgot to bow to the Council members…
When Qui-Gon had been summoned to the Temple on Coruscant, he found that there could only be one reason. Five years had passed since he had refused Obi-Wan as an apprentice…
And he had been alone ever since.
Now, Yoda informed him of the boy's growth. Qui-Gon had been very surprised when he heard that he had been trained as a Jedi Knight by one of the elder Jedi farmers. He felt equally surprised at the tinge of jealousy he felt.
He stood by Yoda's side for a while, and then moved to look out the window over the view of Coruscant.
Then Obi-Wan had entered.
The older man was pleasantly surprised, yet again, by the young man's appearance. He was strong and tall, yet his hands and footsteps still held a grace that only a trained Jedi could hold.
"Master Yoda," Obi-Wan bowed, "Council. Master Jinn."
Qui-Gon nodded to the young man that had grown into such a hard worker.
"Test you, we have decided to do," Yoda frowned slightly, "Trained, we know you have been. We must test your learning. Dangerous, unguided training is."
Obi-Wan nodded in understanding.
"A duel your first trial shall be," Yoda said, sending a slight glance over at Qui-Gon, "Meet Qui-Gon Jinn in the training arena, you shall, after the sun sets."
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan started at the same time, "Master Yoda, I—"
"Fought against fate too long, you have, Qui-Gon, a boy's future you held in your hands," Yoda held a look of resolution in his face, "The Force has revealed what was to be, what was disturbed. Reconciliations must be made, Master Jinn."
"Yes, Master," Even Obi-Wan could see the beginnings of a frustrated glint in the Master's eyes, but he quickly doused the spark.
"Master Yoda, I'm afraid I cannot," Obi-Wan said quickly. All eyes shifted to him as he realized that he had just refused an order from a member of the Council, "I must return to Bandomeer soon…the dactyl runs low…"
"The shipment will go as planned," Yoda's eyes narrowed, "Escort it, another will. Consider yourself no longer a farmer, you might. Dismissed you both are."
The farmer and the Master both bowed quickly and left the room together. Obi-Wan, in a flash of embarrassment, remembered what his teacher had taught him…
The farmer, though important, is considered the lowest. Let them think that you are weak, then, when the timing is right, reveal your true strength.
With that thought, Obi-Wan held the door for Master Jinn and waited for him to exit first. He disliked the idea of trickery, but, technically, this was not trickery, merely a humble hiding of his abilities.
Obi-Wan realized, as he headed towards the turbo-lift, that both he and Qui- Gon were walking the same direction. Again, he waited for the master to enter the lift first, and then he stepped inside.
He typed in his destination quickly. Master Jinn typed his in as well.
Silence reigned in the car.
"Master, Qui-Gon…I have heard much about your missions," Obi-Wan spoke up quietly, "I would like to say thank you for everything you've done for the Republic."
"Gratitude is not needed," Qui-Gon did not look at him, "The Jedi are but keepers of the peace."
"As are farmers," Obi-Wan chuckled slightly.
There was a little more silence, and then the farmer realized that he did not need to keep his distance. His fate was written in stone, so he did not need to fear slip-ups anymore.
"You know something?" He said suddenly.
Qui-Gon merely looked at the young man, who held a bemused look of thought on his face.
"The hallways here are so drab," He chuckled as he felt the lift begin to slow, "Perhaps some Terellian moon-roses or a Corellian fire bush here and there…"
He smirked as he stepped off the lift.
Inside, Qui-Gon fumed. That boy was sending him on a guilt trip!
He had not chosen him, and there was a good reason for it…one he could not think of at that moment. He did not want another Padawan, not after his failure with Xanatos…
"Kenobi, you are far too cocky," He said out loud as he and the former Jedi hopeful began to split ways, "Your attitude will not avail you during your testing,"
"On the contrary, Master, it was my attitude that kept me alive all these years on Bandomeer," Obi-Wan laughed, "I will meet you in the arena, Master Jinn."
The arena was large and almost barren, save for a scattering of large rocks, beams, and boulders. Obi-Wan stood in the center, waiting, fingering the hilt of his self-made saber.
He had come early. He had never fought an actual opponent other than the other Jedi in the Agri-Corps, and he had learned much until he had even bested his teacher.
Considering his teacher was a farmer…that might not be saying much.
The doors at the far side of the arena opened and Qui-Gon entered. Soon after, Yoda and the other members of the Council sat in their seats.
The two men stood apart from each other, each studying the other. The way they each stood, the way they breathed…everything told a little about the mindset of the opponent.
The exact same second as the beginning bell rang, Obi-Wan flashed into action. He took the Jedi Master by surprise, and the look on Qui-Gon face was evidence enough. They burst into a sharp flurry of action. Block, slash, parry…
Obi-Wan feinted to the right and blocked Qui-Gon's return attack with a one handed swipe. It left him looking at the Jedi Master over his shoulder, and his side was very, very unprotected…
Qui-Gon swiped down. His face was pure concentration. He was gathering the Force around him.
Two can play that game.
Obi-Wan stretched out his mind for the Force, asking it rather than pulling it, towards him. It responded readily to his trained call, recognizing him as one who could control its power.
The lightsaber fight continued.
Qui-Gon slashed down, nearly catching Obi-Wan on the leg. Then he did.
The Master's slash caught him in the outside of the thigh, catching him completely by surprise. A quick brush with the Master's saber blade across his chest convinced Obi-Wan that he had to try harder.
He regained his feet and met each attack. He was not going to let this opportunity slide! He had a chance to prove that even though he was a farmer, he could fight just as well as any Jedi.
Obi-Wan train of thought shattered as a sudden wave of power surged through the room. It was not the Force…but the Dark Side, and he knew nothing of where it came from…
He tried to build a safeguard, trying to resist the utter, raw force…
His carefully and solidly built mental shields were smashed, his handle on the Force was wrenched away from him brutally, and his mind was sent into blackness…
Qui-Gon felt the explosion of evil strength that flooded the arena. He felt the Force cover the Council members, and he erected a shield of his own. But the brunt of the attack was not aimed at any of them.
He felt the attack hit Obi-Wan Kenobi. He watched as the ripple of energy wrapped itself around him, convulsed its crude, but deadly, strength into his form. It exploded forward with its force.
The farmer was sent smashing into the wall of the arena.
Obi-Wan cried out in pain as his back impacted hard with the stone wall. His lightsaber literally shattered into a thousand glowing pieces as he watched, then, just as suddenly, joined back together and clattered against the wall next to his hand.
He slumped to the floor, panting, straining. He needed to know…is it over?
There was calm as he slowly stood, then slumped, his face in his hands.
Another blast, less than the first, exploded through the arena. This time, he was ready.
The Jedi farmer gritted his teeth and crossed his arms in front of his face, physically pulling the Force into play, to block the evil wave that tried to attack him. The ripples in the Force were actually physically visible in the air…
When the wave finally dissipated, Obi-Wan slumped, struggling for breath. He felt a hand on his shoulder…Master Qui-Gon…
I don't have the strength to continue this…I concede…just let me rest…
The realization that Qui-Gon was there to help hit him when his legs collapsed, sending him towards the floor. Master Jinn reached down and caught him, gently laying him on the dusty floor.
"I'm sorry…Master Jinn…" He held his hands up to cover his aching eyes. His head throbbed and pulsed with each beat of his heart.
"We will determine who attacked you. Until then, rest," Master Qui-Gon's Force command was strong, but, somehow, Obi-Wan pushed it away, almost effortlessly. He was glad for the ease of the motion else the strength would have drained him…
Qui-Gon was astonished…no one had blocked a command like that before…
"Help me stand…please…"
Qui-Gon did as he asked. The farmer swayed unsteadily on his feet, but steadied.
"Master Qui-Gon, this is my one chance to prove that I know the Force," He pleaded quietly, seeing the faces of the Jedi Council. Already, Yoda was making his way toward the Arena entrance, "I have to finish this fight…"
Qui-Gon shook his head, and Obi-Wan's heart sank.
Then the Jedi Master chuckled slightly, "If it is a duel you wish, we shall duel, but not now, not here. You have been attacked, Kenobi. That means we need to find your attacker…"
"There is no doubt who it was…" Obi-Wan clipped his saber hilt to his belt as the world began to spin again. He had felt that type of attack before, on Bandomeer…
A simple Agri-Corps meeting with Clat'Ha and SonTag had turned into a nightmare as a disgruntled Offworld miner had attacked. But there was a guiding force behind the miner…
The source of the attack held Xanatos' feel…
He had fought against Xanatos many a time, both on Bandomeer and off, whenever he encountered him. Their encounters were always short and seemed to be fairly erratic.
But he remembered that feel…the taint…the depth of the shadow…
Qui-Gon caught him again, but the farmer's eyes were already closed, and there was no strength in his body. He wilted lifelessly into the Master's grip, one word, one name, frozen onto his lips.
Five hours…
Qui-Gon paced in front of the room that the Healer had taken Obi-Wan to. He did not want to simply stand here and do nothing. There was a man in there that was dying…
Why do I care so much?
Qui-Gon sat on a bench, suddenly engulfed with a strange feeling of loss. He felt as if he had missed a part of his life that he could not afford to lose…
"Healing, he is," Yoda… "But have enough strength, he does not."
"What do you mean, Master Yoda?" Qui-Gon asked the small being as he leaned on his staff.
"A Padawan apprentice he was meant to be," Yoda's eyes narrowed, "A Master's strength he was supposed to share."
The Jedi Master hit the ground with such force that a small chip of stone flew off and hit the wall. Qui-Gon was bewildered…Is Yoda angry with me over something that I cannot change no matter what I do?
"Shown it to me, the Force has," Yoda sighed, "Your Padawan he was to be. Very disappointed am I in you, yes, very disappointed…He will become a Jedi Knight, for he had shown the training needed at his age."
"Who will be his master?" Qui-Gon asked huskily. He refused to meet the elder Jedi's gaze, for fear that more retribution would follow…he had made a very deadly mistake…
"Master Mendon Aden," The elder looked at the Master, "Unless you were to challenge him for your rightful place as Obi-Wan's Master…"
Qui-Gon tried to stifle the snort of derision, but it failed miserably.
"Running from the will of the Force yet again, are you, Master Jinn?" Yoda sent a look that could only be considered as a glare of pity and disappointment, "I fear, for your sake, that you do not refuse it once too many. I fear that it will abandon you."
Qui-Gon's sharp intake of breath sent Yoda walking slowly past him. The elder Jedi spared one last glance of sympathy back at the Jedi Master before continuing on his way…
Would I really challenge Mendon Aden to be Kenobi's Master? I know…I know that he is special to me…why else would I be so nervous? What should I do…?
He buried his face in his hands.
What…
Should…
I…
Do…?