As they stood in the middle of the room. Qui-gon was suddenly unaccountably nervous. But he waited for the council to speak in silence and with an outward facade of calm. He looked around the room trying to find the thirteenth figure Anakin had spoken of. He surveyed the council chamber and noticed that the observers chair was still in place between Mace and Yoda. He was rather surprised at that. He could not remember a time in recent years that the council had felt the need to use and observer. They very rarely took advice from anyone. But an observer was only called in when the council felt that the person would have insights that they did not. **Perhaps it was one of the creche masters...or an instructor. That would make sense. After all they are testing a child.** An observer would also answer the question as to why the hood was up. The observer traditional kept the hood up so that any reactions they had would not be easily seen. That way they could not affect the normal procedings.
Qui-gon was jolted out of his musings as Yoda spoke up. "Decided we have. Trained the boy will be." Qui-gon's heart soared. And he spoke up. "In that case I would like to take Anakin Skywalker as my Padawan Learner." He was expecting instant gratification. The actual reply was like a slap in the face. "Padawan you already have. Whether you acknowledge him or not. Two Padawan's you cannot have. Against the Code it is." And before Qui-gon could even think to refute that Mace continued.
"Skywalker will be trained as an initiate for a period of one year. He will remain in your care, and under your supervision. After that year we will discuss his becoming a padawan." Qui-gon broke in. "But you just said..." Mace gave him a hard look. "Your Padawan's trials are set for a month away. After that you will be free to take a new Padawan Learner. And Skywalker will be receiving some specialized tutoring from certain instructors in the temple. A schedule has been sent to your com unit in your rooms. This meeting is over." Qui-gon took the not so subtle hint and left the chambers.
The walked back to Qui-gon's rooms slowly. Anakin could feel something was wrong with Qui-gon but couldn't tell what. But he was worried. Something about what the council said was bothering his master. He just couldn't figure out exactly what it was. Anakin was also very confused. **The council had said his Qui-gon already had pada...thing. But if he did, why was Qui-gon alone? And why hadn't anyone come to meet him when he returned to the temple? If he had Qui-gon as a master he would be by his side all the time.** Anakin wanted to voice these thoughts to Qui-gon. But he was lost in though and didn't seem to even take notice of the young boy walking behind him.
Qui-gon's' mind was swirling. Two Padawan's you can not have' **Obi-wan..** Qui-gon had managed to push Obi-wan almost completely out of his thoughts since he found Anakin on Tattooine. He was grateful he would be able to train him. **Obi-wan will be a knight soon and then I...** It hit him suddenly. Obi-wan was going to be Knighted! How had he let the rift between them grow so far? He hadn't even seen Obi-wan since that night ten years ago. Qui-gon had either been on a mission or Obi-wan had. They very soon entered Qui-gon's quarters. The same quarters he had once shared with Obi-wan. Qui-gon looked up startled. Even after all this time he missed the Jinn/Kenobi sign of the placard. He keyed open the door and walked in. **I don't even know where he lives...** He thought sorrowfully. But upon fully entering the quarters he saw the message beacon flashing. Qui-gon quickly sat down at the com unit and looked at the schedule. He was glancing through it when one line popped out at him. Generalized Force Control---Obi-wan Kenobi.
