3 hours later Qui-gon was walking to the door to the council chamber. To his surprise the doors did not sing open to admit him. Instead they stayed closed. He pushed futilely on the door for a moment. But it was a useless effort. The doors were at the command of the council. The council that apparently did not want him in the chambers. The council that had ordered him to be there. The council that wanted to send him on a mission. The council- The doors opened. The sudden motion cut off his metal build up. Fortunately he was able to recover quickly enough so the council didn't notice his laps. He though. As he walked to the center of the chamber he was somewhat startled to see another Jedi already there. He had his hood up and his hands tucked into the sleeves.
Respecting the other Jedi's unspoken request for anonymity he did not try and peer under the hood. He did however allow himself to open to the force eddies around him. He was able to sense all the other members of the council. So the presence he did not recognize must be the other Jedi. But something about the signature of the Jedi next to him seemed familiar. He just couldn't quite place it. But before he could start searching his memory for a clue the council began to speak.
Mace spoke up first. "You two were brought before the council because we have a mission for you. It is a mission that is of the most importance for the future. The two of you have been chosen because of your abilities. You will compliment each other." Qui-gon nodded at that. He was often paired with more scholarly and rule bound Jedi on missions. His independence and fighting prowess balanced the scales. Mace continues speaking. "You two will be escorting the Queen of Naboo and her entourage back to Naboo." Qui-gon felt confused at that. **Why would they send two Jedi to do that? It's not that difficult of a task.** As if he had heard his thoughts Yoda spoke up. "More important than it seems this mission is. Vital to the future of the Republic this is." Qui-gon still didn't understand but knew better than to argue when Yoda had a vision. Mace turned to the hooded figure.
"We know your feelings on the issue. Will you be able to work with Qui-gon? If you feel that it would be to difficult we can arrange another" Qui-gon was amazed. The council was offering to bend to this other Jedi's wishes! And then he felt a thread of annoyance. They were offering to leave him behind! He had never been a hindrance on a mission yet. No matter how intellectual it was. He curbed his annoyance quickly. If he didn't go he could stay with Anakin. And maybe if he was lucky he might be able to start a relationship of some kind with Obi-wan.
The hooded figure just shook his head. Mace nodded slightly. He then settled back in his seat. "Well then you will be leaving tomorrow morning at the sixth hour. Take this time to ready your selves." They both bowed and then turned to leave. Before they got very far the voice of Master Yoda stopped them. "Padawan." They both turned to the master. Qui-gon became confused. He was Yoda's only living apprentice. All the others had died long ago. Except for...he began to get a bad feeling. Yoda stopped in front of the hooded Jedi. The Jedi in question sank to one knee and lowered his hood. It was Obi-wan.
Qui-gon turned and walked out of the chambers. He was very quickly out in the hallways. He began moving through them at a fast clip. All but running. He soon came to one of the mediation gardens. It was running wild and free. He sank down to his knees. Of all the people to have to go on a mission with, why Obi-wan?
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