Standard disclaimers apply. I wanted to say thank you to Dorothy for all of her hard work to beta all of the chapters.
Chapter Eleven Resolutions and Ramifications pt. 2
Anakin Skywalker, chosen one of the Jedi, didn't feel chosen today. He was bored. His Master said he would be gone a week and he was already two days late. While his Master had given him permission to fix the Temple droids, stuffy old Master Yoda felt his time was better served going to class or working on meditation techniques. Attempting to ignore and failing miserably, the Jedi Master teaching the lesson, Anakin Skywalker lifted his head to see Master Yoda entering the classroom. The two Jedi conferred for a few moments and his teacher looked at him motioning for him to come forward.
During the short walk to the green Masters quarters, Anakin racked his brain to figure out why Master Yoda pulled him out of class. Entering the apartment behind the wrinkled Jedi, he walked over and sat in the one of the chairs as Master Yoda directed. The ancient Jedi Master sat down in a chair opposite him and looking at the boy carefully, he closed his eyes and sighed.
"Worried about Master Kenobi, you are."
Chewing on his lip Anakin replied, "He said he was only going to be gone a week and it's already more than that.
"Hear from him, we did. Arrive in two days, he will. Bringing a friend with him, he is."
Anakin cocked his head, the sunlight glinting off his straw colored hair. Yoda could see the confusion etched on his face. He was pleased that Anakin didn't question him on the identity of Obi-Wan's companion. Learning to conquer his curiosity, Hmmm. Hope there may be for him.
"After dinner, tell you, I will." If the diminutive Master was going to say more, he had no opportunity because the comm. panel chirped.
"Speaking, I am."
"I'm sorry to disturb you Master Yoda but Barauga's ship has landed. The healers are with him at the moment. His Padawan is asking us to meet her in the healers' wing." Mace said.
"Meet you there I will." Yoda replied. Placing the comm. link down on the table, he looked at Anakin briefly wondering what to do with the boy. Deciding that it was agreeable to bring him, Yoda motioned for the boy to join him. Getting into his hover chair, the pair hurried to the healers. Having seen only the gruff side of the tall dark Master, Anakin was surprised to see how gentle Master Windu was in comforting the distraught Padawan.
"Grateful to have you back Padawan, we are." Yoda said to Élan. Allowing Mace to free himself from the girl and speak with the healers.
Trying to compose herself she replied, "Thank you Master Yoda. I'm sorry for my behavior. My Master has not awakened since the explosion on Simpla-12. I tried to induce a healing trance but there was no response."
Yoda closed his eyes, his ears drooping with worry for the Jedi Master being examined by the healers. "Understandable your actions are. Concerned we all are." Yoda said.
Mace followed by a Jedi Healer walked around the glass that isolated the patient to report to both Master Yoda and Padawan Ryos. Anakin was becoming more perplexed. This Master Yoda and Master Windu were different from the cold men he encountered the first time he met them. Granted he didn't see Master Windu much but he was staying with Master Yoda and he had not seen this side of him.
"Master Yoda, Padawan Ryos, and Padawan Skywalker," the healer began, "Master Barauga will be fine now. We have him put him on ventilation and have started him in a healing trance. He inhaled some chemical vapor during the explosion. His body could not fight the poison gas without doing damage to his lungs. A day in the bacta tank will be all that he needs. If everything goes as I expect, he will be released tomorrow night."
Inhaling deeply, a beaming Élan launched herself into Master Windu's open arms, stopping quickly when she remembered the many lectures on impulsive and impromptu behavior. Turning back to the healer she asked, "May I see him now?"
Momentary crestfallen, at the healer's negative reply, she turns to Master Yoda. "I found some alarming information in the scientist's computer. Would you like to wait for the debriefing until my Master is well?"
Frowning, both Master Yoda and Master Windu shake their heads negatively. Master Windu said, "No Padawan, you can stand before the Council and give the report. Will you be ready in an hour?"
"Yes Master Windu, an hour is more than enough time. I will have time to catch the evening meal. Is there anything else Masters?"
"Not now Padawan Ryos; I will see you at the Council Meeting," Mace replied turning and walking down the corridor.
Élan glanced back to the elder green Jedi waiting for him to dismiss her. She saw Anakin sitting on a chair looking completely dejected. His Master must not be back yet. "Master Yoda, I'm going to the dining hall for the late meal would you and your temporary Padawan care to join me?"
Anakin perked up hoping that Master Yoda would agree but his hopes were dashed when he saw the Master shaking his head. The solution on what to do with Anakin presented itself and Yoda took it. "Prepare for Council meeting, I must. Young Skywalker may join you, if wish it, he does."
Master Yoda watched the two Padawans walk down the hall hand in hand. Shaking his head he looked into the room where the giant bear was immersed in a batca tank made just for his size. Deep in thought, Master Yoda turned his chair in the direction of the chamber to await the Padawan's report.
Council Chambers One Hour Later
Élan stood on the star in the center of the room wishing her Master was beside her. Looking squarely at each Council member she focused on Master Yaddle, her Master's Master. Thinking of her Master's great size, and his being a Padawan to one of the smallest of the Jedi Masters, kept her from being uneasy while giving the report on her own.
"In Zan Arbor's computer there were many illnesses she had created and cures for these illnesses that she had planned to sell. On several data pads, she had all of Master Jinn's personal data and information concerning his missions over the last seven years. On three other pads, there was recent information from the temple archives about Jedi training and procedures. Masters on a more disturbing note, there is information confirming that both the Sith that was destroyed on Naboo and the clone of Master Jinn were trained by a Jedi." Élan paused as the Council Members murmured.
Clearing her throat, she continued, "In the information the Jedi was called Lord Tyranus to hide his identity. Zan Arbor also had a data pad with Temple maps and other information. I found 24 holo-vids with communications from Sith Master Sidious on them. There were data pads with personal information on all of the Senate Members and the Supreme Chancellor. It seems she believes one of them to be the dark Lord and she was going to blackmail him. If Zan Arbor is correct and the Sith Lord is one of the Senators or the Chancellor it should be easy to narrow the list of possible candidates. The information points to someone who is humanoid, male, and middle aged. Masters, there was nothing, however explaining how or why she created the clone. There wasn't any indication of where she is or why she left the lab." She said finishing her report.
"Disturbing this is. More to report you have?" Master Yaddle asked.
"No Masters, I gave the data pads with illness and cures to the Master healer and I have the rest for the Council's inspection," the Padawan replied
Master Gallia looked at the other members and said, "Good job Padawan. You are a credit to your Master. You're dismissed, May the Force be with you."
With a glance at Master Yaddle, Élan turned and left the chambers, leaving behind 12 Jedi Master's with much concern for the future of the universe.
Moondrifter Entering Coruscant's Atmosphere
The last four days for Moondrifter's passengers passed quickly and without incident. Her captain, however, was dreading the end of the journey. The three of them had become good friends over the time and Dakota found herself appreciating their company. Knowing the two Jedi were in her cargo bay meditating, she contacted the Jedi Temple and asked for permission to land. With permission granted, Dakota put the destination in the navigational computer and began the landing sequence.
Once her ship was securely on its landing pad at the Jedi Temple, Dakota stood up and walked back to the cargo bay to inform her passengers of their arrival. Finding both men on their knees, she turned to leave when Obi-Wan's voice stopped her.
"Thank you for bringing us home Dakota," he said rising to his feet and walking over to stand in front of the woman who had brought Qui-Gon and him back together. "If I can ever do anything for you, you need but ask."
Dakota was speechless; he is offering this as a friend, not as a Jedi. Parting company was never easy so she used a delaying tactic, "Well we could start with a shower where I don't have to worry about running out of water. Then a hot meal that I don't have to cook." She smiled at his amused expression and continued, "After that we'll talk."
Turning to leave, Dakota glanced over at Qui-Gon who lifted his head and stood watching the two of them. Smiling softly Qui-Gon stood and joined them as they walked down the boarding ramp and into the arms of waiting friends.
Standing at the foot of the ramp Qui-Gon couldn't believe his eyes. Everyone who meant anything to him was assembled here to welcome him home. They had formed a line from the entrance of flight bay to the cargo ship and at the head of the line is a tiny green Master. Qui-Gon stepped forward and dropped to his knees.
Yoda placed a hand on the top of Qui-Gon's head saying, "Warm feelings I have at seeing you alive my Padawan. Do that again, you will not. Caused many pains, you did."
Offering Master Yoda a sheepish smile, he stood up to great the next member of his welcoming committee. Master Trevilin Teal, the old Master who had found him when he was but two years old. Master Teal and he had remained good friends over the years. Wrapping the old Master in a gentle hug, Qui-Gon had to fight to hold back tears that threatened to come.
Standing up on his back feet, Barauga roared to get Qui-Gon's attention then swung one of his massive paws at him saying, "Hello Runt. Still getting all the attention, huh." A chuckle died in Qui-Gon's throat as he looked at his best friend and saw the freshly healed injuries. "Still getting into trouble without me I see Fur Ball, and then to his Padawan, I see I need to give you more lessons on how to control this beast." Élan grinning, whispered loudly, "When can I take you up on that offer Master Jinn?"
It took Qui-Gon a half an hour to get through the well-wishers and the welcoming committee. He received several dinner invitations, which he had to turn down because he had standing orders from Barauga and Yoda. He hadn't known that he was so popular but then again, any Jedi returning from the dead would cause a stir.
Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon and Dakota made their way to the Council Chambers. There was no need to request a meeting, it was a given that they would see him. Entering the room Qui-Gon went to stand in the center. Dakota stepped forward to follow him. Obi-Wan reached out and stopped her.
Bowing Qui-Gon says, "I have come before the Council to request reimbursement for Captain Rains for all expenses incurred during the transporting of two Jedi from the outer rim to Coruscant. I would also like to request temporary quarters here at the Temple for a short period of time while she prepares for her next trip." He turned around smiling softly at Dakota.
"Granted, Captain Rains we are grateful for all your efforts to assist our companions on their journey home. If you will submit a bill to the Temple Treasurer, we will see that you are compensated for those efforts," Mace replied.
Shrugging Obi-Wan's hand off her arm Dakota said, "You're welcome. Thank you for your generosity. I don't expect any payment. The boys here," gesturing to both Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, "Worked for their passage as far as I am concerned."
"Siri please escort Captain Rains to the guest quarters. She may stay as long as she likes." Adi requested of her Padawan.
"Yes Master," Siri answered, turning to leave the Council Chambers with Dakota in-tow.
"More to say, have you?" Master Yoda asked.
Obi-Wan's head swam with a sense of deja vu. These were the exact the words spoken by Master Yoda just before the clone set him aside to train Anakin. He felt a terrible sensation of dread.
{Kobe, no matter what, trust me, please.}
{Always Master}
Erecting his shields tightly around the bond, Qui-Gon looks intently at Yoda a small grin appearing on his lips before he becomes serious again. "I am here formally to question the Council's decision on the matter of Obi-Wan Kenobi's Knighting. The training bond is unbroken on both sides. His Knighting is void and therefore he is unable to take a Padawan," Qui-Gon said hoping Obi-Wan would forgive him.
Obi-Wan felt his knees give way and would have collapsed if Barauga not reached out a paw to steady him. How can Qui-Gon do this to me? All he could hear was white noise as the collective gasps were heard. Obi-Wan touched the bond tentatively and found it firmly shielded, tell me this is not happening again.
Ki-Adi-Mundi was the first to speak, "Master Jinn surely you are not refusing the boy his Knighthood. The scrolls have recorded a similar event happening only once in the entire history of the Jedi Order."
Qui- Gon stood unmoved. Looking once again at his former Master, Qui-Gon thought he saw a glint of humor in the opaque eyes. Good he understands, I don't know what I would do if he thought I was that cruel. He was unable to turn around and face the pain that his Padawan was emitting. He would not be able to go through with this. He kept telling himself, I am doing this for him. I will explain after it's finished.
If Qui-Gon's statement caused gasps then Master Yoda just added fuel to the fire when he rapped his stick on the floor and called for silence. "Sure about this you are Master Jinn?"
Qui-Gon nodded, "Yes."
"Concur with you the Council does," Yoda replied.
This time Obi-Wan did fall to his knees as all members of the Council murmured.
Yoda spoke once more, "Padawan Skywalker step forward, you will. Correct Master Jinn is, if a Padawan Obi-Wan still is, then a Padawan he cannot take. Broken your bond must be. Join with another, you can."
Qui-Gon stepped back to allow Obi-Wan and Anakin to walk to the center of the room. Anakin stood there tears glinting in his eyes, as Obi-wan knelt before the aged Master. Touching both of their heads, Master Yoda closed his eyes and began the process of breaking the bond.
Obi-Wan felt the thin bridge between his mind and Anakin's give way in a rush. He reached out to grab the end of the bond and touched a solid wall. Realizing the wall was Master Yoda, Obi-Wan mentally backed away. He didn't want Master Yoda to feel the anger that his actions had brought. He reinforced his shields making them as strong as he could.
Élan gently led a dazed Anakin from the Council chambers to the quarters he shared with Obi-Wan. She led him into his room and laid him on the bed, giving him a force suggestion to sleep. She sat on the side of the sleep couch until she was sure that he was asleep. She returned to the Council Chambers to be further confused by the man she considered her second Master.
"Another matter, you wish to discuss." Yaddle asked.
"No, I was waiting for you to break Obi-Wan's and my bond." He knew this was going to anger some in the room but it had to be done.
Obi-Wan came to his feet, whirled around to face the Jedi Master and said, "Qui-Gon you just told them I'm not ready to be knighted. What game are you playing?"
{Kobe, you promised. Trust me. Have I ever hurt you intentionally?}
Mace spoke up "Yes Master Jinn, exactly what are you asking?"
Qui-Gon stepped forward placing a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder, thankful that he didn't pull away. Obi refused to look at Qui-Gon. "My Padawan is wrong. I never suggested that he wasn't ready for Knighting. As a matter of fact, I say he went above and beyond in his trials. Not only did he act on everything he learned, he fulfilled his mandate with someone who tried to sabotage the mission. Then not shirking his responsibility, he becomes the Order's youngest Master, to the chosen one no less. No Masters, Obi-Wan is more than ready to be a Knight. My only objection was that the training bond between him and I was still intact."
{Master? Why are you doing this?}
{Kobe, trust, remember?}
"Break the bond now we cannot. Time Obi-Wan needs, before entering his mind again we do," Yoda said.
"Is Master Jinn finished turning this Council into a circus?" Ki-Adi-Mundi demanded.
His plan had worked; a beaming Qui-Gon nodded.
Mace could do nothing more than place his head in his hands. "Very well, may the Force be with you."
Walking out of the Chambers, Qui-Gon turned to Obi-Wan and said, "I wanted to…"
Obi-Wan cutting Qui-Gon off said, "Master as much as we need to discuss this, I have to go check on Anakin. He must be heartbroken."
Stalking off, Obi-Wan left Qui-Gon standing open mouthed in the hall. Élan dashed down the hall to catch up with Obi-Wan, ignoring the disapproving looks she received from other Jedi. When she had finally matched Obi-Wan's stride she said the one thing he didn't want to hear.
"He did it for you," she stated.
Obi slammed his fist into his hand and said, "You don't know what you're talking about. He just had me un-Knighted. Didn't you hear what Knight Ki-Adi-Mundi said? It has only been done once before in the entire history of the Order."
"Why do you think he did it then?" she asked impatiently.
Making a noise of exasperation, Obi-Wan jerked his hand through his hair and said, "I don't know, control maybe. He has to control everything."
Snorting, Élan looks at Obi-wan and says, "Who do you think you're talking to? Your silly friend Bant, this is me Obi-Wan. I might not have been in the crèche with you, but I have watched the two of you for the last 12 years. Our Master's are so close we practically live together when we're at the Temple, so go sell your 'poor me routine' to someone who will buy it. With Master Qui-Gon, it's always Obi-Wan this, and Obi-Wan that. You mean everything to him and you know it. You're just feeling sorry for yourself. Poor little me, my Master humiliated me in front of the Council."
Pausing to take a deep breath, she continued with her tirade, "I'll tell you this Obi-Wan Kenobi, he went through that whole ritual in there so you would have a normal Knighting with your Master. You will then be able to choose when and whom you want for a Padawan. You want to be a Knight, then grown up first. When he comes to explain, try not to act like a spoiled brat, just listen to him. I came to tell you I took Anakin back to your quarters." Élan nodded stiffly, turned, and strode back down the corridor.
Thinking about everything that Élan had said, Obi-Wan went to his apartment looking for Anakin. He didn't need to enter the rooms they shared to know the boy wasn't inside. Searching the temple halls for the boy who an hour ago was his Padawan was not how he wanted to spend the night. Reaching into the Force, Obi-Wan let its warmth guide him to the bright light named Anakin Skywalker. Surprised he found himself at the entrance to Qui-Gon's favorite garden. Obi-Wan shook his head at the irony and stepped in to the lion's den so to speak.
"Anakin," Obi called out.
"Here Master, I mean Obi-Wan." Anakin said quietly.
"Élan told me she left you in our quarters," Obi-Wan said trying not to think about the recent tongue-lashing she had given him.
Anakin smiled a little this time, "Yeah she did. She tried to tell me to go to sleep using the Force too, but I just pretended I did. She just wanted to help me. I couldn't hurt her feelings by telling her that I didn't want to go to sleep. So, when she left I came here. I like the way this garden makes me feel. Master Yoda and I spent a lot of time here while you were gone."
Obi- Wan was shocked. He didn't think Master Yoda spent much time in this garden. "Anakin may I join you?" At the boy's wordless nod, Obi-Wan sank to his knees and said, "I wanted to thank you for putting my Master's gift in my travel bag. I needed it. I will show it to you when we return to our quarters. So what did you and Master Yoda do while I was gone?"
"Oh he showed me how to meditate better…I mean an easier way. He had me meditate a lot," Anakin replied indifferently.
"Anakin the life of a Jedi is about balance and to stay balanced you have to spend a lot of time meditating. I know you don't like it now but you will get used to it. I had trouble with it myself." Obi-Wan said.
"Now that you're no longer my Master what is going to happen to me?" Anakin asked in a small voice.
Obi-Wan smiled, "There are several Master's interested in taking you as a Padawan Learner."
"You mean the chosen one right?" Anakin said dejectedly.
"No, I mean you, Anakin Skywalker, Jedi initiate," Obi-Wan prompted.
"Can I ask you something?" Anakin said.
Obi-Wan frowned and then let his face slip into the blank mask, "Yes?"
"Why are you a Jedi?"
Confused about the question Obi-Wan asked, "What?"
"When I had dinner the other night with Élan, I asked her why she was a Jedi. Her first answer was, because that's what I am. Then she explained it to me. She said she was raised to bring justice to those that didn't have any. To bring peace to those who were at war. She said the Force gives the gift of being able to hear and feel it. She returned the gift by being a guardian against the darkness. So why are you a Jedi Obi-Wan?"
This was a question he had never asked himself. Now thinking about it, he realized he didn't know the answer to the question.
"Anakin I can't give you an answer right now. May I ask you the same question?" inquired Obi-wan.
"Now that you're not my Master you can't send me back to being a slave right?"
"No Anakin," Obi said.
"I want to be free. I want to go back and free my mom and the only way to do that is have more money or more power. As a Jedi, I would have power. You get respect as a Jedi that you don't get as a slave."
Obi-Wan mute with surprise got his tongue unstuck and said, "Anakin what do you think of life in the Temple then?"
"It's different than I expected. I feel like a slave to many people here, not just one person. I didn't have so many rules with Wato. I'm not a slave, I'm not the chosen one, I'm a boy, and my name is Anakin Skywalker. I can't wait until I'm finished being a Padawan. I can go back and be with mom between missions." Anakin said tearing at a piece of grass.
"Anakin I'm sorry to tell you that as a Jedi, you will probably never go home again. None of us do, it's one of things we give up to be a Jedi. I have a brother I have never seen. Qui-Gon was fifty before he even knew the name of his home world. As for rules Anakin, we always have to follow some rules; even Master Yoda and the Council follow rules handed down to us thousands of years ago. We are not slaves here at the Temple. This is the life every Jedi chooses or they leave. We need to meditate, me on why I want to be a Jedi and you to decide if you belong here at the Temple," Obi-Wan said in his best Master's voice.
At the other end of the temple Qui-Gon had followed Master Yoda to his personal residence. His former Master offered to share the evening meal with him and Qui-Gon appreciatively accepted.
"Glad to have you back I am. Out of trouble, stay you can not."
Amused, Qui- Gon asked, "Am I in trouble my Master?"
"Hurt him, you did. Done differently, you should have."
Grimacing he placed the plate on the table, "You are right my Master. I wanted him to have the Knighting he had dreamed of having. There are plenty of Masters who can take Anakin. It doesn't have to be Obi-Wan. Especially not on the same day, he is Knighted. If he gave you no choice and decided to take Anakin as a Padawan, he could have spent the next four years in the dorms with the other initiates, giving Obi-Wan time to become a Knight first."
Know this I do, stubborn your Padawan is. Tell him agree, I did not.
"Obi-Wan said he placed his braid on the clone's body before it burned. My Master may I ask a favor?" said Qui-Gon.
Former Master and Padawan spent the next several hours catching up on Temple gossip and current events. The best piece of news Qui-Gon received was the fact that Jena Zan Arbor was dead and buried on her home planet, Sevac II. She was killed, an innocent bystander in a barroom brawl. Qui-Gon smiled at the unpredictability of life. Biding Yoda goodbye, Qui-Gon went searching the temple for his missing Padawan. He had a rift to heal before the ceremony tonight.
Anakin fell asleep in a kneeling position after Obi-Wan had instructed him to meditate. He was awakened by the movement of a figure near the entrance to the garden. Pretending to meditate, he watched the figure of Master Jinn move closer. He could see that Obi-Wan sensed him also and pulled himself out of deep meditation to greet his Master. Aware that Qui-Gon could see through his deception. Anakin opened his eyes and watched the Master's approach.
"Anakin it's good to see you again," the Jedi Master said, greeting the young boy.
Anakin didn't know what to think. Master Yoda explained to him that the real Qui-Gon was the man who encouraged him to race the pod for his freedom. Yet the person who stood up to the Council for him was dead. He liked Qui-Gon and was happy that he was back but he couldn't understand what all the fuss was about. Therefore, he simply said, "Hello Master Jinn, thank you. May I be excused now Master…I mean Obi-Wan?"
Obi-Wan, still unsettled from the earlier discussion said, "Yes Anakin why don't you go to our quarters and work on one of your projects."
{Master}
{Yes Kobe}
{I'm sorry about earlier. I'm developing a habit recently of apologizing for behavior unbecoming to a Jedi.}
{I'm here to ask for forgiveness also Kobe. I'm a Jedi Master with thirty- five years experience and I could have handled that scene in the Council chambers much better.}
{I understand why you did it …. Now}
{How Kobe? I haven't had a chance to explain and. I don't want any more misunderstandings}
{Let's just say a female Padawan about 18 and the center of her Master's universe told me grow up and start acting like the Knight I wanted to be}
{Her habit of saying exactly what she thinks is going to get her in trouble one day and even Barauga won't be able to help her.}
{Help Master? He encourages her. No the truth is, I needed to hear what she said and all of my other friends pitied me too much to tell me}.
{//amusement// I am just glad she's not my Padawan. Nevertheless, Kobe, enough about Élan; I was looking for you because I need to ask you two things. One, where are my clothes? I have worn this tunic every day for two months and it beginning to get threadbare from being washed every day.}
{They are in a box in my new quarters Master. I haven't had the time to give them away yet.}
{Imp. The next thing I wanted to ask was, tonight at the ceremony; it would be my honor if you would wear my Padawan braid. I talked Master Yoda into loaning it for the ceremony. I can't replace the one that was burned with the clone.}
{Yes, master but the honor is mine. Thank you so much my Master for all that, you have taught me}.
Council Chambers Six Hours Later
As the brilliant ball of orange fire faded from view, twelve members of the Jedi Council enter the room. Without speaking each one is seated before the space on the Council room floor rapidly fills up with devoted friends of the Padawan. Even Dakota Rains was in attendance. Bant, Reft and Garen had made extraordinary efforts to be on hand for the re-knighting of Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Last, to enter the room was Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Master, Qui-Gon Jinn. Both dressed in their finest tunics. Obi-Wan clad all in cream colors with a dark brown Padawan braid standing out against the light colored garment. Qui-Gon was dressed brown tunics, his hair pulled back neatly and tied with a leather cord. Walking to the center of the room and standing side by side, both Master and Padawan center themselves in the Force, their focus on the twelve members of the Council. The room becomes quiet and the Council members start the ritual.
"Master Qui-Gon Jinn, your Padawan learner, Obi-Wan Kenobi, has passed the trials the Force has given him. Do you concur?"
"Yes," was the clear response.
"Master Qui-Gon Jinn, your Padawan learner, Obi-Wan Kenobi, defends and exemplifies the mandates set forth by the codes of the Jedi. Do you concur?"
"Yes," was the clear response.
"Master Qui-Gon Jinn, your Padawan learner, Obi-Wan Kenobi, walks the path of light and vows to defend against the darkness. Do you concur?"
"Yes," was the clear response.
"Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi, do you swear to maintain and defend the Jedi code and hold back the darkness?"
"I swear."
"Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Council confers on you the level of Jedi Knight. Please kneel."
Turning to face Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan smiling briefly, sank to his knees, and watched his Master mirror his movement. Then a small green Master climbs out of his chair and steadily walks with difficulty to the men kneeling in the center of floor. Placing a gnarled claw on each head he smiles, closing his eyes he reaches into the Force and begins to sever the bond from Qui-Gon's and Obi-Wan's mind.
"Complete it is."
Qui-Gon rises to his feet and takes three steps closing the distance between him and Obi-Wan. Reaching into his belt, he pulls out the ceremonial blade used to cut all Padawan braids. Gently pulling the hair away from the head, he places the blade underneath and quickly slices the hair from the scalp. Brandishing the braid for all to see, Qui-Gon held out his hand to Obi-Wan saying, "Rise Obi-Wan Kenobi and take your place as a Knight of the Jedi Order."
The silence in the Council Chambers exploded with deafening roars of approval for the young Knight, Obi-Wan Kenobi.
The End