It was quite possibly the hardest thing Qui-Gon Jinn had ever done. He intentionally broke the bond he had shared with Xanatos Crion, his oldest padawan. The bond was not a strong one because it had been broken before when Xani went off to fight a civil war on his home world.
Qui-Gon got up from his kneeling position just as he heard Obi-Wan call to him. His youngest padawan was just awaking and Jinn went to help him out of bed.
The master shook off a feeling of sadness. It was always sad to break a bond which was usually broken when a padawan reached knighthood. He had to break the bond with Xanatos because after listening to him he realized he was totally against Obi-Wan being his apprentice any longer and that he might actually harm the boy to keep him from staying at the temple. Jinn was sure Xanatos must have been influenced by Master Plo Koon.
//Surely Xanatos did not build up this hatred for Obi-Wan all be himself. He must have had help to build that much venomous feelings toward my padawan. But I could not let it go on.//
His thoughts of what he had done had to be put back on the back burner. Obi-Wan needed him now and that was the most important thing in his life and he was going to see to it this time that he and obi-Wan did not mess up. They would find a way to stay together.
Xanatos became more alert, shook the feeling of emptiness off and got up from the middle of one of the halls in the temple. He was passed by a couple of young padawans who glared at him with confusion for being on his hands and knees in the middle of a hall.
The shock of breaking the bond was one that Xani had not expected as he had the last time it was broken. The emptiness in his mind was unwelcome at the moment but the resentment for his master would soon overtake that emptiness and fill his mind with hatred and visions of revenge. He would see to it that his master paid for this embarrassment, for that is what it would be when the council and the rest of the temple found out what Jinn had down.
Having a bond broken by a master in the way Jinn did it normally brought shame on that padawan. It was not a good thing at all.
//This had better interfere with my knighthood. No I don't think Master Plo Koon will let it. I will go tell him now what's happened.//
Qui-Gon straightened his tunic before he entered his bedroom where Obi-Wan had slept.
"Hi master. I didn't even hear you when you got up."
"Well I had to wake my legs up from where you slept on them all night. Ready for some break-fast and some conversation?"
Qui-Gon knew he had to once and for all settle things between them. It was even more important now that they did so because of what he had done. He had committed himself to what he planned to do. He in a sense had chosen Obi-Wan Kenobi over Xanatos Crion. He could not let Xani tear down any progress Obi-Wan might make any longer. He just hoped all this was for nothing. He hoped that Obi-Wan did want them together.
Jinn lifted the boy up out of bed with ease. Obi-Wan's arms around his master remained there a little longer than necessary before Obi-Wan released his grip on his master. There was a need for physical contact and Qui-Gon allowed the boy to hug him as long as Obi-Wan felt necessary.
"I have had a lot of memories in bits and pieces come to me this morning. That is why I took so long getting up. I laid here and went over each and every little memory I had of my past."
"That's excellent. Now if only if we can get you back in your rehab program and get your legs moving as they should. You know I think with things coming back to you so quickly it will be only a couple of more days before I can take the force bracelet off of you. Then I will be able to help you learn to manipulate the force in a correct Jedi manner. Things are looking up for us Obi."
"Yes well I only hope I have not added to the problems with what I said last night and asking for an audience before the council. Will that be to hard to fix master?"
Jinn could hear the concern in his apprentice's voice. He too had concerns about the meeting in front of the council, but he would not let Obi-Wan know that. He wanted the day to go well for his apprentice even if it had been awful for him; not because of Obi-Wan but because of what he had to do to Xanatos.
"No, don't worry about it Obi-Wan. Let me take care of everything. Besides Master Yoda will be back today and he will be on our side I am sure. You worry about getting better and let me take care of the matter with the council."
Qui-Gon did not think it was the time to tell Obi-Wan about Xanatos. He wanted to talk to Xanatos before he talked to Obi. It might have seemed like a cowardly way to have broken the bond but when Xani walked out, Jinn knew at that very moment what he must do, and he did it. He knew he would also tell Xanatos that he would have to pack his things to move. Qui-Gon did not want him around Obi-Wan anymore than was necessary.
Master Plo Koon was livid in his condemnation of Jinn when he heard that Qui-Gon had broken his training bond with Xanatos. A master is allowed at any time to break the bond. It would have been better if Qui-Gon had told Xani first but because he didn't, did not mean it would not carry any weight against Master Jinn if Plo Koon did haul him up before the council. The council themselves would question Jinn's judgment, but when all was said and done, they would not sanction the master for it. No, he had a better idea. He would champion Xanatos' cause in front of the council. Master Jinn should not have any qualms about allowing Xanatos to become a knight.
//Surely Master Jinn and Xani's relationship hasn't deteriorated that far yet.//
Master Plo Koon knew well that Jinn could use Xanatos as a pawn. If he tried to have Obi-Wan put out of the temple then Jinn could try to put forth his objection to allow Xani his knighthood. The knife had a double edged blade where blackmail was concerned, but Master Koon would almost bet his life that Jinn would not lower himself to do anything unJedi-like. Jinn would not deny Xani his knighthood just because Plo Koon would battle to have Obi-Wan thrown out of the temple; the very temple that had been his home since he was two years old.
############
Master Yoda stepped off the little rickety ship that had brought him to his beloved temple. Now Master Yoda being a Jedi for over eight hundred years and attuned with the force for just as many, was well aware that there were problems within the temple. He could feel them through the force. He also could feel along the thin thread of a bond that he and Qui-Gon still shared that the problems centered around his most beloved former padawan, Qui-Gon Jinn.
//Trouble he finds no matter were he goes. Up to me he probably thinks to solve it I will. //
Master Yoda knew deep in his heart that if Qui-Gon needed him he would be there for him as it always was and as it should be. The fondness for his last padawan only increased with years.
Master Yoda had a padawan put his valise in his quarters and went to seek Qui-Gon. He was curious as to what was going on at the temple that would create such rumbling through the force. Something almost evil had occurred to someone inside the temple walls and Master Yoda planned to get to the bottom of this. Of course he did not think the evilness had anything to do directly with Qui-Gon, but he got the feeling that Jinn was linked in some way to the evilness. He let the training bond he still shared with Qui-Gon steer him in the right direction to Master Jinn. He found him quickly.
"Know I do trouble of some kind you have found. Much disturbance in the force behind these walls. Get to the bottom of this I will. Tell me now what need of me you have."
Leave it to Master Yoda to be abrupt and to the point. Qui-Gon affectionately smiled at his old master.
"Why Master Yoda don't you have a hello for me before you start your inquisition? Why would you think I am in trouble and need your help?"
"Mock me you will not Master Jinn. Too the point you will be now. What trouble have you found yourself in this time?"………………….
Jinn had been outside the healer's ward when Master Yoda found him. That is where they continued their conversation and Qui quickly went over all the important points to his story had he could think of. Master Yoda did not interrupt his former padawan while he told his tale. He would occasionally frown and tilt his head or allow his ears to twitch questioningly when Master Jinn got to the deeper, more meaningful parts. The only sound that came from Master Yoda was when Jinn told about Obi-Wan's accusations the night before at the table. He told how Obi thought it was convenient for Xanatos that Norton Gilroy was dead. The old master let out his signature grunt "HUMPH", raised one eyebrow and Qui-Gon could have sworn Yoda smiled just a wee bit.
The only thanks Master Jinn received for having told the story with such meticulous care was a swift hit a crossed his chins with Master Yoda's gimer stick.
"What was that for?"
"For finding problems while gone I am. Wait for me to fix them you did?"
"Well no master, but I did think you might be able to help us with the council though."
Now the smile that crept a crossed the old master's face was clearly evident.
"Know me still you do Padawan. Help you I will if I can."
Jinn bent down in front of Master Yoda and bowed his head.
"I am glad you are home Master."
"Yoda affectionately touched the crown of Jinn's head.
"Glad of it I am also Padawan. Hope to keep you out of more trouble I do. Job it is of the master to care for his Padawan no matter how old or how big."
With the familiar shake to his head that usually denoted a confused state, Master Yoda left his former padawan. He did not speak of the rightness of Jinn's decision to break the bond with Xanatos, but neither did he mention any wrongness of it. It was like his old master to keep his nose out decisions he felt truly did not involve him.
Obi-Wan waited for his master to come in before he showed him how much progress he had made. Jinn had been told by Mace of it but he had not witnessed till now for himself.
"Obi-Wan I am astounded that you have been able to accomplish so much. Obi-Wan and Healer Darue both smiled, but Master Healer Darue was the first to speak.
"Yes Padawan Kenobi and had your stubbornness not prevented you from coming the last two days to therapy the progress could have be greater."
Obi-Wan hung his head in shame and thought he was being reprimanded by the healer.
"Ah well lad never mind. If you continue now to make it to your therapy it will be more than enough. You can easily make up for the last two days."
Darue was glad to see he had put another smile on Obi-Wan's face. The boy had been beaming with happiness all through his session with the senior healer.
##########Back in temple gardens############
Qui-Gon detoured to the temple gardens before taking Obi-Wan home. He wanted to tell his padawan about what had happened between he and Xanatos. He opportunity had not presented itself to discuss anything with Xanatos and Jinn did not want Obi-Wan to find out about the broken bond from someone during an idle gossip session between knights or padwans. News always traveled fast through the temple, especially if it was gossip worthy.
Qui-Gon wanted a serene calm place to do it and the temple gardens was where he chose.
He and Obi-Wan sat in the middle of the beauty of the temple gardens while once again Jinn told what had gone on between he and Xanatos.
Obi-Wan's beautiful cloud blue eyes widened with shock when his master finally got to where he broke the training bond.
Obi-Wan took one of his master's overly large hands and placed it in his smaller smooth one.
"I am so sorry Master. You did that for me?
"In a way Obi-Wan, but do not feel any guilt over it. I did it for a great many reasons, but Xanatos must carry the heaviest burden of blame. Xanatos is not the same as when I trained him before he left for Telos. No this Xani is one I don't know, I just didn't realize it until last night when he spoke of you."
Obi-Wan did not ask for details but he imagined Xanatos did not have one good word to say about the other padawan.
"It's all right Master I will help you heal your hurt as your are helping me."
Jinn smiled and started to say something. Then from behind them they heard someone applauding.
"How poignant. It was like a scene from a play Master, little Obi. You and he consoling each other, about the big bad Xani that master felt he had to cut from his life. Did you tell Obi-Wan how you so cruelly decided to cut our bond without telling me first? You took the back door when it came to warning me of our impending separation. In essence you betrayed my trust in you; stabbed me in the back. Is it your hope to keep me from my knighthood as well? I think you may run into problems there. I have done nothing to warrant me not becoming a Knight and I think I have someone of substantial standing in the Jedi order who can attest to that."
Of course Xanatos meant Master Plo Koon..
Xanatos was livid when he went out to search for his former master but when he found him with Obi-Wan and the things they said made him all the more angry at the two.
"I will not keep you from your knighthood Xanatos but I hope you meditate on your feelings of hatred for me and for Obi-Wan."
"Oh is that what you saw it as Master? I offered you my life if you would just get rid of him and you call it hatred.."
"Do not further complicate matters Xanatos or I will be forced to tell the council of your wayward thoughts."
"Is that a threat master so I will keep quiet in front of Obi-Wan here?"
"I don't have to make threats. It is clearly a statement of fact."
From behind Xanatos the voice of Plo Koon resonated through the garden.
"Fact in your eyes only, but the council may not see it entirely your way when I go before them and tell of Xani's worthiness and how you pushed him to the side to train a boy not worth being in the Jedi order let alone be trained. He will never reach the potential he had before his set backs. Yes the council will be quite interested in my side of the story."
"Then I think we have nothing more to say certainly not in front of a child. You do what you must. But know this Xanatos Crion I will do and say all the truth if it will help me keep Obi-Wan by my side."
Jinn pushed the hover chair around Master Plo Koon and Xanatos never once looking at either. He took a bewildered Obi-Wan out to explain all that happened before him just then.
##########
During the time that Qui-Gon and Xanatos were involved in their less than friendly confrontation, Yoda was busy with his own plan to help his padawan.
He commed the most cohesive group of council members that he could think of that would gather around Qui-Gon and support his views just as long as they were indicative to the Jedi mantra. In this case Jinn had every right to do what he did both with where Obi-Wan was concerned and Xanatos too. Master Windu, Master Adi Gallia, Master Eeth Koth, and Master Depa Billaba were the council masters Yoda called to the council chambers to discuss the upcoming meeting between the temple council members and Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Mace was not as surprised as the rest of the council masters were to hear the news of Jinn breaking the bond. That is because they were not privy to Jinn's private life as Mace Windu was. Being Jinn's best friend had its perks and its draw backs.
The drawback for both Mace and Yoda would be to fairly cast judgment on Jinn's decision to break the bond with Xanatos, on Padawan Xanatos pending knighthood and of what should be done with Obi-Wan.
Mace knew he would have to listen to the force in reaching his decision. He only hoped the force saw things his way when it came to his friend, Master Qui-Gon Jinn…………..The council masters were to meet the next morning with Obi-Wan, Master Jinn and Padawan Crion. They had their hands full because they would weigh Jinn's judgement to break the bond with Xani, decide if he would be allowed to be a knight and most importantly and harder to decide was Obi-Wan Kenobi's fate.
Master Darue had already given his report on Obi-Wan's condition. Although it was a favorable report, several of the masters where hesitant to side with the boy and allow him to continue his apprenticeship. Being a Jedi was a demanding circulum, one not taken lightly. One council master voiced his concern that even if Obi-Wan's memory and his walking ability returned, the stress alone from the enormous underaking of his recovery might be too much for Obi-Wan to withstand. It was only a suggestion by Master Eeth Koth but a few of the masters nodded their agreement when it was voiced.
Although the meeting would be tomorrow the council had spent the good part of the last two days discussing what should be done and while nothing was etched in stone, Mace feared that of all the three things decided, Obi-Wan might be the one they could not convince the council to go along with. Jinn was coming very close to losing his padawan even though he had no knowledge of it yet.
Padawan Xanatos moved out of the Jinn's home until the decision about him was made. The council could order Master Jinn to take Xani back but that was highly unlikely. The council would more than likely give Xani his knighthood and his own little one room apartment. No one wanted to go up against Qui-Gon and tell him he had to take Xani back. Giving Xanatos his knighthood would be easier and more likely.
Xani moved in with Master Plo Koon who graciously offered him his extra bedroom because there was not place to really put a misplaced padawan and that was what Xani was until he reached Knighthood.
Xanatos was busy dragging the last of his things in Master Plo Koon's apartment when the master returned from the meeting with the council concerning the Jinn/Kenobi/ Crion problem.
"Ah just the man I wanted to see. I think things went exceptionally well today."
Plo Koon closed his apartment door once they both entered. He wanted privacy before he continued with a conversation that technically he was not supposed to have with Padawan Xani.
"Are you permitted to tell me what went on today Master Plo Koon?"
"Well let's just say it would not be wise for the council to find out I mentioned anything about the meeting today.However the council is not going to know anything unless you or I tell them. I'm certainly not going too, are you?"
He looked over at Xani, elbowed him in the ribs and elicited a laugh from the young soon-to-be knight.
However dry his sense of humor was, it surprised Xanatos that Master Plo Koon even had one.
"No Master Plo Koon, my lips are also sealed when it comes to you."
Now Xanatos was a sore loser to Obi-Wan over their master, but he had found so far that leaving his master had not been nearly as hard as he thought it would be. Even the emptiness and lonely feeling had started to subside. It was replaced by admiration and almost idol worship of Council Master Plo Koon.
##########
The day of the meeting for the three Jedi, Jinn Kenobi and Crion finally arrived. They waited outside the double doors to the temple council chambers until they were called for.
Xanatos entered the large hall with the half circular table where the council masters sat with all the confidence he could muster. He carried himself regally, thought Obi-Wan.
Padawan Kenobi on the other hand, was less than confident about his entrance. He could not be regal in a hover chair that clicked and clacked along as he entered. The older chair made enough noise that none of the council masters could ignore his entrance. Jinn entered the immense hall as he always did, his air of elgance was there as it always was no matter where he happened to be.
Master Yoda was the first to speak.
"Step forward you will Padawan Crion."
Xani stepped forward and bowed to the council masters as was required of him.
"Know we do, no longer Master Jinn's apprentice you are. Wish to be a knight you do still."
stupid troll of course I want to become a knight was what Xani thought but of course he said something quite different.
"Yes Master Yoda I want very much to be promoted to a Jedi knight through the temple of Coruscant, if the council sees fit."
"Worthy of knighthood you think you are?"
"I see no reason why I should not become a knight just because my master and I have parted ways. It seems our views are not as they used to be and we seem to disagree on certain matters."
"Ask you of your master I did not Padawan Crion. Asked you of your worthiness for knighthood, I did."
"Oh come off it Master Yoda quit bullying the young man. I know what he is trying to clear up, certainly you do."
Plo Koon did not normally interrupt Master Yoda but he felt he must defend Xanatos from the beginning if Xani was to stand a chance against Master Yoda, Mace, and the others who would favor Jinn's perspective of things.
"Tolerate discourtesy from anyone during this meeting I will not Master Plo Koon. Assume I do I can continue and interruptions there will not be."
Master Yoda did not plan to let Plo Koon start calling the shots during this meeting. He knew the old crony of a master well enough to know if given the opportunity Plo Koon would try to turn everything on Jinn and make it all his fault, with Xani being the totally innocent party. Yoda knew that was not true.
"Have heard of no objection major enough to keep Crion from Knighthood. Request one thing though we do."
Always a catch isn't there Master Green Troll. Don't want me to be a knight now do ya?
There again Xani had his thoughts but he did not voice them. He bowed again respectively to Master Yoda.
"And what might be the one request of me that you ask my most honered Master Yoda?"
"Ask we do to find a seasoned master to over see you for one standard year we do. Mission he will go with you. If all is well then may leave this master and mission alone you will go on. How say you?"
//Just great you meddlesome troll you. What can I say? I am forced into this ridiculous mandate.//
"I have no objections to that Master Yoda, but I would have to find a master without a pad wan, yet willing to take me even after I have be shunned without reason by the great Master Jinn. Surely no master would oversee my first year of knighthood with such a bad mark on my record."
Master Jinn felt the need to step up and in some way defend Xanatos because he had done nothing to warrant being denied his knighthood. Well that is what Jinn thought, of course Xanatos knew differently.
"I have to defend Xanatos Master Yoda. He has done nothing wrong. It was a disagreement between us and nothing more."
"You padawan he is no longer Master Jinn. This concerns you now it does not. Please refrain from interrupting again."
Jinn was shocked that his master who address him in such a manner. Yoda was usually lenient when it came to chastising his former apprentice especially in public.
Master Jinn bowed and stepped back into place along side Obi-Wan who sat in almost sheer terror as he awaited his fate before the council. He hoped they would not be as hard on him as Yoda seemed to be on Xanatos. Although Obi-Wan did not care for Xani, to see him squirm in front of the council was worrisome because he wondered if he would be put in the same position. The usually confident cocky Xanatos obliviously had lost some of that confidence as he faced Master Yoda and the council.
Master Plo Koon had known this would be coming. He had not mentioned it to Xanatos because he feared Xani would not like the idea but he thought once trapped into the situation Yoda had just put him in Plo Koon's care. The likelihood of being turned down would be less in front of the council when it came right down to it. He offered up his solution to the matter.
"I offer myself up to be the master to oversee to Padawan Crion's first year of knighthood. I do not concur with the council in their stipulations. I think Padawan Crion is more than capable of becoming a knight on his own without any supervision. Nevertheless, the council has seen fit to make him have one then I will be that master if he would allow it."
Jinn was not at all surprised when Master Plo Koon spoke up and volunteered his services as a master for Xanatos. The other council members who were not as familiar with the growing adoration between Xani and Plo Koon were startled to hear his offer of assistance. They had never in their life seen Plo Koon offer to do anything to help any other living being.
Windu only rolled his eyes. Plo Koon had not shocked him with this news. What had shocked the master was how he had taken up with Xani, and championed his every movement as if he was the "Chosen one".
Yoda tilted his head and squinted one eye as he waited on Xanatos too to say something. He finally had to jar Xanatos out of the shocked silence he was in.
"Well have all day we do not Padawan. Other matters this council has before them this day. Decided have you? Allow Master Plo Koon to oversee your knighthood.??"
"Well yes thank you Master Plo Koon. I would be honored to spend a year under the guidance of the great Master Plo Koon.
Now it was Master Yoda's turn to have thoughts not spoken.
//Lay it on thick you do. Need a shovel I would for so much poodoo.//
Jinn heard the wizen master through their mind link and shot him a look of condemnation for his unusual thought. He knew Master Yoda dropped his shields and opened their bond enough for Jinn to hear his thoughts. He wanted Qui-Gon too.
"Lavish praise on Master Plo Koon you can on your own time. Council time this is now. Since masterless you are if Master Plo Koon wishes to assist in your knighthood celebrations and braid cutting, allow it I will?"
Plo Koon beamed a smile which was certainly uncommon for him.
"Yes certainly I would be honored to assist in any way I can in Xani's… I mean Padawan's Crion's knighthood ceremony."
Jinn felt a pang of hurt shoot through him. It had not been that long ago that he anxiously awaited Xani's knighting, now it meant nothing to him. It almost brought him shame, but he would never go so far as to admit it.
"Then go you may Padawan Crion. Two other matters we have to decide here this day."
"Well since some of the proceedings include me, I would like to be allowed to stay. I know Padawan Kenobi might voice lies about me and I would like to be here to defend myself if I may?"
"Stay in the back you may Padawan Crion. However leave it to the council you will to decide if Padawan Kenobi speaks lies he does."
Master Yoda turned his attention to Master Qui-Gon Jinn.
"Now you may speak Master Jinn. Step forward you will. Been accused of wrongly breaking bond with apprentice without forethought on the matter. Been also accused of ignoring one apprentice in favor of the other, you have. What say you in your defense?."…………………………....
[b]#####[/b]
I have been faithful with being prompt on this story. Feedback appreciated. Thank You to all those who do send me feeback.
PEACE ewen
Qui-Gon got up from his kneeling position just as he heard Obi-Wan call to him. His youngest padawan was just awaking and Jinn went to help him out of bed.
The master shook off a feeling of sadness. It was always sad to break a bond which was usually broken when a padawan reached knighthood. He had to break the bond with Xanatos because after listening to him he realized he was totally against Obi-Wan being his apprentice any longer and that he might actually harm the boy to keep him from staying at the temple. Jinn was sure Xanatos must have been influenced by Master Plo Koon.
//Surely Xanatos did not build up this hatred for Obi-Wan all be himself. He must have had help to build that much venomous feelings toward my padawan. But I could not let it go on.//
His thoughts of what he had done had to be put back on the back burner. Obi-Wan needed him now and that was the most important thing in his life and he was going to see to it this time that he and obi-Wan did not mess up. They would find a way to stay together.
Xanatos became more alert, shook the feeling of emptiness off and got up from the middle of one of the halls in the temple. He was passed by a couple of young padawans who glared at him with confusion for being on his hands and knees in the middle of a hall.
The shock of breaking the bond was one that Xani had not expected as he had the last time it was broken. The emptiness in his mind was unwelcome at the moment but the resentment for his master would soon overtake that emptiness and fill his mind with hatred and visions of revenge. He would see to it that his master paid for this embarrassment, for that is what it would be when the council and the rest of the temple found out what Jinn had down.
Having a bond broken by a master in the way Jinn did it normally brought shame on that padawan. It was not a good thing at all.
//This had better interfere with my knighthood. No I don't think Master Plo Koon will let it. I will go tell him now what's happened.//
Qui-Gon straightened his tunic before he entered his bedroom where Obi-Wan had slept.
"Hi master. I didn't even hear you when you got up."
"Well I had to wake my legs up from where you slept on them all night. Ready for some break-fast and some conversation?"
Qui-Gon knew he had to once and for all settle things between them. It was even more important now that they did so because of what he had done. He had committed himself to what he planned to do. He in a sense had chosen Obi-Wan Kenobi over Xanatos Crion. He could not let Xani tear down any progress Obi-Wan might make any longer. He just hoped all this was for nothing. He hoped that Obi-Wan did want them together.
Jinn lifted the boy up out of bed with ease. Obi-Wan's arms around his master remained there a little longer than necessary before Obi-Wan released his grip on his master. There was a need for physical contact and Qui-Gon allowed the boy to hug him as long as Obi-Wan felt necessary.
"I have had a lot of memories in bits and pieces come to me this morning. That is why I took so long getting up. I laid here and went over each and every little memory I had of my past."
"That's excellent. Now if only if we can get you back in your rehab program and get your legs moving as they should. You know I think with things coming back to you so quickly it will be only a couple of more days before I can take the force bracelet off of you. Then I will be able to help you learn to manipulate the force in a correct Jedi manner. Things are looking up for us Obi."
"Yes well I only hope I have not added to the problems with what I said last night and asking for an audience before the council. Will that be to hard to fix master?"
Jinn could hear the concern in his apprentice's voice. He too had concerns about the meeting in front of the council, but he would not let Obi-Wan know that. He wanted the day to go well for his apprentice even if it had been awful for him; not because of Obi-Wan but because of what he had to do to Xanatos.
"No, don't worry about it Obi-Wan. Let me take care of everything. Besides Master Yoda will be back today and he will be on our side I am sure. You worry about getting better and let me take care of the matter with the council."
Qui-Gon did not think it was the time to tell Obi-Wan about Xanatos. He wanted to talk to Xanatos before he talked to Obi. It might have seemed like a cowardly way to have broken the bond but when Xani walked out, Jinn knew at that very moment what he must do, and he did it. He knew he would also tell Xanatos that he would have to pack his things to move. Qui-Gon did not want him around Obi-Wan anymore than was necessary.
Master Plo Koon was livid in his condemnation of Jinn when he heard that Qui-Gon had broken his training bond with Xanatos. A master is allowed at any time to break the bond. It would have been better if Qui-Gon had told Xani first but because he didn't, did not mean it would not carry any weight against Master Jinn if Plo Koon did haul him up before the council. The council themselves would question Jinn's judgment, but when all was said and done, they would not sanction the master for it. No, he had a better idea. He would champion Xanatos' cause in front of the council. Master Jinn should not have any qualms about allowing Xanatos to become a knight.
//Surely Master Jinn and Xani's relationship hasn't deteriorated that far yet.//
Master Plo Koon knew well that Jinn could use Xanatos as a pawn. If he tried to have Obi-Wan put out of the temple then Jinn could try to put forth his objection to allow Xani his knighthood. The knife had a double edged blade where blackmail was concerned, but Master Koon would almost bet his life that Jinn would not lower himself to do anything unJedi-like. Jinn would not deny Xani his knighthood just because Plo Koon would battle to have Obi-Wan thrown out of the temple; the very temple that had been his home since he was two years old.
############
Master Yoda stepped off the little rickety ship that had brought him to his beloved temple. Now Master Yoda being a Jedi for over eight hundred years and attuned with the force for just as many, was well aware that there were problems within the temple. He could feel them through the force. He also could feel along the thin thread of a bond that he and Qui-Gon still shared that the problems centered around his most beloved former padawan, Qui-Gon Jinn.
//Trouble he finds no matter were he goes. Up to me he probably thinks to solve it I will. //
Master Yoda knew deep in his heart that if Qui-Gon needed him he would be there for him as it always was and as it should be. The fondness for his last padawan only increased with years.
Master Yoda had a padawan put his valise in his quarters and went to seek Qui-Gon. He was curious as to what was going on at the temple that would create such rumbling through the force. Something almost evil had occurred to someone inside the temple walls and Master Yoda planned to get to the bottom of this. Of course he did not think the evilness had anything to do directly with Qui-Gon, but he got the feeling that Jinn was linked in some way to the evilness. He let the training bond he still shared with Qui-Gon steer him in the right direction to Master Jinn. He found him quickly.
"Know I do trouble of some kind you have found. Much disturbance in the force behind these walls. Get to the bottom of this I will. Tell me now what need of me you have."
Leave it to Master Yoda to be abrupt and to the point. Qui-Gon affectionately smiled at his old master.
"Why Master Yoda don't you have a hello for me before you start your inquisition? Why would you think I am in trouble and need your help?"
"Mock me you will not Master Jinn. Too the point you will be now. What trouble have you found yourself in this time?"………………….
Jinn had been outside the healer's ward when Master Yoda found him. That is where they continued their conversation and Qui quickly went over all the important points to his story had he could think of. Master Yoda did not interrupt his former padawan while he told his tale. He would occasionally frown and tilt his head or allow his ears to twitch questioningly when Master Jinn got to the deeper, more meaningful parts. The only sound that came from Master Yoda was when Jinn told about Obi-Wan's accusations the night before at the table. He told how Obi thought it was convenient for Xanatos that Norton Gilroy was dead. The old master let out his signature grunt "HUMPH", raised one eyebrow and Qui-Gon could have sworn Yoda smiled just a wee bit.
The only thanks Master Jinn received for having told the story with such meticulous care was a swift hit a crossed his chins with Master Yoda's gimer stick.
"What was that for?"
"For finding problems while gone I am. Wait for me to fix them you did?"
"Well no master, but I did think you might be able to help us with the council though."
Now the smile that crept a crossed the old master's face was clearly evident.
"Know me still you do Padawan. Help you I will if I can."
Jinn bent down in front of Master Yoda and bowed his head.
"I am glad you are home Master."
"Yoda affectionately touched the crown of Jinn's head.
"Glad of it I am also Padawan. Hope to keep you out of more trouble I do. Job it is of the master to care for his Padawan no matter how old or how big."
With the familiar shake to his head that usually denoted a confused state, Master Yoda left his former padawan. He did not speak of the rightness of Jinn's decision to break the bond with Xanatos, but neither did he mention any wrongness of it. It was like his old master to keep his nose out decisions he felt truly did not involve him.
Obi-Wan waited for his master to come in before he showed him how much progress he had made. Jinn had been told by Mace of it but he had not witnessed till now for himself.
"Obi-Wan I am astounded that you have been able to accomplish so much. Obi-Wan and Healer Darue both smiled, but Master Healer Darue was the first to speak.
"Yes Padawan Kenobi and had your stubbornness not prevented you from coming the last two days to therapy the progress could have be greater."
Obi-Wan hung his head in shame and thought he was being reprimanded by the healer.
"Ah well lad never mind. If you continue now to make it to your therapy it will be more than enough. You can easily make up for the last two days."
Darue was glad to see he had put another smile on Obi-Wan's face. The boy had been beaming with happiness all through his session with the senior healer.
##########Back in temple gardens############
Qui-Gon detoured to the temple gardens before taking Obi-Wan home. He wanted to tell his padawan about what had happened between he and Xanatos. He opportunity had not presented itself to discuss anything with Xanatos and Jinn did not want Obi-Wan to find out about the broken bond from someone during an idle gossip session between knights or padwans. News always traveled fast through the temple, especially if it was gossip worthy.
Qui-Gon wanted a serene calm place to do it and the temple gardens was where he chose.
He and Obi-Wan sat in the middle of the beauty of the temple gardens while once again Jinn told what had gone on between he and Xanatos.
Obi-Wan's beautiful cloud blue eyes widened with shock when his master finally got to where he broke the training bond.
Obi-Wan took one of his master's overly large hands and placed it in his smaller smooth one.
"I am so sorry Master. You did that for me?
"In a way Obi-Wan, but do not feel any guilt over it. I did it for a great many reasons, but Xanatos must carry the heaviest burden of blame. Xanatos is not the same as when I trained him before he left for Telos. No this Xani is one I don't know, I just didn't realize it until last night when he spoke of you."
Obi-Wan did not ask for details but he imagined Xanatos did not have one good word to say about the other padawan.
"It's all right Master I will help you heal your hurt as your are helping me."
Jinn smiled and started to say something. Then from behind them they heard someone applauding.
"How poignant. It was like a scene from a play Master, little Obi. You and he consoling each other, about the big bad Xani that master felt he had to cut from his life. Did you tell Obi-Wan how you so cruelly decided to cut our bond without telling me first? You took the back door when it came to warning me of our impending separation. In essence you betrayed my trust in you; stabbed me in the back. Is it your hope to keep me from my knighthood as well? I think you may run into problems there. I have done nothing to warrant me not becoming a Knight and I think I have someone of substantial standing in the Jedi order who can attest to that."
Of course Xanatos meant Master Plo Koon..
Xanatos was livid when he went out to search for his former master but when he found him with Obi-Wan and the things they said made him all the more angry at the two.
"I will not keep you from your knighthood Xanatos but I hope you meditate on your feelings of hatred for me and for Obi-Wan."
"Oh is that what you saw it as Master? I offered you my life if you would just get rid of him and you call it hatred.."
"Do not further complicate matters Xanatos or I will be forced to tell the council of your wayward thoughts."
"Is that a threat master so I will keep quiet in front of Obi-Wan here?"
"I don't have to make threats. It is clearly a statement of fact."
From behind Xanatos the voice of Plo Koon resonated through the garden.
"Fact in your eyes only, but the council may not see it entirely your way when I go before them and tell of Xani's worthiness and how you pushed him to the side to train a boy not worth being in the Jedi order let alone be trained. He will never reach the potential he had before his set backs. Yes the council will be quite interested in my side of the story."
"Then I think we have nothing more to say certainly not in front of a child. You do what you must. But know this Xanatos Crion I will do and say all the truth if it will help me keep Obi-Wan by my side."
Jinn pushed the hover chair around Master Plo Koon and Xanatos never once looking at either. He took a bewildered Obi-Wan out to explain all that happened before him just then.
##########
During the time that Qui-Gon and Xanatos were involved in their less than friendly confrontation, Yoda was busy with his own plan to help his padawan.
He commed the most cohesive group of council members that he could think of that would gather around Qui-Gon and support his views just as long as they were indicative to the Jedi mantra. In this case Jinn had every right to do what he did both with where Obi-Wan was concerned and Xanatos too. Master Windu, Master Adi Gallia, Master Eeth Koth, and Master Depa Billaba were the council masters Yoda called to the council chambers to discuss the upcoming meeting between the temple council members and Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Mace was not as surprised as the rest of the council masters were to hear the news of Jinn breaking the bond. That is because they were not privy to Jinn's private life as Mace Windu was. Being Jinn's best friend had its perks and its draw backs.
The drawback for both Mace and Yoda would be to fairly cast judgment on Jinn's decision to break the bond with Xanatos, on Padawan Xanatos pending knighthood and of what should be done with Obi-Wan.
Mace knew he would have to listen to the force in reaching his decision. He only hoped the force saw things his way when it came to his friend, Master Qui-Gon Jinn…………..The council masters were to meet the next morning with Obi-Wan, Master Jinn and Padawan Crion. They had their hands full because they would weigh Jinn's judgement to break the bond with Xani, decide if he would be allowed to be a knight and most importantly and harder to decide was Obi-Wan Kenobi's fate.
Master Darue had already given his report on Obi-Wan's condition. Although it was a favorable report, several of the masters where hesitant to side with the boy and allow him to continue his apprenticeship. Being a Jedi was a demanding circulum, one not taken lightly. One council master voiced his concern that even if Obi-Wan's memory and his walking ability returned, the stress alone from the enormous underaking of his recovery might be too much for Obi-Wan to withstand. It was only a suggestion by Master Eeth Koth but a few of the masters nodded their agreement when it was voiced.
Although the meeting would be tomorrow the council had spent the good part of the last two days discussing what should be done and while nothing was etched in stone, Mace feared that of all the three things decided, Obi-Wan might be the one they could not convince the council to go along with. Jinn was coming very close to losing his padawan even though he had no knowledge of it yet.
Padawan Xanatos moved out of the Jinn's home until the decision about him was made. The council could order Master Jinn to take Xani back but that was highly unlikely. The council would more than likely give Xani his knighthood and his own little one room apartment. No one wanted to go up against Qui-Gon and tell him he had to take Xani back. Giving Xanatos his knighthood would be easier and more likely.
Xani moved in with Master Plo Koon who graciously offered him his extra bedroom because there was not place to really put a misplaced padawan and that was what Xani was until he reached Knighthood.
Xanatos was busy dragging the last of his things in Master Plo Koon's apartment when the master returned from the meeting with the council concerning the Jinn/Kenobi/ Crion problem.
"Ah just the man I wanted to see. I think things went exceptionally well today."
Plo Koon closed his apartment door once they both entered. He wanted privacy before he continued with a conversation that technically he was not supposed to have with Padawan Xani.
"Are you permitted to tell me what went on today Master Plo Koon?"
"Well let's just say it would not be wise for the council to find out I mentioned anything about the meeting today.However the council is not going to know anything unless you or I tell them. I'm certainly not going too, are you?"
He looked over at Xani, elbowed him in the ribs and elicited a laugh from the young soon-to-be knight.
However dry his sense of humor was, it surprised Xanatos that Master Plo Koon even had one.
"No Master Plo Koon, my lips are also sealed when it comes to you."
Now Xanatos was a sore loser to Obi-Wan over their master, but he had found so far that leaving his master had not been nearly as hard as he thought it would be. Even the emptiness and lonely feeling had started to subside. It was replaced by admiration and almost idol worship of Council Master Plo Koon.
##########
The day of the meeting for the three Jedi, Jinn Kenobi and Crion finally arrived. They waited outside the double doors to the temple council chambers until they were called for.
Xanatos entered the large hall with the half circular table where the council masters sat with all the confidence he could muster. He carried himself regally, thought Obi-Wan.
Padawan Kenobi on the other hand, was less than confident about his entrance. He could not be regal in a hover chair that clicked and clacked along as he entered. The older chair made enough noise that none of the council masters could ignore his entrance. Jinn entered the immense hall as he always did, his air of elgance was there as it always was no matter where he happened to be.
Master Yoda was the first to speak.
"Step forward you will Padawan Crion."
Xani stepped forward and bowed to the council masters as was required of him.
"Know we do, no longer Master Jinn's apprentice you are. Wish to be a knight you do still."
stupid troll of course I want to become a knight was what Xani thought but of course he said something quite different.
"Yes Master Yoda I want very much to be promoted to a Jedi knight through the temple of Coruscant, if the council sees fit."
"Worthy of knighthood you think you are?"
"I see no reason why I should not become a knight just because my master and I have parted ways. It seems our views are not as they used to be and we seem to disagree on certain matters."
"Ask you of your master I did not Padawan Crion. Asked you of your worthiness for knighthood, I did."
"Oh come off it Master Yoda quit bullying the young man. I know what he is trying to clear up, certainly you do."
Plo Koon did not normally interrupt Master Yoda but he felt he must defend Xanatos from the beginning if Xani was to stand a chance against Master Yoda, Mace, and the others who would favor Jinn's perspective of things.
"Tolerate discourtesy from anyone during this meeting I will not Master Plo Koon. Assume I do I can continue and interruptions there will not be."
Master Yoda did not plan to let Plo Koon start calling the shots during this meeting. He knew the old crony of a master well enough to know if given the opportunity Plo Koon would try to turn everything on Jinn and make it all his fault, with Xani being the totally innocent party. Yoda knew that was not true.
"Have heard of no objection major enough to keep Crion from Knighthood. Request one thing though we do."
Always a catch isn't there Master Green Troll. Don't want me to be a knight now do ya?
There again Xani had his thoughts but he did not voice them. He bowed again respectively to Master Yoda.
"And what might be the one request of me that you ask my most honered Master Yoda?"
"Ask we do to find a seasoned master to over see you for one standard year we do. Mission he will go with you. If all is well then may leave this master and mission alone you will go on. How say you?"
//Just great you meddlesome troll you. What can I say? I am forced into this ridiculous mandate.//
"I have no objections to that Master Yoda, but I would have to find a master without a pad wan, yet willing to take me even after I have be shunned without reason by the great Master Jinn. Surely no master would oversee my first year of knighthood with such a bad mark on my record."
Master Jinn felt the need to step up and in some way defend Xanatos because he had done nothing to warrant being denied his knighthood. Well that is what Jinn thought, of course Xanatos knew differently.
"I have to defend Xanatos Master Yoda. He has done nothing wrong. It was a disagreement between us and nothing more."
"You padawan he is no longer Master Jinn. This concerns you now it does not. Please refrain from interrupting again."
Jinn was shocked that his master who address him in such a manner. Yoda was usually lenient when it came to chastising his former apprentice especially in public.
Master Jinn bowed and stepped back into place along side Obi-Wan who sat in almost sheer terror as he awaited his fate before the council. He hoped they would not be as hard on him as Yoda seemed to be on Xanatos. Although Obi-Wan did not care for Xani, to see him squirm in front of the council was worrisome because he wondered if he would be put in the same position. The usually confident cocky Xanatos obliviously had lost some of that confidence as he faced Master Yoda and the council.
Master Plo Koon had known this would be coming. He had not mentioned it to Xanatos because he feared Xani would not like the idea but he thought once trapped into the situation Yoda had just put him in Plo Koon's care. The likelihood of being turned down would be less in front of the council when it came right down to it. He offered up his solution to the matter.
"I offer myself up to be the master to oversee to Padawan Crion's first year of knighthood. I do not concur with the council in their stipulations. I think Padawan Crion is more than capable of becoming a knight on his own without any supervision. Nevertheless, the council has seen fit to make him have one then I will be that master if he would allow it."
Jinn was not at all surprised when Master Plo Koon spoke up and volunteered his services as a master for Xanatos. The other council members who were not as familiar with the growing adoration between Xani and Plo Koon were startled to hear his offer of assistance. They had never in their life seen Plo Koon offer to do anything to help any other living being.
Windu only rolled his eyes. Plo Koon had not shocked him with this news. What had shocked the master was how he had taken up with Xani, and championed his every movement as if he was the "Chosen one".
Yoda tilted his head and squinted one eye as he waited on Xanatos too to say something. He finally had to jar Xanatos out of the shocked silence he was in.
"Well have all day we do not Padawan. Other matters this council has before them this day. Decided have you? Allow Master Plo Koon to oversee your knighthood.??"
"Well yes thank you Master Plo Koon. I would be honored to spend a year under the guidance of the great Master Plo Koon.
Now it was Master Yoda's turn to have thoughts not spoken.
//Lay it on thick you do. Need a shovel I would for so much poodoo.//
Jinn heard the wizen master through their mind link and shot him a look of condemnation for his unusual thought. He knew Master Yoda dropped his shields and opened their bond enough for Jinn to hear his thoughts. He wanted Qui-Gon too.
"Lavish praise on Master Plo Koon you can on your own time. Council time this is now. Since masterless you are if Master Plo Koon wishes to assist in your knighthood celebrations and braid cutting, allow it I will?"
Plo Koon beamed a smile which was certainly uncommon for him.
"Yes certainly I would be honored to assist in any way I can in Xani's… I mean Padawan's Crion's knighthood ceremony."
Jinn felt a pang of hurt shoot through him. It had not been that long ago that he anxiously awaited Xani's knighting, now it meant nothing to him. It almost brought him shame, but he would never go so far as to admit it.
"Then go you may Padawan Crion. Two other matters we have to decide here this day."
"Well since some of the proceedings include me, I would like to be allowed to stay. I know Padawan Kenobi might voice lies about me and I would like to be here to defend myself if I may?"
"Stay in the back you may Padawan Crion. However leave it to the council you will to decide if Padawan Kenobi speaks lies he does."
Master Yoda turned his attention to Master Qui-Gon Jinn.
"Now you may speak Master Jinn. Step forward you will. Been accused of wrongly breaking bond with apprentice without forethought on the matter. Been also accused of ignoring one apprentice in favor of the other, you have. What say you in your defense?."…………………………....
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I have been faithful with being prompt on this story. Feedback appreciated. Thank You to all those who do send me feeback.
PEACE ewen