Qui-Gon trains Obi-Wan to knighthood and takes on another apprentice. Trouble ensues on a mission shortly after he obtains his new Padawan.
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"Confer upon you the level of Jedi Knight the Council does." Master Yoda remarked with a quirky smile. He watched with delight as his own former Padawan, Qui-Gon Jinn, cuts the Padawan braid off the new Knight's head. "Welcome to our ranks, Knight Kenobi."
Obi-Wan smiled. He had expected to have plenty to say on this day, this day that he had waited all his life for, yet he found that he was speechless. Qui-Gon, his Master for the past 24 years, patted him on the shoulder. "Well, the day has finally come my Obi-Wan. You are no longer the student. You may now chose to become the teacher. I am very proud of you, and your accomplishments."
The young man lowered his head. "I am pleased to hear that Qui-Gon. Though I do not require flattery, I am glad you feel that way."
Always modest, the Jedi Master thought as he studied his apprentice. "Will you join me for midevening meal, Obi-Wan?"
The man nodded. "Of course, Master. I would like nothing more than to dine with you. When and where shall I meet you?"
THe two conversed for a little longer, making preparations for that evening. After they had seperated to go their own ways, Qui-Gon began to think. What was he going to do now? Was he going to continue accepting missions from the Council, and work alone again? The Jedi Master couldn't imagine working without a Padawan. He had come to enjoy the company and companionship of having a partner. So that meant his only option would be to take on another apprentice. But Qui-Gon was old, almost TOO old for that. He would have to think it over.
Walking down the corridors, lost in thought, Qui-Gon didn't see the initiate walking down the hall toward him with an armload of datapads in her arms. They were stacked so high that see wasn't able to see him approaching.
A loud clatter resounded throughout the passageway when the metallic datapads hit the ground. Qui-Gon's eyes jerked to the scene in front of him. The initiate was awestruck. "Excuse me Master Jinn! I...I wasn't able to see you...I..." She stopped, unsure of what to say next.
But the Jedi Master answered the question for her. "Don't worry child. It was my fault really, I should have been paying attention to where I was going. But one finds when they are lost in thought, they often miss important things." He bent over now to help the girl retrieve the fallen pads.
"It's all right, Master Jinn. You don't have to help me, you can get to wherever you were going." The girl offered. Qui-Gon slowed. Glancing at the teenager in front of him he thought for a moment.
"What is your name?" Standing, he took hold of half the datapads. "I will assist you in delivering these. I wasn't heading anywhere in particular anyway."
She shrugged, knowing that argument would have been pointless. "Thank you very much Master Jinn. Your help is greatly appreciated." She continued in the direction she had been traveling.
In a few moments, the two Jedi reached Master Yoda's bed chambers and the girl knocked politely. From inside the room, resonated an odd, monotone voice. "Come in you may. Open the door is."
Smiling, Qui-Gon opened the door for his companion and they entered together. Jedi Master Yoda was seated at his table, studying various books in front of him. "Ah, brought me my references you have." Seeing Qui-Gon, he chuckled. "Found help you did."
"Yes..." Qui-Gon replied. "We...ran into each other and she looked like she could use some help."
Nodding in understanding, Master Yoda pointed to a sofa next to him. "Put them there, if you please."
Obeying, the two Jedi were soon on their way out the door with parting words from Yoda. "Good together you work...yes...good."
Qui-Gon heart skipped a beat. There was the sign he had known Yoda would give. The ancient Jedi Master always seemed to know who Qui-Gon would take as an apprentice. He saw the girls reaction. She was obviously not a Padawan, he noticed that much but she must be nearing apprenticeship for Yoda to have said that.
"Thank you very much for your help Master Jinn. Shall I take my leave now?"
The Jedi Master thought to himself for a few seconds. "No. I never did catch your name, and I could use a little company now. I have some time before I meet my former apprentice for midevening meal."
A small flash of some hidden emotion crossed the girls face, and she quickly replied. "As you wish Master Jinn. And my name is Kiana Tari. Your 'former' apprentice?"
Nodding, Qui-Gon continued with pride. "Yes, my former apprentice. He was just raised up to Knighthood this afternoon. I am currently debating whether or not to take on another apprentice." He looked at her hair now, remembering she had no padawan braid. "Are you past the age limit? Or younger?"
Smiling now, the girl replied. "Oh. I've got about two weeks until my 13th birthday, Master Jinn. I know I'm cutting it close, but no one will chose me because I'm too implusive." A frown passed over her features, but she quickly hid it. "But, I don't want to bore you with my life. What do you wish me to do?"
The Jedi Master wanted to kick himself for what he was going to say, but he felt inside that it was right. "Perhaps we could go spar. Maybe let out a little excess energy. I know I could use a sparring partner right now, and you ARE right here."
Excitement bubbled up in Kiana. "Sure! I'd love to Master Jinn!" Qui-Gon saw her struggle to try to supress her happiness, but she wasn't being successful.
The two of them headed off toward the practice hall, and soon they were waiting in line for a sparring square. As they waited, Qui-GOn used this as an opportunity to speak with the girl beside him. "So, where are you from?"
Kiana sighed, finally warming up to talking with the Jedi Master. "Well, I was born on a small planet in the Xanados system. Called Kyros. My parents didn't want to let me come here, but they knew that they should. I really don't know them much, I mean I only see them once in a while."
She sighed. "I was told that they are slaves there, and that they can't come here ever. Its very difficult for me to get permission to see them, so I just have to be satisfied with letters. That's the most that their owners will allow." She frowned. "I would have been a slave now too if they hadn't smuggled me off planet with a group of Jedi on a negotiation."
Moving up in line, Qui-Gon thought about what the girl had told him. She was definately controlled and mature. He couldn't sense or understand why someone hadn't taken her on as a Padawan. "Kiana? What do you mean when you say you are implusive? What sort of things do you do that would make a Master avoid you?" He smiled. "If you don't mind me asking."
She shook her head. "NO, its no problem. Most of the Temple already knows anyway. I have a tendency to take things into my own hands. Most of the other students would go to a Master or a Knight in dangerous situations. I know It SHOULD, but I always get the feeling inside that it would be too late if I waited." She shook her head. "Apparantly they dont' want me to get hurt...but I would much rather getting hurt saving someone, than see them hurt while I go get help."
Qui-Gon nodded his head. "I understand your reasoning. But you are right, the Masters don't want you to get hurt, you aren't trained enough to handle all of the situations life can throw at you."
Sighing she frowned. "I know...I didn't think I could handle EVERYthing that went wrong, but for some reason I just can't abide to leave people alone when they are in danger." SHe looked up now. "There! The ring is open." SHe pointed toward the open circle and they moved off.
Qui-Gon cast off his cloak and drew his lightsaber for a few practice maneuvers while Kiana prepared herself for the fight. She spun her training saber around with ease, and Qui-Gon wondered if sparring her was a bad idea. He didn't know her skill level, so he couldn't gauge her ability.
"Are you ready, Master Jinn?" the girl asked, awaiting his approval. The Jedi Master nodded and moved to the line across from her. He immediately fell into a comfortable fighting stance, just in case this was going to be a long fight. Surprisingly, the girl did the same.
//Perhaps she is one of those mimic fighters...// Qui-Gon thought to himself as he bowed to her and she bowed to him.
As soon as the formalities were over, the Jedi Master had his answer. She was NOT a mimic fighter, as a matter of fact, she attacked first. He deftly parried her blow, surprised by the ferocity and speed the teenager possessed. It was an interesting opening move for a Temple initiate.
Most children at the Temple were taught to be on the defensive, and wear down their attackers. This girl, however, seemed to be doing the opposite. As the fight continued, Qui-Gon began to realize why other Master's didn't take her as a Padawan. No doubt, they feared her fighting style was too similar to the Sith, and she would turn easily. For some reason, though her saber skills did mimic the Sith of millenia before, QUi-Gon had a keen feeling this girl would not turn.
He found his concentration had been broken when he began to ponder her style, and was quite surprised when he felt the burn of her lightsaber connect with his shoulder. As soon as the blow landed, she backed off to her corner, and stopped.
Qui-Gon smiled. "Do not worry, it is just a singe. I am all right, you may continue."
Kiana looked up, surprise lining her face. "Are you certain? We could stop if you wished. There are other things to do to relieve stress..."
He nodded. "I know. One more bout first, then we can discuss the 'other' stress relieving exercises."
Obviously, Kiana had not thought that he would want to continue to spend time with her. She had an odd look on her face. Qui-Gon chose not to address it at the time, he was more interested in seeing what she would do against a more "agressive" opponent.
Launching himself at her without warning, it wasn't surprising that she barely got out of his way. For a moment she parried his blows with confusion, but quickly she caught on what he was doing. He was matching her style, so she had to come up with something different to do. This was a turn from the norm for the young initiate. She had never encountered a fighter who picked up on her form so quickly.
Soon, the two had fought until they had no energy left to expend. "That was something else, Master Jinn! I've never fought with someone who didn't tire!"
The Jedi Master smiled. "When you've fought in as many battles as I have, you will notice how much easier it becomes to fight for long periods of time. But you did an extremely impressive job. I needed practice against a formidable opponent."
Kiana blushed a little now. Praise from the Great QUi-Gon Jinn wasn't something to be taken lightly. "Thank you Master JInn. I am glad you don't find my fighting style to repulsive."
The man frowned. "Yes, well I DO see where the other Masters are coming from. It is true that you fight with a style strikingly similar to that of the Sith. Yet, I believe you are faithful to the Light side. Still, the vicious fight form would deter almost any Master in his right mind."
The girl sighed. "Yeah, well. Its how I fight. I guess in a way it ruins my chances of being chosen. I can't change who I am just to satisfy the worries of a Jedi Master. I just can't do that."
Qui-Gon understood completely. He was much in the same shoes himself. In a different sense of course, but the Jedi Master had trouble between himself and the Council because of his constant defiance. If Master Yoda hadn't taken him on, then no one would have.
Sighing now, Qui-Gon turned to the girl again. "Kiana. Why don't you join myself and my former apprentice for midevening meal. I think he would be most intrigued by you. Perhaps take you on as his Padawan. I am nearly certain to be a Knight is a part of your destiny. It is now a matter of who will train you." He left off there, waiting for the teen to answer.
"All right. I guess I can join you, Master Jinn. When and where?"
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"Think I do that Kiana and QUi-Gon together should be." Yoda murmured in exasperation. "See it you must."
Mace Windu shook his head. "Master. How many times must we speak of this? THe rest of the Council doesn't see it as you do. Qui-Gon was hard reluctant to take an apprentice when he took Obi-Wan. I don't think he will EVER agree to take Kiana. SHe is too like Xanatos in her fighting style. It will only hurt them both."
"I am inclined to agree, Master Yoda. But if he requests her, we will not deny him. Or at least I won't. I can't speak for the rest of the Council members." Depa smiled.
No one spoke, they didn't need to. They knew if the two Jedi were to pair up, they would be most powerful. But their joining would have to be theirs and the will of the Force. Not the COuncil's intervention.
"Understand I do. Wait we will. If to be together, the Force will decide for them." Under his breath he added, "Soon I hope....much to do have they."
Continued...
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"Confer upon you the level of Jedi Knight the Council does." Master Yoda remarked with a quirky smile. He watched with delight as his own former Padawan, Qui-Gon Jinn, cuts the Padawan braid off the new Knight's head. "Welcome to our ranks, Knight Kenobi."
Obi-Wan smiled. He had expected to have plenty to say on this day, this day that he had waited all his life for, yet he found that he was speechless. Qui-Gon, his Master for the past 24 years, patted him on the shoulder. "Well, the day has finally come my Obi-Wan. You are no longer the student. You may now chose to become the teacher. I am very proud of you, and your accomplishments."
The young man lowered his head. "I am pleased to hear that Qui-Gon. Though I do not require flattery, I am glad you feel that way."
Always modest, the Jedi Master thought as he studied his apprentice. "Will you join me for midevening meal, Obi-Wan?"
The man nodded. "Of course, Master. I would like nothing more than to dine with you. When and where shall I meet you?"
THe two conversed for a little longer, making preparations for that evening. After they had seperated to go their own ways, Qui-Gon began to think. What was he going to do now? Was he going to continue accepting missions from the Council, and work alone again? The Jedi Master couldn't imagine working without a Padawan. He had come to enjoy the company and companionship of having a partner. So that meant his only option would be to take on another apprentice. But Qui-Gon was old, almost TOO old for that. He would have to think it over.
Walking down the corridors, lost in thought, Qui-Gon didn't see the initiate walking down the hall toward him with an armload of datapads in her arms. They were stacked so high that see wasn't able to see him approaching.
A loud clatter resounded throughout the passageway when the metallic datapads hit the ground. Qui-Gon's eyes jerked to the scene in front of him. The initiate was awestruck. "Excuse me Master Jinn! I...I wasn't able to see you...I..." She stopped, unsure of what to say next.
But the Jedi Master answered the question for her. "Don't worry child. It was my fault really, I should have been paying attention to where I was going. But one finds when they are lost in thought, they often miss important things." He bent over now to help the girl retrieve the fallen pads.
"It's all right, Master Jinn. You don't have to help me, you can get to wherever you were going." The girl offered. Qui-Gon slowed. Glancing at the teenager in front of him he thought for a moment.
"What is your name?" Standing, he took hold of half the datapads. "I will assist you in delivering these. I wasn't heading anywhere in particular anyway."
She shrugged, knowing that argument would have been pointless. "Thank you very much Master Jinn. Your help is greatly appreciated." She continued in the direction she had been traveling.
In a few moments, the two Jedi reached Master Yoda's bed chambers and the girl knocked politely. From inside the room, resonated an odd, monotone voice. "Come in you may. Open the door is."
Smiling, Qui-Gon opened the door for his companion and they entered together. Jedi Master Yoda was seated at his table, studying various books in front of him. "Ah, brought me my references you have." Seeing Qui-Gon, he chuckled. "Found help you did."
"Yes..." Qui-Gon replied. "We...ran into each other and she looked like she could use some help."
Nodding in understanding, Master Yoda pointed to a sofa next to him. "Put them there, if you please."
Obeying, the two Jedi were soon on their way out the door with parting words from Yoda. "Good together you work...yes...good."
Qui-Gon heart skipped a beat. There was the sign he had known Yoda would give. The ancient Jedi Master always seemed to know who Qui-Gon would take as an apprentice. He saw the girls reaction. She was obviously not a Padawan, he noticed that much but she must be nearing apprenticeship for Yoda to have said that.
"Thank you very much for your help Master Jinn. Shall I take my leave now?"
The Jedi Master thought to himself for a few seconds. "No. I never did catch your name, and I could use a little company now. I have some time before I meet my former apprentice for midevening meal."
A small flash of some hidden emotion crossed the girls face, and she quickly replied. "As you wish Master Jinn. And my name is Kiana Tari. Your 'former' apprentice?"
Nodding, Qui-Gon continued with pride. "Yes, my former apprentice. He was just raised up to Knighthood this afternoon. I am currently debating whether or not to take on another apprentice." He looked at her hair now, remembering she had no padawan braid. "Are you past the age limit? Or younger?"
Smiling now, the girl replied. "Oh. I've got about two weeks until my 13th birthday, Master Jinn. I know I'm cutting it close, but no one will chose me because I'm too implusive." A frown passed over her features, but she quickly hid it. "But, I don't want to bore you with my life. What do you wish me to do?"
The Jedi Master wanted to kick himself for what he was going to say, but he felt inside that it was right. "Perhaps we could go spar. Maybe let out a little excess energy. I know I could use a sparring partner right now, and you ARE right here."
Excitement bubbled up in Kiana. "Sure! I'd love to Master Jinn!" Qui-Gon saw her struggle to try to supress her happiness, but she wasn't being successful.
The two of them headed off toward the practice hall, and soon they were waiting in line for a sparring square. As they waited, Qui-GOn used this as an opportunity to speak with the girl beside him. "So, where are you from?"
Kiana sighed, finally warming up to talking with the Jedi Master. "Well, I was born on a small planet in the Xanados system. Called Kyros. My parents didn't want to let me come here, but they knew that they should. I really don't know them much, I mean I only see them once in a while."
She sighed. "I was told that they are slaves there, and that they can't come here ever. Its very difficult for me to get permission to see them, so I just have to be satisfied with letters. That's the most that their owners will allow." She frowned. "I would have been a slave now too if they hadn't smuggled me off planet with a group of Jedi on a negotiation."
Moving up in line, Qui-Gon thought about what the girl had told him. She was definately controlled and mature. He couldn't sense or understand why someone hadn't taken her on as a Padawan. "Kiana? What do you mean when you say you are implusive? What sort of things do you do that would make a Master avoid you?" He smiled. "If you don't mind me asking."
She shook her head. "NO, its no problem. Most of the Temple already knows anyway. I have a tendency to take things into my own hands. Most of the other students would go to a Master or a Knight in dangerous situations. I know It SHOULD, but I always get the feeling inside that it would be too late if I waited." She shook her head. "Apparantly they dont' want me to get hurt...but I would much rather getting hurt saving someone, than see them hurt while I go get help."
Qui-Gon nodded his head. "I understand your reasoning. But you are right, the Masters don't want you to get hurt, you aren't trained enough to handle all of the situations life can throw at you."
Sighing she frowned. "I know...I didn't think I could handle EVERYthing that went wrong, but for some reason I just can't abide to leave people alone when they are in danger." SHe looked up now. "There! The ring is open." SHe pointed toward the open circle and they moved off.
Qui-Gon cast off his cloak and drew his lightsaber for a few practice maneuvers while Kiana prepared herself for the fight. She spun her training saber around with ease, and Qui-Gon wondered if sparring her was a bad idea. He didn't know her skill level, so he couldn't gauge her ability.
"Are you ready, Master Jinn?" the girl asked, awaiting his approval. The Jedi Master nodded and moved to the line across from her. He immediately fell into a comfortable fighting stance, just in case this was going to be a long fight. Surprisingly, the girl did the same.
//Perhaps she is one of those mimic fighters...// Qui-Gon thought to himself as he bowed to her and she bowed to him.
As soon as the formalities were over, the Jedi Master had his answer. She was NOT a mimic fighter, as a matter of fact, she attacked first. He deftly parried her blow, surprised by the ferocity and speed the teenager possessed. It was an interesting opening move for a Temple initiate.
Most children at the Temple were taught to be on the defensive, and wear down their attackers. This girl, however, seemed to be doing the opposite. As the fight continued, Qui-Gon began to realize why other Master's didn't take her as a Padawan. No doubt, they feared her fighting style was too similar to the Sith, and she would turn easily. For some reason, though her saber skills did mimic the Sith of millenia before, QUi-Gon had a keen feeling this girl would not turn.
He found his concentration had been broken when he began to ponder her style, and was quite surprised when he felt the burn of her lightsaber connect with his shoulder. As soon as the blow landed, she backed off to her corner, and stopped.
Qui-Gon smiled. "Do not worry, it is just a singe. I am all right, you may continue."
Kiana looked up, surprise lining her face. "Are you certain? We could stop if you wished. There are other things to do to relieve stress..."
He nodded. "I know. One more bout first, then we can discuss the 'other' stress relieving exercises."
Obviously, Kiana had not thought that he would want to continue to spend time with her. She had an odd look on her face. Qui-Gon chose not to address it at the time, he was more interested in seeing what she would do against a more "agressive" opponent.
Launching himself at her without warning, it wasn't surprising that she barely got out of his way. For a moment she parried his blows with confusion, but quickly she caught on what he was doing. He was matching her style, so she had to come up with something different to do. This was a turn from the norm for the young initiate. She had never encountered a fighter who picked up on her form so quickly.
Soon, the two had fought until they had no energy left to expend. "That was something else, Master Jinn! I've never fought with someone who didn't tire!"
The Jedi Master smiled. "When you've fought in as many battles as I have, you will notice how much easier it becomes to fight for long periods of time. But you did an extremely impressive job. I needed practice against a formidable opponent."
Kiana blushed a little now. Praise from the Great QUi-Gon Jinn wasn't something to be taken lightly. "Thank you Master JInn. I am glad you don't find my fighting style to repulsive."
The man frowned. "Yes, well I DO see where the other Masters are coming from. It is true that you fight with a style strikingly similar to that of the Sith. Yet, I believe you are faithful to the Light side. Still, the vicious fight form would deter almost any Master in his right mind."
The girl sighed. "Yeah, well. Its how I fight. I guess in a way it ruins my chances of being chosen. I can't change who I am just to satisfy the worries of a Jedi Master. I just can't do that."
Qui-Gon understood completely. He was much in the same shoes himself. In a different sense of course, but the Jedi Master had trouble between himself and the Council because of his constant defiance. If Master Yoda hadn't taken him on, then no one would have.
Sighing now, Qui-Gon turned to the girl again. "Kiana. Why don't you join myself and my former apprentice for midevening meal. I think he would be most intrigued by you. Perhaps take you on as his Padawan. I am nearly certain to be a Knight is a part of your destiny. It is now a matter of who will train you." He left off there, waiting for the teen to answer.
"All right. I guess I can join you, Master Jinn. When and where?"
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"Think I do that Kiana and QUi-Gon together should be." Yoda murmured in exasperation. "See it you must."
Mace Windu shook his head. "Master. How many times must we speak of this? THe rest of the Council doesn't see it as you do. Qui-Gon was hard reluctant to take an apprentice when he took Obi-Wan. I don't think he will EVER agree to take Kiana. SHe is too like Xanatos in her fighting style. It will only hurt them both."
"I am inclined to agree, Master Yoda. But if he requests her, we will not deny him. Or at least I won't. I can't speak for the rest of the Council members." Depa smiled.
No one spoke, they didn't need to. They knew if the two Jedi were to pair up, they would be most powerful. But their joining would have to be theirs and the will of the Force. Not the COuncil's intervention.
"Understand I do. Wait we will. If to be together, the Force will decide for them." Under his breath he added, "Soon I hope....much to do have they."
Continued...