Note: I do not own Star Wars (but I wish I did!). I do own the planet Beltaine, and Master Skywalker (well, this Skywalker). Basically, everything/everyone that you know who it is without having to read a Note like this one belongs to the modern genius George Lucas. If you have to read a Note to figure it out, it belongs to me.

Obi felt his Master enter the back of his mind. He tried to ignore Qui- gon's patient presence, but the persistence in the Force had broken his concentration. "What is it Master?" he sighed, climbing to his feet. He grimaced as his stiff joints popped and complained loudly.

Qui-gon smiled. "The Council would like to see us, Padawan. Are you ready?"

Obi nodded, looking Qui-gon in the eyes. "Yes, Master, I am." he said confidently.

"Alright then, let's go. And stop playing with your sleeve. It's very un-Jedi to play with one's clothes."

Obi immediately dropped the extra fabric and looked down. "Master. . . ." there was no response. He looked up in time to see Qui-gon walk out the door. Obi hurried down the hall after him, tripping over his robe and nearly crashing into the wall. "Sorry!" he told a group of startled Jedi as he picked himself up. "Please forgive me!" He hurried off down the hall, accompanied by soft laughter from the group. His checks went red as he ran off, trying to catch up to his unruffled Master.

"Master!" he said as he caught up, "Master, do you think we're going to get an assignment?" he asked excitedly.

"Be patient, Padawan. This so-called "action" will come of its own accord." Qui-gon said calmly. "And I thought I told you not to play with your clothes?"

Obi dropped his sleeve. "Yes Master" he said sullenly.

"Oh, be happy about it. And that's an order."

"Yes Master" Obi said again, making a face at Qui-gon's back.

"I saw that," Qui-gon said calmly.

"Blasted Jedi senses," Obi muttered, glaring at Qui-gon as he stumbled over the edge of his robe again. Qui-gon shook his head, but he couldn't help smiling at his Padawan's troubles.

Yoda sat in his usual position with his eyes closed, seemingly oblivious to the rest of the Council. He smacked his lips, as he usually did when he was thinking, tapping his short fingers on the top of his cane. "Mmmmmmmmmmmm" he said mysteriously. "Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm."

He opened his eyes. "Quickly resolved this must be. Clouded is the future, hmmmmmmmmmm, clouded indeed. Find this bounty hunter you must."
Mace nodded. "The last we heard of him, he was headed towards Beltaine, which is where you must go. We think he may eventually head to Tatooine, which would be disastrous."

Qui-gon nodded. "I understand." He thought for a moment, and hesitated.

Yoda watched him carefully. "Bothering you, something is."

Qui-gon nodded uncertainly. "Well, speak!" Mace implored him. "What is it?"

Qui-gon chose his words carefully. "Well, I know that Master Skywalker is stationed on Beltaine right now. Why ask us to do this?"

Yoda cleared his throat. "Inexperienced Master Skywalker is. Feels that is not the right choice, the Council does."

Qui-gon shook his head. "With all due respect, I believe the Council is wrong. Surely Master Skywalker knows the planet better than we do."

Mace nodded. "And Skywalker is from Tatooine, knowledge that could become a valuable asset to the Jedi."

Yoda glared at Mace. "Go against the Council either of you will not. Leave in two days will you for Beltaine."

Mace looked at Qui-gon, studying him. Qui-gon frowned. "We will see how it is done." he said calmly. Before Yoda could argue, he bowed and turned to leave, motioning to Obi to follow.

Obi followed him into the hall, surprised. "What was that all about? And why haven't I heard of this Skywalker?"

Qui-gon hurried down the hall, his usual calm demeanor gone. "What? Oh, Skywalker just passed the Trials . . . about a month ago, I guess. Not a lot of assignment time, though I'm sure it would be fine. Good kid. Good fighter. Little temperamental, but that's not a big deal."

"So are you planning to work with this Skywalker even though the Council said not to?"

"Obi, just remember to do as I say and not as I do."