Disclaimer: In no way at all do I own any of the original character, locations, ships, or anything else mentioned in Star Wars. They are all owned by George Lucas. I only own my OC. Any similarities between this story and another are purely accidental.

A/N: This will be the last update in three to four days. My family is going out of town for summer (which in the Philippines is from April to May) and there is no Internet where we're going. Expect an update around Sunday/Monday depending on your current location.

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The following sunset found Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Lyra, and Anakin in the Council Room, awaiting their verdict on whether or not Anakin would be trained. Also, Qui-Gon thought the Council should be made aware of Lyra's return to the Temple.

"Correct you were, Qui-Gon," commented Master Yoda.

Mace Windu, on Yoda's left added, "His cells contain a high concentration of Midi-Chlorians."

"The Force is strong within him," said Ki-Adi Mundi.

Qui-Gon looked pleased. "He is to be trained, then?" he asked, causing the Council members to look at each other hesitantly.

"No, he will not be trained," said Mace Windu solemnly.

Lyra bit back a sharp retort, instead settling for squeezing Anakin's elbow lightly. She looked at him, and saw that he was ready to cry.

Qui-Gon, however, did not hesitate in speaking. "Why?" he demanded, not noticing Obi-Wan smirking at how angry his Master had become.

"He is too old," explained Windu. "There is already too much anger in him."

"He is the Chosen One," persisted Qui-Gon. "You must see it!"

Yoda shook his head. "Clouded, the boy's future is," he stated cryptically, "masked by his youth."

"I will train him then," stated Qui-Gon, placing his hands on Anakin's shoulders. "I take Anakin as my Padawan learner." Obi-Wan stared at his master while Lyra and Anakin looked at the Council, watching with interest.

"An apprentice, you have, Qui-Gon," said Yoda. "Impossible to take on a second."

"We forbid it," added Windu.

"Obi-Wan is ready…" Qui-Gon began.

Obi-Wan stepped forward. "I am ready to face the Trials," he stated.

"Ready, so early, are you?" croaked Yoda. "What know you of ready?"

"He is headstrong, and he has much to learn about the Living Force," commented Qui-Gon, "but he is capable. There is little more he can learn from me."

"Our own council we will keep on who is ready," was Yoda's response. "More to learn, he has." His eyes then alighted on Lyra. "More to tell us, you have?"

Qui-Gon looked at Lyra, who sighed then nodded. She stepped forward, bowing out of respect to the Council. "You may no longer recognize me, Master Yoda. But it is good to see you again."

Yoda looked at her and chuckled. "A face of defiance you still have, Padawan Sanome. Recognize you, I do. Good to see you again, it is."

The other Council members looked at her in shock. This was the young Padawan that had gone missing so many years ago? They had never expected to see her ever again, much less have her arrive on their very doorstep.

"Killed, your Master was," said Yoda. "Survived, you did."

"Up to now, Master Yoda, I do not know the exact cause of my Master's death," she answered, careful not to say mother. "As to how I survived, she left me with Shmi Skywalker, a friend of hers who lived in the settlement of Mos Espa. Anakin," she added, "is her son."

"Though this is a momentous reunion," said Mace Windu, "now is not the time for this. The Senate is voting for a new Supreme Chancellor. Queen Amidala is returning home, which will put pressure on the Federation and could widen the confrontation."

"And draw out the Queen's attacker," added Yoda.

Mace Windu turned to Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. "Go with the Queen to Naboo and discover the identity of the dark warrior," he ordered. "That is the clue we need to unravel the mystery of the Sith."

"Young Skywalker's fate will be decided later," said Yoda.

"Padawan Sanome will continue her training," said Windu. "She will not be your apprentice, and will merely observe you and follow your lead."

"I brought Anakin here," Qui-Gon forcefully reminded the Council. "He must stay in my charge. He has nowhere else to go."

"He is your ward, Qui-Gon," agreed Windu. "We will not dispute that." Yoda added that he could only take him, not train him.

"Protect the Queen," Windu instructed, "but do not intercede if it comes to war until we have the Senate's approval."

"May the Force be with you," said Yoda, and the four left the room.

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"It is not disrespect, Master, it's the truth!" said Obi-Wan forcefully, once again arguing with his Master about Anakin and whether or not he would be a Jedi.

"From your point of view," said Qui-Gon airily.

"The boy is dangerous!" argued Obi-Wan. "They all sense it, why can't you?"

"His fate is uncertain, not dangerous," corrected Qui-Gon. "The Council will decide Anakin's future. That should be enough for you. Now get on board."

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Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Lyra, and Jar Jar were gathered in the Queen's chambers on the ship. Qui-Gon and Captain Panaka talked to the Queen, while the other three watched.

"The moment we land, the Federation will arrest you and force you to sign the treaty," said Panaka.

"I agree," stated Qui-Gon. "I'm not sure what you hope to accomplish by this."

Amidala looked appraisingly at the two. "I'm going to take back what is ours."

"There are only twelve of us, Your Highness," said Panaka. "We have no army."

Qui-Gon looked at the young monarch. "I cannot fight a war for you, Your Highness," he said, "only protect you."

"Jar Jar Binks!" she called.

The Gungan looked up at her, puzzled. "Mesa, Your Highness?" he asked, pointing to himself.

"Yes," said Amidala, a hint of slyness creeping into her voice. "I need your help."