The Decision

In the Jedi Temple, Amara, Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Qui-Gon stood before the Jedi Council. Standing side by side in the center, they waited for their decision. Outside, began its slow descent across the city.

"Finished, we are, with our examination," Yoda advised in his whispery voice. Correct you were, Qui-Gon."

Mace Windu nodded. "The girl and boy's cells contain a very high concentration of midi-chlorians." There was an emphasis on the word very as he spoke.

"The Force is strong with them," Ki-Adi-Mundi agreed.

Qui-Gon felt a rush of satisfaction on hearing the words. "They are to be trained, then," he declared in triumph.

There was thick tension in the room as the Council glance at one another. Something is wrong, Amara thought as she played with her hands, rubbing her thumb with her forefinger.

"No," Mace Windu began quietly. "The will not be trained."

Amara turned to Anakin to see tears beginning to form in his eyes. Anger flashed across her face as. "No?" she blurted out, devastated. We need this. I told them everything! Qui-Gon gave her look to keep quiet. She pressed her lips a firm line and looked away, staring at the night sky, tears threatening to leak out of her of the corner of her eye, she could see Obi-Wan slightly smirk at their decision, giving his Master an I-told-you-so look. Amara elbowed him in the side and glared at him. That wiped the smile off his face.

Mace Windu nodded, his dark eyes steady. "They are too old. There is already too much anger in the boy. Now is not the time for this," he stated with finality. "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."

"Drawn out of hiding, the her attacker will be," Yoda whispered.

"Events are moving fast...too fast," Ki-Adi-Mundi added in.

Mace Windu took a quick look at the other Council members, and then turned once more to Qui-Gon. "Go with the Queen to Naboo and discover the identity of the dark warrior. That is the clue we need to unravel this mystery of the Sith."

Yoda slowly nodded his head in agreement. "Decided later, young Skywalker and Amara's fate will be."

Qui-Gon took a deep breath, filled with frustration and disappointment at the unexpected turn of events. He bowed to the Council. "I brought Anakin and Amara here; they must stay in my charge. They have nowhere else to go."

Mace Windu nodded. "They are your wards, Qui-Gon...we will not dispute that."

"Train them not," Yoda interjected sharply. "Take them with you, but train them not!"

The words stung Qui-Gon as he flinched inwardly, but said nothing.

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

Amara placed her hand on Anakin's shoulder and gave him a small smile that didn't reach her eyes. She was crushed. Where would she go now? She certainly didn't want to go back on Tatooine, but she didn't know where her place would be on Coruscant. Amara glanced over at Qui-Gon; his face showed no emotion.

"May the Force be with you," Yoda announced, signaling that the meeting was over.

After the meeting, Amara and the group, having learned about the Queen's immediate departure for Naboo, went directly to the landing platform and waited for the Queen. There was an uncomfortable silence as they rode in the shuttle. Amara could sense that Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon were angry at each other. She sighed and glanced over at Anakin. He was quiet most of the ride, looking down at his feet.

When they exited the shuttle at the landing platform, R2-D2 beeped at them cheerfully, and then wandered over the edge of the platform, watching the traffic. While doing so, he leaned over too far and fell overboard. Amara's breath hitched in her throat and she rushed after the droid, only to see it reappeared onto the landing platform, using its on-board jets. The little droid beeped at her, signaling that he was okay, and continued on his way.

Amara let out a relieved sigh and returned to where she was standing before. To her right, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were in a heated discussion. With the wind, Amara couldn't hear what they were saying. Anakin edged closer to them carefully, Amara following behind.

"It is not disrespect, Master!" Obi-Wan blurted out. "It is the truth.

"From your point of view, perhaps." Qui-Gon's face was hard and tight with anger.

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

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

Obi-Wan reluctantly boarded the ship followed by R2. Qui-Gon made his way over to Amara and Anakin, letting out a frustrated sigh.

"Master Qui-Gon, sir, I do not wish to be a problem," Anakin said. Amara placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"You won't be, Ani," He glanced toward the ship and then to Amara. "I'm not allowed to train both of you, so I want you two to watch me and be mindful. Always remember, your focus determines your reality. Stay close to me and you will be safe."

"I've been wondering, what are midi-chlorians?" Anakin asked.

"Midi-chlorians are a microscopic lifeform that reside within all living cells and communicates with the Force."

"They live inside of us?" Amara questioned, curiously.

"In your cells." Qui-Gon paused. "We are symbionts with the midi-chlorians."

"Symbionts?"

"Life forms living together for mutual advantage. Without the midi-chlorians, life could not exist, and we would have no knowledge of the Force. They continually speak to you, telling you the will of the Force."

Amara cocked one eyebrow, tilting her head. "They speak to us?"

"When you learn to quiet your mind, you will hear them speaking to you."

Anakin frowned. "I don't understand."

Qui-Gon smiled, his eyes warm and secretive. "With time and training, you both will."

A pair of shuttles pulled up to the landing dock, and Queen Amidala, her handmaidens, Captain Panaka and an escort of guards and officers exited. Jar Jar was the last one to come off the shuttle.

Qui-Gon rose and stood waiting beside Amara as the Queen and her handmaidens approached. "Your Highness, It is our pleasure to continue to serve and protect you."

Amidala nodded. "I welcome your help. Senator Palpatine fears the Federation means to destroy me."

"I promise you, I will not let that happen," Qui-Gon advised solemnly.

The Queen and her handmaidens entered the transport, the rest following behind. Jar Jar hurried over to Amara and Anakin and engulfed them into a huge hug. "Wesa goen home!" he exclaimed with a grin.

Moments later they were all aboard, and the transport lifted off, leaving Coruscant behind and heading to Naboo.

A/N:Short chapter, I know :( But I'm so happy that you're enjoying this story. Next chapter will be part 1 of the Naboo battle!