***Chapter 25***
"It's time," Qui-Gon announces after checking his comlink.
"Time for what?" Anakin asks.
"Time for Obi-Wan to officially become a Jedi Knight," Qui-Gon answers the young boy.
Qui-Gon stands and takes a deep breath against the pain.
"Master, are you sure you're up for this now?" Obi-Wan asks. He senses Qui-Gon is still in some pain, even if it had lessened quite a bit. "I can request the Council to postpone the ceremony until we return to Coruscant."
"Don't be ridiculous, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon says. "I'm fine."
Tahl smiles as she takes her place by Qui-Gon's side. "You should know better than to argue with him by now, Obi-Wan."
"True," Obi-Wan chuckles.
"Let's not keep the Council waiting," Qui-Gon says with a smile. "You know how they hate that."
Obi-Wan takes Lexi's hand, keeping close to his Master just in case.
"Wait a moment," Obi-Wan says as they reach the door to the room the Council was waiting in. He takes a calming breath, releases Lexi's hand, and looks up at his soon to be former Master.
"I am truly honored to have been your Padawan. Thank you for being such a wonderful Master," Obi-Wan says earnestly.
"Obi-Wan, the honor and pleasure was all mine," Qui-Gon replies. He steps forward and gives Obi-Wan a fatherly hug. Obi-Wan is surprised at first but quickly hugs him back, being mindful of his Master's injuries. Lexi and Tahl exchange a smile.
Obi-Wan steps back and ruffles Anakin's hair. He takes Lexi's hand and kisses it tenderly.
"Alright, I think I am ready now," Obi-Wan says. He straightens himself up and opens the door.
When they get inside Tahl, Lexi, and Anakin sit off to the side to observe. The Council members are in their respective places around the room. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon stand before Master Yoda in the center of the room.
"We are all Jedi. The Force speaks through us. Through our actions, the Force proclaims itself and what is real. Today we are here to acknowledge what the Force has proclaimed," Master Mace Windu says.
"Important matter, this is," Yoda states solemnly. "Begin, Master Qui-Gon Jinn."
Qui-Gon steps forward and Obi-Wan gets down on one knee.
"I, Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, present to you Obi-Wan Kenobi, who was accepted as my Padawan twelve years ago. He has accomplished the necessary tasks, and has truly and faithfully served his calling to the satisfaction of the Order. He now stands before you desirous of being knighted as a Jedi."
"Always remember that a Jedi Knight reflects the qualities of responsibility, truthfulness, devotion to duty, a brave heart, faith, a noble spirit, and a dedication to help others," Master Windu says.
Qui-Gon takes out a box with several items inside. He takes out a large candle and lights it.
"The lighted candle represents our spiritual life in the Force. When it was first lit, the flame was small, giving little light, but as the wax fed the wick, the flame became larger, giving greater illumination. When you were born, the influence which you exerted in your limited world was very slight, but with the passing of the years that influence has increased many fold. When the candle is burnt out it is no more use. But when your soul leaves your mortal body and becomes one with the Force, your influence lives on. It is therefore important that you live so that your influence may be for the greatest good," Qui-Gon states.
Raising the cover of the metal box, he continues:
"You see that we have here a metal box containing a rock and some sand. Instead of placing your live on the sands of instability," Qui-Gon touches the sand with his fingers, "build it on the solid rock," Qui-Gon touches the rock with one finger, "of service, love, loyalty, devotion, faith, hope, justice, mercy, and truth. These are the concepts after which every Knight should mold his life. Only vigilance, devotion, self-sacrifice, and righteousness can assure us the retention of present gains and the achievement of new advances."
Qui-Gon takes a deep breath as he continues. "But to do this, we must cooperate. To be a good cooperator means the abnegation of pride, the esteeming of others better than oneself, the willingness to take a lowly place in the fellowship of common enterprise, the loss of anxious self-seeking in collective enthusiasm. To be a good cooperator involves the possession of a love that suffers long and is kind, envies not, vaunts not itself, is not puffed up, does not behave itself unseemingly, and is not easily provoked, keeps no record of injuries, bears, hopes, believes, and endures all things. Lift up your voice against private greed, social injustice, the aggression of the strong on the weak, and whatsoever else works enmity between man and man, class and class, nation and nation, planet and planet. Create within us a passion for the reign of righteousness, the spread of brotherhood and good will among all."
Ki-Adi-Mundi speaks, "When you become a Jedi Knight we want you to live the life a Knight should live – so that, when your days in this life end, beings will say, 'He was a good, true Jedi, and the galaxy is better because he lived.' And now I ask you – and you are free to say no if you wish. Are you still of the opinion that you desire to be admitted to the Jedi Order as a Jedi Knight?"
Obi-Wan answers confidently, "Yes, I do."
"Are you determined to do your best to lead a clean life; to be honorable, truthful, and straight in all your dealings; clean in all that you do; clean in what you say?"
Again, Obi-Wan answers confidently, "I am."
"Without a Vigil, the Knighting ceremony, which is an outward sign of an inward change of attitude to life in the world, has no meaning. Have you kept your Vigil and carefully thought out what you are doing with your life?" Jedi Master Adi Gallia asks.
"I have."
Plo Koon speaks, "The ultimate service, therefore, without which any other ministries are of little worth, is spiritual. It consists in the spreading of information, in the teaching of truth, in the inspiration of faith, in the contagious bestowal of clean hearts and right spirits. Truth is like a streaming fountain. If her water flows not in perpetual progression they sicken into a muddy pool of conformity and tradition. Let humility triumph over pride and ambition; charity over hatred, envy, and malice; purity and temperance over lust and excess; meekness over passion; disinterestedness and poverty of spirit over covetousness and the love of this perishable galaxy."
Eeth Koth speaks, "Many people think of love as an ideal sentiment, a gracious iridescent quality, which gives a touch of radiant color to life's solid structure, otherwise complete. He who seeks for happiness without unselfishness has missed his road. Friends, useful work, expanded interests, he delights of shared experience, inward spiritual resources, and a worthy purpose at life's center – such unselfish things as these are of the very substance of a joyful and abundant life. Do you understand that Service means you will be at all times good natured towards all other people, and will do your best to help them, even though it may not always be convenient or pleasant for you, and that you will expect no reward for doing so?"
"I do."
"Do you understand that by becoming a Jedi Knight you are joining an Order in which we will help you carry out your ideals, and in which we demand you to obey the Jedi Code and carry out our motto of Service for others?" Master Oppo Rancisis asks.
"I do."
"In ancient times it was the custom of those about to become Knights to be laved with water, in token of the washing away of past misdeeds and as a sign that they were determined to commence afresh with a clean page. Are you willing to give such a sign, here in the presence of us all?" Master Even Piell asks.
"I am."
"Stand, Padawan Kenobi," Qui-Gon says. He leads Obi-Wan to a table on which rests a ewer and a basin. Obi-Wan places his hands together over the basin and Qui-Gon takes the ewer and pours water over them, his hands only a little shaky from the pain. He then takes a towel and dries Obi-Wan's hands.
Qui-Gon lights the three candles on the table and leads Obi-Wan back to the center of the room where the Padawan kneels once more.
"Understanding these things then, I ask you to make your vow, bearing in mind that you are expected to interpret it not from a boy's point of view, but that of a man," Qui-Gon says.
Obi-Wan takes his damaged lightsaber in his right hand and holds it over his heart. The Council members do the same. At first he is a bit distressed that his saber is damaged and not working for the ceremony, but then he thinks about all he had went through during the battle with the Sith and is proud of his damaged saber.
"I, Obi-Wan Kenobi, vow on my honor that I will do my best to do my duty to the Force and to the Jedi Order, to help other beings at all times, and to carry out the Jedi Code."
Qui-Gon then takes Obi-Wan by the left hand and places his lightsaber across Obi-Wan's left shoulder, saying:
"For Jedi, the lightsaber is a symbol of chivalry and unselfish service. The blade within the saber signifies the soul or spiritual part of the Jedi. The pommel signifies the humility which is necessary to use faith to the best advantage. The point of the sword symbolizes obedience and the glowing blade reminds Jedi of their twofold duty toward the Force and all beings. The whole saber represents a spiritual power the Jedi require in their quest for service to themselves and others. I trust you on your honor to keep your vow. Be strong and of good courage."
Qui-Gon takes a small step back, lifts Obi-Wan's Padawan braid, and ignites his lightsaber.
Lexi's blue and gold eyes well up with tears from the love and pride she feels for him. She will miss his braid, but is excited for this new step in his life. Anakin sees her tears and takes her hand in his. She squeezes his hand and smiles down at the boy. Tahl smiles and puts a comforting hand on Lexi's shoulder.
"The removal of this braid will symbolize the removal of your status as a Padawan," Qui-Gon says solemnly. With his lightsaber he quickly severs the braid from Obi-Wan's head.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi," Qui-Gon continues. "By the right of the Council, by the will of the Force, I dub thee, Jedi Knight of the Republic."
His large hands shake a little as he ties the top end of the braid off. Obi-Wan considers offering to help, but knows that doing so would offend his Master. He knows Qui-Gon wants to perform every part of the ceremony himself. He smiles in pride at his almost former Master.
Qui-Gon reaches down his uninjured arm to offer Obi-Wan a hand. Obi-Wan grasps his hand, but doesn't pull on Qui-Gon as he stands to his feet.
"Rise, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jedi Knight. Council members, I present to you this new Knight, your comrade, where I have received him on your behalf into our Order of Jedi Knights. Welcome him into your fellowship! Aid and speed him on his course!"
Master Depa Billaba stands to her feet, "Knight Kenobi, you have an example to set, not only to the Padawans and Knights, but to the entire galaxy. We feel that you will justify our trust in you to set that example."
Master Saesee Tiin stands, "Take up your lightsaber, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jedi Knight!"
Every member of the Council stands, ignites their sabers, and raises them in their right hands. "May the Force be with you," they all say in unison to the newly Knighted Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Obi-Wan bows before the Council, "Thank you, Masters."
"More to say, Knight Kenobi?" Yoda asks.
"Yes, Master. I formally request to take Anakin Skywalker as my Padawan learner," Obi-Wan announces.
Yoda nods his head, "Your apprentice, Skywalker will be."
"Thank you, Master," Obi-Wan bows again.
"Young Skywalker, step forward," Yoda calls out. Anakin glances nervously at Lexi before rising and heading toward Obi-Wan. When he gets to Obi-Wan's side, Obi-Wan places a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Accept Master Kenobi, do you?" Yoda asks.
Anakin nervously looks up at Obi-Wan and then back at the small green Jedi Master. "Yes, sir, I do."
"Settled, the matter is. His Padawan, you now are."
"May the Force be with you," Yarael Poof says, dismissing the meeting.
Anakin looks up again at Obi-Wan. "I'm really a Jedi now?" he asks in disbelief.
And I'm really a Knight now.
Obi-Wan smiles at the boy. "Yes, Padawan, you are."
