Chapter Three
"Other Natures of Negotiation"
Down in the belly of the Jedi Temple, beneath the street level, and on the opposite side of the creche, lay the Grand Master's Hall. It was the part of the building, which housed the Jedi Masters who had not only successfully managed to raise and train one padawan, but several. It also housed the members of the Jedi Council. This portion of the Temple was quiet, sparsely decorated with muted colors on the floors and walls; quite a contrast to the bold entry of the temple with its grand celebratory statues, rich purple and gold carpets, and intricate stairways. This area was modest, clean, and understated.
That is, until you turned the corner of the last hallway and headed toward the apartment at the end of it. You begin to notice things. Small objects really. A table with an interesting rock placed on it. An antique text made from actual parchment. However, the further you proceed, the display increases, not only in the size of the objects, but in the amount of them, until you feel as if you've entered a museum. Lining the walls are a variety of handcrafted items from all over the galaxy; masks, weapons, tapestries, pottery, tools - all indicative that the occupant of the last apartment is not only a collector, but his travels have taken him to the most remote systems in the galaxy.
The collector and traveler is Qui-Gon Jinn and these are his rooms. He is a legend amongst the Jedi; a warrior, a mentor, and also a good friend. Which is why the visitor doesn't ring the door chime, but proceeds to enter without pause.
"Master Qui-Gon? You wanted to see me? Hello?"
It had been nearly three months since Anakin Skywalker had had a chance to visit his almost-Master. Between classes, studying, training, and missions, he barely had time to get enough sleep, much less find time for a visit.
"I'm sorry I'm late, but Master Obi-Wan had me run through third drill until it was perfect. Master Qui-Gon?"
The apprentice searched through the apartment, finally discovering the Jedi Master outdoors on his vegetation-crowded balcony. Qui-Gon was there amongst the shrubbery, kneeling in an obvious meditative pose, his heavily silvered hair floating about his face on a gentle Coruscanti breeze. He looked to be in good health, although he appeared substantially older than he had since Anakin's last visit. There were more wrinkles in his face than Anakin remembered, but he'd heard that sometimes physical pain can add years to one's appearance. He hoped Master Qui-Gon wasn't in pain, but he wouldn't be surprised if he were and was doing nothing about it. It had taken half the council to force him to undergo physical rehab after his injury.
"Anakin, my boy!" The Jedi Master came out of meditation quickly, but rose to his feet slowly. Anakin offered his assistance, pulling Qui-Gon up by his elbow. "It's great to see you! How have you been?"
"How have you been Master Jinn? Your plant collection has grown since I was here last."
"Indeed it has. A little propagation, some careful maintenance and close monitoring works wonders. Speaking of," he paused ushering the young man back inside to the common area, "how is my old padawan treating you?"
"You know him better than I do, Master Jinn."
"True, which is why I've asked you here today. It's been brought to my attention Obi-Wan is being too hard on you. Is that an accurate assumption?"
The youth smiled, but hesitated in answering, taking a seat and staring at the meat-eating plant on the table next to him, which seemed to be staring back.
"Come now, you can tell me anything. You know that, Anakin."
He did know that, but he also knew padawans should respect their Masters, and he would never say anything against his own. Not in front of Qui-Gon, anyway. Obi-Wan Kenobi was admired in the Temple and throughout the galaxy, and Anakin was extremely fortunate to have him as a mentor.
"Anakin, I only ask this because I'm concerned about you. I only want what's best for you. If Obi-Wan is tough, it's only because I was tough on him; too tough at times. Therefore, I do have some insight, which may be of some help. I just want to make sure he's treating you fairly."
"Oh, he's fair, Master Jinn," Anakin was quick to defend. "It's just that..."
Qui-Gon sat next to the young man to offer more support, his gaze displaying his deep concern. "Proceed," he gently prodded.
"Sometimes, I just need a break, you know? A little time to relax. With Master Kenobi, it's always, go, go, go! Go do your astronav paper, go finish your exercises, go pack for our next mission, go set the table, go practice your drills. I understand what it means to commit to becoming a Jedi, I do, but even when I was a slave, Watto gave me some time to myself! That's all, Master Qui-Gon. Really."
"You mean, that's all you wish to tell me about," Qui-Gon elaborated, noticing the young man's indicative grin, which told him all he needed to know. Something had to be done.
"I have an idea, which, if it works out, should help everyone involved." As well as even possibly closing the rift between he and his padawan, he thought. "But I'm going to need your help."
"Okay," Anakin answered, suddenly becoming quite interested in the conversation.
"First, how many naming days have you seen?" Why couldn't he remember? Maybe dementia was a possibility after all.
"I'll be eighteen next week, Master."
"Then you're old enough to hear..."
"The story of Naboo?" Anakin asked excitedly.
Qui-Gon looked surprised, not due to the young's man interruption, but because of his awareness. "Your Master's mentioned it?"
'
"Only when he's upset," Anakin explained. "He uses the word 'Theed' like somebody would use a curse word."
"I see," Qui-Gon leaned forward, clasping his hands together and focusing his thoughts. He must choose his words carefully. "When your Master and I were on Naboo, he and Queen Amidala...came to an agreement."
"Master, I'm going to be eighteen, not eight," Anakin interjected, causing the older man to chuckle.
"Very well, they fell in love and wished to pursue...a more intimate relationship,"
"You mean, some negotiations of a sensual nature?" Anakin quipped before he burst into a fit of giggles.
My, how padawans had changed since his time. Qui-Gon supposed he needed to quit worrying about embarrassing the young man. "Something like that, yes."
"What happened?"
"I didn't allow it."
Anakin sobered immediately. "Oh. I didn't know you followed the Old Order, Master Jinn."
He could understand the confusion. In the past he had given his opinions and taken stands as someone from the New Order would. Some had even called him a rogue, just because he made decisions based upon his feelings and his readings of the Living Force, which, sometimes happened to go against the directives of the Council.
"I used to," he corrected the young man. "However, time is the best teacher and I've since corrected the error of some of my ways. That's where you come in." Qui-Gon noticed the confused look on the young man's face and continued quickly. "We've got to figure out a way for your Master and Senator Amidala to spend some time together. They need to renew their friendship and let things occur naturally, as I'm sure they will. Obi-Wan will be happier, you will be happier, and I shall be happy for you both."
"I don't know, Master Qui-Gon. The Council keeps us so busy. I don't see how that's going to be possible."
Qui-Gon smiled mischeviously. "Just leave that up to me."