The Council convened in a domed chamber high in the
palace forming their usual circle perched rather
uncomfortably on unfamiliar chairs. The three of us
made our bows. Ani apprehensive, still stinging from
his rejection. Obi-Wan constrained, resisting the
destiny the Force has handed him. And I -

   I no longer understand the Council. All our
previous disagreements are insignificant compared to
this, matters of interpretation mine against theirs.
This is different, they've deliberately closed their
minds to the will of the Force. It makes no sense to
me, I just can't understand it. I feel as if I'm
facing strangers not my old friends and teachers.

   Ani told his story first. This time I managed to
maintain a calm front - barely. Obi-Wan, beside me, was
well aware of my struggle and it seemed to amuse him
no end. He and little Padme, (Her Majesty Queen
Amidala I should say!) are both getting a great deal
of innocent pleasure from my consternation. I suppose
it serves me right, I've teased them both often
enough.

   Ani answered the Councillors' questions as best he
could. No he hadn't known the reactor was there; he
hadn't chosen to fly into the hanger it'd just
happened; he didn't know *why* he'd fired his
torpedoes at no apparent target, it'd just seemed like
the thing to do; he'd been real lucky he guessed. I
could see the Masters of the Council were shaken,
enough to reconsider their decision about his training
I hoped.

   Finally Anakin was dismissed, remembering just in
time to bow before scampering for the door. I saw one
of the Queen's handmaidens waiting outside to collect
him before it closed. Then it was my turn.

   I described my part of the duel with the Sith, felt
the Council cloud in confusion when I got to my
wounding.

   "Run through!" Mace Windu repeated, incredulously.
"Are you sure?"

   "Very sure, Master." I replied a little drily.
Remembering all to vividly the shock, the pain, the
desperate fear for Obi-Wan left to face the Sith
alone. "It's not something I'm likely to be mistaken
about."

   I felt my former Padawan tense against his own
memory of that moment, his emotion echoing through the
chamber like the despairing cry he'd uttered at the
time.

   "I don't understand," Master Koth said from behind
us, "you are obviously unharmed."

   I looked at Obi-Wan. He closed his eyes briefly
then began with his own fight alone against the Sith.
Voice steady he told how he'd let grief and rage drive
him to near defeat then of the moment of enlightenment
that'd given him the victory.

   The Council was impressed, Yoda pleased, Obi-Wan
had more than fulfilled the promise he'd seen in him.
I doubted they'd take the rest of the story as well.

   "I turned to Qui-Gon," Obi-Wan continued quietly,
"he was dying, nearly dead."

   I caught the almost tremor in his voice put a
reassuring hand on his shoulder. He looked up at me.

   "I didn't want to loose you but that wasn't why I
did it." he said, directing his words to me instead of
the Council. "I had a feeling, a presentiment, I knew
if you died it would be the ruin of us all, especially
Anakin. 

   It was my turn to be shaken. Obi-Wan was implying
that I personally am vital to the Chosen One's
destiny, that I'm more than just a convenient
instrument of the Force, somehow the future depends on
*me*.

   It's a frightening thought. I don't want to believe
it, yet - how can't I after what's happened?

   "I know it was insane, presumptuous, to even try to
heal such an injury," Obi-Wan continued to the
Council, shaking his head in bewilderment at his own
actions, "I don't know what I expected to happen...."
trailed off helplessly.

   "You're saying you *healed* a mortal wound?" Mace
asked incredulously.

   "Yes, Master." Obi-Wan all but whispered, eyes on
the colored marbles of the floor. He was begining to
tremble again. I squeezed his shoulder comfortingly,
finished for him.

   "Complete regeneration, no scarring, no sign I was
ever wounded and as near as I can tell almost
instantaneous. We were both unconscious for several
hours afterward but there've been no other after
effects." I took a breath. "I can only interpret it as
a direct intervention by the Force."

  "No other explanation can you find?" Yoda piped up
suddenly, "strong in the Force is young Obi-Wan and
devoted to his Master -"

   "No!" my Padawan broke in, speaking out of turn for
the first time in my experience of him. "It wasn't
*me*, Master Yoda, I wasn't in control."

   I suspect that bothers him most of all. Control is
important to Obi-Wan, his weakness, as a reluctance to
accept responsibility is mine.

   "Obi-Wan has a gift for healing," Master Koth put
in, "but what Qui-Gon describes is beyond the power of
any Jedi."

   "Any ordinary Jedi." Depa Billapa disagreed softly.

   "It wasn't me!" Obi-Wan repeated desperately, close
to panic. His fear battered against my mind and the
Councillors'.

   "We are not trying to frighten you, young one."
Ki-Adi Mundi said gently.

   "Calm yourself, Obi-Wan," Mace counselled, "there
is no Emotion only Peace."

   "Relax." I told him in a voice pitched for his ears
alone, was rewarded with a glimmer of a smile.

   "Don't overdo it this time." he murmured. He
breathed, regained his equilibrium with impressive
speed. I was proud of him.

   "With respect, my Master," he said, directly to
Yoda, "my feelings tell me it was the Force Itself
working *through* me that saved Master Qui-Gon, it is
Its will he train the Chosen One."

   "Young Skywalker's future is a seperate matter -"
Mace began.

   "No, Master, it is not." Obi-Wan interupted
respectfully but firmly. "the three of us are linked,
I feel it."

   So do I. I can see the begining of the path we are
to follow but the end is uncertain, as all ends are.
The future is always in motion, shaped and reshaped by
actions in the present. I do what I must in the now
and trust to the Force for the result. We are, all
three of us, instruments of the Force It will guide
us.

   "I will train Anakin." I told the Council, "I would
prefer to do so with your consent and support." I left
the inevitable alternative unsaid.

   Mace passed a hand over his eyes. "We must discuss
this. Obi-Wan you may go, Master Qui-Gon will remain."

   Obi-Wan bowed, gave me a look of firm complicity
and support, left.

   Contrary to what many in the Order think I don't
enjoy pitting myself alone against the Council, it
felt good to have somebody on my side for a change.

   'Discuss' was something of a misnomer.
Consternation and incredulity surged around the circle
as they debated. I stood silent in the center of the
storm waiting for a consensus to form. It's hard to
question a miracle, especially with the proof standing
right in front of you.

   Yoda continued to argue Obi-Wan himself was
responsible for my healing but not even Yaddle agreed
with him. The age of miracles has indeed returned.

   "Master Qui-Gon!" he said suddenly, "nothing to say
have you?"

   "I accept what Obi-Wan has told me." I replied, "he
knows what he experienced." couldn't resist adding,
"If the midi-clorions can concieve a child why can't
they  also heal a wounded man?"

   "If! if!" Yoda fumed. 

   "Qui-Gon is right." Mace declared, (the first time
I've heard him say that!) "It would be irresponsible
to disregard young Obi-Wan's testimony."

   "Including his presentiment about the boy." Ki-Adi
agreed.

   I held my breath.

   Mace looked around the circle taking a silent
census of the Council's opinion, nodded, "Very well,
Qui-Gon, the Council consents to your taking Anakin
Skywalker as your Padawan Learner."

   I released a long sigh of relief. "And my former
Padawan? Is he to face the trials?"

   Mace smiled wryly. "Considering what's happened
that seems - redundant."

   Yoda nodded strenuously. "Proved himself he has, A
true Jedi has he become."

   I found myself in complete agreement with the
Council, it was indeed a day of wonders.

   The circle began to break up around me, I started
to move from my place was halted by a pre-emptory
command from Yoda. 

   "Qui-Gon, stay!"

   So I remained where I was as the other Councillors
filed out leaving us alone. Yoda climbed down from his
tall chair and limped towards me leaning on his stick,
I knelt down to put myself on conversational level. 

   "This boy -" he began.

   "He *is* the Chosen One." I ws begining to sound
like a droid with a stuck vocorder.

   Yoda rapped his stick impatiently against the
marble floor. "The Chosen One he may be but I see much
danger in his training!"

   "So do I." I said, startling him. Spread my hands,
"How can it be otherwise? He is the Chosen One he will
face great trials, great temptations." ended simply,
"I trust him."

  "I do not!" Yoda snapped. Gooseberry green eyes
glared into mine and I read distress as well as
annoyance in them. "Your death this boy will be,
Qui-Gon, and Obi-Wan's. Seen it I have."

   I admit that shook me, still does, but it changes
nothing. "I must do what I am called to do." I replied
quietly.

   The ancient Master's head drooped. "Knew you would
say that I did." 

   "What else can I say?" I almost pleaded, "what else
can I do?" I don't like being in constant opposition
to Yoda. I wish I weren't such a disappointment to
him, but I can't be what I'm not, not even for my old
Master.

   "Focus you should have!" he replied passionately.
"Concentrate on what you wish to accomplish,
distractions ignore!"

   "I wish to accomplish the will of the Force, I have
no other purpose." I said, still sounding like a
broken vocorder.

   "Waste your strength chasing will-o-the-wisps you
do!"

   We looked at each other in mutual frustration. How
can two beings speaking the same language so
completely fail to communicate?

   Shaking his head wearily Yoda began the familiar
litany of my faults. "Willful are you! Reckless!
Im-patient!" the ultimate failing as far as Yoda is
concerned.

   I said nothing. I've long since given up trying to
defend myself against those accusations, there's to
much truth in them.

   He came closer putting a small green hand over
mine, again I saw the distress and fear underlying his
irritation. "Slowly move," he almost pleaded, "caution
use. Dangerous is this boy, dangerous to *you*"

   "I will be careful." I promised, knowing full well
my idea of caution and Yoda's have little in common. I
tried to reassure him. "I believe in Anakin and I
trust in the Force. Whatever happens It's will be
done."

   Yoda breathed out a long, defeated sigh. "Faith you
have always had." he conceeded, "and courage." his
face crumpled into a weary smile. "And kindness, even
to your cross old Master."

   I ignored protocol and hugged him as I used to when
I was a boy, before our different interpretations of
the Force put us at odds. 

   I wish I could make him understand, not necessarily
agree with, just understand the path I've chosen.
Someday soon I will try again.
   ***

   Another of the Queen's handmaidens waylaid me
outside the improvised council chamber. It was Rabe
with orders to take me to her Highness. I needed to
talk to Obi-Wan and Anakin but a royal invitation is a
command. Besides it seemed likely I'd find my two
Padawans already with the Queen.

   I was right. Ani was sitting right next to Amidala,
still in her gold beaded black gown but sans face
paint and with her hair down. Obi-Wan was a few feet
away talking to Eirte and Sabe the Queen's double. The
handmaidens had their hoods pushed back and seemed to
be enjoying themselves, as did Obi-Wan. 

   I'd just enough time to notice all this before a
middle aged couple in the colorful Naboo costume
descended upon me and seized a hand apiece, thanking
me with tears in their eyes for saving their
daughter's life and throne.

   I shot a quick, desperate look at Obi-Wan. He
smirked back, obviously he'd recieved the same
treatment earlier and was ready to enjoy somebody
else's discomfiture.

   I never know what to say when people thank me for
helping them. 'You're welcome' seems somewhat
inadequate 'It was my duty' much too cold. I resorted
to my usual tactic, redirection.

   "Her Highness saved herself the battle plan was
entirely her own." smiled at Amidala over their heads.
"She is a courageous and resourceful young woman, I
have no doubt she will be a great queen." 

   She flushed pink with mingled pleasure and
embarrassment. "Mom, Dad, let Master Jinn sit down."
she ordered. Added rather unecessarily, "My parents
Ruwee and Jobal Naberrie."

   "You must be very proud of your daughter." I told
them sincerely, taking a seat.

   "Very proud." Jobal agreed. "But we were so
frightened for her!"

   "All we had was rumours." Ruwee put in grimly. "That
she'd been killed, or had escaped, or was being held
captive. And no way of knowing which was the truth."

   "I was worried about you too." Amidala told him.

   Her father shrugged. "We did all right."

   "Fortunately the Federation never found out who
they were." Obi-Wan murmured leaning over the back of
my chair.

   Very fortunate. They would have made valuable
hostages. I felt certain Amidala would've put her
royal duty above family but was grateful she'd been
spared the trial.

   "Our worst fears might have come true if you hadn't
rescued Amidala from those terrible droids." Jobal
said earnestly. "We're forever grateful to you Master
Jinn and to Jedi Kenobi." She put an arm around
Anakin, beside her and hugged. "And to this young man.
Without him you might all still be trapped on
Tatooine."

   Ani wriggled in happy embarrassment, mumbled, "It
wasn't anything."

   "You risked your life for Amidala." Ruwee told him.
"that was both brave and generous."

   My new Padawan wriggled some more. "It wasn't like
that *really*" he confessed, "I love podracing, I was
glad to do it."

   "That's because you are brave." the young Queen
smiled. "I was terrified for you Ani the whole race!"

   "I was a bit worried myself." I admitted. And
recieved a sizzling look from her Majesty.

   "I won because it was important I win," Ani told
her seriously, "I mean to somebody besides me." he
frowned struggling to put his feeling into words. "All
those other races I wanted to win for *me*. It wasn't
until I wanted to win for *you* that I did."

   "Very good, Ani," I said gently. "A Jedi uses his
powers to serve, never for his own benefit."

   The small face fell. "But I'm not a Jedi."

   I smiled. "You will be, the Council has given me
permission to train you."

   "They *have*? Wow!" my new Padawan whirled
gleefully on the Queen. "You hear that Padme? I'm
gonna be a Jedi Knight after all!"

   "Congratulations Ani!" she hugged him.

   A sigh of relief escaped Obi-Wan. He'd been
prepared to leave the Order if necessary but was
grateful it wouldn't be. So was I. The Jedi are the
only family, the only home I've ever known. Dispite my
differences with the Council I would hate to lose
that.

   "And you," I said quietly, only to him, "are a
Knight."

   He smiled, but I sensed conflict.

   "What about Obi-Wan?" Ani blurted, turning to us.
"They said you couldn't have *two* apprentices."

   "He won't," my former Padawan told my new one. "the
Council's made me a Knight."

   "That's great!" Ani beamed.

   "You made yourself a Knight." I corrected. "The
Council simply recognized the fact."

   Obi-Wan grimaced. "I know I said I was ready but I
realize now how much I still have to learn."

   "So do we all." I smiled. "You'll be learning all
your life, Obi-Wan, and the wiser you grow the more
aware you'll be of how little you know."

   "I thought a Jedi knew *everything*." Anakin
frowned.

   Obi-Wan and I shook our heads in unison. "Only the
Force knows everything Ani," I told him. "and we are
guided by it."

   "You said I was to trust your judgment." the Queen
reminded pointedly.

   "And I trusted in the Force." I spread my hands,
"It worked didn't it, 'young handmaiden'?"

   Which brought to mind another grievance. "You knew
all along who I was didn't you?" She accused.

   I hesitated, realizing I was in trouble however I
answered.

   "Well I didn't!" Obi-Wan said, rescuing me. "Sabe
had me completely fooled." smiled at the decoy who
smiled back, flattered. "I was sure Master Qui-Gon was
wrong."

   "Is he *ever* wrong?" Amidala asked exasperated.

   "Sixty-four times in the last twelve years."
Obi-Wan replied with a glinting, sidelong look at me.

   Had he really been keeping count? "Sixty-four?" I
asked.

   "A hundred and eleven if I include the times you
were half right." he answered straight faced.

   Amidala laughed and after a confused moment Ani
joined her.
   ***

    The rest of the day was taken up by plans for the
great Victory parade in which the Naboo would express
both their gratitude to the Gungan army and seal the
new alliance.

   The Queen wanted to include some recognition of
Anakin's valor and Obi-Wan and myself in the
ceremonies. I had to refuse her, citing the Codes
against accepting any kind of reward from those we
help. She is a determined young lady and argued the
point strenuously. Finally we compromised; she gave up
her first intent of awarding us medals and in return I
agreed the three of us would join her and Chancellor
Palpatine in the reviewing stand.

   Jar Jar is not bound by Jedi rules and I readily
gave my permission for him to ride beside General Ceel
at the head of the parade. It was a just recognition
of his role in bringing the two peoples together.

   I took him aside to explain there were no
provisions for personal servants in the Temple and
that I considered his services during our recent
adventures sufficient repayment of the Life Debt he
owed me.

   He very much wants to stay on Naboo but he is an
honorable being. "Liveplay *forever*!" he insisted
unhappily, "Meesa your servant always."

   I thought fast. "Then I order you to remain here to
watch over the Queen. It's possible she's still in
danger." Jar Jar's eyes widened hopefully as I
continued. "You must send for me at once if there's
any sign of trouble."

   He nodded eagerly. "Meesa can do that! Meesa take
good care of Padme!" hesitated, "Quiggon take good
care of Ani?"

   I smiled. "I will, I promise."

   As evening wore into night I reminded myself my new
Padawan was a small boy, not a young man who could be
trusted to judge his bedtime for himself, and went in
search of Anakin. 

   I found him with Obi-Wan in in the Queen's
antechamber, both absorbed in a holographic image of
tomorrow's celebrations projected by Artoo Detoo.

   "Bedtime, Ani." I said, sounding astonishingly like
Shmi. He opened his mouth to argue and I raised a
warning finger. "A Padawan must obey his Master,
instantly and without question."

   Anakin looked to Obi-Wan for help. My former
apprentice gave him an rueful shrug and smile. "I'm
afraid that's right, Ani, even about bedtime."

   My new Padawan heaved an enormous, put-upon sigh
and snailed his way to my side.

   "I think I'll go to bed too." Obi-Wan continued
tactfully, "tomorrow will be a busy day."

   We made our way through marble corridors to the
rooms assigned us. Obi-Wan wished us both good night
outside his own door and I escorted my reluctant
Padawan through his.

   It's been a while but I remembered enough about
small boys to know if I really wanted Ani to go to bed
I'd better stand right there until he was safely
tucked in.

   I was set to turn out the light and leave when he
suddenly blurted, "Master, what did you mean when you
said I was the Chosen One."

   I'd hoped he'd missed that. The price of temper. I
should never have referred to the prophecy in Anakin's
presence. He already has problems enough without the
knowledge of his formidable destiny hanging over him
as well.

   I sat down on the edge of his bed, groping for the
simplest, least threatening words to explain. "There
is a very ancient prophecy in the Temple records, it
says in a time of great danger the Force will bring
forth a Chosen One to restore the Balance."

   Sapphire eyes stared into my own with almost
painful intensity. "You think it's *me*?"

   "I'm sure of it." I answered truthfully. "The Force
is strong in you Ani, you are the One."

   He swallowed, asked plaintively, with an undertone
of panic "But what am I supposed to *do*?" 

   "I don't know exactly." I was forced to admit,
continued reassuringly, "It's not something you have
to worry about now, Ani. When you are a Jedi Knight
the Force itself will tell you what it wants of you."
I smoothed his hair, sending waves of relaxation into
the tense little body. "For now all you have to do is
be a good Padawan and all will be well."

   Lulled and reassured his eyes fluttered and closed.
I stayed watching him sleep for some little time. 

   Yoda is wrong, Anakin's not dangerous. Someday
perhaps but not now. Now he's just a young learner
needing a teacher, a child needing a father to replace
the mother he's lost. I will do my best to be what he
needs. I can only pray the Force chose wisely when it
picked me for this task.