If I Don't Catch You: Part 1

If I Don't Catch You: Part 1
by Julie

Qui-gon's brow furrowed slightly as he lay on the cool metal floor of the Queen's ship. He breathed deeply and carefully to steady his heart and mind. The ease in which his strange attacker had fought him and matched his lightsaber's every thrust and parry worried him.

This is not good. He looked up to see his Padawan, Obi-wan Kenobi and young Anakin Skywalker rushing to kneel beside him. He almost smiled at the nearly identical looks of worry and excitement on their faces.

"Are you all right!?" Anakin asked with wide fearful eyes. Obi-wan looked just as anxious.

The Jedi Master nodded and began to prop himself up on his elbows. "I think so." he said seriously. "That was a surprise I won't soon forget."

Obi-wan's expression hardened. It had shocked him greatly to see his master fighting in a lightsaber duel outside of the ship. I should have been outside waiting for him. Why didn't I sense danger? I should have known!, he berated himself.

"What was that?" Obi-wan tried to ask calmly.

Qui-gon took another deep breath. "I'm not sure. Whoever or whatever he was, he was well trained in the Jedi arts. My guess is he was after the Queen."

"Do you think he'll follow us?" Anakin asked quickly.

"We'll be safe once we're in hyperspace," Qui-gon replied, sidestepping the question. "But I have no doubt he knows our destination. If he found us once, he can find us again."

The boy's face became a mask of determination. "What are we going to do about it?" He inquired.

The look on Obi-wan's face was priceless. He stared straight at the boy in surprise. What does this little kid mean by we? Anakin saw the look, but didn't react to it.

Qui-gon did smile this time. "We will be patient. Anakin Skywalker meet Obi-wan Kenobi."

The boy beamed and said in a cheerful voice. "You're a Jedi, too? Pleased to meet you!"

"Obi-wan is my Padawan, my apprentice." Qui-gon clarified. "He is training to be a Knight."

Obi-wan helped his master stand up and they exited the entry. As they walked down the passage Anakin could hardly keep from skipping. Another Jedi! Wizard! Anakin thought as the fear and worry from earlier drained away. This is going to be great! As they walked he looked up, down and around trying to see everything he had missed when he bolted into the ship before. He was thrilled when they entered the cockpit.

Look at all the stars! Anakin's mind whirled. And then they jumped to lightspeed.

Of course, Ani's never seen hyperspace. Qui-gon glanced down in amusement as Anakin's jaw dropped open.

Obi-wan looked up just in time to catch the direction of the soft smile on his master's face. I have a bad feeling about this.

***

Traveling through space is not all its cracked up to be. Even a comfortable and luxurious yacht like the Queen's transport can feel tiny, cramped and over run with people. Especially when you don't want anyone watching you perform Force exercises. In the guest cabin assigned to the Jedi, Obi-wan sat in a meditative pose and attempted for the umpteenth time to relax into the Force.

I won't open my eyes. I won't sigh. I won't grimace. I won't fidget. I won't.... he chanted in his head. I can't believe this! This shouldn't bother me! In defeat he briefly cracked one eye open to steal a glance at the only other occupant in the room.

Why is he still here?

The evening had progressed cheerfully. The Jedi and Anakin had eaten with the ship's crew. The pilots enjoyed talking to Anakin and amazed him with tales of their escape from the Trade Federation's clutches. The boy soaked up all of the attention with glee. Afterwards, Obi-wan had retired to meditate as usual before sleeping. Anakin had followed him like a puppy and begged to see "that wizard Jedi stuff." Qui-gon hadn't disapproved and left to speak with the Queen and her advisors. So, Obi-wan agreed to let Anakin follow him around. It would only be temporary. After all, such a young boy would quickly become bored watching him do nothing but sit.

Anakin squirmed in a vain attempt to find a soft spot on the cold metal. His brow furrowed in concentration. Obi-wan is trying to do something again. But what?, Anakin thought as he stared with rapt attention at Obi-wan's expressionless face. It was fascinating. To all outward appearances, Obi-wan was the picture of perfect calm, but Anakin knew he couldn't be. Not on a floor this hard! Anakin looked down and bit his lip in confusion. Is something wrong? He didn't see Obi-wan's quick glance down at him.

Suddenly, Anakin gasped "I'm messing you up!" he exclaimed in surprise.

Obi-wan gave up all pretense at meditating and opened his eyes. "What do you mean?" he inquired stoically.

"I'm sorry." the boy said contritely. "I didn't mean to disturb you. I'll just go now. Good night!" Before Obi-wan could reply Anakin scurried out of the room and down the hall.

Obi-wan couldn't help be feel relieved that the boy had gone. He found it bizarre that his master's latest stray had decided to latch onto him instead of Qui-gon. At least the boy was polite when he left. He could have fussed that I was doing nothing and declared Jedi stuff to be dumb or something to that effect. he thought. But, just for a second, something nagged him that the boy hadn't answered his question.

***

Anakin slunk into the empty pilots' barracks. I am soooo stupid! Anakin could've kicked himself.

I should have known I'd be a distraction! But Obi-wan looked so calm and serious. He must think I'm a pest. Anakin thought.

Grabbing his bag by the door he miserably climbed up to the top bunk that he'd been assigned to. It was cozy and comfortable. And he was just short enough to sit without banging his head against the ceiling. He kicked off his shoes and rummaged idly through his few belongings.

What exactly was Obi-wan trying to do anyway? The young man hadn't explained it to him or said anything. He'd simply settled down on the floor and closed his eyes. Anakin set his bag at the end of the bed. He slid to the middle of his bunk and tried to imitate what he'd seen. He closed his eyes and breathed evenly.

This is boring.

How could Obi-wan sit so long on such a hard, cold floor?! Why would he want to? Anakin shifted on his soft bed. I have got to be doing something wrong. But he didn't dare go back and ask Obi-wan. Anakin picked at the edges of his blanket in frustration. Maybe Master Qui-gon wouldn't mind explaining tomorrow morning? Then the Jedi Master's advice from before the Boonta Eve race came back to him. "Feel, don't think."

Okay, I'll just try not thinking.

No thinking?! Easier said than done.

For the first time he really thought about the words that Qui-gon had said. How exactly do you not think? But, somehow it had worked during the race. Of course he hadn't sat still then and he certainly didn't keep his eyes closed. Why wasn't it working?

*swish*

The door slid open and several crew members filed in to sleep. Anakin craned his neck over the edge of his bed to look down at the new arrivals. They looked tired and their earlier merriment was gone. Anakin sat back again and tried to be still.

I'm not thinking. I'm not thinking at all. Nope, not thinking about anything. I'm not thinking about how dumb this is.

I'm still doing something wrong. He huffed in irritation. One of the men looked up. "You need to get some sleep, Ani." he kindly reminded him as the others all crashed into their own bunks. Soon the room became still and the only sounds were the occasional snore. But Anakin wasn't sleeping...

***

Smoke.
Some sort of smashing sound.
That thing that attacked Master Qui-gon.
Is that blaster fire?
Bright columns of energy.
Wow, that's so high!
Why is it noisy?
Flying a starfighter would be so wizard!
Where is that scream coming from?
It's getting louder.
I can't hear myself think!
Why won't it STOP?!

*gasp*

Anakin's eyes snapped open. He jumped slightly and bumped his head on the ceiling. Franticly, he looked around the dark, silent room. His already heavy breathing quickened and his heart pounded in his chest. He shivered.

Where am I?! Anakin started to panic.

Oh yeah, the starship. The Queen's ship that the Jedi brought me to. Fuzzily, the events of the day came back to him. He reached up to rub his stiff neck and stretch his sore back. Why am I sitting up like this? He shivered again. The room had lost its earlier feeling of coziness and the darkness was suddenly very overwhelming.

Silently, Anakin crawled down the ladder to the floor. He carefully crept across to open the door and winced when it swished opened. He didn't think the noise would wake anyone, but the light might. To his relief the hallway was only dim. As the door slid shut behind him he began to wish it was lighter. He couldn't remember ever being afraid of the dark before. Why was it bothering him now? Maybe its just that dream. And the cold. he tried to reason away.

Why didn't I get my shoes?

At the end of the passage he came into the central chamber. Inside he was surprised to see Jar Jar sprawled in a chair, head back and snoring. But then he remembered that the Gungan was too tall to fit in the ship's bunks. Even so, he could have stretched out on the bench seats. Or maybe Gungans just like sleeping up. Anakin smiled when Artoo trilled a quiet welcome from the corner. He quickly curled up in a seat and removed the little pouch he always had tied to his belt. In it was a tiny, folded knife and a piece of japor wood. Wood of any kind was rare on Tatooine and he'd been saving this piece for a long time. Carefully, he began to carve the edges with swirls and eddies like in the pictures he'd seen of rivers and waterfalls.

Bits of the dream flashed in his mind. If Mom was here I'd tell her about the starfighters I saw. Or maybe not, she wouldn't like it. I know she'd worry if she knew I've been dreaming of a space battle. He imagined his mother's sad face with a frown. Nope. I wouldn't have told her about this dream at all. he sighed as he bored a hole through the wood so that it could serve as a pendant.

I meant to make this for Mom. he thought. Unbidden tears collected in his eyes. I am not going to cry. I'm not!

***

The next morning saw the return of Anakin's cheerfulness. Padme had noticed him shivering in the central chamber during the night. She'd wrapped him a blanket and held him until he fell asleep. Anakin was glad he gave the little japor snippet to her. Padme was so nice, she deserved something special like that.

"Good morning, Ani." Padme said as she entered the room after breakfast. "What are you doing?"

Anakin was seated at the table and drawing on a pad of the Queen's Official Memo pad plasti-paper. The sheets littered the tabletop. "I'm designing a droid." he announced proudly.

Padme smiled indulgently. "That's nice, Ani." she said as she moved around the table to look over his shoulder. "What type of..." she stopped speaking suddenly. The drawings weren't the sketches she expected but detailed schematics. Even after seeing the podracer and droid that Anakin had built on Tatooine, it still surprised her.

"Maybe the Jedi will let me build it..." Anakin sighed wistfully.

"Maybe." Qui-gon answered from the entryway. "Did you enjoy meditating with Obi-wan yesterday?" he inquired.

Medit-what? Oh! So that's what its called!

"No, Master Qui-gon, sir. I mean, only Obi-wan was meditating." Anakin stumbled out.

"Well then," the Jedi Master replied, "Would you like me to show you how?"

"Yes, sir!" Ani exclaimed and hastily began gathering up his papers into a rough pile.

Qui-gon and Padme just looked at each other and smiled as she walked out of the room. Ani, I envy the Jedi who will be your master, Qui-gon thought sadly. Perhaps I...?

"Come with me, Ani." he said and turned down another passage. They walked to the Jedi's cabin. Or rather, Qui-gon walked and Anakin trotted.

"Sit here on the floor and be as still as you can." Qui-gon's deep voice intoned. "Close your eyes and reflect."

Reflect? Oh, so you are supposed to think! Anakin immediately copied him on the metal decking and watched as a look of peace stole across his features.

"Clear your mind and wait for the Force." Master Qui-gon said as he closed his eyes. However, he didn't meditate, but stayed completely alert. Anakin had shown surprising affinity for using the Force unconsciously. He waited quietly for any sign that Anakin might be able to control it.

Anakin was perplexed. It sounded easy, but he knew from his attempts yesterday that it was in fact very hard. He stole a quick look at the Jedi Master's serene countenance.

He knows I just opened my eyes!

Anakin tried to relax. Okay clear out the mind time. Move it, all you pesky thoughts about how much I hate sitting on metal! Hit the space lanes! Yeah, I mean you!

Anakin didn't like meditating. He was quite sure of it. Qui-gon ended the practice after he had managed to remain still about fifteen minutes. It felt like hours. Anakin nearly fell over trying to stand up.

"You did well, Ani." Qui-gon encouraged. He was amazed at the way the Force had swirled around Anakin while he was meditating. It almost seemed to be playing with the small boy the way it crashed wildly and blew through him. However has Ani managed to cope with the Force all this time?

Anakin's head jerked up in shock. I.. did.. well? No way! The only thing I felt was my feet go numb!

"Thank you, Master Qui-gon." Anakin answered. Jedi don't lie, but I know I did terrible.

"Let's go see what Obi-wan is doing, shall we?" Qui-gon invited. It appeared as though the boy had little in the way of mind shielding, but that was to be expected. Anakin would be a challenge and privilege to teach. Master Yoda would probably insist that, "Train this boy, only I can." he thought with mild irritation. For the first time he regretted refusing to accept that temporary seat on the council. But then if I had I would've never found this boy, he mused.

Obi-wan was in a medium sized storage bay of the ship. It was nearly empty with a few long cargo boxes stacked against one wall. It was too small for lightsaber dueling, but ideal for simple exercises. He was currently practicing balance.

The Jedi Master and Anakin entered to see Obi-wan standing upside down and holding himself up with only one finger. His Padawan braid just brushed the floor. Qui-gon watched Anakin's face waiting to see how the boy would react. Anakin's blue eyes widened only a little and he was certainly very surprised, but he said nothing.

Good. Qui-gon thought. He passed the test. Anakin's reaction was an important factor in how he would be trained in the Force. Had he responded with disgusted disbelief or extreme awe it would take a long time for him to unlearn.

Anakin was incredulous. There is no way I'll try that on my own!

***

"Greetings, Master." Obi-wan called from the center of the room. He's brought the kid with him, he noticed. He could see that Anakinwas scrutinizing him intently. Am I now on display? Obi-wan's lips tightened in annoyance, Or shall I serve as a practice dummy forMaster Qui-gon to demonstrate the Force with? he thought sarcastically.

"Don't let us interrupt you, Padawan." Qui-gon reassured.

He guided the boy to the far wall and chose several of the long, narrow boxes. "I want you to walk slowly along the top of these." hedirected as he laid the boxes out down the length of the room to form a crude balance beam.

"Some of these will wobble and others are not quite the same height, but don't let that worry you. Concentrate on putting one foot infront of the other."

"Yes, sir." the boy replied. The first box came nearly up to his knees.

Ah, Obi-wan observed. Now is the time for bumps and bruises. His eyes followed Anakin as he safely traversed the row of boxeswithout incident. Anakin's face was cool and collected as he turned and walked back again.

I sense something... Obi-wan was confused. Gently, he widened his range of perception. Its the boy! he realized in surprise. Sothis is what Master Qui-gon felt. To endeavor to become a Jedi at his age is admirable, but can he? He dropped deeper into the Force andfocused intently on Anakin...

*thump!*

Obi-wan winced in sympathy as Anakin tumbled off on his fourth walk. That had to hurt.

But the boy didn't stay down long. Quickly he stepped back up and balanced again. Qui-gon smiled in approval. "Speed up a little." heprompted. Anakin easily jogged down and back.

You poor kid. You have no idea what you are in for, do you? Just wait until my master tells you to run it.

"Now, run along it, Ani." Qui-gon instructed.

He's doomed. Obi-wan decided.

***

I could do this with my eyes closed. Anakin confidently strode on top of the boxes for his first walk. He didn't mind though. He'd feltterribly cooped up on this ship and welcomed the chance to move about. I wonder how long Obi-wan had to practice Force stuff until hecould do a headstand like that? Or maybe he just has really, super, strong fingers? Nimbly, he turned on his heel and repeated hiswalking exercise. This is easy. I could even... what is that eerie feeling? Anakin's mind whirled in distress. The very air seemed to pricklehis skin.

*thump!*

Anakin barely caught himself from breaking his nose on the floor. He bolted to his feet and clamored back on the boxes. He could feel hisface burn in embarrassment. I'm glad Padme isn't in here. That was so bizarre. It felt like... he frowned.

I don't know what it felt like.

***

The next day, the Jedi left Anakin in the storage room to meditate alone. Qui-gon and Obi-wan returned to their cabin for a long overduediscussion.

I have a bad feeling about this. Obi-wan suspected that his master didn't share his feeling of concern.

"I intend to ask the Council to test Anakin Skywalker and train him." Qui-gon stated.

Sometimes I hate to be right. his apprentice thought gloomily.

"Master, I agree that the boy's potential is great, however..." he left his sentence unfinished. Obi-wan studied his master. Why does he persistently chase after hopeless causes? It was a familiar question that he had asked himself many times. The Council would neveraccept the boy for training. They staunchly adhered to the rules and the rules clearly stated that to begin Jedi training after one year ofage was dangerous and certain to fail. At nine and a half years of age, it was much too late for Anakin.

"I understand what you mean. Anakin is too old." Qui-gon answered, "However, there has been exceptions before. Master Eeth Kothwas already four years of age when he was discovered and yet he was trained. Today he is even a member of the Council."

"Master, he proved..."

"Yes, he did," Qui-gon interrupted. "And I hope that Anakin will demonstrate his worthiness also." He decided to let Obi-wan's nearlydisrespectful tone slide. His apprentice had a right to have his own point of view. Qui-gon was glad that Obi-wan never followed himblindly.

Obi-wan sighed. Qui-gon would be Qui-gon and nothing is going change him. Would I really want him any different? he thought. Hebanished all unkind thoughts from his mind and as usual looked past his master's eccentricities.

"You are testing the boy again?" he inquired, changing the subject.

"Yes, Padawan" his master replied. "A test of obedience."

***

With his eyes closed he imagined he could see the storage room he was in and attempted to do the same with the room above. Anakinwas elated and desperately tried to refrain from jumping up. I can feel the people on the upper deck! Who are they? Slowly, he triedto count them. I wish it wasn't so cold in here. he thought and briefly lost his concentration. Come on! he sighed in frustration.Work! I want to be able to tell Qui-gon how many people I sensed.

A tingling sensation crept over him. It danced across his skin and ruffled his tousled blond hair. For a moment Anakin felt like he washome on Tatooine. He almost didn't notice the sudden warmth that surrounded him.

Its like when Mom hugs me. he sighed contentedly and relaxed further into the Force. Suddenly a vibration in the air attracted him. Focusing on it, he tried to determine what was happening. I'm sweating. he noticed as an afterthought. The heat began to increaserapidly and Anakin's fear swelled to equal it.

He began to pant heavily. Why is it so hot!? he nearly cried in alarm.

Opening his eyes he was shocked to see what appeared to be a soft glow clinging to his body and shining through his tunic and pants. Instantly, his concentration shattered and he was relieved to see the light vanish along with the heat. Anakin's small frame shivered as cooler air dried the sweat on his brow.

Calm down, gotta calm down. he thought furiously. I don't think that was supposed to happen. I've got to calm down before MasterQui-gon returns!

Qui-gon entered the room with a smile on his face. He was pleased to see Anakin still meditating and sensed that the boy had obeyed hisinstructions to not move while he was gone.

"Its time to eat, Ani." he said.

As he turned to walk back down the passage, Anakin followed in silence. Should I tell him?

"I sense that you are distressed, Ani." Qui-gon said earnestly. "Can I help?"

"Do Jedi do impossible things?" Anakin asked.

"Nothing is impossible when the Force is your ally." Master Qui-gon explained. "It is we who have limits."

"Oh." was Anakin's only comment as he turned to walk down the passage.

***

The next morning Anakin went in search of the Jedi apprentice.

"Hi, Obi-wan!" Anakin exclaimed in greeting.

"Hello." Obi-wan did not look up. I thought the boy was with Qui-gon? he thought.

"What are you doing?" the boy inquired.

"Mending my tunic." Obi-wan responded curtly. Couldn't he guess? Or is he just trying to start a conversation?

Silence filled the room as Anakin thought of what to say next. Obi-wan ignored the sound of the boy start to nervously tap his foot on thefloor. I think he'd pace if there was room.

"What stuff can Jedi do?" Obi-wan had anticipated that Anakin would want to know this. However, I had expected the boy to askQui-gon, not I.

"We do the will of the Force." he evaded. This might be fun. he thought.

But Anakin wouldn't be deterred. "Noooo, I mean do things! Like that neat hand-stand, or I guess it would be called a finger-stand, thatyou did."

"Yes, excellent balance is a Jedi trait."

Anakin sighed in frustration and pressed on. "How high can you jump?"

"High." Obi-wan replied. Oh, I shouldn't be doing this. He will get angry, but its so much fun!

Anakin glared at him. "I've heard pilots say that Jedi can read minds."

"Its good to know your ears function."

Anakin made a strangling sound and stared at him.

Obi-wan struggled not to smile while he waited for the boy's response. This kid is so easy to tease!

But then he sensed Anakin's anger subside. Good, more amusement for me!

"Can Jedi read minds?" he asked carefully rephrasing his question.

"Not in the way you mean."

"Can you tell me what I am thinking?"

"No."

"No you can't or no you won't?" Anakin insisted.

"I am not hearing your thoughts."

"Could you just tell me what Jedi things you can do?" Anakin said through gritted teeth.

"Perhaps." Obi-wan couldn't help but smirk this time.

"Please." the boy begged.

Maybe I should put him out of his misery. "Most Jedi can use the Force to run extremely fast and then not feel tired afterward. Manycan lift very heavy objects and jump up three times or more than is normal for their race. Some of us can heal wounds on others andourselves. And we can levitate objects." Anakin's going to love that part. What shall I use to demonstrate? Perhaps if I lift him... no hewould probably panic.

"Could you show me, please?"

"Of course." Obi-wan replied graciously. This kid's not quite as annoying I thought he would be. "What would you like me to levitate?"

"Well, uh, how about that datapad." he pointed to it lying on the table.

Obi-wan complied and the datapad rose smoothly off the table and hung in midair. He smiled as Anakin was properly amazed. The boywaved his hands under, above and around it. Anakin then grasped the datapad firmly and tugged. It didn't move a bit.

"When did you learn to do that?" he asked.

"When I was younger than you."

"Wizard!" Anakin praised.

"What about," he hesitated, "What about making something... um... glow?"

"Glow?" Obi-wan mused. "Well, I don't know why a Jedi would need to make something glow. Most Jedi can use the Force to see in the dark."

"Oh, well thank you very much for talking to me Obi-wan!" Anakin said in a rush and ran out the door.

Odd kid. Obi-wan noted. I should be kinder to him. After all, we will arrive on Coruscant tomorrow. he thought sadly. For a moment herecalled his conversation with Qui-gon. Showing him Force powers was a bad idea. He will be even more disappointed now.

***

It was early afternoon when they arrived at the Jedi Temple. Twelve of the galaxy's most powerful beings surrounded Anakin Skywalker. Qui-gon Jinn had escorted him into the Jedi Council Chamber and left. The small boy was nervous and uncertain what was expected ofhim. No one introduced themselves to him nor offered him any words of welcome. The eyes of the Jedi were not trained on him, but inhim. They didn't bother to set him at ease. Instead, the questions began.

***

Qui-gon sank into a soft chair in his and Obi-wan's quarters. "Try to relax, Padawan." he called out softly. "We may not get anotherchance for some time."

Obi-wan rooted through the kitchen stores in search of a snack and hopefully, some peace of mind. The young Jedi was distressed andworried for his master. He was certain that the boy would not be trained. The subtle reactions of the council members implied that. Andthey showed no sign of believing this boy was the Chosen One. Even if that old prophecy was true, which he doubted, it didn't mean itwas Anakin. Obi-wan returned to the main room with a heavy heart. This will be hard on Qui-gon. I wish I could spare him the pain anddisappointment. What will my master do when they deny the boy training?

***

The Council paused their questioning to take a blood sample. When Anakin asked why, Yoda mentioned it was for countingmidi-chlorians, but refused to elaborate. Anakin was grateful for a chance to rest, no matter how short.Mace Windu took out a datascreen. "Tell us what images appear on this." he instructed. Anakin looked at it intently at first and brieflywondered when the Jedi Master would turn it around to face him. But then he understood they were expecting him to just know. Touse the Force that Qui-gon had told him about.

Dozens of pictures began to flash in his mind and he named each in turn. "A bantha. A hyperdrive. A proton blaster." He had alightheaded and rushed feeling that reminded him of the Podrace. "A Republic cruiser. A cup. A speeder."

Master Windu turned the screen off and glanced at the boy before looking at the other Jedi.

"Good, good, young one," Master Yoda praised him and noted that the boy didn't respond with any pride.

"How feel you?"

"Cold, sir." Anakin confessed.

Now was the time for the most difficult test. One that they had, at first, been reluctant to put a boy through. Yarael Poof, master of Jedimind tricks, began to project Force images of the boy's worst fears. His long neck swayed slightly with the effort.

"Afraid are you?" Yoda inquired gauging his reaction.

The boy stiffened and stood straighter. "No, sir."

"Afraid to give up your life?" Master Windu asked, leaning forward slightly.

"I don't think so," Anakin began, but he felt unsure of his answer.

Yoda's eyelids drooped. "See through you we can," he said quietly.

"Be mindful of your feelings," Mace Windu added.

Ki-Adi Mundi stroked his beard. "Your thoughts dwell on your mother."

Anakin felt his stomach churn. "I miss her." he insisted.

Yoda exchanged glances with several others of the council, in particular, Master Poof who was seated behind Anakin.

"Afraid to lose her I think." Yoda murmured.

Anakin flushed. "What's that got to do with anything?" he demanded.

"Everything. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate" he paused. "leads to suffering." he spoke woefully. "I sense much fear inyou."

"I am not afraid!" the boy snapped.

Yoda ignored him. "The deepest commitment, a Jedi must have. The most serious mind." He looked again to Master Poof. This Forcetechnique was Yarael Poof's most valuable asset in battle because it completely immobilized his opponents without harming them. He wasquietly astonished that Anakin remained coherent and on his feet.

"I am not afraid." Anakin repeated, calmer this time.

"Then continue, we will." Yoda responded with a measuring look.

Unbeknown to Anakin Skywalker, the Jedi Council members each cast their votes and opinions. Mace Windu was the leading member ofthe Jedi Council and was living proof that wisdom and experience does not always require great age. He gave his choice first.

 he sent to the others telepathically. 

Yoda was the oldest member of the Jedi Council and was well into his 800's. He had traveled to hundreds of worlds in his endeavor tolearn and comprehend the complexities of the Force. Yet, he had never seen anything like the child Master Qui-gon had brought to thetemple. The great Jedi Master's wisdom and experience was highly valued by the rest of the council. His advice of prudent contemplationrather than hasty action had served the Jedi well many times.

< Choose no, I too. Far too clouded, his future his. >

A Zabrak Jedi Master, Eeth Koth was famous throughout the temple for his great willpower and ability to withstand intense pain. He wasdiscovered to have force potential at age four. He was at first considered too old to be trained, but he managed to prove himself worthy.

Fierce Lannik warrior Even Piell was a Jedi Master greatly revered for his mighty combat skills despite that fact that he is little more thanone meter tall.

Knight Ki-Adi Mundi was the only member of the council who hadn't earned the rank of Master. He glanced at his former master, Yoda,before giving his answer.

Oppo Rancisis was a Master of military tactics and warfare and was once Jedi Master Yaddle's padawan. The Republic relied on hiscunning strategies and battle plans when peaceful negotiations failed. He peered out from under his long hair at the others.

< Skywalker would be a terrible and vicious enemy if he ever fell to the Darkside. Training him is not worth the risk. >

Jedi Master Plo Koon was also a trusted ally of the Republic's military. His friendship and respect for Qui-Gon Jinn inclined him to acceptthe boy. He wished fervently that his friend had considered filling one of the Council's short-term positions. He looked at Anakinthrough his special protective goggles before answering.

Jedi Master Saesee Tiin was born with natural telepathic abilities and an exceptionally strong link to the Force. He had examined Anakin'sthoughts at length throughout the session. He turned his red and blue head to face the boy.

< His thoughts were jumbled and often incoherent. However, what I did see leads me to decide he should not be trained. >

Master Adi Gallia served the Republic as one of the Supreme Chancellor's best intelligence sources. She understood the Republic'scomplex political system and acted as the council's liaison with the government. Her lovely eyes narrowed as she gave her answer.

< He must not be taught. There are too many possible ramifications should he betray us. >

Yarael Poof was a master of Jedi mind tricks. Humans tended to stare at Quermian's long necks. However, Anakin had displayed no suchreaction. During the questioning he tested Anakin by using a Force technique to conjure up images of the boy's worst fears.

< As you know, I have seen my enemies in battle completely subdued with my Force images. I am very impressed with Anakin's strengthto tolerate and overcome them. I say yes. >

The newest addition to the Jedi Council was Depa Billaba. This Jedi Master was very sensitive to the thoughts of the rest of the council.She possessed extraordinary discipline and affinity for understanding people. She knew how deeply this child would be crushed if deniedtraining.

Yaddle was the most compassionate and patient member of the council. She was young for her species, only 477 years old. As the debate progressed she listened silently to all of the arguments before adding her own concise and sage opinion.

Mace Windu sat back in his chair. < Five for, seven against. Anakin Skywalker will not be trained as a Jedi. >

***

The journey from the Council chambers was just as bad as the argument that had occurred inside.

"You are planning to disobey the Council again, aren't you?" Obi-wan declared as they walked to Queen Amidala's ship.

"Obi-wan..." his master began in warning.

But Obi-wan didn't listen. "You are going to start teaching him the moment we leave Coruscant!" he accused.

"Padawan!" Master Qui-gon exclaimed. "You will cease your disrespectful behavior."

"It's not disrespect, Master!" Obi-wan retorted vehemently. "It's the truth!"

"From your point of view, perhaps." Qui-gon's was face was taut with controlled anger.

"The boy is dangerous. They all sense it. Why can't you?" Obi-wan retorted boldly, heedless of the consequences.

"His fate is uncertain, but he is not dangerous." Master Qui-gon declared. "The Council will decide Anakin's future. That should be enough for you."