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It was so... unfair. The Padawan was older than she was, he was obedient, competent and brave, he was determined and capable of making difficult decisions... and yet he was dismissed so indelicately.
Depa exchanged a glance with Eeth, her Master's best friend, also fairly new to his seat as Councilor after being made Master a few months earlier, and she saw the same incomprehension shining in his eyes between two breaths.
Master Jinn... insisted on taking Young Skywalker as his Padawan. While his own Padawan at his side had saved him from a Sith, proving once again his worth, Master Jinn clearly didn't care about his worth. Besides, his worth wasn't such an important thing, it wasn't up to the Padawan to be worthy of a Master, it was up to the Master to be worthy of his student's trust.
By his choices and his impulsive, unthinking mindset, Master Jinn was not proving himself worthy of the loyalty and devotion of the young man at his side.
Master Mundi spoke up to reiterate their previous decision to not allow Master Jinn to take the boy as a Padawan, and the red-haired young man continued to stare straight ahead without looking at anyone.
His face was unreadable, but each of them could imagine the thoughts that went through his mind.
- My Padawan is ready, you know he even saved me.
Depa sighed softly and shifted in her seat, her gaze sliding over her comrades to see that most reacted as she did with annoyance at what could be a child's remark, at worst a 'Padawan's' remark, but was not pleasant to hear from a supposedly competent, experienced and wise Jedi Master.
It had nothing to do with that. It was indeed wise that the young man had Bacta on him to be able to react in an emergency, but the normal foresight of a Senior Padawan did not reflect the wisdom and proper judgement one would want from a self-sufficient and independent Jedi Knight. How could someone as old and globally effective as Master Jinn fail to see this kind of obvious flaw in logic and rationality? Was he so blinded by the boy's midichlorian numbers? Was he so convinced that he was the Chosen One?
And even if they accepted this strange way of doing things, it would still take several weeks to prepare the Padawan to become a Knight, and he would have tests to pass, had he forgotten ?
Depa did not understand that he was so childish.
- He killed a Sith, the first Sith in a thousand years, what more do you want?
Depa wanted so much more. She wanted more for Padawan Kenobi. He'd killed someone who'd wanted to kill him, someone who'd nearly finished off a man far older than him and more experienced. The fear and anger he must have felt at that moment, had Master Jinn even discussed it with him?
He would not be balanced if he continued like this. He would not be at peace.
And that little boy, Skywalker. So young, so fragile, so alone in a dangerous world where they knew a Sith maneuvered in the shadows. It was no longer reasonable to maintain their old decision.
Nor, however, would it be wise to accede to the request of the man before them.
Fluctuating her presence in the Force, Depa announced to her colleagues that she wished to speak and was granted the floor when Master Jinn stopped arguing with Master Yoda.
- Master Billaba, we are listening to you.
Depa nodded appreciatively to her father and turned to the three men in front of them.
- In the current climate, we cannot allow young Skywalker to be left to his own devices, and our Order aims to teach all children of the Force their path to spiritual enlightenment. I think you will all agree with me on this point: we are a refuge and a school, we are a sanctuary. That is what this Temple is. Young Skywalker's age might be a disadvantage, but I think that if Master Koth has managed to sit among us while having arrived late, then anything is possible. If he's willing to work, learn, and try, he shouldn't be penalized for something he isn't responsible for.
His father turned to his friend who smiled very slightly at the boy.
- I agree. And my own Padawan was older than average, yet he became a good Jedi.
More than that, Sharad Hett was already a living legend despite his young age, having successfully completed missions to some of the most difficult worlds and negotiations deemed impossible.
- Would you like to become a Jedi, Anakin Skywalker?
- "Yes, ma'am," the boy replied, distrust and hope mixed in his voice and face.
- "I am in favor," Depa announced, turning to her classmates.
- "I am in favour," echoed Eeth.
- "So am I," Master Yaddle said softly, causing Master Rancisis to stir in his chair.
- I still don't think it's wise, he's too old to learn well.
- Agree with Master Poof, I do.
- "I agree," muttered Master Tiin. "It's hard to find inner balance when you've grown up in the Temple, it would be unfair to many others if we took him."
- "Unless we simply take in other young people older than our current standards," Depa interjected.
- "That's enough, we're only talking about the youngster in front of us, we'll discuss a possible change in the selection of youngsters at a later time," Mace tempered.
3 in favour, 3 against. A perfect tie.
- "I'm for it," Master Koon spoke calmly in the silence that followed the tacit claim of calm.
- I vote no, I think it will be too difficult if not impossible for him to adapt.
- I'll have to agree with that, our lives are dangerous, we have to be prepared, and I'm afraid he's too late.
- "But I destroyed droids! the boy exclaimed, glaring at the Lannik who had spoken.
- "Understand that Master Piell is more concerned for your safety than he is for your personal disapproval," Depa said. "If you die, we may be responsible because of our decision today, and we don't want you to be unnecessarily exposed to danger."
- Oh... right.
- You should never have been in this situation, but indeed, your behavior has been exemplary, worthy of a Jedi. I agree with you.
Depa didn't think Master Gallia would change her mind, but it was appreciated.
There were only two left, Master Rancisis and Mace, who would as usual vote last so as not to influence the votes of his fellow Masters. Last time, both had voted against it, and if they came to a tie, they would be heading for difficult negotiations.
- The situation is... peculiar. I don't think we can afford to reject this young man who shows so much good will. He listens to the Force and has shown courage and sacrifice.
All eyes turned to the Master of the Order. Usually he was the ultimate decision-maker, but with such a difference of opinion...
- "Being a Jedi isn't just a thing about skills, it's a state of mind," Korun began, looking earnestly at the blonde child with the loud emotions. "Chosen One or not, you will be a Jedi like any other. We value obedience, peace, benevolence and respect. Sacrifice and mental stability. We must be willing to do our duty at the risk of death or the death of our loved ones, because that is our duty. Our heart must never override our rational mind. Do you think you can do that?"
Depa saw Padawan Kenobi reach between the Jedi capes, touching the boy's back with his index finger and whispering something inaudible.
The boy looked at him with concern, fear and disbelief visible on his face before he looked at Mace, swallowing as he tried to speak calmly.
- I... I don't know, sir... but I'm willing to try, I promise you, I will do my best to be a good Jedi!
- Then I approve.
Master Yoda still seemed to disapprove, but Mace continued anyway.
- Congratulations, Skywalker, you've changed our minds. However, it does not seem wise to me that you should enter directly into an apprenticeship.
- "He could join a Clan of Initiates," Master Yaddle announced with a kind smile for the boy. "Make friends, and learn from them. Children are often the best teachers."
- "That does indeed sound like a good idea, but to leave him alone without an adult to guide him in a more personal and caring way would seem somewhat negligent," said Master Tiin.
- "Anakin can stay with me," Master Jinn said, and this time Depa agreed with him.
- Yes, he should stay with the person he knows and trusts the most.
Poor Padawan Kenobi looked down at the ground. No one was paying attention to him anymore in all the commotion. Well... almost everyone.
- Padawan Kenobi?
- Yes, Master Billaba?
- Master Jinn here clearly no longer has any interest in your preparation for the trials of Jedi chivalry, so you need a new Master to accompany you and help you recover from the ordeal you've just been through. Only a completely insensitive person would dare to claim otherwise.
And bam, take that, Jinn. Everyone, even the child, understood the thinly veiled insult implied in his sentence, even the little boy, who looked uneasily at Padawan Kenobi, seeming only to understand what was going on between the Jedi Master and his rejected student.
- "The Jedi trials are not to be ignored, none of us want to see you fail because you are poorly supervised," Eeth agreed wisely.
- "It is not usual, but it is indeed necessary," Master Mundi said, to general approval.
- But who... no one would take me for a Padawan when I was young, who would want to now that...?
Now that he was rejected, that was what he thought but didn't dared to say it. For officially, he would be the second Padawan Jinn would have failed to guide through the end of his training. The first one had been consumed by the Dark Side, and the other one had killed a Sith, so many would probably be put off by that kind of background.
- "It is not advisable for High Councilors to take Padawans, so that we may fulfill our role for our entire community," Depa reminded the young Skywalker, who listened intently and nodded his head in instinctive understanding. "However, your case is exceptional. You are twenty-five years old, you only need guidance and advice, you are capable of studying independently. If you feel ready to be patient with me, I am ready to fulfil this role for you."
- "What?" the young man blurted out, looking at her wiih wide eyes, losing his composure at the shock of the news.
- "I would understand if you wanted an older, more experienced Master, I wouldn't blame you," Depa pointed out gently, aware that it might be unacceptable for many young men to be the student of a woman six years younger than themselves.
- "No, on the contrary, it would be an honour!" the Padawan stammered, looking around as if seeking confirmation of what he was hearing.
- "That's very generous, Master Billaba, but I think I can-" Master Jinn said.
- "You've never been around children of that age, Master Jinn," Master Yaddle said with a laugh. "A nine-year-old boy is not a twelve-year-old Padawan, you'll have your hands full with the Skywalker Initiate. You can't do both, and you've already made your choice."
The human suddenly seemed to understand and turned to his Padawan - or former Padawan, personally Depa would say 'former'.
- But I-
- "It is not your choice, Master Jinn," Master Koon reminded him, a warning in his voice.
If they weren't close friends, Depa doubted the stubborn Jedi Master would have listened.
Master Jinn was only listening to himself, he was not yet following the path of wisdom.
- I... fine.
- Padawan Kenobi? Do you agree to become Master Billaba's Padawan, or would you like more time to think?
- "I... could I speak with her privately before I decide?" the Padawan asked hesitantly.
Depa nodded to her father, who agreed and waved them off.
- Master Jinn, you and Master Piell will accompany young Skywalker to the Crèche to enrol him in classes, assess his level, and all that administrative stuff he will no doubt find exciting. Then you will go to the Healing Halls and get him some things. Master Billaba, we will leave you with Padawan Kenobi, and you will let us know your decision when it is made. You may go, welcome home, Anakin Skywalker.
- Thank you sir, thank you ma'am.
Depa winked at him and quickly walked away, followed by a hesitant young man who ran to catch up, making Depa smile as she waited further down the corridor, away from the passage and most importantly, opposite the path the trio would take out.
She was shorter than he was, she noticed absently as he stopped in front of her, nervously running his hands through the long sleeves of his cloak.
- Master?
- Hmm?
- I...
He was waiting for her to speak, Depa understood with surprise. Yet he was the one who had wanted to talk to her, why... oh, of course. He had no confidence in himself, she would have to remedy that.
- I am listening, Padawan Kenobi. What did you want to talk to me about?
- Why do you want to take me? I'm not... I'm not young, I'm very old, and... you could do better.
- "Better is only a point of view," she reminded gently. "Remember that I couldn't give enough time to satisfy the needs of a completely new young person, and I've never trained anyone, you too can find better."
- But...
He seemed to have a misunderstanding, but Depa couldn't figure out what point was the problem, so it was complicated to figure out how to reassure him, especially since he seemed to be a bundle of nerves.
- Padawan, be honest, I'm not going to judge you.
The young man looked at her, his eyes glistening with suppressed tears.
- Why do you want to do this for me? I am nothing to you.
Depa did not answer immediately, she took time to think about her arguments before finally saying simply:
- Maybe it's because I don't know you. Because I see potential, courage and good will. I think you'll be a good Jedi, and you were going to be unfairly passed over. I looked at you and saw what I could have been with a less attentive Master more interested in old prophecies than in my teaching. I see your doubts, your fears and your confusion, and I want to help you find peace as my Master helped me.
The young man didn't really seem to understand, but perhaps understanding this with rationality wasn't enough.
- One day I think you will understand. We are all worthy of care, and it is my ideal to help those I can help.
- I think... I think I have much to learn from you, Master Billaba. It would truly be an honour for me to learn from you.
One day, Depa would make this man understand that true honor was being worthy of the blind trust of someone who offered you their life, but for now, she had to announce to her father and a dozen witnesses that she had won a Padawan six years her senior.
Tongues would wag in the Temple for at least a month.