Bound

Conversive

Some spoilers from Jedi Apprentice.
No betas, therefore the mistakes are all mine.
See chapter one for disclaimers.

"The Council will see you know, Master Jinn," the gruff voice stated. Qui-Gon nodded in polite acknowledgement to the Bothan padawan manning the reception desk outside the Council chambers. Taking a moment to pull himself to his full height and place his hands within the sleeves of his cloak, the long haired master stepped forward, the doors before him sliding open automatically. He walked silently to the center of the floor and bowed formally before the assembled Jedi.

"Masters," he intoned. As per custom, it was Master Windu who spoke first.

"Master Jinn, you requested an audience."

"Yes, Master Windu. I am here to request a mission from the Council," Qui-Gon replied. A small murmur stirred within the room, but quieted as abruptly as it had started. Master Mundi leaned forward in his seat.

"If we had a mission for you, Master Jinn, the Council would have called you."

"Am I to believe that the galaxy is now without sufficient strife and dissonance that a Master Jedi can be of no use?" Qui-Gon retorted. Though his voice was calm his disdain for Mundi's rebuke was clear.

"Of course not," Master Gallia interjected before Mundi could make his response. "But there is also a time for a Jedi to rest. Your last several missions have kept you away from Coruscant for some time. This tenday was granted you as a chance to rest and rejuvenate before returning to the rigors of a galaxy of strife and dissonance," she added, purposefully using the master's own words. Qui-Gon gave a slight nod acquiescing to the point.

"I can assure the Council that I am ready to return to my duties," he answered. With a glance and a few moments of silent communication with his fellow Councilors, Mundi picked up a datapad from beside his chair. He spoke as he began to quickly sift through its contents.

"There are a few unassigned missions and a few that require reassignment that would be suited to your strengths," Mundi stated then he extended his hand holding out the datapad for Qui-Gon's perusal. The long haired master stepped to Mundi's seat and accepted the offered material. After a few quiet moments scanning the list he returned the pad to the master's hand. With a curt nod he reassumed his position in the center of the floor.

"I will take the mission to Arquin Naht," he informed the group. The list of missions he had been presented was short and contained nothing of the usual level of difficulty characteristic of most of his assignments. Many listed were simple meet-and-greet or observational formalities. Arquin, too, only entailed the supervision of their deci-annual elections, but it at least ensured that the knight or master assigned would be off planet for several tendays as Arquinon elections were rather lengthy and ritualized. However, Qui-Gon soon discovered that the reasons for his quick choice were not unknown to the Council as Master Windu's next question illustrated.

"That would take you off planet for quite awhile, Master Jinn."

"True, but such missions are far from uncommon, Master Windu."

"Are you certain in your decision?" the Korun Councilor asked.

"Quite certain," Qui-Gon answered. Mace glanced briefly at Master Yoda who had yet to voice an opinion. The ancient Jedi continued to stare at a fixed point near the bottom tip of his gimer stick. Mace turned back to his friend.

"Then you will go to Arquin Nat to supervise the elections. May the Force be with you."

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