At the chime of the door, Qui-Gon stood and rubbed his eyes wearily. He's put Obi-Wan to bed several hours ago with every intention of sleeping himself, but the day’s events would not leave his mind. No matter how much he mediated on the issue, he could not clear the image of the Choosing day from his mind. The system was practically barbaric and it made him ill to think he was a participant in it.

"Yes?" he asked through the link to the hallway.

"Qui-Gon? It's Payter. Look, I know it's late but I need to talk." His friend sounded very concerned and Qui-Gon found himself immediately awake.

He keyed open the door and stepped aside for Payter to enter. "Can I get you anything?"

"One: you aren't allowed to keep the kind of thing I want right now, and two: the last time we did that I spent a week cleaning the Meditation Gardens." Payter began pacing the length of the room as Qui-Gon settled onto the couch and watched his friend.

"That serious?"

"Yes. I don't know who else to talk to. Bel-San doesn't understand and Mace is, well, Mace."

"What's happened?"

"I'm afraid I've gone and done something rather rash." Payter paused in front of him and drew a breath. "So, Mace hooked me into helping with the Choosing day ceremony. I was really surprised he asked me at all, after what happened the last time I was in on one of his little projects. Anyway, he had me with the cleanup crew, which was fine with me. After the last few months, anything I do that isn't destructive can only help me in the eyes of the council. As much as I don't want to grovel at their every word, I do enjoy leaving the planet every once in a while." Payter paused. "Where was I?"

"Cleaning up after the Choosing day?" Qui-Gon supplied with a smile. It wasn't often that Payter got flustered, but when he did it wasn't by half measures.

"Oh, right. So I'm there, cleaning up a little bit and I see this kid over in a corner looking like someone just crushed all his hopes in the world. Of course, if it is a Choosing day and he isn't with a master, I knew that was probably the case. So there really wasn't all that much to clean up so I thought I would go talk to him, see if I could help him out a little.

"So I talk with this kid, he's twelve and almost thirteen and get this big story out of him, how he sort of screwed up his own chances at being chosen, which was such a shame because he had real potential, he just made a bad mistake and you know, no one deserves to have their whole lives messed up because of one mistake when they were twelve." Payter paused.

"And..." Qui-Gon was certain Payter was talking about Kerge and he leaned forward, listening intently. He'd been thinking about the boy quite a bit since they had parted ways and he was anxious to know what had happened to him.

"I kind of took him as my Padawan," Payter murmured quickly. His gaze flickered briefly from the floor to Qui-Gon and then away again.

Qui-Gon couldn't contain a laugh. "You did what?"

"It was an accident, kind of. He has such potential and it takes a lot of ingenuity to do what he did. He will be a great Jedi someday if he's given the chance. I know no one else would choose him and I couldn't let him slip away like that. I just don't know if I will be good enough to teach him." Payter finally seemed to run himself down and dropped to sit next to Qui-Gon.

Resting a hand on Payter's shoulder, Qui-Gon smiled. "You'll be fine. Don't let on that you don't know what you're doing and everything will work out. And don't let him know that you are uncertain about having him as your padawan. It will only shake his faith in himself. Don't worry, there are plenty of people who can help you out and you know you can come to me if you need anything, anytime."

"Thank you. It just all seems so sudden."

"Well, I hate to break this to you, Payter, but it is kind of sudden. I mean, you decided on this today. But you will be fine. Kerge does have a lot of potential and he has a good heart. He just took a chance that didn't pan out, not unlike some of the things we did. You'll just have to show him how to temper himself a little."

Payter let out a short laugh. "You realize we are raising a generation of rebels?"

"It's good for the Order, complacency breeds stagnation." Qui-Gon shrugged and settled back. "So where is your boy now?"

"He's back in his room in the Creche. I thought about having him move all of his stuff today, but then I realized how late it was and that I really don't have the apartment set up for a Padawan. So I told him I'd see him first thing in the morning. Housing said they would have an apartment set up for me by tonight and I figure we could move in together. You know, give us some time to get to know each other."

"See, I told you you would be fine. That's a great idea. If you want, you can bring him over tomorrow night for dinner after you're through." The truth was he was very interested not only in how Kerge would turn out, but how the new relationship would affect his long-time friend. He was very interested to see how he would interact with the boy.

"That sounds like a great idea." Payter stood and gave a brief smile. "You would think that after all these years of being a Jedi I would have managed to curb some of my more impulsive tendencies."

As Qui-Gon followed him to the door, he placed a reassuring hand on his friend's shoulder. "If you had, there would be one very unhappy little boy with no master and no chance of getting one. Think of the waste. I really think this is for the best."

"I hope you're right." He paused just outside the door. "And you're sure you won't mind a panicked call or two if I run into trouble?"

"Call any time."

***

"Good morning, Master," Obi-Wan said as he walked into the kitchen to find his Master at his usual place at the table.

"Good morning, Obi-Wan. Did you sleep well?" His Master looked up from his cereal with a smile.

Obi-Wan nodded. "I was tired."

"I imagine you were. After breakfast I think that is something we should talk about." His Master looked very serious and Obi-Wan hesitated for a moment, trying to think if he had done something wrong.

"Okay." It seemed the safest response.

"It isn't anything bad, Obi-Wan, I just thought we should talk. Why don't you go get dressed while I finish up in here."

Obi-Wan nodded and walked from the room. He dressed quickly, trying to think about what his Master wanted to talk about. He knew it was about what had happened yesterday, but he didn't know why. When he was finished he walked out into the common room to find his Master waiting for him.

"I thought we might go to one of the Gardens to talk. Do you have one you like better than the other?" His Master asked as he came to stand next to him.

Obi-Wan shook his head. Most of the Gardens seemed the same to him; it was just a matter if how large they were. "I like the little one up near the Council's Tower." He didn't feel much like being around a lot of people today; yesterday had been more than enough.

"Yes, I like that one as well. I think that will do nicely."

Obi-Wan followed his Master through the long hallways of the Jedi Temple. There were a few other Jedi out at the early hour, some he even recognized. He saw many who nodded and greeted his Master and not for the first time Obi-Wan wondered if his Master knew everyone. He certainly seemed popular enough.

When they reached the Garden, his Master led them to a small clearing and settled on the ground facing him. He took a deep breath and looked intently at Obi-wan. "I thought it would be a good idea to talk about what happened yesterday. Can you tell me what happened?" His Master spoke slowly, choosing his words carefully.

Obi-wan thought for a moment, trying to remember the events of the day before. He'd been taught from the time he was very little to focus his mind and he found the old tricks they had taught him worked well in remembering what had passed the day before.

"I was watching you fight with the boy, and um, it was really really good. I never saw you use your lightsaber before and I liked it, so um I was paying a lot of attention." He paused, squinting his eyes to help him think. "Then because um, I was watching so close I guess I knew something was going to happen."

"How did you know?" His Master asked. He sounded curious, not disbelieving.

Shrugging, Obi-Wan couldn't explain. "I don't know, I just knew something bad was going to happen and then um, there was something wrong with the boy's lightsaber. I had to protect you because that what padawans are supposed to do."

"The shield you created, that was very quick thinking. Where did you learn that?" Again his Master sounded curious.

"I did it for me in the fire, so um, it wasn't different to do it for you. But it was um, really hard and it kind of hurt."

His Master sat quietly for a moment, obviously thinking. "Can you tell me about your Force manipulation class?"

"Um, we learn about the Force."

A slight smile crossed his Master's face. "I'm looking for something a little more specific."

"Oh, um, well we talk about how the Force is everything and it's our ally and it guides us if we listen to is and sometimes, Teacher Hy-Lit lets us move stuff, but not very often, because um, not everyone is very good at it."

"And when the class does work with the Force, what do you think about it?"

"It's really easy, and then sometimes the others get mad at me because I can do it and they can't and they say um..." Maybe he shouldn't say what they said. That was like telling.

"What do they say to you, Little One?" His Master reached out and rested his big hand on his shoulder.

Obi-Wan smiled a little bit. He liked it when his Master called him that name; it made him feel safe and loved. "They say that I'm um, just trying to show off because I'm a Padawan now and that um, they don't like me. But I don't, I don't try to make them feel bad, I just know how."

His Master looked sad as he pulled Obi-Wan into a hug and settled him on his lap. "Oh, Obi-Wan. How long has this been going on?"

Obi-Wan shrugged a little bit. "I don't know, a while." Actually it had been going on almost since the beginning of the class, but he didn't want his Master to feel bad.

His Master ran a hand over his head and Obi-Wan smiled at the feel of it. He still thought it was strange to have such short hair all the time, but liked the way it felt when his Master did that.

"I see I can't put off that conversation with your Force teacher any longer, can I? Don't worry, Little One, everything will work out, you'll see."

Obi-Wan nodded and leaned back against his Master's chest. If his Master said it would be fine, the it would be.

***

When the door to the small apartment chimed, Qui-Gon called out to his Padawan. "Obi-Wan could you get the door, please? My hands are full."

"Yes, Master," the boy said brightly, racing across the apartment in his haste to get to the door. Though Qui-Gon could not see what was happening in the next room, he could hear everything.

"Good evening, Obi-Wan. This is Kerge, my Padawan. Kerge, meet Obi-wan." Payter seemed to be doing his best not to sound intimidating.

"Hi," Obi-Wan said shyly. The boy seemed to do much better with people who were not as close to his own age. Perhaps he needed to spend more time with the other children of the Temple.

"Hi," Kerge said, his voice sounding much more confident and happy that Qui-Gon remembered from yesterday.

Qui-Gon decided to spare them any further awkwardness. "Come in guys, I'm almost done in here."

"What are you making?" Payter asked as the small group entered the kitchen.

"Don't worry, he ordered most of it from the Dining Hall," Obi-Wan said, coming to stand next to him, his small head peering over the counter.

Sighing, Qui-Gon tried not to run the small boy over as he moved the dishes from the counter to the table. "Thank you, Padawan."

***

Qui-Gon smiled as the two Padawans raced off to Obi-Wan's room. "I'm happy to see them get along. I wasn't sure after what happened yesterday. I thought Obi-Wan might have held some hard feelings towards Kerge for almost hurting me, but it looks like they’re okay."

Payter nodded, but made no comment, simply looking in the direction the two boys had run off to.

"So, how are things in master-land?"

Payter shook his head and took a seat on the couch. "I don't know how to describe it. He called me ‘master’ I don't know how many times today and each time I had to consciously remind myself that he was talking to me. He already has a huge case of hero worship that I don't know what to do with, I mean, honestly, it's me we're talking about here. I'm the model they tell the padawans not to follow. It all seems very odd."

"I felt the same way when I took Alla, but I didn't have anyone like me to talk to. The best I could get was Yoda's advice and well, he can be a little vague on occasion. It will get easier, I promise, but things will be a little strange for a while."

Payter laughed. "Look at you, pulling the old and wise act on me. Who would have thought that would ever happen? Usually I'm the one dispensing advice."

"Yes, and when you aren't encouraging me to do things that put me in the bad graces of the Council, you give very good advice, so you should be just fine with Kerge. And don't worry, the hero worship will fade in a little bit. The first time he sees you sick will knock most of it right out the window."

"Unless he's like Obi-Wan and turns into a -"

Qui-Gon held up a hand, suddenly serious. "I would take it kindly if you would not say such things about my Padawan."

Payter looked at him for a moment. "Did I miss something?"

"He has enough problems with the students saying unkind things about him, he doesn't need it from other Masters, let alone my friends."

"Qui-Gon, I didn't mean anything by that. I think very highly of Obi-Wan, you know that, right? We all do, and you've done a tremendous job with him. I don't think just any master would be able to do what you've done. I mean think about it, you were always ahead of the rest of us, and Yoda took you very young. If anyone can understand what Obi-Wan is going through, it's you."

Sitting back, Qui-Gon thought on the other man's words. "I never considered it that way. Maybe I should talk to Obi-Wan about my time as a Padawan; he's missing out on a major event in the lives of most Jedi by not participating in at least one Choosing Day."

"That might not be a bad idea."

The two sat in silence for a moment before Qui-Gon made a conscious effort to change the subject. "So other than that, things are going well? Kerge seemed very happy to be moved into his new home."

"Yeah, I think everything is going to be fine. He loves the idea of having his own room. I think all those years they make us stay in dorm rooms makes for a lot of reclusive Jedi. We start tomorrow on some of the real Master/Padawan stuff and I got a notice from the Council that I have to sign up for a session of classes on how to be a new Master." Payter rolled his eyes. "I suppose in theory it's a good idea, but really, like I wasn't a Padawan for who knows how many years?"

"Who'd they rope into teaching it this year?" Qui-Gon smiled, remembering his own class that he had taken with Alla so many years ago.

"I don't know, it isn't scheduled to begin for a few more weeks. I think they are still looking for an instructor. Kerge's excited about it, though, so it shouldn't be too bad. Honestly, though, I think that boy would be happy to be doing my laundry and nothing else if I told him. He's so desperate to please. I swear, the system we have for choosing padawans is so barbaric."

"You don't have to tell me that, my friend. I was there when Bel-San went through the same thing. I think it took him something like six months to calm down and realize that he really wasn't going to be sent away."

"I remember. That was not a very good time for us." Payter fell silent for a moment before checking his chrono. "Well, I hate to cut this short, but my Padawan and I have a lot to do tomorrow and we still have some things to unpack. We should be heading out."

Qui-Gon nodded as he stood and followed his friend to Obi-Wan's room. The two boys were seated in the middle of the floor. looking with great interest at Obi-Wan's growing model collection, now numbering two completed models with a third in the works.

"Kerge, we should be going now. Tell Obi-Wan good bye."

Qui-Gon concealed his smile at the moderated tone of authority in his friend's voice.

"Yes, Master." Kerge hopped to his feet immediately. "Night, Obi-Wan, it was fun playing with your models. Maybe you could come over to my room sometime, if it's okay with our Masters." The boy looked shyly at Payter.

"I think we could arrange that sometime," Qui-Gon said with an indulgent smile.

"All right. Good night, Obi-Wan. I'll see you around, Qui-Gon. Don't forget to check your messages, I might have a question or two. Thanks for having us over, and for your ear."

Qui-Gon laid a hand on the other Jedi's shoulder. "Any time, Payter, any time at all."