The True Test of a Master
Title: The True Test of a Master
Author: Jane Jinn
Rating: G
Category: humour
Time: Qui-Gon is a young knight
Disclaimers: Qui-Gon Jinn belongs to George Lucas, everything else in the story is my own invention.
Feedback: Yes, please. Constructive criticism also welcomed.
Archive: QGJDL, others please ask first
Summary: Has Knight Qui-Gon Jinn got what it takes to be a master?
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Qui-Gon Jinn watched the Council Aide skim over the contents of the data pad, and suppressed a twitch of nervousness. There was nothing to be worried about, he told himself, and was rewarded with a smile as the Aide�s head came up. �We�re so pleased that you�ve decided to apply for permission to take a Padawan, Knight Jinn. We�ve got several promising initiates who are just coming up to that age, and not very many masters or knights seem to be available just now.�"The Force told me it was time,�Qui-Gon said.�I always strive to follow the will of the Force.�
"Before I can submit your application to the Council, however, you are required to take a test that will determine your suitability as a master.�
"Yes, of course,�Qui-Gon nodded, managing to hide his surprise. He�d never heard of any such test.
"Come with me.�The Aide led him to living quarters on one of the residential levels of the Temple and stopped outside the door.�Wait out here for a moment, please.�
She disappeared inside for a few minutes, then opened the door again and motioned for him to enter. �All right, the test is ready for you now. Pretend that you are a master already, and that you have a Padawan.�
"Yes,�Qui-Gon said, stepping forward and closing his eyes briefly to help him imagine the scenario.
"Your task is to get a path cleared through the living room so that you can walk through and lay your robe on the bed of the larger bedroom.�
Qui-Gon opened his eyes in surprise as the Aide indicated the mess of Connect-Us blocks that seemed to stretch to every corner of the living room, leaving no space for even a single footstep.�What? That�s it? That�s the test?�
"It�s not as easy as it looks.�Smiling mysteriously, the Aide stepped back and leaned against the door. �You may begin.�
Get a path cleared through the living room? And it was not supposed to be as easy as it looked? Qui-Gon was bewildered. Why would the Council ask him to perform a task that he�d perfected during childhood in order to determine his suitability as a master? He frowned, closed his eyes, and sent a wave of the Force through the room, sweeping up all the Connect-Us blocks as though in a whirlwind, and depositing them in a steady stream in the box that he�d discovered half-hidden behind the couch. When the room was clean, he walked through to the larger bedroom, laid his robe on the bed, then came back, looking expectantly at the Aide.
Her smile had faded, and she looked disappointed.�Oh, I�m so sorry, Knight Jinn. You can apply again next month, after you�ve had time to let the lesson sink in.�
"I failed?�He was too shocked to keep his Jedi calm.�How did I fail? I completed the assignment. Look, the room is perfectly clean, not just a path cleared--�
The Aide patted his shoulder and sent him a burst of consolation.�The correct response is �Padawan! Pick up your toys!��
The End
written December 2000Liked it? Hated it? Tell me!