Chapter Text
High Council Chamber, Jedi Temple, Coruscant – 7945 C.R.C.
It was a sombre council that met at the top of the southwestern spire of the Jedi Temple. The order had just received the news of the defeat of the Trade Federation blockade of Naboo, and with it the death of Qui-Gon Jinn. Though often sceptical of the deceased Jedi master, who had been considered a bit of a maverick, the members of the High Council had, for the most part, respected the man, and they all mourned his passing. With the news of Qui-Gon's death also came the news of the death of his attacker, Darth Maul, at the hands of Padawan Kenobi. With Kenobi being the first Jedi in a thousand years to defeat a Sith, the council agreed to promote him to the rank of Jedi Knight.
The Council also agreed, although less unanimously, to honour Qui-Gon's last wish and allow Anakin Skywalker to be trained, believing that, even though Grandmaster Yoda warned of great peril should the boy be trained, it would be more dangerous to leave such a potentially powerful force sensitive untrained, especially with the apparent return of the Sith. The question they were now discussing was, who should train the young boy? Obi-Wan was of course considered, but it was Yoda who vetoed that suggestion,
“Too young for this task, Kenobi is.” The old Jedi Master sighed, “If to be trained, young Skywalker is, then by an experienced master, it should be.”
Several of the masters agreed, and from there, they began to offer suggestions for who could train the boy. A few names were proposed by the council, but they struggled to agree on one name over another. Eventually, it was Yaddle, who, at the start of the session, had announced her desire to step down from the high council, who spoke up with a suggestion.
“I would recommend we extend the offer to Master Shaak Ti. She has experience training students in an unorthodox manner.”
A few of the assembled masters agreed with Yaddle, including her former apprentice, Oppo Rancisis. It was Ki-Adi Mundi who spoke up next,
“She would, perhaps be a good fit for the boy, however, her unorthodox methods could be seen as directly contributing to the deaths of both of her previous students.”
“Young Skywalker's situation is far from the norm.” A deep voice spoke up, drawing the attention of the council. It was rare that Plo Koon spoke up during meetings. “I believe Master Ti's methodology, along with her connection to the Living Force, would be suited to training a unique student, such as him.”
The input from the normally silent Kel Dor master swayed enough members of the council, and they agreed to approach Shaak Ti about taking Anakin Skywalker as her apprentice.
Shaak Ti had been meditating in one of the temple gardens, when she received the High Council's summons. Her meditations had informed her of a major decision in her near future, and she was wondering if it was connected to the reason the council wished to speak with her. Entering into the council chamber, she bowed to the assembled masters.
“Thank you for coming, Master Ti.” As the Master of the Order, it was Mace Windu who spoke first, “We have an important matter to discuss with you.”
Shaak Ti nodded her head, unsure of exactly what was happening, but becoming more certain that it was connected to the decision she would need to make.
“Heard about the death of Master Qui-Gon, you have, yes?” At her nod, Master Yoda continued, “During his mission to Naboo, found a uniquely powerful youngling, he did.”
Shaak Ti was confused, surely this was a matter for the Initiate Clan instructors, “I'm sorry, Master, but I fail to see how this matter involves myself.”
Yoda nodded before continuing, “Much older than a normal initiate, this youngling is. Found on Tatooine as a slave, he was. Believe that he would be best served by your instruction, we do. Willing to take him as your Padawan, we would ask if you are.”
Shaak Ti considered the offer. Her previous two apprentices had both died only a few years after becoming knights, and while she had learned to let go of their deaths, she still held a level of regret for them. Unable to make a decision alone, she looked into the Force, for advice. Her instincts told her that this decision would affect the fate of the entire order, although she didn't know why. She made her decision.
“I will train him.”