Jedi never stopped learning. But after endless training exercises, Obi-Wan could feel his focus begin to slip. He should not have been so clumsy with the training probes. He should have been prepared for anything.

He was growing bored, and that was dangerous.

Outside the Council Chambers, Obi-Wan spotted his Master's large frame. Even with his back turned, Obi-Wan could sense that Qui-Gon shared none of his eager anticipation, his anxiety. As always his Master exuded calm. Qui-Gon was almost always content with training and meditation alone.

Why did Obi-Wan crave action?

Qui-Gon smiled and nodded at his approaching Padawan before activating the door and entering the chamber. A half step behind, Obi-Wan followed as Qui-Gon strode to the center of the room and acknowledged the seated Masters.

Obi-Wan's pulse quickened slightly. But it was nothing like the nervousness he used to feel when summoned to appear before the Council.

Mace Windu leaned back in his chair, his arm draped across the back.

"We've received a message from Vorzyd 4," he said plainly. "They report that they are being sabotaged by Vorzyd 5 and have requested mediation. The planets in the Vorzyd system have never been engaged in war of any kind.

But tensions have been brewing between the fourth and fifth planets. All of the planets are interdependent and a dispute between two could trigger a chain reaction, disrupting the whole cluster. Clearly this is something we wish to avoid."

"So the situation is delicate," Obi-Wan finished Master Windu's thought and immediately regretted it. It would not do to reveal his impatience to the Council.

"Very," Mace continued, appearing to notice neither Obi-Wan's eagerness nor his interruption. "And to make matters more complicated, Vorzyd 5 denies any wrongdoing."