Rating: PG
Disclaimer: The characters and venue of Star Wars belongs to Lucas Films Limited. I receive no profit from this story or its distribution.

This story is based on an idea from Julie Mattison

Qui-Gon had placed their charge under Obi-Wan's responsibility and had gone for a walk along the temple hallways. He had tried to contact Yoda and was put off by an assistant who said the master was detained by important business. When he realized he would have to eventually go back to the room, the Jedi master sighed heavily and turned to go.

Qui-Gon's arrival had been preceded by the delivery of their evening meal. He walked into a room scented wonderfully by a wide assortment of foods that the council had chosen for their special guest. Obi-Wan was sitting dourly at the table, eating alone.

"Where's Beb?"

"In the bedroom, I guess."

"Is there something wrong, Padawan?"

"Yes--Beb."

Qui-Gon quickly covered his mouth so Obi-Wan wouldn't see his smile. He turned to look for the strange, amusing little man.

Since Qui-Gon had only walked along the temple corridors, he had left his Jedi robe hanging in his bedroom. Beb had passed by earlier and saw the mysterious brown garment hanging so temptingly just inside the door. He looked around to make sure Obi-Wan had not followed him, then he tiptoed into Qui-Gon's bedroom. He looked at the robe in awe...almost afraid to touch it.

Why not? After all we are fellow Jedi. Master Qui-Gon won't mind. Soon I'll have my own. After the Jedi council decides that they will make me a Jedi master...hmm...I wonder if they'd want me to be a padawan first? Nah...not after I connect with them through the Force and they see how strong the Force is with me. After that how could they ask me to lower myself to padawan? I will be a Jedi master. So I'm entitled to try this on. Besides, since Qui-Gon and I are about the same size anyway...they'll need to know how much bigger to make my robe. I should try it on so they'll know how much taller and muscular I am. Hmm...I wonder if they've ever had to make a bigger robe before?

Beb looked toward the door once more and then reverently removed the robe from its hanger. He shoved his arms into the sleeves and pulled it up. Stretching his arms out, Beb was severe disappointed to see how much material hung past his outstretched hand. And...there were yards of material on the ground around his small feet. Instantly his ego was dashed, as he had to admit that he wasn't as big as the Jedi master. Stung but not dissuaded, Beb consoled himself with the thought that he probably had a stronger Force ability because he was smaller...more power packed into such a small stature...more density of power. Yeah, that was it!!! Holding his head up again, he began folding the sleeves back until his hands finally peeked out the end. Then he looked around for something to pin the bottom of the robe up. He set about his task of tailoring the robe to fit his little body, oblivious to all else. At last he had managed to pull all the extra material up and out of the way. Beb stepped in front of the mirror to have a look. It was disappointing--all that bulk and bulges of material. That's Ok, my real robe won't look like that. This just gives me an idea. He turned and admired his reflection. Then he started to strut back and forth in front of the mirror, alternately walking with his hands behind his back and then tucking his hands into the sleeves, the way he had seen Qui-Gon do. Then he began speaking out loud.

"Now, Padawan, you must concentrate on the Force. It is your power," he shook his fist in the air. "You must learn to channel it and control it! For that is where a Jedi's strength comes from. If you want to be as powerful as I, then you must listen to what I say."

Qui-Gon had arrived at the door of his bedroom just in time to hear Beb's monologue. At first he was amused and it was all he could do to keep from laughing out loud. But then he peeked around the corner...and saw...

"What have you done to my robe?" Qui-Gon bellowed as he looked at the brown bulk hanging off Beb's slight form. "What did you do?" he repeated as he rushed over to the little man.

Beb was startled by the interruption and then terrified by the Jedi's outburst. He quickly whipped the robe off and held it out to Qui-Gon and covered his head as if he expected to be hit by the hot Jedi. "I didn't do anything to it," he whined. "I just pinned it so I could try it on. It's OK. I didn't do anything!" As soon as Qui-Gon took the robe, Beb turned and ran from the room, leaving the master holding the brown mass, trying to figure it out.

Beb came flying into the room where Obi-Wan remained in silent contemplation as he finished up his meal. The sight of the little fellow charging in as if running for his life--especially from the direction that Qui-Gon had gone-begged the question.

"What's wrong, Beb?"

"Oh...nothing. Nothing at all," he replied as he smoothed his hair and straightened his glasses. "Oh, supper. Great, I'm starved." Beb set about preparing a plate of food. Just as he finished piling it up and had taken a seat, Qui-Gon walked in. Immediately Beb dropped his eyes to his plate and began attacking the food.

Obi-Wan could read the displeasure in his master's face. That, along with Beb's sudden entry into the room, screamed out to the apprentice that something was amiss. He knew he was in danger of running afoul of his master, but hadn't Qui-Gon given him a hard time earlier?

"Is something wrong, Master?" he asked as innocently as he could--without being too innocent.

"Eat your meal, Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon sat down opposite Beb and stared at him. Beb was more than conscious of the daggers that were aimed in his direction. Finally he looked up at Qui-Gon. With total control and in a soft voice, Qui-Gon said simply, "We won't touch anything that doesn't belong to us, will we?"

Beb didn't trust his voice so he simply shook his head from side to side and then quickly looked back down.

Obi-Wan opened his mouth to speak and Qui-Gon simply lifted a warning finger, saying nothing. The padawan turned back to his plate.

"Beb, how did you get to be...a Jedi Apprentice?" Obi-Wan asked without looking up, but his master could see the grin he was trying to hide.

"Well...I could have been a real Jedi. I should be," Beb said with conviction. Qui-Gon quickly covered his mouth with his hand.

"Really," Obi-Wan said, trying to control his voice. "Why aren't you then?"

"I was hidden at birth."

Obi-Wan began coughing. In order to hide his own amusement, Qui-Gon turned and pounded his apprentice on the back. "You OK?"

"Yeah, uh, I...I'm OK." It was getting harder and harder for the two to hide their amusement at Beb. "You say you were hidden at birth?"

"Yes," Beb said very matter of factly. "There was an evil ruler on my planet at the time I was born. He knew I had a high midiclorian count. And he knew that I would defeat him when I got old enough because of my power. So he had me kidnapped from my mother and hidden away on an island." Beb's expression was one of thoughtfulness.

He really believes this Qui-Gon thought in disbelief. Where did he get such ideas? "If you were kidnapped when you were born, how did you find this out?"

"And how did you escape?" Obi-Wan added.

"Well..." Beb hesitated. "Um...oh--someone had to take care of me while I was on that island." Yeah! Beb thought to himself. "There was a nurse that the king appointed to take care of me." The words rushed out now. "She was the one who told me about the king and his plans." Beb finished with a big smile on his face.

"But how did you escape from the island? Did you defeat the king when you got back?" Obi-Wan asked in complete seriousness.

"Oh...um...well...the, uh, the nurse...yeah, the nurse who took care of me." Beb's mind raced. "She got tired of living on the island." Now that the story started taking shape, he rushed again to get the words out. "She didn't want to live as a native anymore and we built a raft, yeah, a raft from trees on the island and set out." Beb hesitated. "And...a ship...a ship found us floating there on the sea and brought us back to civilization." Beb was beaming again.

"Wasn't the king angry when he found you escaped?" Qui-Gon hadn't forgotten Obi-Wan's unanswered question.

"No...uh...no, he wasn't because...he had died by this time." The more the story grew, the more Beb's smile did.

"So," Qui-Gon anticipated. "To help the nurse build the raft, you must have been quite a bit older by then. I guess you were too old to enter Jedi training by then."

"Yeah!" Beb was glad to have an explanation provided for him. Then he realized he had given the wrong reaction. He drew his face into a grimace and said sadly, "Yes, that's right. I was too old."

Obi-Wan took a sudden interest in his plate. Something was interesting enough that he had to lean very close to get a look. Momentarily, however, he recovered as he felt a slight tug from the dark side. "Well, Beb, it isn't often we are honored with such a powerful Jedi. How about giving us a little demonstration of your power? Just something little, I wouldn't want anyone to get hurt."

Qui-Gon gave his apprentice a dirty look and swiped a kick at him under the table. You have a lot of answering to do for your behavior these last couple of days Qui-Gon told him through the Force.

Beb was suddenly uncomfortable. He couldn't think of a way out. "Well, I'm kinda tired. It's been a long day." He suddenly yawned exaggeratedly. "Boy, I'm so tired."

"Why don't you go on to bed, Beb," Qui-Gon offered. "You have a long day tomorrow. You probably want to get as much rest as you can."

"That's a good idea," Beb said quickly. "Yes, a long day. I have important work tomorrow. I must rest." He hurried from the room. The Jedi master turned to his apprentice, but his chair was vacant.

******

"Good morning, Master," Beb squeaked out as Qui-Gon cringed. Maybe Obi-Wan wasn't such a bad apprentice after all.

"Good morning, Beb," Qui-Gon replied, thankful Obi-Wan wasn't around. He was going to have to have a talk with that boy! "Have a seat, Beb. This morning you are going to be meeting with the Jedi council. They want to hear what you have to say. The council members want to make sure there is enough evidence to go forward with this or if we need more information. We don't want Theem to be able to get off on a doubt or technicality."

"You mean they are going to tell me what to say?"

"No, of course not. They just want you to tell them what you are going to tell the Senate so we know if we can prosecute now or it we need to keep investigating."

"Oh, Ok." Beb thought for a moment. "You mean I'm going to get to talk to the Jedi council members! Wow! That's so wizard!"

Obi-Wan had picked that moment to enter the room. Qui-Gon could see him over Beb's head and noticed the padawan's face crumple into a huge grin before he disappeared back into the hallway. He turned his head from the sight before he lost his control. "Uh, yes. You will be meeting the council members."

"Are you sure I shouldn't have a robe...at least a robe. I wouldn't want to go in there and have them think I have no respect for the Jedi council. I knew I should have brought my robe."

Obi-Wan had been about to enter the room again when he suddenly decided he needed to leave once more.

"No, Beb. It's OK. You don't need a robe just to talk to them."

"Are you sure. I mean, when a Jedi goes before the council, shouldn't he be properly dressed? Look at this. How are they going to know that..." A thought suddenly occurred to Beb. Of course, they would know he was a Jedi...how could they not know? With his great Force ability! Qui-Gon noticed Beb's eyes glaze over as he went off into one of his daydreams. He turned back to his breakfast. Obi-Wan finally had gotten control of himself enough to join the two at the table.

This is it, Beb! Finally, what you have been waiting on...and are entitled to! They will know greatness when it reaches out to them through the Force! They will provide you with a robe. And they will be begging you to join them! Of course they will know. Hmm...I will be a Jedi master. Whom shall I take as my padawan? Who is worthy? Hmm...Padawan Qui-Gon Jinn. Jedi Master Beb Gonk's Padawan, Qui-Gon Jinn. Yes, I like the sound of that. It rolls off the tongue.

Unfortunately for Beb, it rolled off the tongue too easily. He didn't realize he was saying it out loud. "Jedi Master Beb Gonk's Padawan, Qui-Gon Jinn."

"What!!!" Qui-Gon bellowed before he broke into a spell of uncontrollable coughing caused by inhaling his food when he roared. Obi-Wan rushed to his master's side and Beb rushed to his bedroom.

Beb refused to come out of the room. No matter how much Qui-Gon assured him that he wasn't angry and that everything was fine, Beb wouldn't show his face. Finally when they were due to go up to the council room, Obi-Wan had to persuade their diminutive ward to come out.

"Is he still mad?" Beb whispered through the crack in the door as he looked around for the Jedi master.

"No," Obi-Wan tried to suppress his grin as he remembered the look on his master's face. "He's not mad. Really. It's OK. Come on out. They are expecting us in the council room."

The excitement that suddenly washed over Beb overcame his hesitancy to exit his sanctuary. He rushed out. "OK! Let's go! This is way too cool! I can't believe it!"

"This way, Beb." Obi-Wan let him lead so he didn't have to worry about hiding his huge smile.

Beb entered the common room cautiously. Not seeing Qui-Gon he inquired, "Where's your master?"

"I think he's in his room. He'll be here shortly. He won't keep the council waiting." Obi-Wan perched on the back of the sofa and as he did his robe fell open and light gleamed off the light saber that hung from his belt. Beb wanted to see it, but didn't know how to ask. So he walked over and leaned on the sofa also so he could see it. Obi-Wan had not been ignorant of Beb. He was beginning to understand that Beb's most casual movements had ulterior motives, so he was eyeing the little fellow. He noticed Beb's stare.

"That's a light saber."

"Yes, I know," Beb said in awe. "Everybody knows about a Jedi's weapon." His eyes were wide. "Could...I...just, you know...hold it?"

"Well," Obi-Wan began. "I don't know."

"Please, I won't do anything except just hold it. I promise. I just want to see one close up. Please."

Obi-Wan thought about it, "Well, I don't see any harm. But just hold it. DON'T turn it on," he was emphatic as he handed the weapon to Beb.

Beb accepted it like it was pure gold. He was hardly breathing as his eyes studied it hungrily. "Oh wow! A real light saber. Wi-zard! I can't believe it." Finally he started breathing again and fit his hand to the hilt. Beb stepped to the center of the room and started waving the unignited saber around. "Ha! Think you can defeat me, do you? A Jedi's strength flows from the Force. And a powerful ally it is," he cried as he thrust at an imaginary enemy with a powerless light saber. He danced around the room sparring with the Jedis' most deadly enemies, lecturing them on the Force and his command of it as Obi-Wan fell back on the couch, his sides aching from trying to hold his laughter in. Suddenly a tall figure appeared in the doorway.

"What is going on in here!" Qui-Gon yelled as he entered the room. He couldn't believe Beb had a light saber! Never mind that it wasn't powered up-it still was not a toy! Qui-Gon's roar startled little Beb Gonk so much that he fumbled the light saber. In his attempt to catch it before it hit the floor, he accidentally hit the power stud and ignited the saber. Qui-Gon saw disaster in the making as the saber started to fall and Beb was still grabbing for it. The Jedi master reached out his hand and called the weapon to him with the Force. Catching it by the hilt he turned the power off. Silently he studied the two men before him. Obi-Wan was standing stiffly next to the sofa, his eyes on the floor and his cheeks burning with shame. Beb cowered behind a chair and wouldn't meet the master's stare either. Total silence filled the room for what seemed like hours. Finally Qui-Gon walked slowly to his apprentice and handed him the errant weapon. Calmly and slowly he said, "Obi-Wan, as soon as this assignment is complete, we have some serious discussion--and extra training--to do.

Obi-Wan's "Yes, Master," was barely heard in the room. Without another word, the Jedi master crossed to the door and said simply, "Let's go."

The ride to the pinnacle of the Jedi temple was made in complete silence. Qui-Gon tried to look at the bright side--he had no choice. If he didn't find something positive to focus on, he might throttle his apprentice, and the one he was assigned to protect. It has been a lesson in self-control at least he thought.

Qui-Gon stopped before the door of the council room and pointed a finger at his two companions who looked like scolded boys. "There will be NO misbehaving in here. I think enough trouble has been caused for one day. I have no intention of rescuing either of you from the wrath of the Jedi council if you choose to carry out your antics in here. Understood?" Two nods were the only response he received.

The door opened and Qui-Gon led the pair to the center of the room. "Masters, may I present Beb Gonk." Obi-Wan coughed and Qui-Gon gave him a warning look but the apprentice pointed to his throat and cleared it. There was a general stir in the chamber as the masters looked around at each other and back to Beb.

"This," Mace Windu began trying to hide his astonishment, "is Beb Gonk?"

"Yes," Qui-Gon replied as he watched Obi-Wan out of the corner of his eyes. "This is he."

Mace Windu and Yoda looked at each other as a question passed between them. Qui-Gon intercepted the unasked inquiry and replied, "His identity has been confirmed by an officer who personally knows him on Senota."

Beb glowed with pride. I knew it! I knew they would feel it when I walked in. They can't believe how strong the Force is with me. This is way too wizard. Soon I will be asked, no--begged to become a Jedi. But I guess it wouldn't look too cool for me to make them beg. I'll have to be ready to answer quickly and save their dignity. Boy if only the other Apprentices from Senota could see this! They would be so jealous! I'll have to see if I can get an assignment over in that sector so I can stop by and show off my light saber. Oh boy! My own light saber!

"Uh, Beb, why don't you tell them what you overheard?"

Beb started to answer and then decided to do something more impressive. He would tell then through the Force. So he began to tell his story in his head. It was an amusing sight--no words coming from his mouth, but emotion showing on his face while his hands made vast gesticulations. The Jedi masters stared at each other with their mouths gaping open. They looked to Qui-Gon for an explanation.

"Uh, Beb," Qui-Gon said as he stepped up to whisper to the "Jedi". "Is something wrong?"

"No," he replied. "I was telling them the story through the Force." The look on his face was total sincerity.

"Master Yoda, I think that...I need to talk with the council...in private, please."

"Obi-Wan, to the garden take our guest," Yoda replied.

******

"Is something wrong, Obi-Wan?" Beb's concern grew as they walked the garden paths.

"No, nothing is wrong. I think they were just a little...mmm...surprised, that's all."

"Oh." Beb glowed with pride. "I knew they would be. It's not often they meet a Jedi who's as Force-strong as I am."

"Beb," Obi-Wan said as he pulled the little man to a bench. "Let's talk." Beb sat down and studied the apprentice's face.

"What is it? You're not jealous are you? I didn't mean that thing about your master being my padawan; I just got carried away. You see, ever since I found out how high my midiclorian count was..."

Obi-Wan interrupted, "When did you find it out. I want you to tell me--exactly and specifically how and when you found it out."

******

"Qui-Gon, have him testify, we can not," declared Yoda.

"I understand, my master."

"You're sure this is the right person?" Mace Windu asked.

"Yes, as I said, a security officer on Senota knows him and he vouched for him. He said that this nervous...odd...little man is Beb Gonk."

"But is this the man who was in the meeting with Theem?"

"Well...ah, he was not exactly in the meeting."

"But..."

"Let me clarify. He was not an active, not even an invited participant. He was hiding in an alleyway where he had stopped...to...relieve himself and Theem and his men just happened to pick that alley to have an impromptu meeting in."

Yoda's ears drooped and Mace Windu buried his face in his hands.

"What do we now?" Yoda sighed.

Suddenly the door of the chamber room slid open and a messenger rushed in. "Forgive me, my masters for the interruption. Important news."

"Speak," Yoda commanded.

"One of Theem's men has decided to testify against him in exchange for a reduced sentence. He has records of some of Theem's transactions with names and dates. We can not only convict Theem, but also his operatives on key planets."

"Good news this is," Yoda affirmed.

"Yes, " Mace Windu agreed as he thought of Beb Geek and his wordless testimony. "Qui-Gon, you can return Mr. Gonk to his home now. Not only do we not need his testimony, I think he no longer will be in danger. His knowledge is nothing compared to what we can get from this man."

******

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were walking Beb to a transport that would take him back to Senota.

"But I don't understand. I thought that the Jedi council wanted me to testify. I thought that I was going to get to go before the Senate." Beb turned and faced the Jedi, walking backwards as he continued to protest. "I thought I had important information. You mean I risked my life for nothing." Beb tripped backwards and the two Jedi dove to catch him before he hit the ground.

"Please, Beb, walk forwards before you fall and hurt yourself," Qui-Gon instructed.

"But what about Theem?"

"We've been through that, Beb. I'm sorry that you were inconvenienced and that you felt like your risked your life, but Theem's man has hard data we can use in court. You only saw the books from a distance. Yes, you have important information, but now we have much more."

"But wasn't the Jedi council impressed with me? Didn't they think I was strong with the Force?"

"Ah...they were impressed with you all right," Qui-Gon waffled.

"But I'm going to become a Jedi, aren't I?"

"Beb, you're just too old to start training."

"But I don't need training. You said they thought I was strong with the Force."

"No," Qui-Gon said quickly. "That's what you said. I didn't say that."

"Then what did they say about me?" Beb frowned.

"Ah...they said that they appreciate your cooperation and your courage and regret any inconvenience this may have caused you."

They were now at the foot of the ramp to the transport. Beb looked into the depths of the ship and back at Qui-Gon. "But aren't you two coming with me?"

"No, we aren't," Qui-Gon said softly. "You don't need us now."

Beb suddenly glanced around. "Maybe I'd better get inside so no one will see me." He took a few steps up the ramp and then turned and said, "Are you sure I don't need you?"

Obi-Wan spoke up, "You're a powerful Jedi. What do you need us for?" Qui-Gon poked him in the ribs.

"Yeah, you're right. I am a powerful Jedi and I'm going to go back and prove it to that council." Beb started back down the ramp. The two Jedi grabbed his arms and pulled him up the ramp. Qui-Gon personally strapped him into his chair. "Have a good trip, Beb. Been nice knowing you."

Beb was struggling with the strap as the two Jedi ran down the ramp. "Wait! Wait! Just a minute--I'll use the Force on this strap. I can't get it off. Wait! Don't go! I can be a Jedi! I can just let me show you!" The last sight they had of Beb he was still struggling with the stubborn strap. Then the ramp closed and Qui-Gon breathed a deep sigh of relief.

"Well, Master, another dangerous assignment we managed to survive," Obi-Wan grinned. "That's the end of Mr. Beb Gonk." Obi-Wan was finally able to let out all the laughter that he had stored up over the odd name without fear of reprimand.

The Jedi master grinned momentarily and then grabbed his padawan's ear. "You haven't survived it yet, young padawan." Then he walked away, pulling Obi-Wan along behind.