search Rent-a-Jedi: The Thanksgiving Round Robin



From: "Selah Specht"
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-a-J Thanksgiving RR




Now, I know I should've been smarter after that gala incident, but you know what happens when the festive holiday spirit hits me. My brain turns to mush, that's what. So it was on a delightful autumn day in November...

"Are you or one of your interns going shopping yet?" Qui asked, holding an empty bottle of shampoo aloft.

"One of the interns will have to do it...I've got stuff to get ready for at home," I said, making my list of things I needed to pick up from the store.

"I noticed that you requested half of next week off...what's going on?" he asked, concern lighting his features.

"Hmm? Oh, nothing, it's just Thanksgiving."

"Thanksgiving?" he asked, puzzled.

"Oh, that's right! You guys don't know anything about Thanksgiving...well, I guess we'll have to remedy that..." I said, and immediately did the stupidest thing possible. I called a staff meeting.

************

"Okay fellas, I've been alerted that the holidays are a-coming and we can't leave you out of that spirit, now can we?" I asked, rolling my eyes as the Sith and Jedi traded comments about each others' mothers.

"And this holiday might help given your feelings towards each other..." Aya muttered under her breath and I nodded.

"What are you talking about?" Obi asked, right before smacking the back of Maul's head with the Force.

"THAT! Thanksgiving is a time to appreciate each other, what you are lucky to have...AM I MAKING ANY SENSE HERE!?" I roared in disgust as Maul jumped up and attempted to tackle Kenobi, urged on by both sides.

"HEY!" I bellowed, sweeping my arms apart in a gesture that sent both fighters back to their seats with the Force. "Now then...Thanksgiving is a time when we all get together and eat a feast in rememberance of the Pilgrims-"

"The who?" Luke asked.

"Forget it, just tell them that they get to eat turkey," Diebin muttered.

"Eat what?" Exar asked, perplexed.

"Well, you get to watch football, too," Liz said helpfully.

"Why would anyone want to use a foot for a ball?" Vader asked, intrigued.

"And you'll get to watch the Macy's parade," Afton tried.

"Who's Macy?" Qui-Gon asked and we all suppressed a groan.

"Okay...we'll handle the food and arrangements...be sure to invite the council," I told Aya and she nodded. "I'll make the pie and the bird and stuffing I suppose, the rest is up to you guys..." I sighed, hoping we could pull this off.

"And just to let you know guys, there will be NO FIGHTING WHATSOEVER!!! You're going to be thankfull even if I have to tie you up like marionettes and make you!" I bellowed. "AND NO ALCOHOL OF ANY SORT AT ALL!!!"

"Then what fun are we going to have?" Vader muttered and I sighed. It was against my better judgement, but I'd have to agree.

"Send out the invitations, we'll make this a party for the Sith Chicks," I commanded and winced at the applause at the suggestion. Sighing, I went to get to work, knowing that I would probably become very thankful for headache pain reliever very soon...

**********************

You are cordially invited to a Rent-a-Jedi Thanksgiving. Dress is nice casual to semi-formal and all guests are asked to please bring a food dish to contribute to the festivities. And please, no alcohol is to be brought into the complex.

Sincerely,

Ziggy, president of Rent-a-Jedi, Inc.



===



From: Crysta Novelli
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] RaJ Thanksgiving RR - Early arrival




"You are cordially invited to a Rent-a-Jedi Thanksgiving. Dress is nice casual to semi-formal and all guests are asked to please bring a food dish to contribute to the festivities. And please, no alcohol is to be brought into the complex.

Sincerely,

Ziggy, president of Rent-a-Jedi, Inc."


I re-read the invitation I'd received, and sure enough, there wasn't a time on it. Well, I'd just arrive early then, and there wasn't a thing Ziggy could do about it. I checked my appearance in the full-length mirror in my room again. I'd decided on my nice black slacks and cranberry chenille sweater and had left my hair down. It was straight and fell to just above my shoulders, curling under and framing my face.

I stopped in the kitchen for the dish I'd made earlier, grabbed my keys, and left, locking the apartment behind me.

--------------

The space-cab dropped me off, and I approached the front door of the Rent-a-Jedi complex. I rang the bell, and the door was answered promptly by T.

"Welcome, Miss..." T greeted me.

"Crysta," I supplied.

"Welcome, Miss Crysta," the droid repeated, "but I'm afraid you're a bit early," he finished, flustered.

"That's all right, T," I replied. "I'm sure Ziggy can use some help around here."

I stepped past him into the foyer and noticed that it was quite quiet inside. "Where is everyone, T?" I asked, puzzled.

Before he could speak, however, a door flung open and Mace Windu barreled down the hallway with a large knife in his hands, followed closely behind by Darth Maul. Thankfully, they were going the opposite direction - away from us, rather than towards us.

"Give me back that cleaver, Jedi!" the Sith growled angrily. (Well, how else would a Sith growl?)

"Never!" Mace yelled back. "Not until you appologize for nearly decapitating me with it!"

"Well, I'm not the one who walked in on our game!" Maul retorted.

Mace's reply was lost to the wind as he disappeared out the back door of the complex, Maul hot on his heels.

T looked back to me and I replied, "Okay, okay, I'm *sorry*! I shouldn't have asked! Where's Ziggy?" I asked, changing the subject.

"I believe Mistress Ziggy is in the kitchen," T informed me.

I shifted my grip on the still warm dish in my hands and headed for the kitchen. After the ball, I knew exactly where to find that particular room.

Bracing myself, I pushed open the kitchen door. I had no idea what I'd find on the other side of it.

"Relax, Ziggy, it'll come out all right," Obi-Wan's voice said from behind the door.

"How many people are you expecting to come?" Qui asked next.

"I'm not sure," Ziggy's voice replied. "I guess we'll just have to wait and see..."

It sounded safe in there, so I pushed the door open and entered.

The two Jedi turned and smiled at me, greeting me warmly. "Hello, Crysta," Qui said, taking my hand and raising it to his lips.

I chuckled at the Jedi Master, and smiled at the padawan. "Hello, Obi, Qui," I responded. Ziggy had turned away, avoiding eye contact. "Hello, Ziggy," I spoke to her, walking further into the kitchen and setting the dish down on the counter.

"Hi, Crysta," she responded without turning around. "Happy Thanksgiving," she said warmly, still without turning.

"Happy Thanksgiving to you, too," I replied cheerfully, bound and determined that today would not be awkward. "I'm here early, so what can I help with?" I asked.

"I think we've got everything pretty much under control," she said.

"What is *that*???" Obi-Wan exclaimed suddenly. I turned to look at him. He'd taken the lid off my dish and was staring at it in shock. His outburst aroused Ziggy's attention, I noticed. She'd turned around at his exclamation.

Qui-Gon leaned over to peer in the dish as well, and made a face as awful as his padawan's. Ziggy leaned over to peer in next, and began laughing at their expressions when she saw what it was I'd brought.

"Those are yams!" she exclaimed. "Haven't you guys ever seen sweet potatoes?" she asked bewildered.

"No..." Obi said, confused. "That's actually edible? It looks like something you'd find on Tatooine if it rained!"

"Yes, their edible," I replied, laughing, "and very good. They're my favorite part of Thanksgiving, next to the turkey."

Ziggy turned to look at me as I spoke, which I took as a good sign. I smiled at her, and she smiled back, timidly.

"Where is everyone else?" I asked her.

They're decorating the dining room and halls, cleaning, and changing," she replied. "I'm not sure where Luke is," she added, once again averting her gaze.

I was not going to let her win. "What can I help you with? I'm sure there something I can do," I insisted.

"Well, okay," she relented. "Can you keep an eye on things in the kitchen while I go change?"

"Sure!" I replied. She turned to leave, and I called out to her before she walked through the door. "Ziggy!"

"Hmm?" she asked, turning slightly, afraid of what I was going to say.

"Smile." I said simply, one lighting my own features as I spoke.

She did. "Thanks, Crysta," she said, before turning and leaving the kitchen, the door swinging in her wake.



===



From: "Selah Specht"
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] RaJ Thanksgiving RR


Okay, the start of this is before Crysta comes and then moves through and after her installment...

******************************

I grunted as I tugged on my hand. No good. No good at all. Now, I've helped my mother with Thanksgiving turkeys for many years, but I never remember her getting into this situation. Sighing, I did the first thing that popped into my mind.

"HELP ME!!!!!!!"

Almost immediately, two pairs of Jedi feet were in the kitchen.

"What's the matter?" Obi gasped, leaning against the wall. Without a word I turned and displayed the bird that had somehow gotted stuck on my arm. They tried to hide their amusement, really they did, but weren't very successful about it. I waited the required time to let them laugh their sides off, then interrupted.

"Nice, now can you help me get this thing off?" I asked, extending the hand with the gobbler.

"Of course," Qui replied before gripping the other end of the bird and tugging. It didn't come off. He frowned and secured his grip before tugging again.

"Need some help with that?" a sinister voice purred and my eyes went wide as Maul stepped through the door, cleaver in hand.

"NO GET THAT THING AWAY FROM ME BEFORE I CLUB YOU WITH THE TURKEY!!!!" I bellowed and he pouted before running off somewhere, presumably to torture some small animal or Jedi.

"There has to be a way to get this off that doesn't involve blood," Obi mused, gripping the turkey's leg while Qui gripped the other. On the count of three they pulled and the bird went sailing through the air. Immediately I extended a hand and with the Force guided it back to the roasting pan.

"Thanks," I breathed, rubbing my wrist. "Now all I've gotta do is put the dressing in and stick it in the oven with the pies..." I mused, looking over at the bowl of stuffing I'd prepared from my mom's absolutely perfect recipe. Unfortunately, since said recipe has been passed down for many years, no one ever bothered to write it down. It's more kind of described...anyway, I did my best to get it right and quickly stuffed the gobbler before sticking it in the oven.

"Obi, be a dear and roll out those crescent rolls, will you?" I instructed the padawan, handing him the tube of dough. Okay, so I cheat on part of the meal, but hey, sometimes you do what ya gotta do!

"Mistress Ziggy, could you please tell the sith and Jedi to stop chasing each other with the butcher knives!!!" T wailed as he shuffled into the kitchen.

"They've gotta take out their aggression somehow..." I said, rolling my eyes before sighing. "Okay, I'll talk to them when I see them...is the dining room cleaned?"

"Yes Mistress-"

"And is everybody dressing nice?"

"Well I think-"

"And did you remember to take away everybody's lightsaber?"

"Why else do you think they're playing with the knives?" Qui snickered and I had to laugh.

"T, don't worry about it...it's a holiday, have a little fun!" I sighed as he left the room. My eyes practically bugged out when I noticed that Obi had not only rolled the crescent rolls, but stuck them in the oven.

"Let me guess, you had a little trouble or you're going artistic on me," I muttered, staring incredulously at him.

"Well, they wouldn't exactly roll so I tried to mold them...it's not my fault they look like..." he trailed off and I glanced at the rolls that faintly resembled little members...this was going to be a loooong day, I could tell.

"Don't worry about it...the council will be here soon and hopefully they won't notice...I just hope everything comes out all right..." I sighed, knowing that I'm more of a baker than a chef.

Obi and Qui were busy reassuring me when another presence made itself known. I stiffened slightly, not quite prepared for it, but I wanted it to be a good day for everyone. I bit my lip as Crysta came in and greeted Qui and Obi. I liked her, really I did, it was just that things were so awkward lately...

I did my best to sound cheery when I said hello, and even gave myself brownie points for trying to help her find Luke. Even so, I about died at the boys' reaction to the sweet potatoes! They were gaping like it was some strange beast. Granted, sweet potatoes are far from my favorite food, but I would eat them because it was Thanksgiving dammit and I was going to be a good host if it killed me. I breathed a sigh of relief as I excused myself to go change, and soon I was deep in thought as I faced my closet.

I had thought to go with a maroon crushed velvet tunic and slacks, but it just didn't seem to be in my closet. I smiled slightly as another option presented itself. True, it really wasn't autumnal, but it would have to do. And it was comfortable, a major plus. I quickly changed into black velvet slacks and a flowered, lavender velour top that vaguely resembled a kimono. I decided to let it hang loose, so that it reached my thighs and added a lavendar bead choker and silver moon and star earrings to complete the ensemble. With a quick smile I dashed out the door and started for the stairs, then promptly did a one eighty in the other direction.

"Selah..." Maybe if I ignored him I'd make it to my room and he'd leave me alone.

"Will you stop that?" Damn, I forgot he could read thoughts. Slamming my mental shields into place, I put on my best 'nothing's going on so why are you looking at me like that?' face and turned to face Luke.

"Yes? Do you need something?" I asked, bound and determined to bolt once I found an opening.

He merely raised an eyebrow and I sighed.

"There's nothing to talk about end of conversation dot it with a period type it and print it!" I said firmly before heading to the stairs, trying not to brush against him as I descended. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a circus to ringlead," I muttered, sighing. "Crysta's in the kitchen, by the way," I added before I quickly went to a courtyard for some air.

My jaw practically dropped at the Sith and Jedi that were running after each other with cooking utensils. "TIME OUT NOW!!!!" I bellowed and they all stopped dead in there tracks. "Now look...the interns are getting ready so they can't babysit you at the moment, but that's no excuse for you to act like this!!!" I said firmly, using the voice I use when I baby-sit. "Now, give me the knives!" I snapped and slowly, Maul shook his head and Mace glared.

"Fine, I'll do it myself," I sighed, then snapped my wrist as I reached out with the Force. Instantly, the barrage of metal came flying at me, and I quickly turned them with the Force before catching them in my hand.

"Mistress Ziggy, is everything all right?" I sighed and turned to address T.

"Peachy...take these back in the kitchen and don't let Obi eat the whipped cream! That's for the pie..." I instructed before turning to the others. "Now then, why don't you do something more constructive...like watch a video."

Ten minutes later I had them in the common room watching Happy Thanksgiving, Charlie Brown, a warning look in my eyes.

"Hey, can we watch It's a wonderful life tonight?" Mace asked, perusing the TV guide.

"No, we're watching Home Alone!" Maul chortled, and I didn't even want to know what ideas that could give him.

"You're all wrong...we're watching A Muppet's Christmas Carol," I interrupted and all Jedi and Sith in the vacinity turned to glare at me. "Don't give me that look, We are watching the Muppets and I don't care what you think!!" I snapped before high-tailing it back to the kitchen to keep an eye on the food. On the way I glanced at my desk and frowned. Why was one of the drawers slightly open? Swallowing hard, I rushed over to it and whimpered as I realized which disk was missing. I had moved it down here in hopes of deleting that unofficial epilogue to a laby crossover story, but couldn't bring myself to do it. A sigh of relief tore out of me upon realizing that the disk was sitting on the desk, but that still didn't quash my fears. Shaking my head in slight concern, I slipped the disk back in the drawer and locked it before jogging back to the kitchen.



===



From: Crysta Novelli
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-a-J Thanksgiving RR: More Discoveries




"So, when are you going to talk to her?" Qui-Gon asked after Ziggy was out of range of the kitchen.

"I don't know," I sighed, leaning against the counter. "I don't want to spoil today for her - it's supposed to be a *happy* day, guys, not a day for confrontations from complete strangers!"

"But you're not a *complete* stranger," Obi-Wan pointed out, opening the oven to check on the rolls he'd just put in only minutes before, as if he expected them to be done already.

"No, not a complete stranger," I agreed, "just some strange chick that walked into her life and fell in love with Luke, raining on her fantasy parade and dashing all hope she's ever had of possibly forming a relationship with him..." I finished, sarcasm as thick as cranberry sauce dripping from my voice.

"Oh," Obi said. "Good point..."

Suddenly T pushed though the door of the kitchen, his arms laden with knives of various shapes and sizes. I narrowed my eyes, not understanding, when suddenly it dawned on me. The game Maul had spoken about. I rolled my eyes, and Qui-Gon helped me take them from his arms and load them in the dishwasher.

Then I felt another presence enter the room. Turning, I smiled at Luke, happy to see him. He looked absolutely gorgeous in sleek tan slacks and a light blue silk dress shirt. Nodding at Qui and Obi, he came up to me and pulled me into a tight embrace, kissing me soundly.

//Hello, beautiful// he greeted me after pulling away and looking into my eyes, smiling. //I missed you.//

//I missed you too// I replied, not the least bit embarrassed, even when T "Ahemed" halfway through our kiss, only to be silenced by the Master and his Padawan.

"Did you tell her the latest discovery?" Luke asked Obi and Qui after he finished greeting me.

"Huh?" I asked, furrowing my brow.

"No, not yet," Qui-Gon replied. "We figured we'd leave that one up to you."

I returned my gaze to Luke, wondering what in the Force they were talking about.

"We found the Unoffical Epilogue to the story," he told me, paling slightly.

"Oh?" I asked, raising my eyebrow suspiciously.

"Yeah," Obi-Wan said, grinning. "Juicy stuff!" His eyes twinkled mischievously.

"Oh?" I asked again, this time with more inflection in my voice and even more curiosity.

"Yes," Luke said, clearly bothered by what it was he'd read.

"Well, what are you waiting for, Farmboy? Show me!" I commanded playfully, grabbing his arm and turning him around. I gave him a light nudge toward the door and called back, "T, stay and watch over the kitchen."

"Yes, Miss Crysta," he replied.

Luke reached back and took my hand, leading me from the room. As we left, we caught T saying something to Obi-Wan about whipped cream being for pies, and chuckled.

Luke led me to Ziggy's office. Closing the door behind us, he motioned for me to sit at the computer. He moved the mouse to the documents list, pulling up one called, surprisingly enough, ""Return of the Underground: Epilogue(Unofficial)Heaven's in Here."

"She had it on a disk, which I knew she'd hide again, so I saved it to the hard drive, figuring she wouldn't catch it right way," he informed me, reddening slightly. It wasn't exactly the Jedi thing to do, but I was glad he had. I was *extremely* curious - I had been since the other night when I'd briefly read her mention of it.

I scrolled down through the short document, my eyes growing wider the further I went. "Juicy" was an understatement. A *severe* understatement. Halfway through I realized I was breathing heavily and there was a heat slowing traveling through my body. A glance to Luke confirmed what I'd felt through the Force - my arousal had sparked his own. I looked up to his eyes and spoke softly.

"She's going to die when she finds out we've read this..."



===



From: spacefan
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] Rent-A-Jedi thanksgiving special


It's my-gin-gone here and you know I can't leave well enough alone. Gabrielle is back and so is her main man (cue intense music) the dark master Qui-Gon Djinn.

Actually he's more of a charcoal grey now. He and Gabrielle have been working out his issues (of which I will detail in a prequel that I can actually finish this week considering I'm getting vacation time on account of thanksgiving). Until then, enjoy.

Oh yeah btw, Djinn and Gabrielle stories are never smut free. So you have been warned.

now on with the show...

************************************

You and Master Djinn stroll into the familiar Rent-A-Jedi complex. The festive atmosphere is replete with decorations of turkeys dressed as pilgrims, streamers and rustic colors of orange, brown and yellow trimming the furnishings. You shake dust off of your knee length dress you are wearing under your coat. You wanted to wear a nice pair of pants and a cute blouse but the argument that ensued about you not wearing the dress he bought for you, lasted far too long for your liking. And it was getting late.

Before you acquiesced you did manage to point out to him that it was cooler outside now because of the oncoming winter. His response was that you were going to be in doors. And then you said "so." And wham, you were in another argument. So here you are walking through the main dinner hall towards the kitchen with Qui-Gon on one side carrying two pumpkin pies, you carrying two sweet potato pies and a bag with a change of clothes inside it case you begin to freeze to death.

You spot the hostess of Rent-A-Jedi Ziggy leaving the kitchen area.

"Hi." You wave to her. She smiles and comes your way. "We didn't get a chance to meet at the last function."

You say and shift the bag to a more comfortable position. "I am Gabrielle. It's a pleasure to meet you." You offer your hand. Ziggy shakes it jovially.

"It's nice to meet you. I'm Ziggy. Welcome and thanks for the food. We'll need lots of it." She grinned and spied a glance at the not-so-dark-as-he-was-before Jedi Master. He's got a charcoal grey thing going on there when it comes to the Force.

You suspect she'd like to speak with Djinn. "Umm?.where do you want us to put these?" You gesture to the pies.

"In the kitchen will be great. Oh and T can take your things for you."

You give Qui-Gon a knowing look. He is in his stoic Master mode now. You manage to relieve him of his pies and excuse yourself.

Qui-Gon Djinn studied Ziggy squarely. Though his demeanor on the outside seemed relaxed, he was anything but. His senses told him that she wanted to ask him to return.

"Djinn. I'm glad you decided to come." She clasped her hands behind her back and began to pace. "Gabrielle seems very nice."

He nodded in agreement.

"I don't want any hard feelings between us. I know you were going through some rough times and I was stressed about the business and the council--."

"I too overreacted allowing my anger to get the best of me." A hint of a smile crossed his eyes.

//Gods they are so much a like.// Ziggy thought.

"I might as well get to the point. I was wondering if you would consider--."

Qui-Gon held up his hand in silence, "-It is something I am still discerning. But for now, I am here to celebrate with my friends."

"Brother!" Master Qui-Gon Jinn exclaims entering the hall. His long gait allows him to reach Djinn in no time and they embrace affectionately.

Ziggy blinked looking at the two copies. Exact replicas, she noted. All the way down to their boots.



===



From: "Selah Specht"
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-a-J Thanksgiving RR




I took in the sight of the doublemint twins whilst I tried to figure out what the appropriate reply would be. Somehow, anything beyond gnah! didn't register. Shaking my head, I made some comment about having to look in on the food and went back to the kitchen, telling myself that I really didn't have cause to stick my head in the oven just yet.

"When is Obi-One getting here?" Obi sighed, casting a curious look at the Qui duo as Gabrielle went to meet and greet.

"In a bit. Die's bringing him so it might take a while," I snickered, checking on the bird. Well, so far it looked all right. I just prayed it would be edible. "You know, the only thing this place is missing is a poultry-hungry cat hanging around the kitchen whining for scraps," I sighed, smacking Obi's hand as he reached for some of the covered dishes. "Nope, I guess we've got something like that, too!" I commented before turning serious again.

"Darling, you wouldn't happen to know anything about a certain disk of mine being moved out of a certain locked drawer, would you?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Um, nope," he replied, staring me straight in the eye.

"Then why do I not believe you?" I asked.

"Because you have a problem with trust?" he chuckled. "OW!" he yelped as I took up a spatula and lightly smacked him upside the head.

"Very cute, but I recall telling you to stay off my computer!" I added, eyes narrowing. He muttered something unintelligible and I sighed as I walked into the common room to check on the troops. They seemed to be placated by Garfield's Thanksgiving so I went out to the dining room.

Obi was already there, inspecting the table decorations. "Don't you think this is a little risque for table decorations?" he asked, holding up an ear of Indian corn.

"OBI-*WAN*!!!" I moaned in disgust. "That's Indian corn, not...not THAT! Geez, get your mind out of the gutter for one day, huh?" I sighed, chuckling, noticing that Crysta and Luke for the moment had disappeared. Shrugging, I tried to put that thought far from my mind as I finished adjusting the table settings.



===



From: Per'agana
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-a-J Thanksgiving RR: Dealing with Cammy




I was in a summertime meadow. The sun was high and blazing in the noonday sky, and the light fell in a warm stripe across my shoulders. I leaned my naked body against Maul?s, ran my hands across ebony shoulders warm from the sunlight. Maul smiled and fed me a strawberry so ripe that it nearly burst when it met my teeth, red juice running over my lips and down my chin. I felt Maul?s tongue catch the strawberry juice, running across my lips, as his hand ran up my leg and...

BEEP, BEEP, BEEP!!!!

I winced as the alarm jerked me forcibly out of that absolutely beautiful dream. I looked at the time- 6 AM. Ugh. I glanced toward the window, watching as the pale grey light of early dawn illuminated the raindrops dancing on the window. Double ugh. I don?t know what I appreciated most about that dream- a naked, warm Maul in my arms, or the thought of a return to summer?s heat and light. Oh, well..... I dismissed the thought as well as I could, reluctantly leaving the warm bed for the promise of a hot shower. Bloody damn Thanksgiving!

I reflected on the upcoming day as I showered, realizing that I really had no idea why in the galaxy I?d thought this dinner a good idea. Frankly, I hate holidays. I always have. Endless and expensive preparations only to spend a few hours attempting to socialize in saccharine sweetness with family members you?ve spent a lifetime learning to despise. Not, of course, that I lack reasons to be thankful. I sighed as I finished towel- drying myself, thinking that Maul offered me eleven reasons to be constantly thankful- that crown of ten perfect horns and that one, multitalented larger horn, slightly further south.

I tried to ignore the shiver winding its way up my body, and concentrate instead on finding something to wear, finally selecting a long, filmy purple poncho top and velvet leggings. I added a necklace that featured a silver sun with a round obsidian stone set in the center- the Dark Sun of the Sith, and the symbol of my apprenticeship. I was just tossing on rings and my watch when I heard loud beeping outside the door. Of course, only droids could be so cheerful at this unholy hour!

I opened the door and let R3 in, going back to getting dressed and trying to ignore him as he cheerfully burbled about the agenda for the day. ?Yes, R3", I said somewhat patiently, ?I *know* I have to have Ulic?s room ready. It was the first thing on my mind, honest- I?m just not ready to deal with it at SEVEN O?CLOCK IN THE MORNING!!!?

R3 wheeled back and beeped indignantly about my temper, then bleeped a bit more quietly.

?What is it?? I glanced at him impatiently, then realized he seemed to be holding back- whatever it was that he?d really come here to tell me must be important, it wasn?t like the little astromech droid to equivocate like this. I stopped fiddling with my boots and sat down on the bed, waiting for him to continue. Which, fortunately, he did.

I raised an eyebrow when he said he was betraying Artoo?s confidence, but let R3 continue without pestering him further....until he told me what Luke and Obi-Wan were up to, that is. Then I hit the ceiling.

?What do you mean they?re accessing Ziggy?s computer without her permission?!? Why? They?re reading her WHAT??

Oh, Gods, had these Jedi never heard of the concept of privacy? Ziggy wouldn?t tell them willingly, so they went digging on her computer to find the ?truth? about her feelings for Luke. Good grief!

I thought about it for a moment, realizing my first instinct to go and read the two Jedi the riot act (preferably with the end of my lightsaber) would do Ziggy little good. This needed some tact and diplomacy, things we Sith are naturally lousy at. I tabled it for a moment, thanked R3 and told him I?d deal with it, and went off to prepare a room for our newest employee.

Ulic Quel-Droma, formerly apprenticed to Exar Kun, had shown up rather unexpectedly at the Rent-a-Jedi Gala. He was a hit with Siduri, a fairly new client, but he also generated some interest from others- enough to make him an offer to join us. Lucky Ulic, he?d get to share a bathroom with scruffy Freedon Nadd. Lucky for Vader, anyway, because he would finally get a room with its own bath. Seniority hath its privileges.

I went up the Sith stairs and knocked on Vader?s door. If I had to be up at this hour, so did he. Not surprisingly, I received no answer. ?Rise and shine, Helmet Boy. It?s your lucky day, you get to pack up and move!?, I called as I banged on the door again. Odd, still no answer. I tentatively stretched out with the Force, but felt no sign of a living presence in the room.

I got out my keyring and carefully unlocked the door, still wary that Vader was trying to trap me somehow. The room was not only minus Vader, it was also barren of all his stuff. In fact, the only things left in this room were the standard furnishings and about two weeks worth of dust. How utterly bizarre, I thought. I realized that I?d seen considerably less of Vader since he?d been putting the moves on Yoda?s padawan, but I had no idea he had actually moved out- which might be a violation of his contract with Rent-a-Sith.

The thought of potentially having cause to fire his armored ass certainly made cleaning up the dusty room less of an onerous chore. I finished cleaning and doing the paperwork associated with the new hire in plenty of time to relax for a few moments before I heard the sounds of people beginning to arrive. I groaned and reluctantly pulled myself away from my desk and my 103rd game of ElfBowl. Much as I would prefer to try, I really couldn?t avoid the cooking-and-greeting frenzy any longer.

As I strode confidently out of my office, I nearly pitched myself over R3, who was standing there waiting for me along with a tall, cloaked man. ?R3, you *are* able to knock, you know!?, I growled. I turned my attention to the newcomer. ?Well, you must be Ulic Quel-Droma. Welcome to Rent-a-Sith. I?m Liz, your manager.?

He brushed the cloak hood back and swept up my hand with a flourish, touching it to his lips, and brushing against the skin with his teeth. ?A pleasure?, he said in a smooth voice.

I tried not to roll my eyes. I?m not much for theatrics- especially when it?s *this* obvious that the person is trying too hard. I could still very much see the ?Jedi? part of the ?ex- Jedi? in Ulic?s description. It would be interesting in the extreme to see how this one interacted with the rest of the Sith- and with the Jedi, for that matter. Still, he was certainly attractive in the conventional sense, and would likely be a profitable investment for the company.

I quickly toured him around the Sith area and showed him where he could put his gear, then walked him back to the main part of the building to introduce him to everyone. I was just rounding the corner when I heard the leggy blond?s nails-on-chalkboard voice address my Master as ?Kun-baby.?

I winced almost audibly, then called out her name. ?Cammy. How *good* to see you again!?

She gave me a look that placed me most decisively among the slug-and-earwig population, and locked her hand in a vise-grip on Exar?s arm. ?Liz. What a *pleasure*?, she cooed with superficial sweetness. ?I was just catching up with Exar-baby here, wasn?t I, love?? she looked up all moo-eyed at Exar?s face, while dropping her other hand to sit neatly on the curve of his ass.

Far from looking uncomfortable, Exar actually seemed quite pleased with the impending cat-fight. His emerald eyes sparkled as his mind caught the force of my rising anger. ?I didn?t know you two had met?, he said with obvious amusement.

*Oh, no you don?t. Exar ?baby?. She won?t win *this* round!* I thought at Exar, turning to find my new charge.

I plastered the smile back on my face as I looked at this year?s Miss Trailer Park. ?Cammy, my *dear*, you simply *have* to meet our newest employee. Ulic, this is Cammy, one of our clients. Cammy, this is Ulic Quel-Droma.?

Cammy?s eyes went wide behind their impossibly blue contact lenses, and she dropped Exar?s arm like a sack of wet laundry. She made like a heat-seeking missile and launched herself at Ulic, blood-red talons exploring him from top to bottom.

I smirked at Ulic. ?As I said, welcome to Rent-a-Sith!? I looked back at Cammy. ?By the way, Cammy dear, you might want to stop in and see T before you go anywhere with Ulic. There *were* a couple of.....umm...*issues* with your bill.?

I feigned complete obliviousness to her furious stare, and turned to Exar, who was glaring balefully at me. I took his arm in mine without a word, and waltzed him out of the room.



===



From: Per'agana
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-a-J Thanksgiving RR: Sith and Pokeman, too


Yup, there's a Pokemon in this! Hope nobody minds me dragging in Pikachu for this!

*************************

After I finished talking to Tam (I?d *definitely* have to catch up with her later), Exar allowed me to lead him from the main room, but grabbed my arm and pulled me up short as soon as we got into the hallway. He grabbed my shoulders and pushed me hard against the wall, his mouth covering mine, his tongue stabbing forcefully into my mouth. I surrendered to him, meeting his harsh kiss with equal ferocity, allowing him to feed off my rage. As always with him, my anger almost immediately turned to lust, and I dropped my hand to his leg, running up his muscular thigh and homing in on his growing bulge.

He caught my hand and pulled away from me, studying me intently. ?You have been avoiding me since the ball, Elizabeth. Now you?re interested, only after I show attention to another??

Elizabeth. Not Per?agana. No pet names for me today, it seemed. I had tried to avoid the issues Vader raised at the ball-- I knew Vader was full of it where Maul was concerned, but I never did know for sure with Exar. Still, if he wanted to dredge this all up now... I matched his cold voice. ?It seems that *all* you?re interested in is showing ?attention? to others, Master.? I flung the last word out harshly, removing it of any trace of respect. ?If you add Cammy to Celeste and I, you?ll have a veritable stable of apprentices!?

Exar?s green eyes narrowed. ?You would actually deny me the right to have another apprentice? After all, you have made it only too clear that you belong to Maul and only view me as a distant second.?

His voice was sharp as a knife, and it cut through me just as well. My shoulders slumped in defeat. His words stung because they were absolutely true. I was utterly in lust with Exar, and I did have strong feelings for him, but he was right-- I could never feel about Exar the way I felt about Maul. ?I?m sorry, Exar. Of course you have the right to take an apprentice. It?s just that Vader make me doubt...?

Kun cut me off, swearing in Sith. ?Vader. That kystykxan! Why in the hell are you listening to him? You know he?ll do anything to undermine me!?

I swore back at him. ?No, dammit, I *didn?t* know. At least, not until Maul explained how you blackmailed him to keep him from going to Sidious. And that *still* didn?t ensure that he was wrong about..... ? I took a deep breath. ?Exar, I just wanted to forget the whole thing. I know you offered to help Maul because of Sidious, and I *know* you?re getting something out of this. You aren?t doing this for me, not really, and that?s okay because..?

He put his fingers to my lips, silencing me. He glanced up and down the hallway, then pulled me into a storage closet. ?You?re very perceptive. I should have expected that, after all, you *are* my apprentice.? He smiled slightly at me, then continued. ?Yes, you are quite correct. The council?s outrage at me taking you as apprentice has effectively kept them from looking too closely at any other activities of mine, this is true. But as useful as that has been, I would not have offered to train you had I not thought you worthy.?

He held up a hand to still my objections. ?I know that isn?t what you want to hear.....I almost hate to silence your fears, since they *are* rather delicious in their own right, but know that I have never ?used? you.? He spat out the word with obvious distaste, clearly offended by the idea. ?This ?job? I have here may require me to pretend for your clients, but I would *never* demean a fellow Sith with such nonsense. And I would never have to fake *this*....? his voice trailed off, and he ranhis long fingers along the side of my face and twined in my hair, pulling me to him. He kissed me with deepening hunger, his tongue exploring in my mouth until it wrapped around mine. Exar?s hands ran down my back and cupped my ass, drawing me to him. I rubbed myself against his hardness, sliding my hands into his shirt and down his chest. I broke the kiss, moaning his name as I came up for air.

Exar pulled my hands into his, drawing me away from him. ?Not...yet. We have a dinner to attend, remember?? he said lightly, but his erection and smoldering gaze belied his attempt to be nonchalant.

I sunk back against the wall, glaring at him in frustration and trying to calm my breathing and racing pulse. ?Gee, thanks....? I said irritably.

He flashed me a bemused smile. ?Oh, don?t worry...I promise to make dinner...interesting.?

My eyes widened in horrified fascination, remembering the chaos his Sith potion caused at the last public event. ?You *aren?t* going to poison the punch again, are you??

He sneered at me. ?Of course not?, he snapped. ?I would never bother with the obvious. Those sniveling Jedi will come expecting a Sith tactic, so I?ve found a ....different...method.?

I smiled at him. ?Care to enlighten me??

He opened the door and guided me back toward the area where everyone was arriving. ?Well, it was rather unexpected, actually. Lord Maul and I were discussing the...potentials.... of this dinner, along with our distaste at having to share a meal with these pathetic lightside fools, when this child walked up and offered to help. We were skeptical, of course, but I *was* rather amused by his plan.?

I narrowed my eyes, trying to figure out what child he could possibly mean, then I remembered Ketchum?s Grocery next door. The woman who owned the store had a rather curious young boy.... ?ASH?? I said incredulously, ?the boy from the grocery store? He?s *ten*! What possible ?secret weapon? could you get from a ten year old?!??

Kun grinned evilly. ?You?ll see. Oh, by the way, take these.? He passed me a pair of earplugs. ?Don?t let anyone know you have them. I *would* like to make sure this little treat stays a surprise.?

I looked at the earplugs in amazement, wondering what Exar could possibly have up his sleeve. I was so lost in thought that I nearly jumped out of my skin when a voice suddenly sounded at about knee-height.

?Pika! Pika!?, it said.

I looked down in surprise at the unusual, but thankfully familiar, little creature. Bright yellow, with red cheeks, huge black eyes, large spikey ears, and a long tail shaped likea lightning bolt. ?Pikachu!?, I said happily, grinning like an idiot. Pikachu had that effect on people, even Sith apprentices.

?Pi-KAAA?, Pikachu squealed.

?WHAT is *this* thing?? came a growl from behind me. I whipped around in time to catch Maul bearing down at the little yellow creature. Well, Pikachu had that effect on *some* Sith apprentices, anyway.

?Well....?, I said, attempting to explain. ?Pikachu belongs to Ash, the boy from the grocer?s next door, and...?

Maul?s lip curled contemptuously. ?*That* is too cute to live?, he declared, drawing his lightsaber and igniting one end with the familiar snap-hiss.

Pikachu?s eyes narrowed and he glared angrily at Maul. Little lightning flashes appeared on his chubby cheeks. ?Piiiiii-kaaaaaa.....?I looked nervously at Maul.

?I wouldn?t...?, I began.

Maul leaped toward Pikachu, lightsaber whizzing in a perfect arc toward his head.

Pikachu?s tail forked up at that precise moment.?....CHUUUUU!!!!? Electricity shot from Pikachu?s tail into Maul, throwing him backward and knocking the lightsaber from his hand.

Maul staggered to his feet, stunned, a very uncommon look of utter surprise on his face. He assessed Pikachu with a long glare, his face showing both astonishment and a touch of respect for the little electrical mouse. ?Interesting....creature... that is.?

?Pi-kaa-chu?, said Pikachu, sounding rather pleased with himself.

?Well, he certainly held his own in a battle with the Sith?, said an amused voice behind me. Qui-Gon Jinn strode up to Pikachu and bent slightly. ?Good to meet you, I am Qui-Gon Jinn.?

?PikaCHUU?, came Pikachu?s voice, drawn out in a greeting.

Maul snorted. ?I was merely testing the creature?s potential as a weapon?, he said coolly.

?Pika?? Pikachu said in disbelief.

I stifled a grin, but Qui-Gon wore his openly. ?He seems to have your measure, Sith?, Qui-Gon said wryly, then turned to me. ?What sort of creature is this??

?Pikachu is what?s called a Pokemon. It?s short for ?pocket monster?, which is sort of slang for any one of these small, sentient aliens. They seem to be able to use natural forces as defenses.? I sure sounded like I knew what I was talking about, but in reality I was mostly taking the kid and his friends at their word- the only one of their ?Pokemon? I had ever seen was Pikachu, who occasionally dropped by Rent-a-Jedi for food and companionship.

We all wandered back toward the kitchen to see how the food was coming along. Maul still looked a bit annoyed- I figured I?d try to help with that a bit later. I sure hoped to, anyway. That dream had given me quite an appetite to put Maul and strawberries together!

I looked around at the people who had come so far. Ziggy was intent on stirring something in a tall pot, and I didn?t want to interrupt her concentration. Hmm, that?s odd, I thought. I could have sworn I?d heard Crysta?s voice, but I didn?t see her anywhere. She *could* be upstairs with Luke, but I didn?t see either of them being rude enough to cut the party to go up and have fun. (Exar and I, maybe, but not Crysta and Luke!) I suddenly remembered R3's early morning message and went off toward the staff rooms, Pikachu following behind me.

My first clue that something was amiss came when I noticed Obi-Wan leaning nonchalantly against a wall. Great, I thought rolling-my-eyes, they posted a door guard. ?Out of the way, Jedi. And don?t even *think* of warning them!? I growled.

?Now wait a minute. Ziggy wanted me to wait for her here, and...?

I snorted rather indelicately. ?Oh, please. Try to come up with something less obvious next time, Obi-Wan. Ziggy?s up to her ears in mashed potatoes. Unless you?re Thanksgiving food, she?s not real likely to notice you, let alone to have time to nip out for a little break-time with you!? ?Fine?, Obi-Wan held up his hands in defeat. ?We?re only doing this for Ziggy?s good..?

I noticed his gaze become a bit vague. Oh, no! No way was I going to let him warn Luke telepathically! I looked down at Pikachu, hoping he?d be willing to help, and trying to remember Ash?s wording. ?Pikachu! Thundershock NOW!? I said commandingly.

Pikachu leaped forward. ?Piii-kaaa-CHUUUUU!? he yelled, tail forking up and surrounding Obi-Wan in a bolt of electricity.

Obi yelped and staggered to one side. I blew past him into Ziggy?s room. Luke and Crysta looked up from the computer, startled.

?What the HELL are you two doing with Ziggy?s computer? And don?t even *try* to delete what you?re doing?, I said menacingly.

Crysta opened her mouth to speak, but Luke cut her off. ?I can explain?, he began...



===



From: Crysta Novelli & Per'agana
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-a-J Thanksgiving RR: Caught!




Per'agana and I wrote this together, and it switches back and forth between her POV and mine, beginning with mine.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was filled with a sudden sense of dread when the door to Ziggy's office flew open suddenly and an extremely pissed off woman burst in.

I opened my mouth to inquire who she was and what she wanted with Ziggy's office (not that we were supposed to be there, either, but that wasn't the point), but Luke cut me off.

"I can explain..." he started, but she cut *him* off.

"Save it, whiny-ass. I'm not interested in your endless Jedi justifications. I'd just like to know exactly *why* it is you think Ziggy is somehow not entitled to privacy? If she wanted to talk to you, she would have!"

This was *not* good. There was a lot of anger in her, and I had a feeling that no matter what we said, she wasn't really going to care. And she wasn't very nice, either.

//Luke, who is she?// I asked. He seemed to know her, yet she made him very uncomfortable. He wasn't afraid, yet he wasn't as calm as he usually was. I remembered what it was we'd just been reading and realized that he wasn't exactly calm when she'd burst in on us, but he was now *nervously* excited instead.

//Liz// he replied. //She manages the Sith.//

Ah! Okay, now I understood why she was concerned for Ziggy's privacy. She worked for Ziggy, and was obviously her friend. She was staring at us, waiting for us to say something, but neither one of us knew what to say. I wondered if she even knew who I was, but then figured she was intelligent enough to put two and two together. By know most of Coruscant knew that Luke and I were involved.

Suddenly, I figured honesty was the best policy.

"You're right," I spoke up. She turned her head slightly to direct her glare at me, and I continued. "We shouldn't be in here, and we shouldn't have read this. Ziggy won't appreciate it, and she's either going to kill us when she finds out, or die of embarrassment, but now the fact is that we *have* read it, and what are we, and what are *you* going to do about it? As of right now, we haven't got a clue how to deal with her. She *won't* talk to us, and she's avoiding us like the plague because of it. Do you happen to have any idea how deep her apparent obsession with Luke goes?" I asked, challenging her. Breaking down and defending ourselves was useless - she'd only shoot flames back at us, so I met fire with fire. All I could do was piss her off more, right?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Obsession. Hoo, boy. I rolled my eyes at Crysta. Why in the galaxy anyone would be obsessed with this whiny farmboy is beyond me. But then, I felt the same way about his father. Still, at least *she* was being honest and direct with me (why *is* it that the Skywalkers end up with nice women they don't deserve, anyway?) so I figured I'd return the favor.

"All right, Crysta. Oh, and I'm sorry-- I guess we haven't really met. I'm sure farmboy used his telepathic talent to fill you in, though. Of *course* she isn't going to want to talk to you! Either of you, for that matter. You're the one who got the guy, as you put it, she's obsessed with. He's the guy in question, *and* he has the utterly unfair advantage of being able to read her thoughts.

"Oh, and by the way, if she were truly that deeply obsessed with Luke, why has she formed such deep bonds with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan? Why not go after Luke from the minute he started working here? Has it even occurred to you that her feelings have changed since she met and fell in love with Qui and Obi and now she's a bit embarrassed by what her ex, and now you two, have dredged up? Ever heard of enlisting a neutral party to see if she's okay? No, I guess not. The Jedi way seems to be tricking droids and invading people's privacy for their own supposed good!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Neutral party, huh? It was a wonderful concept, but where would we find a neutral party in this madhouse? At least she'd shut up and listened to me, though. That was farther than Luke had managed to get. And she was at least trying to be half-way civil. It was quite obvious she'd been hanging around the Sith more than the Jedi, though, and as for the rest of her accusations...

"Of course that's why she won't talk to us," I retorted. "She's too embarrassed to talk to Luke, Obi-Wan or Qui-Gon, and she doesn't know me any better than *you* do. But where in Hoth do we find a neutral party in this psycho-ward?" I asked bluntly.

"As for her feelings for Luke, yes, they've obviously changed, and we are quite aware of that, thank you very much. It has everything to do with Qui and Obi, and a little to do with me. She knows we're happy and doesn't want to intervene, which is wonderful of her, but it's tearing her apart inside. Old habits are hard to break, and even if she doesn't obsess over him any more, I would put money on the fact that she still has *some* feelings for him. If she didn't care about Luke anymore, she wouldn't care that we're together. But she does care. She is embarrassed, but there's more to it then that. She's not over him yet, but she won't admit it - not to us, not to Obi and Qui, and more than likely not even to herself."

"We'll leave now, and won't say any more to her," I said, standing up behind the computer. Luke rose as well. "Do what you want with this information, but I'm warning you that this is a fragile situation and that the net result may very well be that Ziggy flips out and leaves Rent-a-Jedi. The guys told me that she almost did that once, and it would be terrible if she tried to do it again, because she might just succeed the next time. I know that I would feel terrible if that happened, and I really hope it doesn't come to that, but until this neutral party shows up, we're just about out of ideas. Unless you have any..." I finished, meeting her hard gaze with an equally firm one of my own.

Luke played the good little Jedi that he is (most of the time, anyways...) and stood their silently, observing, but letting the women talk it out. I made a mental note to thank him later for keeping his trap shut.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Now *wait* a minute. I don't want Ziggy leaving Rent-a-Jedi any more than you do. And frankly, I *am* a neutral party. I'm a Sith Apprentice, so I generally dislike *all* the Jedi. It doesn't matter to me which one Ziggy chooses, because they're all a lousy pick in my eyes, but as long as she's happy, I'm happy for her. And by the way, I am a bit curious as to your motives in all this, Crysta. Isn't there some part of you that just wants to "settle" Ziggy so you can have Luke to yourself without distractions? And it *would* be in your best interest to see Rent-a-Jedi fall apart, after all-- you *are* currently sharing your beloved with hordes (well, considering we're talking about Luke, I wouldn't say *hordes*--more like "trickles") of eager clients. Ziggy and I know all too well what it's like to wonder if the men we love are giving us the same 'performance' they give the customers! Who could blame you for trying to spare yourself the misery?"

I stared at her angry, speechless face for a moment before I turned to Luke. "And then there's *your* solution to this whole mess. You realize Ziggy loves you and you love Crysta, you try to "talk it out" like some fool who's listened to too much pop psychology, but nothing works. So-- you don't come talk to me, Afton, Diebin, or Aya and ask a *friend* of Ziggy's to help, you don't even go talk to one of the so-called wise men on your council! You go behind Ziggy's back and tell her two lovers, then you all violate her privacy and read things that were obviously *never* meant for you to see, and THEN you decide to drag your GIRLFRIEND into it?!? Have I got that about correct? It seems to me that if you were *trying* to hurt, demean, and downright embarrass the shit out of Ziggy you couldn't have hit on a better strategy! Gods, I ought to fire your annoying ass right now!"

I stopped in mid-rant as something tugged at the hem of my shirt. I looked down angrily, then almost instantaneously calmed down a bit as my eyes met Pikachu's beady black ones. "Pi-kaaa?" Pikachu asked, one ear askew almost like a question mark.

I looked at the little Pokemon in consternation. "You want to share something?"

"Pika Pika!", said Pikachu, nodding rapidly. I had almost forgotten how smart this little guy was! Pikachu ran into the middle of the room and started gesticulating wildly, punctuated by variations of his name--which is, after all, the only thing Pokemon can say.

I stared at him. Pikachu stood there for a moment waiting for me, then his ears drooped and he did a belly flop to show his complete exasperation with me.

He'd definitely been trying to tell me something important, but I had no clue what it was. Although I didn't speak Pokemon like the little boy who trained him, I *still* felt like a moron. Must be Temporary Skywalker Syndrome.

I looked at Crysta. "Pikachu obviously wants to help Ziggy, and he's trying to tell me something, but I don't know what! Look, *yes* I know this is a fragile situation, and I'm not going to mention anything to Ziggy. I don't want her more upset than she already is. I would, though, ask you not to make it any worse by saying anything yourselves, okay?"

I frowned and turned away, hoping that everything would keep until I could figure out how to salvage the situation. "We ought to have Pikachu play neutral party. Gods know he'd do a better job than *we* would!", I muttered as I headed for the door.

"Pika!", Pikachu agreed, nodding at me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I stood there and stared at her, utterly speechless. Her conversation with the strange little critter barely registered after the harshness of her words left me numb with shock. Never in my *life* had anyone told me off like that before, and I wasn't quite sure how to deal with it. My first reaction (besides shock), was anger. She *so* did not understand what we were about. She seriously thought that I was out to destroy Ziggy and Rent-a-Jedi just so I could have Luke to myself? And what in the hell had Luke ever done to her to deserve that kind of treatment? I'd seen bitchy behavior before, but this chick took the cake!

The more I thought about it, though, the more the rational, compassionate side of me took charge. I took a deep, calming breath and slowly counted to 10. I felt *her* rage subside as the cute little creature caught her attention, but I was struggling. Obviously she had "issues" with the Jedi, but still... *Well, duh!* I realized, as the calm slowly seeped into my psyche. She was a Sith apprentice - why would she like Jedi? And she wouldn't be able to see the situation from our point of view, so I shouldn't expect her to. No Sith is capable of thinking along the lines of the altruistic, hate-to-see-people-suffering, give-help-to-those-who-need-it Jedi compassion. They just don't view the world that way. I should have expected her to twist it around and search for the deception in us. People just don't have good intentions like that, right? No one cares about anyone else; at least not without putting their own goals first. It was sad that she thought that way, but I got her point.

Okay, so now I kinda saw where she was coming from, but that didn't really help all that much. I reached out to Luke with the Force to gather his reaction to Liz's rant and was shocked by the turmoil surrounding his mind. I couldn't tell if he was on the verge of losing his temper, or bursting into tears. I reached out and grasped his hand in mine and felt him immediately relax a little, as if he suddenly remembered I was there. He squeezed my hand gently in reply and I took comfort in his efforts to calm himself down.

Now, should I respond to Liz, or just let her walk away? She may not like Luke or I, but at least I knew that she cared about Ziggy. That much was obvious - she'd made it quite clear that she'd destroy us before she'd let us hurt Ziggy. But we didn't *want* to hurt Ziggy.

"Liz," I called out to her as she turned toward the door. She paused, then turned slightly to look at me. It was clear from the expression on her face that she was exasperated, frustrated, and highly annoyed, so I didn't push, but I wanted to let her know. "I'm not asking you to understand, but I swear to you that we're not out to hurt Ziggy. We want to work *with* you, not against you." I was surprised at how calm I sounded. "I know you don't trust our motives, but I know that you love Ziggy and want what's best for her, but don't feel that you can trust us. I'm not asking for your trust, but I'm asking that you at least give us the benefit of the doubt and not worry about us saying anything to her to upset her more." I was thankful that my voice was cooperating - my words came out even and controlled. There *was* good in her; it was just hidden behind a rough exterior and a Sith attitude. Would she believe me? It was hard to tell, but even if I couldn't convince *her* of our intentions, at least I knew that they were indeed good and that I only had Ziggy's best interest at heart.

Liz stared at me for a long while, finally opening her mouth to speak and then rapidly closing it again. "I....forget it. Just *forget* it! Do whatever the hell you want. I'm sorry I ever got involved." She turned on her heel and rushed out of the room.

Luke and I watched her go, the cute little critter close on her heels.

"I have a bad feeling about this," Luke said, and I couldn't help agreeing with him. Maybe that little creature was the neutral party we were looking for, but if not, the "chosen one", so-to-speak, had better show up soon before this whole situation blew up in our faces. We left Ziggy's office then too, closing the door softly behind us.



===



From: "Selah Specht"
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-a-J Thanksgiving RR




I sighed as I made my way to the common room to check up on the TV addicts. My eyebrows shot up a mile as I saw what was on the screen.

"And just how does the All Jedi/Sith porn channel relate to Thanksgiving?" I asked and Mace jumped and gave a guilty look while Maul actually got redder.

"Um, it shows us what we're thankful for?" Vader ventured and I rolled my eyes.

"Somehow I don't think that's quite it...now don't use all your energy before the guests all arrive...and those are so not real," I added as I turned away.

"How do you know?" Exar asked, perplexed.

"Trust me, I'm a female, I know, and those are not real," I laughed as I left the room. Then it hit me.

"FUCK A DUCK!!!" I yelled before racing to my office. My chemistry paper! I had printed it out, but not saved it...if anything happened to it...

I breathed a sigh of relief as I found that it was still in the printer and had even been saved to disk. Funny, I didn't remember doing that...I furrowed my brow in confusion as I scanned the open hard drive box...HIH.wps? That looked like...oh, no. Oh. No. With a trembling hand I clicked into it and groaned as I realized that it was, indeed, the epilogue in all its smutty glory. Fantastic. Just fantastic. So I had accidentally saved it to hardrive or...No way. No way would someone else be that interested in it to do it. As far as I knew, Luke, Obi, and Qui didn't even know about it, and I wasn't about to ask them. What was I gonna say, "Uh, hey guys, did you guys happen to find a really smutty epilogue to a long, involved story glorifying my adoration of Luke? If you have, forget about it, and if you haven't, don't read it! K? Thanks!" Uh-huh, right.

I sighed as I clicked out of it and headed towards the gym to think. I slipped a Celtic melody CD in and hoping to the heavens that I remembered the brief bit of Irish step dancing that I knew, I let my feet pound against the hard floor, stomping out my fears and strong emotions as I lost myself in the music.

The first story had originally been written as insurance...I had finished right before going to Europe, flying for the first time. I had wanted to post my own attempt at writing SW fic the way I wanted to in case something should happen...the other two were the results of a hellish summer and coping with death in the family, a grandmother with Alzheimer's, and an ex-boyfriend that always seemed to be around because his scout troop met at our church right across the street from my house. The epilogue was more of a chance to prove that I actually COULD write SW smut, and it had sort of culminated from my desire for something more, I guess. I surely hadn't meant for the characters to ever know about it! I wasn't sure how I felt about Luke any more, or how Qui and Obi came into all of this...I was happy for Crysta and I just wanted Luke to be happy. I knew I had to deal with my emotions, and if killing them the best I could was the only way, then so be it. I guess I am a bit of an ice queen at times, but only if I half to.

I sighed as I switched the music to Cristifori's Dream, an amazing piano album, and did some light yoga stretching, focusing my mind and breath. As I eased into a half-lotus I let myself visualize putting all my fears and emotions that might cause conflict into a jar and throwing it into a deep lake, where no one, not even I, could get to them. I sighed as I opened my eyes, hoping I was collected.

"There you are..." I turned and smiled slightly at Obi who was leaning in the doorway.

"Yup, what's up? And who's watching the food?!"

"You worry too much!" he replied, and I wondered if his eyes were glimmering more than usual. "Do you need to talk?"

I resisted rolling my eyes and commending him on his subtlety. "What is it with everybody and talking all of a sudden?" I snapped, then caught myself. Slowly, I leaned in until my lips were just brushing his and wound his braid round my hand. "I much prefer body language, don't you?" I cooed and his eyes widened to saucer proportions.

"Uh, yeah..." he breathed and I chuckled throatily before tracing his lips with my tongue.

"Action does speak louder than words," I purred as I moved my mouth to his neck, sucking lightly as he leaned into me.

"That's true," he managed, his breathing heavy as I ever-so-lightly ran my hand along his bulge before claiming his mouth in a searing kiss.

"Then get back in the kitchen and watch the food!" I laughed before flouncing out the door to meet the arriving council members. Obi just stood there for a moment, stunned, before following me.

*Mind whammy nothing! Nothing beats the female charm!* I thought smugly, licking my lips. If I was one thing, I was stubborn. *Chalk one point up for the Zigster,* I chortled mentally as I plastered a smile on my face and went to meet and greet arriving Jedi, not really knowing how I really felt.



===



From: "Selah Specht"
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-a-J Thanksgiving RR




I said my greetings to the council members and led them into the complex where they started to meet and greet. Shaking my head at the casualness of it all, thank goodness, I headed back to the kitchen where Crysta was leaning casually against the counter chatting with Qui and Obi. I raised an eyebrow as the talking ceased as soon as I entered. *Very subtle* I thought wryly and paused as the doorbell rang.

"I'LL GET IT!!!!" I hollared before jogging for the door. Okay, it's a thing I've never really outgrown, I guess! I frowned as a delivery guy handed me a medium-sized box.

"What the...?" I muttered as I thanked him and took it inside to the kitchen. Setting it on the counter, I unwrapped it and breathed in the scent of a perfect pie.

"Who's it from?" Crysta asked and I shook my head.

"I dunno...the guy didn't say..." I said as I picked up an enclosed card. It was then that I realized what scent I was breathing in...peaches?

"DON'T TOUCH IT!!!" I warned, smacking Obi's hand as he reached for the pie. Opening the card, I snorted as I read.

Darling,

Hope things are going sweetly for you and what was his name again? Here's a little something to bring your thoughts back to where they belong...my offer's still open.

Jareth

"Subtlty is not J's strong point," I muttered as I threw the pie into the garbage disposal. "Like I'm really going to eat that and drift off into la-la land..."

"What?" Crysta asked.

"The magic peaches in the underground show you your dreams once you've eaten them...they always involve Jareth...he's almost gotten to me a few times with that trick but I've learned how sneaky he can be," I sighed, shaking my head.

"Will he pop up later?" Qui asked, his eyes narrowing.

"Nope...he knows better to than on thanksgiving...he knows that as mad as I am with him I'll pluck him and roast him along with the turkey..." I added wryly. I flipped over the card and bit my lip at the song lyrics that were scrawled in gold ink.

"As the pain sweeps through, makes no sense for you, wasn't too much fun at all, but I'll be there for you as the world falls down..."

"Like I said, subtlty was never his strong point," I added before stalking out of the room. I jumped back as Artoo beeped a hello from where he was sitting in front of me.

"Yes I'm fine!!" I snapped at his enquirey and headed for my computer. I didn't know who to talk to, didn't feel like logging onto the blasted machine, didn't know what to do. And I still had food to prepare. Sighing, I whipped out a pen and scrawled the first things that came to mind. Maybe I could use it someday in the stage show that I'm forever working on.

It's funny to realize you never had a chance, but have got something wonderful just the same

It's strange to see the emotions not stop, but surge in a tumultuous rain

There's always a right way though and that's what ya must do
Be it fessing up or holding back, ya gotta stick to the truth....

I stuck my tongue out at the lyrics and crunched up the paper and tossed it in the waste basket. Too corny.

Relaxing into my writing state I tried again.

How do I say what I feel when I can't even tell myself?
How do I say I might have feelings still but I don't know for sure?
How do I say what's tumultuous and uncertain in my soul?
How in the hell do I say what I feel when I don't even feel in control?

Maybe it's time to just shut off what's causing so much trouble
Maybe it's time to just go on and pretend nothing is different
Maybe it's time to laugh it off and try and go on
Maybe it's time to pretend I ignore but think of it still the
same...

Now that was depressing. Sighing, I crumpled it up and tossed it with the other stuff and immediately plastered a grin on my face as Mace passed by the door.

"Business on a holiday?" he asked, frowning.

"Yep...can never get away from it!" I laughed as I got up. Damn but I was a good actress sometimes!

"People are arriving...we need our hostess," he was saying and I nodded as I headed towards the door to greet and meet.



===



From: spacefan
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-A-J Thanksgiving Special...Enter The Bimbo.




I figure Cammy can stir things up a bit. AND SHE IS NOT MY ALTER EGO. Let me repeat, she is not me. I can't stress that enough. But she's someone to take frustrations out on, that's what a proper villain's job is anyway right?

--my-gin-gone

***************

A tall leggy blonde with big hair and a body that couldn't way more than a damp blanket strolled into the Rent-A-Jedi complex. She wore a tiny dress and platform heels. Her pursed lips pouted when she spied the two jedi Masters Qui-Gon Jinn and Qui-Gon Djinn jovially conversing.

"Mmmm." She purred and wrapped herself around the first Qui she reached. She purred and moaned while engulfing him in a kiss. The bony, big boobed woman pulled away from Qui number one and went to Qui number two. She swept him into a wet sloppy kiss just as Crysta, Gabrielle and Ziggy entered the room.

Qui-Gon Jinn frowned as Cammy kissed Djinn. She use to be a long time client but her dabbling in the dark side of the force, i.e. her pension for rowdy musicians and generally keeping up a lot of hell, forced him to pass on being with her.

"Mmm. Two of you now." She giggled and batted her eyes. "Twice the fun."

Cammy's hands wandered down to clamp Qui-Gon and Djinn's bottoms. //Firm// She projected.

"Ahem." Ziggy interjected behind them.

"We have another guest." Djinn replied. His gaze turning toward a stunned Gabrielle who was staring at Cammy not him.

"Hi," Cammy waved, "I'm here to make reservations." She wrapped her arms around the two Jedi Master's.

The tension in the room grew thick like fog. Enjoying the anxiety, Cammy grew bolder with each breath.

"Cammy." Exar Kun laughed evilly strolling into the main hall. "What a welcome surprise."

"Hi Kun baby." Her hips cocked to the side. "I was in the neighborhood and I decided to drop by."

"You're just in time," Kun's gait was confident his demeanor devious, "for the festivities."

"Really?"

He intertwined her arm within his, "Yes it's called Thanksgiving. From what I understand, it has something to do with a group of settlers called Pilgrims and native inhabitants called Indians?"

The two strolled out of the room.

"Zigs. You think you can make room for one more at the table?" Djinn asked.

Gabrielle shot him a contemptuous glare. He avoided it.





===



From: TamChronin
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] Aftershocks and Thanksgiving RR


This ties it all together...and if anyone gets this twice eventually I'm sorry. Really really sorry. Thanks all for listening and all the help and everything!

******************************************

I didn't want to think about what was ahead of me as I reached the open door. I was dreading the confrontation I was about to have with Master Yoda, dreading the discussion of what a proper pregnant padawan is supposed to do. Or more importantly, what I wasn't supposed to do.

"Hurry you will," he called from the room. I quickened my pace to face him and the door closed behind me. Without preamble he looked at me and stated, "Change him you cannot."

"What?"

"Too far has he gone down the Dark Path. Reach him you can not without risking yourself and your child."

"Master Yoda, I'm not sure if that's what I'm trying to do."

"Know this I do. Unsure was I if you did. Dangerous this is, more dangerous than you know."

"Master, I'm afraid it's worse than that. I think--"

"That falling in love you are? Careful you must be. Too soon to tell this is. Influenced by a hormonal imbalance you are, in control you are not."

"I know all this, but it doesn't change anything. I feel so vulnerable, and he makes me feel so safe."

"Brought together you should never have been. Vader is from another time than yours--warn you I would have, but I could not know!"

I was taken aback by his sudden bursts of correct grammar. It was an indication of how strongly he felt about my situation and how he was blaming himself for it. "Master, I can not change how I feel."

"Give yourself time you must. Remember I care you should. Think before you act you should. Wait and meditate you will."

"It seems like meditating is all I do these days, I don't know how much good that will do Master."

"These doubts you have, dangerous they can be. Believe in yourself you must Tam, for believe in you I do." He shook his head and spread his hands, unsure of what more to say. His eyes landed on an envelope and he handed it to me. "Arrived for you this did from Rent-A-Jedi."

I opened it carefully, wondering what it could be.

"You are cordially invited to a Rent-a-Jedi Thanksgiving. Dress is nice casual to semi-formal and all guests are asked to please bring a food dish to contribute to the festivities. And please, no alcohol is to be brought into the complex.

Sincerely,

Ziggy, president of Rent-a-Jedi, Inc."

"Thanksgiving? Do you know anything about this Master?"

"Tell you I will when find out I do. Invited am I, go with you I shall. Bring juice and water for us alone we will, to avoid anything that will tempt us. Yes?"

"But Ziggy said no alcohol-" I broke off, remembering what else had been introduced to the punch. "Yes Master Yoda," I conceeded with a smile.

Silence came over us, and with it came an air of seriousness. I began thinking of who else would be at this Thanksgiving thing. How would I face Vader with Master Yoda hovering over me like an over-protective father?

"Find your balance you must. Like this I do not, but faith in you I have. Stand aside I will while this decision you face. One thing I ask, seek him out you must not until this Thanksgiving party. Do not underestimate the Dark Side or Vader's fate you will suffer," he warned finally and left while I sat contemplating the invitation in my hands.



===



From: TamChronin
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] Thanksgiving RR: Enter Tam and the Council


*****************************************

I had a bad feeling about this. I had paid slight attention to Master Yoda as he explained to me what he had heard about what this Thanksgiving thing was. I was more apprehensive of other things that would come up by going to another party at Rent-A-Jedi with Master Yoda around. The problem was that he knew the situation between Darth Vader and me. He knew, he understood, and he had already invited a friend of mine to come along with us to keep an eye on me.

Tasva Roysherian was bubbling over with excitement. ?This is going to be so much fun! How did you convince your master to let me go too??

::By falling in love,:: I answered mentally while I slipped my shirt over my head.

?With Yoda?!?! That?s just-?

?No!!!! Ick, that?s just sick and wrong Tasva. He?s like my father! How could you even think like that??

?Well, I?ve heard about some Padawan/Master couples?and since you strike me as being straight and your master is male I just assumed??

?Get your mind out of that gutter. Trust me, where we?re going there?s some Jedi eye candy that would turn-?

My door chimed and I knew it was time for us to get going. Tasva and I were wearing matching velvet shirts and slacks, hers in white and mine in black, that we had bought when we heard we were both going. We looked each other over one last time and then opened the door for Master Yoda and Master Yaddle who were waiting for us.

Great, I thought to myself, we?re going to arrive with the entire Jedi Council and Vader won?t give me a second glance. And no alcohol this time either, so nothing will serve as enough of a diversion to get me away either.

I put on a smile though as I felt Tasva?s excitement flow through her. How could I rain on her parade? The least I could do was show her around and let her meet some of the more interesting employees and customers. It would be a chance to talk to people even if the one I really wanted to see would be off limits.

We pulled up to the front door and I noticed how much nicer it looked in daylight. Tasva and I stood at the back of the group of Jedi, the only Padawans in the group. Ziggy opened the door and greeted everyone on the council with the over bright smile of someone already stressed to the breaking point. ::What?s the matter?::

She smiled at me and shook her head. ::Just a friendly utensil fight or two,:: she replied with an image of Darth Maul chasing someone with a large knife.

::You took away their ?sabers, and they went for the next best thing?::

::You got that right.::

?I?d like to introduce you to my friend Tasva, we?ve known each other for years and she was really jealous when I told her I had come here for your last party.?

Tasva smiled and shook Ziggy?s hand enthusiastically. ?When Master Yoda said I should come and that Tam could show me around and introduce me to people I was so happy! I can?t wait to see what you?ve done with this place! I mean-?

I saw Ziggy try to hold back a wince and sympathized. ?Speaking of introductions,? I interrupted, ?I see another friend I?d like to say hello to.? I dragged Tasva off to Ziggy?s almost tangible relief.

I saw Liz just as she headed out of the room with one of the employees. I couldn?t remember his name, or even if I had ever met him before, but I wanted to say a few things to her. ?Liz!?

She turned around with a puzzled look on her face, then smiled as she recognized me. ?Tam, how are things going?? Beneath the surface I could hear her true thoughts, ::Where is Vader?::

?Things were going just fine until Master Yoda ordered me home and grounded me.? I rolled my eyes. ?It was for my own good of course, I needed time to think about what I was doing and all that stuff, and what do you mean by where?s Vader? I thought he would be here.?

Tasva?s eyes grew large as she heard me invoke one of our greatest enemies names so casually. ?Um, Tam, you never told me who you had fallen in-?

I glared at her to get her to shut up. ?By the way Liz, this is Tasva, my chaperone for this party. Tasva, this is Liz, head of the Rent-A-Sith division of the company.?

?Um, pleased to meet you?.? Tasva was a lot more reserved now as she looked at the man towering at Liz?s side. Liz struggled to hide a laugh at my friend?s shocked stare.

?I haven?t seen Vader for a couple of days,? I told Liz softly. ?I thought he would go back to work as usual without me.?

?I checked his room earlier today and it was unlived in for a while.? She shrugged.

Just then I heard the front door open and the unmistakable presence of Darth Vader entered the room. I went weak in the knees as I turned around to face him.



===



From: Gillian Taylor
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] Thanksgiving R&J RR: Introductions




I am not a party person. I never really have been. I'm more of the type that loves spending hours talking with a group of friends or watching a movie in companionable silence. Not parties. However, when I got the invitation to the Thanksgiving party at Rent a Jedi I was most definitely tempted.

As I walked through the doors, I smoothed the elegant yet practical tunic that I had decided to wear for the party. Thankfully my hair had decided to do something that it hadn't done in a long while. Namely it actually stayed in place for more than a few seconds. It had to be a miracle day.

There weren't too many people in evidence when I walked in, however somehow I knew that I'd be able to find my friend, Crysta, somewhere around here. She had been raving to me about the party that she went to here, and about Luke, for the past couple of days non-stop--that is those times when she wasn't with him. I was seriously tempted to pull out my laptop and write another story where she got attacked by a certain AD and several Special Agents with plastic lightsabres--however, I did manage to stop myself. To her eternal gratitude, I'm sure.

"Hi! Welcome to Rent-A-Jedi!"

"Um...hello. I'm Gillian Taylor, Crysta's friend?" I responded, turning towards the voice to find a pleasant woman looking at me kindly.

"Hi Gillian, I'm Ziggy. Crysta's back in the kitchen, probably making some cracks about me again."

"I hate it when that happens," I said good-naturedly, "Which way is it?"

Ziggy pointed towards a back door and after thanking her, I headed towards it. Entering the kitchen, I spotted my friend almost immediately, "Hey Crysta! So this is where you've been hanging out for the past few days..."

"Gill! You came!"

*No but you obviously did,* I thought to myself, unable to prevent myself from perverting that comment, "Yeah, I came. I decided that it was my purpose in life to meet Luke and then to determine if he's good enough for you."

"Gill..."

"That's my name!" I said with a grin, but not before realizing that there was a group of other people in the kitchen with her, "Hi, I'm Gillian Taylor."

Qui-Gon smiled, taking my hand and squeezing it briefly, "A pleasure to meet you, Gillian. I am Qui-Gon Jinn."

"Nice to meet you too, Qui-Gon, and it's just Gill."

"Gill then."

I smiled at him before turning my eyes towards the other figure in the room. I would have had to be blind to not know who this person was, and what he meant to my friend, "And you must be Luke Skywalker."



===



From: Crysta Novelli
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-a-J Thanksgiving RR: Introductions, cont.




I was surprised to see Gill. Really, I was, because she just wasn't the party type. She'd heard certain tidbits of my life these past few days though, because what girl looses her virginity and doesn't at least tell her best friend about it? I mean, when you're the prude I've always been, you just *have* to tell *someone*... Okay, so I hadn't told her *much*... She'd absolutely die if I told her all the juicy details! But she'd apparently worked up enough curiosity that she'd found the nerve to come, which was wonderful.

Those thoughts brought a smile to my face, until I caught her next comment.

"Yeah, I came. I decided that it was my purpose in life to meet Luke and then to determine if he's good enough for you."

It was typical Gillian humor, but she obviously hadn't glanced around the room. Luke was standing off to the side, checking on the turkey. He looked up when she walked in, and recognized her instantly since I'd told him about her.

"Gill..." I said warningly, before she found the opportunity to stick her foot in her mouth. Luckily she caught on quickly, and introduced herself to Qui-Gon, who was seated at the table.

I glanced to Luke to see that he was quite unsuccessfully holding back a grin. Uh oh... This wasn't going to be pleasant, I was sure of that. I groaned inwardly, and only Luke caught it. He winked at me just before Gill turned to him.

"And you must be Luke Skywalker," she said, her eyes growing slightly rounder as she drank him in. I knew she usually went for the rough, nerf-herder look, but Luke really was adorable in person.

"Hello, Gill," he said, playing the dashing rogue he knew she liked. He stepped up to her, caught her eyes and smiled genuinely, then took her hand and raised it to his lips where he placed a feather-light kiss on the back of her hand.

She actually blushed, and I couldn't help smiling. He was in a feisty mood today, and was really going to milk this for all it was worth. I leaned back against the counter and waited for the shoe to drop.

"I believe we have a while before dinner, Gill, if you'd like to test my assets right away. I'm sure Crysta wouldn't mind your feeling me out, so to speak..."

Gill's chin wasn't the only one that hit the floor. I heard mine hit with a loud *CLANG* as that comment sunk in. Gill looked like she'd been hit by a ton of bricks, and even Qui's eyes were wide. I couldn't *believe* he'd just said that. Surely he wasn't serious...

//You doubt my intentions, Crysta?// he asked mentally, eyes still locked with Gill's fierce green ones. I thought I caught a hint of humor in his aura, but I wasn't completely sure.

//She's a newbie, Luke...// I warned him, but I was really quite curious as to what she'd do. I'd probably fall right through the floor if she accepted his offer, and I wasn't quite ready to share him with her... Clients I didn't mind, but my best friend? Or maybe that was just my prudish side coming out again...

Either way, there were 3 sets of eyes trained on the newcomer, all waiting for her to recover and respond.



===



From: Gillian Taylor
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-a-J Thanksgiving RR: Comebacks R' Us




When I finally got a good look at Luke Skywalker, I did have to admit that he was good looking in person. I've always been more of the rough cowboy/smuggler type of person, but I did feel slightly flustered when he kissed the back of my hand. 'Think Han, girl, think Han...or Harmon Rabb...yeah, JAG, think JAG...' I thought to myself over and over as my face turned an interesting shade of red.

"I believe we have a while before dinner, Gill, if you'd like to test my assets right away. I'm sure Crysta wouldn't mind your feeling me out, so to speak..."

My eyes must have been the size of saucers after that comment registered to my shocked brain. Crysta's face was not any better, considering that her jaw was most definitely lower than mine. I felt as if a sledgehammer had been used to beat my chest and just for good measure a ton of bricks was dropped on my head. It was an interesting feeling--not.

I knew that that comment deserved a good comeback. Now I'm not the type to steal my best friend's lover from under her (figuratively speaking of course), but there had to be a way to get back for that one. I struggled to get a deadpan face, but it was difficult. Still meeting Luke's eyes, I returned calmly, "I'm going to have to decline, Luke. I don't really feel like playing Jedi right now." I was referring once again to a semi-crossover story that I had written a few weeks previously, knowing that it would get a reaction out of Crysta. A grin broke through my control as a little Mulder and Scully raced around my head carrying plastic lightsabres.

"Playing...Jedi?" Luke asked, confused.

"I'll tell you when you're older," I grinned, enjoying Crysta's look of shock and barely restrained laughter.

'I am JEDI WOMAN,' I thought to myself, 'Bow before me all ye little people.' I wasn't able to prevent myself from turning towards Crysta's shaking frame, "Really, Crys, you should get your mind out of the gutter. I left my blaster at home, so how can I play that game?"

The look that she shot me was enough to melt the ice on Hoth.

Qui took it upon himself to come to the rescue, "So...Gill, what do you do for a living?"

"I'm a student right now, but I'm working as a pilot and an engineer for the Republic's Space Fleet for this semester. Crysta was my roommate during my first year," I responded, thankful that I didn't have to think of a snappy comment to dig myself a deeper hole. I knew that look on Crysta's face very well: I was bantha fodder.

Qui made the appropriate noises in response, however he and I both knew that neither one of us was really interested in learning about the life that I was leading as Gillian Taylor--Perpetual Student. He continued, "Why didn't you come to the last party?"

I shrugged, "I'm not much of a party person, but I had to come by to meet Luke. He should feel privileged that I came by." It's one of my habits to tease people after I first meet them, just to see how they'd react. Call it typical Gillian humor.

"Oh I do," Luke responded.

I turned towards him, mental cross hairs focusing on my target. 'Its setup time,' "So Luke, you never told me...have you taught anything to Crys since she's been coming by?" Some rather interesting images came into my head with those words; I do tend to ask loaded questions. *Besides of course teaching her the...formal arts of the horizontal tango.*

"Gillian!" Crysta said sharply, her face reddening. I looked at her curiously--it was almost as if she had heard my last thought since her response came hard on its heels.

"A little about the Force...lightsabres..."

It was the hardest thing that I had ever done to nod knowingly and not burst into laughter, "Sounds interesting. So, Crysta, tell me about your lightsabre practice." *Do they really hum when they get extended?* I thought, mentally laughing up a storm. 'That was a low blow, Gill,' I scolded myself, but my mind was definitely conjuring some of the most interesting images...all revolving around lightsabres...

I may be inexperienced, but I do have a *very* vivid imagination.



===



From: Crysta Novelli
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-a-J Thanksgiving RR: Comebacks 'R Us, cont.




I was dying. I didn't know whether or not to burst out laughing, or kill her for that comeback. Leave it to Gill to incorporate X-Files into a party at the Rent-a-Jedi complex. She'd recently written a few skits about our favorite FBI agents running through the Hoover building w/ plastic lightsabres that were so stupid they were absolutely hilarious, but only to someone that shares our twisted sense of humor. The result was that she left Luke speechless this time, and I was about ready to die.

Luckily for Gill, Qui-Gon came to the rescue. I was seriously contemplating whether or not she'd fit in the blender sitting on the counter when he asked her about herself and took her focus away from Luke and I.

Luke shifted his gaze away from Gill to look at me. //What did she mean by 'playing Jedi'?// he asked curiously.

//Inside joke// I replied briefly. //I'll tell you later. If you're lucky, that is...// I added. If he and Gill kept this up much longer, one of them would not make it to dinner. I'm normally not a violent person, but I was definitely considering altering that policy...

Unfortunately, Gill's focus didn't stray from us for too long. I could almost hear her radar lock on Luke as a target as she came around for the kill.

"So Luke, you never told me... have you taught anything to Crys since she's been coming by?" Now if that wasn't a loaded question... And to prove my point, she continued, "Besides of course teaching her the... formal arts of the horizontal tango."

"Gillian!" I exclaimed, shocked that she'd actually said that. She looked at me curiously, as if she didn't understand why I'd yelled at her, but I was completely aghast. She was usually blunt, but that was below the belt! Despite my struggle to remain cool, I felt my face warm drastically and knew I had turned a very interesting shade of red.

I glared daggers at Gill, and turned to Luke, wondering how he'd respond to *that* attack. His response puzzled me - it was as if he hadn't heard her, because it didn't even seem to faze him. He didn't catch what she was implying and simply responded honestly.

"A little about the Force... lightsabres..."

I could see Gill struggling for control, and barely succeeding. I knew *exactly* how her dirty little mind worked and saw every image his response triggered in her mind. She was barely restraining her laughter as she turned to me.

"Sounds interesting." I saw the glint in her evil green eyes as she added, "So, Crysta, tell me about your lightsabre practice." *Do they really hum when they get extended?*

I realized as I listened to her that her mouth had ceased to move on that last sentence. Her thoughts. I'd heard her *thoughts*! Which meant that her 'horizontal tango' comment had probably been in her head, too, explaining why Qui-Gon and Luke hadn't seemed fazed by it. Well, that was a relief, but I was still going to have to kill her.

And at that instant, the answer walked through the kitchen door.

"Oh, Gill," I shrugged, "I wouldn't want to bore you with the details, but if you *really* want to learn about various positions and thrusting maneuvers, I'm sure Obi-Wan would be very happy to teach you," I finished as Obi-Wan looked Gill up and down.

The expression on her face was priceless as she caught *my* innuendos and turned to regard the new face in the room. She rarely admitted it, but I knew she had a soft spot for the gorgeous Padawan, and it appeared she intrigued him, too. He had no idea what I was talking about and shot me a confused look when I volunteered him. His confusion only magnified when he saw the shock written on Gill's face and the humor etched in Qui-Gon's. Luke still hadn't caught the hidden images behind our words yet, but Qui-Gon sure had.

Once again, Qui-Gon came to the rescue. He rose gracefully from his chair and spoke to Gill.

"And if my Padawan doesn't feel 'up to' the task," he said, grinning slightly, "I'd be happy to help you out, dearest Gill."

She turned to regard Qui-Gon, still in shock, and he chuckled slightly. Her face was now a pretty shade of pink, and the Master reached out and grasped her hand lightly.

"How about a tour, Gill?" he suggested.

She nodded mechanically and allowed Qui-Gon to lead her from the kitchen, Obi-Wan following behind.

As the door shut, I cracked up. Luke turned to me and raised one eyebrow.

"Why do I get the feeling that I missed something really big?" he asked.

My mind was still in the gutter, and his size reference only managed to make me laugh even harder as it conjured up images of its own. Yoda's "Size matters not" quote ran through my head and Luke caught it, along with the image I was seeing.

His eyes widened in shock as he realized that he really *had* missed the whole intent of the last few lines of conversation.

"She wasn't talking about *this* lightsabre when she asked about our lightsabre practice, was she," Luke fingered his actual lightsabre as the realization dawned on him. His face was the next to blush red as I slid to the floor in laughter. My sides ached as I thought about what kind of things the guys would show Gill on her tour of the complex. There was no way I was going to be done laughing any time soon.

Luke quickly got over his embarrassment and joined in on my laughter, though his was much more controlled. He knelt down beside me, and as the waves of hilarity passed he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close. I finally calmed down enough to where I was just suffering from amused chuckles, and he pressed a kiss to my temple.

"I really like Gill," he said, smiling. "I only suggested what I did because I knew from what you'd told me about her that one, she could take it, and two, she'd never accept."

"Oh?" I turned to look him in the eye, raising my eyebrow. "How come I don't believe you?" I asked. I believed him, but there was more to it then that, and I wanted him to spill it. I'd gotten Gill back for her comments, but he wasn't going to get out of what *he* did quite that easily.

He chuckled, knowing I wasn't fooled. "You're right," he agreed. "I also wanted to see your reaction, and I have to admit that you reacted better than I thought you would." He grinned at me, and I glared at him.

"You were trying to make me jealous?? That's not a very Jedi like thing to do," I said, trying not to give into my anger. I didn't appreciate being played like that.

"No," he said shaking his head. He looked me in the eyes and spoke, "I wasn't trying to *make* you jealous, I was testing to see if you *got* jealous."

I turned away. "I don't see a difference, Luke," I said pointedly.

He reached for my hands and then stood up, pulling me up with him. He placed my hands on his chest and raised a hand to my face, trailing his fingers down my cheek and over my jaw. I met his eyes, trying to read his emotions and squash the hurt I was feeling. His love washed over me, and he sobered his whacked-out mood enough to explain so I'd understand.

"Crysta, I wasn't trying to make you jealous. I was in a feisty mood and couldn't resist blowing your minds with a totally uncharacteristic response like that. You really did respond much better than I thought. I truthfully didn't know how you would take it, but I'm glad you didn't let yourself get jealous of Gill, or mad at me. You do need to have a *little* more faith in your friends, though. Gill wouldn't have accepted the offer because she respects you, and I wouldn't have *made* the offer if I didn't know that she'd turn it down. We love you, Crysta. Don't let yourself forget that. But other than that, you did respond quite well. No lessons in sharing are necessary," he finished, smiling at me. He just couldn't resist one final jab, but his words were spoken from the heart and I understood now.

I smiled sheepishly back at him and asked, "How did you get to be in such a good mood, anyways?" We were still waiting for Ziggy to find out that we'd read her story, and were hoping it wasn't going to be soon, but one never knew these days...

Luke, the darling that he was, smiled beautifully before leaning in and capturing my lips with his in a searing kiss. //You make me happy, Crysta// he replied succinctly in my mind. //Nothing else matters when I'm with you.//

I blushed deeply, then wrapped my arms around him and held him tight. Gods, I was lucky...

Just then the door opened and Ziggy came in.

"Uh, I'm sorry..." she stammered, turning to make a hasty retreat.

"No, wait," I called, pulling away from Luke. "You probably need to work on dinner. We'll go," I said, and Luke nodded.

Ziggy stopped and turned around, but she wouldn't look us in the eye. "I was going to mash the potatoes," she half mumbled.

"Do you want help?" Luke offered.

"No!" she yelped. She wasn't trying to be mean, but the tension in the room had gotten really thick, so we made a hasty retreat.



===



From: "Selah Specht"
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-a-J Thanksgiving RR - Holiday TV




I growled low in my throat as I continued to mash the never-ending pot of potatoes. "These things are supposed to be easy to mash...why are they being difficult!" I snapped, waving the masher in the air.

"Ahem. Could you watch your aim?" I glanced at Qui and flashed a sheepish grin before walking over to him.

"Um, sorry bout that...maybe I can help," I purred, licking the dollop of potatoes that I had flung on his face. He sighed and leaned his head back, urging me on.

"Hmmm, I like this holliday," he growled and I laughed against him before pulling away and returning to the potatoes.

"It's not too bad...what in the world?" I muttered, frowning at a sudden calamity coming from the commons room. "Watch the food, will ya?" I asked before jogging out of the room.

When I reached the commons room I about had a laughing fit...who would've thought!

"Understand I do not the point of this game," Master Yoda muttered as he grabbed a handful of popcorn out of the bowl Mace had cradled in his lap.

"Who cares? It's nice and violent!" Kun growled, grabbing the remote and turning up the volume.

"You think football is violent, wait till hockey season!" I laughed, shaking my head. I don't like football and never have, but hockey I love to watch! What can I say, it's guys beating each other with sticks, what else counts?

"RunrunrunRUN!!!!" Master Gallia was shouting and I looked on in disbelief as the council tried to pick a team to root for and the Sithsters just cheered anytime there was a good violent play.

"This holiday might not be so bad after all...I didn't know there was this much bloodshed," Maul muttered, transfixed.

"Well, football's not the only thing that's on..." I chuckled, grabbing the remote and flicking it to the parade.

"What's this?" Nadd asked in disgust. "A parade for the holiday?" one of the council members asked and I nodded, grinning as the giant balloons passed by on the screen, as well as floats.

"Take this idea we should...make a balloon of me we could," Yoda murmured thoughtfully and I tried my best to hide a grin.

"WHAT IN BLAZES IS THAT!!!!?!" Mace shrieked and everyone in the room covered their ears in pain as a music group began to sing.

"Ugh...98 Degrees...not my type of stuff," I muttered in disgust, switching the TV back to football, laughing when everyone in the room breathed a sigh of relief.

"Okay, if you're entertained I guess I'll go work on dinner," I sighed, heading back to the kitchen to takle the never-ending potato saga...



===



From: "Selah Specht"
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-a-J Thanksgiving RR




Okay, hope this helps...this is sorta filling in about what happened between my last R-a-J story post and the RR...requested by Crysta, so here ya go!

******************************

I blew my bangs out of my face as I continued to work on the taters. If I didn't know better they were genetically designed to test my patience. And plus my hair kept getting in my face. My bangs are at that wonderful blah stage in the growing process. At least Crysta and Luke had left the room. That helped me a bit.

"Mistress Z-"

"WHAT? Sorry, T, that was a little mean...what do you need?" I asked, not turning around.

"Are you all right, miss?"

"Fine and dandy...peachy keen...hunky dory...and life just sucks!" I growled, emphasizing each word with a jab of the potato masher. "Look, go bug someone else for the moment, please?" I asked, sighing as I listened to his retreating footsteps. I really did need someone or something to unload on...this was getting difficult. Smiling slightly, I remembered. Quickly I dashed up to my room and removed a tiny crystal sphere from a locked box. They were to be used for frivalous things, and now would be perfect. I needed an animal, something to keep me company that wouldn't analyze me, but would still be entertaining. As I got down to the kitchen, I wished.

"What the...hey, you're not a witch!" Salem said as he shook his head.

"Yeah, yeah, long story...how bout some food?" I asked, rolling my eyes.

"Now you're talking my language, sister!" he said, perking up tremendously as I set a small plate of turkey by him. "So, what's on your mind...you seem distressed..."

"That's the understatement of the year..." Briefly I told the black cat about the whole Luke thing and he nodded when it was needed, throwing comments in where it wasn't.

"So just go talk to him..."

"No way! If he finds any of that stuff I've written..."

"So just say it was a moment of insanity!"

"Didn't work for you...the witch's council turned you into a cat!" I laughed and he made those pouty crying sounds. "Besides...it just irritates me that I told him Crysta could come visit so he makes it a point to have R2 hotwire the system and use my wellbeing as an excuse!" I snorted, mashing harder.

"Say what?"

"I was going to the kitchen for a bite when I heard him get up...what was I supposed to do, stop him? It's obvious he's crazy about her, so y'know, live and let live..."

"But you're the boss!"

"Yeah, yeah, but still, I just didn't want to talk to him."

"Hey, the bird needs basting!" he instructed and I threw a half-hearted grin his way.

"Yeah, yeah..."

"Does he know you know?"

"Nope...and it's gonna stay that was as far as I'm concerned...though I wonder why he's still here at all if he's so intent on getting out of the complex," I sighed as I worked on the turkey. "The day after that I had them cleaning again...I had to return Silent Bob to the zoo, though...I just avoided him all day, as usual...I make sure he gets his phone messages and mail, make sure he has everything he needs, just like I do with everyone else. I'm not going to start playing baby-sitter now, too!" I bit out, slamming the bird back in the oven.

"Whoa, easy! You'll damage the poultry..." he purred, jumping from the counter to the floor to rub at my ankles.

"I just don't know what's going on...I don't know how I feel anymore, don't know what to do...it's just like I'm caught up in a tornado, only it's not taking me anywhere..." I sighed, dropping into a chair.

"You're gonna have to do something..." he tried and I smiled softly while scratching between his ears. "Do it...DOOOO IT..." he cajoled.

"You wanna stay for dinner?" I asked, purposely changing subjects.

"Ohhh YEAH!" Salem shouted and I had to laugh. It was definitely turning out to be an interesting holiday...



===



From: spacefan
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-A-J Thanksgiving




I hope this is right. Yes I'm switching formats again. I don't know. I get confused sometimes. Timeline? Who cares it's not that important. But I do have one small request. I'll throw myself in to the mix with you guys-if you will allow me to play. Hunh? Have fun with the other Djinn to. Sorry it's taking me forever. I have to type in between doing real work. So here goes.

******************

Qui-Gon Djinn stalked past Gabrielle in the hallway, having divested himself of his poncho. His mood was chipper and he seemed to enjoy matching wits with the newly acquired sith -Freedon and Exar. His mood was still dour towards Uelic. The acid he felt toward him is what kept him teetering toward the dark side.

"Ahem." Gabrielle she turned suddenly grabbing his arm. "I've been looking for you."

Master Djinn embraces her, leaning down to plant a kiss squarely on her lips. "So you have found me." He places gentle pecks on her soft lips. "I am sorry about our quarrel earlier."

"So am I." Gabrielle answered modestly. She paused and then thought better of it.

"What?" Djinn asked.

"Nah, forget about it." She held the master's callused hands, "I haven't seen you this happy since?well actually never."

"I am enjoying myself."

"Good. You know I got to thinkin' about you and your contract with the company and-"

Djinn stepped away clasping his hands behind his back. He was not sure if he wanted to rejoin the company. To be tied down in another contract, the constricting rules. At his "birth" he inherited the good and bad of Qui-Gon Jinn but mostly his anxieties and rebelliousness. His need to see things through on his own terms is battle he is constantly fighting within himself.

"Not now. Please. Ziggy already asked me and I will speak to my padawan."

Gabrielle nodded. "Where is Obi-One?" She asked referring to Obi-Wan's less graceful other self who was "born" the same day as Djinn.

He and Master Djinn are a newly bonded master and apprentice yet they have had almost no time together.

"I believe he is still with his new found friend." The master grinned evilly. \

"Oh." Gabrielle smiled back. "I hope they decide to come."

"As do I---?"

"Quiggie!!" Cammy grabbed the master from behind.

Gabrielle's pleasant expression froze and then melted into pure disdain.

"I've cleared up the problems with my bill and you are all mine."

Gabrielle pealed her off of her man. Qui wasn't back with the company yet!!

"Wrong Jedi Master sweetheart." Gabrielle sneers. Cammy's vapid expression turns to femme fatale. "No I have the right one. I can tell them apart unlike you."

Gabrielle shrinks back at the trueism. At one point she didn't know she had been with the original master. But how did that cow know?

"Cammy." Djinn's response was characteristically warm. His gaze darted to Gabrielle. "It was a surprise seeing you here."

"Yea well I love surprises. But you know what I love more?"

//That two bit--!!// Gabrielle reared off to knock Cammy into the middle of next week when she was grabbed from behind.

"Oh. Gabrielle," Quj-Gon one said, "I never got to say hi to you earlier."

He held her tightly. She sensed a silent conversation between the two.

"Dear heart. I do believe Ziggy needs some help in the kitchen." Jinn offered

Cammy grasped Djinn's crotch, "Yea. be a dear and go help them in the kitchen."

Gabrielle's eyes were as wide as saucers. She lunged for Cammy again. Jinn had a vice like grip on the pissed off female.

//Please do not cause any trouble. // Jinn's voice warned in Gabrielle's head. //Ziggy is going through a lot and she would appreciate it if this affair went well.//

//Everything will be fine.// Djinn offered to her frowning face. //We will handle this.//

Gabrielle grunts noncommittally before being shoved in the general direction of the kitchen.



===



From: "Tam"
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] Thanksgiving RR: Joys of Football




Vader stood there in his dark glory, towering over everyone else. It took all my willpower not to run up to him and seek shelter from this mess in his strong arms.

Okay...it wasn't exactly willpower that stopped me. It was Tasva's hand clutching my shoulder so hard I knew I'd bruise within the hour.

::Don't even think about it Tam.:: Tasva's mental voice was almost angry, for some reason that made me want to smile.

"Tasva, I--"

"Come on, Tam, the council went this way. I think we should keep up with them." She sounded pleasant enough, but I could feel the turmoil within her. Without another word she guided me away to a room where many voices could be heard. It sounded like cheering or fighting, I couldn't tell which, and when we saw them I found many people staring at some sort of primitive, one-way, flat screen communication device where two groups of men in strange uniforms fought over a strange oval-like device. I didn't pay attention long enough to tell what the point was, but Tasva didn't even catch that much at first.

::Those are..those are--::

::Sith?::

::Yah! And...and...and--::

::And Jedi.::

::Sitting together in the same room!::

I thought her brain would explode from the monumental overload. ::Why yes, so they are. And look, two seats just opened up for us on that couch. Hurry if you want to sit down!::

I grabbed her this time, guiding her to the middle seat while I angled for the edge. I figured she would have more fun sitting next to Master Windu than I would...or at least she wouldn't be fighting hard not to laugh. I still hadn't erased the memory of him pole dancing at the party.

::I thought we were friends.::

Oh gods, what was it this time? ::We are!::

::Then why didn't you tell me about who it was you had fallen in love with?::

::You were too busy trying to set me up with my master, that's why!::

::I didn't mean it that way...and you could have told me before.::

::I didn't want to talk about it.:: I knew I sounded sullen, but it was true. ::Besides, Master Yoda had me in meditation nearly the entire time and I didn't want to think about it the few times we were having fun together.::

She looked at me compassionately and put an arm around me for support. ::I'm sorry. You've been through so much lately and this can't be any easier than everything else you've had to deal with.:: We both glanced up at whatever it was on the screen (I realized that it must be some sort of alien game) and then she gave me one of her famous impish grins. ::So, what was it like?::

My jaw dropped and my eyes grew about ten sizes larger. I started laughing because the question had been so unexpected. Then she started laughing, and I lost control. Everyone else in the room began glaring at us and that set us off again for a moment, then I realized I had to leave. Now. ::If you really want to know I'll fill you in later when we can get in some real girl talk...but right now I'm too pregnant to keep this up.::

She looked puzzled, and then understanding dawned on her face as I dashed out the room. I headed straight to a bathroom, glad I had paid some attention the last time I was here. As I stepped out I realized that I had won a temporary measure of freedom--I could feel that Tasva was distracted and a bit flustered so I decided to try to steal a few moments with Vader.

If I could find him.



===



From: Per'agana
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-a-J Thanksgiving RR: Aftershocks from "Caught"




Finally got a chance to write something!! This goes in the timeline right after I catch Crysta and Luke in the office-- I figure this post covers a fair amount of time, so it will end with the football thing.

***************************************

I stormed out of Ziggy?s office as quickly as I could. I didn?t want to hear another *word* out of that Crysta woman. Obi-Wan leaped out of my way as I stomped by-I had forgotten that he was playing door guard for them. The astonished, fearful look on his face didn?t register until I saw the same look on at least two other people I passed on my way through the building. I realized that my Sith ?aura of uneasiness? was becoming almost automatic when I was this angry. A good thing, too. I didn?t want to talk to anyone.

I had almost made it through the lobby when I heard Pikachu?s anguished voice cry out. Damn, I forgot that the little guy was following me. I turned around and took in the sad, big eyes and droopy ears and fought to drop the aura before it unduly affected him. ?I?m sorry, Pikachu. I just can?t talk right now. Look, why don?t you go see Ziggy in the kitchen? She can get you some ketchup.?

?Pika pika?, Pikachu said, his voice dropping on the last syllable. He turned and walked toward the kitchen, obviously upset that I wouldn?t snap out of it. But it wasn?t that I *wouldn?t* snap out of it, but that I *couldn?t*.

I finally made it to my office, and slammed my hand on the desk. Dammit, did she not realize I had the Force? Crysta was obviously so new to the Force and so upset that any attempt at Jedi shielding was rendered completely useless-I caught every thought that crossed the surface of her mind. She not only thought me incapable of caring for anyone else without a thought of my own goals, but she also felt *pity* for me! She misunderstood my beliefs, *and* she found them ?sad?!

I?m unable to care about others? I remembered Maul?s fierce, intense expression the first time he?d made love to me, and the way he held me after that last dance at the gala party, after I?d had such horrible doubts about him. I loved him so much it almost left me breathless. How could she even presume to know *anything* about me, about the Sith? It isn?t just hatred that we feel, it?s *everything*. The Jedi live off their peace and calm, we Sith are fired by our emotions, and not just the ?negative? ones, but *all* of our emotions and they all bled into each other far more than anyone wanted to admit. Did I feel hatred toward the Jedi? I remembered her thought that I had *issues* with the Jedi....and I thought of the books I would never read, the cities I would never visit, the Sith culture I would never know-because they had all been destroyed by the accursed Jedi. I hated them for it, yes, but the sadness I felt at the loss of all of our knowledge and experience was just as real, just as painful. And while I felt anger at them, I also felt a deep, fierce, boundless joy at the dark fire that burned within me since the moment I became Sith-a fire that has burned within the spirit of Sith for millennia, through countless attempts by the Jedi to extinguish it forever. Above it all was the love I felt for Maul that was so fierce, so intense that it could only *be* a Sith emotion. And I knew in the deepest part of my mind, without either of us ever having to say anything, that it was returned with equal ferocity. Maul had disobeyed Sidious to take me as apprentice, he had risked so much... How could she possibly believe that I couldn?t understand such feelings, that all that motivated me was greed and desire for my own gain?

I felt the fury knot within me and I waved my hand toward the desk, hurling an amethyst sphere at one of the pictures on the wall. The expected crash of glass breaking never came. Instead, I suddenly felt Maul?s warm, muscular arm encircle me from behind, and pull me tightly against his body. I leaned my head back into his chest and breathed in his familiar, faintly musky scent. His other hand reached in front of me and deposited the sphere back in its holder. ?You need to use your rage, focus it?, he said. ?It?s a pity our ?sabers were taken, or...?

I reluctantly pulled out of his grasp and walked around the desk. ?Not a problem, really?, I commented as I pulled my keyring out of the desk drawer, ?not if you know where to look for spares!? I unlocked the safe and took out two lightsabers. I tossed one to Maul as I walked out of the tiny confines of my closet of an office. No way was I going to let everything be wrecked by Maul deciding to start a lightsaber lesson in my office!

His dark violet blade was lit within milliseconds, and he barely gave me enough time to cross the threshold of my office door before he was on me. I lit the ?saber, this one a brilliant blue, and used the full force of the fury Crysta caused in me to block his vicious blows. I noticed that the shorter length of this spare ?saber barely affected his performance-he dueled me furiously, backing me out into the lobby repeatedly. Thankfully, if anyone noticed the lightsaber battle, they must also have decided to give us a wide berth. I also realized I?d improved somewhat in the time I?d practicing-either that, or the rage really helped- at one point I actually managed to push Maul back and put *him* on the defensive! It didn?t last, though. My surprise must have shown, because he quickly saw the opening and disarmed me, backing me up against the wall and bringing his lightsaber to rest at my throat.

I tensed, my eyes locking with his. Maul suddenly deactivated the blade and looked appraisingly at me. *The anger helped*, I sent.

*As did the practice*, he responded, handing me both lightsabers to put back in the safe.

I felt his gaze boring into my back as I unlocked the safe and replaced the weapons. ?Though I cannot begin to understand what it was about...?, he said finally, his voice so quiet that for a moment I still thought he was speaking in my mind.

I was silent for a long while. I had no idea how to explain to Maul that, for some utterly inexplicable reason, this Jedi girl?s opinion mattered. Perhaps I?d been affected by Tam?s compassion toward me, or perhaps Crysta?s caring for Ziggy was more obvious than I cared to admit. I tried to work out what to say, knowing that Maul (unlike the Jedi) would never ?listen in? on my thoughts. ?She doesn?t understand...?, I said, my voice more ragged than I wanted to hear.

Maul stood unmoving, his red-golden eyes locked on me. I felt him reach out in the Force and brush against my shields. I opened to him, and what felt like a river of liquid fire surged through our master~apprentice bond and ignited my entire body with its heat. I nearly gasped aloud as Maul showed me the very things I had been focusing on before our duel, only this was his own reaction to them-his overwhelming sense of loss and rage at what had been destroyed, his training as a Sith forever incomplete because the knowledge itself was lost to time. I saw and felt the thread of flame that connected he and I together, a bond that was even brighter and stronger than I had dared imagine-and I touched his own dark Sith fire, ten times stronger than my own, that held him together and filled every cell in his body with purpose and resolve and a deep, abiding, fierce pride. I suddenly knew what it meant to feel at one with the Force, and to feel perfectly, utterly *complete*. No matter whether or not anyone else could ever understand, I knew I had found where I belonged.

I slowly opened my eyes to find, in my amazement, that I was standing in front of him, my fingers tightly wrapped in his. Maul touched the tips of my fingers with his lips and lightly grazed them with his teeth. He smiled slightly at me, and guided me out the door. ?Come, apprentice?, he said somewhat more lightly than usual. ?You?re missing the most *interesting* Earth game....?



===



From: "Selah Specht"
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] RaJ Thanksgiving RR


Okay, I know, plotless, but I just couldn't resist, lol!

**********************

Obi-One sulked down the stairs, hmmphing to himself. Fine, he could just find some other playmate...frowning, he glanced into the common room at the gathered Sith and council members. Nope...football didn't sound like his thing...Sighing, he walked around the complex, hoping to find a lonely guest he could ravish. Nothing. *Geez, what kind of party is this where nobody shows up?* he couldn't help thinking to himself. Defeated, he decided to go check on the food.

His senses perked up as he neared the kitchen. He knew Ziggy had to be in there, but....A low growl came from his throat at the sound of a deep, masculine voice.

"You know what I like, sister! Give it to me! Puh-lease!!" it begged and the clone felt his eyebrows bunch in anger.

"Come on, give it to me!!" He flexed his hands in and out of fists...

"More, more!" That did it! His patience snapped, he bolted into the kitchen, ready to beat someone into a pulp.

********************************

I glanced up as Obi-One came bolting into the kitchen. "Oh, you decided to show up, huh?" I asked.

"Where is he?!" he bellowed, going for the freezer.

"Who?" I asked, totally confused.

"Whoever you were making very happy...I could hear you from down the hall! And let me just say that that is the most ungrateful, horrible thing that..." he trailed off as he noticed my laughter. "WHAT'S SO FUNNY!!!!"

"Clone-boy...I hate to burst your bubble, but nothing like that was going on here...I was feeding Salem," I gasped before going into another fit of roaring laughter.

"And I like it...a lot!" Salem purred and Obi-One's eyes opened wide at the revelation.

"Oh...um...sorry?"

"You're forgiven, I guess..." I sighed, scratching Salem's back until he purred.

"Now be a good boy and fetch me some pie," Salem commanded and I had to laugh.

"Isn't he cute?" I giggled and Obi shook his head.

"You're trading us all in for a cat?"

"No, just felt lonely without a feline," I bit back, then sighed. "Besides, he doesn't try and walk off with my whipped cream!" I accused as Obi-One tried to sneak out of the kitchen with a can of Reddi-whip.

"Have to catch me before I find a willing guest!" he called as he took off down the hallway.

"Get him!!" I bellowed as I took off after him, Salem right at my heels.

"OBI-ONE YOU GIVE THAT BACK NOW!!!!" I roared as I chased him through the lobby, up the stairs, down the stairs, and towards the common room. If he made it in there I knew I wouldn't be able to do anything in front of the council members. Gritting my teeth, I did the most logical thing: I threw myself forward and tackled him.

He let out a yelp of shock as I collide with him, sending him to the floor, hard. I gasped as the shock waves flew through me, but recovered in enough time to knock the whipped cream can from his hand with the Force, sending it rolling out of his reach.

"No you don't!" I barked as he tried to roll away, quickly grabbing his hands and pinning them behind his back as I pinned his legs down with my knees. "I want a promise that you'll be good..."

"I'll show you how good I am," he chuckled and I dug my elbows into his back.

"Promise!" I growled in his ear, and he gasped as I pulled his arms back.

"Okay, okay! Mercy...I'll be good!" he gasped and I released him. Only then did I realize that we were in the doorway to the common room and that the entire Jedi Council plus selected Sith had just witnessed that little escapade.

"I knew there was a reason we hired her..." Mace murmured, his face desperate not to show his amused grin. I rolled my eyes and brushed myself off before grabbing the can and heading back towards the kitchen, blushing all the way.

"Wow, that was some tackle!" Salem commented as he took his place back on the counter.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm a real Olympian," I chuckled, fixing my hair, shaking my head as I realized that this, bar-none, had to be the weirdest thanksgiving ever.



===



From: Siduri Archanes
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-a-J Thanksgiving RR: Enter Siduri


((*smiles* Better late than never. Again, language is a bit strong, so do let the feint of heart be warned.))

*******************

*Inside the Rent-A-Jedi complex, Ulic Qel-Droma's eyes began to smoulder as the blonde that Liz, his new employer, had referred to as Cammy attached herself to his body. Granted, this woman was attractive enough, yet Ulic never had a thing for blondes, as they often reminded him of his own brother Cay, whom he had killed in a fit of passion many, many years ago. Ulic's own preferences in females were for brunettes like the Krath seductress Aleema, or even the auburn-haired Jedi, Nomi Sunrider. But, as Ulic had returned to embracing the Darkness, he found himself drawn to women with more fire, more passion than Little Miss Fuck Me Now whose talons were groping him at the moment. He knew that he could easily have her, but where would the excitement be? The thrill of the pursuit? It would be over before he even started, and therefore, he resolved that she would not touch him; he would make sure of that. Certainly, she would be put to better use chasing the Qui-Gon or Obi Wan clones he had caught a glimpse of at the last affair.*

*Ulic cast his dark eyes upon the form of Exar Kun, his former counterpart in the Sith Empire of yore, as he and Liz began to set off. Kun smirked, as he sensed what Qel-Droma had in mind, then turned his attention back to his "apprentice," sweeping his own long, silken black black locks back.* *As Cammy began to start rubbing her hand over the bulge concealed within Qel-Droma's pants, he suddenly pulled away from the blonde and said in a commanding tone* Leave me! *His mind was already moving onward, already set upon the woman he would rather have before him, the Sith Warrior called Siduri whom he had met at this very place at the last party, whom he had placed his mark on. Indeed, she had a fairly decent hold upon the Force and would be a suitable challenge for him in a physical battle as well as in one of wits, as opposed to the weak-minded, non-Force sensitive fool before him. Ulic closed his eyes and called upon the Control Rune, which he, himself, had carved into Siduri's left breast, knowing there would be no way she could evade its power. He had felt her presence still upon this planet and knew it would not be long before he would have her again.*

Ullllic! *Cammy whined, her face twisted into a pout as she realized that she was being rejected by such a succulent piece of Sith. She crumpled her elongated nails into a fist and began to pound them against his well-formed chest.

*Qel-Droma's eyes flew open, burning with anger at the temper tantrum Cammy was throwing. His hand instantly flew up, grabbing her wrist and squeezing it. The girl writhed with pain, as she did not expect this in the least, and shrieked for him to stop. He stared at her, his eyes like cold daggers ready to pierce into her very soul, as he lashed out, using the power of Affect Mind, implanted within her pea sized brain, the desire for Jedi.* I said, leave me, woman! *He hissed through clenched teeth and flung her away from his person.*

*Cammy's head began to spin, her wrist still ached from Ulic's use of force. But, as she began to regain her senses, she gazed back at him and wondered why she had found him so damned attractive in the first place, this being a sign that his implant had taken.* Well, I never! *she said, spinning upon her stacked heels and marched off into the living room, ready to hurl her cheap self at the Jedi watching football.*

*Ulic grinned to himself as Cammy walked off, and stood in solitude for a few more minutes, his smile widening all the more as he felt the Sith female approaching. Yes, she was here; he could feel it. Brushing past the other guests, his cloak fluttered behind him softly, until he reached the door. He opened it, not even bothering to wait for her to ring the bell, his dark eyes gazing into those of the Sith female who stood before him.* Greetings, Warrior Archanes *he said smoothly, his eyes dancing with amusement, as he could see the glow of the Control Rune from underneath the halter top she was wearing. His eyes lingered at her breasts, imagining them virtually undressed, as they were the night of the last party, barely obscured by the sheer fabric of her evening dress. And yet, although she was clothed in a more opaque fabric, the skimpy brown halter top and matching shorts ((http://homepages.go.com/~siduriarchanes/Sidredsaber.jpg if anyone is interested)) that she wore were hardly suitable apparel for the November weather.*

*Siduri's own lips pursed as she looked upon him.* Qel-Droma. *She responded, without any obvious emotion. She was still quite angry with him for branding her as if she were cattle with the Rune, as she was a Sith herself, though hardly of a comprable power level as he.*

*Ulic's hand slowly reached for tips of Siduri's nipples, running his finger across them, feeling them harden to his touch* Surely you would like to come in from the cold as you would freeze to death otherwise. *He smirked, stepping a bit closer to her and squeezing her breasts fully.*

*Siduri tried to fight her initial desire to kick him in his shins for such an action, but between the glowing Control Rune and her own lust, she could not and merely, turned her head of firey locks from him.*

*Ulic leaned in closer toward her, brushing his lips across her neck and whispered* I doubt that the others would mind, as I could say that you purchased me for the evening?

*Siduri's body burned with desire for him, but her own pride would not allow him to keep such a hold on her. She tilted her own head towards him, slipping her fingers through the chocolate colored waves of his short hair* Release me from the power of the Rune for now, Qel-Droma, and I shall do as you wish.

*Ulic's eyes widened, as he did not know if he could trust her, though, he was certainly not going to remove the Rune, just merely turn it off, as he could always activate it later if the need should arise. The fact remained, she was his to toy with as long as it was still there. He placed his hands over the Rune on her left breast and it suddenly began to stop glowing* There. I have kept my bargain, my pet. *he smirked, purposefully using the dimunitive on her* But, do watch yourself, as if I catch you even looking at another Sith, you shall feel its full power. *He laughed, almost challenging her. Slowly, he pulled himself from her body and extended his arm to her* Shall we, then?

*Siduri did not doubt that he would activate Rune again, as it seemed to feed his male ego for power, knowing that he could do what he wished with her if he so felt like it, but nodded to him, taking his arm, and thus, entered the Rent-A-Jedi complex, her own arm tucked under the folds of Ulic's coat.*



===



From: Gillian Taylor
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-a-J Thanksgiving RR: Tours




I seem to have a habit of digging myself a hole and positioning myself just so I can be tossed in at any given second. It took me about five minutes to recover from both my best friend's and Qui-Gon's comments--a record where I'm concerned. It was definitely a double whammy.

Thankfully, Qui-Gon didn't comment about my relative speechlessness as he showed me a few of the sights of the Rent-a-Jedi complex. However, as can be expected, it didn't take long for me to come back to my usual barb-trading self.

"...And this is the Jedi's sleeping quarters..." Qui-Gon gestured towards a long hallway absently.

I turned towards him, a look in my eyes that Crysta knew well--I was back with a vengeance. 'Set up time,' "So, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, tell me...where are your quarters in relation to one another?"

Obi-Wan looked at me curiously for a moment, almost as if he suspected my plot, but he played along, "Right next to each other. Why?"

"Is it...usual for you to have connecting rooms?"

"We don't necessarily have connecting rooms..."

"But you do stay next to one another."

"Yes..."

"Must be interesting lightsabre practices then..." I said; though I did know that they might not catch the train of my thoughts. Crysta, thankfully--or maybe not so thankfully--knew exactly how my dirty little mind works. She should since, after all, her mind works exactly the same way.

Obi-Wan looked at me as if I had suddenly grown horns, but Qui-Gon managed to catch the same train of thought that I was on. He shook with suppressed laughter, before turning towards me, "Tell me, Gill, are you always referring to sex in one way or another with your comments?"

I reddened slightly but offered him a grin, "No. But absolutely anything could be perverted by my dirty little mind--it just seems to be on a roll tonight."

"Must be," Qui-Gon returned amiably while Obi-Wan laughed.

"It's just that Jedi make such good targets..." I said, focusing my gaze on Obi-Wan.

"Don't look at me like that! You're probably going to make some comment about lightsabres again..."

I raised an eyebrow, "Really, Obi-Wan, I don't always refer to lightsabres in everyday conversation."

"I wouldn't have noticed."

"But *pencils* on the other hand...You can't get through a day without talking about pencils," I grinned, enjoying Obi-Wan's shocked look.

I rolled my eyes at him and decided to have pity on him by changing the topic, "So...Qui-Gon, where are the Siths located? Obviously you wouldn't want to be next door to say...Darth Vader on an everyday basis."

"They're on the other side of the complex," Qui said as we began to walk down the hallway.

My eyes were drawn to the doorways, noting with amusement the name tags for each room. However, I had to pause when we reached Yoda's door. After all, not every Jedi Master draws smiley faces and stick figures with the letters of his name.

"Um...does Yoda usually draw doodles with his name?" I asked, almost afraid of the answer.

Obi laughed, "No. That was mmmmm..." he trailed off when he noticed Qui-Gon's gaze focus on him, "...someone else."

"Uh-huh," I said, smiling at him to let him know one that I knew, and two I wouldn't tell Qui-Gon. However, if Qui-Gon wasn't able to figure out the culprit from Obi-Wan's response--I had severely underestimated his intelligence.

Qui shook his head at the two of us, "Do you have a boyfriend back home?"

There were some things that I was expecting some Jedi to ask me tonight, but that definitely wasn't it, "Nope. Just little old me and Mulder."

"Mulder? You mean the stiff from that television show? The X Files I believe?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Hey! He's not a stiff. He just can't do panicked faces too well. And no...I meant my tiger..."

"You have a tiger named Mulder?" Qui-Gon asked me incredulously.

"Well a stuffed tiger...Hey! I happen to like the X Files! Besides, it gives me many opportunities to write fan fiction about playing Jedi..."

"That's the second time that you've mentioned that. What is this 'Playing Jedi?'" Qui-Gon asked.

"It?s a fan fic, like I said. Just think Mulder, Scully and Skinner running around Hoover carrying plastic lightsabres and that's essentially the plot."

"Uh-huh. You're disturbed," Obi-Wan said.

"Thank you! I try. And I succeed, too!" I responded with an evil look in my eyes. Then, without warning the line 'No. Try not. Do or do not.' took on whole new meanings in my twisted mind.

As if he was reading my mind, Qui-Gon intoned, "Try not. Do or do not. There is no try."

I lost it right there, holding my sides with mirth. This night might turn out better than I had originally thought...even though I had suffered from a double whammy. 'Gill, you pervert everything,' I thought between guffaws, before responding to myself, 'Yup! That I do!' Which only doubled my laughter, of course.



===



From: DarthPatches
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-a-J Thanksgiving - Messenger/Proxy guest




Okay, I want to play. Patches can't make it for reasons you'll understand later, so she's sending a friend in her place. I hope this doesn't screw up the timeline; I tried to make sure it didn't. Pick any time that Ziggy's in the kitchen fighting the potatoes!

Darth Patches

***********************************

Patches re-read the invitation, then sighed. She would love to go, but she had way too much to do. /And I had really looked forward to seeing Obi-One again, especially after that last time, when he came over./ The thought made her grin, but then her smile faded, and she sighed again. /Oh, well. I'll just have to make a "reservation" later./

She had put the invitation on her bedside table when a question occurred to her. /What in the name of the Force is a Thanksgiving?!/ She puzzled over this for a minute, and then decided to ask someone. /Cat might know,/ she thought. She got up to go to the com, and immediately tripped over Afra, her felinx, who had decided that that was the perfect moment to twine himself around her legs. "Af!" she cried out as she managed to regain her balance and not fall. The felinx looked at her, and she would swear that he was pouting at being scolded. She scratched his head in apology, and walked into the next room to the com.

A few moments later, the face of a young woman appeared in front of her. "Hi, Patches! Whatcha need?"

"Hi, Cat. Actually, I just have a question, and I thought you might be able to answer it. What is a Thanksgiving?"

She waited until Cat had stopped laughing, glared at her for a moment, and then said, "I mean, I know what the word means, but this sounded like some sort of event..." Cat was laughing again, although not quite as hard this time.

"I'm. Sorry. Patches," she said between breaths. "I forget that you've never been to Earth. It's not an event, really, it's a holiday that is celebrated on Earth, in the U.S., to be precise. It's a day to celebrate the Indians and the Pilgrims getting together in peace, at least for that one day."

Patches looked perplexed. "Cat, what are Indians? And what's a Pilgrim?"

Cat opened her mouth to say something, thought better of it, and said something else. "You know, I would not be able to explain without delving deeply inot Earth history, and that was never one of my favorite subjects. Just look at it this way: it' a day to get together with friends and/or family and eat turkey -"

"Turkey?" Patches interrupted.

"-eat a lot of good food. The goal is to stuff yourself silly, complain about it for an hour, and then eat pie, usually pumpkin pie. Some people like to watch Football - an Earth sport, barbaric - but I prefer to watch the parade."

Patches knew what pie was, but not pumpkin. She supposed that she would find out the rest some other time. "Why do you want to know, anyway? I mean, you've never really been that interested in Earth culture."

Patches told her about the invitation, and why she couldn't go. She had already told Cat about the Gala, and about Obi-One.

"Oh, I see. Sounds like fun. I haven't been to a Thanksgiving party since I left Earth; I thought nobody on this giant ball of a city celebrated it. I guess I was wrong."

Suddenly, inspiration hit Patches. "Hey Cat, why don't you go in my place?"

"Huh?"

"Really, I mean it. You can take my apologies to Ziggy for not being able to go, and you can make some new friends, meet a few Jedi..." She let the sentence trail off.

"I don't know. Are you sure it would be okay?"

"Look, Cat, I CRASHED the Gala, and I got invited to the next party. You'll at least be going legitimately."

"Allright," Cat said with a grin. "You've twisted my arm. Thanksgiving is tomorrow; what time is the party?"

"Well, Ziggy didn't say." She read her the invitation.

"Okay, I'll go around 11:30 or noon; that shouldn't be too early. Wait; Ziggy? As in Ziggy Stardust?"

Patches shrugged. "I don't know. It's what she goes by."

"Hmm. Doesn't matter. I'll pick up the invitation on my way tomorrow."

"That's fine. See you then. And thanks SO much. Oh, one more thing."

"What?"

"Could you tell Obi-One that I'm REALLY sorry I couldn't make it?" She described him to Cat "Be careful; he has a 'twin', but Obi-One's braid is on the left, and the other guy's is on the right."

"Okay, I think I've got it."

"And oh, by the way, if you can get him, you're welcome to 'try him out,' but you can't keep him."

Cat's jaw hit the floor. Picking it up, she stammered, "Umm, yeah, sure, I aahâ?¦thanks. Talk to you later, k?"

"Bye, Cat, and thanks again!"

Smiling, she cut the connection.



***********************************

The next day, Cat hurriedly got ready for the party. "Dammit, I'm running so late!" She tugged her shirt over her head, slipped her sandals on, and brushed her hair out with her fingers. She checked herself in the mirror, and was satisfied with what she saw.

She had long, wavy, dark-brown-almost-black hair, large dark-brown eyes with gold flecks in them, and a small pert nose with not even a hint of a freckle, no matter how hard she sometimes wished. She wasn't much taller than Patches, at 5'2", but she wasn't too unhappy with her height.

She had decided to wear a short-sleeved purple velvet mock turtleneck shirt with a matching flower-print broomstick style skirt.

"Time to go." She picked up the two pecan pies she had made - /everyone always makes pumpkin/ - and swept out the door. She stopped at Patches' place to pick up the invite, and then made her way to the Rent-A-Jedi complex.

She arrived shortly and went to the door. The building was nicer than she thought it would be. The door was answered by a droid who introduced himself as T-something.

"I have a message for Ziggy from one of the invited guests," she said quickly, not wanting to give the droid a chance to decide that she wasn't supposed to be there.

He led her to what looked like the kitchen door, and then walked in, calling "Mistress Ziggy." She wasn't sure what she was supposed to do, so she followed.

An exasperated woman looked up from beating something in a pot - /Ah, mashed potatoes/ - and said, "What is it THIS time, T?"

"Mistress Ziggy, this young woman has a message for you."

She noticed the stranger for the first time. "What is it? I'm a little busy at the moment."

"Well, umm, my name is Cat and Patches asked me to come here in her place and tell you that she's sorry she couldn't make it and she gave me a message for Obi-One and I have the invitation and I brought pies." She held out the two pecan pies, almost like a peace offering.



===



From: Crysta Novelli
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-a-J Turkey-day RR: Football? Do we *have* to?




After leaving Ziggy alone in the kitchen, Luke and I wandered around the complex. It was quiet - too quiet, I thought. Where was everyone? True, not many guests had arrived yet, and I hadn't seen any of the interns yet, but there were a ton of Jedi and Sith here and I'd only seen a handful today.

As we neared one end of the complex, however, we soon discovered where most of the employees and guests had congregated. The noise coming from the room echoed down the hallway. It sounded like a herd of wild rancors had gotten loose in the complex and were terrorizing the place.

"Um..." I started, looking to Luke, "do we dare go in there?"

He laughed softly at my worried expression. "They're probably watching something on the holovid," he replied as he led me to the door. Well, at least it was too early for them to be drunk, so I let him drag me into the room.

The noise magnified ten-fold as the door opened.

"Go, Go, Go!" the Jedi Master Adi Gallia was chanting as she watched the figures on the television attempting to run from the far end of the field to the goal at the other end.

"Drat! Run faster next time you must! Use the Force to avoid your attackers!" Yoda shouted as a player in a light blue and white uniform was tackled by a large man in dark blue and orange.

The Lions were ahead, and even though I'm not a football fan, I figured it would be pretty interesting to pop a squat and watch the game. There was only one vacant seat in the room, next to a young padawan I didn't remember seeing at the gala the other night. Mace Windu sat on the other side of her, and I had to stifle a grin - I was glad he was wearing clothes today. Yoda too, for that matter. Luke *still* hadn't gotten over those boxers of his...

Luke crossed the room and took the seat next to her. She was watching the game, but looked a little confused. She probably didn't know much about it, but I wasn't the one to try and explain it. Some of the aspects of the game eluded me, too. I wasn't sure where I was going to sit, either. I didn't mind the floor, but if I sat there I wouldn't be able to see over Yoda's head. I looked around for another seat but didn't get very far in my search as Luke's hands on my waist pulled me into his lap. I let out a startled gasp as I fell backwards, but he lowered me gently so I didn't crush him beneath me. He pulled me against him and wrapped his arms around me, settling us so that both of us could see the TV and watch the antics of the spectators in the room as well.

Every time a player was tackled, no matter what team it was, the Sith cheered. The harder the fall, the louder the cheer. The Jedi were split - most were cheering for the home team (the Detroit Lions), but a few were cheering for the Chicago Bears. Technically, I should have been loyal to my home team (the Bears), but considering I didn't really enjoy football that much and both teams were pretty good, I didn't really care who won.

When the camera changed views to show the famous turkey, Luke was puzzled. "That's a turkey, right?" he asked me.

"Yup!" I replied. I knew *exactly* what he was getting at and grinned.

"Why does it have 5 legs? The one in the oven in the kitchen doesn't have that many..."

"Nope! A turkey only has 2. The one on the screen is a long standing tradition of some sort. The Bears play the Lions every Thanksgiving, and they always have a 5 legged turkey on a platter. Don't ask me why, because I haven't got the froggiest idea, but it's done every year."

"Okay..." Luke wasn't totally satisfied with my answer, but I honestly didn't know. Maybe someone else with more knowledge could fill him (and me) in later. For now, though, that was as good an explanation as he was going to get.

I settled back against him and actually watched the game for a while. Occasionally one of the Jedi or Sith would shout something random at the screen and we'd chuckle.

At one point, the door to the room opened suddenly and Obi-One appeared, only to be quickly tackled to the floor with a startled yelp. A can of whipped cream flew out of his hands and into the room. Everyone's attention turned from the game to the live action occurring in the entrance to the common room as Ziggy demonstrated her football prowress to the council.

"I knew there was a reason we hired her..." Mace commented amusedly as Ziggy rolled her eyes, retrieved the can and blushed a bright crimson before heading out of the room.



===



From: DarthPatches
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] RaJ Thanksgiving - A Quick Introduction




This is short, I know, but it's all I had time for, and I wanted to get Obi-One occupied before somebody else snatched him. If there are any major continuity errors in this one, let me know. This takes place shortly after Ziggy's tackle, as Obi-One quickly leaves the Jedi-Council-filled room.

***********************************

Ziggy just blinked at Cat for a moment, then shook her head and spoke.

"Alright, fine, I don't have time to deal with this." She waved her hand vaguely as she turned back to the potatoes. "Just set the pies on the counter over there and go find someone to help you find Obi-One. Just don't break anything or cause trouble or whatever."

"No problem. I won't be any trouble," she said as she set the pies down. "I'll just go find this guy..." She ducked out the nearest door.

/God, is SHE stressed./

Cat wandered the complex for a while, but didn't find anyone. Then she heard yelling and pounding footsteps nearby. Heading in that direction, she found herself once more in the lobby. She turned around and left again, and headed down a hallway.

After awhile she heard noise from another room. As she neared, she recognized the familiar sounds of football. Frowning, she thought, /Well, at least there'll be people in there, and maybe one of them can help me find this guy./

As she made her way down the hall, she heard shouting, and a loud thump. She quickened her pace - hoping no one was hurt - to see if she could help. She was rounding the corner when suddenly she was bowled over by a going in the opposite direction. "Oof!" She landed flat on her back with him on top of her.

She caught her breath, and said with a groan, "Don't you think we should introduce ourselves first?" He laughed weakly and apologized. The stars in her eyes finally cleared, and she gasped at the grinning face just inches from hers.

"My name's Obi-One," he said lightly. "What's yours?"

"Umm, Cat," she replied.

"Good," he said, his grin widening. "Now we've introduced ourselves." At that, he claimed her mouth in a searing kiss.



===



From: "Selah Specht"
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] RaJ Thanksgiving RR




I grinned at Salem as he continued to give me instructions on how he thought the food should be prepared. He was some cat, I'll give him that. I frowned as I glanced out the doorway and saw Crysta and Luke heading from the commons room...shaking my head I returned my gaze to the stove, wondering what they're darkened expressions were about. Sighing, I turned down a burner and glanced down at a tug on my pants leg.

"Pika!" I smiled at the Pokemon, figuring he wanted a snack, but when I offered him some dressing he shook his head vehemently.

"PikaCHU!" he cried out before rubbing against my leg in a consoling gesture.

"My cartoon-ese isn't what it used to be, but I think he wants you to tell him why you're troubled," Salem translated, flicking his tale in amusement.

"What? There's nothing to talk about!" I insisted, glancing out the door.

"Chu!"

"All right, all right....fine...I really don't know how to say what I feel...truthfully, I'm not sure what it is anymore..."

"PikapikaCHU!"

"He says that it won't get better if you don't talk...no one will be able to do anything to help..."

"Like there's anything that can be done!" I laughed bitterly. "It's just me working some things out...look, I'll be fine...as soon as I print my philosophy paper!" I added, my eyes widening in horror. "I've got to run do that really quick!" I yelped, running for my office. Everything seemed to be the way I left it, but I frowned as the door opened easily. I usually locked it...Sighing, I flopped into my chair, opened my report, spell checked it, put the headers on, and printed it out. I frowned as the computer didn't respond right away...great, I'd have to call someone in to look at it. Muttering about Darth Bill Gates, I collected my report on the defense of theism and headed for the kitchen.

"Why so glum?" Obi asked from behind and I turned around to grin at him, Qui, and Gill.

"Computer trouble...word is acting really funky," I sighed.

"Yeah, we noticed that earlier," he said nonchalantly and Qui glared daggers his way.

"Earlier?" I asked, frowning. "What are you talking about?" He still didn't understand what was going on; he was too wrapped up staring at Gill.

"Oh, you know, when we found that disk and..." he faded off suddenly, his eyes growing large, but not as large as mine. "Um..."

"What disk?" I whispered, feeling my limbs begin to tremble.

"Dearheart, remember that we were concerned about you," Qui tried to say tactfully, and I backed up.

"So you went rummaging through my stuff? What did you read?" I asked, a little harsher. Obi blushed slightly and mumbled something, though I didn't need him to say it any louder to know what he had said.

For a moment I just stood there, trying to breathe. "Who else has seen it?" I asked, concentrating on only keeping my control.

"Luke and Crysta were the last ones to see it," he murmured and I could feel myself burn with humiliation. Great, so now I looked like some obsessed wacko! Breathing, always breathing, I managed to raise my eyes to his.

"How could you?" I whispered before turning around and stalking to the front door.

"Where are you going?" Qui shouted and I didn't even break stride.

"Out. Walking. I don't know. I wouldn't want to give out too much lest the whole world know my location," I spat, throwing the door open. "Food's ready. I'll be back by dark."

"Mistress Ziggy! What is going on?" T asked and I turned and shot him a look.

"Find one of the interns or Liz. They're in charge till I get back. I'm going out for a bit. Make sure everybody gets fed and gets what they want. Treat them nice, they're our guests. Don't let folks get in fights or too out of control," I said without emotion, stepping out into the chill afternoon air.

"Are you sure you don't want an escort?" T asked as I headed for the street.

"I'll be fine..." I said, holding up the lightsaber I'd grabbed on the way out and the blaster that I had whenever I went out. Then I just kept walking and didn't look back.



===



From: spacefan
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-A-J Thanksgiving




You trod towards the kitchen feeding on your jealous and anger. Even though Qui said Ziggy needed your help in the kitchen, you'd probably try and poison Cammy's food right about now. That scrawny cow was eating you alive.

You knew there were other women in Djinn's life before you, just like there were other men before he. But dammit if they have to come and rub your nose in it.

"Why am I getting so upset? He leads a dangerous life and he has his other obligations. If he goes and re-signs with the agency what will you do?" Your voice bounces off the tall walls, "And why are you talking to yourself?"

You have been walking for sometime and don't know where you are within the complex. You walk into the first open room you see. A soft comfortable couch begs for your attention. You immediately plop down and close your eyes.

Your mind drifts as well as your body. You recall the first time you met Djinn. He was the second appointment you had with the company. You thought it was Master Qui-Gon Jinn walking through your door. The storm raged outside your open patio doors. You stood in the frame watching the rain and lightening cascade against the trees.

A fire raged behind you in the fire place. It was so dark and dangerous all transport activity had been cancelled for days. It was your vacation and you thought you were going to spend it watching the rain. A thought, a presence, touched your mind. You turned around and their he stood. His face hidden in the shadows of his hood. You could smell the dampness from the rain upon him.

He just stood there. The force sensitive plant you got from Malastair turned a deep charcoal grey, strangely since it was normally white. He motioned for you to come to him. Your legs moved without your mind telling them to.

The Master removed his hood. His ocean blue eyes bore a hole right through you.

"Draw me a bath." He said stroking your hair.

You nervously nodded and did as you were told. As he bathed you gathered his damp clothes and placed them in the clothing refresher. You were nervous. You didn't know why.

Was it because his presence was different than before. Different than Mace or Lukes or any of the others. It filled the room. You could feel it even when he wasn't there. You laid down on the soft rug in front of the fireplace. The heat warmed your bare skin. All you had was a short satin robe that ended just below your rear.

You leaned on your side and played with a piece of ash from the fireplace. Suddenly Qui was upon you, ravishing you with kisses. The faint hint of soap could not mask his musky scent. His hand explored every inch of your body. It felt so good. Your shoulders, your breasts, your stomach, your legs. His mouth claimed your mouth while a finger probed your center. Your hand reached up to run your fingers through his chestnut mane. You felt the rugged horns...

HORNS!!!

Your eyes pop open to see Maul on top of you. His mouth glued to yours and his hands in the wrong place. You push him away with all of your might.

Darth Maul grins sinfully. "Interesting." He says. His voice is both sinister and shrewd. "Your planet so ruthlessly destroyed by the Jedi and yet you share a bed with one."

You straighten yourself and lower your skirt--the very dress that Djinn bought for you. You are a little threaten but not scared.

"Silent? Why?" Lord Maul asks. His obsidian and crimson colored skin glistened in the light. "You liked it? Is that why? Is the jedi not satisfying you?"

"Yes he is." You answer easily. You fold your arms.

"I find that hard to believe." Maul purrs moving in close. He sniffs your hair and neck. "Mmmm. Pharemones. I would bet you have a voracious appetite for men."

You stand up.

"Why are you frightened? Does he have you on a short leash?"

"No shorter than the one Lord Sidious has on you." You hiss

Maul chuckles. "I like a woman with bite." He pulls you close. "Are you threatened by Cammy? Well you should be. Right now she is gettin' it coming and going with both Qui-Gons."

Maul licks your neck and exits laughing. Your eyes are like saucers.

//He's lying. Isn't he? No, no. He's a sith. That's what they do.//

//And how long was he in the room with me? And why did I like it so much?// You shiver.

You run through the complex stopping in the tv room. You find Djinn sitting in a dining room chair watching some sort of game. You cut through the crowd of rumbling Jedi and Sith to sit on his lap. He embraces you and your bury your face in his hair.

//Are you alright?//

You sigh in his embrace. //I am now.//



===



From: Siduri Archanes
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] Thanksgiving RR: More Siduri and Ulic


((Picked up from where I last left off. Warning: SMUT alert near the bottom!))

*As Siduri entered the building on the arm of Ulic Qel-Droma, she had the feeling that she had entered an insane asylum. With her heightened senes, she could hear the cheering of those watching the football game in the other room and inwardly rolled her eyes, as the images she was receiving were hardly bloody enough for her tastes.*

*The driod T soon appeared and welcomed another newcomer, Cat, and graciously accepted the pies she had brought. But when T returned from his trip to the kitchen to "assist" Siduri, he gave her a dirty look as she had not brought any food to the party.* Madam *the droid said to her* Might I ask why you did not bring a dish as the invitation had requested? *he said in his prissy protocal droid voice.*

Perhaps because of Siduri's little exploits of tossing that little ball of Hatred at that obnoxious Lightsider at the last party, she was not invited per se. But nor did she care; Siduri had only come because Ulic had bidden her, his use of the Control Rune causing her to abandon her workout session before it had officially ended.*

*T seemed to be ready to give her a briefing on the rules of hospitality, at which, Siduri sprung from underneath the protective covering of Ulic's cloak and brandished her saber, igniting the red blade before the droid and glaring at the machine, as she much preferred the human slaves who catered to her every whim within her own fortress on Praesitalyn, as it was possible to torture them*

Do not even think of questioning me again! *Siduri hissed through clenched teeth* I did not ask to be here! *Her comment was mainly meant as a stab at Qel-Droma's command, but nonetheless, the quite shaken droid backed away, shuffling back to the kitchen, whining about how Siduri had violated yet another rule by bringing her saber.*

*Ulic's eyes were quite amused at the little show, his face caught into a smirk as Siduri disengaged the blade and clipped the weapon back onto the belt loop of her shorts.* Really, my pet *he said, taking her arm yet again* You must not waste your energies on a driod of all things.

*Even Ziggy seemed to be ignoring the droid's commentary, as she brushed past Siduri and Ulic in the hallway, not saying a word to either of them as she walked out into the cool air. Siduri was unsure as to whom Ziggy was, as she had seen her only in passing at the last party, but knew from the sickly sweet lightness that poured forth from her presence that she had to have something to do with the Jedi.*

*Ulic guided Siduri into the living room, pressing her against one of the side walls, so that they were on an angle to the couch, where the Jedi and Sith sat, almost amicably, their attention upon the game, and Ulic's upon the Sith female before him. He slipped his arms loosely around her waist, toying with the silver belly chain that jingled ever so lightly as she walked*

What is all of this? *Siduri asked, feeling his flesh, warm against her own*

They have called it a "Thanksgiving." *he murmured, his hands intent upon sliding up her chest and starting to undo the tie at the back of her neck that kept the brown halter top on*

*Siduri's eyes widened as she felt Ulic's hands upon her. She knew if she shirked away or protested, he would merely reactivate the Rune and continue, although, she could not deny her own body either. She had wanted him since she saw him at the last party and despite his marking her, she still yearned to feel his manhood throbbing from within her walls, a deed that was still yet undone between the two. Even the night he took her back to her ship, she was far too angry with him to fuck him that they fought as Sith warriors throughout the night, until she, being of lesser standing and not having the extra privilege of over 3000 years of training, passed out. And Ulic, pleased enough with her prowess in combat, refrained from raping her, as he knew that it would be far more rewarding when she was willing. And if that was one thing that Ulic Qel-Droma knew, it was that he could have women eating out of the palm of his hand. Aleema, Nomi Sunrider, and others throughout the years all succumbed to him in the end. He knew that Siduri had almost as many partners in her own short lifespan as he had in his own, and that pleased him. She was a woman who knew how to satisfy a man; that was what these Praesitalenes were infamous for, and she, was their Ensi, their Regent ruler, as well as being of the Sith faith. He would have Siduri, and she would be begging him for more, that he had vowed the moment he first saw her.*

Thanksgiving? *Siduri said offhandely, her own hands, moving to unclip the cloak from Ulic's powerful shoulders*

Indeed. *he replied, undoing the tie of her halter top and pulling it from her, grinning as the light caught the silver of the piercings protruding through her hardened nipples*

And what might a Sith be thankful for? *she teased, pulling his body closer to her own and beginning to undo the buttons of his black shirt*

This *he grinned, his own dark brown eyes filled with lust as he dove, mouth wide open, placing her Runed left breast within his mouth and gripping the nipple ring with his teeth roughly*

*Siduri's head of fiery tresses snapped backward against the wall, her pleasure far too great to even feel the dullness of the pain that the impact had caused. She moaned loudly, her cries certainly drowning out the cheering of Mace Windu and the other Jedi sports fans, as a highly explosive contact sport was about to erupt right beneath their little do-gooder noses*

*Ulic pressed harder into her, his manhood, though still hidden within the confines of his black pants, pressed flush against her shorts. He moved himself around the edges of her opening, pushing the fabric into her, making it become dampened and perfumed with her scent.* You want me, don't you, my pet? *he grinned as he continued to tease her, making her opening become wetter and wetter until she produced a steady drip into the shorts*

((To be continued *grins*))



===



From: "Tam"
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] Thanksgiving RR: Football for Tasva


I had already done most of this...then my computer froze up and I have to start form scratch. grrrrrrr. If it's not funny enough that's why. If it's funnier I should count my blessings. *sigh*

*******************************************************

Tasva sat watching the screen before her trying to follow what was going on, but all she could tell was that there were a bunch of men fighting over a strange shaped ball. She heard the couple talking next to her say something about a turkey and they talked about turkeys having five legs or two legs, but she couldn't figure out what that had to do with the game they were watching.

She thought about asking the couple next to her, but they were wrapped up in each other and obviously in love, so Tasva didn't want to disturb them. On her other side was Master Windu, but she couldn't bring herself to interrupt the head of the Jedi council for such a trivial matter. So she sat there alone, wondering how long Tam was going to leave her alone with all these people.

Suddenly there was a commotion in the hallway and then the lady that had been introduced as Ziggy knocked Obi-Wan down in the hallway. Everyone laughed or cheered as she berated the other Padawan, and then Master Windu grinned and announced, "I knew there was a reason we hired her..."

Tasva had been trying to figure out why something felt off to her about Obi-Wan when Master Windu turned to her with a wink after his comment as if to include her in the joke. She smiled back and was about to say something in reply when his attention was called back to the television by one guy knocking another guy with the ball down. Master Windu groaned along with a lot of the other Jedi, but all the Sith and a few other people in the room began cheering. Tasva was the only one who didn't make a sound.

"You don't seem to be enjoying the game, Padawan."

She shook her head and a silver lock of hair fell in her face. Absently she brushed it aside while she answered. "I have no idea what is going on, Master."

"Call me Mace, there's no need to be so formal here. We're all here to relax and have fun."

Playfully she pouted at him. "You started it."

He laughed. "You're right, I did. I'm sorry Tasva, how can I make it up to you?"

She felt a thrill go up her spine at the sound of his voice saying her given name, and a thousand suggestions on how he could make it up to her sprang to mind. Beating down the inappropriate ones she replied, "You could explain this game to me."

He thought for a second. "I don't know that much, but I'd be glad to help. The point of the game is to take the ball from one side of the field to the other."

"Is it really heavy or something?"

"No, I don't think so."

"Then why do they need so many big men to do it?"

"Because the other side is trying to get it to their side at the same time."

"Why don't they just take turns?"

"Because each side is trying to get points by doing it. Every time they get it to the end zone they get points, and they want more points than the other team."

"Then why doesn't that team...the ones who have the ball right now...why don't they turn around and go to that other end zone? It's closer."

"Unwise that would be," Master Yoda replied from his place on the floor in front of them.

"True," Mace agreed. "They need to get to the other end."

"But the guys in that color were trying to get to that end earlier."

"That was last period," Mace explained patiently.

"No, that was last quarter," the girl part of the couple next to us corrected. "Periods are in hockey."

"What's hockey?" Tasva was getting more confused by the minute.

The girl got a huge grin before she replied, "A lot more violent than football!"

"What's football?" Disturbing images began filtering into Tasva's innocent mind.

"We're watching football right now. I thought you knew." Mace tried to hide his amusement.

"That's one of the things I wanted you to explain to me." Tasva retorted.

Everyone in the room laughed. Tasva couldn't stop the smile, sure that the situation must be amusing to anyone who knew all these things. She didn't mind everyone having a little fun at her expence, but she cut Mace off before it could go on for too long.

"Where are the guys in the third team trying to take the ball?"

"Third team?"

"The guys in black and white shirts."

"They aren't a team, they're referees. They make sure everyone plays fair."

Tasva winced as another guy got knocked down hard. A bunch of referees walked out and then a bunch of other guys walked out. "I don't think they're doing a good job, those other guys seem upset. Are they there to make sure the referees are doing their job?"

"No, I think they're there to help the guy that got hurt."

"What are the referees going to do about it?"

"In this case the other team gets a penalty."

"Oh. Does that mean they have to take one of the guys away from the other team?"

"Lose yardage they do. Go back they must." Yoda gazed at Tasva sagely for a moment before turning back to the game.

"But that isn't fair! That guy got hurt! They should hurt the guy on the other team who did it!"

Every Sith in the room cheered her on, loving her idea of fairness. Tasva shrank back in the couch, trying to disappear into it when she realized what she had said in her excitement. Mace looked at her closely, with a strange mixture of disappointment and amusement. He leaned over and whispered, "Learned your lesson?"

Downcast she nodded. "I didn't mean it that way--it's just that on my home planet fairness meant that any hurt was returned in equal measure. I've never lived by that, but that's what I always thought fairness meant."

"It's just a game," he replied, touseling her silver locks with affection. "It's not quite that serious." He grinned down at her and then absently placed his arm on her shoulder.

A warm feeling settled in her middle as she relaxed the crook of his arm. She was suddenly nervous and content at the same time and she gazed up at him with admiration.

From miles away--or at least as far away as the doorway--a voice announced that the food was ready. It didn't sink in right away though as Mace leaned closer to her and brushed her lips with a quick kiss before standing up.



===



From: "Selah Specht"
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-a-J Thanksgiving RR: Confession




I bit my lip as I walked mechanically, not really sure of where I was going, not sure of what the heck I was doing, but only that I was getting away from that source of utter embarrassment. I couldn't believe it...I was upset that people had gone digging around in my stuff, yeah, but it wasn't exactly that...it was more that I had been entirely exposed...I sighed and frowned as I noticed that it was now late afternoon. Too bad, I wasn't ready to come back yet. I paused as I pondered where I could hide out. The Jedi Temple was too obvious, the zoo with the ysalimiri was almost just as clear a possibility. I needed someplace where no one would think to look for me. I smiled wryly as the idea hit me...why not? It wasn't like it was a huge sin and besides, most of me wanted to get roaringly drunk at the moment. With more than a little determination I headed straight for the nearest club.

With purpose I strode up to the bar. "Yeah?" the bartender asked and I returned his cool stare.

"Remote terminator. Randomized. Make it quick," I barked and his eyes widened slightly.

"Are you sure? That's pretty strong-"

"Good, because that's what I want," I growled and he nodded before attending to my order. As it was plunked down on the bar in front of me I took a deep breath as I picked it up. True, I rarely indulged, mainly cause I hate to dull the senses and there is a bit of a risk with me drinking too much, but at the moment I didn't care at all. Needless to say, I was more than a little surprised as a strong hand plunked mine back to the bar.

"What the-"

"That's a pretty strong drink there, kid. Could be used to jump start a transport. You sure you wanna down that?" a familiar rough voice asked and I couldn't help but smile a little.

"Han, leave me alone."

"No." At that I turned around and glared at him. For about a second till I couldn't keep it up anymore. There was something about the set of his face, about those deep brown eyes that just instilled trust. "If you're down enough to order a terminator, then something's wrong and I'm not leaving till I help you out," he said, sitting beside me and I nodded, knowing that I couldn't argue with him. We had met a few months back when he had been designated to fly supplies from other systems to the complex every now and then and we had gotten along extremely well after that. Maybe it was because I wasn't attracted to him like most women, maybe it was because we were alike in our humor and persistence, but I didn't feel any fear towards him at all.

"What are doing here?" I sighed and he smiled slightly.

"Chewie and me are delivering some much-needed supplies to the complex that I don't even want to know why they're much-needed," he said deadpan and I grinned. "We didn't want to get in the way of your little gathering so we stopped by here to wait it out, grab a drink, you know the routine. Now why are you here?" he asked, leaning an elbow on the bar. I lowered my gaze and proceeded to relate the entire tale.

"Part of me feels so betrayed that someone would go digging through my stuff, but I know I wasn't making it easy on them," I murmured, picking at my fingers absently. "I just don't know what to do..." I added.

"First, what are your feelings towards Luke still?" he asked quietly and I didn't dare to look up. "Are you still in love with him?"

"No! Of course not...I think...all right, I guess I still am to some extent..." I admitted, blushing. "It's just that I'm so attached to Qui and Obi...I really do care about them, deeply," I added and Han nodded. "It's just that...when I was eleven I went through a really rough time...depression after a move, trouble adjusting to growing up, all that stuff...then I saw Star Wars and my life changed...I found someone that I really admired and fell completely in love with...that was eight years ago," I said thoughtfully, wondering where all the time had gone. "I guess some things just can't be erased on a whim. I mean, I'm not out to steal him or anything...I like Crysta too much and I'm not that kind of person, anyway. It's just that...maybe a part of me is jealous even though I don't want to be...maybe it's just hard for me to accept and deal with...maybe I'm just kicking myself for not acting earlier."

"Yeah, if you're so enamored of him, why didn't you just tell him before?" Han asked and I glanced up into his reassuring eyes.

"I was scared...I'm not good with men, really. I'm not a flirt, I'm just not good at that sort of thing. He's just so...not perfect, but really wonderful, y'know? And I guess I was just scared he would think I was a total nutcase or something...though I guess that's happened anyway," I snorted. "He must think I'm the biggest geek alive after reading that..." I whimpered, my shoulders hitching slightly as I realized I couldn't contain it anymore. Han immediately pulled me to him and I sobbed against his chest, comforted by his hand running through my hair.

"Hey, it's all right...we'll find some way to fix this," he murmured and I nodded, not sure how to respond.

"And I love Qui and Obi so much...I'm just torn up about this..." I added. "It was so much of a shock to be chaperoning at that last party and suddenly find out that Luke had found complete happiness, and it wasn't with me. And I've just let everyone down by storming out of there like that..." I added, sniffling as I pulled away.

"I'm sure they're taking care of things, kid. Just calm down...what you really need to do is just go talk to them-"

"Never. No way, I can't! Do you know how embarrassing it would be to tell Luke, Crysta, Qui, and Obi what I just told you? No way."

I frowned as the smuggler suddenly grinned his famous lopsided smile. "Well, kid, I'm afraid you don't have much of a choice...they contacted me earlier saying that if I ran across ya to bring ya back," he sighed, motioning to Chewie who was sitting at a table across the room.

"What? Han!!" I bit out, slight anger causing my cheeks to flush.

"Kid, it's time," he said, gently taking me by the arm.

"You can't make me! I'll just use the Force," I chuckled, then moaned as I reached out and felt nothing. From across the room I could make out the silhouette of a ysalimiri frame on Chewie's shoulders.

"Very smart," I admitted, letting him pull me to my feet. "I guess I do need something to eat, at least," I sighed, frowning at the empty feeling in my stomach.

"Great! Then let's get you back where you belong," he replied and both our eyes went wide as we turned and saw Crysta standing there behind us.

"W-what are you doing here? How much did you hear?" I asked, knowing by the look on her face that she must have heard most of my confession. I had no idea what she was doing there. Maybe she had been sent after me, maybe she just got tired of the stressfull conditions there, herself, but I could tell she was surprised to finally hear what I had been keeping bottled up for so long. I didn't see any anger in her features, just surprise and maybe a bit of relief. Biting my lip, I glanced up at Han as he led us both to the door, wondering what she would say.



===



From: spacefan
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-A-J T-Day Special - A Light snack before Dinner.




You stare blearily at the football game. Your gaze wanders to the ravished moanings off beside you. There you see the ruler of your home planet of Praesitalyn engaged in amorous foreplay with Ulic a sith lord who quite enjoyed tormenting you and Djinn during the last gathering. And his little conversation with Djinn afterwards didn't help matters either. Qui told you all about his tempting offer of giving up all that he has known as a Jedi to follow the sith.

Ulic pushed all of Qui-Gon's buttons allowing his demons to float to the surface. The anger that was released, the sorrow and regret struck you like a lightening bolt through your shared bond. He offered him a chance to carve out his own identity separate from Master Jinn. He offered Djinn power and the more seductive-revenge. Revenge against the pirates who killed his love so many years ago where he was forced to watch her die in a cavern of fire.

You push thoughts away from you as you are jostled about in your seat by Djinn. His cheering for the Lions was even more enthusiatic. You availed yourself of his lap as he roared with the Jedi as the Lions made first down.

Your footsteps echoed through the hall just as the luscious aroma of food wafted to your nose. The hair on the back of your neck rose. Torrid thoughts of passion and sex shot through your conscious. You wanted something you needed something. Someone. Your heart raced.

"Okay Gabrielle. Calm down." You exclaimed closing your eyes. Your pace is slower, less steady.

The lightest of touches breach your center. You yelp. Who was it? Who did that? You know it wasn't you. It wasn't Qui, he was enjoying the game.

You leaned against a wall to gather your senses. Darth Maul fluidly exited from the shadows and swept you into an iron lock. His steel grip pressed your torso against him while his mouth claimed yours in a seering kiss. His arm snakes down to scissor your leg around his pulling you deeper, closer. Your mind is gone, confused-- your body aroused. Maul hungrily nips your neck and then sucks.

You feel a nudging at your bond as Qui's mind reaches out to you. You feel his curiousity as to your whereabouts. You push Maul away with all your might. You shake your head violently.

"No." You feel your insides rumble. Qui knows you are not alone. He is coming to you. "Please leave."

Maul's smirk is confident, "No."

If Master Djinn catches you with Maul, there will be hell to pay. The last time you allowed your hormones to take over, you ended up with Mace and instant fade-to- black with Djinn. You trot away from Maul running towards the main entrance hoping to get some air.

As you lean against a decorated column and lean forward, you vaguely here voices, footsteps passing by. You know the problem and you know the solution. The need to couple is over taking you. Overwhelming you.

"What's wrong?" Djinn asks, his voice soothing.

"Nothing." You swivel up and smile. His love for you is warm and inviting. "Fine. Just a little hungry."

The Master studies you. His pleasant expression melts away as he caresses your chin and turns your head. You shiver feeling your link freeze over as he discovers the growing welt on your neck.

"Come with me now." He growls yanking you out of the foyer.



===



From: "Darth Diebin"
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] RaJ Thanksgiving Special




When I heard the first knock on the door, I ignored it.

It didn't go away.

"Diebin?"

"Go away, I don't want any," I mutter, curling up and pretending that no one is trying to get my attention.

"I need to talk to you," Qui-Gon's voice comes through the door. He sounds somewhat worried--but then Qui-Gon /always/ seems to sound somewhat worried.

"I?m not working right now,? I grumble, looking for something to throw at the door. Something that will break and make a loud noise.

?Open the door now,? Qui-Gon says, his voice a little firmer.

?I?m not dressed,? I snap, sitting up and gathering the blankets around me. ?Besides, you can?t mind whammy me through the door.?

?If you do not have this door opened by the time I count to five, I will have my apprentice open it--whether you are dressed or not.?

One thing I?ll give him--Qui-Gon Jinn knows how to issue a threat.

He?s probably at about four when I answer the door, dressed in my boxers and sweatshirt. ?I?m sick, okay Qui-Gon? Can?t Ziggy take care of whatever it is??

?Ziggy left,? Qui-Gon responds, pushing me inside and sitting me down on the bed. ?She?s been apprehended--?

?Apprehended?? I echo, my voice rising a little on the last syllable.

?--and is being brought back here, but I think we should have someone in charge down there.?

?Aya?s better at that stuff than me,? I mutter, scratching my head and trying to figure out what Qui-Gon is doing in my closet. ?What are you--?

My question is forestalled as a pair of black pants and a black tunic hit me in the head. ?Put these on. I?m sending Obi-Wan back up in two minutes to bring you downstairs. Be ready, or he?ll help you.?

?Has anyone ever told you that you?re a sadistic bastard?? I mutter, gathering the clothing up and stalking towards the bathroom.

?I believe Ziggy might have mentioned it,? Qui-Gon rumbles in response,

casting me an obnoxious grin. ?But I?m charming enough to make up for it, she says.?

?That?s because she likes to tumble you,? I snap, ignoring the smirk on

Qui-Gon?s face. ?I don?t, so I have a harder time getting over it. Now leave so I can change.?

?I?ll see you downstairs,? Qui-Gon says with a smile, closing the door as he walks back out.

I?m ready by the time Obi-Wan knocks on the door, but I?m far from cheerful. The poor Padawan gives me a bewildered look as I snarl at him, stalking past him out the door and to the stairs.

?Are you all right?? he asks me when I get to the stairs, catching my elbow and stopping me for a moment.

For some reason I?m not at all tongue-tied around him today. ?No, I happen to be miserably sick, and I?m going to have to go clean up a mess--probably of your and Qui-Gon?s making. I am /anything/ but all right.?

He blinks in surprise at my outburst, and I take that opportunity to pull away and tramp down the stairs, pausing at the bottom to make myself look hostess-like.

I catch sight of Obi-One on the other side of the room with another guest--and breathe a silent prayer of gratitude to whoever is watching that she seems to have him well distracted. Obi-Wan gives me an odd look as he returns to the group he was standing with, shaking his head as someone asks him a question.

Smiling I head towards the nearest lonely person, smiling and turning on the little charm I have. ?Welcome to Rent-a-Jedi. I?m Diebin, one of the interns here, and would be happy to show you around if you like.?

Waiting for a response, I have time to wish for a few sharp objects to take to Qui-Gon--and whoever else is responsible for making Ziggy storm out.

Predictably, I sneeze.



===



From: Crysta Novelli
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-a-J Turkey-Day RR: No Matter What




Luke and I decided we'd had enough of the football game around the time when that new Sith Lord decided to get "friendly" with the strange pierced chick that had been at the gala the other night. Considering they were both Sith, I figured it would probably be a good idea to hold back the retort, "Get a room!" that was on the tip of my tongue as we vacated the commons room. As disgusted as I was, I decided I valued my life a little too much - I knew she was the one that had zapped the poor unsuspecting Jedi at the gala.

It was a beautiful day outside, so we figured we'd head out for a little bit of fresh air. Unfortunately, catastrophe occured before we reached the front doors, and somehow I'd found myself with the job of following Ziggy as she raced from the compound. I'd tried to protest as Qui-Gon slapped a comlink into my hands and pushed me out the door after her, but he silenced me with a Look and a sharp reprimand, something along the lines of her needing a woman. Apparently, the fact that I was probably the *last* woman she really wanted to see right now didn't matter in the least to him, but I set out after her anyway.

Luckily she was too upset to worry about hiding her trail or losing anyone who might be following her, so I had no problem tracking her to a popular cantina a short distance from the complex. She took a seat at the bar and I was shocked as I heard her order a Terminator - Ziggy most definately did *not* drink. Luckily again, Han Solo had happened to be sitting in that very bar and looked up as Ziggy entered. Pushing my own shock at seeing him aside, I then crept just close enough to the two of them that I could hear their conversation.

Now I found myself rooted to the floor just inside the cantina, staring straight back at Ziggy with absolutely no idea what to say. I was utterly speechless. Han wrapped his arm around her and led her over to me, and I did the only thing I could think of - I opened my arms to her and drew her to me in a firm, gentle hug. She stiffened and tried to push me away, but the emotions tumbling through her were too much for her to supress anymore and the tears gave way to come cascading down her cheek.

"Selah, I'm so sorry," I whispered softly as she leaned into my embrace and buried her head in my shoulder. Chewie backed off with the ysalimir as I held her tightly, letting her sob against my shoulder. Still at a loss for words, I ran my hand over her hair softly, trying to comfort her a little. I reached out gently with the Force and felt her anguish, but also her relief at having finally talked to someone. I wasn't strong enough with the Force to comfort her that way, so I spoke to her gently, softly.

"I'm sorry," I said again, sighing deeply. "We didn't mean to hurt you, Ziggy, but I'm afraid that by trying to help we only made things worse. I really don't know what to say to you, other than that you haven't let *anybody* down, and that no one thinks you're a geek."

I paused, looking up to Han, and he smiled at me, encouraging me to go on. Ziggy was still crying and holding me tight, and I rubbed her back gently. "We want to help you, Zigs, but we just don't know how. I really can't imagine what you've been going through the last few days and I know that by dredging up the past we haven't made it any easier on you, and for that I am very, *very* sorry." I closed my eyes briefly and hoped that I was helping now, and not making things worse by continuing to talk to her. At least she hadn't blown past me and raced through the door, and I thanked whatever Gods might be listening for that.

"We shouldn't have read your stories without your permission. We all have things that we're ashamed of, and we were wrong to pry into your personal files. I know that I can say I'm sorry until I'm blue in the face and that it won't take the pain away, but I want to tell you that you have *nothing* to be ashamed of. Not for loving Luke, and not for writing those stories." I closed my eyes again, drawing strength from deep inside. I was nearing the breaking point in my empathy and felt tears slowly beginning to slide down my own cheeks.

"Gods, Ziggy, I wish I could write like that," I told her honestly. "Your stories were so amazing that you should be *proud* of them, not embarrassed. That took guts to bare your soul in a story like that, Selah, and the way you wrote Luke was absolutely amazing. *You* are an amazing person, Selah."

Her sobs had receeded to gentle tears now, and she drew back from the hug to gaze at me with tear-stained eyes. My heart went out to her and I wanted nothing more than to be able to erase her pain and make everything in the world right again, but I knew I couldn't do that.

"Let us help you, Ziggy. Please," I begged softly, my voice barely audible over the dull roar of the patrons in the cantina. "I know I can't take the pain away, but know that you are loved. No matter what, you are loved. By Qui, and Obi, Luke, and me, and everyone else. Well, maybe not the Sith..."

At last, she cracked a small smile through her tears at my last sentence, and I knew I'd reached her this time. I hugged her again, and she whispered in my ear, "Thanks, Crysta."

"It'll be all right," I assured her, hoping to Gods that it would be.

Han came closer then and placed his hand on her shoulder. "We're here for ya, kid, no matter what. Just don't forget that."

I smiled at Han over her head. Things were far from over, but they were definately looking up now. It would take time before she would be comfortable seeing Luke with me, but hopefully now she would stop running from us and I could stop wondering if I'd grown a third eye.

"I believe that if we get you back to the complex now you'll be just in time for dinner," Han informed us, and Ziggy nodded, wiping the tears from her eyes.

"Thanks, guys," she said softly.

"Anytime, Ziggy, anytime," I replied as Han wrapped his arm around her from the other side and led us from the club.

Ziggy turned to me and very quietly asked, "Did you really like the story, Crysta?"

"Yes, Ziggy, I loved it," I told her honestly. "Truthfully, I think they ought to shoot Anderson and let you re-write all his books - but then again, I don't think GL would be able to stand his characters actually seeming like real people, so maybe not." At her soft chuckle, I smiled, knowing that things would be all right after all.



===



From: Crysta Novelli & Gillian Taylor
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-a-J: Best Friends




Well, Gill and I thought that it would be fun to go back in time a few days and write a scene where Gillian finds out from Crysta about her uncharacteristic escapades at the gala, so here is what we came up with. It really doesn't go anywhere plot-wise, but it gives you a pretty good view at our two characters. We switch back and forth between POVs, so every "~~~~~~~" indicates a switch in POV from Crysta to Gill and back again.

This takes place the morning after the gala, after Crysta leaves the complex and comes home. We hope you like it!

-Crysta and Gill

******************



I was floating on air. My feet were so light I barely felt the ground beneath me as I padded around my apartment in my stocking feet.

*So this is what it feels like to be in love* I thought. I was so giddy - I felt like a teenager again. Only this was real - not some stupid unfulfilled crush. I was in love with Luke Skywalker, and he loved *me*. He'd made love to me. Four times. In a period of less than twelve hours.

Letting out a ridiculous little shriek, I spun around and flung myself onto my couch where I picked up a pillow and hugged it to my chest. Images swirled around in my head, and my emotions were running wild. There was no way I'd accomplish anything today - not after the awesome night and absolutely *incredible* morning!

I sighed heavily as my mind and body remembered the way his soft fingers drifted across my skin; the way his gentle caresses awoke startling new sensations within me; how his moist lips felt against my own; the way his talented tongue traced paths along parts of my body that no one besides myself had ever seen before. I closed my eyes and remembered the way his love washed over me like the gently lapping waves of an ocean against the shore and how safe I'd felt in his arms. I wasn't afraid to explore him in the ways he'd explored me. The image of his body was burned into my soul for all eternity, and I knew I was growing moist yet again as my thoughts centered on how beautiful the experiences had been. I could still feel him inside of me, even though I was alone in the room. I doubted most first times were this wonderful; it must be the benefits of having a Jedi that can read your every thought and emotion. I tried reaching out to him with the Force, but either I wasn't strong enough yet or he was too far away, because I couldn't find him.

I sighed once again and rolled over on the couch, pulling the pillow tighter against me. *He's going to call me tonight!* I remembered, grinning like the Cheshire cat. *Oh, Gods...* I thought as I moaned softly, another grin creeping across my face. If my friends saw me like this they'd think I'd completely lost my mind...

"Crap!" I exclaimed loudly, sitting up with a start. I'd completely forgotten that my best friend Gillian was coming over today. We were planning on going Christmas shopping. I'd promised her earlier in the week that since today was my day off I'd be able to go with her, but there was *no* way I was going to be able to spend hours walking around a shopping center searching for the "perfect" gifts for people.

As if on cue, the front door chimed announcing her arrival. I quickly gave thanks to whatever Gods might be listening that I'd changed out of my dress and made myself halfway presentable when I'd gotten home this morning before padding over to the door to let her in.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Christmas shopping--a necessary evil. I'm not a big shopper unless it has something to do with electronics or books. Then you'd have a hard time getting me out of the store. I wanted to get this done before the Thanksgiving rush that seemed to call out everyone and his brother to pack the malls to look for that one must-have gift.

I had asked Crysta to go with me a few days ago since, after all, shopping is a lot more bearable when you've got your best friend with you. I had decided to wear what I like to call my 'Shopping armor'--Jeans and my favorite T-shirt proclaiming, 'Its not paranoia when they really are out to get you.' It makes for some good laughs when people do double-takes when they see my T-shirt. For some reason it?s just not that popular on Coruscant.

I walked through the huge connection ramp between my apartment building and the one that housed my best friend's home. It only took me five minutes to get there--a record since it usually takes longer considering that her neighbor, Sarah Keeling, loves to talk with me. It never fails, she's always outside her home and just *has* to tell me about her pet cat, Precious, and her latest antics. I made the mistake of telling her that I was an animal lover.

Surprisingly, Ms. Keeling wasn't out in the hallway when I arrived at Crysta's apartment. It had to be a sign. Either something was dreadfully wrong in the world or something really big had happened and I didn't know about it. 'Maybe the world has ended and this is the afterlife,' I mused absently, 'Nah, if it was, I'd have a gorgeous boyfriend--preferably a Harmon Rabb look-a-like or something...'

I was ready to ring the bell again when the door opened to reveal Crysta - wearing something that even *I* wouldn't wear in public. She was clad in sweat pants and the "Screw the Council, Screw the Code - Screw a Jedi!" T-shirt I'd given her as a gag gift years ago. I was usually the daring one when it came to choosing outfits, but there was *no* way she could go out in public in that shirt. She ushered me in silently as I took in her clothes, and her expression. Something was up. Something was *definately* up.

"Ok, spill it girl. What the hell happened to you?" I demanded, coming to a dead stop in front of her after she closed the door.

"Me? What do you mean?" Crysta asked with narrowed eyes, as if she didn't know what I was talking about.

"Don't give me that. Crys, you're wearing something that even *I* wouldn't wear out in public, you were late at answering the door--something you've *never* done before--AND you're throwing off a really weird aura. What happened?" Then I remembered - she'd been invited to some kind of gala for something called Rent-a-Jedi. "Did you go to that party last night?"

"Uh huh," she replied, nodding. I thought I noticed her trying to hold back a grin, but I wasn't sure.

"And..." I prompted, raising my eyebrow. Something happened, that was for sure. Now all I had to do was figure out what that *something* was.

"And..." she replied, emphasizing the word, "I had a really good time. It was a great party. I even made a few new friends."

She was deliberately not telling me something. When she's hiding something she beats around the bush - just like what she was doing now. "And... what kind of friends? Come on, Crys, spill it! I *know* something happened at that party that you're not telling me! If I didn't know you better, I'd say you hooked up with some Jedi and got lucky last night - you're positively *glowing* this morning!"

The look in her eyes at that instant told me everything.

"You didn't," I said, shocked, but as I looked closely at her as my mouth gaped even more, "You *did*! Oh God. I need to sit down." I fumbled for the chair in her entryway, but ended up sliding ungracefully to the floor instead. My best friend had done *it.* That one thing that I had thought...well I don't know what I thought, but still...I preferred to be the one to say dirty jokes, toss innuendoes and the like...but now *she* could speak from experience. I need to breathe again.

Oh.

My.

God.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The look on Gill's face was priceless. Absolutely *priceless*, and totally beyond words. It's the look one gets when she realizes that her totally pure, innocent, respectable, "I'm waiting until I'm married" friend just got laid at a party.

I couldn't help it - I broke out into what had to be the galaxy's silliest grin, but I was certain my face was a very deep shade of crimson. If she'd been staring at me I would have avoided her eye contact out of embarrassment, but she just sat there, staring at a point in space that only she could see. The expression on my face when she'd spoken those words, *If I didn't know you better, I'd say you hooked up with some Jedi and got lucky last night*, had quite literally floored her.

I'd tried to avoid telling her, really I had, but she just knew me too well. Or didn't know me well enough... I'd done the last thing either of us would have expected me to do. Not Crysta Novelli, innocent Engineering Apprentice that had never had a truly serious relationship before in her life because her high morals, prudish nature and hidden fear of intimacy had prevented her from taking too big of a step in all previous relationships. Not the Crysta that didn't drink, or the Crysta that always weighed the consequences before acting and never just "lost control" or gave in to the moment. I had always believed that one day I *would* find true love and that it would indeed feel this wonderful, but I'd never imagined that it would happen so suddenly, or so *soon*.

It was quite clear to me as I stood there watching her that she was as speechless as I was, if not more so. Her mind was in overdrive, and I could tell that she was about ready to burst from the explosion of thoughts consuming her mind. Sooner or later she would find some semblance of her voice and then the questions would begin - probably more questions than I was prepared to answer at this particular instant in time. On one hand, I was dying to tell someone, but on the other hand, I just wanted to be alone with my thoughts for a while longer, sorting through the myriad of changes Luke had suddenly introduced into my life.

As for my clothes - I hadn't even noticed what I was wearing, other than that it wasn't the dress I'd worn to the party. I had to stifle a giggle as I realized that I was wearing the T-shirt Gill had given me for my birthday a few years back. It was no wonder she'd realized something was rotten in the city-state of Coruscant the moment she'd laid eyes on me - if I'd been prepared to go shopping I'd have been wearing something just a *little* more conservative. Although I couldn't help noticing just how ironically appropriate my attire was... as well as how comfortable it was meant to be. Needless to say, in the state I'd been in all morning, I was surprised that what I was wearing actually matched at all.

~~~~~~~~

Maybe I'll overcome my shock sometime next year...more like the next *Millenium.* Oh. My. GOD. She definitely got some and all I can do is sit here on her cold floor trying to remember how to breathe.

In.

It was hard to believe that the one person in my life that had assured me that she would wait until after she got married to 'do the wild thang' actually did it. I had sworn to myself that I would wait until I found "The One." That man who knew me better than I knew myself and vice versa, the one that loved me with all of his heart and soul. I've kept that promise to myself and I still intend on doing so, but still...It's difficult.

Out.

Difficult?! Who the hell am I kidding? I'm sitting here on Crys' floor freezing my rear off in SHOCK. 'Ok, Gill. Enough of this. Breathe in, breathe out. Deep slow breaths. We'll have all the time in the world to discuss this with Crys. Now you need to calm down. Get a grip of your emotions and calm down,' I told myself firmly, repeating the word 'Breathe' like a mantra.

After what seemed like an eternity later I managed to regain some control. Rubbing my eyes, I looked up at my friend and spoke the first words that came to my mind, "How? Who?" Definitely not the most intellectual thing that I could have said, but it was all that I was capable of at that moment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

How? Who? Obviously two of the questions I'd most expected, and in anyone's book probably the best way to start, but I only knew how to answer one of them. Who - that was easy. But how? That was a *very* good question. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before holding my hand out to her.

"Gill, hon, my couch is just a little bit more comfortable than the cold tile of the entryway. Why don't you actually come *in* to my apartment and have a seat?" I smiled gently as the "who" broadcast repeatedly through my mind. She was absolutely going to die when I told her. She knew that I liked Luke, but ever since TPM we hadn't been able to get over the young Obi-Wan Kenobi, and I was sure she was wondering if he was the culprit.

She grinned sheepishly at my question and allowed me to help her off the floor. Her eyes never left me as we walked over to the couch and I felt my cheeks growing warm again. She practically collapsed onto the couch, her eyes asking a million questions at once. I settled down into the soft cushions of the couch much gentler than she had - my poor body was beginning to feel the effects of the morning's activities. I had a feeling it was going to be a few days before I was in any condition to take up any strenuous exercises again.

Leaning back into the cushions and making myself comfortable, I pondered where to start. There was so much to tell, yet much of it was extremely personal and no matter how badly she wanted to hear it, I wasn't willing or able to explain it all to her. She was still in a daze, watching me carefully, waiting for me to begin, but not pressing. She knew I'd tell as soon as I was able to gather my thoughts together, but that was the problem - I couldn't.

Who. Yes, I so desperately wanted to tell her who, but the playful side of me that only showed around Gillian (and now Luke) refused to let me. *Keep her in suspense* it whispered, *it's more fun that way!* If I refused to tell her who, though, that left me with How. Hmm...

"Okay..." I began, switching into story-teller mode. Unfortunately for Gill, or maybe fortunately, I wasn't sure, I told very long, detailed stories, so she was in for a long wait.

I began at the beginning, dragging it out, telling her every trivial thing I remembered in detail, but leaving out the important bits. After a while she figured me out and her patience wore thin.

"Crysta Novelli," she threatened through clenched teeth, "if you don't tell me something more interesting very shortly, I'm going to make sure you don't make it to your next birthday!"

I grinned at her challenge - I knew as well as she did that if she killed me now she'd *never* find out who it was.

"Well, there were quite a few Jedi there..." I said, the twinkle in my eye matching the sly grin on my face perfectly. Gill narrowed her eyes, but I chose to ignore her and continued on at my agonizingly slow pace.

"Obi-Wan was absolutely amazing, Gill," I breathed, remembering my first dance with him.

Her face resumed her patented "Oh. My. God." look as she incorrectly assumed that Obi-Wan was indeed "the one", and I grinned at her before continuing on before she had a chance to find her voice.

"Then I ran into Luke, literally actually," I told her, watching her facial expressions and enjoying everything I was putting her through. Luke probably would not have been happy with the way I was torturing my friend, but revelations like this didn't happen everyday. In fact, they only happened once in a lifetime, and I was determined to get my money's worth. "He was a lot better than I'd imagined he would be," I continued, still watching her, remembering how wonderful it was to dance with him. Her mouth was permanently adhered to the floor and I was certain her eyes couldn't get much wider.

"And then Qui-Gon found me and dragged me away from Luke," I said, remembering how Luke had fallen and Qui-Gon had helped us both up off the floor.

I paused there, giving her time to speak. It took her a moment to locate her vocal chords, and finally she stammered, "I... I don't *believe* you, Crys! What the *hell* were you *thinking*?!? I... I thought you were so much *better* than that! My Gods..." she breathed softly to herself, lowering her eyes. Then she raised them slowly again to meet my gaze again. "Tell me it isn't true, Crys, please." Her eyes were filled with disappointment and deep sadness. "Please, tell me you didn't."

"Didn't what, Gill?" I asked softly, knowing exactly what she meant, but not revealing that fact.

"You didn't have sex with all 3 of them. Did you?" The words were barely audible, and the look she gave me was pleading, desperate to hear that it wasn't true.

"No, Gill," I told her softly. "I only danced with them."

The relief that flooded her eyes was sudden and overwhelming, and I was quickly filled with an incredible sense of guilt for putting her through all that mental anguish. It was cruel of me to play with her mind like that, and definitely *not* a Jedi-like thing to do. She was concerned about me, and there was no excuse for what I was doing. None what-so-ever.

Deeply ashamed of myself now, I apologized. "I'm sorry, Gill. That was awful - I knew you'd think that. I shouldn't have done that. I'm sorry," I repeated. "Even if I were drunk off my ass, I wouldn't have done it with all 3 of them. You know me better than that, Gill." She nodded, and I could tell she was trying not to be angry with me for doing that to her.

"I did get drunk," I confessed to her, and her eyes widened again. "It wasn't on purpose, though," I assured her quickly. "Vader spiked the non-alcoholic punch and I didn't know it. However, believe it or not, the alcohol had nothing to do with *it*."

Her eyes narrowed as she tried to figure out just what I meant by that, so I continued.

"I realized I was drunk, so I went out to the balcony for some fresh air. I didn't like the way I felt one bit, but I didn't know what to do about it. Luckily, though, there was a Knight in a shining tuxedo out there that came to my rescue." I smiled again, remembering the moment, and I knew that I had Gill's complete attention.

"Who was it?" she asked.

"Luke. He used some Jedi trick - he kissed my forehead and removed the alcohol from my system. It was pretty amazing, actually," I told her.

"So..." Gill prompted, "What happened next? Come on, Crys, spill it! I *want* to know who you did it with!! You're killing me here!" she cried, clearly exasperated with me and absolutely dying of curiosity.

I smiled again, a grand smile, brought to life by love and wonderful memories of an incredible night of passion and unbelievable happiness. I looked her right in the eyes, and I knew I was absolutely glowing as I told her. "Luke," I said simply. "It was Luke."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I need a drink. Preferably something strong. Not that I drink, of course, but Gods...I breathed deeply as I thought again about what she told me. Let's examine the evidence, ladies and gentlemen of the jury: Best friend goes to party, best friend meets guy, best friend gets drunk, and best friend gets laid by said guy otherwise known as Luke Skywalker. That about it? Yup. Oy vey.

I was ready to start crying--something that I just *don't* do--when she led me along to think that she had had sex with 3 different men...and all in one night. I'm still ready to cry from the entire magnitude of everything that she was telling me. I ran a hand through my hair before turning towards her again, "Crys, I...if you don't want to tell me, that's ok, but...are you okay? *Really* okay with all this?"

"Okay? Gill, I couldn't be better!" she exclaimed, picking up a pillow from beside her and hugging it to her chest. "I just had the. most. *amazing*. night. of my life," she replied, enunciating each individual word of that last sentence. If I'd thought she was glowing before, she was absolutely radiant now. "Gill, I don't know how to explain it so that you'll understand, because there are parts that I haven't figured out yet, but I can tell you that we are more in love than you could ever imagine. Yes, the mere fact that I've made love to him is more than enough to shock the hell out of both of us, but what shocks me the most is that this is *real*, Gill! I felt things with Luke that I have *never* felt before - things that were even better than my wildest dreams ever were!"

I could only stare at her, my eyes still impossibly wide. Sure, I felt happy for her, but it was still a lot for my already overwhelmed mind to process.

Sensing that I was still in shock, she went on. "I'm not just talking about the sex, Gill. That in itself is another story, and *no* I'm not going to share, no matter *how* much you bug me, but Gill, I swear to you, Luke is the most amazing man I've ever known. He is so much in love with me that it's almost - almost, but not quite - frightening." She paused, burying her face in her hands. When she raised them again she stared straight at me and I knew then that she meant every word she'd said. "I don't know how to explain it, Gill, but I can *feel* it. I just *know* that everything is right, and that this is most definitely *not* a mistake." She paused again, closing her eyes and shaking her head slightly for emphasis. "He loves me, Gill. And I know it because I have the Force."

"The Force. You have the Force," I could only gape at her. Here I am, sitting here learning that my best friend's a Jedi and I can only feel a mixture of shock and a touch envy. What girl hasn't always wished that she had a touch of the Force before? I know that I have, but I gave up on wishing for something that could never happen. I'll probably end up as a smuggler or something...

"Yes, Gill. He opened my mind to the most incredible sights and sounds... I actually *felt* his love for me - his love, his desire, his passion... And there really is no way to describe it. I just *can't*," she said, pulling the pillow against her again and looking directly into my eyes.

My face relaxed from its goldfish impersonation. Part of me was ecstatic that she had found her 'one' while another part of me was jealous. I was jealous. Of my best friend. 'I'm one pathetic sap,' I decided as I met her gaze, "Crys, I'm very happy for you. But there is one thing that you've got to know: I swear if he hurts you in any way his ass will be *mine.*" If there was one thing that could be said about me and my friendships, it can be said that I am very protective of my friends. I meant every word of what I had just said and would go on meaning it for the rest of my life.

~~~~~~~~~~~

That was it - I didn't know what else to say. How do you follow up a promise like that? I knew she was serious, and I was very grateful for that. I'd known that she wouldn't be able to completely understand - words couldn't possibly describe the thoughts and emotions that I'd experienced, so without actually projecting the images and feelings into her mind, there was no way she'd be able to understand where I was coming from. It was impossible. But Luke hadn't hurt me, and I didn't believe that he ever would. I closed my eyes and let the images run through my mind again. I'm not sure how long I sat there, reflecting, but when she spoke, she startled me.

"Crys?" she asked softly. "Are you okay?"

I opened my eyes and nodded, an extremely contented expression on my face. "Thanks, Gill," I said then, smiling at her. "I know this is a lot for you to take in, and that without actually being there, or meeting Luke, you're not going to be able to relax and be totally happy for me. No, I *know* you're happy for me," I said as I noticed her about to protest, "but you won't be *truly*, 100% sure that I'm not making a mistake for a while, and I understand that. Truthfully, I wasn't expecting to be telling *anyone* about this this soon. I'm having almost as hard a time digesting all of this as you are - but while I'm stunned, I am not the least bit afraid. I feel like a new person today, and I am happier than I have been in a *long* time."

It did feel good to talk to her, even if I wasn't ready to go into details at this point in time. I laid back into the cushions on my couch and stared up at the ceiling, processing our conversation in my head, wondering if there was anything else I wanted to tell her. We both sat there for a long time in silence, and I assumed she was trying to process everything I'd told her as well.

Finally, she spoke, slowly, as if it was hard for her to get the words out. "How was it, Crys? I mean, was it exciting, or were you scared to death? Did it hurt? I mean, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but... I guess... I guess I'm just facinated by the fact that you've done it. You've *really* done it." Her voice was soft, curious, and filled with gentle awe.

I smiled again, knowing that it wouldn't hurt to tell her a little... "It was wonderful, Gill. Well, *Luke* was wonderful. It was..." I trailed off, unsure of how to describe it. Did the words actually exist? I tried again, "It hurt the first time, yes. He was so large, and I was so tight, and my Gods, I can't *believe* I'm actually *saying* this to you!" I finished in a rush as my face flushed beet red from embarrassment. This was harder than it sounded, but she wasn't laughing at me, so I continued. "But I wasn't afraid. Not at all. I was shy, but Luke made me feel so comfortable, and calm, and *safe* - I felt so safe in his arms, Gill. In fact, I've never felt safer. Never." And that was the absolute truth.

"Wow..." she breathed. She was well aware of the fact that I was not exactly the most trusting of persons and that I felt nervous around strangers and strange situations. Nervous. Yeah, that was the understatement of the millenium. Although I had my moments of strength. I was definately getting better, and this was a major sign of that fact.

"I can't wait to see him again, Gill..." I told her, hugging the pillow to my chest tightly once again. "Ziggy has them cleaning up the complex all day today, so I didn't stick around, but he promised to call me tonight."

"Do you think he will?" she asked.

"He will," I said. I had no doubt about it - he'd call me tonight. "I might not get to *see* him tonight, but I know that he'll at least call me."

Gill nodded, and I knew she wasn't quite as convinced as I was, but that didn't matter. All that mattered was that *I* loved him and I knew that he loved me, and that I was happy. *Very* happy.

~~~~~~~~~

Maybe I don't need a drink. Maybe I just need a good couple of slaps in the face to get my mind in gear again. I am happy for her, I really am. I just still feel jealous of her, her happiness, and her 'man.' Pathetic, isn't it?

I sighed once, running through the multitude of thoughts that coursed through my head with a fine toothed comb, trying to figure out what I wanted to say to her next. However, the one thing that blared at me to ask was quite simple. In fact, it was the most important question that I had.

"So Crys, when do I get to meet him?"



*fin*



===



From: Gillian Taylor
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-a-J Thanksgiving RR: First Kiss




This takes place right after my last post, Tours, and before/during Ziggy's post 'Confession'

~~~~~~~~~

If there's one thing that I've learned about my life its that once I start laughing, it takes a while for me to stop. I ended up leaning back into something as I laughed, only to realize through my mirth that I was actually leaning against Qui-Gon. That definitely sobered me up.

I attempted to move away from him, but my body was effectively pinned by his arms as they snaked around my waist. My eyes grew impossibly wide as I knew through my intuition exactly what he was going to do. However, even foreknowledge was not enough to save me when his lips claimed mine in a searing kiss.

'OH MY GOD,' I thought, unable to do more than grunt as I learned something new about myself. I liked being kissed like that. A lot.

My face reddened uncontrollably as Qui-Gon continued to teach me about all of the feelings that could be aroused just through my lips. 'Help,' I whimpered mentally, wanting to regain my control again. If Qui kept kissing me like that, I was bound to melt through the floor.

Thankfully, breathing became a necessary function when we finally parted. I heaved slightly; my eyes still wide as I attempted to draw fresh air into my oxygen starved lungs.

"Wow," I said softly, the most intelligent thing that I could say at that moment.

Qui gave me a self-satisfied grin, "I thought so."

"What?" I asked defensively, thankful for the space between us now.

"You've never been kissed."

My face must be an interesting shade of red as I muttered something non-committal. I hoped that Qui-Gon wouldn't attempt to kiss me again. Obi-Wan, however, had other plans for me.

As I stared at Qui, Obi was busy moving closer to me. Now a new set of lips claimed mine, all the while that I was firmly held by Qui-Gon's arms. I gasped at the sensation that his hand made as it moved under my blouse to just barely graze my chest. The heat from his hand was incredible as my mind was overwhelmed with sensations. Hot, cold, ice, fire I felt all of it and more. It was as if my body was one huge nerve and every touch was enough to sear me. However, it could not last when my sense began to return.

I couldn't do this. I couldn't be kissed by a man that clearly belonged to another. Not like that. Not like this. And so, it was only natural when my reflexes reacted to the sensations. A red belt in Tae-Kwondo does teach one the best places to hit. My knee swept upwards to catch Obi-Wan right where it counts.

Obi-Wan's girlish scream broke the kiss and freed my chest from his hand as he doubled over in pain. Qui-Gon, thankfully, took the hint and released me from his grasp as I looked at both of them seriously, "Kisses are one thing, Braid Boy, but if you touch me there again it'll be more than a bruised lightsabre that you'll have to worry about."

"And Qui, I...thank you for the kiss, but it's just wrong of me to even think of kissing either of you. You both belong to another," I concluded, staring at a point somewhere beyond Qui's shoulder.

Qui reached out and rested his hand on my shoulder, giving it a brief squeeze. He understood, at least. However, Obi was still writhing on the floor in pain. I put out my hand, offering him help to stand again, but he looked at it as if I was going to toss him over my shoulder, "Obi, you don't have to worry. I'm not going to toss you. It's an offer of help up."

He looked at me carefully before gripping my hand. I pulled him up quickly, offering him a wordless apology for his obvious pain. Obi smiled half-heartedly, "You didn't need to offer that much. It happened on its own."

I reddened again, 'Damnit,' I swore mentally. I've blushed more in the past few days than I have in the past few *years* of my life! "Ha. Ha," I said dryly, "Any more to the sights and sounds of Rent-A-Jedi?"

"Just the TV room downstairs," Qui said, leading Obi and myself down the stairs.

"TV- A wonderful invention," I said.

"You're just saying that because you get to watch the X Files," Obi said, his voice returning to normal.

"You know it, Braid Boy," I returned easily.

"I think that they're watching something called Football...," Qui said as we turned the corner, swiveling his head sideways to look at me.

"Football. Joy," I said. If there was one sport that I couldn't really stand, it was football. I can stand Basketball, I can stand Baseball, but ask me to watch a couple of lumbering giants run around a field trying to get to the other side? I think not.

"What's this 'football?'" Obi asked me curiously, and I breathed a sigh of relief that he wasn't taking insult to my injuring him.

I began to explain when Ziggy left one of the rooms in an obviously dour mood.

"Why so glum?" Obi asked her, interrupting her thoughts.

"Computer trouble...word is acting really funky," she responded.

"Yeah, we noticed that earlier," Obi responded as Qui shot him a look.

"Earlier? What are you talking about?"

"Oh, you know, when we found that disk and..." his voice faded off as his eyes did a remarkable impersonation of my earlier expression upon being fondled, "Um..."

"What disk?" Ziggy asked.

"Dearheart, remember that we were concerned about you," Qui began, but Ziggy quickly interrupted him.

"So you went rummaging through my stuff? What did you read?"

"Who else has seen it?"

"Luke and Crysta were the last ones to see it," Qui responded.

By this point I was beginning to feel like a fifth wheel, my feet brushing the floor as I attempted to make myself as small as possible. 'What the hell is going on here?' I wondered, dying to know what my friend had gotten herself into *and* what was on this 'disk.'

"How could you?" Ziggy whispered, walking quickly towards the door.

"Where are you going?" Qui shouted.

"Out. Walking. I don't know. I wouldn't want to give out too much lest the whole world know my location," she spat, throwing the door open. "Food's ready. I'll be back by dark."

The slam of the door made both Obi and myself jump. Realizing that right now would *not* be the best time to continue to tell Obi about football, I muttered my apologizes and left the room to join everyone else in the TV room.

One thing was for certain, though. When I next saw Crysta, I was going to corner her and find out exactly what sort of trouble she managed to get herself into this time.



===



From: spacefan
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-A-J T-Day Special




The surge of anger flowing through your shared bond with Qui-Gon Djinn is palpable. It is more than anger he is feeling--it's jealousy, disappointment and fury. His steel grip on your arm releases once the door slams behind you. Your back is tto the door, fear has replaced the desire that once heated you.

"Gabrielle who did this?" Qui asked you, his voice was calm. Too calm. You open your mouth to answer and think better of it.

He moved in closer stooping down to peer at you, "Did someone force you?"

You shake your head. "Qui don't you think we should be getting back?" Your wary expression does not bold well for his temperament. He is a patient man-to a point.

"No." He folded his arms. "Why were you flustered earlier?"

//Shit he remembered that. //

"Will you tell me? Or do I find out on my own?" He stepped in closer.

So far Qui-Gon has not probed your thoughts to ascertain an answer. He trusts you will tell him all that needs to be said. You want to maintain that trust but he has no love for the Sith especially Darth Maul. Ever since that incident on Naboo he and Maul couldn't stand each other.

Djinn acted as Qui's stunt double for the fight scenes in order to aid in the speed of the filming process. Bad weather on Naboo, cost overruns with the Republic in borrowing their ships caused God/king George Lucas many headaches in his quest to document the Jedi and their lives.

Djinn offered to aid George, though the life being told was about Jinn, his altruistic nature would not allow him to idly sit by and watch as the needed fight scenes languished in pre-production. However Darth Maul's arrogance and malicious manner irritated Djinn to no end. And then the jerk during their rehearsal *forgot* to inform him that he had switched from a practice saber to a real one. Several healers just to make sure there were no real fatalities while filming monitored the final fight scene.

"My love. It was nothing, I promise you." You caress his hand. Your love for him was deep and real. This could kill him.

"The welt on your neck is something. Who put it there?" Qui's large hand delicately traced the bruised area of your neck. His blue eyes study you.

"It was a-" You are interrupted.

"Qui-Gon D-jinn." Cammy giggled stumbling into the room. Her hair disheveled and missing lipstick hints at something.

You hold back your jealousy. Qui observed her with bemusement. His mind is still open to you.

//Did you have sex with her?// You ask thinking you know the answer.

//Not recently no.//

You shoot him a gaze, as Cammy struts toward the amused Jedi.

"What is wrong with you people?" Her arms swathe Djinn. "Can't a girl get a little satisfaction."

"Try somewhere else sister." You snap. "He don't work for the company anymore."

Djinn eyes you with contempt. "I am capable of speaking for myself."

You snatch the bony busty broad away from him, "Then do so!"

"You are not my keeper. And do Not address me in such a manner." His tone sent chills down your spine. Apparently he was still angry with you. He glared at you; it was a look that meant leave now.

You watch with horror as Cammy's hands eased around Djinn. And worse yet, he looked to be enjoying it.

//What's going on here? // You closed your mouth and blinked your stinging eyes. This hurt. It really hurt. You wander out of the room dazed and confused.



===



From: "Selah Specht" Subject: [Sith_Chicks] RaJ Thanksgiving RR - the next step



I slowly walked with Han and Crysta down the streets of Coruscant, Chewie taking up the rear with Silent Bob in tow. Silently I wondered if I could even do this...I mean, I had acted like a moron, but this did have to be dealt with. At least I had gotten the tears out of the way. It's a bad habit with me, but I'll hold anything in till I'm at the breaking point, and even then I'll only cry around people I can really trust...It might have been because of the cold or because of the slight dread of what I had to face back at the complex that made me shiver, which, I wasn't sure. Han squeezed my shoulder and gave me a small lopsided grin.

"It'll be all right, kid. I'm not going anywhere," he reassured me and I nodded, chuckling slightly as I glanced skywards.

"Why do I feel like this is a big talk show on self-help or something?" I laughed and Crysta grinned. Blowing out my breath, I fingered my bangs, glancing up at them and smiling at their color. The dye that I had used for the play had washed out of most of my hair, but my bangs had somehow gotten redder and were now reminiscent of the real Ziggy Stardust. Not that I minded. I consolled myself with the lyrics to one of the songs from the album, Rock and Roll Suicide: "Don't let the sun blast your shadow, don't let the milk flow ride your mind, it's so natural, religiously unkind...oh, no love, you're not alone, you're watchin yourself but you're too unfair; you've got your head all tangled up, but if I can only make you care; oh no love, you're not alone, no matter what or who you've been, no matter when or where you've seen, all the knives seem to lacerate your brain, I've had my share, I'll help you with the pain..." Or maybe I was just trying to take my mind off of the impending doom I was walking towards. Suddenly, we were right across the street.

"I don't think I can do this," I murmured and bit my lip as Crysta gave me a reassuring smile.

"Yes you can," she said softly and I nodded before trying to put on a nonchalant grin, but stopped at Han's look.

"Kid, I'm an expert at that...no covering up with sarcasm now, you've gotta face this head-on," he advised and I nodded, knowing he was right. I started towards the door, then pulled back, turning the other direction.

"I don't know if I can," I sighed, clasping my hands together.

"Then we'll help you," Crysta said, motioning for me to come on. I nodded hesitantly and meekly took out my key and let us in.

"Okay, I'm in, I'm back, can I go now?" I asked, grinning hopefully.

"Nice try, kid," Han replied, nodding back to where Chewie was with Silent Bob. With a sigh I nodded and turned around, grumbling about smugglers who couldn't keep their noses out of other peoples' business. "Chewie, put that thing outside...I have a feeling folks aren't gonna like it if we keep it in here for long," he advised and Chewie went outside to dispose of the ysalimir frame for the moment.

"Okay, so now what?" I asked, but before I could get an answer a woman that I thought was named Gabrielle came into the entryway, a dazed and hurt expression on her face. Crysta gave her a curious look, and so did Han, but I knew that look so well. Hell, that had been the way I had looked when I had ended my relationship with a guy in highschool for two years...it was not a look that was associated with fun feelings.

"What do you need?" I asked gently, immediately putting my own situation out of my mind. Someone needed me, and that was what mattered.

"I, I..." she murmured, glancing away slightly and I smiled.

"Show me," I offered, holding out my hand and she nodded slowly. Gently I placed my fingertips against her temple and reached out to find out what was the matter. Her feelings almost knocked me back, they weren't that hard to spot. I winced as the incidents with Cammy and Maul played through her mind. This was not good.

Sighing, I pulled away only to pull her into a gentle embrace. "Look, I know it's rough...all I can suggest is that you should open up to Djinn...talk to him, otherwise he's never going to trust you...he deserves to know, and then you can deal with Maul," I suggested, pulling away. She nodded and smiled slightly before squeezing my hand.

"Thank you," she whispered and I nodded, pulling a strand of hair out of her face.

"No problem," I sighed, watching as she walked away, then realized that I still had an audience. Taking a deep breath I turned to face Han and Crysta and Chewie. "Okay, like I said, what now?"



===



From: spacefan Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-A-J Thanksgiving



"Be honest with him or else he will never trust you."

Ziggy's advice is simple but true. Her relationship with Qui and Obi is always so smooth easy. It must be nice to have it together all the time. You muse.

But why is yours so screwed up? And why it so damn scary to tell Master Djinn? Well there is the fact that Maul made out with you twice. Okay, so the first time doesn't count 'cause you thought he was someone else-- but the second time? You enjoyed it! Yea so your hormonal and your pheromones are running a little high hence his keen interest. (It is a hallmark of your people....) But you are not a slave to your biology. Or are you?

And there is the fact that of all people it had to be Maul. It's not like you made out with Mace. No wait, bad example. Or Qui-Gon. No worse example. Screwing his brother would not be wise. Master Djinn is jealous and territorial. But will he be pissed?

"Probably." Mace answered swaggering into the dining room antechamber. His cool expression is the hallmark of his laid-back demeanor.

You nod to the man you once called your boyfriend. A man you were seeing at the same time as Djinn, until Djinn put a stop to it.

"Gabrielle. You know his personality. Why are you stewing over this?"

"Am I projecting this loudly?" You lean against the wall grinning.

"No but your boyfriend is sulking with Cammy in the tv room."

You roll your eyes and kick the wall.

"She is of no consequence." He waves off your tirade. "Why do you find her such a threat?"

You shrug your shoulders and shuffle. "She is beautiful." You mumble. "And she possesses many of the qualities he finds attractive in a woman." You fold your arms suddenly feeling woefully inadequate.

The Senior Jedi Council member shook his head, "You two are the biggest drama queens I have ever met. It was the will of the Force that brought you two together."

You shift unsure about the validity of his statement.

"Do you remember the Gala?"

"Yep." You sigh recalling your first journey to the complex. You had always called in your orders before cause your duties, as an advisor never allowed you much time to journey to the capital.

"You remember when we made love?"

You nod again. "I caught hell for that."

"You?" Mace chuckled, "That man ruined five consecutive evenings of meditation with me and Qui-Gon because he was ticked off. The waves he sent through the Force?"

"That sounds about right." You nod. "That's Qui."

"No. But you are forgetting one thing. We are friends now. We are still friends and I suspect we shall always be friends. The Jinns' are the closest friends I have--."

"--What does that say about me considering I've had sex with all three of you." Your hand covers your embarrassed face. The giant flush sound you hear is your self-image and sense of decency going down the toilet of life.

"Wait, wait. No. The arrangement was different then. That is not a fair assessment of the here and now. Do you think he has forgiven you?"

"I hope so." Your eyes tear up, "Yes. Yes he has."

"Then why are you fearing now?"

"Because I'm always doing something that needs to be reconciled."

"That is not true. I suspect you will have to forgive him for his behavior towards you regarding Cammy. And then there are the many tirades he has which you call him on--- then he comes grumbling to me and Master Jinn for consolation." Mace shakes his head again.

"Master Windu...this is Maul."

"Nothing happened."

"No but it should not have gone as far as it had."

"Do you know why his rebellion was under such question with the council?"

"No."

"Among other things, he left his assignments with Rent-A-Jedi unfulfilled because he would leave to go see you."

You blush and smile. "I always asked him if his meeting me was okay. He always said yes. Things were fine."

"Sure things were fine as long as he got to see you. But when he was on a mission and a month or two would pass and he'd be unable to contact you. Cranky comes to mind."

"How could you tell from any other time?" You joke.

Mace laughs with you. "It is difficult but those of us who love and care for him are able to see the difference. As can you. The point is, he loved you enough to risk so much to see you...do you think his love is less now?"

"No."

"Then speak to him so you and he can move passed this silliness and get on with the festivities. And if you don't do it for that, please have mercy on me and Qui-- for the sake of our meditations."

You hug him, "Thank you Mace. I will speak to him."



===



From: Per'agana
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-a-J Thanksgiving RR: Sith *can* be subtle!




Maul and I walked toward the TV room at a casual pace. I was still feeling the effects of what he?d shared with me, and I wished I could have him alone for just a little while- there were things I *really* wanted to explore. I had the sense that he was somehow preoccupied, though, so I allowed myself to be guided.

I noticed a client we passed-Gabrielle, if memory served right- giving Maul some very nasty looks. I looked at Maul questioningly. ?What are you up to??, I asked, curious.

He glanced back after her departing form, an amused smile playing across his face. ?Only what she would *like* me to be?, he retorted.

I narrowed my eyes a bit. ?Uh, huh...?, I said, unconvinced.

?I am giving her something else to focus on. I find that Qui-Gon is a bit too... fortunate... with these women.? He paused and stroked the skin at my temple, exactly where the littlest horns would be on him. ?I?m pleased that *you* didn?t fall into that trap...?

I smiled, and lightly ran a nail around his small horn. ?How could I, with *this* kind of attention??

He closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the pressure of my finger at the horn?s sensitive base, his lips curling into a very satisfied smile. He wrapped his arm around my waist and we continued toward the TV room.

The room seemed incredibly noisy as we drew closer, but I found that I barely noticed anything beyond the feeling of Maul?s hand at the small of my back, and the solidity of his presence next to me. As we entered my eyes went wide with surprise at the panorama of characters seated mostly amicably next to each other. Some of the Jedi council gathered on the sectional sofa on the right side of the room-- Adi Gallia was perched on the arm of the sofa, popcorn bowl in hand, cheering feverishly for anyone who looked like they were doing well. Mace Windbag seemed to be deep in conversation with that padawan that Tam brought, with Yoda listening sagely.

My eyes roamed to the Sith side and I stopped in my tracks with shock at the sight of Freedon Nadd and Pikachu sitting together on the sofa, sharing a big bowl of popcorn, and cheering the teams in their own inimitable styles. A muscular arm caught me around the waist and roughly yanked me off my feet. I landed on the soft sofa and found myself quickly gathered into Exar?s arms. I grinned and leaned back against his chest. He had, of course, reserved the best corner for himself with plenty of room to spare (amusing, considering that the Jedi Council and assorted lightsiders were packed in like sardines on the other side!). I pulled Maul down next to me, and closed my eyes as Maul?s hand firmly stroked along my leg. I couldn?t think of anything in the world I appreciated more than the attention of these two at the same time!

*What in the galaxy is up with THAT??* I sent to Exar, gesturing toward Nadd and the little electrical Pokemon. Exar grinned. ?Nadd also underestimated your little friend. Repeatedly, in fact. Your creature kindly offered to forgive the insult if Nadd gave him the larger share of the popcorn?, he said wryly, clearly unconcerned that Nadd heard him and was glaring daggers at him.

Maul glanced over at Nadd, obviously amused. Nadd noticed Maul?s gaze, and grudgingly returned his attention to the football game.

*By the way, that was an excellent aura of uneasiness you were throwing off earlier, little Per?agana*, Exar sent. *It seems that it?s becoming almost automatic with your anger. It pleases me to see you improving like this*. His hand danced enticingly along the side of my neck and down my arm, punctuating his approval.

?She is improving with the lightsaber, as well?, Maul added.

?Well, I have the best trainers, after all?, I said as offhandedly as I could, knowing they both detested flattery. The pressure of Exar?s long fingers against my tight shoulder muscles let me know the compliment was well received, and I purred as his touch sent tiny shivers up my spine.

?What *was* all that about, anyway?? Exar murmured in my ear.

I stiffened involuntarily. I knew I could share my feelings with Maul, but that Exar wouldn?t understand. ?It?s nothing, really. I just allowed that Jedi woman?s disdain for the Sith to get to me?, I said quickly.

Exar?s fingers tightened their hold on me, and I knew he was going to press for more detail, but I was saved from the interrogation when Vader?s broad form edged through the crowded door. I looked at Maul, then up at Exar. *That?s interesting*, I sent, *so he decided to show up here after all!*

*What do you mean, ?show up?? As much distaste as it causes me, he *does* live here*, Exar shot back, clearly more interested in my confrontation with Crysta.

I noticed Maul stiffen slightly, as he always did in the presence of his master?s second apprentice. *I have not seen him as regularly lately....*, Maul said, his eyes tracking Vader?s every move.

I watched as Vader scanned the room- lingering especially long among the Jedi- then leave the room with his shoulders slumped in disappointment. I wondered if he were looking for Tam. I turned back to Exar. *He moved out, Exar. I went in this morning to move him so that Ulic would have space, and all his stuff was gone. Looks like it?s been gone for about two weeks.*

Both Sith Lords focused their attention on me, surprised and clearly dismayed by the news. ?It?s a bold move for him?, Exar said very quietly. ?Lord Maul, could you look into this after dinner ends? I have a little surprise planned that should afford you plenty of time...*

Maul appeared to be focusing on something in the Force. ?After dinner, yes?, came his soft voice in reply. ?Right now I have to take care of something.? He rose and turned to me, his eyes locking with mine. ?I will see you at dinner, apprentice.?

I stared after Maul?s retreating form for a moment, then leaned back into Exar?s arms. His voice sounded sharply in my mind. *I am concerned about this episode with the Jedi girl, Per?agana. You?re much too susceptible to these lightsiders. Is this something I need to worry about?*

I stiffened and turned to face him, my eyes bright with fury. I lowered my voice to a quiet hiss. ?No, you *don?t* need to worry about it. I am Sith. Do I need to further prove it to you??

Kun raised an eyebrow. ?No, you don?t?, he said aloud. ?Interesting....you feel quite a bit darker and stronger now. Perhaps I should expose you to Jedi irritation more often??

I stifled a grin, wondering what Luke would think of the idea that his girlfriend?s opinions seemed to further my training. I started to respond when I caught a snatch of something ...off... in the energy of the room. I looked over as Ulic and Siduri walked in, sat down, and proceeded to explore each other. The Jedi all stopped watching the game and stared at the undulating Sith.

I frowned and rapped on Ulic?s head with the Force. *Yo, ULIC!* I yelled, watching him wince as my voice pierced his mind. *That?s why we give you a *room*. Try using it!*

He simply glared at me, and went back to fondling Siduri-- while my mind began ruminating on ways to deal with disobedient new employees.

I looked over at Exar to catch his reaction. He was staring at Ulic with an expression of mild disinterest. Kun?s husky voice brushed my mind. *The problem with Ulic is that he doesn?t understand the art of subtlety.*

His fingers twined with mine, while he sent Force-fingers sliding along the inside of my thigh. The tendrils of Force caressed my skin and brushed lightly around my opening. I closed my eyes and purred, leaning against him. His hands tightened on mine, and I winced with the sudden pain. *The objective, apprentice, is not to *show* it. We need not entertain the Jedi with our pleasure.*

I stared up at him. ?Challenge accepted, Master?, I said, meeting his gaze with a look of fiery determination.

?We shall see....? His voice trailed off as his Force-fingers slid under my bra, cupping my breast and flicking sharply against the nipple. I felt my nipples harden, but my face stayed frozen, determined not to show the pleasure he was arousing in me. Exar grinned, and the sensation of fingers was replaced by his tongue spiraling around the nipple, drawing it into his mouth, and lightly nipping with his teeth. The feeling of his long, slender fingers returned, caressing my thigh and forking up into my opening. I gasped, fighting to keep in the moan that was echoing through my mind. His fingers probed upward, slipping past the lips and curling around my clitoris, gently caressing until I thought I would implode with the pressure of hiding the sensations.

*I only said you can?t outwardly show what I?m doing, little apprentice. I never meant to keep you from properly enjoying yourself...* I stared at him. I?m supposed to be able to come but not show it? Any attempt to analyze this was completely destroyed as I suddenly felt his tongue probing my opening and flicking against my clit. His mouth wrapped around my nub, his tongue creating endless shivers of sensation as he sucked me. One finger, and then a second joined the sensation, sliding into me in perfect rhythm with his sucking. I tried to buck against his hand and his mouth, but my body was held fast. I felt him moving faster and faster in response, sucking harder and harder. My eyes closed and I felt the moan well up in my throat. I cried out as I came, waves of pleasure slamming into me again and again through our telepathic link.

He withdrew instantly, and my eyes flew open in surprise as he abruptly severed the bond. I lsuddenly noticed that several of the Jedi were staring at me. I coughed at them, waving my hand toward the nearest, untouched, bowl of popcorn. ?Popcorn caught in my throat. Umm....sorry!? My face flushed beet red as I realized that none of them believed a word of it. I turned away from Yoda?s inquisitive stare and noticed that Exar was regarding me with considerable amusement. He let my hands go, and only then did I realize how tightly I?d been gripping them. *Not bad, apprentice. Perhaps I used too much stimuli....I will have to remember to use less next time.*

?Thank you *so* much?, I said sarcastically. Sure, I?d been set up, but it had felt amazing! If only we could just go upstairs and...

*Later, Per?agana. After I spring my surprise, there will be plenty of time for ...further exploration.*

?I hope so!?, I said aloud, grinning at him. To hell with the Jedi?s disapproval!

?Liz!?, a voice said, cutting through my anticipation.

Tam was standing in the doorway, looking around uncertainly. I told Exar I?d be right back, and got up and joined her in the hallway. ?What?s up? Thank you for getting me out of there....I don?t like giving the Jedi such a good reason to stare at me!? (Although I didn?t mind the cause, I thought, my body still tingling all over.) ?So, what can I do for you? I think Vader is looking for you...?



===



From: "Tam"
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] Thanksgiving RR: Wandering Aimlessly




Who would believe there were so many doors? I wandered aimlessly for a while, unable to get a feel for where Vader was. Was he hiding something from me? Did he really have to? I sighed and wondered for a minute. Did it really matter to me if he did have something to hide? Or did I expect that?

I had never really had a suspicious nature before, but things were moving rapidly away from the person I was to the stranger I was becoming. Well, I could stand in the hall and wax philosophical about it, or I could get on with my life. I pulled my shoulders back and stood tall as I began making my way back to where everyone else was.

Or, I tried to. I don't know how I did it, but I was lost. I didn't hear anyone around me, I couldn't remember how I had wandered this far into parts unknown. This couldn't have happened just a few months ago, before I had gotten pregnant. I never got lost! With steadily growing frusteration I wandered around, eliminating dead ends and finaly deducing my way out.

Suddenly I heard the distant sound of a lightsaber battle. My blood ran cold at the thought of my own weapon locked safely in my room in the Temple. I didn't hesitate too long though, but it was over before I got there. When I heard the sound of two 'sabers switching off I reduced my speed to a walk, no longer prompted by training to resolve whatever conflict was going on. Then I stopped dead in my tracks and realized what I had done.

I started hitting my head on the nearest wall, and the mantra that sprang to my lips formed itself. "Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid...." I was suddenly glad I couldn't run very fast. I was very glad I hadn't arrived in time. I had just put my unborn child in peril with my hasty action, it was only luck that had saved us both. I had no idea who would dare engage in a 'saber duel here and now, but I knew that pregnant and weaponless I couldn't have stood a chance.

The walls were solid, they didn't thump too bad. I figured that as long as the only thing getting hurt at all was my forehead it wasn't nearly as bad as what could have happened. I wasn't hitting that hard even, just enough to tenderize the skin....

I lost track of time, finally realizing that this wasn't getting me anywhere either. I took a few deep breaths, replaying the sound of a door opening down the hall and footsteps leading the other way. How long ago had that been? I had no way of knowing, but I knew what direction they had gone in. That must be the way to other people, I thought in triumph.

In short order I found the room everyone else was watching that strange game in and saw Master Windu and Tasva totally wrapped up in each other. Interesting. Then I saw another couple *really* wrapped up in each other in the corner. I think my jaw dropped. I carefully filed *that* thought away for meditation some other time. Maybe. Wow. I shook my head, uncertain what to think of it and looking for something to distract me. I heard something instead. This time I know my jaw dropped, just as Liz's eyes popped open. The look on her face was priceless as she realized that everyone in the room was staring at her. Well, almost everyone. I ducked back where no one could see me and stifled a laugh at everyone's reactions.

When I looked back Liz had a mixed expression on her face, a bit of embarrasment and a lot of bravado. I looked around the reas of the room again and tried to make up my mind. Did I really want to go in there? Was it something to do with that small, cute, yelow creature in there, or was it all a coincidence? And what was that yellow thing?

"Liz!" I had to know...or at least I had to talk to someone who might help me find Vader! And despite the bravado I thought she wanted an excuse not to be under my master's scrutiny anymore. I know I would.

"What's up? Thank you for getting me out of there...I don't like giving the Jedi such a good reason to stare at me!" (Well what do you know, I guessed right!) "So, what can I do for you? I think Vader is looking for you..."

"He is?" Everything else left my mind so suddenly it scared me. "I've been looking for him, but he was blocking me for some reason."

"I could be wrong, he didn't say anything."

It came to me in a flash. "My birthday! Today is my birthday and I almost forgot that he knew...." Then I shook my head. That was too easy an answer. Wasn't it?

"It's possible. I'm sure you'll find each other if that's the case." She seemed to think for a minute, then came to a decision. "I thought you were under lock and key, I'm surprised you're out here instead of--" She gestured in the room toward Tasva and Yoda.

"Are you kidding?" I smirked. "Tasva has things of her own to think about, and Master Yoda is wrapped up in that game or whatever it is."

"Dinner will be ready soon. What will you do then?"

From the look on her face I knew I wouldn't have any time alone with Vader before the food was served. Dammit! My shoulders slumped as hopelessness hit me yet again.

Liz seemed to come to a decision and smiled generously. "Hold out your hand," she commanded. She gave me two sets of earplugs and I gave her a puzzled look in return. "One set for you, one set for Vader. Happy birthday!" My puzzled look didn't go away. "I'll let you know when it's time for them, but I guarantee that no one will disturb the two of you for a while if you want some privacy."

A thousand questions went through my head suddenly, but I realized that I didn't really want to know the answers. "Anything I can do to help you out?"

"No, just keep Vader occupied. You won't find that too hard will you?"

"Not at all," I replied, matching her grin. I walked off to try to find Vader again for at least a few minutes of talking before everything happened.



===



From: DarthPatches
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] RaJ T-Day RR: Stowaways?




Okay, beware, cause this is a little long. I wanted to get it out all at once. Oh, and definite smut alert.

This takes place just after Diebin came downstairs, and then leaves the room. Let me know about any continuity errors, please.

Ziggy, I tried to do you justice, I really did, but I think I failed miserably. I don't think I got your reaction quite right, but it was the best I could do at 7 in the morning. Please forgive me!

Anyway, on with the, err, show.

Darth Patches

******************************************

He finally pulled away, and she found herself gasping for air for the second time in the past several minutes. He was grinning again.

"How's that for a start?" he asked.

"W-what do you mean?"

"Well, Patches did say you could try me out, didn't she?" Her eyes widened in shock, but before she could answer, he went on. "By the way, tell her thank you for sending me a message, and that I'm really sorry that she couldn't come either, but that I had a wonderful time...entertaining...her friend, and that I hope I lived up to whatever she told you about me." She hadn't thought her eyes or his smile could get any wider, but somehow both managed.

"How did you...but I didn't...huh?"

"Kittycat, I know why you're here, I know about the messages, and I know what Patches told you."

"But how? I haven't told you anything ye-" /Oh, damn, how could I forget that Jedi can read minds?/

"Probably because I was distracting you."

"Would you stop digging through my head! It's disconcerting."

"I don't have to dig, Kittycat. It's all right there on the surface."

"Oh." /Brilliant dialogue, Cat./

"Actually, you talk too much anyway." Obi-One planted his mouth on hers once more, eager tongue probing her lips for entrance, which she granted. She wrapped her arms around his neck and decided she agreed with him; this was much better than talking.

After a bit, they broke for air, and he asked, his voice husky, "So, do you want to 'try me out right here on the floor in the hall, or would you rather relocate to someplace with a little more privacy?"

That was when she noticed the growing, er, pressure, against her leg, and she raised an eybrow. "Bedroom?" she asked.

"Don't have one yet, they're building one for me. Can't go to where I've been staying, because I'm sharing, and she's in bed sick. Hold on, let me think.."

"I know!" he said suddenly. "The loading dock on the roof. They should have finished unloading that latest shipment by now; it'll be deserted." He got up without waiting for an answer, and then scooped her up and carried her up to the roof to the loading dock.

He went inside and froze; the freighter was still sitting there, ramp down.

"Why are we just standing here?"

"Shh," he said. He probed the dock and ship for life-forms, and found none. He checked the complex; no one was coming in their direction. A grin slowly spread on his face, and his eyes sparkled with mischief. He strode towards the lowered ramp of the freighter.

"What are you doing?" she asked when she realized his destination.

"There's bound to be a more comfortable place in there than out here," he replied, gesturing with his head to all the crates around them.

"But what if the owner comes back while we're..."

He looked into her eyes, and said firmly, "Trust me. It will be fine."

/Why am I arguing?/ "It'll be fine," she echoed.

He smiled. /Good, it worked./

He carried her up the ramp into the ship. With a bit of searching, he found what he was looking for: a sleeping bunk. It was small, but adequate for their purposes.

He set her down on the bunk and immediately clamped his mouth over hers again. She reached up and undid his ponytail, running her fingers through the now-loosened hair. Then she worked his tunic open, wanting to feel his skin. Achieving her objective, she ran her hands over his muscled chest and played with his nipples, which hardened under her fingers.

He tugged her shirt up, revealing, to his frustration, her bra. Impatiently, he fumbled blindly at the clasp in front for a moment without success, eventually breaking the kiss so he could see what he was doing. He finally got the clasp undone, baring her breasts and her pink, erect nipples. He teased her left nipple lightly, caressing and squeezing with his fingers, smiling at her moan of pleasure. Then he reached down and ran his tongue over her other nipple, then took it in his mouth and sucked, making her gasp. He swirled circles around her it with his tongue, and lightly bit and sucked at her hardened nipple. Her breath was coming in short gasps.

A brief scan of her surface thought told him that she didn't want to take things slowly. That was fine with him. He pulled her skirt up and moved to his knees between her legs. Then, not taking his mouth from her breast, he reached down with his now free right hand and stripped off her panties, then stroked her dark curls a moment before plunging a finger into her wetness. She moaned loudly as he slid it in and out. Then he added another finger, and she cried out when he began stroking her clit with his thumb.

"Obi-One," she breathed. She could feel herself growing wetter and wetter in response to his ministrations. Being on the ship enhanced her arousal; it felt delightfully naughty. She reached down to undo his pants, when he finally looked up from her breast.

"Ah-ah-ah," he said. "You're trying *me * out; this is *my * performance."

He moved back out of her reach and withdrew his hand from between her legs. He lifted her legs up onto his shoulders and tilted her hips up. The next thing she felt was his tongue diving into her moist slit, and she cried out his name. He tasted her deeply, licking and sucking at her nether lips. Then she was screaming as he wrapped his lips around her clit and sucked hard, then nibbled gently.

"Oh, God, Obi, please?" She took hold of the hair that she was running her fingers through and tugged upwards.

He gave her clit one last gentle bite, and then moved up to kiss her. Her hands moved to his pants again, and he took the hint. He quickly unfastened and slid them off. His hard, eager member pushed through the opening of his black silk boxers. She reached out and stroked his length, admiring the sheer size of him. She wrapped her hand around him and quickened her strokes, and a moan escaped his lips. He gently took hold of her wrist and stopped her.

He leaned down and whispered, "I want you now."

She nodded in wordless agreement, and he kissed her hungrily.

Pulling away, he moved over her on the bunk, and positioned himself at her opening. Then he grinned, and she wondered what he was up to. She soon found out, as he took hold of his throbbing member and stroked her clit firmly with it, and she cried out in pleasure and frustration. Finally, he slid into her wet opening, filling her. He pulled out slowly, and plunged in again. Her hips rose to meet him. They soon found a rhythm, and their bodies clashed repeatedly as their climaxes built. He groaned, and she cried out his name. She pulled his head down and kissed him deeply as the pace of his thrusts increased. All she knew at that moment was him; her whole world consisted of his mouth on hers, his hands on her hips, him filling her, thrusting, harder and faster, and she could feel it building, she was almost at that crest; and then suddenly she was there, and her orgasm was crashing over her like a strong wave over a beach. She screamed once more and he came a second later as her muscles clenched around him, squeezing him, and he pumped his seed into her. A few more thrusts, and he collapsed on top of her. They lay there in blissful silence.

"Haven't we been in this position already this afternoon?" she asked after a bit, smiling languidly.

He smiled, and replied, "Yes, but I liked it so much I wanted to do it again."

She chuckled, and he rolled off of her and stood, tucking his now-limp member into his boxers.

"As much as I hate to say this, we should probably go." She agreed, and he helped her up from the bunk.

He recovered her panties for her, and she put them on. She was facing the bed, hooking the clasp on her bra, when they heard a noise in the doorway.

"Rrrroowwwwrrrrrrrrr!!!!"

Cat turned and screamed, and scrambled back onto the bunk, pulling her shirt down as she went.

The Wookie in the doorway picked up Obi-One's clothes, and tossed them at him.

"Rrroowwrrr rrowrr rrrrrrooooowwwwwwrrrrrrrrr!!!!"

Then turned and stalked out. Obi-One cursed under his breath.

As he dressed, Cat asked him, "Did you understand what he was saying?"

"Unfortunately, yes."

"What did he say?"

"'Finish getting dressed and come out; I'll be waiting.'"

"Oh, shit."

"My thoughts exactly."

"We're in big trouble, aren't we?"

"Probably. If this were anybody else's ship?" he let the sentence trail off.

"Why, whose ship is it?"

"The Wookie didn't tip you off? It's Han Solo's. This is the Millenium Falcon."

******************************************

As he finished dressing, Cat straightened up the bunk. Then they headed out of the ship.

Chewbacca - Cat knew who he was, now - was waiting for them at the bottom of the ramp. He growled at them some more, then took each of them by the arm and dragged them downstairs, her on the left, Obi-One on the right.

They reached the main floor of the complex, and he led them to a small knot of people. Cat noticed Ziggy and Han Solo, and a girl she hadn't met.

Chewie hauled them up before the group, and growled and roared something at Han, presumably telling him of their crime. This was confirmed a moment later when Han looked at both of them incredulously and said, "You did WHAT? In MY ship?"

Cat wanted to melt through the floor right then. She figured if her face got any hotter, she would probably spontaneously combust. /Which I think I might prefer right now.../ Obi-One was blushing as well, although not nearly as much.

Ziggy, who looked a little pre-occupied to begin with, turned to turned to Obi-One and exclaimed, "WHAT? What is going on here?" I leave you a lone for one minute..." She turned to Cat. "And YOU, you said you wouldn't be any trouble." She paused and took a deep breath. "Look, maybe you should just leave--"

Obi-One leapt to her rescue then. "Wait!" All eyes turned to him. "It wasn't her fault." Ziggy arched an eyebrow, but said nothing. Everyone waited expectantly for him to continue, so he did. "It wasn't her fault," he repeated. "We were going to, well..in the loading dock, but then I saw the ship and... She argued with me about it, but I..." His voice became barely audible as he mumbled something.

"What was that?" Ziggy asked.

He took a deep breath, and said quickly, "Imindwhammiedherintothinkingthatitwouldbeokay." He looked at Cat around the Wookie. "Cat, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get you in trouble..."

She tried to speak, couldn't, then cleared her thraot and tried again. "It's okay," she managed to squeak. /Didn't I have an appointment with the foundation of this building? Maybe I could actually find the *ground*, and I could just meld into it and hide there for the next century.../

Han threw up his hands and turned away, muttering what sounded like something about horny Jedi. Cat wasn't sure, and she didn't think she wanted to know.

"Chewie, did they do any damage to the Falcon?"

Chewie roared a negative.

"Okay." He turned back to Obi-One and pointed at him. "You are going to unload the Falcon on our next delivery. He glanced at Ziggy for confirmation, and she nodded. "And both of you," he said, turning back to them, "are going to clean the inside of of the ship tomorrow, under Chewie's supervision." He smiled lopsidedly and added, "She could use a bath."

Done, he stepped back, giving Ziggy the floor. The other girl looked like she was trying not to laugh.

She address Cat first. "Okay, I'm not going to kick you out; you can at least stay for dinner. But no more trouble!" Cat shook her head, and then abruptly switched and nodded instead. Ziggy rounded on Obi-One then.

"And YOU! I'm not even going to bother lecturing you about this, and I shouldn't have to. However, if something like this happens again, I will set Chewie on you, and tell him 'No mercy'. You got that?"

Obi-One paled at her words, and nodded.

"And no more mind-tricks!" she added. "Okay, both of you, go watch football with the others. I won't tell them about this -- this time." You could see the wheels turning in her head as she weighed the possible blackmail value of the situation. Chewie let them go, and they turned in the direction of the common room.

"Obi-One," Ziggy called out to him. He winced visibly, expecting more of a tirade.

"Yes, Ziggy?"

"You might want to fix your hair first," she told him, a ghost of a smile on her lips.

He did so, quickly, and then led Cat out of the room, to the common room.

When they were out of earshot, the entire group gave way to giggling or chuckles of amusement.



===



From: spacefan
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-A-J Round Robin




Your eyes open just as Qui-Gon Djinn stops in front of you. You called to him through your shared bond. Yeah you could have got up and went into the football room but she was in there!! You want to begin the healing process, not add to the gaping wound.

"Yes." His voice was unusually quiet.

Your shared link that was guided by the Force hummed between you. Its soothing familiarity helped you ignore the stench of Cammy's perfume that remained on his clothing. It invades your olfactory nerve.

"I need to tell you something and I'll be direct." You stand up and the straightened the tea-length dress he bought you. Your steps echo in the dining room antechamber. You stroke your neck, "These marks are from Maul."

Your shared bond hums like a taut string plucked severely. You swallow. Qui-Gon sighs.

"Gabrielle, why the game? Why didn't you tell me?" His tone did not elude to the distress you sensed within him.

You close your eyes. "I..um..was too shocked the first time-"

Qui frowns, "The first time. There were other times?"

"No. Yes. Wait." You inhale, "I was dreaming about you and Maul got in the way." Your innocent expression hinted at your sincerity.

He nods. Your link returns to its normal ebb. You relax.

You continue, "I was fearful and embarrassed because?"

"You liked it." He finished and folded his arms.

"Yes but it's only because I've been rather disturbed all day." You clear your throat. Remnants of your desire wave outward.

Qui turns his back to you. His sigh echoes off the walls. Your heart sinks. Was their anything to this honesty thing?

"Do you want to be with him?" The master asked with his back to you.

"No."

Qui turns around. His expression is softer. "How far did it go?"

"No wear important or significant."

"I'm sorry."

Irritation flashed on his features, "He will be sorry."

"No." You clasp his calloused hands. The hands that held lightsabers, fought off smugglers, battled sith and have held you. You pull him close. His arms tuck you into an embrace. "Let's drop it. Please don't do anything."

Gods, the last thing you needed was a replay of Duel of the Fates.

"Promise me." You squeeze tightly, "It will solve nothing and I am yours already."

He smiles and agrees.

"I must ask for your apology as well." Qui contends. His blue eyes stare at you, "I am sorry for my behavior with Cammy."

"It's all right." You nod. "But could you do me a favor?"

"Anything."

"If you decide to sign back with the company. Just don't tell me anything about your meetings with her. As a matter of fact, I don't want to know about any of it."

"As you wish but I am still undecided on that matter, so it is of no consequence to us."

"Mace is right. We are a bunch of drama queens." You purr into his belly.

A rumble deep within him tells you of his laughter. You crane your neck to face him.

"Yes but think of the great make-up sex." He says, as his eyes grow dark with lust.

"I don't need a fight in order to have great sex with you."

Suddenly Qui lifts you up hungrily kissing you. You feel your back against a wall while your mouths throw you into ecstasy.

"Oh my dear. Excuse me." A droid says behind you.

You whimper as your lover breaks away your kiss. //Soon// he answers your whimper.

"Dinner is served." The droid in forms you.

"Come my love." You two walk hand in hand into the dining room.



===



From: "Crysta Novelli"
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-a-J RR: Close Scrutiny




I stood there, staring at Ziggy and shaking my head. How she could totally forget her own problems to help another so easily was incredible. And her advice - she'd flat out told the girl to face her problems and talk them out. Now if that wasn't the pot calling the kettle black...

"Ziggy, do you have any idea what you just told her?" I asked gently when she realized that Han and I were still standing there.

"No, what?" she asked confused. "I just told her to find Djinn and talk to him, no matter how much it hurts... Oh!" she exclaimed as understanding dawned on her, then grinned sheepishly. "So I'm a hypocrite, what can I say?" she said. "It's so much easier to *give* advice than it is to take it..." she said sadly.

"I know it is, kid," Han said softly, "but we're right here for you." She looked at him, then me, and nodded, taking in a deep breath. "Okay. Here's an idea - why don't you two go talk to Qui and Obi, and I'll just wait here."

"I don't think so," I replied, smiling. At least she still had her sense of humor.

"Damn," she muttered softly. "But you can't blame me for trying..." she grinned at Han's expression. "All right, they're in the kitchen, so here goes nothing..." she said, heading towards the kitchen.

Just then, Chewie came towards us, roaring and dragging Obi-One and a young girl with him.

"You did WHAT? In MY ship??" Han's face twisted into a look of shock and disgust. I didn't understand wookie, but judging from the embarrassed expression the girl's face and Obi-One's reputation, I took a good guess as to what Chewie had found them doing.

Han struck fear into the very heart of the troublesome clone, and I tried really hard not to smile at his reaction to the punishment Han declared.

Ziggy wasn't exactly in the mood to deal with the clone's antics either, and she apparently knew who the girl was, because she ripped into each of them, finally allowing her to stay for dinner.

The embarrassed couple made a hasty retreat to the commons room, but didn't quite make it before Ziggy called out to Obi-One again. He turned around with a worried expression on his face, and she suggested he fix his hair. I held my laughter in until they disappeared through the door.

"Well, that sure helped lighten the mood around here, didn't it, kid?" Han asked, flashing that lopsided grin of his. The amused expression on Ziggy's face quickly melted away, sending her back into her former state. "Come on, kid... Don't make me drag you in there," Han threatened good-naturedly.

"All right, all right - I'm going," she sighed, turning around and disappearing into the kitchen. Han was right behind her, and I brought up the rear.

Suddenly, I felt a dark presence behind me and I whirled, coming face to face with Darth Maul.

I'd never seen him up close before, but now his face was mere inches away from mine and I had no choice but to stare back into those hypnotizing yellow eyes. My heart leapt into my throat as my gaze landed on them, then spread out to see the intricate red and black designs swirled on his skin. He didn't speak, but he seemed to not only be staring *at* me, but right through me as well. If I could have melted through the floor I would have - anything to avoid that unnerving stare. It crossed my mind that I might just be in his way, but if he wanted me to move he wasn't doing a very good job - my feet were rooted in place as if they were solid blocks of durasteel. I wasn't terrified, but I wasn't exactly calm, either... And I had no idea what he wanted.

Slowly, his gaze dropped from my eyes to take in the rest of me. I didn't move as he slowly began to circle me, sizing me up. I watched his movements from the corner of my eye, and could almost see him gathering his information on me. I felt somewhat like a helpless animal being sized up by it captor, knowing it only has moments to live, yet I wasn't *afraid*... I wasn't sure what he was doing, but if he'd wanted to hurt me, surely he would have done it by now...

He made not a sound as he crept stealthily around me, and I did my best to shove my heart back down into my chest where it belonged. He finished one circle and came back to my face, meeting my eyes again, and again staring right through me. It was as if he were trying to see into the depths of my soul. That, and trying to scare the hell out of me.

His lips curved upwards in a very slight smile, and I realized that he was reading my thoughts, or at least my emotions. Swallowing my apprehension, I took a deep, calming breath and returned his gaze, refusing to be intimidated by those cruel yellow eyes. That earned me a nod, and he began a second circle, as slow as the first had been.

I had no idea why Maul would be wasting his time on me, but there was obviously *something* about me that had sparked his interest. Perhaps he wanted to turn me to the Dark Side? That wasn't very practical - I had far too much of the Light Side in me, and I was too stubborn to convert. Again I watched from the corner of my eyes as he swept around behind me and stepped out of my peripheral vision. I didn't dare move my head, no matter how much I wanted to see him. He was in control of this situation, and for the time being, I was content to let him have it.

I forced myself to relax even further and tried to forget that I was being stared at as if I were a piece of property on display. Somehow, I succeeded, and as my mind relaxed, I felt a slight stirring, or brushing against my head. By now he had returned to my sight, and I saw that his hands were *not* near my head. Puzzled, I concentrated, and felt the tendrils again. They were gentle, light, barely there. It took me a moment to realize that he was using the Force, and he was touching my mind. The moment I identified what he was doing, the sensation stopped.

He now stood in front of me again, aiming his hard gaze at me. I met those eyes once more and felt my heart rate increase slightly, even as I bid it not to. I wondered if he was done, and what he would do next. The silence in the hallway was deafening, and words were totally beyond me at that point, so I waited. I waited for him to speak, or attack, or do whatever he was going to do next.

He stared at me a moment longer, then stepped back, out of my personal space. I visibly relaxed, but he waited another moment before dropping his gaze and turning, walking swiftly down the hall in the direction he had come from.

Letting out the breath I hadn't realized I was holding, my shoulders slumped slightly and I rolled my head back, trying to figure out what that had been about. I shook my head quickly to clear it, realizing that I was supposed to be in the kitchen with Ziggy and that I could worry about Maul later.

I turned around and headed to the door to the kitchen. Just as I was about to open it, a familiar voice called out to me from the opposite direction that Maul had gone.

"Crys?" the tentative voice called out. I dropped my hand from the door and turned to regard Gill. She looked worried, and I wondered if she'd just born witness to Maul's close scrutiny of me.

"Crys, what's going on? Are you okay?" Yes, she was definately worried, but I still wasn't sure exactly what she was talking about. If she hadn't seen Maul, I wasn't about to tell her - no sense worrying her more.

"Fine, Gill, why?" I asked. It was obvious from my tone of voice that I *wasn't* fine, but the "why" was the important part.

"I saw Ziggy run out... she said something about a disk, and Obi and Qui said you and Luke were involved..." she started, and I held up my hand to stop her. She *hadn't* seen Maul after all - she was just wondering what was up with Ziggy and I and everything.

"Gill, not now. I'll tell you later," I said, brushing her off quickly. There was a reason she didn't know what was going on - it wasn't any of her business right now. Hell, it was barely any of *my* business! She may be my best friend, but she hadn't needed to know, so she didn't.

"Crys..." she said, her tone clear. It was her, 'I'm not going to take that for an answer' tone of voice.

"Gill." I said firmly, the tone of *my* voice clearly saying that now was *not* the time, and she wasn't going to win this argument. It was a tone my voice rarely carried, and her widened eyes told me that she knew I meant it. Slowly, she nodded.

I turned and placed my hand on the door to the kitchen again. Just before I pushed it open, I turned back to her.

"Gill, if you *really* want to help, make sure no one else enters the kitchen right now," I told her, my tone softening slightly. Again, she nodded, clearly confused as to what was going on.

I turned back to the door and pushed it open, leaving Gill alone in the hall.



===



From: "Selah Specht"
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] RaJ Thanksgiving RR: Mediation




All right, here it is...dumdumdumDUUUUMMMMM!!! And just for you Crys, I'm going to let you continue it, lol!!! Oh, this is a big scarlet A for ANGST...

************

I held my breath as Han uncerimoniously shoved me into the kitchen. Right away I felt about three inches tall and just wanted to make a run for the other door, but I knew that there was no way I could out-run him, Qui, Obi, *and* Luke. Great, so now it was a regular party. "Um, hi?" I muttered, still looking at the floor.

"Well, that's a start," Han sighed from behind me and I quickly went to the refrigerator.

"I need a drink," I muttered, not looking anywhere besides in front of me. Even so, I caught Han's warning grunt. "Of *water*!" I reassured him, pulling out a bottle.

"Where were you?" Qui-Gon asked quietly and I remained silent, not really wanting to admit that I had almost been ready to drink myself into a senseless stupor.

"I found her at a bar a few blocks down, getting ready to enertain a terminator," Han said dryly and shock practically oozed from everyone in the room.

"I didn't get it down, though, did I?" I shot back, glancing into the oven, making sure the meal didn't go up into flames. Besides, the oven was close enough to the other door...

"Don't even try it, kid." I clenched my jaw at the voice that was casually warning and turned around and raised an eyebrow at Han. "We're not leaving this room until we get this sorted out...now sit," he added, nodding to a chair beside the one he was in. Reluctantly, still not looking up, I went over and had a seat, resting my arms on the wooden chair arms...

Click. At the sound I widened my eyes, looked down at my left hand, then glared back up at Han. "You unlock those right now!!" I snapped, glaring back down at the handcuffs that had me secured to said chair.

"It's just insurance, kid, that you won't go running out again until we have a nice little discussion," he soothed as he made a show of slipping the key into a compartment in his belt. I sighed and looked away as the other three in the room silently took chairs across the table and Han sat back down.

"Great. Now I don't usually play mediator, but it looks like this time I ain't gotta choice. Now how do you propose we start this thing?"

"How about by giving me the key?" I asked sacharine sweetly and Han rolled his eyes.

"No."

"Fine," I retorted and Han simply stared at me, so I stared back.

"Kid, are you going to tell them what you told me back there? Nothing goes out of this room."

"Just like nothing went out of my personal disk?" I asked, knowing it was a low blow, but I just couldn't help it.

"Listen, I'm sorry about that, we all are, but we were worried-" Obi was quick to say and I dared a glance up at him.

"I understand that. And I understand that it probably didn't occur to you to ask someone who knows the entire situation, like Afton. And I know that curiousity probably got the better of you...as much as it irritates me I can forgive you for that...but I also know that the damage has been done and you won't forget what you read," I continued, forcing myself on. "Look, it's fine that you're concerned, and it's helpful, but I'm not going to break...even if I might want to in this situation, I won't...There's no simple solution, if there even is a hard one, for that matter," I added, pausing to take a swig of water. "I don't know if I can go on..." I whispered and Han set a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

"Just tell them what you told me, kid." I nodded, glancing back down at the handcuffs before I took a huge breath and dared to look up.

"This whole thing started long ago...when I was only eleven," I began, blushing slightly. "Up until then I had only seen fragments of the movies, and didn't really care about them one way or the other...then we moved to Indiana and I lost all interest in anything and everything...I was a loner at school, my parents didn't know what to do, I was diagnosed with depression and occassionally even thought about...drastic measures," I worded carefully, taking a moment to wonder how I could have ever have been so stupid.

"I never tried it," I added quickly, "and I would never even think about it now...I love my life too much, but that was then...anyway, near the end of my sixth grade year my science teacher decided to show us Empire Strikes Back...I was hooked once I saw Yoda...even though I know what I was going through was nothing compared to what you had to...that movie made me feel like someone understood the sort of despair that I was feeling," I said quietly, barely glancing up at Luke. "After that I rented all the movies and became the regular addict," I chuckled, shaking my head. "I loved the mythology of the movies, the bizarre aliens and weapons...and I began to found someone who wasn't just a big dork like the guys at school..." I whispered, clearing my throat before going on. "I'd had crushes before...but for the first time I really, really admired someone for their integrity, honesty, humor, sense of justice...and physical appearance..." I trailed off, knowing I was blushing. Pretty soon, I was completely captivated by you, even though I thought it was all a movie and all that. The cloud eventually lifted for me and I haven't had an episode like that since. Since then I've had my rough times, but my SW love affair has kept me grounded...acts like the calm during the storm, y'know? Anyway, that was eight years ago...and this past summer PM comes out and I'm addicted right away...I wrote the last two of the three stories after that, before I had really had time to mull over the characters...my dad and I have never been close so I guess I wrote Obi and Qui as more of a brother and father figures because I had already established my character's relationship with Luke in the story, and it really hadn't occured to me yet that I might actually have feelings for them, as well. It didn't, actually, until I met them...and my whole life changed," I whispered, glancing up but not really daring to see their expressions.

"Then I had a problem. I was completely in love with one, but infatuated with the other two...then I get this job and everything goes haywire..."

"So why didn't you say anything?" Luke asked quietly.

"We wouldn't have persisted if we had known..." Qui added softly and I felt my shoulders hitch slightly and I banged my free arm on the table.

"You don't get it! I quickly fell in love with you two...just as much as I was, am, with Luke...I didn't want to hurt you so I never brought it up...it was never an issue until the night of the gala...I'm a tough chick...I can handle having you guys working for this kind of a business, I could handle Luke working for it...but it just was like a kick in the soul to suddenly see him someone else, but Crysta is fantastic, don't get me wrong!" I blurted, not wanting to sound bitchy. "I never told you before hand because...because I'm just no good at this love thing," I admitted, gritting my teeth as my eyes began to burn. "I'm not a flirt, I don't know how to handle guys...it's probably my one area that I feel totally self-conscious about...besides, I'm many things, but I'm not what most men usually want...I didn't think anyone *could* fall in love with me, so I just kept my feelings to myself, where it was a lot safer..."

I dared to turn to look, but didn't dare look into those eyes, or else I would've lost it for sure. "I don't know how I feel now...I know I still have some feelings for you, but I don't want Crysta and you to think that I'm trying to break you up because I would never do that, especially for someone that I care about, that I love..."

"And I don't want you guys to think that I'm trying to ditch you, because I love you so much," I added quickly, turning to Qui and Obi. "I didn't want to hurt you, I didn't want you to be angry with me...and I just don't know what to do..." I sighed, trying to swallow the sob that was trying to come out. Han nodded approvingly before grasping my hand that was in the cuffs, winding his fingers with mine while his other hand softly fingered my hair.

"Good work, kid...that wasn't easy to let out, I know-What?" he asked as Luke, Qui, Obi, and I frowned simultaneously. A disturbance in the Force, in the hall outside...it passed quickly, though and suddenly Crysta entered and joined us. She sat down on my other side and Han smiled slightly at her.

"Well, she spilled it, so now we have to hear from the other side," he advised, nodding to the other side of the table. I bit my lip and lowered my gaze, not knowing if I could hear what was to come....



===



From: "Selah Specht"
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] RaJ RR: Finding a Resolution




I squeezed Han's hand gently, finally daring to look up, and gave Crysta a small smile, but she seemed to be in some mental conversation with Luke. Han noticed it, too, and his frustration at the two doing a "Jedi thing" showed on his expression.

"Sorry to interrupt, but would you two like to share with the rest of the class?" he asked sarcastically and Luke and Crysta colored slightly before responding simultaneously: "No," causing amused smiles from Obi and Qui.

"Okay, I told my piece, now I expect a huge payoff when you go write a horribly slanted novel about this experience and turn it into a Sunday Night Movie," I said, deadpan, and Crysta rolled her eyes, grinning. It never ceases to amaze me that I can crack a joke even during the most serious times; my Hawkeye Pierce complex, I guess: I joke to keep from screaming.

"Well, one thing's for sure...there is no easy solution," Obi-Wan said quietly and we all nodded absently.

"That's why I didn't want anyone to read those stories...it was more to prevent this whole thing from happening," I sighed, staring at my hands. "Okay...look, I'm not going to bug either of you about this and I don't want you to worry about me...and if you want to leave the company, I understand, but you should've just said something," I said, forcing the calm, as I regarded Luke.

"Leave? What makes you think that?" he asked, totally confused.

"I heard you when you snuck out...I figure that the only reason you would was to go see Crysta, so you must not be happy here, so I figure you want to cancel your contract to avoid any situations involving current developments," I answered, business frame of mind taking over.

"Selah," Luke breathed, suddenly understanding. "I didn't sneak out because I wanted to leave...I was concerned about you and needed Crysta's advice! I still plan on staying, no matter what happens," he added and I breathed a sigh of relief. He stood and crossed to me to kneel by my chair. "Please know that I do care about you...maybe if you would've said something, maybe if I wouldn't have met Crysta, maybe if you wouldn't have met Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan-"

"But it is not right for a Jedi to dwell on the possibilities," I said firmly, smiling slightly as I glanced over at Qui. "A Jedi's focus must remain on the here and now. I understand and admire your choice...she's ten times better than Callista, anyway," I couldn't help but add, earning a big grin from Crysta.

I frowned as I noticed Obi-Wan pondering something. "You know, there is always a way out of this..."

"What?" Han asked, frowning.

"Well, it would only be for one night, but maybe if..." he faded off, staring over at Luke and me. Crysta's eyes got big and she stared numbly on as Luke gave me a considering glance and gently reached up to trace my cheek with a fingertip.

"But would it do more harm than good?" Qui asked, frowning. "Cause one or both to regret the choices they made, or to dwell more on one experience than the paths they have chosen?"

"I don't know, but Ben is right...it is a way out," Luke conceded before staring me straight in the eyes and leaning towards my face...

I reached out a hand and stopped him with the Force. "No. I won't do it. I don't care if it's only for one night, I don't care. I would never ask something like that of you, of anyone. Qui's right, it would only do more harm than good, and besides, it would be selfish for me to ask that of someone who is loved by another," I added, sending a wave of reassurance to Crysta. "I will not commit some form of adultery just to find out what it would've been like, and I will not ask Luke to do the same," I said, smiling slightly as Luke sent a wave of gratitude out to me and I nodded slightly. "Things may take time to get used to, but I think we've worked everything out...I'll live, and I feel much better, thank you...and at least you have an understanding of where I'm coming from...and I'll stop avoiding both of you," I said to Luke and Crysta. "But please understand that if I seem uncomfortable around you at first it's not your fault...it's just me trying to deal with things," I added.

"Fair enough," Han commented and the others nodded. "Good! Now we're getting somewhere!" he said, then frowned. "Now when do we eat? I have a feeling Chewie's gonna start diggin into a protocol droid if we don't get food soon!" We couldn't help but laugh at that and I glanced over to the oven.

"It looks done...unlock me and I'll call dinner," I added as I turned back to Han.

"Wait on that a moment, will you, Solo?" Obi asked and Han nodded. "Why don't you guys go call the others to dinner in the dining room and we'll be there, directly," he added and I swallowed at the look he gave me.

"Sure," Luke agreed before he, Crysta, and Han exited the kitchen.

"I understand if you want to break it off," I sighed, knowing that I had probably just blown it big time.

"What in the world are you talking about?" Qui asked, taken aback.

"But I just-"

"You just proved that your feelings are genuine..." Obi interrupted, getting up to walk over and lean on the table by my chair. "It's hard to understand sometimes, but you just proved your love..."

"And now we want you to let it out, love...let us bear the hard parts with you," Qui added, coming over to my other side.

I nodded slowly, comprehending. "All right, I guess...this won't change your minds, will-"

"Never," the master said resolutely and I smiled slightly before closing my eyes and slowly dropping all my shields, sending out all my feelings of pain, conflict, love, and need to find a solution out to the two Jedi, almost pulling back when I felt them gasp at the intensity of it.

*No...let us share your feelings,* Obi urged me so I continued until the wave had run its course. Opening my eyes, I realized that all of us were breathing hard.

"I do love you both so, so much," I whimpered, sighing with relief as Qui-Gon suddenly knelt at my side, cupping my chin in a large hand, his thumb stroking at my tear-stained cheek as his mouth found mine.

*We know, love, we know...* I gasped as he suddenly pulled away and I was occupied by the padawan's lips.

*You don't need to keep anything from us...we'll be here for you, dearheart,* he sent before pulling away, his eyes sparkling with love and something else...

"You know, Master, I think I like her like this..." he chuckled, nodding to the fact that I was still very much handcuffed to the chair. "Makes chasing her down a lot easier..." he added before flashing a grin and crawling into my lap, his knees on each side of my thighs. I inhaled sharply as he attacked my throat with his tongue, his hands gripping my hips possesively, Qui-Gon suddenly claiming my mouth from the side, his tongue exploring every inch of my mouth.

*Forgive?* I managed to ask.

*It's all right, love.* I moaned as Qui-Gon's hand slid down my front....

"Ahem. I'm so sorry to interrupt but we'd like to eat and we want our food clean, thanks." All three of us jumped at the sudden interruption and grinned sheepishly at Han, who was lounging in the doorway.

"Right...she started it!" he added, pointing at me before unlocking me.

"Me? I was handcuffed to a chair!" I retorted and he grinned.

"Exactly, if you wouldn't have tempted us we'd be all right," he chuckled and I resisted the urge to clobber him with a pie.

"All right, braid-boy! That can wait till later...right now I'm starved and I think everyone else is, too. Let's eat!!" I laughed as we headed into the dining room.



===



From: Gillian Taylor
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] Thanksgiving R-a-J RR: The Kitchen Guard




'This game is getting boring,' I decided suddenly after my eyes started to drift shut for the second time in as many minutes. I wanted to talk to someone about that entire Crysta/Luke/Ziggy incident, but I didn't want to dig myself another hole. Lord knows how that last one turned out!

I blushed at the thought, but swallowed my emotions to turn an amused glance at the rest of the room. Somehow seeing Yoda yelling, "Grab the ball you must! Go! Quickly you must! GOAL!" was too strange for words. The words, 'Goal! GOAL! GOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLL!" a la soccer played through my head as I stood up to leave the TV room. Sure it was fun watching some of the Jedi masters get into the game, but the...activities that some of the other Jedi/customers were getting into were getting to be very uncomfortable for me to watch.

I ran my hand through my short-cropped hair once as I picked my way through a maze of Jedi to reach the door. Opening it quietly I left the room with a sigh of relief. There was only so much smut that I could stand to watch--reading was another matter, but watching...No thank you.

It seemed as if my waiting for my friend had paid off. I spotted her at the end of the corridor, her gaze fixated on something that only she could see. I arched an eyebrow curiously as I approached, wondering what was going on, but not intruding.

I could have sworn that I had seen a flash of a black cloak turn into another part of the hallway when I reached her. I spoke to her tentatively, not wishing to intrude on her thoughts, "Crys?" I was worried, not just about her seemingly blank stare at something that only she could see, but also about what I've decided to call 'Ziggy-gate.'

She turned towards me, probably reading my emotions through my eyes. I do tend to be an open book to my closest friends, "Crys, what's going on? Are you ok?"

"Fine, Gill. Why?"

'Shit,' I thought, she's doing that damn 'Fine' thing that drives me nuts. For her (and me, sometimes for that matter) a 'fine' can mean just about anything. However, I knew without a doubt that 'fine' meant exactly the opposite. She wasn't fine. And I wanted to know why, "I saw Ziggy run out... she said something about a disk, and Obi and Qui said you and Luke were involved..."

She held up her hand to stop me mid-sentence, "Gill, not now. I'll tell you later."

Later? More like never...I decided to pull out the Calvary and used my 'I'm NOT taking that for an answer!' voice, "Crys..."

"Gill," she responded. I knew *that* tone well. But I only hoped that she'd tell me when she could. Not only was I dying of curiosity, I wanted to know if there was anything that I could do to help her. I nodded slowly, burying a sigh.

She turned away and began to enter the kitchen, but she turned back to me, "Gill, if you *really* want to help, make sure no one else enters the kitchen right now."

Well, guard duty I *can* do. I leaned against the side of the door and settled in for a wait.

"We need to get some munchies..." a voice echoed down the hallway, not two seconds after I settled myself in for 'guarding' the kitchen.

"Popcorn we need," a deeper, more gravelly voice responded, "And cheezits."

'Great,' I thought as I turned my head to see Yoda and a vaguely familiar Council member named Silky Saybrooke moving towards me with purpose in their steps. I moved to intercept them before they got any closer, "The kitchen's closed for now. I'm sure that you could find something to eat somewhere else..."

"Lying you are. Kitchen closed is not," Yoda responded.

"No, I'm not lying, Yoda. You just cannot go in there for a little bit longer."

"Someone inside there is. Protecting someone, hmmmm?"

Lovely. First I don't learn what's going on from Crys, then I'm sent to make sure that no one enters the kitchen, and now I have to deal with a short, green Jedi Master that doesn't believe me when I tell him that he can't go in. Vaguely I wondered who I hacked off upstairs, "Yoda, I cannot allow either of you to enter the kitchen, ok? Just accept it and move on!"

"When will the kitchen be open?" Silky asked me curiously.

Good question, "I don't know. Probably at least another ten minutes...can you two just go back to the TV room? I'll bring you both some popcorn and cheezits. Ok?"

Yoda tapped his walking stick against the floor once, "Acceptable this is. Bring food soon, hmmm? Game soon over."

"Yeah, I'll do it as fast as I can. But I think we'll be eating soon."

"Hmmmm...then food necessary is not," Yoda muttered, turning back to the TV room. I breathed a sigh of relief as I watched them go. At least I wouldn't have to bring them snacks now.

I began to count the ceiling tiles as I waited for whatever was happening in the kitchen to be over so I could stop my impersonation of a guard dog. The sudden image of myself growling and barking informed me better than any words could say of just how bored I was.

So, instead of ceiling tiles, I began to think of Han Solo. Though Crys still teases me about it, I essentially fell in love with him from the first time that I saw him. I was lucky, though, that I was actually able to meet him once and I found him even better looking and lovable in person. Crys had to scrape me off the floor afterwards, of course, but it was enough for me. 'You're completely pathetic, Gill,' I thought to myself with a wry grin.

"OH yeah..."

"Oh yeah what?" a familiar voice asked me from behind and I spun quickly to see my best friend, Luke and...

OH.

MY.

GOD.

It's Han...



===



From: "Darth Diebin"
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] RaJ Thanksgiving: Diebin Posts




I was completely miserable by the time Ziggy finally showed back up with Han, Qui-Gon, and Obi-Wan--but the happy smile on her face reassured me that at least disaster seemed to have been averted.

Making a polite excuse to one of the Council members I wandered over to where Ziggy had sat down, pausing every few steps to sneeze into my handkerchief.

?Are you all right, Diebin?? Ziggy asked when I finally made it there, dizzy and exhausted.

??M goin? d?bed now,? I slurred, cursing the stuffed up nose that made me sound mildly intoxicated. ?Hope everydings okay.?

?Do you need some help?? Qui-Gon asked, giving me a narrow look. I forced a smile, waving my hand in front of his face. ?Leave the intern alone,? I intoned, doubling over as another sneeze hit me. ?I?m fine. I jus? need sleep, so if the fire?s over . . .?

Ziggy blushed, catching her lip between her teeth. ?Diebin, I?m sor--?

?Can it, Boss-Lady,? I replied, patting her clumsily on the shoulder. ?S?long as you?re okay, I?m okay.?

Turning around I ran directly into a body that I was relatively sure wasn?t there when I?d started talking to Ziggy. Tilting my head back I met a pair of mirthful brown eyes.

?Excuse me, but you are not a Jedi.? Scratching my head slightly I stared at the smuggler who was staring right back at me.

?She?s pretty smart,? Han said, reaching down to ruffle my hair. His hand stopped on my forehead, brown eyes going wide. ?Did you know that your head?s on fire?? he asked suddenly.

I sneezed at him. ?Yes, I did,? I muttered. ?I needed to come down here and watch--watch . . .? The pounding in my head was making it very hard to concentrate, and I blinked up at him owlishly. ?I?m going to bed now,? I stated, moving around him and sneezing my way back across the dining room.

?She has got a really high fever,? I heard Han tell someone behind me as I struggled with the first stair. The concept of lifting one foot up off the ground seemed oddly difficult--and my balance was rather precarious.

?She looks pretty bad too,? I heard a familiar voice say faintly over the roaring in my ears. Great. Obi-Wan thought I looked like shit. Well fuck him too.

I was on the fifth stair when everything went black.



===



From: Per'agana
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] R-a-J Thanksgiving RR: Uh-oh!




I left Tam to go find her beloved and wandered back into the TV room, pausing to play with Pikachu for a moment before sitting back down with Exar Kun. I tried to avoid the several sets of Jedi eyes that were tracking me, obviously wondering what my *next* performance would be.

Kun looked toward the door, then back at me. *What did that Jedi woman want?*, he sent, sounding a bit more curious than usual.

?It?s nothing, really...?, I said aloud. I sighed when Exar lifted an eyebrow, clearly unwilling to let me off without an explanation. *Look, it?s her birthday today, and she wanted some time alone with Vader, so I gave her some earplugs from the supply cabinet, and...*

*WHAT?!?* Exar?s furious voice broke through my attempt at telepathically explaining myself. He looked outwardly calm, but I could tell he was livid. His voice dropped to a menacing whisper. ?Outside. NOW!?

He got up and stalked toward the door, and I followed, more than a little bit afraid. I had no idea what I could have done to cause *this* reaction. I followed him around the corner to my office, where he wrenched the door open, grabbed me by my shoulder, and roughly threw me inside. I stumbled, then looked up at him in shock. The calm face he wore in front of the observers in the common room was completely transformed. His face was twisted in rage, and his viridian eyes spat fire-I had never seen him so angry. ?You are now going to tell me?, he said in the lowest, softest, *cruelest* voice I had ever heard, ?exactly what you think you?re doing. This foolishness with the lightsiders ends, and ends *now*.? His hand swept under my hair and grabbed me by the back of my neck in a vice grip. ?I gave you those ear plugs and instructed you to tell *no one*. How DARE you disobey me??

The pressure at my neck increased, and his hand suddenly felt as if it were made of hot coals, burning through my skin. I cried out in pain, and tried to get my voice to work, to explain. ?She promised to distract him, I didn?t think it would...?

Exar waved his hand dismissively, and I was flung off my feet and hurled against the wall. My breath was knocked out of me with the force of the impact. I tried to understand why I didn?t feel the horrible pain I expected with what he?d just done, and I realized that he was using the Force to hold off the pain-any second he could decide to let me feel it, or even to increase it. He glared at me and his lip curled into a contemptuous sneer. ?Yes, that?s exactly the problem. You. Didn?t. Think.?

With a slow, sinking feeling, I suddenly realized what it *meant* that this man was Sidious? equal in power. I looked back up at him and realized that he?d somehow crossed the room in milliseconds. He grabbed me by the arms and jerked me to my feet, pressing me into the wall. ?This is not a *game* we are playing, here. I did not agree to prostitute myself, to save you from Sidious? grasp, for NOTHING.? I stared into his eyes, trying to trade the fear for the anger, finally succeeding in somehow finding both. ?I don?t understand. It?s not as if you ever *told* me why...?

His face registered astonishment. ?And you wonder why, after what you just did?? He stared at me, calculation slowly replacing raw fury. I knew he had the power to raid my mind without me even knowing he was doing it, so I dropped any pretense of shields. I was terrified, but I wanted to know why he was so suddenly attacking me.

?Shields?? Kun snorted. ?As if. Your overestimation of your beginner?s abilities betrays you.? He stopped for a moment, considering. ?Although you are certainly more skilled than you would be if those mewling Jedi had trained you. In fact, I was beginning to think that is what you were really after....that beyond your vaunted love for Lord Maul, you had *nothing* to bind you to the Sith. Now I see that you are merely clueless, completely unaware of what is really going on under your nose, which is really just as pathetic.?

The fury returned to his eyes as he continued to berate me. ?You find this humorous, all the Jedi and the Sith living together in ....harmony? (he spat the last word at me like it was diseased) ?...so that all of you can have what you want. You have no idea of the game that is being played out under your nose. Never mind the pathetic Jedi for the moment, although they are certainly part of this tapestry. Do you understand, even minutely, what it is that Darth Sidious wants??

Taken off guard by the topic shift, I could only stammer ?to control everything.?

?Yeesss?, Exar hissed. ?I *thought* he made somewhat of an impression on you. Yes, he wants absolute control of everything, and he will do anything to get it. Including---especially-destroying the Sith.?

My mouth gaped in shock. ?What? Gods, why? He *is* Sith....?

Exar?s face reflected a small, vicious smile. ?No, he is Sidious. Being Sith is irrelevant to him. He wants only the power, for himself, and he places the destruction of his rivals as high-or perhaps even higher-on his list than he does the destruction of the Jedi.?

I couldn?t help interrupting. ?If that were true, why hasn?t he moved against you? He hasn?t done anything to...? I stopped, suddenly realizing how far from the truth that was. He placed two of his apprentices in Rent-a-Sith, in perfect proximity to spy on the Sith, the Jedi, and....

Kun nodded grimly. ?And each other. You begin to understand. Now, to go back to your ridiculous affection for these Jedi women...?

?But Tam is different?, I protested. ?She?s beginning to turn to the Dark Side!?

He stiffened. ?Through Vader. Are you truly so short-sighted that you cannot see what will happen?? I suddenly caught a Force-image in my mind of Tam, pushed tight against the wall by skeletal, horrible hands, her face caught in a rictus of fear for herself and her unborn baby. Exar?s words cut neatly through the terrifying image. ?And he will deliver Yoda?s padawan and her very Force-sensitive child right into Sidious? hands.?

I tried to remain calm. ?Exar, I truly believe that Vader cares about her.?

?Even if that is true...and knowing Vader, I suppose he could be weak enough for that to be true.... he still must report everything to Sidious. Do you believe he will keep her all for himself? That Sidious would allow it? I protected you...who will protect her??

?It isn?t like *you* care in the least about a Jedi woman, Exar Kun.?

?I care about delivering two people with such strong Force potential into the hands of someone who truly knows what can be done with it. And I especially care about Vader being conscious and aware of my little surprise.?

?Dammit, I don?t even know what the surprise *is* or *why* you?re doing it-I assume it isn?t just to continue what you started with the punch? And besides, Tam will distract him.?

Exar shook his head silently. ?You still do not understand what is at stake here. Think on your lessons, apprentice-the Jedi have been trying to destroy the Sith for millennia. Not only our people, but our lands and our properties, and ....?

My eyes widened in sudden comprehension. ?...and our artifacts. Which the Jedi have stolen. And kept..? A sudden image of the Jedi temple flashed in my mind and my voice dropped below a whisper. ?...right down the road.?

He looked at me intently, but without much of the anger showing so clearly. ?Finally, you understand.?

?I understand that I?m bait, Exar. You want the council focusing on the fact that you?re training me so they won?t see what you?re aiming for.?

Exar lifted an eyebrow. ?Bait. Yes, to some degree, you are indeed bait. You are more than that, though, as you will begin to comprehend. For now, though, you have begun to truly see things as they are.?

I barely heard him, my mind taking the new information and tumbling it over and over again, looking at it from as many ends as I could. And then it came to me with such suddenness and force that I nearly doubled over in shock and in anger at myself. ?You were planning to get something back from the Jedi, today. That?s why the surprise.? My voice sank. ?...and that?s why you didn?t want Vader to see anything. Oh, Gods, Exar...I am so.......I can?t believe what I?ve done....? Exar stood in silence, hearing me out. Finally he spoke, his voice returning to its normal resonance. ?Yes. *NOW* you see what you have done...?

I stopped him in mid-sentence. ?I?m not going to stand here like a Jedi and flog myself with shame and guilt, even though I feel every bit of it. I *will* correct what I have done. In fact....? I paused, considering. ?I think I have an idea.? I picked up my cell phone and dialed the number of the caterer we had used for the Rent-a-Jedi gala.

A little reminding of the fiasco his assistant had caused for us at the ball along with a few creative threats, and the president of the catering company quickly agreed to my plan. I turned back to Exar. "Okay, I?ll have something boiling over in the kitchen that needs help, and this served in the lobby and it should guarantee enough chaos so that nobody can keep track of where anyone went.?

He was watching me as I worked, an amused grin slowly stealing across his face. ?It is a ....creative... solution, but, yes, it *could* work.? He paused, considering. ?Perhaps I should have told you more from the beginning. You aren?t an idiot, you simply had little to work with.?

I pushed my hair out of my eyes and took a deep breath. ?I know you aren?t one for second chances, Master, but I *will* make good on this one. I will not disappoint you again.?

?That remains to be seen, apprentice. I believe I still have reason to be concerned about you and these Jedi, but now that you understand the stakes..... Go now, find Yoda?s padawan and fix this situation.?

I turned and quickly left the room, shame dogging my steps. I had not only endangered Kun?s plan, but Tam was walking into much greater danger than I suspected either of us had contemplated. I felt for her signature aura in the Force, nearly running to make sure I intercepted her before she got to Vader.

Luckily, I found her walking out of the women?s room. Those repeat visits that her pregnancy caused was a good thing in this case. ?Tam?, I cried, slightly out of breath from both the run and the fear.

She turned with a smile that quickly died as she saw my face. ?Liz, what?s wrong??

Her Jedi healer?s training surged to the forefront as she searched for injuries to me. I tried to brush her probes away...I didn?t want her to see the vision Kun had shown me. I stilled myself as much as I could. ?Tam, I need both sets of those ear plugs back. PLEASE tell me you haven?t seen Vader.?

She frowned at my words. ?No, but... why?...I don?t think I...?

I tried to pitch my voice more kindly and less commanding. I needed her to do what I said, and I needed her not to question it. Vader was all too good at picking up things from peoples? minds, and I suspected their forming bond would make it even easier. ?Please just listen. What I did could cause danger for some people. There will be a caterer coming just around the time when the dinner plates are cleared for dessert and he?ll be setting up some pricey drinks in the lobby. I?ll also create a distraction in the kitchen. Please use that time to slip out and grab Vader. Tell him you and Ziggy cooked something up to distract everyone so you?d have time alone-just leave *me* out of this. I must make sure he doesn?t understand I?m part of this, okay? Believe me, no one will bother you two. Just get him out of there before dessert is served and keep him busy. I know this sounds strange, but I?ll explain later. Come back here some time and I?ll tell you why I need to do this. For now, I just need you to trust me.?

She looked at me dubiously, probably remembering the time she?d trusted me and I gave her a drink spiked with a Sith potion. I tentatively reached out my hand and touched hers, inviting her to use the Force to test my sincerity.

I felt the gentle tendrils of her Force probe around me for a moment, then it withdrew. Her face was surprised, but less skeptical. ?I feel a lot of fear in you, Liz, and I think...oddly enough....you?re afraid for someone other than yourself. You?re shielding part of it, and I hope if it has to do with me you will tell me why, but for the moment I will trust you. I hope I don?t have reason to think that?s a bad idea...?

?No. You don?t. I know I haven?t acted very trustworthy in the past, but I seem to have learned a lot in a *very* short time. Thank you, Tam, for being willing to trust me now.? I smiled at her and went off to find out if Ziggy needed help in the kitchen. I needed something to keep me away from these thoughts, lest any of these strong Force-users pick up on them.



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From: "Selah Specht"
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] RaJ T-Day RR: Jedi M.D. for Die




I couldn't help but raise my eyebrows as Die hit the floor. Call me crazy, but that sort of thing surprises me.

"YOU GUYS!!!" I found myself shouting at Han and Obi. "You just let her FALL!?"

"I didn't know she was gonna faint, kid!" Han retorted and I rolled my eyes.

"Okay, we can deal with this...everybody get back and give her some air!!!" I commanded as I knelt by the unconscious intern. "Die? Die, can you hear me?" I asked, patting her cheek lightly. "Great, she's out cold, but her breathing is regular," I said after a few moments. "I need to get her up to her room," I added, nodding to the obvious helper, Obi-Wan. "Lift her, braid-boy!"

"Right..." he answered as he easily lifted her into his arms and headed towards the stairs, right behind me.

"I made some turkey soup for her, just in case," I sighed as we entered her room and the Padawan set her down on the bed. "Optional spicy vinegar to go with it, of course...that'd clear up those sinuses real quick! Let her rest, but I'll need someone to check on her periodically, would you mind?" I asked, innocently of course.

"I'm glad to help," he responded immediately and I nodded with approval.

"Great...maybe you could use that healing touch of yours to help remove some of the germs..." *And turn her into a living glob of Jell-o,* I added mentally, not caring if my shields were up or not. He smirked slightly before running a hand lightly through her hair and following me downstairs, assuring me that he'd check on her every half-hour.

"And since she was so good about keeping me in my room when I was sick..." I added as I pulled out my keys and set the lock, effectively locking her in the room. Obi chuckled and shook his head. "You're the only one who can have this key, okay?" I asked, handing it to him.

"There's no way I'd give it to anyone else," he purred in response as we headed for the dining room.



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From: "Darth Diebin"
Subject: [Sith_Chicks] RaJ: Here's yer Post, Zigs. *smirk*




There are nicer words than the one I used when I discovered that Ziggy had locked me into my bedroom.

Much nicer words.

Unfortunately, I hadn?t quite gotten around to installing the new lock on the door--the one I?d been planning since the week Ziggy had been locked up in her room. Figures I?d have it all read to use and not install it just when I needed it.

Of course, my head still hurt, I was still tired, and I really didn?t want to participate in the party--so I suppose to stomping and swearing and throwing things was just on principal--no one should get to lock me in my room.

After a few minutes of ranting I finally decided to just change into my pajamas and settle down under the blankets. I consoled myself with the twin pleasure of knowing that I?d get the bed to myself with no kicking and blanket hogging clone to share with--and I?d have the rest of the evening without having to worry about bumping into a certain Padawan who was most definitely entertaining himself downstairs.

The next time I woke there was someone sitting on the side of my bed. I bolted upright with a scream, lunging to the other side of the bed without remembering to take any of the blankets with me.

?You?re going to be cold,? Obi-Wan said, eyes taking in my sleep apparel. Snarling a little too viciously I snagged the blanket, tugging it up over my boxer and tanktop clad body.

Obi-Wan looked somewhat startled by my snarling. ?Are you angry with me?? he asked, his voice sounding slightly hurt.

?I?m angry with Ziggy,? I replied, not able to see the pain in his eyes. ?Not to be mean--but what are you doing here??

?I?m supposed to check up on you every half hour,? Obi-Wan said with a smile. ?Make sure you?re okay.? One hand dipped into a pocket and pulled out a key--a very familiar key. ?I?m the only one who has---mmurhpph--?

Before he could even blink I was on top of him, fingers grasping at the only chance of freedom. I had the key in my hands for a few moments, but the dratted man decided that using the Force to knock me flat onto my back was a sportsmanlike thing to do.

?You?re /supposed/ to be resting,? Obi-Wan said firmly, leaning over me to snatch the key out of my fingers. He grinned slightly at me as I scowled back. ?When did you become so feisty??

?Since you locked me into my bedroom,? I snapped. ?I don?t like being locked in.?

?I brought you some soup,? Obi-Wan said with a pleasant smile. ?I?m going to stay here until you eat it.?

?Hope you like living here as much as your naughty twin does,? I reply, crossing my arms over my chest. ?I?m not hungry. I?m not eating.?

?You /will/ eat the soup,? Obi-Wan intoned with a little wave of his hand.

?You /will/ shove the mind whammy trick up your ass,? I responded, grinning at his slightly shocked look. ?C?mon, braid boy. I dated a Sith--you think that /Jedi/ mind tricks are gonna catch me?? I was rather proud of that--as long as no one broke my concentration I could resist any mind trick in the galaxy.

I should have learned long ago not to think so loud though--I knew my mistake the minute the devilish little grin formed on his face. Next thing I knew I had very warm, very friendly lips on mine--and any hope of concentration was shot to the wind.

I whimpered slightly, trying to push myself backwards up the bed to escape, but warm fingers tangled in my hair, holding me still. It was like before--all brain circuits fried the minute he touched me. I was floating somewhere . . .

Next thing I knew I was sitting snuggled up in the blankets at the top of my bed, half-eaten bowl of soup in my hands.

I blinked, taking in the far too smug expression on the Padawan?s face.

?That?s got to be against at least ten of your Jedi code morals,? I snapped, staring down at the soup. Sighing I dropped the bowl onto my bedside table before turning over and snuggling down into the blankets. ?Go away, now. Time to sleep.?

?Would you like some assistance??

Not quite sure what Obi-Wan was offering, I rolled over and looked up at him. ?I said I was sleeping, ponytail. I think I can handle that on my own--and please, no more hand waving.?

?You know, I?m starting to think I preferred you when you were too shy to talk around me,? Obi-Wan rumbled. ?I think that the clone has had a bad affect on you--and I?m going to tell Ziggy to have him removed from here at once.?

?That?s nice,? I mumbled into the pillow. ?G?night, paddlewan.?

?What did you just call me?? Obi-Wan asked with a slightly shocked tone of voice.

?Paddlewan. Fuck-toy. Whatever you prefer--just go away so I can sleep.?

A hand landed on my forehead, and Obi-Wan made a little sound of enlightenment. ?That has got to be the fever talking,? he said. ?You?re on fire.?

?Good point.? Throwing off the blankets I started tugging on my shirt, trying to get it to come off. ?I am very warm.?

?Diebin . . . maybe you shouldn?t do that.?

?You?re right,? I muttered. ?Boxers should go instead.? Hooking my fingers in the waistband I tried to tug them down--confused as to why it wasn?t working.

?Let me do something, Diebin,? Obi-Wan said, his hand falling to my forehead again. There was a brief surge and a tingling feeling all over my body--a moment of dizziness--

And then I looked down and realized I was trying to strip in front of Obi-Wan. Moaning I dragged the blankets up over my head and huddled into a little ball.

?Diebin--?

?Go?way,? I mumbled, shaking my head. Damn fever. Damn cold. Damn Padawan who wouldn?t just get away from me so I could at least attempt to regain my balance.

?Diebin, you had a fever. You can?t be blamed--?

I stuck my head out from under the blanket. ?If you do not leave this room now, I am going to go downstairs dressed like this and climb into Mace Windu?s lap. Maybe do a little dance. Embarrass the hell out of everyone.?

?Actually, Mace would probably--?

?OUT!?

?I?ll be back in a half hour,? the Padawan said hastily, beating a swift retreat. ?You just stay here and rest.?

Grumbling I pulled the covers back over my head and swore that I would beat Ziggy senseless the next time I saw her.



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*Updated 12/13/99*