WARNINGS: A long smut fic... with plot... The first in my Working Women
Series...

DISCLAIMER: Mr. Lucas, if you are reading. You know what belongs to you and I
know what belongs to me. 'Nough said, eh? ^_^

CRITIQUE: Feedback! Feedback! I love feedback... pwease... ^_^

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Coruscant. At the high levels of traffic could appear a beautiful scene
of a bustling metropolis. However at street level, darkness perpetually
fought the neon lights of rowdy bars and smog of industrial workshops.
Obi-Wan maneuvered himself into the industrial district in search of one
particular shop. Blue eyes cast down at a piece of paper with numbers
scribbled in a hurried fashion. Glancing back up at the building’s markings,
he sighed slightly in relief, seeing he was going in the right direction.
Dex’s diner was in this area, he realized and noted to go visit his friend
later after finishing his errand. Turning the corner, the people swiftly gave
way to the jedi; some throwing up their hands in surrender. Obi-Wan merely
passed them, focusing on the buildings when finally he stopped at the door of
a seven story, run-down warehouse. The sign above the entrance showed its
age, but the words “Lavish Laundry” were some what legible. His boots
squeaked on the tiled floor, and a bell went off when the door closed behind
him.
“I’ll be with you in a moment,” A rough male voice shouted from an
office in the back corner of the already small room. Calculated eyes scanned
the furnishings and interior to find it wanting. An insect crawling past him
prompted a raised eyebrow. The Council sent their laundry to this place?
Obi-Wan thought to himself, giving a mental shudder. A large muscled man
emerged to tower over not only the five foot counter, but Obi-Wan as well.
“Ah, a jedi.” He said hoarsely, a mischievous grin on his lips. “I am
Lavish. What can I do for you, Master Jedi?”
“Yes, I’m Obi-Wan Kenobi, and when my laundry came in this morning one
of my tunics was missing. I was sent here by the Temple’s staff to retrieve
it.” He answered coolly, his eyes never leaving the man’s. The large man
growled heavily from the deep reaches of his chest.
“If one of my workers lost your tunic, Master Jedi, they will go without
pay until it is replaced.” Lavish exclaimed, slamming his fist onto the
counter top to emphasize his point.
“I don’t believe such harshness is necessary, but I do wish to find my
article of clothing, all the same.” Obi-Wan replied simply and crossed his
arms over his chest.
“Well, we do many tunics here, so you know. All jedi laundry is
contracted out to us, but let me call my foreman in here to see if we can’t
locate your missing tunic, Master Obi-Wan.” He cleared his throat, and keyed
in a microphone which lay on the counter top. “Ravani! Get in here!” Lavish
turned a sheepish smile toward Obi-Wan, who stared blankly back, unamused. A
side door hissed and rose to reveal a woman about Obi-Wan’s age.
“Yes, sir?” She asked, pulling her long black hair back up into its pins
before readjusting her shirt and breeches.
“This is Master Obi-Wan,” Lavish stated dangerously through gritted
teeth, which reminded the jedi of nails on glass and in turn gave him another
mental shudder. “He says we have lost one of his tunics, I demand that we
find it immediately, or wages will be garnished.” The woman set back on her
heel, and pursed her lips defiantly together. Water soaked hands moved to
rest on slim hips, and her green eyes locked with those of her employer.
“If *we* have lost the garment, *sir*. Then it should be in the work
room. I will certainly go and look for it.” Ice fell from her deep red lips
to shatter over the two men with obvious displeasure. Turning on her heel,
she began to return to her original work space.
“We will follow, I want to be sure you actually *look* for the item.”
Lavish instructed. Obi-Wan trailed behind them, and the door clicked shut in
his wake. Wide windows allowed easy observation of everything below. Women.
All the workers were women, and their numbers had to be at least seventy, if
not more. Banks of tables filled up the center of the room, along with large
press machines and vats of hot water. Stairs lead them down into the
workshop, and the woman approached a button set on the wall. A thunderous
alarm sounded causing every woman to freeze and look in her direction.
Obi-Wan’s eyes watered slightly, his delicate nose having smelt much worse
than the scent of laundry soap was being over powered by the fragrance.
“Ladies! I’m looking for a tunic that’s monogrammed Obi-Wan. Jedi
tunic!” She shouted out a lung full of air and shot a cold glare at Lavish,
adding a slightly mocking nod of her head. All of them went to work, sifting
through piles of similar-looking tunics. Heads shook to their foreman, so far
no sign of it.
“They better find it, Ravani.” Lavish threatened again, his eyes resting
on his employees.
“Here! I have it!” A thin speck of a woman ran up to them, holding out
the cleaned tunic. Ravnai took it from her and positioned it in her hand to
grip the monogrammed part. The bold letters read, “Obi-Wan Kenobi.”
“This is it, is it not, Master Jedi?” Ravani reached through the expanse
between them and gave Obi-Wan the garment. Reading the label, he nodded with
a soft smile to the one that retrieved it.
“Yes, this is it. Thank you for finding it,” His lush voice cascaded
like honey and the younger woman’s cheek became rosy.
“You’re welcome, Master Jedi,” She curtsied, and rushed back off to her
work station.
“Well, if that is all you need, Master Obi-Wan? I will walk you out.”
Lavish held his glare on Ravani. Turning away, he headed back up the stairs,
grumbling under his breath. Obi-Wan paused at her, and held out a hand.
“Again, I appreciate it, Ravani, is it?”
“Yeah,” She quirked a skeptical brow and took his hand firmly. “Have a
good day, Master Kenobi.” Obi-Wan released her hand, and narrowed his eyes. A
shift. The Force moved when he touched her, and there was something about the
facility. Something suspicious. With a nod, he followed Lavish back toward
the exit. Ravani blew air out her nose in disgust. Throwing her hand out, she
hit the button again and sent all the woman back to work in a rush.
“All right, we have laundry to finish, ladies! Let’s get to work!” She
hustled off into the crowd, taking up her position at a folding table.
Obi-Wan’s eyes never left her until the windows ended and he left through the
door.
“I assure you, Master Obi-Wan. This will not happen a second time.”
Lavish ran a thick finger over a slim mustache, grinning from the corner of
his mouth. Obi-Wan merely nodded and exited the building, walking swiftly
down the street.

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Covered in industrialites, the diner was bustling as it did everyday.
Obi-Wan made his way to an empty stool at the counter, taking a seat.
Hermione, Dexter Jettser’s loyal waitress smiled at him and nodded, carrying
trays to the back.
“Dex! Your jedi friend's here!” She yelled, her voice barely audible to
the outside room. The husky Besalisk toddered up to Obi-Wan, arms
outstretched.
“What brings you here, my friend?” Dex eased onto a stool, smiling
widely.
“I was in the neighborhood, and decided to come visit,” Obi-Wan
exclaimed, giving his warm smile in return.
“What were you doing in the ol’ industrial district?”
“I had to pick up something,” His eyes flickered from Dex to his droid
waitress, who made her way toward them.
“Juice for the jedi?” Her high-pitched electronic voice covered the
space between them sharply.
“No thank you, I won’t be here that long.”
“Suit yourself, honey.” She said, waving a dismissive hand and wheeled
her way to the next customer.
“You have something else on your mind, though, Obi-Wan. I know that look
in your eye.” Dex quipped, and leaned back against the counter top.
“What do you know of ‘Lavish Laundry’, Dex?” Obi-Wan crossed his arms,
and stared at him. Dex grumbled and shook his head.
“It’s one of the best laundry facilities on this side of Coruscant, but
he doesn’t treat those women right. They come in here for lunch, grab
something and run out the door to get back in time.” He sighed. “They all
work long hours, and I see them once in a while. Sometimes after their shifts
are over they'll drag themselves by looking worn, tired and withdrawn. Why?
Is that where you went?”
“Yes. One of my tunics was misplaced and I went there to find it.” He
paused, thought written on his face. “I saw the work area and the women, they
all appeared to be treated well. Though between Lavish and this woman he
called his foreman, there was tension.”
“Ravani. Ravani Ovatari. She’s been there for years, and doesn’t put up
with much of Lavish. She’s the one that treats them well, not him.”
“I need more information about that place. There was a shift in the Force
around it.” Obi-Wan took a breath and nodded to Dex. “Thank you, again, Dex.
I won't wait so long next time to come see you.” He got up and returned one
last hug.
“Be weary, Obi-Wan. Lavish isn’t stupid, but he wouldn’t take it out on
you, he’d take it out on them.” Dex expressed, seriousness settled in the
chiseled lines of his face. He sensed mistcheif. Not a good sign.
“I will be, old friend, no worries.” With that he left and went to
return to “Lavish Laundry.”
Lavish’s hulking body huddled up to his desk, and he spoke to himself
going through figures of some kind. Obi-Wan waved his fingers, silencing the
bell which announced new customers. Slipping inside, he again swiped his
fingers in Lavish’s direction, urging the man’s mind to ignore any sound it
might hear. Creeping toward the workroom door, he "forced" it open and went
through, letting it fall slowly behind him. He walked down the stairwell and
female voices in song reached his ears. They chanted a beautiful melody, and
all their voices combined had more meaning than any piece of music he
remembered hearing. He scanned the room and found Ravani at a steam press,
sweat dragging her hair down on to her forehead. Some of the women glanced
up, and began giggling softly. In their midst, the young woman who found his
tunic piped up.
“Ravani! Jedi here!” The older woman’s eyes never left her work, even
when Obi-Wan came to stand beside her.
“So, Master Kenobi, what are you doing back here?” Her voice was more
pleasant than it was earlier and sounded sweeter to his ears. The singing in
the backround never ceased, though everyone's attention rested on him.
“I wanted to ask you a few questions about this facility,” He raised his
voice a few levels, but never lost its intensity or kindness.
“You couldn’t ask these to Lavish?” Her eyebrow quirked and those bright
green eyes flashed in curiosity. She was on to him already.
“The best information comes from those who do the work.” To that she
nodded and pointed to the woman to his left.
“I’m not answering any questions till I put you to work.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Folding. Watch Danya next to you and fold like she does. You can ask
questions while you fold.” The press she worked on hissed, and popped open to
reveal a neat jedi tunic ready to be sent off. Obi-Wan’s gaze stayed on
Ravani for a moment. He liked her already. Direct and honest. Turning to the
young lady next to him, he smiled.
“I guess I’m supposed to fold,” He shouted, the noise having gotten
louder. The girl returned his smile and handed him a tunic.
“I guess so. Just follow what I do, it’s not hard.” She took a fresh
tunic in her hands, and flipped it so the back was on top. Folding the top
half to show off the opening of the tunic, she wrapped the arms a crossed the
front and passed it on. “See? Not hard.” Obi-Wan nodded and mimicked what
she had done almost exactly, but Danya leaned toward him and giggled, fixing
one of the sleeves. He handed it to the person on his right.
“Does this facility do *just* the Temple’s laundry?” He directed at
Ravani, who shook her head and a grin spread evenly upon her lips.
“Not exactly. We do wash *all* the Temple’s laundry, mind you. But we
also do the laundry of everyone in the executive, corporate, and industrial
districts as well.” Ravani answered plainly, being engulfed in clouds of
water vapor as she continued in an easy rhythm with the steam press. “So over
all, I’d say we do at least ten to twenty tons of laundry in two ten hour
shifts.”
“It certainly seems like that much,” The same young woman who yelled to
Ravani had found her way over to them, and smiled as her own press expelled
steam toward the ceiling.
“Hush, Couda,” Ravani said with a slight chill in her words.
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Two ten hour shifts?” Obi-Wan repeated, his hands having gotten the
feel of what to do, he could focus more attention on the questions.
“Yeah, a day crew and a night crew,” Ravani stopped the press and
reached toward the side, pushing up on a lever, locking the machine’s large
panel in place. “Couda, be careful with that press...” She never looked at
the girl, but sprayed her own contraption down with water, which sizzled upon
contact.
“I know, Ravani. If he would only get this thing fixed, we wouldn’t have
to worry about it.” Couda replied, hitting the side of the machine in dislike.
“Is your equipment relatively safe?” He inquired, an eyebrow raised at
the exchange between the two.
“Yeah, just that one steam press and one of our boilers gives us
trouble.” He nodded at her reply and glanced down to the tunic he folded. It
was much smaller than the others. Almost as small as... He turned the label
to find “Master Yoda” monogrammed on the inside.
“You do, Master Yoda’s laundry, as well?”
“Is he a jedi?” Couda asked, looking to her boss in complete innocence.
“Yes, Couda. The short one.” Ravani’s voice came out in a puff of
exasperation at her own machine, she unlocked it and begun pressing again.
“Oh, the troll! Yeah, we do his laundry. What’s his name again?” Obi-Wan
chuckled to himself. They even thought of the legendary master as a troll.
“Master Yoda, dear,”
“No that’s not it, it was something weirder... or... maybe...maybe that
was it.” Couda stopped to scratch her head, thinking.
“That *is* his name, Couda. Back to work, please?” Ravani’s voice
trilled melodiously. Couda merely smiled happily and went back to pressing
clothes.
“Hey, I found Master Obi-Wan’s other tunics!” A woman shouted, a table
in front of them, holding her discovery up proudly with a grin.
“That’s nothing, I’m folding his breeches!” Another woman, a table
behind them, retorted sarcastically.
“All I have to say is... Someone’s a ‘big boy’.” A third held up his
under garments rioting a cheer out of everyone. Obi-Wan attempted to stop his
cheek from flushing, but luckily his beard covered most of the flesh. His
eyes rested on Ravani, who laughed out right, shaking her head yet again. He
was embarrassed by their antics, but nonetheless he was happy that in some
way he made them smile, lightening their mood. Especially, Ravani, who
appeared to smile the least out of them all.
“Hey, Ravani, did I tell you?”A sheet-folder in front of Obi-Wan asked.
“He finally proposed.”
“Good fo you, dear. Congradulations. It took long enough. Hopefully
you’ll be able to live off his wage.”
“No, he wants me to keep working, the bastard. I guess that’s what I get
for falling in love with a damned spice miner, though.”
“I suppose so,” Was the simple reply, and she locked the press lid open
again, spraying it once more.
“Oh, and there was one other thing. I--”

Squak! Squak! Squak!

She got interrupted by a loud alarm, much like the one used to get their
attention earlier.
“Break time! Fifteen minutes, Ladies! Then back to work!” Ravani yelled,
and women began to pour up stairs at a run.
“I’ll bring you back something, Ravaniii!” Couda belted, running in the
midst of the mob.
“You’re not going?” Obi-Wan asked, letting his hands take a rest. The
moves used to fold the clothes were surprisingly aerobic in nature, and gave
his muscles a nice stretch. No wonder these women look in such good shape,
they do this all day, he thought.
“No, I stay here. They always bring me back something.” She started her
task again, finishing off the last few tunics until the others came back.
Already some of them were filing back into the workroom, biscuits and breads
hanging from their mouths. Couda came rumbling down the stairs and up to the
two, a roll in each hand and one in her mouth.
“M gmm onm mmr mmu, mmm,” Couda mumbled, holding out a roll to Obi-Wan.
He perked a brow and looked at it curiously. “Im mmu dmmt wmmt mt, M’mm mmt
mt.”
“What did she say?” Obi-Wan’s eyes reverted to Ravani, who sighed taking
her roll.
“ ‘I got one for you, too’ and ‘If you don’t want it, I'll eat it.’”
She translated, eating her “meal” quickly, keeping an eye on the clock. He
took the offering and nodded his roguish smile making the girl giggle through
her roll. “Hurry up and eat, Couda, three minutes.” The girl stuffed the
rest of the roll in her mouth and swallowed, sighing happily. Ravani tore a
part what was left of her own and finished it off. Obi-Wan hid his, thinking
he’d give it back to Couda later. The foreman went back to her press and they
all stared up at the clock, waiting.

Squak! Squak! Squak!

“Back to work!” She shouted after the alarm had done it’s job. Obi-Wan
stayed and started on another project, sheets. They were a bit more difficult
and certainly more work, especially fitted sheets. A group of women had
surrounded him and began taking bets on the amount of time it would take him
to fold the one fitted sheet he had received. Ravani stood back and watched.
There was something about this jedi that made him different from the
countless others she had encountered. For one, he wasn’t angry over lost
laundry and he wasn’t complaining that his tunic didn’t have enough starch.
And two, he seemed to want to belong. Most jedi would have stared her down at
the very thought of them folding their own laundry. At least, the jedi she
had met did. She liked this one and wouldn’t mind if he decided to stick
around longer. Finally, Obi-Wan got the fitted sheet into the parameters
requested, and passed it on. A woman by the name of Sonia, who happened to be
the one that folded his under garments, had won the bet, and bumped Obi-Wan
with her hip jokingly.
“You’re not to bad, Jedi. Not to bad at all.” Sonia stuffed the money
into her bra, and went back to folding her own sheet. Before to long, Obi-Wan
had learned the names of the women who positioned themselves around Ravani.
There was Couda, of course, the young girl appeared to be the foreman's
shadow. Sonia, Sashana, Danya and Nezali. He had also discovered how the
facility operated. When he first came in, Obi-Wan thought of the room in the
matter of a mess of tables, women and clothes. Now he learned of its true
orginization and found it to be quite effecient. Four garment and linen
folding tables had four steamers near the end of each table, and boiling wash
vats lined the left side wall upon entrance. In the very back, beyond the
folding tables were specialty tables, hemming, starching, and colorising. All
of which took a lot more work than he would of imagined. Not to long after
the break, Ravani had Obi-Wan working her steam press and she moved to fold
beside Danya.
“So, anyway, like I was saying...” The newly engaged woman, Nezali,
started where she left off. “I don’t know if we’re going to be able to have
a honeymoon. Not like we really need it, I tell ya. Woo!” The ladies chuckled
and smirked at the remark. A thunder shot through the room, and caused
Obi-Wan to halt his press. A void in the white washed walls appeared allowing
cranes to emerge, lower themselves upon heavy tubs at the ends of the tables,
and raising them to the ceiling. The tubs speedily disappeared behind metal
doors and everyone cheered.
“What does that mean?” Obi-Wan asked, finishing his pressing.
“It’s almost time to go home!” Couda announced merrily. Ravani’s gaze
rested on the clock and her hands continued their work.
“I’ll actually get to see my kids tonight,” Couda said softer, a
saddened expression covering her smooth, young skin. “It’s been... good
gods, it’s been two weeks since I’ve seen my kids! They’re probably
beginning to think the babysitter’s their mother.”
“Well at least you’ll be able to spend time with them tonight, dear. And
I’m sure they know exactly who their mother is.” Ravani reassured her, a
caring smile on her lips.

Squak! Squak! Squak! Squaaaaak!

-----------

Whooping and hollering erupted amoung the mass of women. Slowly, they
neatened their work area for the night crew and left one-by-one. Couda headed
up the stairway last, leaving Ravani and Obi-Wan.
“You know, you can go at any time? Especially since you stopped asking
question about four hours ago.” She exclaimed, rounding each press to give
them a mist of water.
“Why do you spray the presses down if you already use water in them?” He
inquired, ignoring her comment completely.
“They still get over heated. They’re so old it doesn’t really take much
anymore.”
“Arn’t you going home?”
“I’m already home.”
“Ravani!” Lavish’s voice echoed through the loud speaker. “I’m going
home! Don’t let anything happen tonight!” The mic keyed off, and they were
again alone.
“I don’t understand,” Obi-Wan tilted his head, confused. Ravani pointed
to an office in the warehouse’s furthest corner. Windows covered the room,
much like the catwalk, but most were blacked out by cloth.
“That office is my home. I’ll rest four hours and I’ll come out to run
the night crew. I’ll have a small pause in the morning to get something to
eat and then it’s back workin’ the day crew.”
“That’s ridiculous... Why does he make you stay?”
“For starters it came with my promotion. Once I became foreman, I was to
stay here at all times to ensure the safety of the facility. I run the day
crew from 0600 to 1600 and during my four hour rest from 1600 to 2000 I catch
up on sleep or paperwork. Finally from 2000 to 0600 I work the night crew.”
“And you agreed to that? It sounds more like a punishment, than a
promotion.”
“Well, I get paid better money. I wasn’t getting enough as it was just
being a folder or press operator.”
“If you don’t mind me asking, what did you make?” His eyes locked with
her tired orbs. She sighed, her body presented exhaustion, though, she would
denied it.
“You can ask me all the questions you want, just let me go lay down,
please?” She whipped around, not waiting for an answer and marched toward her
room. Pulling the pins from her black locks, her hair fell equal to the
center of her back, accenting her thin waist and firm muscles.
“I don’t want to keep you wake, if you need to get sleep.”
“I’m fine, Master Kenobi, I need to at least change my clothes and sit
down.” The door opened and remained so until Obi-Wan entered. It was rather
well furnished for the space. A cot lay in one corner and a desk in the
corner facing the windows. Filing cabinets set in between a changing screen,
a small cooler lay conveniently beside the bed. The closet and bathroom took
up the remaining corners snugly. Ravani immediately grabbed another set of
clothes out of the closet and hid herself behind the changing screen. Little
was she aware, not being on the other side of the screen when she changed,
that her figure showed well through the thin material. Obi-Wan focused his
attention to the papers on the desk top, attempting to make himself feel more
comfortable. The pants and shirt of earlier was replaced with a pair of blue
shorts and a black sleeveless top.
“If I remember correctly, I made three Republic credits an hour. Now, I
make five Republic credits an hour.” Ravani plopped herself onto her cot and
leaned her back against the wall, closing her eyes. She didn’t see the
expression of disbelief on Obi-Wan’s face, but she could hear his voice take
on an irritated tone.
“That’s all he gave to work as much as you do? How many days a week do
you and the women work?”
“Seven days a week.” Monotone. Uncaring. Obi-Wan held his emotions, but
truth be known, he was one step away from furiousness. Her chest began to
move slower and slower; sleep taking her hurriedly. He perched on the lone
chair in the room and watched her, not sure how she could possibly labor
unstoppingly day in and day out. Dex mentioned her working there for years,
but how many years *had* she worked there? Like he had noted before, she
seemed his age and he was only thirty. Grumbling, he stood and paced. His
hands wrapped behind his back in thought. This is a sweat shop. There’s no
doubt now. This must stop. But what could he do? Or rather, would the council
be willing to assist him?

Buzzing brought Obi-Wan abruptly out of meditation, his eyes shot open to
find Ravani standing beside him. He had somehow made his way to her desk, but
he didn’t remember when. Her eyebrow arched in interest and she appeared wide
awake.
“You’re still here? What, you plan on working the night shift with me,
too?” Her hand set a mug of steaming liquid in front of him, and the scent of
spices reached flared nostrils swiftly.
“As a matter of fact, I do plan on working the night shift and in to the
day shift.” He said flatly, lifting the mug to his lips and sipping
tenatively. It had a wonderful flavor which woke him immediately. Energy
ripped through his veins at lightning speed.
“This isn’t about gathering information for your ‘Council’ anymore, is
it?” Ravani leaned on the desk, and crossed her long legs. A green eye
focused on him from the corner of the eye lid as she sipped her own drink.
“How much more time do we have?” He blantantly avoided her question and
shifted his eyes to the windows; a noise pricked at his senses.
“Thirty-five minutes, and that would be the early comers.” She leved
toward the door and opened it, waving to the few women entering the workroom.
“Oh, Couda. What are you doing back here?” Couda? Obi-Wan eased his way
toward the foreman to get a better look.
“Danielle called in, so guess who’s her replacement?” She replied
tiredly sardonic, yet, she still sounded cheerful and up-beat to Obi-Wan. “I
won’t be seeing my kids tonight. Oh, well.. there’s always tomorrow night
and least I got dinner.” The young woman tredged her way to the presses and
locked them up, turning on their main power sources. Ravani sighed and
turned, coming face to face with Obi-Wan. Bodies inches away, and lips dared
to touch.
“If you’re going to be staying, Master Kenobi, I suggest you go out and
have them show you how to set up for the night run.” Obi-Wan found himself
drawing closer to her. Her strength. Her utter dismissal of her own
well-being for the sake of the others. She was the type of person who could
turn the tides of a war, or save thousands by saving one. Snap out of it, old
boy, he thought to himself, moving back.
“All right, Foreman Ravani, and please... Call me Obi-Wan. I am one of
your workers today.” He stepped past her, but saw her face enough to find it
covered with a large grin. More women stumbled into the workroom, yawning and
stretching; waking themselves enough to work. When they had all arrived music
began to play over the loud speakers, having been rigged up by one of the
group. The alarm to start had yet to go off, but the women set to their tasks
instantly. Couda showed Obi-Wan how the greatest amount of pressing was done
at night.
“Cooler on the presses, right, Ravani?” Couda smiled up to her boss.
“That’s right, Couda, very good.” The woman checked a pile of tunics for
dampness, being sure they didn’t mold like some natural fabrics had a
tendency to do. Couda lifted a pile and froze, staring up at the panels in
the wall where the clothing tubs were removed.
“What’s today?” Her voice absent and her stare never faultered.
“Saturday, why?” Obi-Wan sprayed the press to hear the sizzle of
readiness.
“Everyone grab your bundles and move them to the float tubs!” Couda
shouted, rushing to a large bin at the specialty tables, throwing her bundle
inside. Ravani’s eyes grew wide as the metal doors whooshed open, revealing
quarter-room sized troughs.
“Cleansing! Brace yourselves! Shut the presses!” She ordered, slamming
three down while half the women hustled to close the rest. The other half
threw clothes into empty bins and locking lids into place. Obi-Wan shut his
own barely in time. The above-head troughs released a flood of cold water
throughout the facility. Everyone clung to tables and heavier objects,
avoiding being washed away. Obi-Wan gasped through gritted teeth at the
intense icy feeling against his skin, and scanned the room closely. They
shrieked and moaned quietly, gripping each other for warmth. Ravani growled
and twisted water out of her shirt. “How could I have forgotten it was
Saturday?” She asked rhetorically, grim lines making their way a crossed her
forehead. “Back away! Steamers!” Troughs were replaced with long flat sheets
of metal which were lowered on to the work tables. Hissing encompassed them
and steam rose so thick it obstructed Obi-Wan’s vision, causing him to shield
his face. Silence.... and the annoyances were gone. “Is anyone scorched?”
“No, left banks’ all right!” A woman reported, aiding one of the workers
up off the floor.
“Right bank is ok, nothing here!” Another anonymous worker hollered in
the back.
“Let’s get to work, Ladies. Morning comes quick and they need these
tables!” Ravani barked in anger. In hate.
“What in the Force were those things?” Obi-Wan demanded hoarsely,
checking his lightsaber.
“The huge metal bins are the Cleansers, they get dumped to clean the work
area, and the plates are like the pressers. Used to dry up the water off the
tables.”
“That’s hardly sanatary,”
“Yeah, well.. take it up with Lavish, it happens every Saturday.” Ravani
stormed to her press, leaving a very flustered jedi in her wake. Oh, he’ll
take this higher than Lavish. The Council will hear about the “sweat shop”
slavery at this laundry and something will be done. He would demand it.

Night shift didn’t differ much from the day shift. Everyone’s attitude
appeared more at ease and less stressed, especially Couda’s.
“Will you get to go home once the night shift is done, Couda?” Obi-Wan
inquired after calming himself down enough to speak. She laughed out loud,
and shook her head with a sympathetic gaze on him.
“I work straight through till the end of the next day shift, Obi-Wan.
There are no breaks here and money is hard enough to come by.” Wisdom
pretruded away from the childish act. “With two kids to feed all by myself,
and that’s not including their clothes and everything else. I can’t afford
to miss work, even if Danielle can. This is her third time though. She’ll be
gone by Monday. Lavish doesn’t tolerate ‘uncooperative women’.”
“Yeah, well... Like I can say Danielle didn’t deserve it.” A thick voice
jumped in. It’s owner hidden behind a press until the lid closed to reveal a
scarred face. “Stupid moron hit me right into a press lid, giving me these.
Serves her right to get fired. She should have gotten fired then, but no. She
was the daughter of a big stuffy corporate executive, who’s laundry we do.”
“She did get written up, Onya.” Couda retorted half-heartedly.
“Oh, lotta good that does me, Couda, thanks.”
“Well-”
“Ladies, tonight is not the night for it. End it now.” Ravani
interrupted, narrowing her green eyes at Onya. “You know better.”
“Whatever. It’s ended.” Onya shrugged, returning her attention to the
press. Couda frowned, biting her lower lip in obvious discomfort. The jedi
master stared at them for a long moment while eerie quiet weaved through the
group with only the music and hiss of the presses to hold everyones sanity.
He caught his gaze settling on Ravani, who guided one of the younger women on
the equipment. Her hands were littered with constant reminders how hot the
heavy metal presses are. Fluid motions pulled the lid down, and back up again
reguardless. Suddenly his focus turned and he furrowed his brow.
“Why hasn’t the alarm gone off?” He asked no one in particular.
“It doesn’t go off at night,” A girl next to him whispered shyly.
“That’s our one gift. To not hear that *thing* all the time.” She went back
to listening to the gentle music; her hands maneuvering in practice and
concentration.

Night wore to day and sunlight spilled between seperations in the
roofing. The music had stopped long ago to be sure Lavish could use his
precious intercom unit, but the singing did not. Accents and sweet voices
mingled with the soft, shy and mysterious in a harmony. Rhythms matched
exactly and rumbling of the presses were the back beat. Obi-Wan closed his
eyes and felt he was somewhere else. When Ravani’s classical resonance
enwrapped him like a warm blanket. Curiosity nudged at him like it had every
time he looked at her. He wondered if she ever dreamt of singing for a living
instead of doing this? She could do it, and make more money then she would
ever here.

Squak! Squak! Squak!

The alarm. His train of thought interrupted, Obi-Wan smiled at the women
packing up their projects. Night crew had finished and now it was the day
shift’s turn again. Familiar faces piled in, passing there nocternal
counterparts with hugs and greetings.
“Master Kenobi, you’re still here?” The wide eyes of Danya held him in
shock.
“Yes, I stayed for the night crew.” Obi-Wan said under a yawn. Danya
giggled slightly.
“Night crew is easier. I did it for a long time, until I started classes.
Now, I work days so I can take classes at night.” She overlapped Onya, taking
her press. “I want to be a news reporter, like the ones on the vid-net.”
Dreams. Danya had a dream and Obi-Wan felt sure many of the others did as
well. Except one.
“RA-VANI! I’m back! Get those women to work!” Lavish’s screech echoed
on the intercom. Danya stuck her tongue out at the speaker and giggled again.
Clank! Tubs were hauled out and positioned next to the folding tables. He
hadn’t noticed until then that bins had periodically been removed and
replaced through the day and a few times at night. Obi-Wan paid more
attention to what he was doing then keep track of everything else. Danya
started speaking with Obi-Wan about whatever her heart desired. Sonia and Nez ali listened and added their opinions when they felt necessary. It happened
to be Couda’s unnatural silence which finally grabbed his interest.
“Couda, are you all right?” He inquired. Being jarred out of her trance,
she gave him her usual repsonce. A smile.
“Yeah, just tired. I let Onya get to me. She’s a pain to me all the
time.” She paused inhaling a breath. A loud slam and painful scream came from
the small woman. Ravani’s head jerked up and she vaulted through the distance
between herself and the young girl, who clung at her wrist. If she had a hand
the sheets of the steam press would not easily give it back. Quick motions
shut the machine down and the panels were lifted. Couda fell, craddling her
useless appendage.
“What’s going on, Ravani!?” Lavish bellowed. He must have heard the girl
scream.
“We need to get her to a med-facility if we have any hope of saving her
hand!” The foreman yelled violently, holding Couda motheringly. Obi-Wan
rushed to them, and knelt down, investigating the damage.
“I can’t afford medical care. Wrap it in some gauze and give her
something to drink. And what is that Jedi doing here?” Lavish said
nonchalantly.
“Let me take her to the Temple healers,” He locked protective eyes on
Ravani, who scowled fighting off tears of rage. She nodded. "She'll be okay."
“I... I can’t afford..” The injured one protested weakly.
“Worry about your hand, Coo.” Danya whispered, watching the jedi lift
the girl up and leave toward the stairs.
“Gods damn you, Lavish!” Ravani announced. “If you had fixed that stupid
machine, this would have never happened!” After the last sentence Obi-Wan
could hear no more, exiting the establishment, girl in arms.

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Obi-Wan had spent the entire day with Couda, being sure of her care. The
girl was afraid for her children understandably, and in reaction he had a
healer go to them. It wasn’t until the following day did the Council call to
him demanding information.

“Our laundry facility?” A husky male voice floated toward Obi-Wan, who
stood in the center of council chambers.
“Yes, Master Windu. The work environment is not suitable for any of them.
Faulty equipment. Horrible management. Unsanatary as I have ever seen a
workroom. It’s a sweat shop, Master, and our mandate prohibits the ignorance
of such illegalities.” Mace Windu rubbed his chin, his face vague and
revealing nothing.
“Agreed, but what do you propose the workers do? Be without jobs?”
“No, Master. I suggest the Temple use the old practice gym for a laundry.
Make everything in house and we will not have to contract to another. The
workers will still have jobs and ‘Lavish Laundry’ will be out of business.
Room and board for their services like we do with every other staff member.”
Master Windu looked to the others of the Council, listening to them within
his ability.
“Agreed, we will have the equipment needed brought in by tomorrow. As
well as have the authorities retrieve Lavish and give the women a much needed
break. We will consider the details of payment and boarding now. We will
inform you this evening when we have come to an agreement.”
“Thank you, Masters.” He bent in a bow and exited to wait for tomorrow.
Lavish will enjoy this, if not, he would.

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

“You can’t do this to me! I’m a respected business owner!” Lavish
insisted, being thrust into a police vehicle.
“Yeah, yeah, buddy. We’ve heard it before...”His handler joked and
slammed the large door shut. Obi-Wan moved through the front passed the scene
and marched down the stairs to find the women of day crew staring at him.
“Ladies, hear me! Couda is doing well, they believe her hand will be
saved.” He shouted, and everyone yipped with excitement.
“What’s going on up there?” Ravani questioned, stepping out of the
shadows.
“Lavish is under arrest and you all are free to go.” Silence... then
happiness and tunics flew in air. Ravani froze in disbelief and her mouth
hung open. “You all have jobs and homes at the Temple. They are installing
new equipment and preparing the workroom as we speak. Room and board will be
given in return for your services. We are accepting all of you, night crew
and day.” A few women stood still in as much disbelief as Ravani before
following their companions to surface level.
“How did you do this, Master Kenobi? Ensure us jobs. Get rid of Lavish. I
don’t understand.” Her words were whispered, but he could hear them.
“Sweat shop operation is illegal within the Republic. This shop
constituted as a sweat shop.” She shook her head and walked toward her
office. “You’ll be paid nine Republic credits to remain foreman, and you’ll
only have to work one ten hour shift a day. Not to mention have two days a
week off.” Stopped in the doorway, she mouthed what he had said, mulling it
over. He came up behind her and laid his hand on her shoulder.
“You have to be kidding.”
“I’m not. The Council had--,” Obi-Wan choked off his sentence when she
wrapped her arms around him. He enjoyed the feeling of her next to him, and
he was happy to help. But again, a shift. A feeling. A temptation. Green eyes
met blue and tears spilled down her cheeks. Despite the tears, her beauty
entranced him. Distance closed between their lips until he could taste the
sweetness of her flesh. She drew back, her eyes fluttering softly.
“Thank you for everything,” Breath against his lips made him shiver with
anticipation. He wanted to taste her again. He wanted to do more then just
taste her lips. Was this the shift he felt? His control giving way to
emotions? To lust? Reading his face, Ravani covered his mouth more forcefully
this time, slidding graceful arms up her shoulder and encircling his neck.
His hands rested on her hips and the door closed behind them. Her fingers
dipped under the edge of his robes, rubbing the nape of his neck. Readjusting
herself, she pushed him onto the cot, breaking their embrace. Longing filled
her gaze and quick hands flung her shirt off, unveiling supple breasts and
smooth skin. Darker colored nipples were already erect awaiting more of his
touch. Cupping her hands on his cheeks, she kissed him sweetly, allowing her
breasts to rest against his chest. The belt loosened, and his first layer was
gone. Followed closely by the next and soon hot skin upon hot skin caused a
shot of pleasure to surge through him. His mind screamed to put a halt to
what ever he thought he was doing, but the attraction was more than the
warning could handle. Falling back onto the cot, Obi-Wan brought her with
him. Ravani straddled him, feeling the hard shaft beneath her made her smile
coyly. Shimming off her pants left a thinner barrier between him and her.
Leaning down, she flicked her tongue against his neck and kissed caressingly.
Hands roamed the arch of her back as a moan etched its way in her throat.
Velvety fingers urged off his belt and breeches, using her own legs to scoot
the cloth over the side of the cot. Obi-Wan moaned forthright as she coaxed
his hardened shaft closer to her warmth. Within moments, he was inside of
her. At the very motion, and intensity, she tightened on him. Pain. Pleasure.
Pain. Everything. Muscles tensed and a rhythm started. She didn't have to do
this, however here they were. Together. It became obvious to Obi-Wan that he
wasn't alone in feeling the attraction. He brought her down, rolling them
over and looking upon her eyes. A smile. A wanting smile. A knowing smile.
Desire swept over them both and the steady rhythm heightened. She wrapped his
waist with her legs and her hands brushed the skin of his shoulder blades.
Ravani gasped when he plunged deep inside her and her blood felt molten in
her body. Fast pants of air slipped past her lips, and Obi-Wan gritted his
teeth, feeling tension wrap tighter around him. She was going to explode if
she did climax soon. Her head rolled on the cot in want and pain. Finally
getting her wish, the woman’s sweat ridden body relaxed, her peak reached and
dropped. Obi-Wan braced himself on wobbly arms not wanting to crush her with
his weight, only to feel her hands on his skin, weakening him further. They
lay there, holding each other, listening to their heartbeats roar in their
ears.
“Was that thanks enough?” Ravani grinned sheepishly.
“I may be the one needing to thank you,” He answered, and sat up,
looking down at her. The attraction remained, but the lust was gone. Obi-Wan
conceeded he would probably not see her again, and yet if she will be in the
Temple, he may see more of her than before. Only time could tell and either
way, he didn't mind.

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Obi-Wan entered the kitchen of his quarters to find a package on the
counter. It had been a few weeks since the women of “Lavish Laundry” were
brought to the Temple, and the new facility was to their approval. Lavish
pleded not guilty to his charge of running a sweat shop and was found guilty
beyond a reasonable doubt. Sentence. To a penial Planet. The perfect end for
a man like him. Obi-Wan had not seen Ravani since the day everyone was
released, but he heard frequent reports from Couda of her well-being. Taking
the package in his hands, he opened it to discover one of his tunics and a
note. A kiss in lipstick pasted eternally to the piece of paper, and under it
was written “Pressed and folded. Just how you like it. -Ravani.” Obi-Wan
grinned with a shake of his head, placing the note on the counter.

End (2/2)

"He who did well in war just earns the right
To begin doing well in peace." - Robert Browing