NFR Opening Day Round Robin, part 2

I will not laugh. I will not laugh. I repeated the phrase in my mind until the urge to cackle left me. However, I couldn't help myself when I responded, "It's...a colorful metaphor."

Karrde had deserted me for a Sabacc table. Lando had deserted me for Pictionary. You could say things weren’t going as I’d expected. At least the party was going smoothly enough; for now, there had been no blood spilled, no blasters fired, and nobody was *too* drunk. And, heavenly grace, there was no Karaoke. Yes, I thought, this could be *the* party of the season.

I took a deep, cleansing breath and prepared to get back to the battle front. This bout of optimism lasted about 5 seconds: the exact amount of time it took me to turn and find myself face-to-face – or should I say face-to-chest? – with Qui-Gon Jinn, carrying an unconscious Obi-Wan.

I stared at him openmouthed. For once, adding to my surprise, he was *not* a picture of Jedi serenity; in fact, he looked quite bothered... and when he saw me he stared at me too, wide-eyed like he’d just seen a purple Gundark.

"On Valentine’s Day? That most be the lamest excuse on the history of lame excuses." I remarked. He was here for me, of that I had no doubt. "If you have something to say to me, why don’t you just say it? And what the hell’s wrong with Obi-Wan?"

Oh man, he *was* telling the truth. I managed to suppress my laughter for about 2 seconds.

Qui-Gon looked baffled. "Do you know some place quiet where I can lay him down? He was struck on a sensitive nerve and will be out for about and hour."

Still snickering, I signaled him to follow me. Mary wasn’t likely to use her office today, and it had a comfortable couch, so we put Obi-Wan there. Qui-Gon carefully touched his palm to Obi’s forehead, probably doing some sort of examination.

He took a step toward me and before I knew it engulfed my small hand in his large fist with such delicacy I’d think it impossible. "Can we speak frankly?" Qui-Gon asked, turning the full impact of those azure blue eyes on me. I could almost sense my resolve slowly dissolving as my mind regressed to Little Girl Mode. But not this time.

"Sure," I said, neither avoiding his gaze nor stepping closer still, both of which I somehow wanted to do.

"Why did you accept this job?" he asked, truly puzzled, concern showing on his features.

"It was a great opportunity, and it’s such fun," I answered weakly. We both knew that was only the tip of the iceberg.

Qui-Gon sighed. "Patricia, take a good look around you. You’ll be surrounded by smugglers, pilots and bounty hunters. It’s a dangerous job for any woman, and especially for someone... someone like you."

I knew every single word he was going to say. I had anticipated it from the moment I signed with NFR. Poor little Patricia all alone among the big, bad, smugglers. And the big, bad bounty hunters. And the big, bad – well, you get the picture. Still, it hurt.

Once his protection was all I could ever wish. Now, it felt diminishing, almost oppressive. He was implicitly saying I couldn’t make it on my own. A naive child, a piece of porcelain to be carefully guarded, lest it break.

"Please don’t take this the wrong way." Now he tells me. "You are gentle, sweet, honest. But most people aren’t. If you were to give your trust to someone not deserving of it, I... I just don’t want you to get hurt." He moved forward, placing both hands on my shoulders.

I pushed his hands away. "I’m hurt already." I said, fighting tears. Better let it all out in the open.

I continued. "I trusted *you*. I love you. But you don’t love me. And as if that’s not enough, you treat me like a child! Like I’m unable to care for myself! Do you know how that makes me feel?" Qui-Gon tried to hold me. I pushed him away again. "You can hold me, kiss me, even make love to me, but that won’t change anything. I don’t blame you for loving Selah. And I won’t play martyr and mourn you all my life. But how am I supposed to get over you if you keep hovering over me like a mother hen? I’m a grown woman, Qui-Gon, and I have to start acting like one."

"Patricia, I... I don’t contest any of that... but I think you’re doing this for the wrong reasons."

Qui-Gon tentatively reached to me again. This time, I let him. He held my hand. "I care for you."

"No. I won’t call you on Rent-a-Jedi again. I can’t make love to a man when I know he loves another."

"Oh really? Do you plan on making another clone?" It came out before I really thought of it. The barb hit full force, and I regretted it the moment I saw the hurt on his features. "It would be the easy way out," I said quietly. "I’m not taking the easy way ever again."

"I didn’t... you all worked things out, didn’t you? I mean, you’re working on Valentine’s..." Sure, Selah had Qui-Gon and I didn’t, but I would never take happiness in their misfortunes. If someone other than me deserved his love, it was Selah. In a way, we were very much alike. Very much indeed.

Qui-Gon brought my other hand to rest enveloped by his. "She has my love and you don’t, and still you care for her. That’s what makes you special." A pause. "All has been sorted out, even thought Obi-Wan and I could use a few words with Selah. Actually, Per’agana sent us to work today... in case any clients decided to... make comparisons. Since we heard Selah was here too, we didn’t mind too much." He forced a smile. I suspected there was much more to it than he was letting out, but I decided it wasn’t the moment for it.

"Good. Now you should go find Selah and I should go back to the party before anyone decides to bring the stuffed Ewok out of the closet."

He smiled faintly. "Promise you will be careful? These men can be quite ensnaring when they want to. Deceit is their business."

"Hey, I’ve got Chewbacca, chaperone extraordinaire, to look after me. I just have to scream and he’ll disarm any opponent... literally."

"Maybe I’m stronger than *I* thought." I took a deep breath. Things seemed to be on their tracks. I dared to hold him. I felt his strong arms around me, felt his body relax... and suddenly stiffen again, as he raised his head very much like a feline that just caught a new scent in the wind. "What’s wrong?"

    I grinned triumphantly as Lando was unable to guess what I was drawing. "Okay, choose the punishment," he sighed and Han and I traded wicked looks.

    "You have to...kiss a rogue."

    "WHAT!?" Man, and here I thought nothing could deter his outer calm!

    "You heard me...you have to kiss a Rogue...right on the lips," I added, and even Han was looking at me in disbelief. "Now go on, shoo, go do it or you can't play with us..."

     "But-"

     "You knew this was a high-stake game when you got involved Calrissian, now go plant a wet one on the Rogues or don't play!" I told him, trying to fight my grin. Sighing with resignation, he pushed out his chair and went to find one of the X-wing pilots.

     "Next?" I asked, glancing around at the brave souls who were left. All went well until Karrde was unable to guess on his turn.

     "Oh, sorry, you know what that means..."

     "You make me kiss a rogue and you will be sorry," he muttered and I flashed my most convincing disarming smile.

     "All right, all right...you have to run around the room five times yelling 'I love to mate with Tribbles' at the top of your lungs. Well? Go on!" I urged, arching an eyebrow as he looked at me dumbly. With an accepting sigh, he went off to complete his assignment.
"All too easy," I chortled and Han rolled his eyes.

     "Remind me to teach you high-stakes Sabaac...you'd clean up," he chuckled, perking his ears as Talon started his first lap around the room. My eyes widened, stunned as I recognized two distinctive figures. "Han...tell me if I'm nuts...is that who I think it is?"

      "Who, thy dynamic duo? Looks like," he said nonchalantly and I frowned.

      "I thought they were working tonight!!!"

      "They are...they're working the party; Mary told me," Han said, shrugging, then sitting up as I began to get that look about me...

        "Oh no, no you don't!"

        "What?" I sighed, suddenly melancholy.

        "You are NOT going to get all depressed and angsty on me!" he growled and I flashed a small smile.

        "But I'm so damn good at it!"

        "I don't care...if I see you go off on another one of your moods I'll...I'll...I'll make you kiss Chewie! With tongue!" he sputtered and I shuddered at the thought. My angst-fest was suddenly spoiled as small projectiles flooded the air and Obi went down after a shot to the neck. "What did he get hit with!?" Han asked in amazement.

       "Candy heart...they aren't just for eating anymore...I used to do it all the time when I was younger," I chuckled. "Not knock people out, but throw to irritate," I added at his stunned look. I was almost about ready to throw caution to the wind and go check on Obi-Wan when I noticed that Patricia had beat me to it. Silently I watched as Qui-Gon guided her into an office while holding Obi-Wan. I turned to Han and raised an eyebrow in a "see, what did I tell you!?" look and he rolled his eyes.

        "I swear...you find more angst in one hour than most people do in months..."

        "Thank you, Han," I muttered, trying to get a clear view of what was going on inside the office to no avail.

         "Will you stop that!? Will you get it through your head? He loves you...they both do!"

         "Yeah? Why?" I demanded, landing my chin on my folded hands.

         "I dunno, at this point I'm beginning to wonder myself, HEY!! Okay, all right, sorry, I was kidding, hey, let go of the hair, will ya?" he yelped as I had fun seeing what new positions his ear could occupy. "Kid, I know you're new to the game, but you're going to have to realize that they're both crazy about you..."

        "Why? What makes me so special? How do I know that what I'm feeling is reciprocated, that it isn't all a big dream on my part?" I asked vehemently. "Why would they clone Luke if they intended to stay with me?"

        "Because they wanted you to be happy-"

        "But what if they're trying to replace me!!!?" I whimpered, pausing to cheer as Lando attacked Wedge, planting a kiss right on his mouth.

         "Kid, I seriously doubt they could ever do that...and they know it! Reach out to them and you'll get all the proof you need."

         "Butthenthey'llsensemedoingitandthey'llknowthatIdon'tbelievethemtotallyandwhatiftheyleavemethen,huh,whatiftheyjustupandleave,whatabout thecompany,whataboutthecustomers,whatwillIDO!?"

         "How do you sleep at night?" Han asked sardonically.

          "With two pillows and a couple of Jedi," I shot back, sighing. Was I really making too big a deal out of it? I let my eyes wander and sighed as I watched Qui-Gon dance with one of the customers...he was amazing, they both were. I couldn't just let him go, even if I was being replaced.

         "All right...after I calm myself down, maybe I'll reach out and see...in a little bit," I added at Han's humoring look, perking up as Lando and Karrde returned to the table.

       "Okay gentlemen, the stakes are being raised again...whoever doesn't guess this next one has to dance the polka in their underwear while singing the jizz hit song "I Eat My Young" I said, grinning as I rolled the dice.

(Okay this takes place after the big talk Qui and Obi-Wan had with Liz in the office)

      Djinn strolled the halls of Rent-A-Jedi deep in thought. He pondered the situation with Gabrielle and the harsh words that were exchanged. Deep in himself he wondered what would have prompted him to say such things.

      "Brother," He said noticing Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his padawan Obi-Wan approach, "What is wrong?" Being of the same blood and bond, Djinn always remain connected to the two he considered family.

      Qui-Gon frowned then readily masked his concern, "No matters that can not be handled by others."

      Djinn nodded taking the hint. "How are you and Ziggy?"

      Qui-Gon peered at Djinn then glanced at the floor, "We are fine."

      "I suspect there is more behind those words that you wish not to divulge," Djinn studied Obi-Wan who was obviously upset. "I see, well my ear is yours when needed."

      "Brother it is appreciated," Qui-Gon smiled, "And you and Gabrielle are well?"

      Qui-Gon Djinn lips curled upward more out of anguish than embarrassment.

      "Padawan," Jinn turned to Obi-Wan.

      "Yes Master?"

      "Would you excuse us? I will meet you shortly."

      Obi-Wan nodded and excused himself.

      "He is a good boy." Djinn observed

      "No longer the boy" The two began to walk with Jinn guiding,"but quite the man."

      "I remember when we first took him on..." Djinn's eyes drew upward as he recalled the shared memories before his separation from Qui, "those days were trying times but well worth it."

      "Indeed." Qui-Gon spoke calmly, "as I recall our first meeting with Gabrielle. She touched you immediately."

      "The day you went in for the procedure, deep within you thoughts of her became my own," Djinn frowned, "I often wonder if my constant concern for her is genuine or an effect of your state of mind at the time."

      "Brother that was some time ago." Qui shook his head, "The physicians assured me that love is not affected by the procedure. If that were so, Ziggy would have three paramours instead of two."

      Djinn chuckled.

      "Therefore what you have for her is of your own making."

      "What I have is a mess. Quite a mess." Djinn sighed.

      Qui-Gon clasped his hands behind his back, "You will learn that within relationships there are up and down cycles that are often messy. How you two choose to handle them is the key."

      "Perhaps."

      "It is so. You're jealousy gets in your more trouble."

      "It is your jealousy." Djinn joked.

      "Well it is yours now. And you must get a handle on it. Where is she?"

      "Gone I'm afraid."

      "What did you say?"

      Djinn scowled, "It is not what I said but what I implied."

      "Then what did you imply?"

      An anguished expression crossed his face, "She was a slut."

      Qui-Gon's shoulders sank, "No. You didn't."

      Embarrassed and flushed, Djinn dared to look at Jinn, "Yes. And then I asked if there were any men in the complex she hadn't slept with."

      Qui stopped and shook his head, "Please do not continue. What brought this on?"

      "I believe he is a bounty hunter."

      "Answer me this," Blue eyes gazed into its exact duplicate, "Do you want to be with her?"

      "Yes." Djinn nodded never more sure of anything in his life.

      You stare upward at the constant stream of transports zooming by in the Coruscant night sky. Ty walks back up to you after paying the taxi.

      "Thanks Ty but you really didn't have to." You smile at the dashing officer. After a long conversation you discover he is a Marine Lt. Colonel for Earth Forces more specifically a place called the United States.

      "Really it is no problem. You're the first friendly face I've actually talked to since I got here."

      "How did you get referred to NFR?"

      "Long story but after the hammerhead in the wormhole incident, a rebel leader referred me to a guy who knew a guy who knew someone else in the front office and here I am."

      "You do know what kind of services NFR provides?" You say inhaling the brisk night air. Your hair flows in the breeze.

      "Of course. I like a good piece of ass just like the next guy." He says grinning.

      "As good looking as you are, you will have no problem getting clientele."

      "Maybe."

      "No really you won't. If I weren't--." You stop yourself.

      "Djinn." Ty says. The muscle in his jaw tightens.

      You nod, "Yea. Warning, don't fall in love with your clients."

      "The last woman I loved rejected me because I was a Tank."

      "The last woman you loved was a bigot. The women here don't give a shit about things like that. Hell the man I love is a tank, sort of."

      "We sure can pick 'em." Ty sighed staring at the passing ships.

      "Yep. Well thanks for the escort. I'm going to bed."

      "No problem and umm...if you and Djinn don't work out... You'd never have to pay to see me." The reserved officer peered at you. In his eyes you see a hint of a man unarmed.

      You smile sweetly, "Thank you."

      I gaped at the grinning smugglers. This couldn't have happened...I NEVER LOSE!!!!

      "Fine, you pick the punishment," I huffed, folding my arms across my chest defensively and pouting.

       "Hmmm...hafta make this a good one," Han muttered and I rolled my eyes as he, Karrde, and Lando huddled up and consulted the sentence. "All right..." Han said, grinning wickedly as he rubbed his hands together. "You know that office where they put Sleeping Beauty in?"

     "Yeah," I muttered, glancing in the office's direction.

     "You've gotta go in there and give your sleeping Jedi a wet one on the lips," Han finished, looking quite triumphant.

      "WHAT?!"

      "And to make sure we know you did it, you've gotta bring back three hairs from the end of his braid," Lando added and I felt my eyes narrow to slits.

     "And what if he wakes up?"

     "Not my problem!" Han chuckled and I groaned.

     "Don't play innocent, Han, it doesn't suit you," I muttered as I gathered my thoughts and started towards the office. I couldn't believe I was doing this...how could I lose?! How was I supposed to know that the blob thingy Lando was drawing was actually the right hemisphere of the cerebral cortex? Something told me he drew it that way on purpose...

     As quietly as possible I stole up to the door and glanced around to make sure no one was paying attention. Silently, I opened the door and crept inside, holding my breath as I took in the sight of the unconscious Obi-Wan. He was so wonderful...they both were. But for whatever reason they were interested in trying new game, so I'd let them go...Quickly I drew a shaky breath, telling my mood to shove it until I had accomplished my mission.

    Gently I lifted his padawan braid from his childlike sleeping face, trying not to give into the temptation to stroke the silky hair. Twining three of the long hairs in the end of the braid around my finger, I quickly jerked my hand, pulling them free. Obi-Wan didn't move a muscle. Frowning, just a little concerned, I pressed the side of my head to his chest and gave a soft sigh of relief as I confirmed that he was still breathing. I could very well go out there and say I had kissed him, it would be easy enough. No one could see through the blind on the window and no one was really paying attention, anyway. But...I just couldn't resist and Han had probably known it.

       Shaking my head at the situation, I gently brushed a thumb over his lips, smiling at his totally innocent expression. Figuring it would probably be the only chance I got during the evening, maybe my last chance ever, I quickly leaned my face down to his and captured his lips in a soft, tender kiss.

      Obviously, it was a small shock when I suddenly discovered that there was another tongue in my mouth besides mine.

       Gasping, I tried to pull away but his arms quickly shot up and grabbed mine in a steel grip.

       "Well, my princess arrives at last...I was beginning to think you'd never show up," he chuckled and I stared at him dumbly.

        "You mean...you were conscious...THE WHOLE TIME!?"

        He grinned proudly. "Come on, do you honestly think that one candy heart can take out a Jedi padawan? I just figured that sooner or later your game would turn in Han's favor and I decided to give him some inspiration for a bet..." he said, quite pleased with himself.

      "But why?" I asked, yelping as he swiftly sat up and pulled me into his lap. I fell completely silent as I looked across the office to see Qui-Gon casually leaning on the desk.

      "How did...how did you get back in here?!" I asked, wondering how I had missed it.

      "Simple, I never left," he said, smiling slightly at my dumbfounded look.

       "But I saw you! You came out and started dancing and...Djinn...you had him pose as you on the dance floor!" I deduced and he nodded. "But why?"

       "We know you're tendency to avoid certain issues," Qui-Gon worded tactfully and I sighed. "We need to talk."

       "There's nothing to talk about! I already know and it's all right, I don't blame you, I-mmph..." I was cut off as he suddenly knelt in front of me, sealing his mouth over mine. I trembled in Obi's grip as Qui-Gon's tongue stroked mine, his hands tracing the thin straps of my gown.

       "Stop assuming," he whispered against my mouth and I moaned at the contact. When he pulled away I waited to hear what he had to say.

       "The only reason we're working tonight is because Per'agana changed our schedules, otherwise we would have had the whole evening alone together," he explained, gently tracing my cheek with a finger. "And what you saw between us and Crysta was absolutely nothing," he added, tipping his forehead against mine. "Reach out and find the answers you seek."

       Licking my suddenly dry lips I nodded slowly and closed my eyes, timidly reaching out to our bond, gasping as the strength of it pulsed through my consciousness. All I could fee was absolute love; Crys and Luke were right, it was strong, strong in all directions.

      "You have no need to ever doubt us, and you don't have to be ashamed to reach out to us...we both love you and would do anything for you," Obi-Wan whispered as he began to suck at the skin of my throat. I groaned as Qui-Gon began to attack the other side, letting his tongue trace circles on the flesh under my ear.

       "We have to stay to work this party..." he mumbled between kisses. "...but when we get back to the RaJ complex we have a surprise for you..." he added, his hands skimming down the front of the mylar fabric I was wearing.

      "Really, I must say I'm intrigued," I managed, leaning into their attentions. "Can I have a hint?"

       "Let's just say you won't be walking unassisted for awhile after tonight," Obi-Wan purred in my ear before licking the shell repeatedly and my breath shot out in a hiss. "You should wear this more often..." he added, his hand sliding down my front to tease my breast. "It suits you..."

      "And it looks like fun to peel off of you, as well," Qui-Gon rumbled before sucking my earlobe into his mouth.

      "Oh man..." I whimpered, sitting up. If I didn't end it quick there would soon be a whole other use for the desk in the office. "We're gonna hafta wait," I sighed, pushing Qui-Gon away slightly and standing. "And I'm sorry I doubted you-" Again, I was cut off by a hot mouth on mine, this time Obi-Wan's.

       "Don't be...make-up sex is always the most fun," he giggled and I tugged his braid lightly as I rolled my eyes.

        "You've gotta stop that!" I breathed when I had pulled away. "I won't remember how to breathe!" I laughed as Qui-Gon's arm slipped low around my waist.

        "That's the point," the Jedi Master rumbled before squeezing my rear quickly and I gaped at him. They weren't kidding, at the rate they were going I really wouldn't be able to walk for a week...

       "But that's for later..." he added, smiling seductively. "For the moment we have a party to get back to..."

Raven Ostego continued to circle the room, checking out her options. She hadn't planned on seducing anyone tonight just because she liked to keep her options open. Just then she took a quick step to the side as an overly enthusiastic Karrde ran past, yelling something about mating with tribbles. Raven cocked her head and looked at him oddly for a moment, then decided she didn't want to know and moved on. Over in a corner, she spotted a very awkward and very lonely Ghent. The poor kid obviously was lost without his computers. "Hey there, Ghent. Remember me?" "Oh, Raven. Didn't think I'd see you here." He smiled. "Liar." She grinned back in return. "As if someone like me would pass up this chance." She winked at him playfully. "So who you planning on getting in the sack?" His face turned bright red at that. "What do you..? I mean I didn't really...I mean I.... I just thought that..." "There there, Ghent." Raven patted him on the back. "You'll get someone. I'm sure of it. Girls go for the mysteryous trench-coat wearing hackers these days. If not, come and see me at the end of the night." Raven gave Ghent a quick kiss on the cheek and moved on. Over near Rouge Squadron was Corran Horn and Mirax, laughing aat the rest of the squad's dirty jokes no doubt. Xizor was drooling over several of the women. Lando, Karrde, Han, and a bunch of others were playing...pictionary?? Then, she saw it. The absolute horror. Thrawn...watching...Trek. "OH MY GONK!" Raven rushed over to him and stood in front of the TV. "What are you doing? You want your mind to melt and seep out your ear?!" "I am trying to understand what certain individuals see in this Captain Kirk..." "Nothing. He's a boring unrealistic fictional character! Now stop wasting your time and go... mingle or something." "Mingle or something?" "Yeah, or something." "And what is this something that you are thinking of?" "Perhaps you'll find out later..." Raven winked and headed back into the crowd.

---Predator and Prey---

Ellie Lelaney stepped into the ballroom at NFR not quite sure what to
expect. She’d seen the help wanted ad on the holo and finally gotten the
nerve to come down here and apply. What she hadn’t expected was there to be
a full-scale gala in swing. She’d been afraid the dress was a little much
for a job interview but now she was glad she’d convinced herself to wear it.

She recognized a few people as she scanned the room. A few hovered around
a drawing pad and a game board of some sort and were whooping and hollering.
Lando was one of them and was engaged in a very animated conversation with
a woman. Next thing she knew Lando took off running around the room,
yelling, “I love to mate with Tribbles!” at the top of his lungs.
Normally, I would find that odd, but it was Lando and it was a party so he
was probably already three sheets to the wind. There was another man
sitting with her, and as they both began laughing I thought I recognized
that voice. The one that always made my knees shake… If he would just turn
around so I could be sure. I stood as tall as my 5’11 frame would let me
but couldn’t quite see.

“Trying to imitate a ronto, or just looking for me?” Someone prodded me
with sarcasm.

“Excuse me, just who do you thin you are,” I began in defense, but as I
turned to see who was antagonizing me I was cut short by that look. That ‘I
think annoying you is the same as flirting’ look. I turned around with all
intention of ringing the person’s neck that was bothering me, but when I saw
that face it took all of 30 seconds to melt my mood into laughter. Standing
before me was none other than Talon Karrde. Of course, most people would be
impressed by that name and women would quiver under that glare but me, well,
he just made me laugh. “Well, what are you doing here you old pirate, and
why are you trying to provoke me? You know I can snap your neck faster than
you can say sabacc.”

“Whoa, there girlie, I was only teasing. You’ve got to be the last person I
expected to see here, so when I saw you over here craning your neck to
glimpse at me I couldn’t resist.”

“You, whoa there cowboy, better roll that ego back in, I wasn’t looking for
you. I didn’t even expect you to be here. I mean you’re practically sworn
to celibacy.”

He was shaking his head. “No way, I have tons of women…”

“You come on to tons of women but how many have you actually taken to bed?
Or had a meaningful relationship with? Tell me that! You’re just chicken.
You’ve got all the smooth talk and moves but nothing to back it up.” We’d
had this conversation a thousand times. We’d been on many missions together
and forged a somewhat normal friendship. We tended to trade more insults
and punches than handshakes and hugs but the relationship served its
purpose. He had a large ship, and I had a lot of equipment and crew. I was
a naturalist; I tended to focus on wildlife, the large predatory kind. A
lot of the time the worlds I needed to go to weren’t exactly on regular
traveling routes, and didn’t exactly welcome outsiders. But I took my job
very seriously and so did he. He had a profit to make and I had a job to
do. Being a smuggler took him all over the core worlds, and occasionally I
even convinced him a trip to the Outer Rim would be profitable. I didn’t
always travel with Karrde but I had enough in the past few years to consider
him a friend. I continually turned down his advances when we first met, and
eventually they cooled down to occasional jokes. We talked freely most of
the time but neither of us ever had anyone serious. Our jobs wouldn’t allow
it, and it didn’t bother either of us. To be completely honest though, I’d
never seen him actually seduce a woman. Oh, I’d seen him seduce women,
wearing away their defenses with his smooth voice and rugged good looks, but
I’d never seen him follow through.

“Hey, who told you that!” He turned defensive and reached out to wrestle
with me. As I stepped back out of his reached and turned to evade his
‘attack’, I saw him. Karrde punched me in the arm, and when I didn’t budge
or remark he did it again.

“Hey, you fightin’ back or what, come on!” I couldn’t hear him and I
couldn’t feel my arm as the muscles started burning under his fist fire.
Just as he figured he could just wallop me and stretched way back to get
some force, I turned and looked him straight in the eye.

“It’s him,” I whispered. He lowered his arm slowly and looked in the
direction of my gaze and his smile faded.

“Oh, Solo. Is that why you’re here? You still have that crush?”

“I’m not a 16 year old girl, Karrde. I am a grown woman with adult urges
and that man is the sexiest man I’ve ever seen!” He stood across the room
talking with a woman. I felt a pang of envy. To be so close to him, to
smell him, to feel the energy radiate off of him.

“Okay, I’ve got to talk to him. How do I look?” I fidgeted with the
simple, strappy gown I wore. The entire gown was entirely of Corellian
silk. The color shifting kind. I just hope it wasn’t shifting to match the
flush in my cheeks. The front was high and hung over my shoulders with thin
straps, then swung down low, all the way down to the small of my back.
Small ears of a tattoo peeked above the line of fabric. A small predatory
cat from Naboo crouched just above my ass, ready to pounce. He studied me
as I stood up straighter and fluttered with the gown. I never was any good
in a dress and I was hoping it didn’t show. He looked me over as if to say
something rude then took my hand instead. The gentle gesture startled me
but I didn’t pull away. His hand was warm and soft. I guess I always
imagined it cold like his heart.

“Why did you come here tonight, Ellie?” He asked quietly. A little
unnerved at his use of my first name, I finally spoke up.

“To apply for a job.”

“Ah, then you’ll need to meet Mary and Gill. I could introduce you.” My
mind temporarily shifted thoughts, and I agreed.

“All right, then. I guess since you avoided the question I must not look
that good, eh?” I pulled my hand out of his grasp and hardened my stance,
glaring at him teasingly, breaking the tension between us. He responded
with a sly smirk and pointed me in the general direction of the punch bowl
where a lively woman was arranging glasses. I headed off with Karrde behind
me but didn’t quite hear him utter under his breath, “Actually, I think you
look like an angel.”

I looked up from the punchbowl as Kaarde suddenly ran through the room yelling, "I love to mate with Tribbles!"

I was glad Ziggy had joined in the Pictionary game. She hadn't looked like she was having much fun earlier, but now she seemed to be doing all right. I laughed out loud as Karrde ran by me, but sobered quickly upon seeing the dynamic duo enter the complex.

I wondered if I could possibly hide for a while to avoid talking to them, but didn't get much of a chance as a motion in the corner of my eye caught my attention. Gill and her pet pilot moved into respective postions behind the punch bowl beside me and the palm tree to the side, proceeding to aim slingshots.

As the first candy heart hit Obi smack dab in the center of his perfect forehead I tried desperately not to laugh. However, when he dropped from the perfect shot to his neck, I almost dropped my punch glass. Gill's war whoop earned a glare from Qui-Gon, which quickly shifted my way as he scooped the unconscious paddlewan into his arms. I tried to hide my grin, but failed miserably, so instead I averted my eyes as he lifted Obi-Wan and carried him into Mary's office.

Needing a distraction, I headed into the TV room to watch Star Trek IV for about the hundreth time. That lasted for about 15 minutes, until Thrawn started asking me questions. Not wanting to laugh at him and risk the Wrath of Thrawn, I excused myself and headed over to check the Pictionary game out instead.

However, I didn't quite make it that far. Qui-Gon was mingling near the entrance to the den, right in my way. I avoided eye contact, set on walking right by him without saying a word.

"Hello, Crysta," Qui-Gon said as I passed. "How are you this evening?"

I paused, and turned around. As much as I didn't want to speak to him, I couldn't be rude and just ignore him. "I'm fine," I replied. 'No thanks to you,' I thought, but refrained from saying it aloud.

"Oh, that's good," he replied. "So everything is okay with the clone now?"

He couldn't be serious. His tone of voice was *far* to casual for this conversation, as if he were merely asking me about the weather. "Oh, yeah, Qui-Gon. Everything's peachy," I responded, a hard sarcastic edge creeping into my voice.

Qui-Gon narrowed his eyes, ovbiously noticing my tone of voice. "Crysta? Is something wrong?"

I rolled my eyes. "No, Qui, everything's wonderful! Don't worry about me, I'll be just fine."

'And I will take a deep breath and control the scarcasm. I will not get angry. I will not feel sorry for myself. I will walk away. Calmly.' Those thoughts ran through my head as I turned away from Qui-Gon.

"Crysta?" Qui-Gon called me back. "I really didn't think that making the clone would be that big of a deal. You can't still be mad about that, can you now?"

That was it. His tone of voice told me everything - he didn't even feel the *slightest* remorse for what he'd done. He 'didn't think that making the clone would be that big of a deal'. Give me a break! The hell with controlling my sarcasm - this man was getting a piece of my mind, right here, right now.

"No, Qui-Gon," I said cooly, turning back to face him. "That's just it. You *didn't* think. You didn't think about *anything*! You just acted. *You* didn't see anything wrong with making the clone. But did you even *think* to consider how making a clone would affect other people???"

Qui-Gon opened his mouth to speak, but I cut him off. "Oh, yes, I know - you made the clone for Selah, because you loved her. Yes, I've heard that before. And I believe it. *However*, your narrow little mind didn't *bother* to think about the drawbacks associated with giving her her very own, personal farmboy. Never mind the hell *I* went through right now - maybe if I talk about Selah you'll listen," I spat. My hands were clenched at my sides, but I was trying not to get angry. I was even trying to keep my voice even and controlled, but I don't think it was working. I barely noticed the people standing around us though, and really couldn't have cared less if they were listening or not.

"Before she had the clone, she never knew what she was missing. Sure, wanting him was bad enough, but now that you've let her have a taste of him, you expect that to just be the end of it??? Now she's had it, but has to live with the fact that she'll *never* have it ever again! And that's because of the two of you. Qui-Gon, do you have *any* idea how hard it is to give up something that you've wanted for so long and finally got? Because that's *exactly* what she had to do! You may have *thought* you were helping, but the outcome did more damage than any of you ever bothered to imagine."

Again, he tried to speak, but I was far from finished. "And on top of that, she's *constantly* doubting whether or not you two actually love her! And it's no doubt, after all the turmoil you put her through! *I* know you love her, and *you* know you love her, but maybe, just *maybe*, you should show *her* that you love her. I mean, it might be a good idea..." My voice dripped with sarcasm, but I paused, giving him a chance to speak. I knew he'd take it, but wasn't sure what he'd say. Hopefully something that would end my rant, although I wasn't nearly through everything I wanted to say to him.

"We have apologized to Selah, Crysta," he said, staring me right in the eye.

"Oh, really?" I challenged him. "Did you actually *apologize* to her, Qui-Gon, or did you just charm your way back into her good graces?" The look on his face told me all. "Uh huh. That's what I thought. Qui-Gon, you disgust me," I said, and that disgust was clear in my tone of voice.

"Qui-Gon," I continued, as his response fed my annoyance with him, "you really don't have any idea how serious of a mistake you made, do you?" His eyes widened in response, but he didn't reply. "You not only hurt Selah worse than you ever have before, but you hurt *me*, Qui-Gon. You hurt me worse than I have *ever* been hurt in my entire life," I said quietly, staring him directly in the eyes.

I closed my eyes briefly, then met his again full force. "You have no idea how close I was to the abyss, Qui-Gon. How *much* hurt I felt that day. I felt as if *everything* I'd *ever* held dear to me had been suddenly, irrevocably torn from my grasp. Had you *thought* about what the results might have been, you *might* have realized that maybe, just *maybe*, I *wouldn't* realize that was a clone, especially since no one bothered to *tell* me, and you *might* have *told* me, and prevented what happened. But no, you didn't, and so it happened." I paused, taking a deep breath. "Qui-Gon, do you have *any* idea how close I came to being lost forever? I touched the Dark Side, Qui-Gon, and it's tainted me. And all of this happened as a direct result of your making that clone. All because you didn't think."

Qui-Gon just stared at me, as my words hit him from point-blank range. I could easily say that no one within range had *ever* seen me like this before. It felt so good to just let him have it, and he most certainly deserved it.

Just then, a very familiar presence brushed my senses, but I continued with one last blow. "Luke is 10 times the Jedi you will *ever* be, *Master* Jinn," I said in a low, harsh voice. "For one, he knows how to admit when he's made a mistake, and apologize for it. He also knows that having the Force does not make you God, *and* he knows how to treat someone he loves."

Luke's hand had fallen on my shoulder during my final words, and now he spoke, softly. "Crysta..."

I held Qui-Gon's gaze for a moment longer, challenging him, then turned and met Luke's eyes. He silently urged me to follow him with his deep blue eyes. I inhaled deeply, and took his hand, allowing him to lead me away from Qui-Gon and out to the dance floor.

I placed my hands on his shoulders as he pulled me close and rested his hands on my waist. He held my gaze, and I spoke, softly. Just by being with him, and across the room from Qui, I'd calmed down noticably, but unfortunately, it was just enough that I now felt bad for losing my temper and speaking my mind.

"How much did you hear?" I asked.

"Pretty much the whole thing," he replied.

I sighed and looked away. "I'm sorry, Luke. I shouldn't have said those things..."

"No, Crys," Luke responded, reaching up to cusp my chin in his hand. He rotated it, so that I was once again looking into his eyes. "Qui-Gon deserved every word you threw at him just now. You spoke from your heart, and I only hope that it goes to his head. You're right - he *doesn't* realize the extent of his actions. I'll have a word with him later, I promise. I came *this* close to losing you," he said softly, holding his fingers a hair's width apart, "and I do *not* want that to happen again."

I continued to hold his gaze, but didn't say a word. Just then, the music changed to a familiar tune. The opening piano chords marked the beginning of one of my favorite songs, and I leaned into Luke as he began to sway to the music. The opening lyrics fit the two of us so perfectly...

        Everytime our eyes meet
        This feeling inside me
        Is almost more than I can take

        Baby when you touch me
        I can feel how much you love me
        And it just blows me away
        I've never been this close to anyone, or anything
        I can hear your thoughts
        I can see your dreams

        I don't know how you do what you do
        I'm so in love with you
        It just keeps getting better
        I wanna spend the rest of my life
        With you by my side
        Forever and ever

        Every little thing that you do
        Baby, I'm amazed by you

Gods, how I loved dancing with him! We swayed to the powerful strains filtering throughout the room, completely caught up in the words and each other. There weren't too many people dancing, so we had plenty of room on the floor, and plenty of freedom of movement.

        The smell of your skin
        The taste of your kiss
        The way you whisper in the dark
        Your hair all around me,
        Baby you surround me
        You touch every place in my heart
        Oh, it feels like the first time, every time
        I wanna spend the whole night in your eyes

        I don't know how you do what you do
        I'm so in love with you
        It just keeps getting better

        I wanna spent the rest of my life
        With you by my side
        Forever and ever
        Every little thing that you do
        Baby, I'm amazed by you

Luke stared deep into my eyes as the music picked up in intensity. We continued to dance, slow, graceful motions that matched the passion of the music perfectly. As the chorus repeated itself, he leaned in and pressed his lips to mine. I responded, parting my lips in invitation. Our tongues dueled in time to the guitar strains streaming from the sound system for the duration of the song. As the ending notes sounded, we parted enough to resume eye contact.

"Happy Valentine's Day, my love," he whispered softly.

*The lyrics to Amazed belong to the group Lonestar. No copyright infringements are intended!*

I stood just inside the front doors of No Force Rentals (whatever the heck that meant...I had yet to find out) with a finger stuck in one ear and a com link glued to the other. "Look, I'm just checking in, all right? ...Yeah, the last delivery was a little...interesting. I need you to check the return address on file for Package #424242. ...What? Say again? You've got another package for this place? Oh, no. No way. Just check that return address first. I don't think they need any more packages tonight. ...Why? Because the last one has people yelling about making out with tribbles, that's why! ...Yeah, yeah, my job, i know. Look, I'll talk to the lady who runs the place, if I can find her. If she wants the new package, I'll come pick it up. Meantime, CHECK THE FREAKIN' ADDRESS!" I disconnected with a sigh. NOw, where had the Mistress lady gone? And did she still have that whip?

Talon sauntered up to the woman at the refreshment table and interrupted her
mid-conversation with a serving droid.

“Hey, boss lady, can I steal your ear for a minute?” She gave him a
leveling glare and he immediately repented. I liked her already. “Okay,
okay, sorry, how rude of me. I just wanted to introduce you to a uh, an,
uh, associate, yeah, an associate of mine.” I looked at him strangely and
extended a hand.

“Hello, I am Ellie Lelaney.” She took my hand and smiled.

“Please to meet you, I’m Gillian Taylor, one of the ones responsible for
this little tirade. Mary is the other, but I’m not sure where she’s waddled
off to. You can’t miss her though. She’s the very pregnant woman in the
stunning blue dress.” She smiled even wider and added, “your accent…I’ve
heard it before. Ah, yes, you must be Corellian. My uh, I have a friend
who is Corellian, he’d love to meet someone from his homeworld. Come I’ll
introduce you.” She took my hand and almost skipped her way over to a large
group of people surrounding a sabaac table. I immediately recognized Lando,
but didn’t know any of the people standing behind him rooting him on. But
as I got closer I recognized the thick brown mop in front of me, and the
confident tilt of his head. Then I heard that laugh. My heart fluttered.

Gill jumped ahead of me and wrapped a friendly arm around his shoulder.
“Han, I’d like you to meet someone. Han Solo, this is Ellie Lelaney, she’s
from Corellia, too.” He turned from their intense game of sabaac to face me
with a huge smile.

“Hey, there kid. Always good to meet a fellow Corellian. Ah, see, she
knows the best Corellian wares. That’s Corellian silk. Looks great.” I
could feel myself start to flush. It took all my control not to lose my
composure. Ellie Lelaney did not get this way about men. Don’t get me
wrong, I liked men and I’d had my fair share but something about this man
melted my ice. I straightened up and enjoyed the look of surprise as he
realized I was almost his height. I didn’t play that helpless female bit.
Some liked to think I was a cold fish, but I just knew how to take care of
myself.

“Thank you, Captain Solo.”

“Ah, call me Han, the other just makes me feel old. You know, I can’t shake
the feeling that I know you well. Have we traveled together.”

“Yes, my group and I traveled with you to Kashyyk. I was so busy with the
expedition I never really had a chance to speak with you other than the
thanks and farewells. Not to mention that I looked much differently. I
don’t often wear dresses.”

“Ah, I think I remember. Lelaney, yes the wildlife expedition. How did
that go?”

“Wonderful, thank you. We were able to salvage both species we were worried
were close to extinction. Not to mention the informational stories your
copilot told me. I studied wookie for the trip but wasn’t sure I’d get to
use it. He’s quite a character.”

“Well, excellent,” Gill chimed in. “It’s great that you guys know each
other. I’m sorry Han it seems we’ve interrupted your game with Lando.
Shall we let you continue?” She seemed a little offset by the fact that Han
and I were prior acquaintances, but I let it go as Calrissian stood to offer
me a chair.

“Lelaney, it is always a pleasure.” He bowed and I took a seat.

“Always nice to see you again, Calrissian.”

“So,” Gill said sweetly, “you two know each other as well?”

I explained, “Yes, we’ve met a few times on board the Wild Karrde.”

“We were just getting started, would you like to join the game? Perhaps a
lady at the table would keep the old scoundrel from cheating,” Lando teased.

“Hey, I always win fair and square. Besides, you’re the scoundrel, you old
charmer you.” He piped back nodding obviously to me sitting comfortably
beside him. Gill was instantly at my side.

“Now, I can’t remember Talon telling me why you were here. Are you here to
make a purchase?” Gill smiled sweetly at me which actually made me feel a
little uncomfortable, somewhat out of my skin.

“No, I’m sorry, I’ve gotten sidetracked. I’ve come about the job advertised
in the holovid. Is the position still available? My crew and I are
grounded for a while and I need some work to pay off the grants and place to
stay.”

“Well, I’ll have to speak to Mary, she’s the head cheese around here, and
then set up an interview. It’s tough, tedious work. And as you can see,
it’s completely unpredictable.” She moved her arm about the table
indicating all the mischevious grins.

“Yes, of course, perhaps I should come by after the gala, when it is not so
busy. Tomorrow maybe?” I looked at her hopefully. I had gotten the
feeling we hadn’t gotten off on the right foot and I didn’t want her to have
already formed a negative impression of me.

“Alright, enjoy the rest of the night, and I’ll see you around 2:00.” She
sent Han a look and excused herself. Han soon made his own excuses and
followed off in her direction. My heart sank but soon there were reassuring
hands on my shoulders. I turned defensively, but it was only Karrde.

“Whoa, easy there, it’s just me. Always have your defenses up. Do you ever
relax? I heard you said you needed a place to stay. Now don’t go thinking
that I’m a nice guy, but I just got a place just outside of downtown and
could use a roommate. Rents covered, just need some company and someone to
help keep the ship in repair till we’re off again.” I glared at him, not
sure whether I trusted him or not. I wasn’t afraid of any sexual advances
cause like I said before I’ve never seen him actually take a women to bed.
Sure he’d flirt and make them all fall head over heels, but he never
followed up on it. Frankly, I didn’t care what he did. Sometimes though, I
wish he would get laid so he wouldn’t be such tightass with his ship and
crew.

“Well, Karrde, as long as you don’t have some kind of trick up your sleeve
it sure would help me out.” Still seated at the sabaac table I pulled my
shoe off and began rubbing my feet. “Man, I sure do miss my boots.”

Karrde piped up on cue, “What do you say we get out of here? I could use a
good stiff drink at a smoky bar. Gill’s so busy I doubt she’d miss me.”

“That is a great idea. Let me stop by the hotel to get my things and take
care of something. I’ve got to get out of these shoes.” Karrde swaggered
egotistically as always and I practically limped my way to the door. I
turned around for one last peak and locked eyes with someone across the
room. Someone with a lopsided grin and a Corellian bloodstripe down his
pants. He gave me a wink as Karrde pulled me out the door.

I sighed as I glanced around the area. At least Qui and Obi were actually here...even if they were working. I had to admit, I was tolerant because they were employees and I knew exactly what went on in the business of RaJ, but it didn't make it any easier seeing it happen, especially on Valentine's Day. Mentally I made a note to write to my local congressperson and see what I could do about getting the holiday wiped from the face of the planet.

      I watched the ever-growing game of Pictionary and made suggestions. Pretty soon I had Corran Horn giving Lando a piggy-back ride and Karrde trying to collect the right shoe from everyone in the room. Something inside me felt...unsettled, though. I just couldn't tell what I was feeling, but it wasn't good. It seemed like everytime I glanced over at Qui and Obi doing their thing with the guests it felt like an invisible wall was slammed up between us...like they had to choose from a line-up of chicks and I wasn't going to be their first choice. In the back of my mind I knew it wasn't true, but I'm not as blatantly egotistical regarding relationships as I am most anything else. I have no clue, in truth. It probably stems from the last relationship I had...I dumped him after being told that I was a freak and I wouldn't be getting any kind of affection unless I met his mold...I suppose I'm always afraid of that happening again and I just can't see why anyone else would have a differing opinion.

      Or maybe I'm just a big goober.

      I continued to half-heartedly mingle, grinning as I spied Gill's fighter pilot secretly duct taping the stuffed Ewok to the back of an unsuspecting Boba Fett. Shaking my head, I turned in time to catch the tail-end of Crysta's "conversation" with Qui-Gon. Yikes. Part of me wanted to intervene, but the truth was that I really couldn't choose a side...I could sort of understand Qui-Gon's motives, or maybe it was my own selfishness trying to justify everything, but I could totally understand Crysta's side of things. Giving the nosey part of me a stern scolding and telling myself that I shouldn't meddle anymore than I already had, I turned to go back to the Pictionary table when a tall figure blocked my way.

      "So, your lovers finally show up...out of courtesy, no doubt." I cast a cool glare up at Xixor and willed myself to stay calm.

      "Or it could be that they actually care...it was all a mix-up, it wasn't their fault that they had to work-"

      "But it certainly didn't hurt them any," he observed and I turned and bit my tongue as I watched both Jedi flirt with various guests. *IwillnotbejealousIwillnotbejealousIDON'Tgetjealousthere'snothingherethatresembles
jealousy...*

      "It's their job," I retorted before trying to push past him. He moved to prevent me, though and I frowned as he placed a strong hand on my shoulder.

      "And it's one they seem to enjoy...tell me, do you think what Crysta was alluding to is true? That you're responsible for the infamous and noble knight Qui-Gon Jinn almost falling to the Dark Side?" he hissed and I threw my rage into the Force.

      "If I am I'll work to fix it, if I'm not then there's no problem..."

      "It must be hard, watching them like that..." he continued without problem, focusing my attention on the mingling Jedi. "Watching them get so much pleasure out of others...wondering if emotions have gone cold or if they were ever there in the first place..."

      "They were there, are there," I snapped, removing his arm. "I can feel it through our bond-"

      "And there is no such way to fake such a thing through the Force?" he asked, raising a delicate eyebrow.

      "Not that I know of-"

      "Oh, but they'd make sure that you wouldn't know of it, wouldn't they?"

      "Why don't you do your job and leave me alone!" I snarled, trying to step away.

      "I mean, if those emotions can be faked, then there would be their reason for making the clone...at least they were caring enough to give you a replacement before they cut the ties...oh, but you took care of him, so now you have nothing," Xixor hissed and I tried desperately to find my focus. His logic was dizzying and was not helping my state of mind. I told myself over and over that he was lying, but the scary part was that I couldn't know absolutely for sure...I mean, I trusted them but...the combined power of the Falleen's words and watching the Jedi go about their business was suffocating.

      "Look at them...having so much fun out there..."

      "They came and found me, they apologized-"

      "Or were they just charming you to get their way? I know the art of that, personally, and I have to admit that the Jedi are quite skilled at it..." My eyes narrowed and I fought for control. This could not be true, it couldn't be...

      "I'd shut up now if I were you, Greenie," I growled and he flashed an amused smile.

      "They've gone off and left you, though...they prefer *working* to having a legitimate excuse to attend a social gathering with you...look at them, they don't seem to be missing you..." I felt my breathing go shallow as I watched what the prince was saying, as I watched the two dance and laugh and flirt...

      "No, you lie, that's not true..."

      "But I know what they're probably doing..." he said, shrugging innocently as I turned to face him, knowing I was seething.

      "Not one more word..."

      "They're probably looking for a new fuck toy since they're probably tired of what you can do...which probably isn't enough to fulfill them."

      I honestly couldn't tell when it happened, but I snapped. One minute I had found my calm, the next it had flown south for the winter. I didn't even bother to ask him to take it back or ponder who this stuff was coming from, I instead acted in the moment.

      I decked him.

      To be honest, the blow barely phased him, and actually amused him more than anything. But I moved fast, immediately hooking my fingers and jamming them into the tender flesh right below his nose, immobilizing him momentarily. I took the opportunity to knee him in the groin. Xixor obviously didn't like having his holy ass kicked, so he retaliated in the usual fashion once he had caught his breath.

      "Don't take it out on me that your lovers don't want you anymore-" The next thing I knew I was flying through the air and landed on top of him with an inhuman roar, and was instantly rolled over and pinned underneath him. He was strong, I'll give him that, but I had the Force. Calming myself, I found my center and pushed him enough to get my arm free, grab a handful of candy hearts from a tabletop, and shove them up his nose before using another Force jab to push him onto the floor flat on his back. I briefly worried that I was leaning towards the Dark Side, but it felt more instinctual than anything else, and really, at that point, I didn't care. My hands found their own way around his throat and I began to squeeze, ignoring the pain as he sunk his nails into my thigh, ignoring the sudden glint in his eyes-

      I bellowed my protest as I was suddenly yanked off of the Falleen prince by one Han Solo.

      "Let me go!!! I can so take him!!!! Let me finish this!!!" I protested as he pinned my arms behind my back.

      "Kid, you aren't exactly helping matters for this new business," he hissed in my ear and I stopped kicking him in the leg.

      "He started it," I legitimized, glaring at the Falleen as he gracefully picked himself off the floor and dusted himself off.

      "And I'm ending it! Come on..." the smuggler sighed, dragging me out of the room and into Mary's office.

      "Look, I'm sorry, I don't know what got into me but I just couldn't help it!" I protested once I had calmed down a tiny bit.

      "Kid, you nearly got yourself killed! Did you stop to think that while you were trying to suffocate a being that has steel airways that he was reaching for your vibroblade?" Han asked, sitting on the desk, folding his arms across his chest.

      "Oh..." I managed, realization sinking in. "Do you think he would've-"

      "I don't know and I don't want to know...all I know is that it looks a little bad for the representative of the Jedi's franchise to be having a knock-down drag-out fight with one of NFR's employees! Not that you didn't give Green a royal surprise," he laughed, shaking his head. "I think our employees would've paid for it to go on longer!" he added, grinning slightly.

      "I honestly didn't mean to get so worked up...I just...he just..."

      "Hit a big fat nerve?" Han asked, raising an eyebrow.

      "Yeah, I guess," I sighed, plopping into a chair. "I don't know why I'm being such a nerfherder about all this...it's just that he made some sense and I don't want him to..." I murmured, shaking my head in an attempt to figure the universe out. Rolling my eyes as I realized that I must now look like I'd been to hell and back, I undid the french twist that my hair was in and finger-combed it loose until it looked halfway-decent.

      "You want me to have one of the Rogues escort you for the evening? I'm sure Wedge would be game, as long as you don't go within fifty feet of his X-wing," Han muttered and I rolled my eyes.

      "That wasn't my fault! I had no idea they had moved the lightspeed controls on the X-wing...and I couldn't help it that we were in a frigate at the time! Things happen!" I added, then smiled slightly at the look on Han's face.

      "Now that's better...want me to get him in here?" he asked, rising.

      "Nah, I have a feeling that would only make things worse...I don't want to make them jealous or anything...I just want things to be back to the way they were...if they were ever the way I thought they were," I sighed, making sure that the dress was still in one piece.

      "One thing at a time, kid," he said, heading towards the door.

      "Will you apologize to Mary and Gill for me if I don't see em?"

      "Sure thing, though I have a feeling they aren't going to let you forget about it for a long, long time," he laughed, throwing me a lopsided grin that I returned.

      "Yeah, yeah...I guess I'll go find the guys, if they aren't distracted with customers," I muttered.

      "Kid, if that fight didn't get their attention, nothing will!" Han laughed as he opened the door. I grinned and mentally prepared myself for what was to come, if anything.

      "Can I at least put a kick me sign on him when he isn't looking?" I asked upon spying Xixor.

      "ROOOWRF!!!!"

      "Uh, Chewie says no," Han translated as the Wookie strode towards us. "He says he's been asked by Gill to keep an eye on you in case you decide to tackle any more of the guests," he added, trying to keep a straight face and not succeeding.

      "So now I've got a Wookie police escort for the evening?" I asked, incredulous.

      "No, but he's going to be keeping his eye out," Han replied and I shook my head in amazement.

      "Well...all right, but only if he's willing to dance!" I added wryly and Chewie barked an amused laugh.

      "Come on, kid, we gotta get back to the party!" Han reminded me and I let Chewie practically shove me into the room. I gulped as quite a number of people stared in my direction as I re-entered, but at this point I was beyond caring. With a feeling of acquiesence I took Chewie's offered arm and prepared to find the Jedi, if they were anywhere in the vacinity.

=== Per'agana ===

Note: Liz isn’t *usually* this obnoxious (I hope!!),
but hey...everyone should get a
chance to let it all go for one night in their
life! :) Also, hopefully any fellow Ally fans will
be amused by my blatant reference to Billy’s Girls
(who are themselves a blatant take-
off of the Robert Palmer Girls.)
********************************************************

I stood in the hot stream of the shower, feeling my
muscles finally relax. I reflected over
everything that had happened in the past week–
starting with Crysta discovering the
clone, and ending with my wonderful night with Exar
and the conversation with Ziggy
that didn’t go as bad as it might have. It looked as
though I could finally put it all behind
me and get on with my life. I basked in the warm mist
a moment longer, wishing that
Maul were there to share it with me, then turned it
off and stepped out. Much as I loved
sharing moments with Maul, tonight was *my* night.

I went out into my room and thumbed through the
closet, realizing that I was actually
looking forward to the No Force Rentals gala. Granted,
I’d felt a lot of excitement at that
first Rent-a-Jedi ball, but it was tempered by the
knowledge that not only would I have
to work, I would also have to sit idly by and watch
two men I was deeply attracted to
sleep with any woman in the room that wanted them.
Tonight, thankfully, neither Exar
nor Maul would be the star attraction, and I didn’t
need to work. Tonight I was simply
another guest, free to partake of the “offerings” of
the agency.

And partake of them I definitely will, I thought,
pulling out The Dress. Long, flowing
black silk gauze sleeves, full, slitted black silk
gauze skirt, incredibly tight, cleavage-
revealing black silk knit bodice. I’d been saving this
little number for just the right
moment, and this was definitely it. Did I want to make
a statement? Is Freedon Nadd a
nasty badass?, I thought rhetorically. I’d spent too
long hiding and acting apologetic to
the ruling Lightsiders for the simple fact that I was
a Sith. It was time to show a little
pride. Well, and a couple other things along with my
pride, I thought as I laced up the
tight black bodice.

I combed out my hair, and fastened my
obsidian-and-silver sun pendant around my
neck. The Dress was more than enough ornamentation–I
needed only the symbol of
the Sith to be complete. I made a quick call to Mary,
and looked around the room for
something to wear as a coat. I noticed Exar’s cloak
draped over a chair, freshly cleaned
by R3 since the night I’d wrapped it around Crysta. I
tossed it around my shoulders, and
walked next door to NFR.

Mary was waiting in the foyer for me as I walked in.
“Hey, Mary! You look radiant.
Congrats on the new business!”

She smiled. “Thanks, Liz. I have your little
...transaction...waiting for you. Go down the
hall, third room on the right. And thanks for the loan
of the Jedi, by the way. They’re
certainly popular!”

I grinned and set off down the hall. As promised, a
line of ten Royal Imperial Guard
were waiting for me, red armor polished and gleaming.
I crossed my arms and stared at
them almost nervously. I’d never “auditioned” anyone
like this, let alone Imperial
Guardsmen!

I took a deep breath and let the Force flow into me,
regaining my calm. “Strip,” I told
them. “Leave only your boots, gloves, cape, and the
requested undergarments.” I
sensed a sudden current of hostility from them. “Oh,
and your helmets, of course,” I
added hastily, remembering how Imperial guard types
hated to have their identity
known.

They calmed immediately, and I breathed a sigh of
relief, followed by heightened
excitement as I watched the show unfold in front of
me. And quite a show it was! As I’d
long suspected, Palpatine (bastard that he was) did
manage to choose the very best for
his personal bodyguards. The best in *every* way.
Choosing only four was *not* going
to be easy!!

“Turn,” I commanded. “Slowly. *Very* slowly.” I walked
the line, quite astonished by all
these beautiful curves and edges. The second one from
the front had an incredible ass,
and I traced the smooth curve with my hand as he
pivoted in front of me. “You,” I told
him softly. “Step forward.” One down, three to go.

I walked by two more, and stopped in front of the
fifth. Something about his stance...so
rigid, yet it almost seemed provocative, roguish. Like
he wanted to take his helmet off
and defend the honor of the Guard with me, so to
speak. I pulled him out of line, too.
Two left to choose.

I stepped forward, deciding that the last two should
definitely stand out in a certain
attribute. The first of those was obvious– number 8
had a bulge that would easily qualify
as “heroic.” I ran my hand up and down the length,
feeling it pulse with life beneath my
fingertips. He was so huge he was straining mightily
against the tight red speedos– my
“required undergarments!” My ministrations were *not*
helping, either. I reluctantly
pulled away from him and re-assessed numbers 7 and 9.
They were certainly large.
*Equally* large, in fact. With sculpted chests and
muscular thighs. How in the galaxy
could I decide between them?

Number Seven of Ten put the matter handily to rest. He
obviously sensed my
indecision, so he stepped out of line behind me, his
hands deftly exploring beneath my
cloak. One arm curled around my waist, pulling me
against his hard, warm body. His
free hand gripped my breast, fingers flicking across
the nipple with practiced ease. I
never knew the Guard were so skilled at such things! I
leaned back and allowed him to
roam freely across my body, but pulled back when his
fingers darted downward. There
wasn’t time for this now, and even if there were, I
like to *see* the men I’m with!

“Thanks for the offer, though. Perhaps I’ll take you
up on it later.” I said under my
breath.

Seven ran his hand up the curve of my ass, lingering
just long enough to make me
nearly reconsider, then stepped into my chosen group
of four.

I thanked the others and dismissed them. I draped
Exar’s cloak over a nearby chair,
and took my place between them. Together, we marched
toward the ballroom.

The large doors slid open as we approached, and I
reveled in the fun of entering the
room surrounded by the Empire’s sexiest guards. Lando
looked up as I walked by him,
momentarily too surprised to continue
playing...*Pictionary*???!?

He took advantage of my stunned surprise at seeing the
Pictionary game to wander up
to me. “Well, well,” he said in that charming,
effusive voice of his. “You sure do know
how to make an entrance!”

I smiled back. “There’s a new Sith in town, Lando!” I
said, as my escorts and I marched
by him. I scanned the room, noticing my first target
in the corner, surrounded by his
fighter-pilot buddies.

“Corran Horn!” I called, with plenty of superficial
cheer.

He looked less than pleased to see me. “Hello, Liz.”
he said flatly.

“What’s the matter, Corran? You were so *talkative*
the last time I saw you! Of course, I
wasn’t quite myself then, was I?”

At first he looked a bit afraid of me, but now he
seemed to rally. “No, you weren’t. You
were all upset about whatever the latest thing that
crazy-ass “master” of yours did to
you.”

I laughed at him. “Crazy? And what did you call the
Dark Lord of the Sith last time,
psychotic? You really *do* have a death wish!”

He shrugged. “I’m not afraid of your little threats. I
just call ‘em as I see ‘em. And your
master is one sick puppy. Too bad you’re so dazzled by
His Insanity that you can’t see
the *true* nature of the Force!”

“The *true* nature of the Force? As if *you* have a
clue about the Force!” I hissed.

“Well,” he said slowly in that utterly infuriating
drawl of his, “at least *I* don’t need a
bunch of steroid-hyped Imperial guard-studs to follow
me everywhere in order to feel
important!”

“Let me get this straight. My master is insane, and
I’m just out to feel important because
I don’t understand the *real* nature of the Force. Is
that it?” I asked rhetorically.

Another irritatingly smug smirk. “Yup. So, is this the
part where you Force-choke me to
show that the Dark Side reigns supreme?”

I laughed. “I could, but why would I bother wasting my
talents on someone with such an
obvious identity crisis? You’re so busy trying to push
the Jedi way on me, yet you’re not
even willing to admit you’ve *got* the Force! Or are
you just ashamed to call yourself
Jedi? I’m not going to threaten you, Corran Horn.
You’re so fucked up already, you’ll do
yourself far more damage than I ever could.” I
shrugged at him in my best Corran Horn
imitation, then turned on my heel and walked away,
leaving him alone with his front of
arrogance.

Granted, that wasn’t exactly how I’d imagined dealing
with him, but as satisfying as it
would feel to telekinetically hurl him across the
room, this would ultimately be more
useful. And, I thought, dealing with my green would-be
seducer would be far more
rewarding.

As I searched the room for Xizor, I noticed a very
interesting scene taking place. Qui-
Gon was standing in front of Crysta, looking angry and
defensive. Crysta, from the look
of it, was really giving it to him! Intrigued, I
wandered closer, my escort in tow.

"Luke is 10 times the Jedi you will *ever* be,
*Master* Jinn," Crysta was saying. "For
one, he knows how to admit when he's made a mistake,
and apologize for it. He also
knows that having the Force does not make you God,
*and* he knows how to treat
someone he loves."

Well, *damn*!! Hand him his ass, Crysta, I thought. He
certainly deserves it! I watched
eagerly, incredibly curious to see what she’d say
next. Unfortunately, her knight in dull
khaki came up to her right then, laying his hand on
her shoulder and speaking to her in
a soft, calming voice. Gee, thanks a lot, farmboy!
Just when she was about to let out
some *real* anger! Which, I reflected, was exactly
what he was trying to deflect. Damn
Jedi!

“Yes, I’m sure *you* would have appreciated it if she
lashed out at me in anger,” said a
tight, annoyed voice from behind me.

I whirled around and bumped into one of the guard, who
caught me and turned me to
face the unwelcome sight of Qui-Gon Jinn in full snit
mode. “Well, I see you made it
after all” I said shortly.

“I *said* I would go, and the word of a *Jedi*
actually means something. In fact, I’ve
been looking for you.”

I decided to let the not-so-subtle dig at my Masters
and I go without comment, focusing
on the more important matter. “So, did you have that
little chat with the Council that you
*also* promised to have?”

He nodded. “I did. And they agreed to your proposal.
However, there was a condition.”
Qui-Gon paused. I waited with building anger. I knew
this pause for effect would not
herald something pleasing.

He looked at me for a brief moment, then continued.
“The Council feels that the Sith
should be separated from the Jedi, that the Sith are
having a disruptive influence on our
harmony with the Living Force. Therefore, they do not
feel that you or any of your fellow
Sith have any need to continue using property owned by
Rent-a-Jedi, nor do they feel
you have any need to remain in the Rent-a-Jedi
building longer than the next 72 hours.”

He delivered this blow with a look of smug
satisfaction. He knew full well I had nowhere
to go, and that the Rent-a-Sith budget could never
sustain paying for our own building.
He’d effectively ended Rent-a-Sith, and moreover, he
knew it. I stared at him in
impotent rage as he bowed slightly and walked away.

'Oh dear God, tell me it ain't so,' I thought to
myself as I looked at the punch bowl. Apparently
someone had seen it fit to spike the punch...and
instead of a red juice a strange purple concoction
swirled underneath the ladle. 'Please tell me that
someone did not spike the punch with Romulan Ale...'
That would NOT be good.

'I've got to get this stuff out of the reach of the
clients.' Somehow, drunken NFR employees mixed with
drunken customers did not sit well with me especially
after the Rent a Jedi gala's incident with spiked
punch. However, thoughts of taking the punch bowl out
of the room fled my mind when I spotted Crysta facing
Qui-Gon.

"...That's just it. You *didn't* think. You didn't
think about *anything*! You just acted. *You* didn't
see anything wrong with making the clone. But did you
even *think* to consider how making a clone would
affect other people???"

'Holy cow,' I thought, my eyes widening as Crysta
proceeded to put Qui-Gon in his place. "About friggin'
time," I muttered as I watched the scene with
interest.

Personally, I was all for sending Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan
to the dankest world in the universe for a period of a
few months as punishment for their idiocy. But even
that seemed too soft. 'Stoning?' I mused, my lips
curving slightly as a miniature Obi and Qui were hit
with tiny heart candies over and over again. 'Stop it
Gill,' I ordered myself firmly, 'Yes he was an idiot.
Yes he deserves what he's getting. But the best
punishment for stupidity like that is living with the
consequences.' And he was going to be living with
those for a very, very long time.

Now the only question was whether or not this lesson
was going to sink in through his thick skull or not.

"Luke is 10 times the Jedi you will *ever* be,
*Master* Jinn."

'Shit,' I thought, moving towards her. I didn't want
her to do anything that she would regret later...

Crysta continued with deadly calm, "For one, he knows
how to admit when he's made a mistake, and apologize
for it. He also knows that having the Force does not
make you God, *and* he knows how to treat someone he
loves."

Thankfully, I spotted a certain farm boy, 'When did he
get here?' heading her way. He knew exactly what
could happen if she continued. I let out a breath
that I didn't know I was holding when Luke placed his
hand on her shoulder, diffusing any building tension.
Relieved, I watched them move onto the dance floor
before heading towards the pictonary game.

"Gill! C'mon, join us!" Han grinned from his spot on
the couch, motioning towards the screen where Captain
Needa was attempting to draw something resembling a
planet and a star.

"Gee, are you sure you want me in this?" I asked with
a grin as I took a seat next to him.

"Ya, maybe you can figure out what the heck he's
drawing," Han whispered.

I grinned and watched Needa's drawing intently. It
appeared almost as if...'Third rock from the sun,' I
thought, amazed that I had figured it out.

I contented myself watching the TIE fighter pilots,
including Jaxom, attempt to wrap their minds around
the three apple-like 'rocks.'

"Time," Ackbar said, watching the clock, "Final
answer?"

"Uh...three orbiting rocks," hazarded a TIE pilot.

"No. Sexy Smugglers?" Ackbar asked, addressing my
'team.' It was all that I could do not to laugh.

"Gill," Han whispered, "Do you have ANY clue what the
heck that is?"

"I might," I said, before making my own guess, "Third
rock from the sun?"

"Correct," Ackbar said, "You may now give the Well
Endowed Imperials their punishment."

"Punishment?" I asked.

"Yeah, you tell them what they have to do since they
didn't get the correct answer on their turn."

"Ah," I said, my mind whirling. "Ok," I said, an
'evil' glint beginning to gleam in my eyes, "You have
to sing a song...the only thing is, you have to do it
acappella AND without the words."

Jaxom looked at me curiously for a moment before
shrugging. I should have known then that I was in
trouble. Serious trouble.

Jaxom headed for the dance floor, instead of staying
in the room like I had assumed he would, trailed by a
few of the other pilots and the rest of the pictonary
group. He couldn't be.

He was.

I don't know what I was expecting but it certainly
wasn't that. The music stopped and four TIE fighter
pilots began to dance on the dance floor while humming
the opening notes to...no, it can't be.

It was.

Jaxom spun on his left foot and began to sing in a
very high tenor, "Walk like a man..." while the other
pilots began to hum in descent to his words.

They danced, they whirled, and Jaxom even moonwalked
to the words of "Walk like a man." I was ready to die
from laughter, or perhaps for mortification that Jaxom
actually was doing his punishment AND interrupting
what little partying was happening on the dance floor.
Actually, besides Luke and Crysta, there weren't too
many couples actually dancing.

'Of all the stupid punishments I had to have Jaxom to
sing a song...'I thought, shaking my head. However,
just as the last strains of 'Walk like a Man' floated
through the room a strangely deep baritone began to
sing "Blue Moon."

I searched the room, trying to find the source of the
song when I found it.

Boba Fett.

Singing.

In a baritone.

Somebody shoot me now.

My eyes swept the room, looking for some sympathetic
gaze, when I landed on Mary. She didn't look like she
was too thrilled with the entire spontaneous
karoake/acappella fiasco on the dance floor. When the
final lines of "Blue Moon" passed through Boba Fett's
lips, or whatever the heck was under that helmet, Mary
stepped up front and cracked her whip.

She was getting WAY too attached to that thing.

Mary's gaze seemingly met everyone else's in the room
in a silent challenge as the opening strains to...Good
Lord, "Whip It," began to play.

"CRACK that whip!" the lead singer of Devo ordered.
It was all I could do not to laugh out loud as I
caught the faintest hint of a smile in the corners of
her mouth. She was definitely enjoying that thing too
much.

However, her appearance and the change of pace of the
music seemed to snap the party into full swing as
pilot, smuggler, and Imperial alike began to pull
customers out to dance.

'Now *this* is a party,' I thought.

~~~
FYI, "Walk Like a Man" is borrowed from the Four
Seasons, "Blue Moon" from the Marcels, and "Whip It"
from Devo

I looked around at the party, finally starting to pick up in places that *weren't* around the damn game. What's better, I had figured out how to use the whip and *actually* make it crack instead of looking like a sick snake being jerked around. Okay...so not everyone wore a party face...some looked like they'd rather kick someone's ass than dance. I sighed. You can't please everyone.

I grinned as I spoke above the noise. "No she doesn't. For one thing she's in better shape, and for another she has a padawan bra--" I cut myself off as I turned around and realized that it wasn't true anymore.

"Tam? What happened to you?" The last time I had seen her was right before Thanksgiving, and I hadn't heard from her at all since right before Christmas. At the time she sounded happy, but I could feel that a lot had happened since then.

I looked back and forth between her and the rest of the party, thinking for a moment. Finally I shook my head. "You need me more than the others do. I want to hear what happened and why your braid is missing and everything. Martin, could you show her up to our bedroom and guard the door 'till I get there? I'll be up in a minute."

I looked around for Chewbacca, finding him easily. "Chewie, I need you to help me. A friend of mine just showed up and she needs a shoulder to cry on. I feel like a heel, but I'm gonna have to duck out of the party for a while. Make a note to dock my pay for the party and give bonuses to the girls, and if Gill or Patricia need me send them to my room. If anyone else wants me you don't know where I am. Capish?"

"Gerfing flacing merfherf nagler!" I muttered to myself as I made my way back to No Force Rentals. Okay, lets think about this, shall we? The first package from this sumdged, undecipherable address contained Pictionary and a whip, each of which (and both) proceeded to wreak havoc on the party. (Of course, they all seemed like they were expecting something of the sort to happen...WHAT SORT OF PLACE...!?!) Ahem. And now they want to receive ANOTHER one! I don't even want to know! On the other hand...it's bound to be interesting. By the time I was trudging up the steps of the place for my last delivery of the night, I'd talked myself itno raging curiosity. I'd also managed to get whatever Dispatching had on the return address, but it was in a sealed envelope for the recipient, which meant I had to stick around to find out what sort of wacko would send a bomb like Pictionary and a whip without the courage to stick around for the resultant carnage. I marched straight up to the lady called Gill--the one who had backed off of the previous package in favor of "Mistress". "Well, here's your package, ma'am. I also pried whatever Dispatching had on the sender out of 'em; it's in this envelope. If you'll just sign here, then let me get out of range...?" She laughed as she took the data pad. "Hey, the last one livened up the party, didn't it?" "Er...you could say that. Listen, I'm off duty now...do you mind if I stay awhile and talk to those pilots?"

There was so much happening around us, but Luke and I hardly noticed it. We both enjoyed dancing, but we enjoyed dancing with each other even more. Luke was making it very easy to push Qui-Gon out of my mind and just enjoy being with him.

We swayed and twirled and spun to the inspiring notes and words of the music. Gill and Mary had done a great job in hiring the DJ - he played a wide variety of selections, yet stayed within the Valentine's Day theme.

Half-way through Aerosmith's "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing", Luke and I suddenly stumbled, bumping into another couple. They were probably surprised that we'd run into them, but they weren't nearly as surprised as we were when we figured out who the sudden rush of strong emotions that knocked us off balance had come from.

We looked up to see Ziggy throw herself on top of Xizor in a fit of wild anger. I didn't know what it was that he'd said or done to set her off, but she was beyond pissed, which was not a good thing.

Where the hell did they come from??? Maybe it was part of the Pictionary dare? No, wait. That woman standing in the middle of them looked familiar. As she turned around, I recognized Liz. Wow, she looked deadly in that dress!

But it was. And that had to be the only thing that could top Liz's Royal Entourage! Now this had to be a part of the Pictionary game. I glanced over to the room where the game had been and answered that question - the room was now vacant.

I stepped back, out of range of the fray and let my thoughts drift. I'd just told Qui-Gon off, which was something that rarely happened with me. I was usually the one to grin and bear it, shrugging it off, knowing that everything would be all right and that it wasn't worth wasting excess energy on. What was it this time that kept preventing me from letting go and moving on?

I wasn't the only one having difficulty, though. Selah's outburst more than likely stemmed from the ongoing conflict between us. Han was comforting her in the office, though, and I could tell through the Force that she'd calmed down a little bit now.

And Luke had gone off to talk to Qui-Gon. Qui knew how I felt now, and I knew Liz had said more than a few words to him. He needed to get his act together and realize what he'd done. Whether he refused to acknowledge what he'd caused or just couldn't see the extent of the damage he'd done I didn't know, but he was definitely straddling the line between Light and Dark. His actions were not the only things balanced precariously on that fence - he'd caused me to cross the line and reach out to the Dark Side (granted with the help of Exar, but that was beside the point), and now Selah had done just that. How many more people would be hurt because of this? It had to stop, now. But it was up to Qui-Gon. His actions influenced too many people, including his Padawan. Obi-Wan was becoming more and more like his master, and that was beginning to become an unfortunate thing. As unfortunate as everything else that had happened lately.

I hoped Luke would be able to knock some sense into him. I didn't know what he'd say, but I hoped Qui would listen. Luke would be objective, and would keep everyone's best interest at heart. My well-being would be first and foremost in his mind, but unlike Qui-Gon, he'd also remember everyone else. He was worried about Selah, and he was also worried about Qui. There was far too much Dark energy running through us all and something had to be done, before it was too late. We needed to come down from the fence, but I wasn't sure how we'd accomplish that. Or if we could accomplish that.

At least, I thought he was singing... It was a little hard to tell, since you couldn't exactly see his lips though that mask. But whoever was singing was really good. Almost frighteningly good.

I shook my head, and headed over to the refreshment table to quench my thirst. The purple concoction in the punch bowl looked interesting... I swirled the ladle while I reached for a glass. I got a sudden sense of deja vu as I poured the liquid, but couldn't quite place it. I shook it off, and sipped the drink.

I gasped as the potent drink slid down my esophagus. It was fruity, and strong. This was more than mere punch... I took another sip, trying to figure out what exactly it was and managed not to gasp as the second mouthful coated my throat on its way down. It was unlike anything I'd ever tasted before. It was probably alcoholic, and I was probably going to regret drinking it, but it was actually really good. Once you got past that burning sensation, that is...

I whirled around as the sharp sound reverberated throughout the room. Mary sure had gotten the hang of that thing! She stood in the middle of the floor, whip in hand, staring everyone down. She held her position for a few moments as the opening strains of "Whip it" began.

Mary had done a great job of getting everyone's attention, however. Apparently, the employees of No Force Rentals knew better than to cross a pretty, pregnant, no-nonsense boss with a whip.

I watched a leggy brunette waltz up to Obi-Wan and wrap herself around him. Her slinky black dress dipped low on her back and helped enhance the exaggerated motions of her body. I wasn't sure who she was, but something about her just seemed... I don't know - strange. But other than the fact that Obi seemed to be enjoying her attentions, I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

Everyone else seemed to be enjoying themselves out there now, too. Ackbar was dancing with an alien female (at least I was pretty sure it was a female... It was kind of difficult to tell...), Corran had latched on to a pretty girl, and Liz was getting grinded on by her Imperial Guardsmen.

He smiled back and led me out to the floor. The tune was a lively one, and he rested one hand on my waist and gripped my hand in his other one. I rested my free hand on his shoulder as he led the way. Wedge was a surprisingly good dancer, and I didn't have any trouble following his lead. Everyone around us was laughing and chatting merrily, the Pictionary game forgotten.

My gaze continued to sweep the room while Wedge and I danced and chatted. I saw Gill heading over to the front doors, and saw Ziggy and Han emerge from Mary's office. Luke and Qui-Gon were no where to be seen, but I knew they were close because I could sense Luke through the Force. His emotions were calm, which was a good thing. I hoped he was making progress with Qui.

I sighed as I walked around with my Wookie escort, feeling not unlike a young, chastised kid again. I didn't know what came over me...sure, I had had a couple brawls in elementary school, but aside from that I never fought, at least not physically. In the back of my mind I tried to put things together...maybe Xixor was right...maybe it wasn't Qui-Gon who was the bad influence, but *me*...

     "ROOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWRF!"

     I rolled my eyes as I focused on Chewie. "All right, all right, I'll stop moping! Come on, let's dance," I sighed, dragging the Wookie reluctantly onto the dance floor. "Oh, come on! If I could dance with my ex-boyfriend, I can dance with anyone!" I growled and he humored me. Actually, he wasn't half bad once you got used to the size factor. I watched in stunned horror as the TIE fighters and Boba Fett did their thing, silently thanking the stars that there was no kereoke machine near the premises. Abruptly, Chewie was instructed to go upstairs and look after Tam, so I was left partnerless. I was about to go have a seat when I noticed Obi-Wan, just a few people away from me...My breath about froze in my throat as his eyes took on an absolutely smoldering cast...It had been far too long since we had been together...

     Smiling slyly, I glanced towards the stairs and made my way through the crowd, making sure that he was trailing. Once I broke free of other people I headed up the stairs to a room that I knew would be empty. Licking my lips in anticipation, I quickly draped myself over the bed, my heart speeding at the sound of approaching footsteps. I knew it was him, I didn't need to reach out with the Force to confirm it.

    "You know I want this, baby..." he purred right outside the door and I shivered. This would make up for everything else that had happened..."Oh, my love...can't wait to be on you, to be in you..." Dang, but he was in the mood...I knew he only called me "my love" when he was feeling particularly romantic or raunchy, whichever came first.

    I held my breath as the door slowly opened, then felt time stop and my jaw drop as the padawan entered, mouth and tongue attached to a brunette in a revealing black dress.

   Oops.

   I should've known, he *was* working after all, but I had fealt sure he had at least noticed me standing right by him! She was all over him, and I knew that was part of his job, but the fact that he was that emotionally preoccupied with her, didn't even notice me in the room, more than aggitated me. I felt rage start to boil, but I quickly let it dissipate into the Force...that wasn't going to help me at the moment. All I needed was a pretty damn good excuse.

Needless to say, Obi was more than a little surprised when he dislocated his mouth from the woman's and finally noticed me on the bed.

"Um, my mistake," I blurted before racing out of the room and down the stairs.

Of course I ran right into Lando.

"Whoa, whoa, what's going on!?" he asked upon grabbing me round the waist as I started to run by.

"I thought you were playing pictionary," I countered.

"Too high of stakes, I needed a break...and why in the world are you looking like that?"

Taking a deep breath, I proceeded to dish him the dirt.

"Oh, man..." he managed once I had finished.

   "I know he was just doing his job...it just...startled me," I managed, not really angry at the moment, more disturbed. I paced without a destination, trying to use up some nervous energy.

   "Kid, I know it hurts-"

   "No, it's okay, I'll deal with it!" I muttered. "I'll just become a nun, or take up the Wookie Senator on becoming his consort, or maybe I'll just get myself circumcized- oh, I'm kidding!" I insisted at the reaction *that* got.

   "Somehow I think you'll do nothing of the sort..." he said and I snorted.

   "What makes you think that?" I asked, then paused as I realized he was looking over my shoulder, and not at me.

   I turned, biting my lip hard enough to draw blood, and raised an eyebrow as I turned around to find Obi-Wan standing right behind me.

   "Oh, it's you. I'll let you get back to work and just keep myself occupied out here," I said as I turned to get away.

   Now, I really wasn't prepared for finding myself being suddenly flung over his shoulder and paraded to a wall on the far side of the room. I yelped as I was roughly set on my feet, pinned against the wall by the Force.

"I thought you wanted to go play with your little friend," I growled, letting my eyes narrow.

"That was work," he returned in the same tone before leaning his face just over mine. "I only play with you..." he purred and I rolled my eyes.

"Can it, you obviously don't mean it! You were awfully intrigued back there, and not just physically..."

   He looked at me incredulously and chanced a small grin. "You have nothing to worry about, dearest...believe me. Not her or any other woman can distract me from you..."

   "You sure?" I asked warily. "I mean, she'd probably be better suited for you, she's not bad looking, she-" Any other description was muffled as his mouth clamped over mine, his tongue demanding entrance, then ravaging my mouth before he pulled away.

   "I do have eyes," he said wryly, probably thanking his lucky stars that I couldn't move at that point, otherwise he would've had his braid yanked out. "Trust me, I adore what I've got, thank you, unless you have a problem with it..."

   "Then why were you trying to replace yourselves with that Luke clone?" I asked, and his eyes widened.

   "*That's* what you really thought was happening?! Oh, darling," he murmured, suddenly pulling me close into his chest. "We did it because we thought it was what you wanted, not because we were pushing someone else on you..." Despite my attempts to keep calm, tears leaked out anyway as he gently smoothed my hair and caressed my mind with his.

   "We can't have everything we want..." I sighed.

   "But Qui-Gon said-"

   "He's had bad influence...I've influenced him to almost leave the path of the light...maybe it would be better if I just resigned-"

   "Now you're talking nonsense!" Obi stammered, his arms encircling me tighter.

   "But it's my fault! If I hadn't whined so much about it, if I hadn't encouraged your behavior with the clone closet, none of this would've happened! He needs to realize that he hurt a lot of people...that because I was selfish he was tempted to take the easy path to satisfy me...if he turns to the Dark Side it'll be all my fault!" I found myself rambling. "What if I'm no good for you? What if I'm corrupting both of you and you end up turning to the Dark Side and join the empire and help them to destroy everything and take over the whole universe and it would be all my fault!!!!!" I rambled, irked at him finding it amusing despite the situation.

      "Somehow I doubt that will happen," he replied, mussing my hair gently.

      "But still, what happened was wrong and he has no idea how many people were hurt because of it!" I sighed, leaning into Obi's warmth.

      "I do now," a soft voice replied and I jumped before glancing to the side and spying Qui-Gon leaning against the wall beside us.
He seemed...different...not so arrogant, but more of the Qui-Gon I knew and had fallen in love with...maybe Luke had made him understand.

      "Not hardly...it wasn't until I overheard you just now that I really thought about what I had done...and I am sorry..." he added, cupping my face in a hand gently.

     "But Master-" Obi started.

     "No buts about it, Padawan...I may be a Jedi, but Jedi are human, or are prone to make mistakes," he corrected after considering the amount of nonhuman Jedi out there. "Sometimes I forget that even though I am a master, I am still tempted," he sighed, absently caressing my cheek. "I didn't want you to feel like you were stuck with us, that you had missed out on something-"

    "Why do you think I gave into you in the first place? Maybe I want to be stuck with you!" I replied, shaking my head at all the complexities of the situation none of us had ever stopped to think about. "I love you both so much...I just sometimes wonder why you settled for me..." I murmured sheepishly and a look of total understanding settled on his features.

    "Darling, we didn't *settle* for you, if that's what you're thinking...we worked hard to win your heart...there's nothing about you that either of us ever *settled* for..." he said vehemently before his lips found mine, providing gentle reassurance.

    "You're sure?" I asked quietly when he had pulled away.

    "Positive," Obi-Wan growled before his mouth claimed mine.

    "I'm sorry this all happened...I..." I murmured quietly.

    "No, I am to blame for much of it," Qui replied.

    "Could you do me a favor...please? Since you now understand...could you apologize to Gill, Crys, Luke, and Liz...for me?" I asked, knowing exactly what I was asking. He considered it for a long moment, then nodded.

   "For you, anything," he finally answered. "Stay with her," he instructed Obi.

   "But you're supposed to be working tonight!" I argued.

   "Not anymore...let's just say we found our work forms in Mary's office...you're now the proud owner of a Jedi master and padawan for the rest of the evening!" Obi proclaimed, quite proud of himself. "Unless that might lead to the Dark Side, as well..." he added, his brow furrowing.

   "Somehow, I think it's all right," I replied, smiling as I rolled my eyes.

   "Then you two stay here..." Qui started, then frowned as Obi leaned in for the kill. "And don't start anything without me..." he warned. "I'll be back directly," he added, brushing a gentle kiss to my lips before wandering off to find the others and make things right. As I watched him walk across the room I smiled slightly as I spied the brunette pouting in the crowd as she looked towards us.
Obi noticed and chuckled slightly, his arm tightening around my waist.

"Care to dance?" he asked as the real music was brought back up.

   "Love to," I replied contentedly before taking his hand and following him onto the dance floor.

Raven left Thrawn with one last suggestive look, then wandered out to the dance floor just in time to see... holy fucking Gonk... a group of TIE fighter pilots dancing and humming "Walk Like a Man." "Oh. My. I am never going to look at another TIE pilot the same way again..." thought Raven as the troop finished. Then, from another side of the room came a deep voice. "Blue Moon" wafted through the silent room as everyone searched for its source. It was pretty good for some Star Wars jock. "Who is that anywa- BLOODY 'ELL!" There stood Boba Fett, singing his armor-clad heart out. Holy shit. That music was not coming from my beloved rough n' tough hunter hunk. No way. But it was. "Well, I guess this party has become quiet the learning experience," she muttered then began to slink through the crowd towards Fett. Fett finished and a woman... with a whip... walked onto the floor and another song started up. Fett moved to a darker part of the room and Raven followed silently. He stopped to talk with Bossk and she crept up behind him. Carefully, she reached one hand out to grab his helmet when a hand whipped around and grabbed her wrist. "Good, but not good enough." Fett looked back at her over his shoulder and released her wrist. "Damnit!" Growled Raven as she moved around in front of Fett. "And I was so close too." "Not close enough..." Fett said suggestively. Raven grinned back at him then noticed that Bossk was staring at her. "Oh, hi there lizard-boy. How's the hunting?" Bossk garbled something and winked at me, then took another drink of that spiked punch. "Nope, sorry, I don't go for scales." "That's not what you told me the other day," a voice purred from over her shoulder. "Bugger off, Xizor. Go find someone else to waste your pheromones on." Raven glared at him over her shoulder. "But the night is young, and you are alone..." "No she's not." Raven jumped slightly as Fett put a hand on her shoulder. "She's with me." Stunned, Raven couldn't think of anything to say for a moment. But don't worry, the moment passed. "Uh, yeah. So, uh, go seduce some other pathetic being, your Royal Reptileness." Anger flashed over the Falleen's face and vanished quickly as he turned with a sweep of his robes and stalked away. "Oh Goddess. Thanks a million, Fett. I owe you." "So you do. Should I add it to your tab?" Raven smiled and licked his helmet. "Guess you better until you accept my form of currency." Winking, Raven turned to leave when a familiar hand found her wrist again. Then another hand moved around her waist, pulling her back towards Fett. "Who said I didn't accept it. Besides, we best keep up this 'act' for Xizor, shouldn't we?" She could swear she could see him smiling under his helmet. "Yes" I suppose we should. So, I guess you could be my first..." "You first?" "For the night, Fett. The first tonight." Grinning, She and Fett wandered off to find someplace quiet.

"Well actually..." Wedge started, but couldn't keep a straight face long enough to carry out the complaint. He tossed a lopsided grin at Luke, thanked me for the dances, and offered my hand over in a chivalrous manner. Luke caught my hand in his and pulled me into his arms, but before Wedge walked away he tossed one last soft comment over his shoulder. "You're one lucky dog, Skywalker. But hurt her again, and Jedi or no Jedi, you'll have me to deal with." The words were serious and rather harsh, but his tone was light and the lopsided grin remained on his face as he turned and walked away.

Wedge was a good friend, that was for sure, and Luke knew it. His eyes and thoughts lingered on his friend for a moment before he turned back to me. "I'm sorry," he said softly, his voice full of sincerity.

"No, they didn't," he said flatly, and I could hear the frustration in his voice as much as sense it. He let out a low breath. "That man is the most stubborn, bull-headed, arrogant fool I've ever met, and if I weren't a Jedi, I swear I'd smack him upside the head. It's not so much that he refuses to take responsibility for his actions, but the fact that he can't see the extent of the damage he's caused. I tried explaining, re-iterating, rationalizing, and pleading, but it didn't do any good. He just won't listen to me. His response was that I was blowing the entire situation out of proportion and that my insecurities about my father and the Dark Side were tainting my views. Not to mention how my feelings for you were getting in my way..."

"Oh, but he understood completely," Luke continued, and I sensed the frustration and incredulity at Qui's response magnify as he spoke. "He told me that it was perfectly natural that I'd overreact and let my emotions control my logic, but he warned me that if I didn't get them in check, and help you get yours in check, I'd lose you to the Dark Side, just like Ben lost my father."

I stared at him in shock. I hadn't heard a load of bull-shit that great in quite a while. I shook my head dejectedly and sighed. It was hopeless... Qui-Gon just wasn't going to see the light of day. He was stubborn all right, and it was going to take more that either Luke or I had in us to make him see the light.

I took a deep breath and reached out to the Force to calm myself. Realizing now that there was little Luke or I could do to get through to the man, it was pointless to get all worked up about it anymore. The Force crept into my consciousness, and as it's power enfolded me, I met Luke's eyes. The answer whispered through the Force - we would be patient. If there was a solution, it would show itself on it's own.

I looked at Luke, and through my Force connection I felt the calmness in me win out easily. My annoyance with Qui-Gon had been pushed away for the time being, and we were both willing to give him another chance. I only hoped he deserved it.

He turned and led the way into Mary's office, and I couldn't help but chuckle softly as I thought about how much use it was getting this evening. She should be charging us rent to hold discussions in here. Luke caught my thought and laughed. Qui turned, looking at us curiously to see what was so amusing.

"Crysta thinks Mary ought to start charging for everyone holding discussions in here," Luke explained, and Qui smiled half-heartedly, but didn't laugh. I sensed the change in his mood - I got the feeling that he'd come to apologize, which actually surprised me. If he really did bring us in here to do just that, it had come a lot sooner than either of us had expected.

"Crysta," the Jedi began hesitantly, as if what he were about to say was very strenuous, "I owe you an apology. I realize now that you were hurt quite badly by what -" he faltered, then found the words and continued, "by all of this, and I'm sorry. None of us meant for anyone to get hurt... And until now, I just didn't realize that it was more serious than I thought. Because you seemed so together every time I saw you lately, and because I still don't know exactly what happened to you, I just assumed that everything was okay. Apparently, judging by your outburst earlier, it's not okay, but I was unaware of that. Forgive me for not understanding, but I was not informed of all the facts. Even now, I don't know them all." He left the implication hanging in the air. Even when he was apologizing he was trying to manipulate! He wanted details of the whole sordid affair - talk about digging up ghosts!

I sighed and shook my head. "Thanks, Qui-Gon, but Luke is the only one that knows the whole story. I'd really not like to dig into the details of that anymore. Just believe me when I say that it's the most difficult thing I've ever dealt with, and that I never want to go through anything like it ever again."

"Crysta is strong, Qui. That's why she's done so well. Like I told you Qui-Gon - she came this close," he held his fingers a hair's width apart, "to being torn completely apart. I almost lost her," he said softly. "If she wasn't so strong, and if Liz and I hadn't gotten there when we did, things might have turned out very differently. Very differently indeed...." he trailed off, not needing to finish. As he spoke, he'd moved to stand behind me, placing his hands on my shoulders in a caring gesture that sent me strength and reassurance.

Qui-Gon nodded, accepting that he wasn't going to get any more information, but he wasn't pleased or convinced, either. But that was just too bad. If he couldn't use the Force to sense that what we said was true, then he still wasn't being the Jedi Master I'd thought he was.

He nodded. "That's why I'm here. Like I said, I didn't really understand how big the repercussions were, and still don't, really... but I'm willing to admit that. And that's what I wanted to apologize for. I think I was too short with you, Luke, and possibly a little too harsh to judge. I won't change my opinion that you may still be overreacting and letting your fears of your father get in your way, though."

Luke surprised me, though. He responded to Qui-Gon's accusation with one of his own. "And I won't change my opinion that you're underestimating the situation and the Dark Side. It claimed my father, and your apprentice wasn't able to stop it from doing so. And I won't mention someone else in your past...." Luke paused, letting the reference hang in the air for a moment. He'd told me about Xanatos, but I couldn't believe he was actually hitting Qui-Gon in the face with it! It was a good point though - Qui-Gon had lost a padawan to the Dark Side, and in the future, Obi-Wan would lose Anakin.

Qui-Gon's expression turned icy, but Luke continued. He was keeping his voice very calm, but he was definitely disagreeing with Qui-Gon. "Don't underestimate the power of the Dark Side, Qui-Gon. It could be the undoing of us all."

"Perhaps if you're worried about Crysta turning to the Dark Side, you should watch who she hangs around with," the older Jedi responded coolly. "You seem glad that Liz "saved" her... Are you aware that she is now Sith?"

Qui-Gon sighed deeply. "I really don't see much hope... She is so tainted now that I fear she is lost forever. Those Masters of hers are bad news. They should be kept as far from the innocent as possible, to avoid any more disasters like this."

I just stared at the two of them, quite aware of the fact that my jaw was now hanging open. I couldn't believe the sudden turn the conversation had taken. "You two are talking about her like she has a terminal disease and has but days to live!" I interjected at last. "She's not dying for Force sake!"

"That's what you thought, Crysta," the Jedi replied, "but what you didn't see were her hidden intentions. She does nothing out of the goodness of her own heart anymore - she gains something for herself out of everything she does."

"No, Qui-Gon, I don't believe you," I replied honestly. She had helped me out of the goodness of her heart. I'd felt that goodness. It was hidden, yes, but I would not, could not believe that she was evil.

Luke was staring at me, trying to figure out what was going on. I'd just stuck up for Liz, and I could tell he wasn't quite sure what to make of it. I knew he wasn't all that fond of her. He hadn't been, really, since the encounter in the office during Thanksgiving when she'd caught us in Ziggy's computer.

And then a thought occurred to me. One that I suddenly realized really didn't make any sense. I was an engineering apprentice, and the one thing about engineers is that we all think very logically. But something was not logical, and I felt it had to be said.

"Can I ask a question?" I asked, not really to get their permission, but to make a point that I wanted their attention. I met Luke's gaze, and he nodded. I looked to see that I had Qui-Gon's attention, and then asked the question.

"The Jedi are supposed to be very calm, compassionate, and unafraid, right?" Both men nodded, wondering where I was going. "If that's the case, then why are we so afraid of the Dark Side, and why do we hate the Sith?"

Qui-Gon stared at me like I'd just asked him if I could murder his padawan in cold blood. Luke wasn't much happier. I hadn't asked the question out of disrespect for the Jedi in the least. I was Jedi, and I was just as afraid of the Sith and the Dark Side as the two men were. But it really didn't make any sense to me, and I really wondered if either of them could answer the question.

I stared after him for a moment, shocked at his response. I thought it was a perfectly innocent question, and one that was very valid, and he'd completely avoided it! And he was supposed to be the Master?

"It was your question, Crys," he replied softly. "It's not one that either of us has ever been asked before, and it makes us wonder why you asked it." His brow was wrinkled, and I could sense his worry for me.

"But why?" I replied. "It's just an innocent question... I mean, think about it, Luke - fear is the path to the Dark Side, yet we're afraid of the Dark Side. Where is the logic there? I'm sorry... I just don't see it, and I'm curious." I looked back at him, hoping that my logical mind wasn't going to get me into trouble yet again. It hadn't with this new world of Jedi and Sith yet, but there was always a first for everything, and my logical questions had gotten me in trouble before with people who just didn't understand. But I'd come to see that of all people, Luke had always made the effort to try and understand me.

Sighing, Luke shook his head as he did think about my question. He still wasn't sure why I'd asked it, and wasn't going to justify it, but he would honor the question by hearing it out. He respected me, and knew I at least deserved some sort of response, even if he wasn't happy that I'd asked the question.

I looked at the package with what could only be
described as trepidation. The last time one of these
arrived, it ended up giving Mary a whip and
distracting a large number of our employees through
pictonary. THIS package, however, looked like it
could be much worse. For one thing, it was at easily
three times the size of the last one. For another, it
looked innocent.

I didn't trust it. I put down the package near the
discarded game of pictonary, wondering at the weight.
I stared at it for a moment, trying to work up enough
courage to open it when it did the unthinkable. It
moved.

'Holy,' I thought, backing away as whatever it was in
the box moved again before letting out a whine. A
whine? I quickly opened the package, seeking to
release what could only have been a...

"ARF!" the thing in the package said as it jumped me.

I struggled with the dog, trying to reclaim my face
from the licking monster that I had released. Finally
I succeeded, only to get a more complete picture of
the...puppy. It was a black border collie mix, from
what I could tell, and on its neck was a collar with a
large tag that said "Shadow."

"Is your name Shadow?" I asked the dog rhetorically
and it wagged its tail, his eyes meeting mine as he
panted happily.

"Well, Shadow. What're we going to do with you?" I
muttered as I patted his head. I checked the box for
any hidden surprises and found a large bag of puppy
chow and a leash, "At least you came well stocked."

"ARF!" Shadow responded, before taking off in the
general direction of the ballroom.

"SHADOW!" I shouted, running after him. Silently I
damned the idiots that made high heeled shoes. 'I
wanna know how Scully can run in her stilts!' I
thought as I chased after the black blur that was
heading straight for Lando and a group of women.

Lando laughed when a large black body landed in his
arms, "Who's dog?"

I skidded to a stop in front of him and paused, trying
to catch my breath, before answering, "I just opened a
package addressed to us and he was in it. I'm gonna
have to put him in one of the offices for now, I can't
have him running around..."

"Why not put him outside. We DO have a yard you
know."

I just glared at him, "Yeah, sure, fine, whatever," I
said, "But I'm going to have to pull him away from
your adoring audience." I gestured towards the women
who had chosen to swarm Shadow, petting and...it
couldn't be...It was. They were cooing.

At a dog.

'Somebody shoot me. Please?' I mentally pleaded with
a higher power, but it chose to ignore me. It took a
while, but I finally managed to pull Shadow away from
their attentions and put him outside.

That almost disaster averted, I headed for the drinks
table, dying for something to quench my thirst. Not
thinking, I poured myself a glass of punch and drank
3/4 of it. That's when I noticed the color and
remembered exactly what was in the punch. 'Great,' I
thought.

A gentle tap on my shoulder sent me spinning around to
face a startled Jaxom, "Yeah?" I said, betraying that
I too was startled by his sudden appearance.

"Just wanted to ask a question. Does the boss lady
dance?" Jaxom asked with a leer.

"Hmm, with you?" I asked with a grin of my own.

"I'm the only real man in the area..." Jaxom
responded.

"Then I suppose I could dance with you..." I said
teasingly, the alcohol beginning to loosen a number of
my normal inhibitions.

Jaxom grabbed my hand and pulled me out onto the dance
floor. Within seconds I was being whirled around the
floor to the sounds of the "Love Shack" and having the
time of my life. I didn't notice how close I was
dancing with Jaxom, all I knew was I was having
fun...and I didn't notice when the music ended.

"Hey, Jaxom," a familiar voice said, cutting into my
half daze from the exhilaration of dancing, "Mind if I
cut in?" His tone of voice was not open to a 'no.'

Jaxom disappeared to be replaced by Han Solo. I
smiled at him, "Hey Han, what's up?"

"I didn't know you danced."

"I didn't know you did either," I responded, "You
never asked."

Han nodded, and we began to dance together to "I'm so
Excited." If I was enjoying myself with Jaxom, it was
nothing compared to this. I lived in the music, the
pounding of my feet on the floor, and the feel of his
hands upon me. I felt as if he were burning himself
into me and I didn't want it to stop. 'Never stop,' I
thought, laughing out loud when Han twisted me into an
impossible dip.

I beamed at him when the song ended, chuckling lightly
in his arms.

"Having fun?" he asked me softly, and I nodded as the
next song started.

    Its amazing how you can speak right to my heart
    Without saying a word, you can light up the dark
    Try as I may, I can never explain
    What I hear when you don't say a thing.

    The smile on your face,
    lets me know that you need me
    There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never
    leave me
    The touch of your hand says you'll catch me
    whenever I fall
    You say it best when you say nothing at all...

For a moment, the world stopped and revolved around
us. The drone of the other guests, even the dance
floor, faded around me until there was only Han and I.
I longed for him, wanting to reach out and touch his
face with a trembling hand. I knew, something more
was happening between us. This was not just
friendship...I was falling deeply, madly, in love.
With Han.

I couldn't stand the intensity of his stare, and I
turned, a single tear glistening in my eye. I loved
him. And I couldn't do anything about it.

When I turned back, he was gone, disappearing among
the other dancers. I knew. He couldn't stand this
either...

You say it best when you say nothing at all.

********
The lyrics are from Ronan Keating's "When You Say
Nothing at All"

Written by Per'agana, with Crysta and Luke's parts
written by Crysta Novelli.

*************************************
I watched the interplay between Ziggy and Xizor with
complete astonishment. I never
thought I’d see Ziggy beat the shit out of anyone, let
alone His Royal Greenness!

I dismissed the guard, let them go find other
partners, and I wandered over to Xizor. As
I passed Ziggy, I couldn’t help but pick up on her
thoughts– her fear that her action was
prompted by the Dark Side. Why in the universe would
she think *that*, I wondered.
Xizor probably asked for it, after all! I walked over
and gave the Falleen a hand up.

“Thank you,” he said irritably, “but I am quite able
to get up on my own.”

I raised my eyebrows. “Hey, I’m just making sure you
don’t get up into Ziggy’s fist! She
has a rather good left hook, doesn’t she?”

He glowered at me. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“Well, let’s just say that I find it amusing that one
of my last acts as manager of Rent-a-
Sith is rescuing Prince Xizor of the Falleen!”

“What does that mean? Hmm..you seem sober. Did one of
your Masters annoy you
again?”

“No, not in the least. And *thank* you for being so
concerned!” I said sarcastically.
“Actually, this was all Qui-Gon Jinn’s doing.”

His face displayed open curiosity. “Come, tell me
about it.”

He led me off the floor to a side table. I told him
all about what I’d asked Qui-Gon to do,
the threat I made, and the reply he gave me tonight.
“And so,” I finished, “there simply
isn’t enough money in the budget for the company to
keep afloat. There’s no way we
could pay everyone’s salary plus shipping, expenses,
and housing. I’m not worried
about the Sith, though, they all seem to have money of
their own.”

“What will you do?” For a moment I actually thought he
was concerned.

“Well, I was an editor before I started with
Rent-a-Sith, so I guess I can go back to that–
get an apartment somewhere...”

“I’m sure one of your Masters would house you, would
they not?”

“Right. Charity...from a Sith Lord. I’d never ask.
I’ll get by, Xizor...it’s just that it was
nice, feeling like the company was mine. Even if it
was only for a day.”

“Ah, but if it’s the company you are concerned with,
you needn’t be. I’m sure you can
find...investors.”

I laughed mirthlessly. “Investors, right. Who’d
bother? We aren’t big enough, don’t have
a long enough track record, or enough capital...”

“I may know of a company that could be interested.”

“What company?” I stared at him for a moment as
realization dawned. “What, XTS?
Why would your company be interested in Rent-a-Sith?”

“Let’s just say that mutual interests can be served.”
He steepled his long fingers
together and looked at me appraisingly.

I glared back. “Oh, sure, I’m going to let you own me!
Not in this lifetime, your majesty!”

He looked at me and spoke calmly. “I was more thinking
of a, ah, partnership. You own
the company, I own the building.”

I repeated my question. “Why? What do you get out of
it?”

“Vader,” he said bluntly, taking me by surprise.

My eyes widened. “Vader? What’s he got to do with
this?”

“It’s a rather long tale, which I might tell you
later. What do you think of my proposal?”

I sat silently for a moment, considering. If R-a-S
didn’t have to pay for the building, it
*might* actually be doable... “Perhaps it could work.
Did you have a building in mind?”

He smiled then, a cruel, malicious, utterly
lust-provoking little grin. “Yes, actually I do.
What about the building next to Rent-a-Jedi?”

“That falling-down old office building with the
grocery on the bottom? That isn’t for sale!”

“Not yet,” Xizor said. “But I’m sure the current
tenants could be, ah, “persuaded” to
move. And the rate would be low...”

I finished his thought. “And it would annoy the Jedi
to no end. Prince Xizor, I think I like
the way you think! Plus, all that space... but look,
there’s no way I can just agree to this.
I need to think about it, find out more...”

He cut me off. “Perhaps we can discuss further details
somewhere more...private? Say,
my quarters?”

“Not on your life! I remember all too well what almost
happened the last time I did that!
Not that it was a bad thing...but this is business,
and I’m hardly going to mix the two!
Perhaps Mary’s office?”

He took the rejection with grace. “Very well. The
other things may...wait. Lead on,” he
said, waving me past.

I skirted the floor and the bar and went back into the
hallway leading to the offices.
There was a light on in Mary’s office, and the sound
of muted conversation spilled into
the hallway. I motioned Xizor to stop until I could
find out who was in there. If it were
Mary or Gill, we’d go somewhere else. If it were
anyone else, I wanted to know what the
hell they were doing in there in the first place!

I stood near the door, listening until I could
identify the voices. To my surprise, it was
Qui-Gon, Luke, and Crysta. At first, they were talking
about Qui-Gon. Luke nearly had
him cornered with his concern that Qui was heading
feet-first on a water slide toward
the Dark Side. I nodded silently, myself having had
similar thoughts. Then Qui-Gon
surprised me, dodging the trap neatly and perfectly by
changing the discussion to
...me??

I started in surprise as I listened to Qui-Gon feed
Luke an absolutely slanted stream of
utter bullshit. I was so angry I almost felt my eyes
were going to pop out of my head, but
Xizor put his hand on me, reminding me to stay calm.
Yes, his Falleen way had a point–
what could be done in cold emotionlessness was far
more powerful sometimes than
what could be done simply by charging forward in
anger. Not exactly the Sith Way, but
a good point.

I got my second, greater, surprise as I heard Crysta
defending me, even questioning
the Jedi policy about the Sith. I barely had time to
react, though, before Qui-Gon came
stomping out of the office.

I stopped him. “Well, if it isn’t Qui-Gon Jinn! I
couldn’t help hearing. I *threatened* you,
that’s rich! Why didn’t you tell them the whole story?
Or were you just trying to dodge
what Luke was saying about you?”

He glared at me, his mouth tight. “I only told the
truth about your evil, Elizabeth.”

I sneered. “Oh, now that’s no way to talk about your
new next-door neighbor!”

That stopped him cold. “What are you talking about?”

“I’ll let my new business partner here tell you all
about it.” I gestured toward Xizor.

“I didn’t know we had an agreement,” Xizor said
quietly.

“We do now,” I said over my shoulder as I walked into
the office. I had a few things to
clear up.

I looked at Luke and Crysta’s startled faces. “Didn’t
mean to break up your meeting, but
I really do have a problem with the way Qui was
maligning me.” I turned to look at Luke.
“Although ,” I said to him, “I also don’t appreciate
you treating me as if I’m terminally ill!"
I paused, then addressed him again. “The Dark Side is
a choice, not a sickness. And
your father had it made *for* him, which you probably
don't even know. You know, you
really ought to *talk* to your father about this
instead of going around whining about it
all the time! But that's irrelevant for the moment.
I'd like to clear a couple of things
up...."

Luke looked at me, his face tightening. “Well, I don’t
appreciate you eavesdropping on
us.”

"I was *not* eavesdropping. Xizor and I were about to
borrow Mary's office to work out a
business transaction when I heard you and Qui-Gon
talking about me behind my back.
Which was really Jedi of you guys, by the way."

“We are *concerned* about you, Liz.”

“Concerned. Right. Sure you are. Well, I'm *concerned*
about Qui-Gon walking around
with that giant corncob up his ass, but you don't hear
me telling the whole free world
about it!"

He simply looked at me, increasingly annoyed.

I took this as an invitation to continue. “Look, there
are also a few things your big
brother in Peace and Light isn't telling you. For one,
he's known I was Sith since before
the big Rent-a-Jedi ball last year. If he thought it
was that horrible, why didn't he bother
to tell you about it? And not only did Qui know I was
Sith and not tell you, this was after
he lost the Big Contest! You see, he wanted me to be
Light as badly as Maul wanted
me as his apprentice. So, Qui did the "honorable"
thing and sent his padawan to
seduce me. After all, he knew I was too old to be
properly trained!"

Crysta shook her head at that last part, but didn’t
say anything, which I appreciated. I
needed to get this out. I finished the tale for him.
"I told him I was furious that the Jedi
would stoop so low, and he apologized. I bought it at
the time, but now I'm not so sure.
After the whole clone thing happened, I realized that
Qui-Gon's distractions were
making it impossible for Ziggy to concentrate on work.
Rent-a-Sith was being run into
the ground, and this is the company *I* worked my ass
off to make successful!"

“So I told Qui-Gon to petition the council on my
behalf to grant ownership of Rent-a-Sith
to me. And yes, then I threatened him. I told him that
unless he did as I asked, I'd go to
the council and tell them all about the clone thing.
He said the council would never
believe me because I'm Sith. So then I dropped the
*real* threat-- I'd call you both as
witnesses. *That* is what Qui-Gon's so afraid of! Yes,
it was dirty pool, but he deserved
it!"

"Wow..." Luke breathed as I finished. "That *is*
low. The sad thing is, I can't say that I
hate you for doing it. Qui-Gon just hasn't been
himself lately..." he said softly, almost
as if he were thinking out loud. Crysta nodded in
agreement.
I had to agree. "No, he hasn't. Didn't you notice that
he only brought up “terrible evil me”
when you were about to press your fear that he was
flirting with the Dark Side?"

Luke nodded thoughtfully, thinking that over, and
Crysta said, "Yeah, I noticed."

I mulled it over for a moment. "Right now, I think all
Qui-Gon cares about is Qui-Gon.
Which I actually understand...I mean, I'm used to
that. But *he* isn't. And so his actions
are messing up everyone else's lives. The question is,
Luke, what are you really afraid
of, the Dark Side or the disaster potential of one
messed up, misguided Jedi Master?"

Crysta raised her eyebrows, seemingly wondering how
Luke would answer that
question. In the end, he just looked at me silently,
frowning in that patented Jedi Master
fashion. Probably refusing to answer out of Jedi pride
or something.

I waited a moment, then kept at him. "Right, both. Of
course. You know, Luke, Crysta's
question has merit, whether you like it or not. And
it's not like Crysta actually had a real
choice!"

Crysta’s eyes went wide. "What do you mean I never had
a choice???" she asked,
incredulously.

"Let's be honest, Crysta...was the Dark Side ever
presented to you as a viable option,
or was it just presented as something horrible that
should be feared and reviled?"

"The Dark Side was never even an option for me! It
doesn't fit me at all - you and I
represent two ends of the spectrum, Liz. I thought
you realized that. I would never
willingly choose the Dark Side. It's just *not* me."

I shrugged. "At least I got to see both before I made
up my mind, that's the difference. I
think I'm the *only* one in this whole damn building
that ever even had that option!"

"I am Light, Liz." Crysta replied somewhat coldly.
"I've seen the Dark, and I guarantee
you I didn't like it."

I looked at her, starting to feel a bit frustrated.
"But if I care about you, what does that
make me? Light?” I pointed at Luke. “And if he is
angry at Qui-Gon, or at me, what does
that make him, Dark? You can't just simplify it like
that!"

She shook her head. "No, I didn't say that. You
can't look at a person's individual
actions - you have to look at their overall aura,
*everything* they do." She looked at
Luke. "Yes, Luke is angry right now. But that
doesn't make Luke Sith. And just
because I know that you actually do care, unlike what
Qui said, I know that you are Sith
too."

I started pacing, frustration finally winning the
battle with any vestige of calm that I’d
had. An old frustration, in fact, the one that
realized that the Jedi and the Sith were, in
some ways, a lot more alike than I cared to admit.
"But both the Jedi and the Sith have
no good way to deal with the little things. I mean,
Ziggy got mad and pushed Xizor, so
she thought that was an act of the Dark Side. What the
fuck is up with that? She got
mad. With reason. And right now, Qui-Gon's probably
feeling a bit upset that everyone's
attention is focused on his horny little padawan and
Mr. Perfect Jedi here. Right now
he's probably just upset-- but we're determined to
turn it into some tragic Fall. Let's face
it, the Jedi have no room for anger, and the Sith have
no room for fear and weakness.
And sometimes I'm tired of all of it!"

"Woah, wait a minute," Luke said as he held up his
hands. "I never claimed to be
perfect!"

Crysta looked at him, then back at me. "No, I don't
think anyone is perfect. We're
human - and to err is human, is it not? But you're
right, Liz..." she trailed off.

"No, no one is perfect," Luke agreed, "and everyone is
open for corruption. And I'm not
going to let you keep planting these suggestions in
Crysta's head, Liz. You don't
understand, and you never will." He tried to stare me
down, and Crysta obviously
noticed his rising anger. She put her hand on his
shoulder and said softly, in the same
tone he used with her earlier, "Luke..."

I just sighed. "No, Luke, *you* don't understand. You
have no clue whatsoever what it's
like to be Sith. You're just reacting out of your own
anger and loss. You lost your father,
and you don't want it to happen to anyone else.
However, if you actually care about her,
you'd think you'd want her to question, to be
something other than the brainwashed little
Jedilings that you and Obi-Wan are!"

Luke just stared at me a moment longer, then turned
abruptly and left the office. Crysta
looked at him, then at me, and followed him out.

I held in my breath for a moment, then let it out
explosively, picking up a paperweight
off Mary’s office with the Force and hurling it toward
the wall.
“DamndamndamndamnDAMNIT!!!!!”

I turned in time to see Xizor duck as the paperweight
hurled by him and took out a
sizeable chunk of drywall. I winced. “Sorry...”

He arched a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. “That’s
perfectly all right. Now, where were
we?” He moved in close to me and ran his talons
lightly down my arm.

I shivered at the unexpected sensation, and suddenly
found I was in no mood to
discuss business. “Perhaps we *should* discuss this in
your quarters, Xizor.”

He inclined his head toward me. “As you wish,” he said
softly, sweeping out of the room
and inviting me to follow him.

I followed Luke from Mary's office as a thousand thoughts swirled through my mind. Xizor grinned at me as he headed towards the office, obviously amused by something. Luke continued stalking down the hallway, as angry as I'd see him in quite a while.

"Luke!" I tried again, slightly louder this time. When he again refused to turn, I changed my tone of voice from that of calm friend to that of annoyed lover. "Dammit Luke!" I exclaimed at his still retreating back. "STOP it! Turn around and talk to me!"

At my expletive, he finally stopped, and turned around slowly. His face was etched in stone - he was pissed, there was no doubt about it. Not at me, but at Liz. And that annoyed me for several reasons - one, he had absolutely no reason to be pissed at her. She hadn't done a damn thing to him or to me, and had only spoken the truth. The second, more obvious reason that I was annoyed was because in storming out of the office like that, he'd acted no differently than Qui-Gon had just moments before. And to top it all off, if anyone had a right to be pissed at what had been said, it was me! He wasn't going to let Liz "keep planting suggestions" in my head?? Uh, no. Try again, Force boy.

"I don't care, Luke," I replied. "You and I both know that you're more of a Jedi than Qui-Gon will ever be, so why don't you act the part? I hate to say it, but right now you're acting like the typical Jedi ass that people can't stand."

"You said that you weren't going to allow Liz to keep planting suggestions in my mind. As if it were her fault that I'm asking questions. Tell me that you don't really mean that, and that it was just part of your being a Jedi ass that made you say it, because I really don't appreciate that comment at all."

Luke just looked a me, thinking that through. "I just meant that I don't think it's a good idea for you to hang around her," he said eventually. "She's a Sith, and she can't be trusted. You aren't far enough along in your training yet - I just don't want you to start down that path by accident. For once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny."

I nodded. "Nice save, hon, but I'm still going to have to disagree with you. What you implied at the time was that you didn't even want me talking to her. I understand what you just said perfectly, but between your actions just now and Qui-Gon's, I get the feeling you don't want me thinking for myself. It's as if you think that my asking questions is leading me down the wrong path. Like if I question the things that I'm taught and expected to believe, I'm at fault. If asking questions is the path to the Dark Side, then you'd better stop training me right now, because I guarantee you that I will have more questions. It's just who I am. But I can't honestly see how asking questions is the path to the Dark Side."

Finally, he spoke. "Crysta, you will make a great Jedi. I know you will. And one of the things that I love the most about you is that you do think for yourself. You have an excellent head on your shoulders. You're more mature than most women I've met, and way more mature than young women your age usually are." He paused, just holding my gaze, and I stared back at him, feeling his words as much as hearing them. "I don't believe that asking questions is the path to the Dark Side, either. If it were, I would be Dark, because Gods know I asked Ben and Yoda a million questions during my training." He sighed, but I knew he wasn't finished yet.

"I'm just not prepared to answer your questions, Crys," he said, and the simple honesty in his entire being almost took my breath away. "Maybe I shouldn't be training you. You have so much potential... I don't want to jeopardize you or your future because my Jedi ego gets in the way and I do something stupid. I couldn't bear to live with myself anymore if you turned because I was too stupid to realize that I should have let a professional train you."

"You have taught me more in the last few months than I've learned in my entire life. What we have together feels so right that it can't possibly be wrong. I know you have doubts about your ability, but I don't. I know that you are a wonderful teacher - you just have to believe in yourself. If you don't believe it, you will fail. But you are an incredible Jedi. Just work with me, instead of against me. And if ever we run into something that we can't work through together, we'll seek help. Okay?"

As I spoke, I felt my words strike home, and could almost see the power in the room as our bond kindled and flared up, as powerful as it had ever been before. We stared into each other's eyes, sharing more than words could ever say. I knew that I had reached him, but he'd reached me as well. We shared so much... No wonder it had almost torn me apart when I thought I'd lost him!

The energy between us was astounding. If I wasn't standing there feeling it, I wouldn't have believed it. The Force engulfed us, sweeping us up, and Luke stepped over to me and swiftly wrapped me in his arms. Words weren't necessary to express our love, and I pressed my lips to his in one of the most passionate kisses we'd ever shared. With that, we knew that we were where we belonged. Together.

I glanced around the room, watching Qui-Gon wander off to talk to various folk. At least things were back on track, and I had some companionship for the evening. I frowned as Obi-Wan seemed suddenly distracted.

      "You okay?" I asked.

      "Fine," he reassured me, flashing one of those grins that should be considered a lethal weapon. Shrugging, we continued to dance, bodies brushing teasingly against each other to the rhythm of the music. The padawan didn't throw himself into the moment like he usually did, though...he seemed distracted.

      "Are you sure you're fine?" I asked and he smiled before pressing a chaste kiss to my forehead.

      "Positive," he chuckled as we continued to twirl about the room. Funny thing about that...I began to notice that we always seemed to be in the line of vision of that chick in the black dress. I felt my eyes roll as I saw Obi-Wan's stare migrating towards her.

      "Go on," I sighed, pulling away.

      "But we're yours for the evening," he said and I winced as it sounded like it was a thing he had to do rather than wanted.

      "You were originally here to work...go on, I understand," I sighed, shrugging. A brief grin erupted on his features and he pecked me on the cheek before walking across the room.

      "Thanks love, you're the best!"

      Funny thing, I didn't want to be the best. All I wanted was what I thought I had had...it was times like these that I was completely envious of Luke and Crysta...they were totally absorbed in each other, the way it should be. Walking towards the edge of the room, I glanced over towards them and smiled. At least someone was enjoying themselves this evening.

      I jumped as the music switched to something heavy on the electric guitar with a loud, driving beat. Somehow, this didn't strike me as Gill's kind of music. Intrigued, I wandered over to the band to check it out.

      I couldn't see anything at first due to all the people, but a shimmer of gold caught my eye. Drawn to the sparkle, I continued.

      "Now *that's* music!!" an Obi-Wanish voice without the accent proclaimed. Okay, that was reeeally weird...now Obi-Wan was changing his beautiful voice? I yelped as I was suddenly jostled by someone in the crowd and shoved forward into the gold shimmer. Strong arms clasped my middle and I gasped as I looked up into familiar eyes. Stormy grey-green stared back, dazed slightly, but they held the same sparkle of humor that Obi-Wan's did, except there was the hint of something more, of something forbidden and delicious lurking right underneath the surface. Blond hair trailed over his shoulders and I almost lost my breath entirely.

      "Whoa, either you've already tried the punch or this crowd's getting outta control...either way it's fun," he snickered as he released me and I felt almost empty as the gold cloth of his coat retreated from the silver of my gown.

      "Sorry bout that," I started, but he waved it off.

      "Don't think about it...I'm Curt, Curt Wild."

      "Yeah, I know...You're one of the best glam musicians there is," I found myself saying and he grinned. "The name's Selah, but you can call me Ziggy," I said, extending a hand which he clasped with a firm grip.

      "It suits you," he purred as his eyes openly assessed me and I almost blushed, but stopped. What did I have to be embarrassed about? "...and so does the dress...very nice," he added and I grinned.

      "What are you doing here?" I asked and he shrugged, throwing an arm around me as if we were old friends and leading me towards a less-populated corner.

      "We were playing a gig in the area when we found out about this place...thought it could be fun work, but we aren't exactly what the management is looking for...but they invited us to the party anyway, probably in case the band got trashed or something," he explained.

      "We?" I asked, holding my breath for an unknown reason.

      "Yeah," he said, waving over to someone...my jaw dropped as Brian Slade pushed through the crowd to us, that predatory smile on his features.

      "Brian, this is Ziggy," Curt said, making the introductions.

      "Lovely," the other musician said, the word rolling off his tongue in a way that made the room seem steamy. His eyes were so intense, and coupled with the fact that he was in the same tight pants/gold overcoat outfit that Curt was, it made for a nice sight. "What is it you do?"

      "I'm the manager at Rent-a-Jedi-"

      "Really? I don't believe that...there's...a fire in you...no way are you a businesswoman," he murmured and I revelled in the heat of his voice.

      "Well, I am a student...actor/singer-"

      "I knew it!" he proclaimed triumphantly, grinning at Curt. Oh, man...talk about sensory overload.

      "You dance?" Curt asked as the band continued with a very interesting jizz rendition of 'Suffragette City.'

      "Yeah...but I'm sort of involved," I added, feeling guilty. It was Valentine's day, after all and I did love Qui and Obi and-

      I paused as I tracked down said Jedi, Obi pressed against the leggy brunette, Qui-Gon talking intently with a female that was a little ways from Crys and Luke.

      "Them? Yeah, we saw ya with them earlier..." Curt said, snorting.

      "No offense, but you deserve better than a stodgy old guy and a spineless tag-along," Brian added, and I started to protest when their comments seemed to make sense. I did love them, but they didn't seem to be that interested anymore...it was like I had to be the one doing all the work and they got all the benefits.

      "And you think you're better?" I asked, cocking an eyebrow, a sly smile on my face. Brian met my look head-on, his eyes blazing as he leaned in close.

      "Why don't you see for yourself?" he breathed before guiding me to the dance floor. His hands found my hips as my arms wound round his neck.

      "I have to say, your outfits are amazing," I couldn't help commenting. He chuckled softly in my ear.

      "You look pretty fabulous yourself," he replied and a rush of warmth that I hadn't felt in a while shot through me. I gasped as another pair of arms caught me from behind, guiding my arms back and around Curt's neck.

      "Might as well do it right," he purred and I couldn't suppress a shiver of excitement at how close they were. I tensed slightly but didn't protest as his hands found the slits in the dress and snuck inside, resting against the skin of my thighs as Brian guided my hips so that we ground against each other. The music pounded on and on, and watching the flash and dazzle of our clothes things seemed almost otherworldly.

      I was still startled as my earlobe was sucked into Curt's mouth suddenly. "What are you doing?" I asked, turning in their grasp.

      "You want me to stop?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. I paused, glanced over at Obi making out with the brunette.

      "I didn't say that," I purred. "But aren't you and he..."

      "Bi, love, we're bi..."Brian answered, turning my chin back to face him. "That means that I can kiss him..." he paused, reaching around my neck to claim Curt's mouth, "...and kiss you," he continued before his mouth seized mine. I stiffened slightly, then relaxed into him, not ignoring the heat lower down as his tongue skillfully entered my mouth and began to explore. It was a totally new experience...there wasn't the closeness of kissing with a Jedi, but there was mystery and excitement...not knowing what was going to happen next...I moaned into his mouth as Curt's hands brushed against my breasts before he pressed his mouth against my neck.

      I was gasping when they pulled away. "...and enjoy both experiences," Brian finished, giving me a playful look as he wound a strand of my hair around his fingers.

      "That's right, equal sharing all the way around..." Curt said, the innuendo obvious. I licked my lips, savoring the tingle still there.

      "What else can you do and enjoy?" I asked, returning Curt's leer. All at once he spun me to face him, his mouth ravaging mine as soon as our lips brushed. I whimpered, then did my best to return his attentions as his tongue took control, winding madly around mine, exploring every crevice...I ached when I thought of other places that tongue could be...

      I shrieked as I was suddenly torn away from him with the Force and pushed back a good five feet. Startled, I turned and my jaw dropped upon seeing Obi-Wan practically *stalk* across the dance floor to where we stood.

      "*WHAT* is going on here?!" he demanded, his eyes narrowed to slits. I frowned when I saw the glass of punch in his hand...what was *in* that stuff?

      "We're dancing with a hot chick, you got a problem with that?" I nearly choked at Curt's words and Obi's reaction. The glass in his hand hit the floor and shattered.

      "That *chick* happens to be my WOMAN!" he bellowed. The situation would've been comical had I not been out in the middle of it.

      "Then why are you sucking face with her?" Brian asked, nodding to the brunette. She turned crimson at his comment and Obi's face was a mask of nothing.

      "It happens to be my job-"

      "Yeah, well, finders keepers," Curt shot back easily and I tried not to groan. I cast a helpless look over to Crys and she shrugged. "Besides, she deserves someone with taste..."

      "Yeah, didn't you hear that black isn't the only color that's in style?" Brian asked, flicking the jacked Obi-Wan wore over black tight pants and black shirt with V neckline.
"And what's with the hair? Do something that doesn't look like a weedwhacker cut it..."

      "She wants enjoyment, too, man, and believe me, she was enjoying herself."

      Obi cast an incredulous glance to me and I shrugged. True, it looked bad, but I had nothing to hide. He and Qui were off having fun, then I wasn't going to stand by myself all evening.

      "They don't even have the Force!" he stammered to me.

      "Mind powers don't beat manhood," Curt countered, almost in Obi's face. The padawan gaped and started to rush the singer, when Luke suddenly appeared, holding him back.

      "It's a pity...he is kinda cute..." Brian murmured, studying the Padawan.

      "Too bad he can't compete," Curt sneered, wrapping an arm about my waist, letting his fingers reach up and brush my breast. Unable to get away from Luke, Obi strained against him, and his reaction went through the Force so hard it sent me falling back into Curt.

      /MINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!/

      He went limp suddenly, causing Luke to lose his grip, and he grabbed the broken glass stem before brandishing it like a weapon. Oh for the love of the lord!

      "Obi-Wan, control yourself!!!" I looked up to see Qui-Gon pushing his way through the crowd.

      "They're trying to seduce her!!!" Obi countered.

      "We passed trying a long time ago, man," Curt laughed and Obi lunged, this time held back by Qui-Gon.

      "Calm yourself, Padawan, it's all right-"

      "LIKE HELL IT IS!!!"

      "Maybe she should-"

      "No. Never, Not in eons!!! She Is OURS, Master! Now you stay out of this and let me wipe the floor with his face!"

      "I think you've had a bit too much to drink, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon tried tactfully, although I could sense his own displeasure at the situation through our bond.

      "So you can look but she can't? That's no relationship, it's slavery," Brian snorted, glancing down at me. "The giver deserves to get something back, too," he added before his lips descended on mine. I really tried not to give in, but it felt so new and wonderful, and I was attracted to him. Besides, for once somebody was talking sense. Obi-Wan bolted, growling deep in his throat, outraged. I glanced up and saw Pera'gana hiding her laughter behind her hand as Qui-Gon had to grab his braid to keep him back.

      "Obi-Wan, we can work this out-"

      "SHUT UP, MASTER!" Obi roared, jerking free, leaving Qui-Gon holding only a handful of hair. "Do you want someone touching her, tasting her...do you want someone else *fucking* her!? I'll share with you, but I WILL NOT SHARE WITH ANYONE ELSE! NOT ANYMORE!!!!" His fury shocked me, as he snarled at Qui-Gon, sending him a mental picture of what was in the minds of the two glam rockers. Qui-Gon's eyes narrowed imperceptibly, the rest of his face expressionless, not a good sign. It was times like these that made me glad they didn't take their lightsabers to these parties.

      "No, but I don't want her to be unhappy-"

      "Then make her happy!" Curt sneered, his hand purposely sinking lower on my abdomen. "Or someone else might..." he added and I shivered at the purpose in his voice. Obi-Wan continued to struggle against Qui-Gon. I had never seen him so jealous... I knew he was possessive, but I had never seen him this worked up. Part of me knew I was playing a dangerous game, but the other part didn't really care. I wasn't going to be tossed around all evening, and I had to admit that I was interested in Brian and Curt... It amused me to no end that Obi was all right with him flirting with the brunette, but the minute my head was turned all hell broke loose.

      "You'd better leave..." Qui-Gon growled, and I wasn't sure if it was from strain of having to hold back Obi-Wan, or his own displeasure.

      "Right..." Curt said curtly.

      "Well, here..." Brian said, pulling a card from inside his coat. "This is where we're staying... come by tonight if you get lonely..." he purred, handing it to me as Curt let me go. As if to let me know what exactly they were offering, Brian's lips swiftly captured mine in a brief, explosive kiss, and then both glam rockers were sauntering across the room, Obi-Wan yelling obscenities after them the entire way.