***********

Qui-Gon Jinn watched as his ship lifted off the sandy
flat and disappeared in the morning sun. Turning quickly,
he strode to the group of men gathered outside a giant
canvas building. Introductions were made and a large
culpa was led from the rear of the building. The culpa,
a long furred quadruped with wide hooves, was saddled
and loaded with supplies. The young knight took the reins
that were handed to him and patted the beast on it's
long forehead. He spoke quietly to the animal which
seemed to be listening attentively to his every word.

A young woman flanked by two older women exited
the structure and made her way to the group of men.
The Jedi was struck by her beauty. Her skin
was the color of honey, her hair fell in soft auburn waves
down her back. She wore a simple white dress with a
snug bodice that accentuated her slender waist and
ample bosom. A full skirt fell just below her knees,
covering the tops of her white boots.

"Khalya this is Qui-Gon Jinn," one of the men addressed
the young woman, "he will present you to your intended."

Khalya nodded slightly at the Jedi, probing him with dark
eyes. He stood next to a culpa, a very tall man in a dark
brown robe. He was handsome, too handsome to be
a Jedi, she thought, weren't they supposed to be celibate?
She was pleased to see that he was young. The
neatly trimmed beard that followed his jawline made it
difficult to acurately judge his age, but she could see his
youth in his eyes. Perhaps he would be sympathetic.

Without a word the Jedi knight put his hands around
Khalya's waist and placed her effortlessly onto the front
of the double saddle, then climbed up behind her.
Reaching past her, he took the reins in his hand, gave
it a little shake and they were off.

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

They had been traveling in silence for nearly two hours.
Qui-Gon studied the girl in front of him. She sat perfectly
straight and stiff in the saddle, a faint smell of flowers
wafted from her. He sensed in her a conflicting array
of emotions that were hard for him to center on. There
was a storm brewing inside her, this much he knew.

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

"Qui-Gon Jinn is your starship out there somewhere
waiting to pick you up?" Khalya finally broke the silence.

"It is, yes." Here it comes, he thought.

Khalya twisted her upper body in the saddle to face her
companion. "Will you take me away from here? I have
no desire to wed a man I do not know, have never seen
before and is old enough to be my father."

"I'm afraid I cannot do that. I have been instructed by the
Jedi Council to present you to your betrothed at the
preordained coordinates in five days time, and that is
what I shall do." She turned away from him in a huff,
facing forward again. "It is my understanding that
amongst the people of this star system it is considered
a great honor to be chosen as a pilgrim bride. The
planetary government in this system has remained
stable for centuries due in part to the Pilgrim Bride Act.
As the wife of the governor of Isoc you will have great
power and wealth."

"Not everyone strives for power and wealth, as a
Jedi you should know that." She would get no
sympathy from him, he was obviously a strictly
by the book type. Khalya swung her leg over the
front of the culpa and slid down off the saddle to
the sandy ground below.

"What are you doing?" The Jedi asked.

"I am walking." She did not look up at him as she
spoke. "I will not ride with a slave trader."

"As you wish." He would not waste time arguing
with her, the heat would change her mind soon
enough. He had removed his robe and put it in
a pack long ago as the temperature steadily
climbed with the morning sun. It would do her
good to walk off some of that anger, he decided.
In an hour or two she would be wanting back in
the saddle.

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

"I am certain they will not force you to do anything
you do not want to do. If you explain your feelings
to them, I am sure they will listen. There are many
who would gladly take your place." Qui-Gon could
keep silent no longer. Khalya had been walking for
hours now in the stifling afternoon sun. She drank
water from the container he had given her at regular
intervals but her steps began to falter more and more
as the day progressed.

"You are the naive one, aren't you Jedi?" She said
laughing. "I have to be broken or dead to get out of
this marriage, and being a Jedi you are not capable of
helping me with either of those options." She glanced
at him to see his reaction. He showed none.

Qui-Gon had wanted to travel most of the night to gain
distance in case they ran in to a sand storm in the
days ahead, but since Khalya insisted on walking he
would stop for the night so she could rest. He could
sense her determination to continue in spite of her
exhaustion.

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

The desert cooled quickly after the sun had sank.
Qui-Gon unrolled their sleep mats, then built a
small fire nearby to keep them warm. They ate
their dinner in silence with Khalya falling asleep
right after.

Qui-Gon lay on his mat watching Khalya sleep
from across the fire. Even now with her hair
tangled from the wind and a layer of dust
covering her, he found her beautiful. Her
dress was still damp from sweat and it clung
to her body. Her nipples, hardened by the
cool temperature, were plainly visible through
the thin material of her dress. Qui-Gon stood,
searched in the packs for a blanket and finding
none, collected his robe from the pack he tucked
it in earlier and covered Khalya with it.

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

Qui-Gon woke just before dawn to find that Khalya
had gone. She had folded his robe and left it on
her sleep mat. He swore to himself as he broke camp
and saddled up the culpa. How could he have been
so stupid! He knew she was desparate to get out of
this forced union. He checked the supplies as he
loaded the packs onto the back of the culpa. She
had taken a large container of water and a small
amount of food. He looked around to see if he could
tell what direction she had taken, but the wind had
picked up, erasing her footprints.

He settled into the saddle and called the Force to
him, asking for guidance. It seemed to urge him
to travel north, into the rising sun.

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

Khalya poured water over her hair and body. It
felt wonderful on her heated skin and scalp. She
took a sip then closed the container and hung it's
strap back over her shoulder. She was pleased
with the progress she had made thus far and she
wondered whether the Jedi had risen yet. She
was touched to find that he had covered her with his
robe. She hoped he wouldn't get into trouble
because of this, or worse.

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

Qui-Gon had been travelling for hours and still
there was no sign of Khalya. He felt certain he
was headed in the right direction. How could she
have gotten so far?

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

Khalya stumbled and fell again, this time scraping
her left elbow as well as her knees. She got to her
feet slowly as a wave if dizziness hit her. She swayed
for a moment then trudged on. She knew there were
settlements somewhere out here. They had sprung
up around scattered waterholes on this desert moon.
Pilgrim's Moon, it was called by the populations of the
neighboring planets. If she could just make it to one
of those settlements, she could blend in and start
a new life. Not one she would have chosen had she
still been on Verdn she was sure, but not one that
was forced upon her either.

***********

The heat of the afternoon sun was oppressive. Nausea
and dizziness were constant companions now. Khalya's
heart pumped furiously in her chest as she struggled
to put one foot in front of the other without falling. She
wanted so much to just lie down and rest, to stop the
spinning and the sickness inside her, but she had
come too far to give up now.

Taking the container of water from her shoulder, Khalya
poured some over her head and face. A sound in the
distance caught her attention and she turned her head
in the direction it came from. A blurry image came into
view, but she couldn't seem to get her eyes to focus on it.
Sudden realization took hold. It was Qui-Gon Jinn, he had
come after her!

"No!" She yelled, dropping the water and running as fast
as she was able. How could he have found her? She had
come so far! Khalya stumbled, but somehow managed to
stay on her feet and keep going. She could hear him behind
her gaining fast. Tears sprang from her eyes as she accepted
her fate.

"Khalya stop!" Qui-Gon shouted, reaching out to grab her.
She tripped and fell and he went down too, landing on top
of her.

"Get off!" She sobbed. Qui-Gon got up quickly, helping her
to her feet. "Let go!" She cried, storming toward the culpa
in the distance. "I don't need your help!"

Qui-Gon sensed her anger and defeat and something more.
Something he had not dealt with much in the past, sorrow.
A deep bone jarring sorrow that tugged at his heart, making
him want to comfort her.

Khalya was still crying as she headed for the culpa. There
was no way out of this marriage for her now. She would be
forced to give herself to a man she'd never met and to bear
his children. Khalya felt dizzy again and couldn't draw a
breath, then everything went black.

Qui-Gon hurried to Khalya as she crumpled to the ground.
Taking her in his arms he pulled a sleep mat from a pack
at the back of the culpa. He dropped it on the ground,
unrolled it with a foot and lay Khalya on it. He needed to get her
out of the sun, but there was no shelter in the area. An idea
struck the Jedi and he quickly grabbed the other sleep mat,
unrolling it as he returned to the young woman. He stuck
the edge of it in the sand along side Khalya, bending the
wooden slats at each end to prop it up. It was a poor excuse
for a lean-to, but it provided enough shade to keep Khalya
out of the sun. He sat down beside her, moving her damp
hair out of her face. She was still so hot, he would have to
try to lower her temperature.

He went to the culpa, unfastened the packs and quickly
determined there was no medkit in their supplies. Whoever
had been responsible for packing their supplies had done
a terrible job, first no blankets and now this. Grabbing
a container of water he returned to the unconscious girl and
removed his outer tunic. He tore the garment into strips,
soaking each one with cool water before placing it on her
skin.

He worked into the evening, rewetting the cloth strips and
placing them back on her hot skin. When he was finally
convinced that she was out of danger he left her to feed and
water the culpa.

When Qui-Gon returned to his makeshift lean-to he found
Khalya lying there with her eyes open. She watched him
in silence, her dark eyes sad and defeated. Qui-Gon
felt her face to gauge her temperature again. It was still
warm but not alarmingly so any longer. He removed the
cold compress from her forehead, poured some more
water on it then replaced it. He lifted her head and helped
her to drink some water, then began to carefully clean the
sand from her scraped knees and elbow.

There were tears in her eyes when he had finished, but
he did not think they were because of his first aid efforts.

"No one will force you to do anything you do not want to
do, you have my word on that." His instructions were to
present her to her future husband and that he would do.
He would not, however, sit back and see her be made
to marry when she was so opposed to it.

Khalya closed her eyes. She did not trust her voice
now. Why was he being so kind to her after everything
she had done?

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

Qui-Gon sat by Khalya watching the light from the fire
dance over her sleeping form. He wanted to touch her
but could find no reason to now.

***********

She was aware of the cold a long time before it actually
woke her. When she did awaken she could not control
her shivering or the chattering of her teeth. The Jedi sat
nearby staring into the fire. He must be freezing, she
thought. He had covered her with his robe hours ago
and had used his tunic to make the cloth strips for the
cold compress. He wore only a sleeveless under
tunic made out of very thin fabric, yet he did not look
as if he were cold. He must have sensed her watching
him for he turned to her, his blue eyes looking inside
her.

"Still cold?" He asked.

Khalya nodded trying to control her shivering. She watched
the tall young man lay on the sleep mat beside her. Then
facing her, he took her in his arms. She did not resist.

"This should help." He said holding her close.

His tunic was open at the front and her head rested against
the smooth hard skin of his chest. She began to feel warmer
immediately. She wasn't sure if it was because of their
combined body heat or because she had never been in
such close proximity with a man before. Whatever the
reason she was grateful for the warmth of his body, it
seeped through her like Corellian whiskey. She liked
the feel of his arms around her.

"Any better?"

"Much, thank you."

Qui-Gon sighed, this should have been a simple mission,
but not one thing had gone the way it was supposed to.
Khalya was a stubborn young woman. He admired her
determination, but if she was not careful it might get her
killed someday. Thanks to her little detour they were once
again nearly five days from their destination with enough
water left for maybe two or three. He had studied the Pilgrim
Moon and it's inhabitants, the Noma, in hyperspace and
knew they were only a couple of days away from a settlement.
Hopefully they would be able to get enough water there to
finish their journey. He did not like the idea of taking Khalya
into one of those areas but he didn't see any other options.

Khalya shifted in his arms. She had stopped shivering.
Her breath was hot on his chest and he could feel eyelashes
brush against him when she blinked. Her hand rested lightly
on his side. Qui-Gon found that he liked holding her in his
arms. He absently began to stroke her hair until he realized
what he was doing and stopped.

Special Delivery pt. 2
disclaimers in pt. 1
************

Their day began before dawn and to Qui-Gon's surprise,
Khalya helped break camp and pack up the culpa. They
rode the whole day and into the night speaking very little.
Qui-Gon's thoughts were occupied by his concerns about
going to the Noma for water. A Noma settlement was not
the place for a young woman and their treatment of
outsiders was known to be hostile at best.

Khalya's head fell forward then she jerked it back up,
realizing she had nodded off. It was dark and cold and
she could not keep her eyes open. She knew Qui-Gon
wanted to cover as much ground as they could today.
He was worried about their water supply. He had mentioned
their need to travel to one of the waterhole settlements
in such a way as to not lay the blame on her. Still she knew
she was responsible. Her eyelids felt heavy again. Maybe
if she just closed them for a second...

The next thing she knew she was in the arms of the Jedi
knight.

"You started to fall." Qui-Gon said.

"Sorry," Khalya said sitting upright, "I was having trouble
staying awake."

"Lean back and rest on me so you can sleep. I'd like
to travel a little more before we stop for the night and this
way I won't have to worry about not catching you in time
if you fall asleep again."

"Thank you Qui-Gon." She said resting her back against
his front. She fell asleep listening to the sounds of the night
and the footfalls of the culpa.

***********

Qui-Gon used his lightsaber to start a fire while Khalya
set up the lean-to and unrolled the sleepmat. After taking
care of the culpa they climbed wearily onto the mat. Qui-Gon
lay on his side facing the fire. Khalya shivered at his back
and moved up against him, putting her arm over his side.

"Do you mind?" She asked timidly. "It seems so cold at
night."

"Of course not." He answered. This was hardly the same
person he'd met a few days ago. Since he had caught up
with her yesterday there had been a sad resignation about
her. It did make her easier to get along with, but he had
admired the fire and determination she had shown before.

"Why did you come after me?"

"Didn't you know that I would?" Qui-Gon asked her.

"I don't know what I thought." Khalya sighed. "I'm sorry for
all of the trouble I've been. I have been rude and insulting.
I hope that someday you can forgive me."

"There is nothing to forgive. Jedi are taught to see every
situation as a learning experience."

"Then I'm sorry you had to learn so much because of me."
She said covering both of them with his robe.

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

Khalya woke shortly before dawn to find the Jedi watching
her. He was on his side facing her, his head propped on a
hand and his eyes dark and dangerous. She was at once
frightened and excited, her breathing quick. Qui-Gon took
his free hand and started to unbutton her bodice. She did not
try to stop him as he slowly undid button after button until
her breasts were bared. His hand slid over her right breast,
cupping and squeezing it. She moaned quietly as he skillfully
kneeded one breast then the other, occasionally twisting a
nipple between his thumb and index finger. Her body reacted
to his touch in ways that were foreign to her. Qui-Gon leaned
over, kissing her hungrily. Khalya pressed her body into his,
wanting everything he could give her. His hand slid up the inside
of her thigh.

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

Khalya jerked awake, confused. It was still night. She had her
arm around a sleeping Qui-Gon Jinn. It had been only a dream.
She turned over on her other side, her body tingling. Maybe she
shouldn't lay so close to him, she thought.

***********

Qui-Gon was not sleeping. He was wide awake, struggling to
subdue a powerful erection. He had sensed Khalya's erotic
dream, heard her moans, felt her body move against his.
He called on the Force to help calm his thoughts and desires.

**********

The next day Khalya found she could not get her dream or
the young Jedi out of her head. She caught herself staring
at him as he loaded the culpa in the morning. He was
magnificent! How is it she had never seen it before? She
felt her face growing hot and looked away.

As they traveled, Khalya talked about anything and
everything that popped into her head in an effort to keep
her mind off the dream. She told him her whole life story,
from her parents death when she was a toddler to her
apprenticeship at an architectural firm. She told him of
her love of design and seeing those designs come to
life. She even joked about being so sweaty and dirty
that her fiance would probably send her back home.

Qui-Gon did not know what to make of Khalya's sudden
talkativeness, but it did serve as a distraction from the
carnal thoughts that plagued him.

***********

As evening approached Khalya saw large objects dotting
the horizon. After so many days of nothing but rolling sand
dunes she was awestruck.

"The Lost Mountains." Qui-Gon said at her sudden silence.

"Mountains?"

"Buried and eroded by the shifting sands, they are hardly
more than rocks jutting from the sand now." He explained.
"We'll stop there for the night. The Noma settlement should
be only a half a day's ride away."

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

Qui-Gon lay on his back watching the stars. Tomorrow
they would reach the settlement. In the morning he would
tell Khalya what to expect when they arrived and his plan
for getting the Noma to supply them with enough water to
finish their journey.

He needed sleep to be focused and alert tomorrow, but
it would not come. His mind kept returning to the previous
night, the way Khalya's body felt against his. It didn't help
that she was sleeping close beside him either. He had
tried meditating but was unable to lose himself in the Force.
There was only one thing he could do if he wanted to get
any rest tonight. Easing away from Khalya, Qui-Gon rose
and headed into the night.

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

It was the cold that woke her. Khalya shivered, Qui-Gon
was gone. She sat up, a small groan pierced the night.
Was he hurt? She listened carefully. There it was again.
She got up, moving toward the noise. She caught a glimpse
of him in the light of the fire and threw her hand over her
mouth to keep from crying out. There he was leaning back
against one of those large stones, totally naked. Khalya
knew she should leave, but could not take her eyes off
of him. His legs were so long and his skin seemed to glow
in the night. His hand was between his legs, moving
rapidly. Flushed with desire she went to him. Approaching
from the rear, she climbed behind him on the rock, running
her hands over his strong shoulders. His body went rigid.

"Leave me!" He roared.

"I can help you." Khalya said, snaking her arms around
him. She covered his back with kisses while her hands
roamed his front.

Qui-Gon melted at her touch, letting her ease him toward
release.

Khalya pressed closer to him, her legs along the outside
of his. She kissed along his shoulder blade, slowly tasting
his salty skin. Her hands brushed over his nipples causing
him to gasp. Her body quivered with sensations she had
never experienced before. Getting to her knees, Khalya
kissed and licked at Qui-Gon's shoulders. From this angle
she could watch his hand pumping furiously at his erection.
He was moaning now. Her center throbbed and grew wet
as she watched him moving closer to climax. She kissed
his neck, her hands everywhere she could reach. Qui-Gon
threw his head back with a shout, his seed shooting into
the night.

Khalya kissed him once more on the shoulder then climbed
silently off the rock. Her legs were weak as she returned
to the sleep mat. She covered herself with the Jedi's robe,
curling into a small ball facing the back of the lean-to. One
thought popped into her head, would a celibate man need
that kind of release? Perhaps he would need it more. She did
not know.

Qui-Gon returned a few minutes later. Khalya was instantly
tense. Would he be angry at her for not leaving when he
told her to? He said nothing as he lay down at her back.
He simply put an arm around her waist pulling her closer.
Khalya let go of the breath she hadn't realized she had
been holding and relaxed against him.

**********

Qui-Gon was puzzled by Khalya. He knew how badly
she wanted out of her marital arrangement. She could
have easily taken advantage of his predicament earlier.
His need was so great he would not have had the strength
to refuse her and she would have been released from
her contracted marriage. Women were sometimes an
enigma to him.

**********

"What do you know of the Nomas?" Qui-Gon asked
Khalya as they rode the next morning.

"Very little, I know they live in clusters around scattered
water holes." She answered.

"They are a somewhat simplistic people whose treatment
of offworlders is known to be less than hospitable. Each
settlement has a leader, usually the man with the most
livestock. They are said to be physically and sexually
unrestrained. An unattached young woman such as
yourself would be claimed or challenged for as soon as
she arrived. Therefore I think it best that we pose as man
and wife. I will say we are newly bonded and have come
from one of the northern settlements on our way south."
Qui-Gon explained.

"Do you think they will accept us enough to let us have
the water we need?" Khalya asked, somewhat worried.

He sensed her concern. "If we play our parts right they
should. The Nomas consider each group as part of the
whole. Stay close and do as I say and we'll be fine." He
said, then added playfully to ease her mind, "If anyone
had seen you on that rock last night they would have
sworn you were a Noma."

Neither of them had mentioned the previous night until
now. Khalya, surprised by his remark, turned to look at
the Jedi. He was smiling, a definite twinkle in his eye.
She felt her cheeks flush and turned back to face forward
again.

***********

Plant life began to sprout through the sand as they neared
their destination. First just as scattered bits of green and
purple then larger clumps of the same colors and finally
trees and crops planted in neat rows.

A high wall of wet sand surrounded the settlement. Qui-Gon
and Khalya rode in under a carved wood arch. Canvas
structures were strewn everywhere. The sounds of animals
and children filled the air. Here and there small pens were
filled with short shaggy quadrupeds or culpas in assorted
sizes. Everywhere men tended the livestock, and children
played happily. A man dressed in a short open vest and
loose pants that fell just below mid calf, approached them.

Qui-Gon spoke quietly to Khalya, "Stay on the culpa and
try not to act shocked by anything you see." She nodded
her understanding and Qui-Gon dismounted.

Khalya could see the two men talking, but from her perch
high atop the culpa she could not make out any words.
The other man nodded several times as Qui-Gon spoke,
glancing up at her from time to time.

"Lairn here," Qui-Gon said when he returned, indicating
the man he had been speaking with, "is going to take me
to speak to the settlement ruler about getting some water.
Wait here until I return." Seeing the worried look in Khalya's
eyes, Qui-Gon gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before
turning to follow the other man into one of the nearby tents.

Khalya was watching the children playing when a group of
women emerged from another of the tents. They wore very
little clothing, some of them naked from the waist up. Most
looked not much older than she was, Khalya decided. They
laughed and talked amongst themselves before a few of their
group broke away to greet some of the men. She watched
in amazement as one woman groped a man in the crotch,
then pulled his penis from his pants and began stroking it.
Another of the women climbed into an animal pen to have
sex with the man who was feeding the livestock. Khalya
tried not to stare. No one else was. Even the children did
not take notice as they continued to play. As she looked
around she saw more couples involved in various sex
acts. Some involving three or more people doing things
she would have thought impossible. Qui-Gon wasn't kidding
when he said they were sexually unrestrained, she thought.
She tried to act indifferent to what was going on around her,
but it was difficult to do when she could feel her cheeks blushing
and her heart racing.

Finally Qui-Gon reappeared followed by Lairn. "You all
right?" He asked climbing up behind her on the saddle.

"Fine," she said. "Are we going to get some water?"

"Eventually." Qui-Gon answered urging the culpa after
Lairn who was motioning them to follow. "We've been
invited to stay for the Feast of Plenty tonight. Lairn tells
me it is an honor for Hasso to request our presence
at his side."

"So we have to go?"

"We cannot afford to insult our host. If we are convincing
in our roles tonight we should be on our way in the
morning with enough water to complete our journey."
Qui-Gon said.

Lairn led them down a sandy path to their quarters for
the night. They went through the outer flaps into a small
area where Lairn said they should leave their boots.
He gave them each a small hand broom to brush off
excess sand from themselves before entering the main
part of the tent. The main room was actually a bedroom
with thick carpeting over the sandy ground and a large
bed in the center. Khalya thought this was not too surprising
considering what she had seen outside.

Lairn went on to show them the shower and toilet, pointing
out how lucky they were to have one of the few tents with
private facilities. Khalya couldn't think of anything that had
made her happier than seeing that shower. She would
fight the Jedi to get in there first if she had to. She had been
covered in sweat, dirt and sand so long it almost seemed a
part of her.

Qui-Gon walked Lairn out, returning moments later with
a bundle in his arms. "Clean clothes," he announced
dropping them on the bed. "Why don't you have a shower
while I see to the culpa."

She was so happy she could kiss him. Then she picked
up her clean clothes. "I can't wear these!" She gasped.

"It's how all the women dress here." Qui-Gon explained.

"I know, but I can't!" She held up the bottom of the outfit
which was little more than a flap of cloth for the front and
one for the back, tied together at the top corners. "Please
Qui-Gon, don't make me wear this." The idea horrified
her.

"I'm sorry Khalya. I had no idea anything like this would
happen, but we have to see this through now." He
cupped her cheek in his large hand as he spoke. "Take
your shower, it will make you feel better."

*****

Khalya had been in the shower a long time. Qui-Gon
was beginning to think she may have run off again,
when she finally emerged dressed in her Noma garb.
He couldn't stop himself from staring at her in awe. His
gaze travelled up her shapely bare legs to the bottom
half of her outfit which rested on slender hips. Then up her
tiny waist to the top part of the outfit that barely contained
her bosom and finally to her lovely shoulders and neck.
He wanted nothing more than to take her right then and
there.

"Aren't you going to say anything?" She asked finally.

Startled out of his thoughts, Qui-Gon answered, "You
look perfect." A bit of pale pink on her hip caught his
eye. "What's that?" He said pointing.

"Just my panties," Khalya blushed, "this skirt thing
doesn't cover the outsides of my thighs."

"You can't wear that Khalya. The Noma don't wear
under garments."

"I gathered that." She said. "Who's going to notice a
tiny bit of pink?" She could see by his expression that
she wasn't going to win this. "Fine!" Khalya removed
her panties, flinging them at Qui-Gon.

"I'm going to take a shower." He said putting her
underwear on the bed. "Do not leave the tent, it's
not safe for you to go out without me."

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

Qui-Gon took a long cold shower to calm his growing
arousal, then dressed himself in the short open vest
and baggy pants of the Noma.

Khalya sat on the bed braiding her hair when he
returned. He sat down beside her, not wanting to
say what he knew he must.

"I'm sorry Khalya, but you can't wear your hair like
that. Noma women always wear their hair loose."

"I should have known!" She said in exasperation.

"Let me," he said when she had begun pulling her
hair out of it's braid. He worked slowly and carefully
unwinding each part one at a time until he was done.
Then picking up her brush from the bed he started
brushing her hair.

Khalya closed her eyes, losing herself in the strokes
of the brush. He could be so gentle.

"Will you be ready to play the part of a happy newlywed
later?" Qui-Gon continued to brush her hair as he spoke.

"I suppose I'll have to be won't I." She replied softly. "I'm
sorry Qui-Gon, none of this is your fault. If I hadn't taken
off we'd have had plenty of water and we wouldn't have
needed to come here at all."

He set aside the hair brush and rested his hands on
her shoulders. Her skin was soft and warm beneath his
large hands. "That is all in the past, Khalya. Do not blame
yourself."

"You can count on me to do my part." She put a hand
on his, "I won't let you down."

Special Delivery part 3
disclaimer in part 1

**********

Lairn led them to the tent where the Feast of Plenty had
already begun. Upon entering, their senses were assaulted
by an unusual array of sights, sounds and aromas. A band
played in the far corner, trying to be heard over the din of
feasters. A long low table ran down the center, almost taking up
the entire length of the tent. Approximately twenty-five couples
sat on the carpeted floor along each side. Most were feeding
each other by hand, a few were engaged in sexual activities.

Qui-Gon, whose arm was already around Khalya's waist,
pulled her even closer. He was uncomfortable without his
lightsaber handy. He had had to leave it in their tent or risk
exposure. Kissing the side of her head he whispered, "Stay
close to me."

She nodded slightly. In spite of the stares she felt from some
of the men, Khalya felt perfectly safe with the big Jedi at her
side.

They followed Lairn along the inside wall of the tent, making
their way past and sometimes over other guests. Three women
in various stages of undress approached them. They spoke
to Qui-Gon in hushed tones, casting amused glances at Khalya.
One ran her hand over his chest. Khalya removed the woman's
hand, giving her an icy glare as she did so. The three women
moved on.

Although amused at Khalya's reaction, Qui-Gon said,
"Take it easy. It's just their way. They are very proud of
their sexual prowess."

"Well they can practice it on someone else's husband."
She said under her breath.

Lairn led them to an empty space at the table beside a
large man being fed by three naked women.

"Friend Qui-Gon!" The big man boomed. "Join us!"

"We would be honored Hasso." Qui-Gon said with a
short bow to the rotund leader. He and Khalya took
their places on the floor as food and wine was set on
the table in front of them. There was bread, fruit, cheese
and meat all cut into bite sized pieces.

Khalya sat on her knees at Qui-Gon's left side. Ignoring
the amusement in his eyes, she adjusted the flaps
of her skirt to keep herself covered as much as possible.

"I can see why you wish to keep her for yourself, Qui-Gon,"
Hasso called, "She still has the blush of virginity. I felt the
same about my first wife. It was three weeks before I accepted
any offers for her."

Khalya smiled politely, wishing she were anywhere but here.
Hasso returned his attention to the women at his side, who had
been eyeing Qui-Gon behind his back.

Sensing the curiosity of some of the other guests, Qui-Gon
wrapped his arm around Khalya's waist. Pulling her to
him, he buried his face in her neck, nibbling as he whispered,
"We are being watched."

Her skin tingled at the touch of his lips and beard. Resisting
the urge to tug at the back flap of her costume, Khalya took
a piece of fruit from their platter and fed it to Qui-Gon the way
she had seen some of the other women do. His lips were
soft as he took the fruit from her. She continued to feed him
in this manner for several minutes, enjoying the feel of his
mouth on her fingers as he sucked them clean after every
bite.

More and more of the guests had finished their meal and
were involved in some form of sexual encounter. Some,
after finishing with one partner, would move on to another
or invite others to join them. Qui-Gon was pleased at the
level of detachment he was able to acheive considering the
erotic atmosphere surrounding him. Seeing Khalya gaping
at the couple on his right, he fed her some fruit and cheese
to distract her.

Khalya hadn't realized she'd been staring at them until
Qui-Gon practically shoved a piece of fruit down her throat.
The look on the woman's face as her partner sucked her
nipple into his mouth was one of pure ecstasy. Khalya
wanted so much to know that feeling.

A loud noise from across the table caught Khalya's attention.
It was one of the women who had approached Qui-Gon on
their arrival. Khalya poured wine into their goblets, watching
the woman out of the corner of her eye. She was making a
big show of how much she enjoyed sucking the cock she
had in her mouth, while staring at Qui-Gon. Khalya stole a
glance at the Jedi. He was watching the woman with obvious
interest. She had a sudden urge to throw something at her,
but thought better of it. She would show that awful creature
that he was not available.

Taking one of the goblets she had just filled, Khalya moved
between Qui-Gons legs, and offered him the wine. After he
had emptied the goblet, she rose to her knees, placed her
hands on his shoulders and leaned in to kiss him. It was a
tender little kiss. She barely made contact with his lips. They
were soft and warm and tasted of wine. She kissed him again,
lingering this time, slipping her tongue between parted lips.

Qui-Gon's detachment was slipping away. With only two
kisses Khalya was able to break through his defenses. He
told himself she was only playing her part, but he sensed it
was more than that. She was staking her claim.

He focused his thoughts on the water they needed to complete
their journey and the many miles they still had to travel. Just
when he had begun to reestablish his detachment, Khalya
switched her attention to his shoulders. She trailed delicate kisses
across them, setting his skin on fire and fueling the desires that
had been smoldering for so many days. Closing his eyes he
immersed himself in the feel of her moist lips and the scent
of her hair as his hands played in the soft waves.

Khalya slowly worked her way across the Jedi's broad shoulders,
touching him with the tips of her fingers then kissing him. She
slipped his vest over his shoulders then leaned into him, feeling
his hot skin against hers and a massive erection at her thigh. Her
center throbbed, leaving her wet with desire. She nipped his neck.
His hands traveled down her back, pressing her more fully against
his bare chest. He moaned softly as Khalya moved to suck his earlobe
into her mouth.

He's no more cellibate than any of these other men, Khalya thought
as she teased his ear with her tongue.

"Qui-Gon."

Startled, both Qui-Gon and Khalya looked up to find Liarn and
another man standing next to them.

"Yes?" The Jedi replied irritated.

"Oor here has asked me to make you a proposition."
Lairn said indicating the man beside him.

Qui-Gon knew what the man wanted as soon as he'd seen
him. He wrapped an arm around Khalya's waist.

"I'll give you one of the best culpa's in my herd if you let
me have her for the night." Oor said hopefully, pointing at
Khalya.

"A generous offer my friend, but I must decline. We are
newly joined and I will have her lay with no man but me
tonight." He smiled at Oor, hoping this would end the
discussion.

The man returned his smile but his eyes were dark with
anger as Lairn led him away.

Khalya looked at Qui-Gon, not knowing what to say.

Qui-Gon opened his mouth to speak but instead pulled
her into a hungry kiss, releasing the passion and desire
he had been trying to suppress.

Khalya was left breathless and dizzy after his kiss. She
turned to the table for a drink of wine to clear her head.
She wasn't sure what was real and what was an act any
more. No that wasn't true, she thought, she was no longer
playing her part. These were her own desires. She wanted
this man with every fiber of her being.

Qui-Gon's leg suddenly jerked beside her, Khalya turned to
look. That woman was back! She had completely forgotten
about her and now here she was at Qui-Gon's side whispering
in his ear and slipping her hand inside his pants! Khalya slammed
the goblet down on the table and lunged at the other woman,
sending her sprawling. Qui-Gon grabbed her around the waist
keeping her from going after the woman. Khalya struggled to
free herself but the Jedi was too strong. The other woman
scrambled to her feet and hurried away.

"Don't you ever come back here!" Khalya called after her.

"Calm yourself." She heard Qui-Gon say, his breath tickled
her stomach as he spoke. "It's just their way."

Khalya stopped struggling as she realized she may have
just ruined everything. "I'm sorry Qui-Gon." She said quietly,
trying to catch her breath. "It's just... I mean...I didn't...
well...she shouldn't have..." She stopped stammering with
a gasp as she felt Qui-Gon kiss her stomach. Khalya ran
her fingers through his soft brown hair as he continued to
kiss her belly. His beard scratched her skin. She whimpered
with want.

Qui-Gon told himself he should stop, he must stop, she
was his mission, but he did not. He let her slide through
his arms until her breasts were in his face. He attacked
the exposed flesh hungrily, kissing and sucking. Khalya
moaned softly as he sucked a hard nipple through the
fabric that barely contained her breasts. Qui-Gon could
feel how she wanted him, needed him. He slid his thumb
along the upper edge of her top, freeing the nipple. He
latched onto it, sucking and biting.

Khalya pressed closer to Qui-Gon, wanting more. She
ached for him. The throbbing in her core was becoming
more intense. The sensation made her want to laugh and
cry both. Qui-Gon tucked her nipple back inside her top
then let her slide down to his lap. He straightened her legs
behind him so that all her weight rested on his erection. He
bit at her neck and shoulders. His hands rested on her hips,
pressing her onto his clothed penis.

"Can you feel how I want you Khalya?" His voice was hoarse
in her ear.

"Yes," she panted. "Please now!" Her body was on fire.

"I can feel how wet you are." With his hands still on her hips
he guided her slick opening along the length of his hard
shaft. His pants were coated with her juices.

Khalya cried out, her body shuddering at the friction he
was causing. His hands slid from her hips to her rear.
He went under the back flap of her skirt to grasp her
buttocks. She gripped his shoulders keeping up the
hip movements he had begun. Qui-Gon's organ seemed
to swell beneath her even more as she ground her
clitoris over it's clothed length. The ache was building
inside her. Her vaginal muscles tensed. Khalya moaned
constantly now.

"Come for me." Qui-Gon's voice was thick as he spoke.
His fingers dug into her behind, roughly kneeding the
flesh. She came at once, her scream lost in the noise
that surrounded them. He felt the spasms of her climax
through his pants. Their bodies were bathed in sweat
as she collapsed against his chest. Past caring whether
he stopped or not, Qui-Gon tore at the drawstring that
secured his pants. Khalya began to help then in an
instant she was gone from his lap.

Oor had yanked her up by her hair. Khalya was crying
out, struggling madly to free herself. "I'll send her back in
the morning with two of my best culpas." He shouted at
the Jedi.

In a blur of motion, Qui-Gon was up, his hand clamped
on the older man's throat. "Let her go now and I won't
kill you!" He demanded, tightening his grip.

Oor's face began to redden, his eyes widened and
bulged. He released Khalya and Qui-Gon freed him. The
Noman fell to the ground coughing and gasping for air.
Khalya clung to the Jedi's side crying. He held her close,
stroking her hair until her tears subsided.

"I want to go." She sniffed. Qui-Gon looked to Hasso for
permission. The leader nodded from his position under
his three dinner companions.

***********

The walk back to the tent gave Qui-Gon some time to reflect
on everything that had happened and almost happened so
far this night. Had it not been for Oor, he would have taken
Khalya's virginity, thereby failing his mission to deliver her
"unbroken" to her intended. Yoda had told him many times
that every mission would test him. What should have been
a simple mission was turning out to be more difficult than his
trials and Qui-Gon was beginning to suspect that someone
had made certain it would be.

***********

Once inside their tent Khalya wrapped her arms around
Qui-Gon's neck. She looked into his eyes and knew instantly
that their moment was gone. He had changed his mind or
perhaps he had been simply playing the role of a newlywed
husband too well. Whatever it was she knew he would not be
making love with her tonight. Frustration, anger and sorrow
filled her. She turned away from him as her eyes pooled with
tears. He grabbed her around the waist, pulling her back to
him. Khalya tried to pull away but he was too strong.

"I'm sorry, Khalya. I never meant to hurt you." He sighed,
resting his chin on her head. He felt a tear land on his arm.
"Please don't cry."

Khalya wiped her eyes with a hand. She had an urge to
verbally lash out at him but couldn't bring herself to do it.
He was only trying to fulfill his duty. "It's so unfair." She spoke
quietly, almost to herself.

"Do not think it is easy for me either." Qui-Gon said, pressing
his still erect penis into the small of her back. "My desire is as
strong as ever, but my resolve is stronger."

Khalya closed her eyes, relaxing in his arms. She did take
some comfort in the knowledge that he still wanted her.

"I believe this whole journey is some kind of test. Whether
it is for one of us or both I cannot say. Don't you find it odd
that we are sent across the desert without a medkit, without
blankets and with only a minimum amount of water?"

"I brought extra clothes along too, but they were never put
in the packs." Khalya added.

"Our time will come, I'm certain of it." Qui-Gon pushed her
hair to the side and trailed soft kisses down her neck and
across her shoulder. "Until it does there are other ways for
us to be together. Come."

Khalya watched in a lusty daze as he slipped off his pants
then stretched out naked on the bed. Her eyes never left
his body as she removed her clothes and climbed onto the
bed beside him. He was a vision of perfection, long, lean
and ready. Laying under the crook of his shoulder,
she rested her head on his chest, listening to him breathe.
Qui-Gon stroked her back, drawing soft circles with his fingertips.
His erection stood tall and proud amid a nest of brown curls that
Khalya began to comb her fingers through. She heard a deep
rumble in Qui-Gon's chest and his penis jerked, curving toward
her. A bead of moisture appeared at the slit in the wide head.
She watched as it fell onto his abdomen, followed by several
more drops all falling one after another. She ached to feel him inside
her, her center throbbing with need. She sat upright. Taking his
erection in both hands, she explored it's length and width,
marvelling at it's hardness and size. Qui-Gon was making small
hissing noises between his teeth and rubbing her back. The
droplets of pre-come came quicker now, running down the
length of his shaft and over her hands. Khalya cupped the tight
sac, carefully fondling the contents at first, then squeezing.
Qui-Gon cried out, his penis bobbed, seeming to grow even
larger. Bending over, Khalya kissed the head, tasting him. It was
hot, salty and somewhat bitter and she wanted more. She had
never taken a man in her mouth before but she had seen it done
enough times today to know what to do. Moving between his legs
she began to lick at the base of his cock slowly working her way
to the tip. She took her time, savoring every inch of him, until
finally she closed her lips over the weeping head. She could
hear Qui-Gon's urgent moans as she took more of him between
her lips. Down she went, until she could go no further. Her hands
would cover what her mouth could not.

Qui-Gon gripped the bedsheets, his body covered in sweat, his
heart pounding as Khalya slowly drove him over the abyss. He
watched her full lips glide up and down his shaft, her nipples
looked painfully hard as her breasts bounced with her every
stroke. He felt himself going, he tried to hold back for... one...
more... second. He roared, his hips lurching as he sent his seed
exploding down the back of her throat.

Khalya swallowed and swallowed as he continued to come. She
did not want to lose even one drop of his precious fluid. Moments
later his ejaculations subsided and she gently released him,
noting that he was still semi-erect. She climbed up to kiss his lips,
her body resting on his.

Qui-Gon tasted himself on her as he returned her hungry kiss.
His hands slid down her back to grasp her rear. He caressed
her buttocks, lightly tracing the crevice with a finger. Khalya
whimpered in her throat. Qui-Gon rolled over on the bed, taking
her with him. He broke their kiss, Khalya's dark eyes showed
her need as he met her gaze. Her chest rose and fell rapidly
with excitement. Her breasts seemed to call out to him, her
hard nipples begging him to be sucked. Qui-Gon kissed the
honey colored mounds one at a time, making sure his beard
grazed the nipples often. Khalya purred as he lapped around
her tight buds. He blew on the wet flesh causing her to cry out.

Khalya arched her back, desparate for contact. She felt as if
she were dangling on an edge, her muscles coiled ready to
spring. Qui-Gon latched onto a nipple sucking eagerly. Khalya
cried out as a powerful climax coursed through her.

Qui-Gon felt her coming and slid a hand between her thighs,
pressing it against her wet opening. Her juices flowed onto his
hand, coating his fingers. He wiped the fluid over her other
nipple, then proceded to lick and suck it clean. Her sweetness
made him hunger for more. He sank lower on her body, pressing
kisses into her ribs and stomach as he went. He then spread her
thighs apart, gently kissing them as well. She glistened with want,
her scent intoxicating to him as he worked his tongue over the
surface of her opening. He trailed it through every fold, up and
around her clitoris, then back again. He teased her clitoris with
the tip of his tongue. Khalya brought her hands down, touching
his face with her fingers as he made love to her with his mouth.
She was moaning now, gasping for breath as his beard scraped
over sensitive nerve endings. Her body tensed, ready to come
again. He spread her labia with his fingers, lapping at the opening,
urging her over the edge. She came with a shout, sending a
fresh wave of her sweet juices into his waiting mouth. He feasted
on her hungrily.

Tears ran from the corners of Khalya's eyes. She had never
felt more alive, more on fire than right now. Her body was not
her own any more. He controlled it. Playing it like an instrument,
he could make it do anything he wished. He ate at her with lusty
abandon, sending her riding the crest of one orgasm after another.

It would be such a simple thing, a natural thing, he thought, to slide
right in. It was what they both wanted, needed really, but instead he
climbed back up beside Khalya. Their time would come, he told
himself as he took her in his arms. Exhausted, Khalya drifted off
almost immediately. He held her close as she slept, their bodies
entwined. This was going to be harder than he thought.

Special Delivery part 4/4
disclaimer in part 1

They left the Noma settlement early the next morning. Lairn saw to
it that they had plenty of water for their journey. Khalya was happy to
be away. It felt good to be back in her own clothes again. Even
tattered and torn, her dress covered much more of her body than
the Noma outfit had.

She tried not to think of what awaited her when they reached their
destination. She would trust Qui-Gon's belief that this journey was
a test of some sort. She would cling to it. If she didn't she, would be
consumed with despair.

Qui-Gon was glad to have his lightsaber back again. He didn't
like how uncomfortable he felt without it. It was as if a part of himself
had been missing. He was certain Master Yoda would have
something insightful to say if he were here now. He looked at
Khalya, she was braiding her hair. He entertained thoughts of
taking her here and now on the back of their culpa. Yoda would
have him spend the day in meditation for this. Qui-Gon squirmed
in the saddle, adjusting his ever present semi-erection. It wasn't
meditation he needed.

***********

Qui-Gon turned what should have been a five day trek
into three. Khalya slept leaning against his chest as they
rode through the night. He felt her unease growing as
they neared the end of their trip but could think of nothing that
would lessen it. He tried comforting her with the Force but
could not break through her barriers.

A dot on the horizon soon took the shape of a ship as they
drew closer. Qui-Gon recognized it as the transport that carried
him here. The area was quiet except for some culpas milling
about. The lack of another ship strengthened his belief that
this had been a test.

Khalya's head was pounding, her stomach queasy as they
reached the ship. She wanted so much for Qui-Gon's
assessment to be correct, but right now she feared the worst.
Her heart lurched at the sight of a small green being tottering
down the ramp toward them. She turned to look at Qui-Gon,
panic on her face.

"He's not even human!" She gasped.

Qui-Gon could not supress the chuckle that escaped him. "That
is Master Yoda, a Jedi." He dismounted then lifted Khalya
down from the culpa.

Qui-Gon bowed his respect to the diminutive master, then
made the introductions. Yoda studied the two young people,
searching with his sleepy gaze. "Late you are Qui-Gon.
Trouble you had?"

"No Master."

"See through you I can. Know that you do. Always find
ways around the rules you do. Yet successfully completed
your mission you have I see."

"Thank you." Qui-Gon grinned, then added playfully, "Master
Yoda, Khalya wishes to speak with the Isocan governor before
the ceremony takes place."

"A Jedi does not smirk Qui-Gon." Yoda said, a hint of irritation
in his voice. "Know you do that no wedding will take place."

"Really!?" Khalya burst out. She had heard the words but
it seemed too good to be true. Her heart pounded with
excitement and hope.

"A test for Qui-Gon it was. More will I explain inside the
ship. Come."

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

Khalya surveyed her cabin. It was filled with all her belongings
from Verdn. She smiled. In two days she would be in Alderaan
studying architecture. It was a dream she thought she would
never know. Yoda had explained to her and Qui-Gon that the
Pilgrim Bride Act had evolved over time. Young men
or women were sent on a trek across the desert moon with
a Jedi Knight believing an arranged marriage awaited them at their
destination. Yoda assured her that most everyone selected
did whatever they could to stop or at least stall their nuptials.
That was what was expected of them. The participants were
then given a chance to complete their educations on any planet
in the Republic, regardless of how sucessful the knight's
mission had been. The Jedi had been testing their new knights
with The Pilgrim Bride Act for over a century, with every planet
in the system taking turns supplying the hapless bride or groom.

Khalya was anxious to begin her new life, but right now the
most important thing on her mind was Qui-Gon Jinn. She knew
he would be here as soon as the elder Jedi had dismissed him.
She checked herself in the wall mirror again, adjusting the knot
in her robe. She had tried on several outfits before deciding on
the silky robe. In this case, less was more. They would only have
two days together and she wanted to get the most from them.
The thought of his strong hands on her body made her flush
with desire. If only he would hurry!

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

Dressed in fresh clothes, his hair still damp from a quick
shower, Qui-Gon entered Khalya's quarters. The small
cabin was filled with packing cases containing her
possessions. Khalya was lying on the sleep couch at
the back of the room. He crept quietly to her, crouching
down. She looked so lovely and peaceful he almost hated
to wake her. She lay facing him on her side. He ran his
hand along the smooth fabric that covered her hip, then
leaned in to kiss her lips. Khalya woke immediately, returning
his kiss as she pulled him closer.

"What took you so long?" She said stretching.

Qui-Gon rose, watching her move. "I set the culpa free and
then had a lecture on the Unifying Force." Khalya stood in
front of him and began to remove his clothing. Her robe stood
open, giving him a view of her cleavage and mound. He was
thick and heavy with need and want as she bared his chest
and set to work on his pants. He cupped her face in his hands,
tilting her head up. "I told you our time would come." He said
before kissing her. She whimpered into his open mouth, her
hands inside his pants, touching everywhere. His pants fell
down around his boots. Khalya took his engorged penis in
her hands, pressing it against her belly. Qui-Gon thrust forward.
He was desparate for release almost to the point of being in
pain.

Khalya slipped out of her robe, letting it fall to the floor. Qui-Gon
scrambled to remove his pants and boots before taking her in
his arms. Her skin was cool next to his. He could feel the pounding
of her heart. He caressed her body with eager hands. Touch soon
gave way to groping as his control began to slip.

Khalya was dizzy with desire as his hands roamed her body. She
moaned, her body shuddering with pleasure as his hand slipped
between her thighs. She thought she would collapse as his fingers
spread her juices over her clitoris. She clung to him for support,
her mouth finding a tight nipple to nibble.

Qui-Gon cried out as she bit his nipple, taking away the last of his
control. He lifted her unceremoniously and placed her on the sleep
couch. He lay on top of her, his erection poised at her wet opening.
She spread her legs, wrapping them around his hips.

He kissed her hungrily, stealing what little breath she had left. She
returned his kiss, her hands in his hair, her legs tightening around
his hips, urging him. A moment of sharp pain was followed quickly
by pure ecstasy. He stretched her, filling her totally. Her body opened
itself to him. Khalya never dreamed anything could feel like this. She
joined his rhythm, meeting him thrust for thrust. They moved as one
and Khalya felt her whole body move closer to orgasm. She tore her
mouth away, gasping for air. She tasted blood in her mouth but was
unsure if it was hers or his.

Qui-Gon drove into her harder and harder. She was so tight and
so hot he could barely contain himself. Her body stiffened under him
as she succumbed to her climax. She dug her nails into his back,
shreiking as her vaginal muscles contacted in spasms around his
cock. She was pulling him over the edge with her. He was grunting
and groaning, his teeth sinking into her shoulder as he finally allowed
himself the release his body had been seeking for days.

Khalya felt his hot seed fill her, it's warmth spreading through her body.
She held him as he collapsed, spent and sated, on her body. He was
heavy but she wouldn't have stirred him for anything. Their bodies were
wet with sweat and she could feel the pounding of both their hearts.
She was so happy, but when she thought of the time they had wasted
she wanted to cry. She vowed to make the most of the next two days.

Qui-Gon raised his head from her chest. "And so we shall." He said
smiling, then took one of her still hard nipples into his mouth, sucking
eagerly.

END