What Dreams May Come
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Category:
Star Wars (All) › General
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
3
Views:
6,799
Reviews:
6
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own the Star Wars movie series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Dreams to Dream
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Nicole Knuppel
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 2: Dreams to Dream
Anakin Skywalker found himself
running in the large plain with dark clouds filling the sky overhead. To his surprise, in the distance he could see
Obi-Wan Kenobi standing in the middle of nowhere. Angling for the older man, Anakin continued to smoothly jog over the strangely even terrain. As he neared, he noticed that Obi-Wan’s back was turned to him, shoulders bent, and he had yet to notice
Anakin’s approach.
“Master?” the
young man warily called. Surely,
Obi-Wan wasn’t still angry about that stupid incident
that occurred yesterday…?
Obi-Wan turned abruptly upon hearing
his Padawan’s voice and Anakin stopped short.
He could see a flash of metal on his master’s wrists and at his neck and
that Obi-Wan stood next to a post that gleamed dully
in the odd light. Who would chain
Obi-Wan up in the middle of nowhere and why?
A low rumble reached Anakin’s ears
just then, causing the young man to look up at the sky. Lightning crackled in the distance and began
to race closer. Anakin started running
desperately. If the lightning hit the
pole Obi-Wan was chained to…
“I have a
meeting with the Council this morning,” Obi-Wan told his apprentice at
breakfast. Anakin perked up.
“We have a
mission? That’s great! We might even be leaving tonight!” Obi-Wan looked down, brow furrowing in
thought, and then cleared his throat.
“I have a meeting with the Council,” the
Jedi Knight repeated, stressing the ‘I’.
Anakin’s cheerful mood disappeared.
“They’re
sending you on a solo mission, aren’t they?”
“Apparently. It’s a debriefing that I
have to attend. I’m going to ask
that they include you, as well.”
“Really?”
“Of
course. How else are you supposed to learn
how to react in the field?” Obi-Wan
glanced at his chrono.
“I’d better
get going, Padawan. Behave yourself and
make sure you get to class on time.”
“Yes,
Master.”
------------------------------
A small
hologram flickered into existence.
Obi-Wan, along with the Jedi Council, stared at the blue-skinned Twi’lek
wearing only a knee-length tunic. She
glanced about, frightened, before beginning.
“I don’t
know who will receive this message. All
I can do is hope that whoever sees this will help me.
“I’m a free
person, or I’m supposed to be. I was kidnapped several days ago by a skilled team connected
with the exotic dancing houses on the planet Shi’a. I was placed in a
room with several other people, mostly girls but some young men as well, who
were also kidnapped. We soon learned we
were to be sold as pleasure slaves and the unanimous
agreement was that one of us would sneak away and call for help while the
others covered. The lot fell to me.
“We have
arrived at the site where we are to be sold and this comm station claims to be
in Shi’a’s capital city, Minerva.” The
nervous Twi’lek, who had been doing a remarkable job of keeping it all together
up ‘til now, broke down.
“Oh,
please, someone help us, please!” The
Twi’lek jerked her head as if she heard something and switched off the
hologram.
“This was
intercepted by a ship yesterday evening and sent to us,” Mace Windu stated,
leaning forward, “It is a very direct call for help. As it happens, we already have someone
working undercover as a dancer on this case.
She’s working with the code name “Sasha”. We want you to go undercover as a club patron
and pass this message on to Sasha. You
are to check out the other local clubs while you’re at it. Also, see if you can’t find anything about
the slave market in Minerva.”
“Shave your
beard, you will. Pass for someone
younger, you must. The Temple
barber, help you accomplish that feat, he will.
Also, see Master Zarf about proper clothing, you will,” Yoda added. Obi-Wan bowed deferentially.
“Yes,
Masters.”
------------------------------
Obi-Wan
Kenobi came back from his meeting with the Jedi Council in a gloomy mood. His
apprentice immediately took steps to cheer him up. Sitting his master down on the comfortably
overstuffed chair with a freshly brewed cup of his favorite tea, Anakin
demanded to know exactly what had happened in the Council room.
“It’s an
undercover job and more than one person would cause suspicion. They already have someone else in place, so
it’s not like I’ll be totally on my own, but the Council will not let you
participate in this mission, my young Padawan.”
Anakin nodded, looking regretful but understanding.
“What do
you have do?” Obi-Wan
sighed and gave him the details of the mission.
“So
there’s an exotic dancer slave ring?”
“Yes.”
“And no one
knows if the dancers are the victims or the slavers?” The Jedi Knight made a noise to the
affirmative.
“All any
one knows is that the pleasure slave market has suddenly grown.”
A brief nod
was the reply.
“And all of
this requires you to go undercover and patronize a place that specializes in
dancing girls.”
“That’s
right. Do you have any more redundant
questions, my young Padawan learner?” Obi-Wan waxed sarcastic.
“How come
you get all of the wizard solo missions?” Anakin Skywalker whined to his master.
“I’d have
you take it if I thought you were ready for undercover work. I don’t want to shave off my beard.” The part about not being ready stung but
Anakin continued trying to cheer Obi-Wan up.
After all, as Master Yoda had put it, “Company misery loves,” and Anakin
had no intention on being miserable just yet.
Of course, payback was good too…
“Oh, come
on, Obi-Wan. Every girl in the Temple
will love it if you shave that thing off.”
“Why do you
think I grew the damn thing in the first place?” Obi-Wan grumped.
“Language,
Master.” Obi-Wan shot Anakin a look that
did not bode well for the young man’s future in the Jedi Order. Anakin, knowing full well when enough is
enough, held up his hands, silently retracting the statement before heading to
his room and allowing Obi-Wan to simmer in silence.
When Anakin
eventually came out after tinkering on some droid or another, Obi-Wan had
already accepted his facial hair’s fate and had gone to see the Temple’s
barber. When he came back, Anakin was ready
and waiting.
“Looking
good, Master.” Obi-Wan threw himself down upon the sofa with a moan, pulling one of the
throw pillows over his head.
“Oh, come
on. It’s not that bad.”
“It is when
the majority of the people you meet say the same thing repeatedly,” a muffled
voice came from under the pillow.
“Well, it
does make you look at least five years younger. Maybe even ten. Perhaps more if you redid your hair – “ Obi-Wan groaned,
burrowing further into the couch cushions.
Anakin smiled down at him. Obi-Wan was just way
too much fun to tease. Of course, it was
a bit more fun when Obi-Wan joined the banter and teased back… Anakin wandered over to the comm station,
idly looking through the messages he had ignored while absorbed in his
mechanical work and that Obi-Wan had not been there to receive.
“There’s a
message from Master Yoda, Obi-Wan.”
“What does
he want?” the still perturbed Jedi Knight demanded to know.
“It’s just
a reminder for you to get your hair cut and to see Z.Z. about proper clothes
before you leave in… four hours. You’d
better get going if you’re going to see Z.Z., Master.” Obi-Wan moaned but did not stir. Anakin smirked maliciously as he grabbed
Obi-Wan’s ankles and dragged him from the couch.
“Come on, Master. Up and at ‘em. Z.Z. will be thrilled to see you!”
“That’s
what I’m afraid of,” Obi-Wan muttered as he picked himself up off the floor and
Anakin propelled him through the door.
------------------------------
Anakin
Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi stood outside theice ice door of the master in
charge of clothing. Jedi Master Zaria
Zarf, known aZ. tZ. to friends and foes alike, took care of the Temple’s
clothing needs, as well as providing undercover operatives the latest
fashions. Obi-Wan knocked quickly,
hoping to get the ordeal over with. No one answered.
“Well, no
one’s there. I’ll just go ask someone
else to bring up what I’ll need.”
Obi-Wan turned and ended up face first in a large bosom. Stumbling back, Obi-Wan flushed bright red as
he recognized Z.Z.
“You couldn’t
wait for me to get back into my office?” the purple-haired Amazon asked, her
silver eyes twinkling merrily. The tall
woman suddenly grabbed Obi-Wan’s chin, forcing him to look up at her.
“You
shaved!”
“Not by
choice, I assure you.” Z.Z.’s face took
on a lugubrious look.
“So this
doesn’t mean you’re here to ask me out?”
“Attachments
are strictly forbidden by the Code,” Obi-Wan reminded her. Z.Z. rolled her expressive eyes.
“I don’t
want a long term commitment. If you ask, th, the word shouldn’t be bonding, it
should be bondage. All I want is
your cute little ass in my sleep couch every so often.” Obi-Wan cleared his throat and glared. Anakin quickly turned his snigger into a
cough while Z.Z. simply smiled pleasantly.
Zaria Zarf
was a coquette that flirted to relieve pent up sexual tensions. She did not want an actual affirmative ponsponse to her outrageous suggestions.
That was exactly why she
flirted with Obi-Wan – she knew he would never take her up on her offer. Practically everyone in the Temple
knew that, at a young age, Obi-Wan had decided that he did not want to be
touched except by someone he loved and, since love was
forbidden for a Jedi, no one was going to touch him. People respected that, although Z.Z. often
wondered how the gorgeous man in front of her had managed to reach his current
age and still be a virgin.
“You never
breach this rancor’s den without some good reason, so what do you want, sugar?”
“I’m
supposed to go undercover at a nightclub and I need appropriate attire.” When a huge grin lit up Z.Z.’s face, Obi-Wan
knew he was in trouble.
“Here are
your boots!” Z.Z. called through the door, handing a pair of calf-covering
black boots over the top of the dressing stall.
A soft mumble reached her ears as a hand reached up and took the
footwear. The soft rustle of clothing
met her s ear ears as the handsome man undressed. Anakin sat in a chair nearby, looking bored.
“What’s the
silver circle for?” a voice called out.
“Jewelry. Armbands are all the rage for men this
year. It goes over your left bicep.”
“You expect
me to wear jewelry?”
“If you
want to pull this off, then yes. Just be
glad I’m not forcing you to go completely authentic and pierce your navel. However, if the situation reqs yos you to
take off your shirt, I suggest you put a fake tattoo or something around it
first. You’re supposed to be popular and
the popular people got tattoos and/or navel studs last year.” Silence ensued for several moments.
“Alright,
point taken. I’ll wear the
armband.” Some more sounds indicative of
dressing reached her ears before the door to the changing room opened.
“I am not going anywhere dressed like this,”
Obi-Wan stated when he emerged, crossing his arms.
“Oh, but
sugar, you look so great in it!” Z.Z. replied.
“She’s
right, Master,” Anakin agreed from his seat.
“Of course
I’m right.” Obi-Wan scowled impartially
at the two before donning his robe, pulling it tight around him.
“Very
well. I’m not taking this off until
after I’m on thep, tp, though.”
“Why not take
it all off?” Z.Z. asked with a leer, “You didn’t let me see you in the buff,
changing in the fitting room like you did.
Not that I can’t see your tight ass through the fabric right now.” Obi-Wan grimaced, looked at the chrono on the
wall, and made a quick excuse before Z.Z. made any more passes or salacious
comments.
“Well, I’d
better be going. I have a transport to
catch.” He took off out the door,
clutching his robe close to him.
“Wait! You forgot your other outfits!” Z.Z. called
after him.
“I’ll take
them to him, Z.Z.,” Anakin offered, “By the way, what possessed you to dress
him in that? He’s supposed to be
revealing the pleasure slave ring, not persuading them to capture him and sell
him.” The purple-haired Amazon shrugged.
“It was the
only chance I’d get to see him dressed like that. You have to admit, he looks good in blue and
black.”
********************
“So what’s
this guy were going to see like?”
“Well, he’s
done a lot of… well, “stuff”, like mining, furbog trading, and street touting,
for example, and he’s finally saved up enough to open his own restaurant. Apparently his greatest joy in life is
cooking.”
“So you’re
going to arrest him, right?” ten-year-old Anakin asked.
“No.”
“But isn’t
street touting and some of the other “stuff” illegal?”
“Probably,
but I can’t prove any of it. It’d be my
word against his.”
“But
Master, surely your word is worth more than his.” Obi-Wan smiled.
“You’re
assuming that I want to arrest him.”
Little Anakin looked startled.
“You
don’t? Why not?”
“Because
he’s an old friend.”
“You’re friends with a criminal?” Obi-Wan smiled as he set the speeder down
near the greasy spoon that was his ultimate destination.
“Come on,
Anakin. You’ll like Dex.”
A chime
went off as the pair entered the dingy diner.
“Hey,
Obi-Wan! Come over here and take a
seat!” One of four burly arms waved the
Jedi over to the bar while Dexter Jettster pushed his accounting records to one
side. Obi-Wan smiled, looking his old
friend over. Dex was no longer the young
hulking brute he once was; now he was a middle-aged
hulking brute whose love of food was beginning to show. No one in their right mind would take him on,
though; those four arms still had a lot of strength in them.
“I was
wondering when you’d stop by this place.
Had a whole celebration party planned out for
when you got Knighted. Don’t know if
I’ll go through with it now. Damn shame
about Qui-Gon.”
“You knew
Qui-Gon too?” Anakin piped up. Dexter
looked at the small boy in surprise.
“Who’s
this?”
“Dex, this
is my Padawan learner, Anakin Skywalker.
Ani, this is my friend, Dexter Jettster.”
“Nice to
meet you, sir,” Anakin said, taking one of the large hands and shaking it. Dex looked in bemusement at the child.
“I remember
when Obi-Wan was the same size as you.
How old are you, kid? Twelve,
thirteen?”
“I’m ten,”
Anakin proudly announced.
“Ten!” Dex
said, leaning forward and giving Anakin his full attention, “You’re going to
pretty big when you grow up. Taller than
Obi-Wan for sure.”
“You really
think so?”
“Oh, yes
definitely.” Dex looked up at
Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan smiled in
amusement. Dex always had been good with
children.
“How about
I rustle you boys up some grub? On the
house of course, old buddy. Kid has to
eat if he’s going to get any taller.”
“Thanks,
Dex. That’d be wonderful.”
Dexter soon
returned with nerf burgers and blue milkshakes for the three of them. Settling down in the booth, the three of them
got to talking.
“How’d you
meet Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon?” Anakin asked around a mouthful of nerf burger.
“Anakin,
don’t talk with your mouth full.” Anakin
swallowed noisily.
“Sorry,
Master. Well, Dex?” Dex leaned back, looking thoughtful.
“The first
time I met your master, he had just run into a very unsavory sort who liked
pretty young boys and your master was the prettiest of the lot.” Dex risked a glance at Obi-Wan. “Still is.”
“Dex, I am
not now nor ever have been pretty.”
Dexter Jettster laughed.
“Keep
saying that, Obi-Wan, and one of these days you’ll be old and gray and someone
will actually believe you.”
“Wait a
minute! You rescued Obi-Wan?!” Obi-Wan shifted
uncomfortably, casting a glance at Dexter.
Dex caught it and went forward cautiously.
“He was
really small then, barely thirteen you know, and that large guy took him by
surprise with a stationary blade. I
don’t stand for that type of thing, though, and took care of the bastard…”
“Language,
Dex.” The burly alien gave Obi-Wan a
look.
“You want
to tell the story?” The Jedi Knight
shook his head.
“Where was
I? Oh, yes! I took care of the bastard and was looking
little Obi-Wan over to make sure he wasn’t seriously hurt when I found myself
face-to-face with a very irate and somewhat over-protective Jedi Master
demanding to know what the hell I was doing to his Padawan learner.”
“Dex…”
Obi-Wan began warningly.
“What? That’s what Qui-Gon said,” the massive alien
returned innocently. Anakin smiled at
the exchange before turning his attention back to his blue milkshake.
“Well,
Anakin, what did you think of Dex?” Obi-Wan asked as soon as they left the
small diner.
“He’s
nice. I like him and his cooking’s
good. Can we go back again soon?” Wan Wan smiled and ruffled his Padawan’s
hair.
“Of
course. We can see him any time we’re
free, if you like.”
“Yippee! Can I drive back, Master?”
“Um, how
about letting me do it this one time…”
********************
Obi-Wan
Kenobi, Jedi Knight, looked up at his shuttle, unhappily aware of the looks
several other people were giving him.
The ship would not be ready for at least five more minutes and Obi-Wan
had let the robe fall open after his fingers got stiff. He absent-mindedly fingered his
lightsaber. He would have to leave it
and the cloak in the ship when he landed if he was going to pass as a normal
guy…
“Master!” a
familiar voice cut across Obi-Wan’s thoughts.
Anakin ran up, carrying a large bundle in his arms.
“Z.Z.
wanted me to give you the rest of the clothes you’ll need for your mission,”
Anakin panted, “And I wanted to say goodbye before you left.” Obi-Wan smiled fondly at the teenager as he
caught his breath.
“I’ll be
back in a few days, my young Padawan learner.
Just behave yourself while I’m gone.”
“Yes,
Master. Do everyone a favor and come
back in one piece this time.” Obi-Wan
smiled, clasping his apprentice’s shoulder.
“I’ll
certainly try. Don’t worry. I don’t plan on seeing the Healers’ Ward
again any time soon.” He turned to
leave, but Anakin grabbed his shoulders and looked him in the eye.
“Promise me
you’ll come back.” Obi-Wan tak taken aback.
“Anakin,
I…” was his startled reply.
“Just
promise me, Master.”
“I promise
I’ll come back. Are you satisfied now,
my young apprentice?” Anakin smiled,
moved as if he were going to give his master a hug, thought better of it, and
gave Obi-Wan’s shoulders a quick squeeze instead before letting go.
“Goodbye,
Master. May the Force be with you.” Obi-Wan nodded
and boarded his ship when the captain waved at him. Soon it was off, hurtling through space. Anakin Skywalker stood on the platform in the
docking bay long after the ship had disappeared from sight.
“I have a
bad feeling about this,” he mumbled to himself.
To be continued…
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 2: Dreams to Dream
Anakin Skywalker found himself
running in the large plain with dark clouds filling the sky overhead. To his surprise, in the distance he could see
Obi-Wan Kenobi standing in the middle of nowhere. Angling for the older man, Anakin continued to smoothly jog over the strangely even terrain. As he neared, he noticed that Obi-Wan’s back was turned to him, shoulders bent, and he had yet to notice
Anakin’s approach.
“Master?” the
young man warily called. Surely,
Obi-Wan wasn’t still angry about that stupid incident
that occurred yesterday…?
Obi-Wan turned abruptly upon hearing
his Padawan’s voice and Anakin stopped short.
He could see a flash of metal on his master’s wrists and at his neck and
that Obi-Wan stood next to a post that gleamed dully
in the odd light. Who would chain
Obi-Wan up in the middle of nowhere and why?
A low rumble reached Anakin’s ears
just then, causing the young man to look up at the sky. Lightning crackled in the distance and began
to race closer. Anakin started running
desperately. If the lightning hit the
pole Obi-Wan was chained to…
“I have a
meeting with the Council this morning,” Obi-Wan told his apprentice at
breakfast. Anakin perked up.
“We have a
mission? That’s great! We might even be leaving tonight!” Obi-Wan looked down, brow furrowing in
thought, and then cleared his throat.
“I have a meeting with the Council,” the
Jedi Knight repeated, stressing the ‘I’.
Anakin’s cheerful mood disappeared.
“They’re
sending you on a solo mission, aren’t they?”
“Apparently. It’s a debriefing that I
have to attend. I’m going to ask
that they include you, as well.”
“Really?”
“Of
course. How else are you supposed to learn
how to react in the field?” Obi-Wan
glanced at his chrono.
“I’d better
get going, Padawan. Behave yourself and
make sure you get to class on time.”
“Yes,
Master.”
------------------------------
A small
hologram flickered into existence.
Obi-Wan, along with the Jedi Council, stared at the blue-skinned Twi’lek
wearing only a knee-length tunic. She
glanced about, frightened, before beginning.
“I don’t
know who will receive this message. All
I can do is hope that whoever sees this will help me.
“I’m a free
person, or I’m supposed to be. I was kidnapped several days ago by a skilled team connected
with the exotic dancing houses on the planet Shi’a. I was placed in a
room with several other people, mostly girls but some young men as well, who
were also kidnapped. We soon learned we
were to be sold as pleasure slaves and the unanimous
agreement was that one of us would sneak away and call for help while the
others covered. The lot fell to me.
“We have
arrived at the site where we are to be sold and this comm station claims to be
in Shi’a’s capital city, Minerva.” The
nervous Twi’lek, who had been doing a remarkable job of keeping it all together
up ‘til now, broke down.
“Oh,
please, someone help us, please!” The
Twi’lek jerked her head as if she heard something and switched off the
hologram.
“This was
intercepted by a ship yesterday evening and sent to us,” Mace Windu stated,
leaning forward, “It is a very direct call for help. As it happens, we already have someone
working undercover as a dancer on this case.
She’s working with the code name “Sasha”. We want you to go undercover as a club patron
and pass this message on to Sasha. You
are to check out the other local clubs while you’re at it. Also, see if you can’t find anything about
the slave market in Minerva.”
“Shave your
beard, you will. Pass for someone
younger, you must. The Temple
barber, help you accomplish that feat, he will.
Also, see Master Zarf about proper clothing, you will,” Yoda added. Obi-Wan bowed deferentially.
“Yes,
Masters.”
------------------------------
Obi-Wan
Kenobi came back from his meeting with the Jedi Council in a gloomy mood. His
apprentice immediately took steps to cheer him up. Sitting his master down on the comfortably
overstuffed chair with a freshly brewed cup of his favorite tea, Anakin
demanded to know exactly what had happened in the Council room.
“It’s an
undercover job and more than one person would cause suspicion. They already have someone else in place, so
it’s not like I’ll be totally on my own, but the Council will not let you
participate in this mission, my young Padawan.”
Anakin nodded, looking regretful but understanding.
“What do
you have do?” Obi-Wan
sighed and gave him the details of the mission.
“So
there’s an exotic dancer slave ring?”
“Yes.”
“And no one
knows if the dancers are the victims or the slavers?” The Jedi Knight made a noise to the
affirmative.
“All any
one knows is that the pleasure slave market has suddenly grown.”
A brief nod
was the reply.
“And all of
this requires you to go undercover and patronize a place that specializes in
dancing girls.”
“That’s
right. Do you have any more redundant
questions, my young Padawan learner?” Obi-Wan waxed sarcastic.
“How come
you get all of the wizard solo missions?” Anakin Skywalker whined to his master.
“I’d have
you take it if I thought you were ready for undercover work. I don’t want to shave off my beard.” The part about not being ready stung but
Anakin continued trying to cheer Obi-Wan up.
After all, as Master Yoda had put it, “Company misery loves,” and Anakin
had no intention on being miserable just yet.
Of course, payback was good too…
“Oh, come
on, Obi-Wan. Every girl in the Temple
will love it if you shave that thing off.”
“Why do you
think I grew the damn thing in the first place?” Obi-Wan grumped.
“Language,
Master.” Obi-Wan shot Anakin a look that
did not bode well for the young man’s future in the Jedi Order. Anakin, knowing full well when enough is
enough, held up his hands, silently retracting the statement before heading to
his room and allowing Obi-Wan to simmer in silence.
When Anakin
eventually came out after tinkering on some droid or another, Obi-Wan had
already accepted his facial hair’s fate and had gone to see the Temple’s
barber. When he came back, Anakin was ready
and waiting.
“Looking
good, Master.” Obi-Wan threw himself down upon the sofa with a moan, pulling one of the
throw pillows over his head.
“Oh, come
on. It’s not that bad.”
“It is when
the majority of the people you meet say the same thing repeatedly,” a muffled
voice came from under the pillow.
“Well, it
does make you look at least five years younger. Maybe even ten. Perhaps more if you redid your hair – “ Obi-Wan groaned,
burrowing further into the couch cushions.
Anakin smiled down at him. Obi-Wan was just way
too much fun to tease. Of course, it was
a bit more fun when Obi-Wan joined the banter and teased back… Anakin wandered over to the comm station,
idly looking through the messages he had ignored while absorbed in his
mechanical work and that Obi-Wan had not been there to receive.
“There’s a
message from Master Yoda, Obi-Wan.”
“What does
he want?” the still perturbed Jedi Knight demanded to know.
“It’s just
a reminder for you to get your hair cut and to see Z.Z. about proper clothes
before you leave in… four hours. You’d
better get going if you’re going to see Z.Z., Master.” Obi-Wan moaned but did not stir. Anakin smirked maliciously as he grabbed
Obi-Wan’s ankles and dragged him from the couch.
“Come on, Master. Up and at ‘em. Z.Z. will be thrilled to see you!”
“That’s
what I’m afraid of,” Obi-Wan muttered as he picked himself up off the floor and
Anakin propelled him through the door.
------------------------------
Anakin
Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi stood outside theice ice door of the master in
charge of clothing. Jedi Master Zaria
Zarf, known aZ. tZ. to friends and foes alike, took care of the Temple’s
clothing needs, as well as providing undercover operatives the latest
fashions. Obi-Wan knocked quickly,
hoping to get the ordeal over with. No one answered.
“Well, no
one’s there. I’ll just go ask someone
else to bring up what I’ll need.”
Obi-Wan turned and ended up face first in a large bosom. Stumbling back, Obi-Wan flushed bright red as
he recognized Z.Z.
“You couldn’t
wait for me to get back into my office?” the purple-haired Amazon asked, her
silver eyes twinkling merrily. The tall
woman suddenly grabbed Obi-Wan’s chin, forcing him to look up at her.
“You
shaved!”
“Not by
choice, I assure you.” Z.Z.’s face took
on a lugubrious look.
“So this
doesn’t mean you’re here to ask me out?”
“Attachments
are strictly forbidden by the Code,” Obi-Wan reminded her. Z.Z. rolled her expressive eyes.
“I don’t
want a long term commitment. If you ask, th, the word shouldn’t be bonding, it
should be bondage. All I want is
your cute little ass in my sleep couch every so often.” Obi-Wan cleared his throat and glared. Anakin quickly turned his snigger into a
cough while Z.Z. simply smiled pleasantly.
Zaria Zarf
was a coquette that flirted to relieve pent up sexual tensions. She did not want an actual affirmative ponsponse to her outrageous suggestions.
That was exactly why she
flirted with Obi-Wan – she knew he would never take her up on her offer. Practically everyone in the Temple
knew that, at a young age, Obi-Wan had decided that he did not want to be
touched except by someone he loved and, since love was
forbidden for a Jedi, no one was going to touch him. People respected that, although Z.Z. often
wondered how the gorgeous man in front of her had managed to reach his current
age and still be a virgin.
“You never
breach this rancor’s den without some good reason, so what do you want, sugar?”
“I’m
supposed to go undercover at a nightclub and I need appropriate attire.” When a huge grin lit up Z.Z.’s face, Obi-Wan
knew he was in trouble.
“Here are
your boots!” Z.Z. called through the door, handing a pair of calf-covering
black boots over the top of the dressing stall.
A soft mumble reached her ears as a hand reached up and took the
footwear. The soft rustle of clothing
met her s ear ears as the handsome man undressed. Anakin sat in a chair nearby, looking bored.
“What’s the
silver circle for?” a voice called out.
“Jewelry. Armbands are all the rage for men this
year. It goes over your left bicep.”
“You expect
me to wear jewelry?”
“If you
want to pull this off, then yes. Just be
glad I’m not forcing you to go completely authentic and pierce your navel. However, if the situation reqs yos you to
take off your shirt, I suggest you put a fake tattoo or something around it
first. You’re supposed to be popular and
the popular people got tattoos and/or navel studs last year.” Silence ensued for several moments.
“Alright,
point taken. I’ll wear the
armband.” Some more sounds indicative of
dressing reached her ears before the door to the changing room opened.
“I am not going anywhere dressed like this,”
Obi-Wan stated when he emerged, crossing his arms.
“Oh, but
sugar, you look so great in it!” Z.Z. replied.
“She’s
right, Master,” Anakin agreed from his seat.
“Of course
I’m right.” Obi-Wan scowled impartially
at the two before donning his robe, pulling it tight around him.
“Very
well. I’m not taking this off until
after I’m on thep, tp, though.”
“Why not take
it all off?” Z.Z. asked with a leer, “You didn’t let me see you in the buff,
changing in the fitting room like you did.
Not that I can’t see your tight ass through the fabric right now.” Obi-Wan grimaced, looked at the chrono on the
wall, and made a quick excuse before Z.Z. made any more passes or salacious
comments.
“Well, I’d
better be going. I have a transport to
catch.” He took off out the door,
clutching his robe close to him.
“Wait! You forgot your other outfits!” Z.Z. called
after him.
“I’ll take
them to him, Z.Z.,” Anakin offered, “By the way, what possessed you to dress
him in that? He’s supposed to be
revealing the pleasure slave ring, not persuading them to capture him and sell
him.” The purple-haired Amazon shrugged.
“It was the
only chance I’d get to see him dressed like that. You have to admit, he looks good in blue and
black.”
********************
“So what’s
this guy were going to see like?”
“Well, he’s
done a lot of… well, “stuff”, like mining, furbog trading, and street touting,
for example, and he’s finally saved up enough to open his own restaurant. Apparently his greatest joy in life is
cooking.”
“So you’re
going to arrest him, right?” ten-year-old Anakin asked.
“No.”
“But isn’t
street touting and some of the other “stuff” illegal?”
“Probably,
but I can’t prove any of it. It’d be my
word against his.”
“But
Master, surely your word is worth more than his.” Obi-Wan smiled.
“You’re
assuming that I want to arrest him.”
Little Anakin looked startled.
“You
don’t? Why not?”
“Because
he’s an old friend.”
“You’re friends with a criminal?” Obi-Wan smiled as he set the speeder down
near the greasy spoon that was his ultimate destination.
“Come on,
Anakin. You’ll like Dex.”
A chime
went off as the pair entered the dingy diner.
“Hey,
Obi-Wan! Come over here and take a
seat!” One of four burly arms waved the
Jedi over to the bar while Dexter Jettster pushed his accounting records to one
side. Obi-Wan smiled, looking his old
friend over. Dex was no longer the young
hulking brute he once was; now he was a middle-aged
hulking brute whose love of food was beginning to show. No one in their right mind would take him on,
though; those four arms still had a lot of strength in them.
“I was
wondering when you’d stop by this place.
Had a whole celebration party planned out for
when you got Knighted. Don’t know if
I’ll go through with it now. Damn shame
about Qui-Gon.”
“You knew
Qui-Gon too?” Anakin piped up. Dexter
looked at the small boy in surprise.
“Who’s
this?”
“Dex, this
is my Padawan learner, Anakin Skywalker.
Ani, this is my friend, Dexter Jettster.”
“Nice to
meet you, sir,” Anakin said, taking one of the large hands and shaking it. Dex looked in bemusement at the child.
“I remember
when Obi-Wan was the same size as you.
How old are you, kid? Twelve,
thirteen?”
“I’m ten,”
Anakin proudly announced.
“Ten!” Dex
said, leaning forward and giving Anakin his full attention, “You’re going to
pretty big when you grow up. Taller than
Obi-Wan for sure.”
“You really
think so?”
“Oh, yes
definitely.” Dex looked up at
Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan smiled in
amusement. Dex always had been good with
children.
“How about
I rustle you boys up some grub? On the
house of course, old buddy. Kid has to
eat if he’s going to get any taller.”
“Thanks,
Dex. That’d be wonderful.”
Dexter soon
returned with nerf burgers and blue milkshakes for the three of them. Settling down in the booth, the three of them
got to talking.
“How’d you
meet Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon?” Anakin asked around a mouthful of nerf burger.
“Anakin,
don’t talk with your mouth full.” Anakin
swallowed noisily.
“Sorry,
Master. Well, Dex?” Dex leaned back, looking thoughtful.
“The first
time I met your master, he had just run into a very unsavory sort who liked
pretty young boys and your master was the prettiest of the lot.” Dex risked a glance at Obi-Wan. “Still is.”
“Dex, I am
not now nor ever have been pretty.”
Dexter Jettster laughed.
“Keep
saying that, Obi-Wan, and one of these days you’ll be old and gray and someone
will actually believe you.”
“Wait a
minute! You rescued Obi-Wan?!” Obi-Wan shifted
uncomfortably, casting a glance at Dexter.
Dex caught it and went forward cautiously.
“He was
really small then, barely thirteen you know, and that large guy took him by
surprise with a stationary blade. I
don’t stand for that type of thing, though, and took care of the bastard…”
“Language,
Dex.” The burly alien gave Obi-Wan a
look.
“You want
to tell the story?” The Jedi Knight
shook his head.
“Where was
I? Oh, yes! I took care of the bastard and was looking
little Obi-Wan over to make sure he wasn’t seriously hurt when I found myself
face-to-face with a very irate and somewhat over-protective Jedi Master
demanding to know what the hell I was doing to his Padawan learner.”
“Dex…”
Obi-Wan began warningly.
“What? That’s what Qui-Gon said,” the massive alien
returned innocently. Anakin smiled at
the exchange before turning his attention back to his blue milkshake.
“Well,
Anakin, what did you think of Dex?” Obi-Wan asked as soon as they left the
small diner.
“He’s
nice. I like him and his cooking’s
good. Can we go back again soon?” Wan Wan smiled and ruffled his Padawan’s
hair.
“Of
course. We can see him any time we’re
free, if you like.”
“Yippee! Can I drive back, Master?”
“Um, how
about letting me do it this one time…”
********************
Obi-Wan
Kenobi, Jedi Knight, looked up at his shuttle, unhappily aware of the looks
several other people were giving him.
The ship would not be ready for at least five more minutes and Obi-Wan
had let the robe fall open after his fingers got stiff. He absent-mindedly fingered his
lightsaber. He would have to leave it
and the cloak in the ship when he landed if he was going to pass as a normal
guy…
“Master!” a
familiar voice cut across Obi-Wan’s thoughts.
Anakin ran up, carrying a large bundle in his arms.
“Z.Z.
wanted me to give you the rest of the clothes you’ll need for your mission,”
Anakin panted, “And I wanted to say goodbye before you left.” Obi-Wan smiled fondly at the teenager as he
caught his breath.
“I’ll be
back in a few days, my young Padawan learner.
Just behave yourself while I’m gone.”
“Yes,
Master. Do everyone a favor and come
back in one piece this time.” Obi-Wan
smiled, clasping his apprentice’s shoulder.
“I’ll
certainly try. Don’t worry. I don’t plan on seeing the Healers’ Ward
again any time soon.” He turned to
leave, but Anakin grabbed his shoulders and looked him in the eye.
“Promise me
you’ll come back.” Obi-Wan tak taken aback.
“Anakin,
I…” was his startled reply.
“Just
promise me, Master.”
“I promise
I’ll come back. Are you satisfied now,
my young apprentice?” Anakin smiled,
moved as if he were going to give his master a hug, thought better of it, and
gave Obi-Wan’s shoulders a quick squeeze instead before letting go.
“Goodbye,
Master. May the Force be with you.” Obi-Wan nodded
and boarded his ship when the captain waved at him. Soon it was off, hurtling through space. Anakin Skywalker stood on the platform in the
docking bay long after the ship had disappeared from sight.
“I have a
bad feeling about this,” he mumbled to himself.
To be continued…