Jedi Hearts

Chapter Eight:
Beware The Darkside

Bren sat on the edge of the sleep couch and held Ember's hand in his large one, rubbing his finger back and forth over the smooth tan skin. The more time I spend with her before she is healed enough to have fun with, the more willing she will be to be with me again. I can't wait to feel her tightness again. She was amazing. Bren smirked as his eyes traced every curve of her body. He became bolder and traced the same area with his hand. Reaching out with the Force he wanted to be aware if her Master was . He. He grimaced when he sensed Qui-Gon approaching the doorway of the room and leaned down to kiss her lips knowing that ‘Padawan Perfect’ would see him. Now Perfect will know that she belongs to me and by the time I am done with her there will be nothing left for anybody else to want.

He waited a couple of heartbeats after Bren left before he also left the cargo bay. Qui-Gon didn’t know why, but he felt that he should check on Ember. He walked slowly down the hall, his nerves still jittery after Ember’s injury. Qui-Gon stepped into her room and stopped as he saw Bren sitting beside her on the sleep couch. He silently gasped as he saw Bren lean down and kiss Ember.

Ember slowly regained consciousness as she fought to get clear of the hazy fog that clouded her mind. The last thing she remembered was Qui-Gon’s panic stricken face over hers and her need to comfort him before the pain became too much. Reaching into the Force she searched for Qui-Gon’s signature and relaxed as she felt him near. Then she became aware of smooth warm lips pressed against hers. Qui-Gon stayed with me. She reached up and cupped the person’s face without opening her eyes and whispered, “You’re still here. I had hoped you wouldn’t leave,” and Ember began to kiss back.

Qui-Gon felt as if someone had just punched him in the stomach as he watched Ember wrap her hand around the back of Bren’s neck and tell him that she had hoped he'd be there when she woke up. It's true. I was right about her and Bren. I guess I really meant nothing to her. Qui-Gon turned away and went back into the cargo bay to work on his forms. He knew he would not be able to center himself enough to meditate. How could I let myself believe that she could really care about me and want the same things that I wanted? She was probably just using me to make Bren jealous. It obviously worked because he is wrapped in her arms where I should be. I hope that she doesn’t believe that I intentionally hurt her like Bren said. But if she were in love with him why would she believe me?

Deepening the kiss roughly Bren forced both of Ember hands above her head with one of his. He bit hard enough to draw blood on her lower lip and began to squeeze and pinch her breast. He climbed on the bed and lay on top of her forcing her legs apart with his knees.

Something was wrong; Qui-Gon had never been rough. Panic rushed over Ember as she opened her eyes and looked into a pair of the wrong color blue eyes. Wait …no this is wrong it should be Qui-Gon; she took her hand off his neck and tried to push him off her as he squeezed her breast painfully. “Get off me … you …” Ember started speaking in several different languages switching so rapidly the startled Knight could not keep up with the insults she was spewing. {Master, please help me. I woke and Bren was groping me and trying to force his tongue down my throat. If he touches me again I’ll not be responsible for what I do to him. }

"I've missed this," Bren smiled between rough kisses. I love it when they play hard to get. I wonder if I have time to have her once. Bren thought before he was suddenly thrown across the room, crashing into the wall in a disheveled heap.



******

Melody raised her head and stared straight ahead; she felt an overwhelming sense of pain and fear through her bond with Ember before she heard Ember pleading for help through their bond. "That son of a Sith," Melody muttered as she jumped up and raced out of the flight cabin again.

Obi-Wan watched confused as Melody raced down the hall and into the room she shared with Ember. He quickly stood and followed her down the hall, watching dumbfound as the small Master used the Force to throw the Knight against the wall. “Mel, stop! Don’t do this.”

"You arrogant Bantha cred. I told you to stay away from Ember," Melody yelled as she walked over to the young Knight and punched him in his mouth. "Did you think you could get away with taking advantage of an injured girl?" Melody spat as she brought her knee up into his midsection before being pulled away.

Obi-Wan held Melody to keep her from attacking the Knight again, looked over at Ember, and noted the fear on her face and sighed. {Qui-Gon I need your help in Mel and Ember’s room. Please come take Ember and Melody to the flight cabin and keep them there.}

Qui-Gon began to restlessly work on his forms trying to get the image of Ember kissing Bren out of his mind. Unable to concentrate, Qui-Gon berated himself. I can’t believe I was stupid enough to think that Ember would treat me differently than the other girls. I wonder if this is why falling in love is frowned on. How am I going to make it through this mission? Suddenly his Master’s voice called him through their training bond. He d ted tell by the urgency in Obi-Wan’s tone that something was very wrong and he rushed back to Ember’s sleep quarters.

Obi-Wan looked up gratefully at his Padawan and tried to push Melody out the door as the small woman lunged after the bleeding knight. “Mel, please go with Qui-Gon. I’ll handle Knight M’ray.” Turning her around until he had placed his body between them, he felt Melody lose a little of the fight. “Qui-Gon, please take them now …Ember might need a little help.”

"Yes Master," Qui-Gon said. He wondered why Bren was laying on the floor doubled over and bleeding; and why his Master was trying to keep Master Melody away from the Knight. Qui-Gon walked over to the sleep couch where Ember was slowly getting to her feet and reluctantly offered her a helping hand.

Ember backed away from Qui-Gon and venomously shook her head no. “Don’t touch mehe hhe hissed. She stumbled once and almost fell back onto the couch in her haste to get away from him.

Obi-Wan led Melody to the door, keeping an eye on the knight sprawled on the floor while keeping his body between them. “Melody, I know you’re angry but you have to let the anger go. I’ll handle him. Let Qui-Gon take you and Ember to the flight cabin please. He’ll not get away with it this time…I promise.”

Qui-Gon looked at Ember surprised by her reaction to him and then looked at his Master who struggled to guide a distraught Melody out of the door. She really must believe that I intentionally hurt her; she doesn’t even want me to touch her. He noticed Obi-Wan turn back to watch Bren; Melody’s eyes had turned such a dark violet that they looked blue. He then turned to take a good look at Ember for the first time since entering the room. Her lip was red and swollen and tears streamed down her cheeks. Suddenly anger swelled inside of Qui-Gon as he realized what had happened. {Master, what in the Sith did he do?} Qui-Gon demanded.

“Not now Padawan…just get the girls out of this room now, before Melody tries to kill Brendan again,” Obi-Wan said exasperatedly.

"He deserves far worse than being released into the Force," Melody disagreed trying to get away from Obi-Wan; scratching his neck in the process.

“Force Melody! Stop this! You are giving him the power to turn you to the dark side,” Obi-Wan reminded her as he reached his left hand back to touch the bleeding gouges. “Right now Ember needs your help since she won’t let Qui-Gon help her.”

"Come on Ember, let’s go to the flight cabin your Master will join us and help you there," Qui-Gon spoke up loud enough that Melody could hear him. Hopefully she would realize that her Padawan needed her right now, more than Bren deserved to be thrashed by her. Qui-Gon was careful not to upset r byr by getting too close.

Finally, what Obi-Wan had said sunk in, Melotopptopped struggling and walked over to her Padawan. Wrapping her arms around Ember’s waist, she guided her toward the door. She could sense Qui-Gon following close behind them as she led Ember through the ship toward the flight cabin.

Obi-Wan waited just until his Padawan had gotten the girls out of the room and the door hissed shut before Obi-Wan locked it and turned to the Knight. “Knight M’ray, there is no excuse for your actions. I’m going to inform the Council of your conduct and ask that you be removed from this assignment.”

******


“Master, I didn’t ask him to come. I didn’t entice him. I didn’t even want him there. I promise. I thought he was… I could feel him in the Force and I didn’t open my eyes…. I thought that he was…” Ember said sobbing. “I thought it was Qui-Gon so I told him I was glad that he was there when I woke up. Then he got rough … Qui-Gon was always gentle and I knew something was wrong,” Ember said distraughtly.

Qui-Gon felt like he had been slapped in the face. I shouldn't have left her; I should have went inside and demanded that he leave the room. I keep hurting her; she is better off forgetting that she ever met me. Qui-Gon thought as Melody led Ember into the flight cabin. Qui-Gon could not bear to go inside and listen to anymore of their conversation; calling on the Force he erected a Force bubble to enclose the door so neither Ember nor Melody could leave the room. Turning around Qui-Gon went to thel’s l’s quarters to see if his Master needed any help.

Melody guided her Padawan to the co-pilots seat and sat down beside her in the pilot's seat. "Emy, tell me exactly what happened?"

******

{Master I locked the door to the flight cabin with a Force bubble like you taught me. Do you need any help with Bren?} Qui-Gon asked as he stood outside the door of the girl's quarters.

{Qui-Gon, I want you to go get a plate of food from the galley to feed the Knight. He’s staying here until I talk to the Council and find out what to do with him.} Obi-Wan told his Padawan through the bond.

Brendan M’ray slowly rose to his feet and sat down on the sleep couch where Ember had laid earlier. “What’s the matter Master Kenobi all I did was kiss her? She wasn’t in any shape to go further. And she welcomed my advances in fact she put her arms around me and said ‘I hoped you would be here when I awoke.”

{Yes Master,} Qui-Gon replied and turned around to get some food for the Knight from the galley. We should let him starve to death.

“She might have welcomed them to start with but she was emerging from a healing trace and was not aware of her surroundings. You’re a Knight and should have known that your advances were not encouraged at this time. She said stop and that means you stop. On some planets what you did is considered rape,” Obi-Wan said disgustedly.

Bren looked at the Master and smirked, “You forget Master Kenobi, I’ve been intimate with her before and I know what she likes. The last time she said no too, but went ahead and had sex… she just doesn’t like it as rough as I do.”

Qui-Gon unlocked the door using the Force and entered in time to hear Bren's feeble excuse for his behavior. Qui-Gon put the plate of cold food down on the end table and walked toward the Knight. "You stupid Bantha brains, she was injured and she said no. No is no even if she’s standing in front of you with no clothes on," Qui-Gon snapped at him.

Obi-Wan gave his Padawan a warning look before sighing. “Never the less Knight M’ray you can not be trusted in respect to Padawan D’on again. I’m going to inform the Council now. I suggest you take this time to meditate.” {Qui-Gon, can I trust you enough to leave you here. I don’t want either Melody or Ember in here. There’s no telling what they might do to him.}

{Yes Mas Qui Qui-Gon answered, glaring at the Knight that sat on Ember's sleep couch.

Obi-Wan turned and looked at the smirking Knight wipe the blood off his face with the back of his hand. He unlocked the door and stepped through. {All right Qui-Gon, lock the door behind me.}

“Now that your overprotective Master is gone I can answer your statement.” Bren smirked at the Padawan who locked the door behind his Master and then leaned on the door. I almost have him…and by the time he gets back to the Temple he will be so upset he will never win. “Obviously she has never stood before you with no clothes on if you think you could say no…. Oh that’s right, you got excited when you saw her in just her bra. You must have enjoyed holding her while she was almost naked.”

"Do you think you're the only one whs evs ever seen her?" Qui-Gon demanded stepping closer to the Knight until he was just a couple of feet away in front of him. "I've done more than just seen her and I didn't have to force her to sleep with me. She was willing and I think she enjoyed herself a lot more than she ever could have with a jerk like you."


******

Ember sighed and held back a sob. “We were dueling and Qui-Gon was doing a fantastic job at keeping a good defense… well pretty good. His attacks were better. I was beginning to enjoy the duel and I relaxed enough to offer him a friendly wager. He took it and that’s when I began to lose my focus. He pulled an aerial attack aimed at my shoulder and I twisted to get away and it got me in the side.” Ember straightened up and continued speaking, I remember Qui-Gon asking me if I was ok. Then I think I remember Bren there too but Qui-Gon was back and I tried to talk to him and then I passed out. When I awoke the pain in my siad lad lessened and I felt someone kissing me. I felt Qui-Gon’s presence near by and I thought it was him. I said, ‘I had hoped he was here when I woke up’. And then he started to shove his tongue into my mouth and he was hurting me. Qui-Gon was never like that; he waited for me to take things to the next level. I knew something was wrong. I opened my eyes; the eyes were wrong and he wouldn’t stop when I tried to push him away. He had pinned my hands hand above my head and then he became rougher.”

"I'm so sorry Emy. I should not have left you alone. I should have been by your side," Melody said wishing she could take the pain away from her Padawan, her daughter.

“No Master it’s ok …you came as soon as you could. Qui-Gon should have been there. He caused the injury the least he could have done was wait to see if I was all right. If he were there Bren wouldn’t have tried his little game. “I’m ok now, I promise,” Ember said quietly looking at the stars. She turned back to her Master smiled thinly and said, “I understand why revenge is wrong now.”

"What have you learned?" Melody asked.

Ember looked at her Master sadly, “That the cost always out weighs the benefitschaschased after him just so I could pay him back for the hurt he caused. I told myself it was because I didn’t want him to hurt anyone else but I lied to myself. I didn’t want to go before the Council because I knew they would sense my desire for revenge. I left myself open to be hurt again and I lost the tournament …my joy as a Jedi…even my self respect.”

"Is that why you want to leave, because of the tournament? Emy, there are more important things than competing in the tournament. What about Qui-Gon? He blames himself for injuring you; I had to send him to meditate after we got you to the sleep couch. He said that he wanted to win the bet with you so badly that he was too hard on you. He told me that he wanted to ask you to stay in the Order. I may not agree with a lot of the things that you two have been doing since we started this mission; but I know that Qui-Gon would not intentionally hurt you. You are the only one who can convince him that he is not at fault," Melody explained.

“It wasn’t his fault…I was the one who lost my concentration. If he found out what I was thinking, he would refuse to talk to me again. Ember looked back at her Master for a minute and sighed. “No Master, I want to leave the order because I don’t belong. I feel the rules don’t fit…even you and Master Kenobi will have trouble with the Jedi code. Why would the Force give us feelings of love, if we were supposed to bury them or pretend that we don’t have them? How can we worry about the future at the expense of the moment?”

"I think there are a lot of changes in store for the Jedi. Master Yoda has even said that Padawan's are more arrogant and cocky lately. Nearly all of the Knights and Masters and even the older Padawans are sexually active. The Council must know about it and they have obviously chosen to turn a blind eye. The Council can’t kick everyone out unless they don't want to have anyone left in the Order to protect the galaxy. Have patience my Padawan, I sense that changes are coming for the Jedi and the rest of the galaxy," Melody explained. I just hope that the changes are good ones and not the devastation that my visions have foreseen.

Ember stood up and hugged her Master as Obi-Wan unlocked the flight cabin door. “Thank you Lyu. If I haven’t told you lately, you are the best.” She turned to the ginger haired Master who wearily entered the room. “Master Kenobi, don’t let her get away she is the best thing that has ever happened to you.” Ember turned to leave the room when the Master stopped her.

“Ember, I don’t want to issue an Order with your master right here but I will if I have to. Please don’t leave this room and don’t make things harder on Qui-Gon,” Obi-Wan pleaded.

Ember looked at him beseechingly. “Master Kenobi, I have to do this. One to let your Padawan know he was not at fault for my injury and two, so Knight M’ray has no more power over me. I need to be able to look at him and not feel this overwhelming urge to get revenge. Please Master Kenobi?” Besides I don’t want Qui-Gon in there alone with him. I don’t want him to know what my first time was like.

"Ember, you don't have to do that; the Council will take care of him. You don't need to go anywhere near him. And you can wait until later to talk to Qui-Gon. He'll understand if you don't talk to him right away," Melody assured her.

“Please Master; I know what I’m doing. You said you trusted me. I will not cause trouble for Qui-Gon …Knight M’ray is a coward and only picks on those weaker than himself,” Ember replied solemnly. Or on those who are stupid enough to have sex with him. Or when there is no way the Council will learn about it.

"Ok," Melody relented, "But if you need any help at all I'm only a bond away."

Ember smiled, turned to walk out the door and said, “As am I, Master.” She walked down the hall to her quarters and softly tapped on the door.”

******

“Ember had sex with you?” Brendan asked disdainfully. No that little tramp didn’t. I’m going to enjoy punishing her for that. So she thought I was Qui-Gon when she woke up and that was why she was so willing. “What do you expect? She wanted to know what was so great about Qui-Gon Jinn. Curiosity is only natural after all. That’s the only way you’ve managed to have sex with so many; it’s definitely not your looks. Besides she probably wanted some direction on how to handle a man, so she took schooling from a boy who is said to know what to do with a woman and in truth wouldn’t know better.”

"I know a lot more than you," Qui-Gon told him balling his hands into fits at his side. "I know how to treat them the right way. Maybe that’s why they come back for me and you have to take advantage of them in order to get them to come back to you."

“That’s what you think… Ember has been chasing me for the last year and I’ve taken my time in getting back to her. I figured she would be panting by the time I was ready. I guess I was right …she was trying to get even with me for Bella.” Bren grinned he could feel the anger in the young man and pushed a little harder. “It’s not like she’s been with you since I came. You mean nothing to her and you can’t bear the fact that she wants more for her bed than someone who obeys all the rules. You know that is why she likes me don’t you?”

"You haven't been here that long Brendan and I can't imagine why any girl would like someone like you unless they’re very desperate," Qui-Gon told him. A light knock on the door halted any comment that the Knight might have made.

"Is that you Master?" Qui-Gon asked from the other side of the door not taking his eyes off Bren.

“No Qui-Gon, it’s me. Master Kenobi and my Master said I could come back here and talk to you and him,” Ember said quietly. “Please open the door.”

"Emy, I really don't think that's such a good idea," Qui-Gon said. "We can talk later."

“Qui-Gon, I’m not asking if you think this is a good idea. I’ve already asked your Master and mine and they said it was ok. Now please open the door to my room,” Ember said a little exasperated.

Qui-Gon slowly unlocked the door and opened it, "Emy, are you ok?" he asked her.

Ember offered Qui-Gon a small smile. I would have been better if you had been there. “Yes thank you…I’m fine.” She said stepping into the room. She looked at the Knight on the bed and shook her head. “Knight M’ray, I see my Master had a few choice words for you.”

"Your Master isn't worth the effort to fight back and there’s no way that I was going to hit a Master and get kicked out of the Order. Your Master is the one who is going to be in trouble for what she did to me," Bren boasted.

"Why don't you shut your mouth Bren," Qui-Gon glared at the Knight. "You couldn't handle Master Melody in a fight. I don't know how you passed the trials."

Ember smiled slightly at Qui-Gon for defending her Master. She turned her back on Bren knowing that it would anger him and addressed Qui-Gon. “Why weren’t you here when I woke up?”

"I wanted to be here, but your Master told me to go and meditate. Believe me if I had known that you would have to wake up to that Bantha for brains Sith, I would never have left," Qui-Gon assured her.

“I was told you blamed yourself for my injury. That you thought you should have taken it easier on me because I was younger; or was it because you didn’t respect me enough to treat me as an equal,” Ember asked pinning Qui-Gon with a glare.

From the sleep couch Bren began to laugh, "You tell him Emy dear. I told him that he was way out of your league, but he didn't believe me."

Ember turned to the Knight, glared at him and said, “No one gave you permission to speak, so shut up.”

"Emy, I can't believe you would think that," Qui-Gon stared into her eyes, "I was too rough on you because I wanted to win the bet. You fought really well, but you seemed to lose your concentration. I should have noticed and pulled back a little. I'm sorry."

Ember grinned she knew she had his attention and Bren’s. “So you still believe it was your fault that I was hurt?”

"Wh-what?" Qui-Gon stuttered, unsure why she was grinning at him. "Yes, that’s what I said."

“Good because it was. You see I lost my concentration about the time you took my wager. I couldn’t keep my thoughts on the duel. You see I kept imagining what I would have you do with your mouth and body if I won.” She stepped so close to him he had to bend down to hear her whisper. “While you were all noble and wanted to have me stay in the Order if you won, my cost was …let’s just say a little more physical. So you see if you weren’t quite so good in bed, I would never have been injured.”

Qui-Gon stood dumbfounded; he didn’t know what to say. She hadn't lost concentration because of Bren. She had lost concentration because of him.

“Oh and my Maverick, please don’t think you won the duel because you didn’t. Due to Temple rules it was suspended because of my injury when we resume you must come up with something new you want because I’ve already made my decision about staying in the Ord She She then turned to Bren. “What in the name of the Force did you think you were doing? Did you think this time I was going to let you get away with it?”

“I was just giving you what you wanted. But I guess you were afraid that perfect boy here would be upset. You pretended to not like it when I touched you and called your Master," Bren sneered.

“Do you know what people like best about me Bren? I’m honest. I didn’t like it the first time and it took me four days to heal from your idea of sex. I told you it was my first time and you assured me that there would be only a small discomfort. I told you that you were hurting me and you told me that was what sex was. I told you to stop I didn’t want sex then and you didn’t stop. Four days Bren. I could not come out of my quarters. And do you know that at that time I made a promise to the Force I would get you back.” She stalked over to stand in front of the knight.

Qui-Gon squeezed his eyes shut and clenched his hands into fists at his sides. Four days to heal! Sex, even for the sake of pleasure is still a sacred gift between two people who at least remotely care enough to become intimate. I don’t understand how anyone could be so uncaring as to hurt their partner, who gave them the pleasure in the first place. Qui-Gon took a deep breath desperately trying to release his anger into the force.

“Do you know what I figured out when I met Qui-Gon? Sex can be wonderful and you’re not worth my going to the dark side to get even with you.” Ember sighed and looked once at Qui-Gon and then back at the Knight, “I lost my tournament…my self-respect…and even my joy. I’m a good Jedi… a little unorthodox but good. You’re not going to take that from me any more and if you ever touch me again I’ll make sure you never have sex again, because you’ll not have the equipment to have it with.” Ember took another breath realizing that what she was about to say could get her in trouble and said, “And as for you telling the Council about what my Master did you…then I’ll be forced to tell them what you did to me.” Oh Force I told him what happened … I‘m so stupid. I didn’t want them alone together for that reason and I go and tell him. Well, you didn’t want this to become a permanent relationship because you’re leaving; well you’ve ended his interest in you.

She called me her Maverick, Qui-Gon thought. And she’s made her decision; god's I hope she chooses to stay in the Order. I can't imagine the Temple without her to liven things up.

“Are you trying to blackmail me Emy dear? I think it’s going to take a lot more than your threatening to tell the Council. Have sex with me again and I won’t say anything. I told you, you would feel a small discomfort and you did, it only took you four days to heal. It took Kyrine six days. You’ll come back to me after you get tired of Perfect over there…. because he can’t keep some one like you satisfied. When you do, we’ll discuss your temper tantrum here. I know of a lot of punishments that I think you will enjoy,” Bren grinned down at Ember, then looked up at Qui-Gon and winked at him.

"You brainless Sith bastard," Qui-Gon growled. His control had been held by a thin thread, which snapped effortlessly with Bren’s threat. Without considering what he was doing, Qui-Gon took two long steps toward Bren and punched the Knight squarely in the nose. Blood splattered over the Padawan’s fist and tunic as he punched him again, this time in the jaw. Bren fell backward into a sitting position against the wall.

Bren stood up and fell back down from the force of Qui-Gon’s blows. He stood up quickly and twisted out of the way of the next swing. The Padawan lost his footing and crashed into the bed face first. Quickly taking the offensive, Bren jabbed Qui-Gon several times in his back, and then brought his knee down into the larger Padawan’s side. Before the Knight could cause any more damage, Ember used the Force and shoved him away from the injured Padawan. Bren hit the wall and Ember heard a sickening crack as the Knight hit his head on the wall. She watched dispassionately as he fell to the floor unconscious.

Qui-Gon slid down the side of the sleep couch to his knees and gasped as his back and side erupted in agony.

After Ember had neutralized Bren, she rushed over to Qui-Gon and helped him sit on the couch. “Force Qui-Gon, what did you think you were doing?” She gently touched his back and used the Force to probe the kidneys to see if they had been ruptured. Amazed Ember shook her head and weakly sent small waves of the Force to heal his bruised ribs

Sith what did I do? I just attacked a Knight. I’ll be thrown out of the Order for this, no matter how much he rvedrved it, Qui-Gon thought as the pain began to diminish due to Ember’s use of the Force. "I'm sorry Emy, but I couldn't let him speak that way to you." He winced as he felt another sharp pain when he tried to move.

“You know that your Master’s going to kill me don’t you. In the last three days that we have spent together, you have had sex with me several times, told your Master off, made wagers, and decked a knight. I’m almost positive we can retire the nickname ‘Perfect Padawan’, she said as she swayed and leaned againui-Gui-Gon for stabilization. She continued to push the Force into his body to heal the damage caused by the Knight. So the rumors are right, he is very protective about those he thinks need his help. He is going to be a good Jedi one day if I don’t ruin his chances.

Qui-Gon chuckled and then winced in pain, "That's ok Emy, because I like it better when you call me your Maverick."

Ember smiled and said, “Yeah I thought you would. The more I know you, the more I realize that I have no idea how you ever got that nickname in the first place.” When Ember no longer felt dizzy she stood and walked over to Brendan and began to scan him with the Force to determine the extent of his injuries. She found he had a mild concussion and a broken nose. “Qui-Gon, help me get him to the bed. Please!”

Qui-Gon reluctantly helped Ember lead the Knight to the sleep couch just as he sensed his Master approaching the room.

“Thank you, Qui-Gon for helping me.” Ember said as they got the knight stretched out on the bed. “I know that wasn’t easy but he’s right. He can inform the Council and you have worked too hard to become a Jedi.” Ember was going to say more but the Jedi Master opened the door to the quarters.

******

Obi-Wan felt a sudden jolt of pain that stretched across the training bond and groaned. “Mel, they’re at it again. Can you stay here while I go find out what’s wrong? The Council should call back anytime.”

"Are you sure you don't want me to come and help?" Melody asked, with a slight smirk knowing that Obi-Wan would not agree. She tried to remain calm as she wondered what had happened this time. At least Qui-Gon is with her.

“Yes Mel, I can handle it. With both of our Padawans in there, I have a feeling that Knight M’ray is getting the worst end of it. “Obi-Wan sai he he stood up, left the flight deck, and strolled to the back room.

******

Obi-Wan took a look at the unconscious knight on the bed and sighed. “Ember, If I remember correctly you said you were not going to cause problems and Qui-Gon, you told me I could trust you.” He shook his head, walked over to Bren and began to scan the Knight’s body for injuries, and then lead him into a light-healing trance. “Since I can’t trust either one of you, I’ll leave him in herene ane and block the door with the Force.” He looked at Ember, noticed that she looked gray beneath the day old sunburn and said, “You’re not totally healed, you need to lie down and rest. Qui-Gon, you have four hours of mediation you owe me and while you are meditating on your behavior this morning maybe you need to think about following my orders.”

Ember ducked her head in shame and mumbled, “Yes Master Kenobi.” She turned to the bedroom that the male Jedi would be sharing this mission and walked to the couch where she had seen Qui-Gon on that first day. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, she pulled off her boots, pulled back the covers, and lay down.

"Yes Master. It wasn’t Ember’s fault I hit Bren; Ember just broke up the fight. I'm sorry Master," Qui-Gon said. He left the room without saying anything else. He wanted to go to the other room to make sure that Ember was ok, but knew i did did, he would only disappoint his master more. Instead he went to the cargo bay to begin his four hours of meditation.


Obi-Wan shook his head. He watched Qui-Gon walk toward the doorway with slumped shoulders, where he stopped, turned back around, and looked at the unconscious Knight before continuing to the cargo bay. This is going to be the longest mission of my life. He closed the door and locked it with the Force; before slowly walking to the front of the ship and collapsing into the flight chair.

"What happened?" Melody asked. She glanced over at Obi-Wan in the seat beside her. He looked slightly upset.

“Between your Padawan and mine they knocked Brendan unconscious and broke his nose. And Ember had used a great deal of the Force because she didn’t look too good. Has the Council called back?” Obi-Wan asked as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"No, not yet," Melody replied. She wondered what the Knight had said to upset them so much. "If you don't mind I'm going to go and check on my Padawan and make sure she’s ok."

Obi-Wan sighed and thumped his head on the console. What if the Council does not call and we have to take him on the mission? “No Mel, go d. Id. I’ll wait for them. She’s in Qui-Gon’s bed…” Obi-Wan smiled slightly before speaking, “And Qui-Gon is meditating in the cargo bay.”

"Thank you Obi," Melody smiled slightly. She stood up and gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. Melody walked down the hall and hesitated outside the doors to the two quarters. Using the Force she made surat Bat Bren was still unconscious, before ene entered Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon's room. "Ember, are you all right?"

Ember opened her eyes and smiled at Melody. “Yes Master, just a little tired and my side hurts some.”

"What happened?" Melody asked sitting on the edge of the sleep couch carefully.

Ember scooted back to give her Master more room and sighed. “I went in there to talk to Qui-Gon. Bren was trying to convince Qui-Gon that I didn’t like him and that I had only had sex with him because I missed Bren. Then he had ner nerve to tell me he was giving me what I wanted and because I didn’t want Qui to know, I called you. Well that upset Qui-Gon and when Bren threatened to punish me later for ‘my tantrum’ Qui hit him twice. Bren fell on the bed, swiftly jumped to his feet and used two upper jabs to Qui-Gon’s kidneys and then kicked him in the side. I wasn’t going to let Bren hurt Qui-Gon when he was protecting me so I used the Force to throw Bren against the wall.”

"Is Qui-Gon all right?" Melody asked. "What did Obi-Wan say about Bren's threat to punish you later?"

“Yeah Qui-Gon’s fine. I healed him …I think. He likes that I have corrupted him. But Master Kenobi doesn’t.” Ember shifted to get comfortable. “Master Kenobi doesn’t know about the threat. He told me to go lay down. Then told Qui-Gon to go meditate without asking what happened and he started Bren in a healing trance.” Ember began to pick at the threads on coverlet and groaned. “I think Obi-Wan must be going crazy with this mission, Master. He is so used to order and everything falling into place like it should,” Ember yawned. “You know that Bren holds no more power over me anymore and I made sure he knew it. He threatened to tell the Council about what you did to him and told me if I’d have sex with him again then he wouldn’t tell them.”

"Was that before or after Qui-Gon hit him?" Melody asked her eyes wide. I can't believe that he would stoop to bribery to get what he wanted from her.

“Before,” Ember said quietly, “He likes you and defended you before I even spoke to him.”

Melody smiled sadly, "I'll have to thank him later. Will you be ok in here, because I need to go and speak with Master Kenobi?"

Ember yawned again, “Yes Master. Can you do me a favor and make sure Qui-Gon is healed?”

"Yes," Melody nodded. "I’ll go and check on him now before I speak with Obi-Wan. You get some rest Emy."

“Ok, and Lyu, I love you.” Ember said closing her eyes again.

"I love you too my Emy, my daughter," Melody told her. She lingered in the room for a moment watching her Padawan drift into a peaceful sleep before exiting the room and heading toward the Cargo bay where she found Qui-Gon sitting in a far corner with his legs crossed as he meditated. "Padawan Jinn," she said.

Qui-Gon had sensed Melody enter the cargo bay and wondered if she too would yell at him for what had happened with Knight M'ray. Opening his eyes, he looked down at the small Master who knelt on one knee beside him.

"Qui-Gon, I wanted to thank you for defending me to Bren. You didn't have to do that. I also wanted to thank you for protecting Emy. I know I don't have to tell you that striking out against him in anger was wrong. Ember told me what happened and I’m grateful that you were there for her. Emy asked me to check yinjuinjuries for her," Melody told him.

I can't believe that she is thanking me for what I did, “I'm fine Master Melody, Ember did a good job of healing me."

"I can sense your pain Qui-Gon; now lift up your shirt so I can see your back," Melody ordered him in a tone of voice that left no room for argument. Melody watched as the young man carefully lifted up his tunic and tried unsuccessfully to hide a wince. As Melody had suspected when she sensed his pain, his injuries had barely been healed. Ember was too weak to heal him adequately. Melody gently put her hand on his back and began to use the Force to heal the purplish, black, and blue marks that marred his lower back.

Qui-Gon immediately felt the pain begin to lessen, as Melody called on the Force to heal his wounds. I wonder if Master Obi-Wan will be upset that she healed me. He must have thought that I should suffer and feel the pain for what I did to Bren.

"I've healed your injuries Qui-Gon. Continue your meditations while I go and speak with your Master," Melody told him. Melody entered the flight cabin and sat down beside Obi-Wan. "Has the Council contacted you yet?" she asked.

“Yes, they called. Guess what, we’re stuck with the Sith for the remainder of the mission,” Obi-Wan stated dryly.

"You’re kidding right?" Melody asked. You better be kidding, because between Padawan Jinn and me I don't think the Knight will make it back to the Temple in one piece.

Obi-Wan’s face grew pensive as he thought about the mission. “No Mel, I’m afraid not. You see the Council wants to see both your Padawan and him before they make a decision that will affect his life as a Jedi, and pulling him off a mission will definitely affect his Jedi status.”

"That certainly does complicate things," Melody sighed. "I healed your Padawan's injuries," she told him, curious as to his reaction.

“His what? What do you mean his injuries?” Obi-Wan asked confused.

"I mean the injuries that Knight M'ray inflicted on Qui-Gon's kidneys when he repeatedly punched Qui-Gon in the back and then kicked him in the side. If you had asked what happened you would have learned that your Padawan was defending both my Padawan and me. Seems Knight M'ray threatened Ember and then tried to coerce her into sleeping with him again so that he wouldn’t tell the Council that I hit him. Qui-Gon punched him in the face after he threatened to punish Ember later," Melody explained. "I know he was wrong to act out in anger and I told him that; but I can't fault him for trying to protect Ember."

Obi-Wan groaned. {Padawan why didn’t you tell me you were injured? Did you think I was so angry that I would not care for you? Have I done that before and we are not talking about the minor sunburn that you could heal yourself?} “I should not have let Ember go in there or let Qui-Gon stay in there with them. This mission helps me to understand why the Council forbids relationships. You kno thi this keeps up, there won’t be a knight to take before the Council.”

"I had this same discussion with Ember earlier," Melody agreed.

{No Master, I didn't want you to be worried about me. I deserve my injuries. I shouldn't have hit Knight M'ray.} Qui-Gon told his Master through the bond.

{No Padawan, you shouldn’t have hit him especially in anger but I have never left you in an injured state just to teach you a lesson and I’m not going to start now. I understand that you were protecting Ember and defending her Master. I need you to come up here. ve tve to talk to you.} Obi-Wan said to his apprentice. He turned to the Master sitting next to him and thought I’m beginning to wish we hadn’t taken this mission. Melody and I would have gotten together sometime. “Melody how are we going to handle this? I can’t have you and Qui-Gon attacking Brendan and we’re not going to arrive at the planet for another day,” Obi-Wan said tiredly.

"I'm hoping the Knight has learned to keep his mouth shut and I think our Padawans have learned to keep quiet as well. We’ll try to keep them separated as much as possible," Melody informed him, sensing Qui-Gon approaching the flight cabin. "I think I’ll go and prepare last meal," Melody told him as she left the cabin. She reached up and placed a reassuring hand on Qui-Gon's shoulder as she passed him.

******

"You wanted to see me Master?" Qui-Gon asked standing in the doorway of the flight cabin.

“Come in and sit down Padawan.” Obi-Wan watched Qui-Gon walk into the flight cabin and sit in the chair vacated by Melody. He leaned forward and rested his elbow on his leg. “Qui-Gon, we have been informed by the Council that we have to allow Knight M’ray to finish the mission with us. Now, I know that you’re not going to like this. I also know that Melody doesn’t enjoy having him here and Ember will not be comfortable with him staying. However, he’s a Jedi Knight until the Council removes him. I will not have any of you attacking him. So as punishment for your anger, you will be the one to guard him and keep Melody and Ember from attacking him until we get to the planet.”

"You want me to protect him?" Qui-Gon skeptically inquired as he raised his head and looked at his Master like he had just grown another head.

Obi-Wan chuckled, “Yes Qui-Gon; protect him. Master Melody will not attack him for fear she will hurt you or get you in trouble. You will not attack him because he is your responsibility. You’ll eventually learn that you won’t like everyone you have to protect.”

"Yes Master," Qui-Gon replied. I can't believe he's doing this to me. How am I supposed to protect him when I would love to throw him out an airlock or do something much worse?

“Good, I’m glad that we agree. Now go take your shower, Imp,” Obi-Wan told Qui-Gon. “I’ll see if Melody needs help with last meal.”

"Where do you want me to shower? Ember is in our quarters," Qui-Gon asked.

Obi-Wan raised a golden eyebrow and chuckled, “Never mind Padawan, I’m sure you enjoy the stink. Maybe you wouike ike to help Master Melody in the galley instead.”

"I don't Master, I just don't want to take a shower in our quarters if I'm going to get in trouble for it later," Qui-Gon explained, looking down at his booted feet.

Obi-Wan smiled at the top of his Padawan’s lowered head. “Qui-Gon, I don’t have to worry about it because Mel’s apprentice is not in any shape to do anything right now. So I think you’re safe. And it’s either in the room where Ember is sleeping or in the room with Bren.”

"Thank you Master. My things are all in our room, it'll be a lot easier to shower there." Qui-Gon stood up and walked toward the doorway of the flight cabin.

******


Obi-Wan stood up to follow his apprentice out the door when he stopped, turned around, and checked to make sure that the autopilot was still engaged. He walked to the galley where he found Melody standing over the cook stove preparing the last meal. He walked up behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist, and kissed the side of her neck.

Melody leaned back into his arms and sighed. After the events of the day, it felt good to be wrapped in his arms again. "So Obi-Wan, are you here to help with last meal or are you here to hold me?" she grinned.

Obi-Wan kissed the back of her head and chuckled, “Both if you don’t mind. What do you want me to do that will not require me to let you go?”

"I don't think there’s very much that either one of us can do with you holding me, so if we want to finish last meal anytime soon, you need to let me go," Melody told him.

“Today has been one of those days where I think we all need to be held for a minute or two, so I think last meal can wait. You really scared me in there Mel. I haven’t felt that much hatred since the Sith killed my Master,” Obi-Waid iid into the burgundy silkiness.

"I'm sorry Obi-Wan. I didn't want to scare you. He tried to hurt Emy again and I couldn't let him get away with it this time," Melody told him.

Obi-Wan kissed her one last time on the top of her head and sighed, “I know …it’s just the last time I attacked someone in anger, I lost my Master and the Sith almost killed me. That’s why I was so hard on Qui-Gon a few minutes ago. You see he now has the responsibility of protecting Bren from himself, from you, and from Ember.”

"Obi, you’re horrible," Melody smiled.

“I know … I wasn’t doing it to be mean to him. You know how many times we have had to go on missions and protect someone that we would rather not. This is a valuable lesson,” Obi-Wan said with a slight smile.

"I know, but to your Padawan it must seem like cruel and unusual punishment; having to protect someone who you would much rather throttle," Melody told him.

Obi-Wan oed hed her a smile, “I know, some lessons are harder to learn than others. By the way, if the Council thought Ember was going to learn from Qui-Gon then they were operating under a misunderstanding. I think your Padawan has rubbed on min mine.”

"It's beginning to look that way isn't it," Melody agreed with a smile. She still stood leaning into Obi-Wan, who held her wrapped securely in his arms.

Obi-Wan chuckled, led Melody to the table, pulled out a chair, and sank into it pulling Melody onto his lap. Laying his head on her chest he sighed and said, “I don’t know if that’s a good thing, Mel.”

"Come on Obi, he hasn't done anything too serious yet, other than hitting a Knight. But can you honestly tell me that if that was me laying on that sleep couch that you wouldn't have reacted the same way?" Melody asked wrapping her arms around his waist.

“Yes, I probably would have but I am talking about a whole change in his attitude toward life and his training.” Obi-Wan wrapped his arms around her back and shifted her further forward onto his lap. Her arms crawled up from around his waist to behind his head.

"I love you too my Obi-Wan," Melody said lowering her head to rest on the top of his shoulder. She massaged the back of his neck with her hands and snuggled closer.

Obi-Wan lifted her head and placed a gentle kiss on her lips, chuckling when he heard Melody’s stomach growl. “Maybe last mcan’can’t wait. Your stomach is protesting the fact that you skipped second meal.”

"I guess you're right. We can always continue this later; our Padawans are probably very hungry as well. I don't think your Padawan ever ate his breakfast," Melody agreed. She slowly and reluctantly got off his lap and walked back to the stove to finish preparing the meal that she had started before Obi-Wan entered the galley.

Obi-Wan sat in the chair and watched as Melody made the last meal. He enjoyed just watching the slight sway of her slender hips as she stirred a bowl of mush. She’s so beautiful.

Melody could feel Obi-Wan's eyes on her as she continued to prepare the last meal. I wonder if we’ll make it through this mission in one piece. I know I can trust my Padawan to stay out of Knight M'ray's way, but I'm worried about Padawan Jinn. He must sense that Obi-Wan feels Emy is a bad influence on him. He must feel as if he has to choose between his Master and Ember. If Obi-Wan is correct and Qui-Gon is in love with her that will make it worse.

Obi-Wan sighed. I’m definitely off balance; maybe I should have done my mediation as well. “Mel, how much time before last meal is ready?”

"Well I decided to make baked mush with Cantilly leaves and Bantha steaks for last meal. I need at least a half hour to get every thing ready," Melody replied. She added the spicy powder blue leaves to the pan of seasoned mush, which she then put into the heating unit to bake.

“Ok, that’s good because I find that I need some meditation time,” Obi-Wan remarked, “If you need me I’ll be in the cargo bay.”
To be continued...