Unification

Part Eight

"Send out the invitations. Make sure they are hand delivered. I want no mistakes. Joss has been gone a long time and I want everything to be perfect." Geo Astara told his majordomo Mylo as he paced about his luxurious office.

"Sir, my son will personally deliver the invitations to Masters Skywalker and Kadeen. What about the invitation to Lady Morgaine? She is not as easily accessible as the others?" Mylo asked from his prone position on the floor.

"Her. Humph. I must make some inquiries first but she needs to be there. She is essential to this endeavor succeeding." Geo said thoughtfully, sitting down behind his impressive desk. He looked through the datapads, searching for just the right one. Finding what he was searching for, he flicked his hand at Mylo, dismissing him.

The majordomo crawled from the room, leaving his master alone to think.

Geo spun in his chair, placing his booted feet up on the desk. Reaching over, he flipped a switch and a small screen slid up from its slot in the desk. After turning a few dials and pushing some buttons, his fingers drummed on the desk as he waited impatiently for the call to connect.

Anakin Skywalker’s face popped up on the screen a few moments later. Geo sat forward with a big grin and greeted his friend. "Skywalker!" he boomed.

"Geo, it’s been awhile." Anakin’s reply was guarded and he kept looking at something out of range of the screen. "What did you need that couldn't wait for us to speak in person?"

"Bah, this cannot be traced. We are safe. I'm not a criminal mastermind for nothing you know!" Geo laughed, brushing aside Anakin's concern.

"I'm waiting Geo." Anakin drawled, a dangerous tone creeping into his voice. Geo sat up straighter and got right to the point. You could antagonize the Chosen One only so much.

"How do we get the invitation for the ball to Morgaine?" He said quickly,

"Without the high holy ten knowing it comes from you?" Anakin asked him.

"Precisely. I don't want to send it with one of my people, let’s just say they aren't the most welcome at the Temple." Geo laughed.

"I will take care of it. Send it along with mine. I will find a way to get it to her without tipping our hand. Nothing must interfere with our plans Geo, do you understand?" Anakin said softly, eyes boring into Geo's through the holovid. Geo shivered at the malice evident in his friend's tone. Geo was a tough man, not many things scared him, but Anakin was a force unto himself and he was most certainly something to be afraid of.

"I understand Anakin; everything is going according to plan. Mylo will be delivering the invitations shortly." Geo stated.

"Good. And don't call me again unless it is an emergency. I don't want Acaciah to suspect anything until the time is right." Anakin said shortly, flipping a switch on his end and terminating the call.

Geo leaned back and exhaled mightily. He enjoyed a prosperous relationship with the Chosen One but it was a delicate balance of terror and friendship and Geo was sure he had come perilously close to stepping over that line today. Shaking his head, he went off in search of his newest acquisition, a dancing slave girl from one of his clubs. If anyone could make him forget this episode, it was she.

***

Acaciah was walking in the Temple Gardens, waiting for her beloved Anakin. She shielded her thoughts carefully; it had become second nature since their wedding almost three years ago. Anakin appeared beside her to whisper in her ear. His eyes smoldered as he looked at her; reminding her that she was his, that soon they could quit pretending and present themselves as husband and wife. Acaciah returned his sultry look, her eyes telling him she’d like nothing better than to steal away to their marriage bed.

Obi-Wan happened upon them, watching them from a distance. So careful Anakin, he thought, you think I will not notice you pawing my daughter with your eyes? Actually, it seemed to Obi-Wan that Anakin looked at Acaciah as if he already had lain with her and wanted more. He made a mental note to find out where Anakin was going during the weekends when Acaciah visited her mother. Surely Miriam would not let them carry on; Acaciah was so young…Obi-Wan looked at the couple again. Perhaps Miriam was more lax than he thought, he frowned.

***

Galaxa tri Sephone was mediating in the Temple Gardens after a long day of working with the medics. She was restoring her healing powers, in the Alderaanian section of the garden, deeply inhaling the scents of lavender, jasmine, and mint.

Interrupting her peaceful reverie, her wrist transmitter beeped annoyingly. “Blast, this better be important,” she thought, agitated and tired.

To her surprise, she heard her old friend’s voice, laced with mischief. “Hey, Gal. What hopeless Jedi act are you participating in now?”

Galaxa sighed and ran her hands through her coal black hair, falling sloppily out of its bun at the nape of her neck. The light in her emerald green eyes was flickering to a dull shine, so drained from her work- and now him.

“What now, Skywalker? Aren’t you and Acaciah busy with some rule breaking, or trouble starting nonsense right about now?” she spoke with exasperation but it was under toned with love for her two friends.

“I just thought you should get a little fun into your life. My Lady and I are attending Joss’ welcome home masquerade. Would you care to join us?”

“Gods, Anakin. I don’t have time…” she said wistfully, thinking it would be fun, especially since she hadn’t seen Joss in almost three years.

“Nonsense.” He spoke rather fiercely. Gal was taken aback. “Pack your things. We will retrieve you by tomorrow noon.”

Gal opened her mouth to protest, knowing she should, uttering instead a soft “fine.”

“I just know that you really want to go,” he said slyly. “I knew it wouldn’t be hard.”

***

After hanging up with Galaxa, Anakin opened the holoscreen again and pushed several buttons, calling Joss.

“Hello?” Joss said, his handsome face filling the small screen.

“Joss. Everything is set for tomorrow night. She can be initiated while we have the cover of the party.”

“Good, I have had to wait long enough as it is.” Joss said, ending the transmission.

***

Joss paced restlessly, waiting for Liza to return from her Temple duties. He stood on the balcony, watching her speeder pull up in front of his new apartment building. He could no longer bring himself to live in the Temple, abiding by their rules. Working covertly for Geo, he had managed to amass a tidy sum of credits, more than enough to for the small apartment.

Cloaking himself within the Force, he awaited her. Liza opened the door and called out his name. Hearing and sensing nothing, she shrugged her shoulders and went into the small adjoining bedroom. Stepping into the room, Liza saw the box lying on the bed. Curious, she walked over to it and pulled it open. Inside the tissue was a long white shift, the thin silk almost see through. She held it up to her body by the thin straps, smiling in delight; Joss had left her another present. The box also contained a pair of crystal shoes, their high heels ensuring that she would have to hold onto him just to walk.

Sensing his presence, she spun around and jumped into his arms, wrapping hers around his neck and swinging her legs up around his waist.

“Do you like it?” Joss asked her, smiling.

“It’s beautiful. Do you want me to wear it tonight?” Liza asked him, pressing her body wantonly against him. She felt him harden in response and grinned, loving the way he reacted to her.

“Maybe.” Joss drawled, taking her lips in a torrid kiss. He moved over to the bed, lifting the box to the nearby couch with a Force shift, before laying her on it and covering her smaller body with his own. “But we have other things to attend to first,” he said, stripping her clothing off.

***

On the way to the Masque, Depa had fallen asleep in the front seat of the Dark Woman's speeder. She was dressed in a skimpy black pleather dress, and her assets were not well used to being with those stingy Jedi issue bras. They were EVERYWHERE!

Just as Morgaine had an urge to touch them (and maybe jostle Depa a bit, she grinned.), a speeder in front of her nearly stopped. The Dark Woman beeped her horn loudly and threw them some nice hand gestures. "Freaking tight ass Jedi Sunday Driver!!"

Anakin Skywalker threw an equally interesting hand gesture back to them, blew them a kiss and winked. Acaciah, beside him in the speeder, lifted her shirt and gave Morgaine an eyeful of her creamy white breasts, laughing. Anakin grasped her waist and pulled her back down into the seat. Poor Galaxa, seated in the back, flushed crimson and hung her head. This was going to be one hell of a night...

"Gods, Anakin, Acaciah. Give it a rest!" Galaxa moaned as she slapped her hand to her forehead, listening to the couple argue about who was more powerful. "Honestly," she rolled her eyes, lighting a cigarette of Marcan herb as the couple grinned slyly at her, silently 'pathing to each other mischievously.

* Loosen up Gal * Acaciah pathed from the front of the speeder, her gaze locking intently on Galaxa through the rear view mirror.

Seeing the other guests arriving at the gates, Gal relaxed, thinking that this may be just what she needed after all.

***

Geo Astara’s new palace was set high atop one of the tallest buildings in Coruscant- it was in a purely residential area, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. It was, however, situated close enough to have breathtaking views of the city from every room. His home was bustling with activity as the guests made their way into the party. For a few lucky ones, invitations had been issued to stay in one of Geo’s luxurious suites upstairs.

Twenty-foot cathedral ceilings graced every room, the floor to ceiling windows offering beautiful vies of the vast city world. Plush carpeting and black draperies of the finest of silks adorned the walls. The entire house, with the exception of the individually appointed guest rooms, was a study in crimson, white, and black; the foyer an atrium of white marble, complete with platinum gilt trim, beneath a domed cathedral ceiling. A lushly carpeted crimson grand staircase bisected the atrium.

Beside the foyer on one side was the ballroom, which Geo humorously referred to as his ‘library’. In reality, his private office and chambers were upstairs and in another wing of the house entirely. To the right of the staircase was the Great Room, a large sitting area of sorts, with large couches and settees. Floor pillows were strewn about, covered in the finest of velvets and silks in black, red, and creamy white. The kitchen and various other rooms were located further away from the entrance, the ballroom occupying six thousand square feet alone, and the great room with half that amount. The layout and spacious floor plan much resembled a hotel, with a roof top pool on the third story.

It was the epitome of opulence and decadence, each one of the eleven guest rooms actual suites, complete with kitchenettes, entertainment centers, office equipment, and full baths. All of the state of the art comforts that one could desire were thought of. He had a human staff of fifty and numerous droids to see to his every need.

The ball was expected to be the event of the social year, Astara’s trademark indulgence now infamous in polite Coruscanti society.

Five hundred guests were expected, invitations issued to myriad beings, from the crème de la crème of High Society to the most unsavory criminal. Geo wanted to welcome his friend back home in grand style.

Master Skywalker helped the ladies out of the vehicle, and slung his arms around each one in turn, directing the droids to get their baggage.

Upon reaching the entrance, more protocol droids were handing out brightly colored flowered necklaces to everyone.

Anakin smirked as he hugged the two women. "Let the games begin."

***

Liza opened the small box, drawing forth from it a sparkling ring, bracelet and necklace. Joss looked at her expectantly and she complied with his unspoken request. Turning away from him, she lifted the necklace up to her chest, holding the ends out for him to clasp. He did so, nipping softly on the back of her neck, his goatee tickling her where it rubbed against her sensitive skin. Liza shivered in delight, her nipples tightening and pushing up against the silken shift she wore. Spinning her around, Joss swept her body with his heated gaze.

"Joss, you give me the most extravagant gifts!" Liza said a few minutes later, looking at her reflection in the large hallway mirror. Her movements caused her dress to swirl around her legs, enticing him even more.

"I do it because I love you Liza,” he whispered, coming over to her and kissing her passionately, a feral gleam in his eye.

"Joss. I am so glad you are finally home! This party tonight is going to be perfect!" she whispered against his mouth. His tongue swirled inside her mouth, stroking her passions. He picked her up, the necklace brushing against her neck and carried her from the room to the waiting speeder.

Growling low in his throat, Joss shifted the speeder into high gear, impatient to get to Geo’s and finish what they began so many years before, narrowly avoiding another speeder that suddenly cut across his path. He shouted at it in disgust as the female driver ignored him completely, driving like she was the only one in the air.

Morgaine drove the rest of the way to the palace in slight disgust at the discovery that Anakin Skywalker had been the 'Sunday Driver’, completely unaware that she had almost ran into someone else. After all, what was this little galaxy coming to? A former podracer driving at only 800 kph?!

As she zoomed to a halt in front of the large, imposing castle, Depa let out a giggle. "Wow!! Let's go again! You drive wizardly!" Morgaine smirked; Depa hadn't realized the driving as reckless. Billaba to the Darkside, all it takes is a little drink!

At the door, a stony faced man asked for their invitation. Morgaine ignored the question and gave him a scowl back as she thumped their luggage into his arms. "But madam, the droid..."

"I don't do droids." Her mouth creased southward even more.

"Yes, madam..." the doorman intoned.

Arriving at Geo’s palace, Joss pulled up to the valet and jumped out, throwing the keys to the waiting lackey. He opened Liza's door, helping her out. He clasped her hand in his, pulling her along behind him as he strode quickly up the steps. A protocol droid tried keeping up with them, struggling with their luggage. "Sir, Sir!" C6PO said, trying to gain his masters attention. Joss turned, barely breaking stride and fixed him with an icy stare.

"Handle it CeeSix or you will be replaced." Joss growled, leaving the sputtering droid in his wake.

"My love, that wasn't very nice." Liza said softly, pulling a little on his hand to get him to slow down. Her legs were much shorter than his and these high heels that he had insisted she wear with her dress were beginning to take their toll. Joss reached back and picked her up, throwing her over his shoulder. Pounding on the door, he caressed her beautiful ass where it lay under his hand.

The door jerked open, a human butler standing at attention. "Welcome sir. I believe Master Skywalker and Master Astara are awaiting your presence in the bar." The man intoned, stoic. His blank stare took in the sight before him, betraying no emotion. The protocol droid standing next to him handed Joss two flowered necklaces.

"Thank you." Joss said to the man. Turning, he addressed the struggling droid toiling up the stairs behind them. "CeeSix, place our luggage in our room and then make yourself scarce. I don't want to even hear you for the next two days."

"Sir, yes sir." The defeated voice of the droid floated on the night air. Another two days of deactivation awaited him if he disobeyed his Master.

Joss set Liza down, pulling her dress back down around her legs. He slipped a small white velvet mask over her eyes, her indigo orbs peeking out through the holes. He slung a black leather mask over his own features before pushing Liza in front of him, wanting to enjoy the view as they made their way through the crowds to the bar.

“Joss, I want you.” Liza panted, turning around and running her hands up his back, pulling him closer, the carnal thoughts that he had been sending her driving her wild.

"Patience my love, you will be pleasured beyond your wildest dreams." Joss promised, taking her mouth in a hard kiss, his tongue invading her mouth as his hands cupped her ass and pulled her up against his erection.

Liza climbed up his body, wrapping her legs around his waist, her dress bunching up around her hips, grinding into him, not caring who saw. She had him back now and nothing was going to stop her from touching him, wherever and whenever she wanted to. Joss walked into the bar with her wrapped around him, looking for Anakin and Geo.

He strolled up to the bar, banging on it to get the keep's attention. The half-naked Twi'lek slinked over to him and raised her eyebrow at him. "Nice belt." She said, raking her eyes over Liza's body draped around him.

"One of a kind." Joss drawled raking his glance over her generous curves. Too bad he didn't like non-humans or she would be in for the ride of her life. "Give me a whiskey, straight up." He growled, shifting Liza to his other side.

***

"Good Evening, Master," Gal stifled a smile as she reverently bowed to the Dark Woman as she descended the great staircase of the palace. She wore a mask attempting to hide her identity, in accordance with the theme of the ball. She slinked down the grand staircase, clad in a white two-piece outfit. The top was a half shirt of white beads, cut in a deep vee, and around her bare waist was a string of clear beads. Her pants were slung low and fitted around her waist, flowing in white organza to the floor.

Morgaine looked amused as she said nothing but nodded gracefully. "Ahh, Galaxa Tri, you are progressing nicely; how did you know it was I?"

Embarrassed that the powerful master gave her a compliment, Gal felt her face redden and burn. "If you will forgive me, but you were not trying to mask your signature," she said softly, looking at the tips of her heeled sandals.

"And I suppose you knew it was me a mile away, Master," Gal continued, getting more flustered that she was recognized in such risqué attire...

Morgaine chuckled deeply at Galaxa and draped her arm around her waist, leading her off further into the opulently furnished ballroom.

"You look wonderful, just relax, child."

Gal felt her eyes roll back in her head and then back again, flustered at the attention that Morgaine was giving her, as they navigated through the throngs of faceless people, further into the ballroom.

They crossed the room and sat upon an emerald colored, deep velvet couch. Gal reached into her bead- encrusted bag and pulled out some Marcan herb, rolling it to a cigarette and lighting it up.

Morgaine's lips were still displaying amusement as she surveyed the room. The band was playing something quite exotic, a heavy drumbeat contributing to the undulating tone of the song.

"Well appointed," she thought, mildly impressed, sipping a cocktail. Her eyes perused to the south, to the chocolate colored festoons atop the wall length windows, offering a generous view of Coruscant. The cathedral ceiling was vaulted with mahogany beams, from which vines of wild autumnal flowers of orange, crimson, yellow, and violet were strewn, hanging just above the heads of the tallest of the species present.

Theree cae candles ensconced on the redwood colored paneled walls, casting a warm bronze and orange glow over the entire room. The north wall of the room contained nothing but holobooks- from floor to ceiling, all bound in richly textured and colored fabrics. This is why Geo referred to this room as his `library'. It was quite curious to her… A man like Geo was a perpetual enigma, always full of surprises. Even she would not have expected him to have a wall of holobooks twenty feet high- he simply did not convey that he had much culture.

Morgaine fancied that those holobooks covered up some type of secret. She laughed at herself, not in the mood to be serious this evening, and turned her attention back to Gal, who was staring at her in rapt attention.
* You know, Master, it is funny that you noticed that * Gal pathed. She inhaled her cigarette and held the smoke in her lungs for a moment before she exhaled.

“Geo is not your average man, Galaxa, “ she warned forebodingly, a flash of omniscience gripping her momentarily.

Galaxa snorted, and rolled her eyes disgustedly. “I have never met a being more vile, my Master. He has always contented himself with the underbellies of worlds. He is a mere spice smuggler and blockade runner- a common criminal who made his way up the ladder into polite society because of his bank account,” her words full of bile as she spat them out.

M appeared to be devoid of emotion when she answered her. “Now, Galaxa tri, mind your emotions. The man has always been quite taken with you and very kind. There is no reason for you to have such personal distaste toward him, is there?”

Gal hung her head in shame almost immediately for her outpouring of personal feelings. The Dark Woman suspected something.

“And I would hardly call him a ‘mere spice smuggler’, he has built an empire- look around you. There are many people who serve him,” she continued.

“Forgive me Master, but you say that as if it is a good thing.”

“It is neither good nor bad- it is a simple fact. It would do you credit, my dear one, to see things as they are. For if you don’t, you will most certainly make a grave mistake.”

With that, she rose to her feet and walked off, appearing as though gliding on air. Galaxa continued smoking her herb, pacing in a small vertical path. She then crossed the room to Geo’s banquet table, where she had been seated as a guest of honor. Her emerald green eyes fell upon him for a few moments, his coal black eyes locking with hers. He smiled with self-satisfaction as he drank from a jeweled goblet and lifted it to salute her. Gal’s response was a scowl before she stomped off to the bar.

***

Geo presided over the festivities from his dais in the corner of the room. His banquet table stretched nearly twenty feet long so all of his important frienouldould have seat reserved there. The table was laden with the feast, and the wines and liquors flowed from an endless trough as one servant a piece was assigno cao cater to each of his twenty special guests at his table- their instructions were to fulfill any need. Not all of Geo’s guests, however, were cavorting at his table.

The Skywalkers, clad head to toe in black leather- were causing a ruckus in the middle of the ballroom, kissing each other lewdly as they danced erotically, shouting as they splashed their drinks around whilst dancing. Anakin placed the flowered necklace around his beloved's neck and used it to pull her to him, licking his way up from her exposed bosom and up her neck to her ear.

She laughed wildly as she took a deep swill of her cocktail, and jumped onto his hips, straddling him, her short black leather skirt rising over her ass, exposing her thong. Anakin pushed his black mask up to the top of his head and did the same to Acaciah's as they erupted in uproarious laughter. He worked his hands over to her bottom and ground himself against her in time to the music. Acaciah threw her head back, letting her bronzed locks fall over them as she screamed with delight and drank some more of her cocktail.

“They are causing quite the scene,” Geo mused to himself. He continued to scan the ballroom while he motioned one of the dancing girls to his corner, ordering her to dance for him. He lit a thicgar gar rolled from the finest tobac, and began to puff on it as the blonde began to dance and weave in front of him.

He hardly paid any attention to the writhing figure, his eyes continually scanning the room, finally resting on the one who found him so offensive. Geo laughed slightly, watching with interest the drama unfolding before him.

Galaxa was sitting obscurely at the bar, talking to some of the guests quietly observing the events unfolding before her. Although drinking heavily, she tried to blend in, not wanting to attract the attention of her friends that she had been avoiding for the last hour. Well, that and she was avoiding Geo’s lewd stare. However, at nearly six feet tall she was hard to miss, her heels making her even taller. Even in the indigo and white-feathered mask that she wore over most of her face that revealed only her mouth, anyone could pick her out of the crowd easily

The Skywalkers stopped and seemed to notice her, suddenly beaming in her direction. Everyone cleared away immediately leaving Gal alone, who muttered to herself, "Sith, they found me." Emptying her glass, she poured the rest of the whiskey down her throat. She was wondering how she was present at an affair such as this. It went against every principle she possessed. They flanked Gal on either side as Acaciah leaned over the bar, allowing her revealed cleavage to rest on the bar, called for some drinks.

"Bartender- a cocktail for my beloved and our friend!” Anakin's eyes gleamed with lust as he watched his wife move for his benefit. She leaned further on the bar, as if posing, sticking her ass in the air, revealing more of her underside.

Galaxa gasped. ""Oh gods, Acaciah, behave yourself," she implored.

Anakin snickered as he drew his arm around Galaxa's waist in an effort to hug her. Galaxa stiffened, her eyes widening when she felt his hardened sex rub against her bottom. Acaciah smiled wickedly as she watched her friend's horror stricken face.

"What's wrong, Gal," she purred.

Galaxa was too mortified to speak as she pushed away from him and took a step sideways.

"He just wants to be rubbed, don't you darling?" Acaciah's tongue hung from her mouth lustily as she placed her hand into his pants, closing around his shaft and pumping him gently. Anakin grunted approvingly and his hot breath became ragged as the blood coursed to his member.

"Mi priana," he breatheavilavily.

Seeing her chance, Galaxa edged away, smoothing her skirt and pushing a lock of ebony hair behind her ear. "Ok you two, I will see you in a bit," Galaxa said abruptly. She had begun to dart away when Anakin grabbed her wrist and held her firmly in her spot. Acaciah continued to stroke her husband until the drinks arrived. Anakin's iron grip burned Gal's wrists and she was clearly angered.

Gal used a bit of the force to release herself, and stood there indignantly, waiting for them to turn their attention to her. When they did, Acaciah was lewdly appraising her as Anakin indifferently cocked his head.

"I don't appreciate your behavior- and I am not interesting in playing your games." Gal stated harshly, her eyebrows arched with anger.

"Ooooo, my lord, she is angry," Acaciah taunted.

"That is fine my love- she was never any fun anyway," he chided. "Always by thek- ak- always by the code.." he baited.

Now furious and a little drunk, Galaxa silenced her conscious and played the game, allowing her anger to get the better of her.

"Ok, Skywalker- I'll bite." She responded callously. "What are you two up to now?"

"Nothing, my dear," Acaciah smiled coyly, "just that you allow us to apologize and have the drink I ordered for us!"

"So sorry, Gal," Anakin said coldly, with not one iota of guilt.

***

As The Dark Woman and Depa made their way around the palace, they noticed the incredible opulence right away. Such riches would blow even the most hardened Dark Sider's heart into a fluttering joy of ecstasy. Velvets, silks, and things of pleasure were everywhere in the main room, and plush burgundy carpets led throughout the hallways.

"What a fine idea..." M commented as she saw Anakin and Acaciah dragging Galaxa upstairs.

"What, my love?" Depa was curious.

"Let's go..." Morgaine growled deeply and grasped Depa's firm behind, pushing her forward towards the lower level's hallways. Their room was just this way, she believed.

***

Geo strolled over to where Joss and Liza were sitting at the bar. The two men greeted each other warmly, Geo freely appraising the beautiful Liza.

“You have quite the prize here Joss, she is exquisite.” Geo said, bowing low over Liza’s hand and kissing it softly. Liza greeted him with a shy smile, remembering all of the kindnesses that he had given her when Joss had been away.

“She is that Geo. Have you seen Anakin? I was told he was in the bar but it appears that information was wrong.” Joss said, scanning the room.

“He took hife afe and their guest upstairs.” Geo said, softly emphasizing the word guest. Joss nodded with understanding. Reaching over, he grabbed Liza’s hand and moved towards the stairs leading to the bedchambers.

“Last one on the left.” Geo called after him as Joss pushed Liza ahead of him up the winding staircase. “I’ll be up soon.”

Geo motioned Mylo over to him, whispering some soft instructions to him and before going up the stairs himself.

***

The guest suites were lavishly appointed. Anakin and Acaciah’s chambers were in the corner of the palace, the oversized room situated in one of the palace towers, the corners of the room curved and shooting upwards to a cathedral ceiling dotted with large skylights. Most of the room was white, with the various pieces of bedding and furniture in varying hues of crimson and black. Silk floor pillows were thrown haphazardly on the window seat, the brightly lit Coruscanti skyline on display through the large windows.

Anakin strode over to the small bar set against the wall and opened a bottle of Medini bubbling wine, pouring six glasses. He gathered three of them up, walking over to where Galaxa was sitting with Acaciah on a couch in front of the large windows, watching the traffic stream by in endless ribbons of lights and motion.

Reaching out to his wife, he handed her the fluted glass before holding the other in front of Galaxa’s nose. She looked up at him and took the glass, downing it in a gulp. She was drunker than she had been in a long time and was having a hard time seeing Anakin’s face.

Anakin turned as he heard a soft knock on the door. Walking over and opening it, he found Joss and Liza standing there with Geo right behind them. Joss and Liza entered, Geo trailing after them. Anakin shut the door behind them and went back to the bar for the other three glasses.

Anakin brought the bottle along as well, refilling Galaxa’s glass. “Wait, don’t drink yet, we are going to toast our friend’s return,” he said to her, fixing his gaze on her face. She looked up at him in confusion, then down to her lap, holding the glass on her knee. Geo came over to sit next to her, wanting just to be near her, it had been so long since he had even seen her, let alone be near enough to touch. She stiffened and slid closer to Acaciah, not looking at him at all. Geo sighed softly and relaxed against the back of the couch.

Joss was holding Liza in his lap, her eyes dancing in delight. She loved being close to him and tonight he was pulling out all the stops, not letting her out of his reach for even a second. Anakin smiled at Joss. * Everything is ready for you in your chambers. * He pathed, handing Liza a glass. Joss smiled, accepting his glass from Anakin and tightening his hold on Liza.

Turning around again, he looked at the assembled group. The six of them were going to bring great changes to the Republic, even if only four of them knew it right now. That would change quickly, once the other two were initiated into their circle and the prophecy fulfilled. “A toast! To welcome Joss back to the family he was forced to leave behind!” Anakin bellowed, raising his glass. They drank, celebrating his return.

Galaxa again drank the entire glass. Geo looked at her in concern. Her eyes were glazed and half closed and she swayed in a small circular pattern. He slid his arm behind her back, pulling her against him. She sighed into his embrace, completely unaware of who was holding her.

Joss looked up at Anakin before rising with Liza in his arms. “We are going to retire, we have some unfinished business to attend to” he said, laughing. Joss walked to the door and Force opened it, pulling it closed behind him.

Acaciah stood, going over to slip her arms around Anakin’s waist. She knew what awaited Joss and Liza in their quarters, having helped Anakin cast the circle. Her eyes glittered with desire as he pulled her close and kissed her passionately.

Geo cleared his throat, sliding out from underneath Galaxa gently. He stood, picking her and throwing her over his shoulder. “I think that’s my cue to go as well. I’m taking Gal to her room, I wto mto make sure she’s okay” he said, walking to the door. Anakin opened it for him with the Force, not taking his lips away from his wife’s.

* Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. * Anakin pathed to Geo, who snorted as he walked out the door with the unconscious woman in his arms. The door slammed shut behind them as Anakin picked up his wife to carry her to the bed.

***

Joss walked into their lavishly appointed quarters, kicking the door shut behind him. Liza was moaning as he stripped off her clothing leaving on the sparkling jewelry. She watched him with passion-glazed eyes, as he stripped off his own clothing. Standing naked in front of her, his desire proudly evident, he picked her up and carried her into the circle of white cord that lay on the floor.

Liza looked around in confusion, seeing a small stone altar with a rough stone bowl, a small knife and a paper filled with glyphs on it. Sitting up slightly, she looked closer at the paper, recognizing the script. “What are we doing Joss? What is going on?” she asked him.

“Starting our new life together love. “ Joss whispered before kissing her passionately. Liza responded, his kisses always having a magical effect on her. His tongue swirled into her mouth, caressing and playing with hers.

As her passion began to mount, Joss moved his lips to her neck and throat, worshipping her body with his hands and mouth. Liza moaned passionately as he turned her around and bade her to kneel in front of him.

His goatee tickled at her back as he moved behind her, chanting under his breath. Liza whimpered softly, as she felt him prick her skin with the knife, holding the bowl up to the small cut, letting the blood drip into it. He nicked his own and their blood mingled in the small bowl. He reached over to add the ink. Liza could feel the change in the room, how the Force was enveloping them in a wave, wrapping them into it. Liza felt Joss grip her shoulder. He nudged her lovely backside in the air and slid in behind her. His breath as he chanted warmed her neck, and she felt a sharp frisson of desire course through her as Joss grasped her breasts, pinching and teasing her nipples. Joss’ fingers traveled south, into her heating desire, fingering her into even more wetness. She could feel the energy pressing against her, working itself into her flesh, and to her surprise, she gasped in pleasure.

“Are you ready, my love?” Joss whispered in her ear.

“Yes,” she murmured, hoping she sounded more confident than she felt. He sank into her flesh, penetrating her soul with his need. Liza gasped and quivered in pleasure, unsure if her knees would hold her. Joss began to chant again, and an icy burn traveled through Liza. She writhed in pleasure against it and Joss’ heated thrusts.

Joss pumped Liza even harder. “Vatsama, my love! Open wide, let the energy fill you!” He rubbed the base of her spine, painting the glyphs on her skin, burning white-hot. “I choose you to be mine, joined forever, one soul in two bodies. Gebo for our connection” he said, painting the large X shape on her lower back. “Wunjo for the bliss we find in each others arms, Jera for fertility and blessing and Mannaz joining us as a family!” he shouted, painting the smaller glyphs around the larger X shape. Liza screamed in ecstasy, tightening around his shaft as they peaked together. Blackness overwhelmed her, and Joss caught her before she could fall to the floor.

Joss cradled her in his arms, waiting for her to awaken. Liza came around slowly, the fiery burn on her back pulling her back to consciousness. She looked into his face, the rush of love and tenderness nearly overwhelming her. His gaze caressed her face, his hand stroking her hair away from her face tenderly. “I love you Liza.” Joss whispered.

“I love you too Joss, I always have, from the moment I laid eyes on you.” Liza whispered back, cupping his strong face in her small hand.

“We are almost done love and then we can sleep. You need to mark my skin as well, joining us.” Joss said, sitting her up to face him. She looked at him, her love shining in her indigo eyes and nodded eagerly; wanting this more than anything she had ever wanted before.

Pressing her lips to his, she kissed him passionately, winding her body around his. She could feel his engorged cock pressing against her, ready to pleasure her again. She wrapped her legs around his waist, pumping up and down. Joss started chanting, Liza picking up the words and beginning to chant with him, their voices rising as their passion inflamed them again. The energy pulsed around them again, filling the room. Liza pulled off of him and he turned, presenting his back to her, she softly traced the large phoenix tattoo that covered his back, the reds and yellows flickering in the soft candlelight. Moving further down his back to the same spot he had marked her, she dipped her fingers in the bowl of blood and ink, painting the glyphs on his skin, burning white-hot. “I choose you to be mine, joined forever, one soul in two bodies. Gebo for our connection” she said, painting the large X shape on his lower back. “Wunjo for the bliss we find in each others arms, Jera for fertility and blessing and Mannaz joining us as a family!” Liza shouted, painting the smaller glyphs around the larger X shape. She moved back around to the front of him, their desire burning in each other’s eyes. Sliding back onto his rigid cock, they shouted in ecstasy as they pumped furiously against each other, rapture spinning and dancing along their veins, the energy pressing against them from the outside, filling them completely. The peaked together, collapsing against each other in sweaty, satiated bliss.

Coming back to each other, they locked gazes and smiled, each secure in the knowledge that nothing could tear them apart now, wedded body and soul, joined for this lifetime and always.

***

The next day Galaxa awakened in her own chambers at Geo’s palace. She was clad in a green silken sheath, under a pile of various shades of blue silk and velvet blankets. She got the impression that she was cleansed and well rested. But she could not remember when she was in the fresher last, and moreover, what time it was or what happened since …

Oh gods. What had she done? She could not remember anything, last night was a blur from the moment she went upstairs with Anakin and Acaciah. Panic and embarrassment washed over Galaxa, as fragments of the prior evening pervaded her mind.

The door suddenly opened and Galaxa sat straight up in the bed, scanning the room for a weapon to defend herself with. When she realized it was Geo, she exhaled deeply and threw herself back on the coverlets, wishing she were anywhere but there. Tears sprang to her eyes and she blinked them back. Being in Geo’s home had reduced her to a bundle of nerves and seeing him had brought on the tidal wave of emotions that had been fermenting for years. And now, here he was, Galaxa was mortified.

“Gal?” Geo asked softly, sliding up beside her.

“Gods, Geo, are we that familiar enough again that you are quite comfortable in my bed?! “ she exclaimed in a tear choked voice.

“It is MY bed, fair lady, and you and I know each other quite well,” Geo laughed thickly.

“OH GODS!” she wailed. “I don’t remember!?” she flung her arm over her eyes and concentrated on suppressing the vomit in her churning stomach, thinking she had consummated a relationship with him yet again. Maker of them all, she may as well have and it would make no difference now, she was already drowning.

“No, love. It has still been ten years,” Geo said, guessing her thoughts, wishing they were true. Gods’ truth he missed her more than he cared to admit, even to himself.

“Don’t call me your love, Astara.” Galaxa ground out, hating herself for the wash of feelings that rose in her with that endearment.

Still chuckling, he removed her arms from her eyes, and waited for her to regard him, resting his head on the pillow next to hers.

Eventually, her thick black lashes fluttered opened revealing her tear-swollen eyes. Looking at the vaulted ceiling and deliberately avoiding his intense gaze, she breathed words of relief. “Well thank the gods that WE weren’t together again, making the same mistake we did before.”

Geo feigned hurt and reached out to turn her face to his, “Look at me, Gal-“

“Don’t touch me! “ she hissed. He withdrew his hand in mid air. “Whatever you are looking for Geo, you will not get from me.”

“Galaxa,” he said somberly, “I have no such intentions toward you. I came to do something nice for you. Don’t you see that you are cleaned up and your things are in order? It was I who did that for you. I had the droids come in here and take care of you- it was I that took you back to your chambers after your drunken debauchery.” Geo’s tone was even and soft, but by the end of his remarks, a trill entered his voice, saying the last word with evident distaste. Geo’s patience was waning. With that, he rose from the bed, and Galaxa’s hand shot out and grabbed his tunic.

He stopped, glaring down at her.

“What is this, Alderaanian silk?” Galaxa asked sweetly, still refusing to look in his eyes. Galaxa admired the black sleeveless tunic over the matching loose fitting pants. Her eyes traveled upward and rested on his well-defined arm. It bore a tattoo of a waning crescent moon as part of an armband of esoteric symbols and stars. The various colors were bright and seemed all too vivid.

Geo’s eyes sparkled with interest at her change of mood. “Mmm, it is the best, you know.” He noticed that she had looked at his tattoo, the one he had taken in his initiation with Joss and Anakin. She would take a mark as well one day little did she know now.

“Yes, “ she murmured. “It is lovely. Alderaan is my home world, as you well know. “ Galaxa released the clothing and sighed deeply, a lump in her throat continuing to form.

“I have matters to attend to, so I have arranged a transport for you back to the Temple.”

“What about the others?” Galaxa sputtered, already knowing the answer.

“Galaxa, my darling-“ Geo began, only to be rudely cut off by her once again.

“Don’t call me that.” Galaxa steeled her heart against its rapid beating; he still could make her want him, after all this time.

“Galaxa,” he tried again. “The day is spent. It is nearly evening and everyone has left. They knew you were in my care.”

Galaxa stared at the walls in disbelief. She dreaded going back to the Temple. What was worse, she thought that Geo could hear her thoughts. She was not aware that he was a force sensitive- but perhaps he had hidden it from her. Perhaps it had always been hidden…

“You know, Galaxa, you can stay here with me for the night,” he stepped closer to the bed again. “The week- forever.” Geo answered her thoughts tenderly as his features softened, hoping against hope that it would be true this time.

Galaxa stiffened before she erupted into gales of laughter, tossing her head backward. “Geo, please. You know that those tricks won’t work on me- and besides, why do you waste your breath when you know I am a Jedi? ” She continued to laugh and rolled out of the bed, gathering the blankets around her body for warmth. “Geo, what a joke! You, who have a new woman in your bed every week, and sleep with every woman in the galaxy!! The crime lord and the Jedi?” And then a thought struck her. Was it not she who had participated in such drunken debauchery just the previous night? She was so easily ashamed by her behavior. Why the hell couldn’t she remember what happened? Had she been that drunk that she had passed out? She knew he could throw that in her face but he did not. Or perhaps her standards were too harsh for herself.

Geo was standing there unresponsively. She finally looked into his eyes and felt what she had dreaded from the first day that she met him. Inexplicably, she was still deeply attracted to him. He drew the breath from her body and made her tremble. She knew that they had always had a connection and she knew she had always denied it. She had been heartbroken for years after their tryst, was even now heartbroken, not that she would ever let him know that.

“I only take those women as consolation prizes- I cannot have the one I love,” Geo said simply, widening the distance between them.

“Geo-“ she started, her mouth hanging open as she ran her fingers through her hair nervously.

“And that is why I do all this for you, no matter how you treat me and no matter what you do.” He was in the doorway, about to open it and leave. “It is why I cared for you, and why I want you to stay with me. I have loved you since the day I first set eyes upon you. It has never been a secret.” His serious face became expressionless.

Galaxa remembered that day as well, as Padawans, Joss and Anakin had gotten into trouble in the lower levels of Coruscant. Somehow, they had befriended Geo, who used to team up with them on their less than noble adventures. During one of their escapades, Geo had gotten hurt, and the boys had called on her to heal Geo. They were afraid of letting their Masters know about their liaisons, and feared Geo would get into trouble with the law. Gal was always a good fd tod to them, and of course had kept the secret, going to heal him in the back of a seedy nightclub. She could never forget that first night, or their other meetings, especially the time she had surrendered to his charms. She had saved his life twice, and yet it seemed to her that in doing so, he had ruined hers.

“I never forget a kindness, Galaxa tri.”

Galaxa’s lips parted but no words came from her mouth. Her breathing became labored as she grasped the blankets around her even more tightly. Her knuckles were white by the time Geo broke off his intense gaze and stepped out the door.


Three weeks later…


When Galaxa arrived in her quarters, she collapsed on her small bed and tried to meditate. It had been weeks since Joss’ welcome home ball, and she had not been the same since. Galaxa had been on rounds that afternoon. She was desperately struggling with her emotions brought on by the seeing Geo again, and it was beginning to show. It had never been easy for her to hide anything important from the Jedi- she had been taught since the beginning of her life not to. And perhaps, it also had to do with the fact that she never considered that she did not want to hide anything. With the exception of covering up for Anakin and Joss’ silly misadventures growing up, she never really had anything to hide. She had never been tested. Perhaps she had only gotten along so well because the opportunity of true temptation had never presented itself.

Now, for the first time, she actually wanted to keep something to herself. She realized that she had the ability to shield her thoughts well from the council. The problem was more that her behavior had become erratic. Master Yoda himself had requested the Dark Woman to look in on her, feeling that Galaxa should be indefinitely kept from doing her work with the medics until her demeanor had improved. It was a great blow to Galaxa, who had always been a model Jedi. They were even about to assign a padawan to her before all this nonsense.

The door chime sounded and Galaxa force opened the door, sensing it was a delivery.

“Good evening, C9 PO. “ she greeted the golden protocol droid.

“Good evening, Master,” the droid answered and entered, placing a large box on her desk. “These arrived for you this morning. I would have brought them sooner, Master, however, I did not want to come in when you were not here.”

“Never a problem, Nine. “ Gal stayed on her bed, regarding the white paper box on her desk. She waited for the droid to leave before she crossed the room to open the box.

She knew whom it was from. What did Geo send her this time? She was down to her wits end. She had thanked him at first for his generosity- and declined acceptance of his favors. He knew that Jedi were not permitted to have possessions, yet he continued to lavish her with expensive and exquisite gifts. All of which she had returned. When he did not stop, it had become exasperating, and finally, downright upsetting.

She opened the box to reveal a white tunic and pair of loose fitting pants; the exact same kind Geo wore the day after the ball. Sure enough, they were her exact size and made of the purest of Alderaanian silk.

Gal stifled a cry. She did not want to return them. They were not only beautiful, but they were practical. And they were made with material from her home world. Geo had touched her heart this time.

When she realized that, it became amazingly easy all of a sudden. She neatly folded the items back into the box and covered it decisively.

Using her communicator she spoke to C9. “Please pick this package up that you brought to me, C9. I need you to send it back.”

“Yes Master,” the droid answered.