The Lesson

"Concentrate, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon instructed when he noticed his young apprentice' concentration waver.

They were alone in the large, empty cargo hull, the other occupants of the Queen's ship having retired, or so they thought, for some much needed sleep.

Obi-Wan took a deep breath and released it slowly, the built up tension flowing from his shoulders gradually.

Qui-Gon noticed and took his Padawan to task because of it.

"What's wrong Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon crossed his arms as he so often did, and regarded his Padawan with compassion.

He had hurt the young man today in the Council chamber and he had done everything he could to make it right. But the young man had shut him out, thus weakening their bond. This was something Qui-Gon needed to rectify and quickly. They were rushing headfirst into a deadly battle, and this could not remain over their heads.

It had been wrong of him to insist that he take young Anakin as a Padawan before his own student's eyes. He could feel the Obi-Wan's pain, betrayal and even a bit of jealousy. The young man had held it in, refusing to loose any further stature in the Council's eyes than he feared had already occurred.

Now, unsaid words, feelings and emotions were interfering with the simplest of techniques and Qui-Gon had to bite back scathing remarks of not allowing the past to impact the present.

Obi-Wan was allowing his emotions to rule him, and had they been engaged in battle, this would have dire consequences.

"I'm sorry, Master," Obi-Wan lowered his head, but there was a tinge to his voice and the title slipped from his lips with no more of a bite than the young man had intended.

"No, Obi-Wan," The elder Jedi reached a long arm out to clasp his friend's shoulder. "It is I that need to apologize."

Obi-Wan's gaze met the calm azure gaze of his Master and his eyes narrowed. "No, Mas -"

"Hear me out Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon began, a slight smile curving his well cut lips.

"Yes, Master."

Obi-Wan deactivated his lowered lightsaber and attached it to his belt, reluctantly ready to listen to what his Master had to say.

"I was wrong today."

When Obi-Wan opened his lips to protest, Qui-Gon silenced him with a stern look.

"I should not have attempted to take Anakin as my Padawan without consulting you or making you aware of my plans. The boy does need to be trained, but not at the expense of my current Padawan's feelings, or training."

"I was wrong to challenge your decision, Master and for that I am sorry."

Qui-Gon smiled once more. " You will be a Jedi Knight, Obi-Wan. I will complete your training as I have promised. You are almost there. A bit more control is all you require."

Obi-Wan bit back a large grin ."And better knowledge of the living Force as you keep saying."

"Yes," Qui-Gon breathed an exasperated sigh and smiled. "But that will come in time. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. Yours lies along a different path than mine."

Obi-Wan nodded. "May we get back to practice now, Master?"

Qui-Gon's eyes brightened and he nodded. For now, things were back to normal.

Obi-Wan backed up and ignited his lightsaber before the words had left his Master's lips.

Obi-Wan winced at the words he knew were to come.

"Don't be too eager to enter into a battle. Wait for your opponent to come to you. The faster you rush, the more likely you will be to falter."

Obi-Wan nodded and retreated another step as his Master calmly released the blade from his belt and ignited it, the hum of the two ignited blades bouncing off the polished metal.

A few touches were exchanged before Qui-Gon suggested a new challenge.

Carefully removing the sash from around his waist, he folded it and approached his wide-eyed student.

"Master, I don't think we should be practicing in the nude." The young man taunted, a smile playing across his lips.

They had practiced in all forms of undress so the thought did not bother him as much as being discovered by one of the ship's occupants.

"Not my intention, Padawan," Qui-Gon's eyes brightened at the thought. "Although it would be quite freeing."

Obi-Wan chuckled. "Literally!"

Qui-Gon grinned, never completely loosing his iron-clad control, "I think we will use a bit more of a subdued lesson this evening."

Having clipped his lightsaber back onto his belt, Qui-Gon reached the now folded sash up towards his Padawan's eyes and secured it firmly so that the young man could not see.

"Ah, put me at a disadvantage. Not fair."

Obi-Wan could see his Master smile through the blindfold. This would be no challenge. He could already see his Master's form through the Force, it only took a bit more concentration to see his features as well.

"Then remove your belt and tie it around my eyes."

A brow lifted from beneath the fabric and Obi-Wan all but tripped over himself to remove the belt. Now things were getting interesting. How nice of his Master to put himself at an equal disadvantage. Not likely, Obi-Wan scoffed. His Master probably had something up his sleeve, just like he always did.

"And turn the frequency down so that when you miss, I don't loose an appendage." Qui-Gon stated matter-of-factly.

Obi-Wan scoffed. "I've never injured you before."

"We've both never been blindfolded before."

"I can already see you, Master. There is nothing to worry about."

"Your cockiness precedes you, Padawan. How well are you going to be able to see me when you are dodging and blocking a thrust from my lightsaber?"

Qui-Gon's lightsaber was ignited and sailing towards his apprentice' head faster than Obi-Wan had seen the Master move in a long time.

The Padawan barely had time to block it and step back.

"Ok, point made." Obi-Wan breathed.

Soon Master and apprentice fell into a rhythm of attacking and blocking, parrying and reposting. As they became used to each other and the state of their handicap, the tempo increased as did the power behind their swings.

The moved together as one, as a team. A team that had lived, eaten, taught and fought together for the last twelve years.

They didn't notice a slim form slip into the room and watch in awe at the magical sight before her.

She was a loyal, well-trained body-guard, well versed in all arts of defense and attack, but what she was witnessing was an art that not many were privileged to witness. A Jedi training ritual, a friendly sparring, the use of a lightsaber, was as foreign to the young woman as was the myth of the Jedi altogether.

She had learned over the few days with the Jedi, that they were just people like she. They just happened to be blessed with powers she could not begin to comprehend.

She stood, transfixed, as the two men completed move after move. Precise, accurate blocks and flawless parries.

The younger man stumbled and she caught herself in as gasp as she worried about his safety.

It was an erotic sight, the two men.

The woman looked away, embarrassed at the thought. She should not be thinking this way. They were sworn to protect. They had been sent to do her job; protect her Queen from harm.

She should feel jealous, but all she could feel was admiration, and lust. She knew they were needed. She didn't know how she knew such a thing, but if they Jedi had not been asked to return to Naboo with the Queen, Sache was sure that the young Queen would be killed in the upcoming battle.

*You would be correct in that assumption* She heard in her mind and her head snapped in every direction, thinking it had come from someone standing next to her.

Who was that? She wondered as she continued to stare at the two Jedi as they sparred.

The voice had been calm, deep as it had addressed her. Not unlike the Master Jedi when he spoke to the Queen.

She could hear the amusement in his voice and stifled a chuckle.

Sache's eyes narrowed. She had heard of the Jedi's remarkable powers of future sight and wondered if the Jedi knew something that had not been revealed to her Queen.

She could hear him holding back laughter as the lightsabers clashed once more and her mind was torn from his in her concern for his safety.

I think I can. She whispered, as if verbal words would drive the comment home more so than words spoken in the mind. Thoughts of the many things she could do to him to ease his worry and relax his body, filtered through her thoughts before she could stop them.

*This was not being professional* She chastised herself until she heard his laughter in her mind.

She blinked. Did he actually want to know? Was this quiet, calm, beast of a man, genuinely interested in what she could do to him to make him forget the night?

She grinned and stared at the man and how his body effortlessly avoided the singing blade of his opponent.

All that was heard was the young man's snort of disapproval.

Qui-Gon resumed his mind-talk with the young Handmaiden.

* As you were thinking?*

When she hesitated he pressed on, enjoying her delicious squirming. It was very un-Jedi like, and he knew Obi-Wan would approve as soon as he got over his disgust of knowing that his Master was behaving with much less decorum than he was used to seeing from the older man.

The living Force called out to this woman and Qui-Gon was much more attuned to it than his young apprentice. She was a magnet for the power and he was drawn to it like a moth to a flame.

The question caught her off guard and she couldn't tell if it was disappointment that she could hear in his voice or if he was genuinely interested in her answer.

She decided to try to shock him. And she turned to look at the smaller, but nonetheless handsome, apprentice.

The younger Jedi faltered, his lightsaber rolling away from his outstretched hand, as he hit the floor with a solid thud.

Obi-Wan blinked beneath the blindfold, struggling to clear his mind. Had he heard the woman correctly? Had she just propositioned both his Master AND himself?

Obi-Wan quickly picked himself up off the floor, cringing as his tired muscles screamed in protest.

Qui-Gon was relentless in his pursuit of the younger man. Not giving the poor boy an inch in reprieve.

If anything, he was going to be punished for the small falter in his concentration.

*Be mindful of the living force, Padawan* The stern voice whispered into his mind.

*I can see that* Obi-Wan could sense the man's smile, his excitement at not only being able to cause these emotions within the young woman, but his student as well.

*Have mercy, Master!* Obi-Wan cried, his breath coming in gasps. He could now hear everything his Master was saying to the young woman. He was too interested in her answers to tune her out now.

But that interest split his concentration just a bit too much and he faltered once again, this time at Qui-Gon's expense.

Obi-Wan twisted and leapt out of the way of the lightsaber sailing towards his head, but not before colliding with Qui-Gon on the slick floor and knocking them both to the polished metal in an undignified heap.

The young woman's mirthy chuckle erupted into laughter and Obi-Wan ripped the blindfold from his eyes an glared at his Master.

Obi-Wan hissed, regained his footing and stalked off to retrieve his lightsaber where it had fallen from his hand.

Qui-Gon slowly removed his own blindfold and cast a slow, lingering look at the young woman who had instantly straightened as the two men stopped their sparring. The glance was joined by a small smile until his attention turned completely to the Padawan retrieving his lightsaber.

"I did not call an end to this practice, Obi-Wan." The smooth, deep tones sailed across the room causing the young woman to shiver.

The young man stood, lightsaber cradled firmly in his grasp, closed his eyes and frowned.

He turned to his Master, a sly grin spreading across his lips. He cast a quick glance at the young woman watching the interaction intently, before returning his glance to a very unhappy Master.

"But your mind is elsewhere, Master. It is not right of me to keep you from your goal."

Qui-Gon’s eyes danced but his expression was still a hard frown.

"I am proficient in splitting my concentration, Obi-Wan. This is something you need to work on."

A hint of disappointment, at not getting out of this predicament, crossed the Padawan’s features and his Master smiled.

"Go shower, Obi-Wan. I give you a nights reprieve." Qui-Gon relented, sheathing his lightsaber in one fluid motion. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, the lesson was over and it was time to get to more important matters of distraction.

"Thank you , Master," Obi-Wan bowed deeply and rushed to the door before his Master changed his mind – something that happened more often than not.

He exchanged a smirk with the young Handmaiden before slipping through the door. His whisper to be good to his Master, reached the older Jedi’s ears before the young woman could frame a response.

Sache’s eyes followed the tall Master as he walked toward her, his confident stride evident in the slight swagger of his hips.

"What are you doing up so late? You should be resting for tomorrow." He leaned against the wall next to the young woman, lowering his massive height just a bit for her.

"Tomorrow is a day that has not yet arrived. Are you not always instructing your Padawan to keep his focus on the present and not on the future. In the ‘here and now’?" Her voice had deepened slightly, her eagerness to continue where their teasing left off, evident.

He allowed his voice to drop an octave or two, mirroring her excitement at the situation. "I wonder how many of our lessons you have been eavesdropping on."

She straightened to her full height, not allowing him to feather any further insults across her face. "I have done my research Jedi Master Jinn. I know more about you and your Padawan than you probably expect."

His only response was a slightly raised eyebrow and a crooked grin.

"I have a Queen to protect. Do you think I would allow anyone near her Highness, even Jedi Knights sent by the High Chancellor himself, without a thorough background check?"

"I admire your caution," He leaned down a bit more, until he was almost eye level with the young woman.

She could feel the heat from his words caress her cheek and she leaned closer to drive home her point. "I am nothing if not thorough."

She gave him a slow once-over, her eyes travelling from where they were locked with his own, down his loose-fitting tunic to the polished boots and back again.

"I do not find that too difficult to believe." His voice had deepened once again and she could feel the heat flush her cheeks.

She could see, or maybe she just hoped could see, the reaction her sharp gaze caused to stir within his body. Despite the loose-fitting clothing, she could clearly see the sharply defined muscles constricting with unreleased tension.

She leaned into him until her lips were a few centimeters from his own. "I can release some of that tension."

His eyes brightened and a smile played across his lips. "If I didn’t know better, I would think you were a Jedi."

"I can’t read minds, Jedi," She ran her tongue across his lips in a slow, mocking tease. "But I can read a man’s body."

He licked his lips when she pulled away, one eyebrow raised curiously as he gave her the same once-over that she had bestowed upon him only minutes ago.

"And how would a Queen’s bodyguard know of things like this?" He licked his lips, tasting a lingering spice left there by her tongue.

She chuckled. "We do not spend all our time guarding the Queen’s body."

"Indeed. I would hope you received some personal time."

His calm gaze regarded her and she damned his Jedi training. She could tell his breathing was elevated, but there was no other outward sign that he was even bothered by her presence.

"Some of which I have right now, Master," She purred, her tongue darting out to brush across his lips once more.

This time, they opened to admit the tasty appendage and she gasped when his lips closed around it, a small battle beginning within his mouth.

She leaned into his arms as his hands covered either side of her head to further admit the penetrating tongue. He could feel her sigh as she became almost weightless in his arms, his lips opening further to deepen the kiss.

Her arms slid around his waist, holding him as if he were a lifeline. His scent overwhelmed her and she became dizzy with longing, with desire, with lust.

"Lust is of the dark side," She felt him whisper against her lips. His hands slid to her shoulders and began to rub the tense muscle beneath her clothing.

"Don’t speak unless it is to utter my name in ecstasy," She countered, sliding her hands from his waist over the firm muscle of his flank to his thigh. She cupped a firmly muscled buttocks and alternatively squeezed and rubbed the covered skin.

She was surprised at how thin the material seemed. She could feel every defined muscle through the soft fabric, every quiver, every indication of his desire for her.

"This is not something I normally engage in…" His lips left hers to whisper into her ear.

She thought this action to mean he was changing his mind on what she was sure was to come, and she arched her hips against him in a circular motion. Her lips captured his once more, and she could feel that tight control with which he guarded his body, begin to slip.

"That’s it, Jedi, let it go," She purred into his ear.

Her fingers slipped beneath the tunic and trailed along the waistband of his pants. She could feel her way to removing the obstacle or she could torture him with a bit more maddening pleasure.

She chose the latter and cupped an already strong erection through the bit thicker material that was his trousers.

A soft groan escaped through tightly closed lips before she pried them apart once more with a spicy tongue.

Fingers brushed lightly against his considerable length, sliding down the firm muscle to cup the round jewels beneath.

She squeezed lightly and was suddenly kissed with more passionate abandon than she had ever felt.

Her body tingled as if it was on fire, yet he had just held her face and kissed her deeply. One hand slid down her cheek, neck, arm, over the side of a well rounded breast, until he reached a well-formed butt cheek. He gave it a slight squeeze and she smiled against his lips, responding in kind with the large, sensitive organ she held in her hand.

She could feel him tense and begin to move but she stopped his movements with another cautious squeeze. "Not now, I am in control here, Master Jedi." She whispered against his lips.

Placing one last kiss on his sensuous lips, she parted the folds of his tunic to press a kiss to the hollow of his throat. She could feel his pulse beat faster there and was encouraged.

She knelt before him and cast one last look up at his clouded eyes before turning her full attention on her present goal.

She found the opening quickly and loosened it, grasping him with both hands. She marveled at his size, silently wondering at how she would ever get her mouth around it.

She was, by no means, an innocent in the bedroom, but neither had she ever been graced with the presence of such a well-endowed man.

She began a slow, gentle stroking, barely touching the quivering flesh with her fingers. She leaned forward and licked the sweetness away from the tip before taking it into her mouth and suckling lightly.

She grinned at his rather loud groan and was encouraged when he bent against the wall in a fight to keep his balance.

Slowly she took him within her mouth, relaxing her throat muscles to accept his size. She began her own thrusting motion, using her hands, tongue and lips to stroke the quivering, throbbing flesh.

She cupped the large, round jewels at the base of the hard muscle even as she lavished a thorough tonguing on his throbbing manhood.

His body jerked involuntarily and his hands flew to her head, prying her lips away from his weeping erection.

She shook her head as he worked to frame words. "Give in to it, Jedi."

She resumed her attentions and she could feel, rather than see, his head sink against the wall, his eyes fluttering closed in intense concentration and control.

"Sache," He rumbled a warning and she ignored it.

Her jaw muscles aching, she began to lick up one side and down the other, carefully working her fingers around his pants to free the wonderful jewels beneath his long length. She took one in her mouth, not like these were a more manageable size, and began to suck deeply.

She stroked his hardness in time with her lips and tongue until she felt him jerk in her hands.

She swallowed him in one motion and he grunted, calling her name in warning.

She stroked him long and hard, urging him to release the control he was fighting so hard to maintain. A familiar wetness flooded her loins and she knew all she would have to do would be to touch herself to follow him into the climax she knew he was nearing. She waited, certain that what she was loving so tenderly with her mouth would pleasure her in all due time.

"Sache, Stop, I’m….."

She removed her lips but continued to stroke him as she craned her neck to look into his eyes. "Loose the control, Jedi, or you will have no peace this night."

He sighed, shuddered as she swallowed him once more.

Sheer bliss overcame him and his whole body shook. He let his carefully guarded control slip and was rewarded with a white-hot explosion that blinded his vision. Several deep groans preceded a jerk of the muscle she mouthed so lovingly, before he exploded like a molten volcano within her mouth.

She struggled to swallow as quickly as possible, so that none of his sweet essence escaped her. A few beads slipped between her lips and as his body began to relax once again, she released him and licked them from the corners of her mouth.

Her vision was blurred and she waited a few moments before she stood, and was immediately encased in strong arms, beautiful lips claiming hers in a deep, passionate kiss.

"You will be rewarded for that, Lady, beyond your wildest expectations." He purred into her ear. Replacing his exposed body parts, He keyed open the door with the Force and scooped her into his arms.

"Your Padawan?" She grinned as he strode confidently toward the quarters he shared with the young man.

"Is feeling very left out at the moment." He grinned, his eyes sparkling.

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

Obi-Wan was feigning sleep when the door slid open to admit his Master and a very smug-looking Handmaiden.

"Up, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon announced, using the Force to illuminate the room just enough to see the form lying on one of two beds within. "It’s time for another lesson."

Obi-Wan smirked into the pillow, knowing full well what his Master had been doing and knowing with a fair amount of certainty that it was not a lesson that the young Padawan needed to prepare for.

"You doubt me?" Qui-Gon caught a few stray thoughts before Obi-Wan slammed the shields down.

Sache slid down Qui-Gon’s body when he lowered the arm behind her back. She wrapped her arms around his neck and drew him down for a long, leisurely kiss before turning around to grin at the lounging Padawan. She leaned her back into Qui-Gon’s chest and crossed her arms.

"Remember your boast while we trained, Sache. You are about to be put to the test."

"Like I said, Master Jedi," Sache didn’t turn around, just stared as Obi-Wan rolled out of the bed and strode towards her, "That will not be a problem."

Qui-Gon smiled and addressed his student. "I do believe she has issued us a challenge."

"I think so, Master," His eyes narrowed as he sauntered into her personal space and rested his hands on her hips.

"What a nice sandwich this makes, " She grinned, wiggling her behind against Qui-Gon’s legs, her hips against Obi-Wan’s more accessible groin.

Qui-Gon began to caress her neck, lifting her long hair to feather light kisses along the sensitive skin.

Obi-Wan was more direct and took her lips in a hungry kiss.

The young Jedi wasted no time in sliding her clothing from her shoulders until she stood naked and glistening in the semi-lit room.

"I see a problem here," Her eyes sparkled as she observed the young man before her, felt the Master behind her never relaxing in his caress.

"And what might that be?" Obi-Wan asked, a smile spreading across his lips as he admired her nakedness.

"I see nothing amiss." The heat from Qui-Gon’s lips, as they nibbled and caressed her ear, made Sache shudder.

She whirled quickly, surprising the Master Jedi, and reached for his belt. Her fingers fumbled with the fastenings as Obi-Wan stifled a chuckle. A smile curved Qui-Gon’s well-cut lips.

"Here, let me help you with this," His hands covered her own with a gentle caress and unfastened the belt.

Qui-Gon’s eyebrows raised as she slid her hands beneath the first layer and slid it to the floor.

"Perhaps you should…"

A finger flew to his lips as Obi-Wan embraced her from behind, pressing a rising erection into her backside.

"Your Padawan is less dressed than you, he will be next," She arched her back against him, causing a soft sigh. "I assure you."

Obi-Wan began to nibble her neck, biting gently, then licking away the pain. She shuddered again, the combinations, of the young man’s ministrations behind her and the heated flesh revealed beneath her hands, sending her senses spiraling into overload.

She took a deep breath, sliding the material from large, powerful shoulders. Leaning in she kissed his chest, as her fingers traced a line from his nipple to the edge of his pants.

She took a hardened nipple into her mouth and suckled lightly, as she found the fastenings and relieved him of the restricting material. Before turning, she blew on the wet nipple, hardening it even more.

She pressed her backside into Qui-Gon once again, feeling the throbbing hardness press against the small of her back. One hand slid around her to cup and pinch a sensitive nipple as he pressed his hips against her, seeking momentary release.

All she had to remove from the young Padawan was his sleep pants, and that was easily done. Soon, his own straining erection bounced from the confining fabric and she gripped it and slid her fist down its length and back again.

Lean and muscular, not as broad as his Master, but nonetheless handsome in his own right. She could feel his coiled tension ready to snap. Less control, this one had, and she would enjoy watching, and feeling, him loose such revered Jedi control.

Obi-Wan took her hands and backed against the soft mattress.

"Lay down, Jedi." She commanded and Obi-Wan complied immediately.

As she followed him, kneeling between his legs, one hand caught Qui-Gon’s and pulled him with her onto the mattress.

He was still behind her, watching, caressing her glistening skin, rubbing her quivering buttocks.

Her hand gripped Obi-Wan a bit tighter, until she could feel the sweet substance flood the tip.

She breathed a short sigh of relief that he was not nearly as well endowed as his Master. Her mouth still ached.

Her hot mouth enveloped him slowly and he fought the urge to thrust into the moist sheath.

"Control, Padawan," Qui-Gon rubbed his hips against her backside, holding her waist tightly so as not to disturb her rhythm. "This is your lesson for the night."

"You’ve got to be kidding!" Obi-Wan breathed, his eyes regarding his Master’s calm form with a bit of wild abandon. "How could you pick a time like this to give me a lesson in control!"

Sache bit back a streak of laughter and swallowed him to the hilt, her tongue licking even as she sucked him deeply.

He stifled a groan and pressed his head into the bed, his Padawan braid sticking to an already sweaty chest.

"This is a most excellent time, Padawan." Qui-Gon smiled, his eyes twinkling at the look of pleasure, determination not to come too soon, covering the younger man’s features.

"Work your magic, young Handmaiden," Qui-Gon grinned and bent to lavish her neck, her back with soft, wet kisses.

"Master!?" Obi-Wan cried as she hit a sensitive spot which caused a bit more of pre-ejaculate to slip between her lips.

She began to stroke him , cupping him, caressing the throbbing length. She licked the tip once again before lavishing the underside with slow, deliberate strokes of her tongue.

Qui-Gon parted her legs and reached a hand between to stroke the soft skin of an inner thigh.

Fingers explored her, carefully avoiding her center of pleasure, and she gasped when one lone digit pierced her wetness. She arched her hips against his hand, craving a more intimate touch. He removed the finger and caressed her a bit more, ever so lightly brushing against the swollen nub.

"The more you tease me, Master Jedi, the more your Padawan is teased," She sighed into Obi-Wan’s erection, closing her eyes as his probing fingers avoided what she wanted most for him to caress.

"His lesson in control is much more important, my dear."

She grumbled and began to brush feather light kisses over the young Jedi’s thighs, a stroke here and caress there.

"Master! Fill her already! How can you do this to me!?" Obi-Wan cried, his hands reaching for the young woman.

Qui-Gon’s smiled, his own hand was busy pumping his own raging hardness, keeping himself on the edge.

Sache craned her neck and smiled at the Master Jedi, narrowing her eyes and licking her lips. He read the plea and nodded, his finger plunging within her, his thumb caressing slow, lazy circles across and above her secret place.

Her breath caught in her throat, and she struggled to keep eye contact with Qui-Gon. She continued to stroke the young Jedi, bringing him to the edge and back down again.

"Very well," Qui-Gon’s finger was replaced with a much larger tip as he pressed into her slowly. His size would hurt her if not done correctly and he pressed on, oblivious to her wantonness, her desire to have him fill her completely.

She pushed her hips against him, driving him deeper, much faster than he would have chosen.

"Slow, my pretty," He groaned, finally burying himself to the hilt within her.

He could feel her sigh and lean over his apprentice once again, taking him into her mouth.

He reached around her and caressed the swollen bud as he began a slow thrusting motion.

She shuddered as his fingers brought her spiraling to her first climax. She swallowed the young Jedi in one fluid motion, keeping her equilibrium enough to continue pleasuring the young man beneath her.

Qui-Gon smiled in satisfaction and began thrusting in earnest, his hips smacking into her backside harder with each thrust.

Obi-Wan shook, and within their bond, Qui-Gon could feel him spiraling over the edge. He strove to catch the young man, thrusting harder, deeper within the tight warmth beneath him.

*Take her with you, Obi-Wan. Project to her.*

She gasped as the two men connected and projected images and feelings of their closeness, their pleasure. She could feel them, could feel what they were experiencing. The tightness closing in around Qui-Gon, the throbbing hardness buried within her mouth.

She came in an explosion of white heat and fire, Obi-Wan following, projecting his own feelings into her mind. She swallowed the young Jedi as quickly as she could, the explosion burning her like no fire ever could. Seconds later, not yet recovered from the sensation, Qui-Gon came, filling her with his hot seed, projecting his passion into her mind, bowling her over like a hundred Trade Federation fighters.

She groaned, collapsing into Obi-Wan’s stomach, exhausted, both mentally and physically.

The bed was not big enough for three so Qui-Gon stood and prepared to retire to his own bed.

"Wait," Sache breathed, turning her head.

Qui-Gon grinned. "The bed is not big enough for three, Lady. Stay. Give my Padawan a few more lessons."

She stood, as the two men watched, and began to pull the other bed from its space.

"Let us help you with that," Obi-Wan sat and used the Force to lift the bed.

When it slid into place next to the other, Sache sat and patted the mattress. "Now there is room. Come here Jedi."

Qui-Gon grinned and joined her. As she rested her head on his broad chest, one hand pulled Obi-Wan against her back. Cradled by two Jedi, she fell into a deep sleep, only to be haunted by disastrous nightmares…………

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

Morning, or what they considered it to be in space, arrived all too soon and Sache rubbed her cheek against the hard chest beneath her head.

She was exhausted. She had dreamed all night and all that remained of the memory was the lingering sensation of dread and heartache.

She pressed a kiss to the chest rising slow and steady beneath her cheek.

She shivered and closed her eyes, breathing in the fiercely masculine scent of the Jedi Master.

"Something troubles you?" The voice, a bit husky in the early morning, startled her and she raised her head to meet his eyes.

"It’s nothing. Just a dream. I can’t even remember it. All I have left is the feelings." She pressed a kiss to his jaw, savoring the lingering aftermath of the previous nights activities.

"The Force will reveal it to you in time," The blue eyes that regarded her were calm, sparkling.

"Speaking of time," She looked over her neck to find the young Padawan still sound asleep. "We still have a bit more before I must report to the Queen."

Long fingers tangled in her hair, brushing the tangled strands away from her eyes.

Qui-Gon gave her a wry smile. "Why choose me over my….?"

"You carry a calm air about you, Master," She whispered. "You are intoxicating, strong, vibrant, sensual, exciting. And I want to love you for as long as I am permitted."

"I don’t think anyone has used those words to describe me in a long time." He was genuinely flattered and tightened his arm around her waist.

"I think you have not been told a great many things in your lifetime, Jedi. Let me begin now."

She slid up further in the bed and trailed a leisurely kiss along his eyelids, nose, stopping briefly at his lips, before devoting a bit more time to the hollow of his neck and the strong pulse that beat there.

"Obi-Wan will feel left out…."

"Obi-Wan knows of our bet last night, I taunted and teased you. I believe he will understand." She whispered into his neck before sucking at the pulse beneath her lips.

Qui-Gon closed his eyes as one of her hands slid down his muscular torso to grip a hardening muscle.

It throbbed in her hand as she began slow, tedious strokes. She slid down to his chest, when his arms encircled her, preventing any further descent.

"Not today, little one. I will…."

"No," She smiled. "There is no time for lingering pleasures. I want you. I want to feel you deep within me once more before we part."

She straddled him, relentless in her stroking. Cupping his jewels, she gave them a squeeze and continued along his generous length.

"Wait, you…" His eyes held a concern that which she would never likely find again in a man.

‘I am more than ready for you, Jedi." She smiled as his hand slipped between them, a long finger probing for her readiness.

He nodded as she held him steady, impaling herself on his sharp spike, inch by inch. He sighed, his head burying itself into the pillow, as she began to rock against him.

Obi-Wan breathed deeply and tossed beside them, and Sache smiled.

"Does he feel it too?" She rested her hands on Qui-Gon’s chest as she undulated her hips, his hardness pulsing within her, ready to burst.

"Unlikely. A link must be established for us to connect like we did with you last night," He hissed through clenched teeth. He arched his hips to meet her downward thrust and kept the pace for a few more minutes before a finger slipped between them.

He began to caress her, finger brushing lightly over the swollen nub. She rode him harder as his stroking increased. She leaned back as the sensations began to build.

Neither of them noticed Obi-Wan smile and roll away from them onto his side. Didn’t notice as he took his own erection in hand and began to stroke in time with the movements of the couple lying beside him.

Suddenly, his caressing drove her over the edge and she came violently, shuddering above him, collapsing into his arms.

He was still buried deep within her, throbbing unsatisfied hardness. She could feel it and grinned.

"That was incredible,’ She breathed, feathering kisses over his chest and jaw.

"But now it's your turn."

He smiled and wrapped his arms around her, maneuvering their bodies on the bed until he was atop her.

"Ohhhh, you’re good at that." She cooed, impressed that he had been able to accomplish the feat without withdrawing from her body.

"Inspiration," He grunted, and began a slow, leisurely pace in which she matched him stroke for stroke.

She glanced at the timepiece on the wall and winced. Ten minutes. She had ten minutes before she had to be dressed and before the Queen.

Qui-Gon noticed this and quickened the pace, hips bucking harder, driving her backside into the mattress with the weight.

"No rush," She breathed, "Jedi."

"You mustn’t," His breath was coming in short gasps now, "Keep the Queen waiting."

"I believe she would understand," Sache breathed, arching her hips to receive his powerful thrusts.

"Let's not give her the opportunity. Age has its advantages in some cases. Don’t….last…as long," He breathed, burying his head into the pillow above her as his hips slammed into her one last time.

She closed her eyes, feeling the rush of hot seed fill her, his body shuddering as he fought to prevent his weight from crushing her.

Obi-Wan came with his Master, hot liquid filling his hand as he shuddered in release.

"Long enough, Jedi," she breathed as she arched her hips once again, seeking that one last touch to spiral her over the edge once again.

Her hot sheath milked him but he arched above her, giving her the contact she needed to shudder to another powerful climax.

She closed her eyes as the waves abated, her senses cleared and her body was brought once again to the physical realm of reality.

Qui-Gon rolled away from her, urging her to get out of the bed. He didn’t want her to be late on his account.

"Go, Do not be late. We will join you shortly."

She nodded and pressed her lips to his in a gentle kiss. She cast a look at Obi-Wan’s back and smiled. "Good morning Obi-Wan," She cooed as she gathered her clothing and rushed down the still deserted hallways to her quarters.

"Good morning," Obi-Wan rolled over and smiled as she rushed out the door.

"Thanks for the lessons, Master," Obi-Wan smiled as Qui-Gon stood and moved towards the fresher.

"You’re welcome Obi-Wan. Don’t fail them next time."

Obi-Wan winced as he stood, taking the rebuke in stride, and gathered his clothing for the big day ahead.

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

Sache watched as the Jedi strode between their ranks, confident in their abilities to destroy this evil menace before them.

"We'll handle this," She heard the Master Jedi say as his apprentice followed with an equally confident stride towards the black-clad creature.

There was no time to watch as Padme led the way out of the hanger, the long way. They had a mission to accomplish; A mission that would now be separate of the two Jedi.

Seconds before laser fire erupted around their heads, Sache heard the violent clash of lightsabers, the sound sending shivers down her spine more than the hundreds of blaster bolts zipping past her head.

"May your Force guide you and keep you safe, Jedi," Sache whispered, taking out another battle droid with precision aim.

As they raced out of the hanger, Sache turned to cast one last look at where the Jedi had been. The door to the maintenance bay was open and she could see brilliant flashes of light coming from far down the corridor.

She followed her Queen through the palace as they fought to retake the Capitol City from the Viceroy occupying the throne.

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

The victory was swift, much easier than she thought it would be. A simple ruse, easily executed, tricked the Viceroy into thinking he had a Handmaiden instead of the Queen herself. The battle fell apart from there and the Queen retook the palace with ease.

They marched the Viceroy from the throne room and down the long corridor to where they would be held until taken back to Coruscant to stand trial.

A fierce and sharp pain sliced through Sache as they rounded the corner into the fresh afternoon air. She stumbled, twisting her ankle on the steps below and Padme turned to steady her Handmaiden.

Padme had felt something similar, but in no way had she felt it with such excruciating clarity.

"Sache?" Padme's concerned eyes bore into her friend's. Never had any one of her Handmaidens lost their composure in private or public. Something must have been terribly wrong.

"I can't breath….." Sache clutched at her chest, gasping for air.

Padme turned to the security detail. "Panaka, escort the Viceroy to his cell and then find the Jedi. Something has happened."

Padme could feel the ache deep in her heart. Something had definitely happened and she feared it was not something good.

"Sache?" Padme held her shaking Handmaiden tightly. The young woman's skin was clammy and she was perspiring in the cool afternoon of the Naboo day.

"He's..He's…" Tears filled the young woman's large brown eyes and she bit back the sobs, conscious, even through her pain, of the appearance she must uphold for the Queen.

"What's happened?" Padme asked, wiping away a tear that slipped down the older woman's cheek. "Tell me. I could…feel…something." Pdame shook her head, blinking away the tears that threatened to flood her eyelids at the woman's pain, and her own fears sinking deep within her heart.

A crowd could be overheard cheering in the courtyard and Padme turned to look at what had caused the commotion.

Ric Olie had Anakin on his shoulders, parading him through the cheering crowd of onlookers. They were moving towards the Queen, and when Anakin caught Padme's eyes, his expression became solemn and the smile faded from his lips.

He squirmed, demanding to be let down from the larger man's shoulders.

"Ric, let me down! Something's wrong!" The pilot did as he was asked and the boy rushed up to the top of the stairs where Padme was sitting with the sobbing Handmaiden.

"What's happened!?" Anakin demanded, his eyes darting from Padme to the Handmaiden trying futilely to compose herself.

The euphoria of the past few minutes faded and he felt empty, incredibly alone and empty. He sunk to his knees, in an apprentice' meditation stance, and fell silent. His eyes were devoid of the joy he had felt moments ago, as he looked at and through Padme, as if he was looking at another place, maybe another time.

"What do you see?" Padme whispered. She knew the rumors surrounding this boy. Knew why Qui-Gon had insisted the boy remain in his charge. She had known that the Master Jedi had been forbidden by his Council to train Anakin but he had continued to travel with them regardless.

She knew she would not like what the boy repeated and steeled herself for an answer she would not quite be ready to accept.

"No!" Anakin wailed, his cries echoing in the courtyard, causing a silence to fall over the crowd gathered to celebrate their victory.

"No, No, No," Anakin shook his head violently, refusing to believe the scene he had just witnessed through another's eyes. "No, please." He begged, tears filling the bright blue eyes and sliding unchecked down his dust-covered features.

"Ani," Padme spoke silently, trying to soothe the boy with her calm tone. Security returned and surrounded the young Queen as the crowd began to gather around the stricken group.

"Tell me. What have you seen?" She held his hand in her own, turning it over in her palm, marveling that for such a young boy, his hands were almost as large as hers.

"He's dead," Anakin stated matter-of-factly, his voice steady for the first time since he joined Padme and Sache on the marble staircase.

Murmurs rippled through the gathered crowd, wondering of whom the young boy was speaking. Someone who obviously meant a great deal to the Queen and those close to her.

Sache closed her eyes, letting the truth of his words sink into her already shattered heart. She was shaking violently, unable to control the tremors wracking her body.

Padme mirrored her Handmaiden's image, closing her eyes. When she opened them a single tear escaped and slid down her cheek. She didn't move to wipe it away, she merely stood, pulling Anakin and Sache with her and turned to ascend the stairs once again.

She turned to Ric Olie and asked him to continue, this was something they would take care of.

The pilot followed the Queen's orders and watched them until they disappeared over the large balcony.

'Who died, and why do I feel it was someone of great importance to us?' Olie thought as he re-grouped the growing crowd and led them out into the center of the courtyard.

Padme bent to Anakin's height when they were out of sight of the crowd below and whispered silently. "Take us there."

The boy took a deep breath and nodded, standing slowly but then taking off at a run, as fast as his little legs could carry him, back towards the hanger.

Padme had a sudden vision of those legs growing to be extraordinarily long, his hair pulled back and kept like Qui-Gon's, the remnants of a hastily cut Padawan braid the only thing marring his beautiful, flowing hair.

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

He could hear the footsteps behind him, but couldn't find the energy or desire to turn and look.

The dark menace was gone. Killed by his Master's blade. Would be that the owner had been the one to deal the killing blow.

Grief flooded the young man and his shouldersshook with tears that would not flow.

His Master had wiped away, his last dying act, the one and only tear that he had been able to shed.

He was exhausted, both physically and emotionally. He tried, pushed, wish with every fiber of his being, wishing that he would just cry.

It heals the soul. His Master had said when Obi-Wan was younger and forced the tears back from some insignificant occurrence.

Now, despite what he tried, the tears would not come.

He was guilt ridden. He should have been faster, quicker, should have been able to stand and fight by his Master's side.

The one mistake he made, cause him to be knocked off the gantry and away from the battle. He hadn't been fast enough to reach his Master in time. Hadn't been fast enough to make it through the security beams that separated him from his Master.

Had he not made that mistake to begin with, Obi-Wan firmly believed that his Master would not by lying dead in his arms now.

He could feel the hearts beating wildly behind him, the silence that greeted him where there should be cheers for the victory they had won.

Panaka was frozen in place, unable to speak; Fearing that if he did so, he would be intruding upon sacred time. Sache made no effort to wipe away the tears as they slipped in large droplets down her cheeks and onto the polished floor. Anakin, his small frame quivering with anger, stared at the sight, tears evading him as the young man kneeling before them.

The Queen's Handmaidens, who followed her everywhere, were stunned into silence. Before yesterday they had never seen a Jedi Knight, much less see one who had fallen in battle.

Padme alone held the demeanor of a young Queen, born of hail and fire. Emotions repressed with difficulty, she knelt beside Obi-Wan, cautiously sliding her hand over his shoulder.

She could feel his shaking shoulders and expected, when his head rose to meet hers, eyes to be filled with tears. Her heart wrenched at the expression of pain and loneliness expressed in the torn features of the young apprentice.

She saw, mirrored in Anakin's face, the same loss.

"He inspired a great many people in his lifetime. We must celebrate his life." Padme's voice carried in the silent hallway, reaching the ears of all present when they were only meant for one.

"But first we must honor his death," Obi-Wan quoted an old ancient Jedi text.

"He will be remembered always, Obi-Wan," Padme whispered gently, rubbing the tension from his neck.

"Always," Obi-Wan repeated.

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

He was silent as they prepared for the ceremony. This would be the final farewell for the man who had been closer than a father for most of Obi-Wan's life.

This should be a joyous time for him, he was a Jedi Knight, he had taken on a new Padawan, and upon completion of Anakin's training, would become a Master himself.

But all Obi-Wan felt was dread, despair, grief and anger. He meditated but the focus and serenity would not come.

Anakin's pain dwarfed his own, yet the boy had only been with them for a few days.

Sache's loss, he ignored. Knowing that was a night he wished not to relive just yet.

He couldn't help but feel the Council was relieved that his Master was gone. No longer would he plague them, defy them, or act against their wishes.

Yoda had himself warned Obi-Wan of his defiance of the Council. Need that legacy from his Master, he did not. Or did he?

Qui-Gon's defiance of the Council had given him a sort of freedom. He was a maverick, a renegade among the Jedi and held in high esteem for it.

The chimes tolled, echoing around the large hall, indicating the time for the ceremony to begin. A last goodbye, and a new beginning.

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

Respectful silence followed the words as they echoed around the small chamber. The only sound in the chamber mingled with the crackle of the fire as the embers carried the Jedi Master's body and spirit into the heavens.

Madhurah swehpna,

go rahdomah swehpna.

Madhurah swehpna,

go rahdomah swehpna,

morittioo, madhurah,

swehpna.

"You will be a Jedi, I promise," Even as Obi-Wan spoke the words, he knew they would be true. The faith Qui-Gon had in the young boy, had now transferred itself to his former student, and the young man spoke the words with a confidence that calmed Anakin's troubled heart.

The Handmaidens stood resolute behind their Queen, Sache revealing no more of the despair that had flooded her mind the moment the Jedi Master had been killed.

When the fire had consumed the last of the revered Jedi Master, the crowed departed, leaving Obi-Wan and Anakin alone to their memories.

Padme turned to Sache and whispered. "Stay. Pay your respects. I will see you in the morning."

The last of the honored guests left and Sache moved as close as she could without being burned by the still sizzling stone pyre.

Her movements were labored and Obi-Wan admired her dedication to his Master. Anakin noticed her discomfort and moved from the safety of Obi-Wan's presence and slid his hand into the young Handmaidens.

"You loved him," Anakin muttered, eyes still clearly focused on the pyre.

"A strong emotion coming from a child," She smiled down at the young boy and the hand so calmly holding her own.

"I'm a Padawan now," Anakin's eyes narrowed and Sache instantly regretted referring to the boy as a child. He had endured far too much in his young life to be considered a child any longer.

Obi-Wan slipped behind her and rested his hands on her shoulders, comforting yet painful as the memories of the previous night flooded her memories.

She leaned against his chest until her legs became steadier. He felt different, not as strong, not as secure, not as safe.

A part of her heart had died and she was certain she would never be the same again.

"I must go. I must deal with this on my own." Sache pulled out of his arms, a bit too roughly, and strode out of the chamber without looking back.

"Tomorrow is the peace celebration, we must be prepared," Obi-Wan sighed, turning Anakin from the simmering pyre. There is a room off the ones Qui-Gon, we, were given, you will stay there until we are given more permanent quarters."

"Yes, Master," Anakin turned back to the pyre and bowed deeply at the waist, honoring the man who would have been his first Master.

Obi-Wan smiled a sad smile and duplicated the motion, remaining in the bent position slightly longer, honoring the man who had been more than a father to him.

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

Sleep had not come easily, Obi-Wan tossed and turned, replaying the horrifying events in his mind over and over again. With each replay, he wondered if he had just done something different, positioned himself another way, he would have been able to prevent the event that had gripped his heart in such a sorrow as he had ever felt.

He sensed the door open, saw the slim silhouette outlined in the dim light, and sat up in the overlarge bed.

There would be enough room for three here. Obi-Wan felt himself thinking and winced back the painful memory.

She padded to the bed and set next to him, cupping a smooth cheek in her hand.

"Hold me?"

He opened his arms and she fell into them with a soft sigh.

She rested her head on his chest for a long while before she resigned herself to the fact that she would not be getting any sleep.

The unsteady rise and fall of the chest beneath her cheek indicated that he was not sleeping either.

When she lifted her head, his eyes were open, piercing her with their intensity.

Wordlessly, their lips met and the anger, helplessness, and loneliness seeped into that kiss, intensifying it to a level beyond their expectations.

His body awakened to her closeness and soon he had lifted her so that she straddled his covered hips.

She leaned over him, kissing him roughly, determined to bury the painful memories in a night of passion.

She ground her hips against his, feeling the growing hardness.

He used the Force to slide the door shut, blocking the remaining light, and removed her slim dress without delay. His lips licked a sharp nipple into hardness as he pinched another between thumb and forefinger.

She moaned into his lips, lifting herself so that she could remove the sheet from his legs. She reached between them, cupping his hardness, rolling it between her fingers, stroking its length.

"Please," She begged. "Please."

He slipped a finger between them, feeling for her readiness and to his surprise she was slick as she would need to be.

He lifted his hips as she slid the material down to his knees, freeing the raging hardness from its prison.

She made a fist around the length, stroking him, long and hard. Faster she stroked, seemingly determined to make him come in her hands.

His lips claimed hers as he closed his eyes tightly, focusing on the control his Master had tried so desperately to keep the last time he was in this situation.

Before he knew it, she had lifted her hips and he felt himself quickly sheathed within her hot sheath.

He groaned as she undulated her hips, slowly at first and then quicker as she gave up to the sensations of him filling her.

He slid a finger between them and rubbed her swollen nub, and feeling her arch sharply, he knew he had just the right spot.

She came quickly, leaning over him to calm her ragged breathing.

He closed his eyes. Her change of position pressed her into a new position atop him, and he squirmed.

Suddenly, she rolled off him and spread her legs, ready for him to take possession of her body.

She didn't have to beckon twice as he rolled atop her and entered her with one quick, steady thrust.

He groaned as he thrust deeply. His control was not going to last long tonight. He simply did not have the desire for the struggle.

He wanted to be lost in the heat of this woman with whom he had already shared so much, wanted her to make him forget the painful memories of the last hours.

She wrapped her legs tightly around his hips, urging his fast pace. He leaned over her, resting his elbows on the mattress above her head.

A barrage of emotions rocked his mind as he exploded within her, her sweet heat milking him for every drop of his essence.

She came again beneath him, their closeness creating enough friction to send her over the edge once again.

He collapsed into her waiting arms and fell into a restless slumber.

Who would hold whom this night was something that would change often as morning dawned and another day, without the one they loved, began anew.

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

Returning from an intense training session with his young Padawan, Obi-Wan slid into the seat overlooking the vast city, ignoring the steady beep from the communications terminal.

He sighed, resigning himself to the fact that he would never have any peace, he opened the channel and accepted the lone piece of communication marked 'Private and Confidential by route of Queen Amidala of Naboo.'

Obi-Wan's eyebrows raised. When he received communications from Amidala, they were marked 'from' Queen Amidala, not 'by route'.

He keyed open the transmission and was surprised to see the face of young Sache staring at him from the comm screen.

"Hello Obi-Wan," She smiled slightly, her voice betraying nothing about the reason for her contact.

"Hello, Sache. Is everything well? The Queen?" She had not contacted him since the last night they had spent on Naboo, and he was concerned something had happened to the young Queen.

"Yes. Obi-Wan, the Queen is well." She sighed deeply and his heart lurched. This was not a business call. This was something a bit more personal.

"The cause of this call is of a personal nature, I'm afraid. You see, Obi-Wan, I have found that I am with child."

Obi-Wan blinked. His breath caught in his throat and he found himself unable to speak.

"I…" There was a potential complication here. He was not the only man who had been intimate with the young woman. His next question was direct and to the point. He had to know.

"Whose is it?"

"I don't know." Her voice was sad and he could sense that she was telling the truth.

Time would tell, easilly, as a matter of fact. Yet Obi-Wan couldn't help but hope it was his Master's child. Something left of the man he had loved so fiercely. An heir left to defend the galaxy from the coming turmoil.

FINIS