Title: Bondage

Title: Mad Season
Date: 2001
Author: Luna
Summary: A more serious fic. Obi-Wan and Daylon are sent on a mission to a planet with a… different, and mysterious, culture. Kind of an out-of-the-frying-pan-into-the-fire story with a twist…. (grinning evilly now)
Disclaimer: Some content. "Mad Season" is property of Matchbox 20.(I thought the words fit Obi's mood in this piece somehow.) Obi is property of Lucas. You know the drill.

***

Obi-Wan raised his eyes from the floor and sighed. He was running out of patience with his apprentice. For the fortieth time today, Anakin had dropped his saber. He took a deep breath and released his frustration. It would serve him no purpose here.
"Padawan, do you need more grips on the handle?", he asked, attempting to salvage Anakin's rapidly declining morale.
"No, master."
Anakin had really been struggling to get the hang of the narrow, cylindrical weapon. It was starting to appear hopeless.
"I believe that is enough for today, Ani. You are dismissed." Obi-Wan said. He flicked off his green blade and picked up his tunic. Ani was already gone. That boy… He was unsure about the end of that thought. He had been Ani's Master for three years now, along with Daylon's help, and he still couldn't quite understand him. Qui-Gon would have been better for him. He would have understood him.
"Don't berate yourself."
Obi-Wan looked up at his friend. She grinned half-heartedly and tossed him a towel.
"Qui-Gon would be proud, and you know it." She said. Obi-Wan just sighed again. She was probably right, but he didn't feel like giving up his self-loathing yet. It had been one of those days.
"The council has requested us. And I don't think they would appreciate your smell…" she teased. Despite himself, Obi-Wan chuckled.
"I can take a hint, Daylon. I'll meet you there."
She nodded, and left the exercise hall through the rear door. Obi-Wan hit the showers. He would have liked to stay under the cleansing streams of hot water forever, but duty called. Sorry, duty, nobody's home. Immediately after the thought appeared, he chastised himself for blowing off his sworn duty so lightly. Come on, get over it. It's one bad day, and it won't kill you no matter what you think. That rebuke carried him all the way to the great council room doors, where he was met with a sharp sense of apprehension. The Force was strong in the air. This was usually not a good sign at a council meeting. Daylon was already inside, and Obi-Wan delayed no further. After the perfunctory bow and 'masters', he stood tall next to his friend, ready to receive whatever it was.
"A mission, we have for you." Master Yoda said in his characteristic backwards prose. Obi-Wan tilted his head, intoning for the sage master to go on, but it was Mace Windu who spoke next. His deep voice echoed in the tall room.
"This mission is of… delicate matters. Are you familiar with the planet Eros?" he asked. His long fingers were steepled before him.
"Yes, master. It is a world outside the republic. Dominated by males, it has become well known for its female slave trade," Daylon said.
"Yes. It is this trade that we are concerned with. It seems as if the traders have run out of easy… merchandise. It is suspected that they are kidnapping women to sell."
"But it is outside of the republic… we can do nothing about it's trading practices," Obi-Wan said.
"No, we cannot. That is not the mission. Senator Maltheson, of the Ankari system recently took a trip to Eros, to… make a purchase. He brought along his secretary, Mai Lin. She disappeared, some three weeks ago, and the Senator wants her back. He also wants this to remain top secret. If word ever got out that he went to Eros, his career would be ruined."
"So you want us to recover a missing woman, just to save some corrupt senator from dirtying his hands?" Daylon asked. There was no anger in her voice, but well concealed venom shimmered in her eyes.
"You might consider the fact that the Jedi serve the senate, Daylon. It is our duty. But a woman's life is at stake here. You two are to go undercover, and find her."
"Undercover? As what?" Daylon raised an eyebrow. She obviously did not like where this was heading.
"Master and slave."
Mace Windu's words fell like iron on the Jedi's ears. Slave? Slave! Obi-Wan could read Daylon's anger at the mention of the word. //Let it go…// he coaxed. And she did. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward.
"When do we leave?"

***

"This is ridiculous. This is insanity!" Daylon muttered, pacing back and forth in the open living area of their shared apartment.
"It is a mission. Only temporary." Obi-Wan said.
"Easy for you to say. You aren't the slave!" she snapped. The look on his face softened her hostility though. "I'm sorry. You're right. I shouldn't be petty about this, there is a life at risk." She slumped into a chair. Her lean frame radiated defeat, and her eyes closed in a moment's respite.
"You have a right to feel the way you do. I would be angry too, if I had to play the slave. And not only a slave, but a pleasure slave… how degrading."
"You are not helping, Kenobi." She grimaced.
"Don't worry," he said wryly, leaning close to whisper. "I'll be gentle."
She picked up a pillow and threw it at him. If it had been anyone else to make a comment like that, they would be mincemeat by now. But the closeness they shared constituted an odd set of rules, and an even odder sense of understanding. Obi-Wan was just trying to cheer her up, and she appreciated it.
"You just wait… I'll get you back." She threatened. He bowed down, mockingly.
"Oh, please don't, master. I bow down in deference to you greatness, spare me!" he said. He got down on all fours.
"Who's the slave now?" she laughed. "Go get packed, jedi. We still have to explain to Ani."
"Yes, master."

*

Obi-Wan arranged for a Master to watch Anakin while he and Daylon were away, and made sure that all the necessary equipment made it on board the transport before meeting Mace Windu on a high terrace overlooking Coruscant. The sun was setting, lending a pink light to the mountains of glass and steel.
"Master, you asked to meet with me?"
"Yes, Obi-Wan. I wanted to give you the data for your briefing. You will find it useful, I'm sure." He tossed a small data pad to Obi-Wan, who caught it effortlessly. Taking a more relaxed stance, Mace folded his arms and chuckled lightly.
"Oh, if Qui-Gon could see you now. I'm sure he does."
Qui-Gon Jinn and Mace Windu had been close friends. They were something of a Temple legend, even. Tales of their younger days were always floating about. Embellished, Obi-Wan was sure, but nonetheless exciting. Mace had not mourned Qui-Gon's death though. He said that the master had simply passed into another state, and was still very much a part of their lives.
"You have changed so much… grown up." Mace reflected. "I can feel him in you. His being is ingrained in yours. He is your vigilante."
"Yes." Obi-Wan said.
"And if he could be here right now, he would pat you on the shoulder, give a sage piece of advice, and bid you good luck. So I will do the same. Remain objective, Obi-Wan, but do not ignore your own feelings in this. May the Force be with you."

*

Buzzing through deep space like a shooting star, the Chamelion did not veer from its direct course to Eros. The pilot had been instructed to get there quickly, and he would not fail. He was secure in his purpose, confident in his abilities. Which was something Obi-Wan was not. He and Daylon sat in a small room watching their briefing. It was explicit. They were to infiltrate the society of traders, and 'buy' Mai Lin back without arousing suspicion. Erosian society was somewhat of a mystery though. It was known that men were dominant there, and that women were objects. Besides that, there was no other information. The ruler of the planet, Kama, was said to be very powerful, carefully guarding the secrets of the trade, but no one had ever seen him. At least, no one would speak of it if they had. Obi-Wan glanced at Daylon. Her face was impassive, green eyes staring straight ahead. The data went on. Obi-Wan would play the part of Ben Jinn, a rich businessman. Daylon would simply be whatever name he called her. She had no history, and no future. She was his slave, bought five years ago, while he was visiting an associate. They had a great sum of money at their disposal, courtesy of Senator Maltheson, which they would use to secure lodging. Once that had been accomplished, they would work their way into the society of the traders, and try to track down Mai Lin.
There was one last thing on the data pad: attire. The Senator had lent them an entire wardrobe it seemed, all exotic articles with little fabric. Daylon looked at it in disgust.
"They expect me to wear this?" she asked, holding up a nearly transparent dress and frowning. Obi-wan looked at it, and tried to divert his thoughts.
"Where are the shoes?" he asked.
"I don't think an outfit like this requires shoes."
"No, look. There are no shoes at all."
"Perhaps shoes are taboo." Daylon offered. It was not unheard of. But it would be another annoyance.
"Maybe… and I suppose shirts are taboo as well," he muttered, picking up pair after pair of trousers.
"There's a jacket," she pointed, "I'm going to get changed… I'll be right back."
Obi-Wan nodded. He played back the information on Eros in his mind, making sure that it was all there. Pulling out a pair of loose black pants and a blue jacket, he quickly changed, and carefully hid his saber in a pack. A muffled thump came from the adjacent room.
"Are you all right?"
"Yes. I just tripped on this… train of sorts. How am I supposed to wear this?"
"Do you need help?"
"No! I can manage to dress myself thank you." The voice became clearer as she stepped through the doorway. The clothing was complicated, but scarce. Sheer white fabric layered over pants in the style of an overly large tunic draped her body. Obi-Wan reserved the thoughts that came to his head for later meditation, and focused. They landed soon, and they needed to figure out a way to scope out behavioral patterns beforehand. It was decided that Obi-Wan would venture out alone at first, equipped with a small recording device. He would meet with a man contacted earlier: the one who would provide them their lodging, and their link to inner society.

Obi-Wan's first impression of Eros was one of splendor. Tropical and green, it was absolutely alive. Tall buildings' spires perched on eliptical domes reached above the trees. Warm sunlight and a cool breeze perfected the fantasy image. He was met by a group of human women, who placed flowers around his neck and spoke to him in a tongue he did not recognize. One spoke to him in basic though, and she explained that she would take him to meet Jaq, their first contact. Obi-Wan followed the women to a transport, in which he alone was taken to a grand estate. More women to greet him there; this place must have a population ratio of 20 to 1… the are so many of them, he thought. He was practically shoved into a cool hall with marble floors and vaulted ceilings.

"Come in, come in. What can I do for you?" called a man's voice. Obi-Wan moved down the hall until he came to a sitting area, occupied by whom he assumed to be Jaq, and three women.
"Jaq, I presume?"
"Guilty. And you are?" Jaq asked.
"Ben. Ben Jinn. I believe we spoke briefly?"
"Ah, yes. The property, renting for an extended visit. I remember now." Jaq laughed. He was older than Obi-Wan, but still young. He seemed… altered. Drugs I'll bet. The women were surrounding him constantly. One laid across his lap, another ran her hands down his chest, and the third one was kissing and biting his neck. He seemed amused by them, and responded to their touch occasionally, but otherwise he remained undisturbed.
"Go and get your belongings, and I will show you the place." Jaq said, pulling one of the girl's top off. "I have… business to attend to at the moment."
Obi-Wan did not need to be told twice. He quickly exited and returned to the transport, where he found Daylon a little miffed. She was in her classic pout position: chin resting on hand, lips pursed on pushed slightly out, brows knit.
"Did you get… sufficient information for your 'role'?" he asked. She huffed. "Come on now…don't do that. Whatever happened to 'you're right, Obi-Wan', and 'we have to remain objective'?" he continued. Wow, that's the second death glare I've caught this week, I'd better watch it.
"I heard that," Daylon said, standing up.
"Are you sure you're up to this though? Those women were quite…. Impressive."
"Oh, you think I can't do it? I can do it!"
"I didn't say anything. I just don't know if you can act… seductive."
"Seductive? Oh, I'll give you seductive, Kenobi. You just wait and see…"
Obi-Wan chuckled. He was of the sound opinion that she would fall flat on her face. Boy, was he wrong.

*

Back at Jaq's estate, Obi-Wan and Daylon entered the hall again, but Jaq wasn't there. A servant informed them that the master was waiting for them in the gardens. Which is exactly where they met him. He was standing, admiring a tree full of blossoms. He was short, with black hair, and yellow-gold eyes. Daylon noticed his hands. They were large, but his fingers were short, and his palms were smooth. He was not accustomed to physical labor.
"Ben, glad you're back," he said, shaking Obi-Wan's hand, while at the same time letting his eyes wander to Daylon. "Is this your servant? Great choice, truly commendable," he muttered. He stood beside Daylon and smelled her hair. "Clean, healthy." His gaze roved downwards. "And a nice frame." Daylon smiled and winked, giving a 'come-hither' glance. Jaq was about to touch one of her breasts when Obi-Wan caught his wrist.
"Don't."
"Ah, I see. A man who takes care of his possessions… I like that. Does she have a name?"
"Yes…" Obi-Wan searched. They hadn't talked of this. "Anya."
"Well, Anya," Jaq said, "It has truly been a pleasure. This way please." He proceeded to show them the grounds, and the apartment they would be staying in. It was large and spacious, again with high ceilings. Soft carpeted floors led them from a front hall, to a living space, and through a doorway into the single bedroom. There was also a small kitchen, adjacent to the living area.
"It will do nicely, we'll take it," Obi-Wan said.
"Great," Jaq grinned, "Great. May I have a word with you outside, Ben?"
"Certainly." He nodded to Daylon, and followed Jaq out. They walked for a short while before anything was said.
"Your Anya… she is beautiful. Is she your only servant?" Jaq asked.
"Yes. Why?"
"Well, I have never met a man with just one servant. Does she fulfill your needs?"
Obi-Wan's mind stuttered. "Yes. She does."
Jaq grinned. "She must be a fabulous lay."
If it hadn't been for the fact that he was on a mission, he would have hit Jaq. Hard. But instead he just mimicked his host's grin and nodded.
"Still, you really should try other types. I will take you to a trade tomorrow night, maybe we can find you some more nookie. In the meantime, we shall celebrate your arrival. Dinner will be at seven, in the dining hall of the main building. Come dressed."
"We will, thank you." Obi-Wan said. Did he mean dressed for dinner, or just dressed period? I wouldn't be surprised…
"Well, I must be off. See you… and Anya… at seven." Jaq walked away in a hurry.
Seven. Right.

*

"That man is detestable." Daylon spat, rifling through her pack and pulling out her saber. She tucked it under the mattress of the bed. If there ever was a time to use a saber…Obi-Wan was in the garden speaking to him now. She didn't truly wish to kill Jaq though. He was of little importance to the mission, and a minor nuisance.
"I don't know about that. We will be required to spend a great deal of time in his company." Obi-Wan said, flopping down on the bed. He loved soft beds. They were so much better than the temple sleep couches.
"When?"
Obi-Wan sat up, puzzled. "When what?"
"When do we have to spend time with that creep?"
"Oh, that. Tonight. Dinner at seven."
"And the trades?"
"Tomorrow."
"That was quick."
"Yeah, well, when he saw that I only had one servant, he declared me to be deprived. Said I needed more 'nookie'. So we're off to a trade tomorrow."
"I'd rather have you deprived than depraved. Nookie my ass."
"Daylon!" Obi-Wan grinned.
//Shhh! This place might be bugged, so no names. Come to think of it, don't say anything remotely pertaining to the mission.//
//You're right. Okay.//
Obi-Wan glanced out of the window. "Be prepared to leave in an hour, Anya."
"Yes, Master," she purred. //Should I call you master? Or Ben?//
//I don't know… I kind of like master…//
He smirked.
//You have a dirty mind, Obi-Wan Kenobi//
//Do I?//
Daylon swatted at him to get out of the room.
"Okay, okay, I'm going. Just be ready, okay?"
"Yes, Ben"
"Oh, that stings."
"Get out already."
Daylon went to her wardrobe and opened it up. I've never really had that much of a choice in dress before, she realized. What to wear, what to wear…She finally decided on an iridescent red dress. Evening gown style. This ought to do nicely…she thought with a grin. First Obi-Wan had told her that she couldn't be seductive, and then Jaq had said that she was an insufficient servant… she would go to dinner, and be the most seductive woman there! At least, she hoped that she would. Making the final adjustments to her attire, she stepped out into the main room, where Obi-Wan was waiting. It had taken her longer to dress than she had thought. It was already a quarter till seven.
"So, what do you think?" she asked. Obi-Wan glanced up.
"Nice."
"Is that all?"
He remained silent, just looking up at her. From where he sat on the sofa, she towered over him. Daylon did not think that it was a good place for him to be at that moment. "Come on, let's go" she huffed.
Obi-Wan closed off sections of his mind and put them away. He had to focus. Come on, this is Daylon we're talking about. He held out an arm, which she refused. Guess I should have complimented her…too late now. He thought.
They walked through the jungle-like gardens to the main building.
//Ready? // he asked. She didn't answer, but she was. As soon as they entered the dining hall, she completely transformed. She walked with unbelievable feline grace, swaying just so, and her posture was… enticing. Obi-Wan was utterly shocked. All eyes were on her as she walked beside him.
"Ben, Anya, come in. Have a seat." Jaq greeted. He stood as they came closer. "Anya, you look stunning."
"Thank you," she said. Her voice was different. She… purred. Jaq's jaw literally dropped. Obi-Wan's would have followed, had he not caught it.
"May I borrow her sometime?" Jaq asked.
"We'll see," Obi-Wan said. He took a seat. Daylon sat next to him, staying very close.
"Dinner is extra special tonight. I had my chef pull out all the stops." Jaq explained. He went on for a minute or so about the food and the splendor. Obi-Wan wasn't paying attention. First of all, the mindless talk was boring. And second, Daylon was practically in his lap. One hand was on his back, the other at the back of his neck. At first, he wondered what the hell she was doing, but then he saw that she was only mimicking the other servants.
"Eh, Ben?" Jaq asked.
"I'm sorry, what?" Obi-Wan perked up.
"I asked you if you wanted to eat now."
"Yes, I do," he said. Jaq clapped his hands and the meal was brought out. Daylon slid back into her own seat, but kept her eyes on him, giving the impression of an adoring servant. It was driving Obi-Wan mad. //Will you stop that? //
//Stop what? //
//Stop… doing what you're doing! //
//Does it make you nervous? //
//No. Just, turn it down a little, okay? //
//Sorry, can't do that. It would be suspicious. //
//Daylon! //
//Just relax, Obi. I won't bite. Hard. //

Obi-Wan could feel the smirk in her voice. He would just have to ignore her. Which was fine with him. If she wanted to play, she would just have to play alone. He pushed his food around on his plate.
"So, Anya, where do you come from?" Jaq asked over a glass of wine.
"Iona. I haven't been there since I was a kid though." She replied.
"Iona is a free system. How did you get into the slave trade?"
"Oh…when I was eighteen I was 'recruited' to the Mahari complex on Tatooine." The Mahari complex was a training facility, dealing in slaves and prostitution. It was quite elite, actually, only taking the best of the captured 'merchandise'.
"Mahari, eh? You must have learned a lot there…" Jaq grinned.
"Everything. And then some." Daylon was having fun with this. Obi-Wan just knew it.
"Maybe you could show me some time?"
"You would have to ask my master about that. I am very good… I don't know if he will want to share."
"I am sure we could work something out."
"Some other time, Jaq. Tell me about the trade we attend tomorrow." Obi-Wan interrupted.
"Oh, you don't want to hear about that. There are other things to talk about. Or," he said, grinning again, "We could play an after-dinner game…"
"No, I want to hear about the trade, please."
"I do too." Daylon purred. It worked. Jaq sighed.
"This is the Equinox Trade, very important. Kama purchases at this trade."
Obi-Wan remembered that Kama was the mysterious ruler of Eros. "Continue," he said.
"Well, the whole day is a festival, really. It starts at noon, with the bazaar. Merchants from all over come… really spectacular. It breaks around six for meals and resumes in the arena at eight. There is a lower trade until ten, and then the fun starts. The higher trade- the really choice stuff- goes until midnight. Kama attends the higher trade, of course."
"Will you be purchasing?" Obi-Wan asked.
"It depends. Maybe." Jaq said. "Why?" Now that he had finished his meal, the women were surrounding him again.
"No reason."
Daylon scooted closer once more, placing a hand on his shoulder. She's just following character, he told himself. She was even closer now. He could smell lavender.
"Would you like to see my ladies' gardens, Anya?" Jaq asked. He was trying to get Obi-Wan alone.
"I would." Said Daylon, standing up. She leaned over Obi-Wan. "Behave, or I'll have to punish you later."
Obi-Wan was getting sick of this. "What if I want you to?" he countered. A second's shock registered on her face, replaced quickly by a smirk. "You are naughty." She laughed as she left the room. The other women were ahead of her.
"She's a real firecracker." Jaq said.
"Yes, she is, isn't she." Obi-Wan sighed. It felt like he had just won a battle. But I'm far from winning the war, he thought.
"How long will you and Anya be staying here?"
"Oh, I don't know… it could be a week, it could be three."
"Good, good. You'll be here for the Shank'ra El'yah then?"
"Pardon?"
"The Shank're El'yah, the festival of Kama. It is four days after the Equinox trade."
"I am not sure. Perhaps."
"It's a load of fun. The whole planet becomes a playground."
"I should like to see that."
"You will. I believe that you will…"
Obi-Wan leaned forward in his seat. "What do you really want to talk about, Jaq?" he asked.
"Oh… nothing." Jaq lied.
"Go ahead, ask me whatever you want."
"Where are you really from, Ben Jinn?"
He was caught slightly off guard with the question.
"It is obvious that you are not the Erosian native that you claim to be." Jaq prodded. Obi-Wan's mind raced for a second, and then he relaxed. He would just have to bend their story.
"You've got me, Jaq. It's true- I'm not from here. Though, I wish I was. I was born on Coruscant. I came here once a long time ago, and absolutely loved it. So I came back. And here I am."
Jaq bought it completely. "I understand you, my friend. It is all too easy to become enslaved by my planet's beauty. I do not blame you for claiming birth here."
Obi-Wan had played on Jaq's pride, turning the conversation from his deception to the beauty of Eros. And it had worked perfectly. Jaq rambled for a bit longer, and then stood up.
"Come, I want to show you the gardens I built for my ladies." he said. "You can retrieve Anya there as well."
Obi-Wan followed him through a hallway to a vaulted doorway, leading outside. The garden was a square enclosure, with an abundance of tropical plants. Numerous fountains and chimes made ambient, yet soothing noise. They walked to the center of the garden where Jaq's ladies sat, along with Daylon, in a sunken area lined with benches.
"Ah, ladies, it is a beautiful night," Jaq exclaimed. It was. Daylon glided to Obi-Wan's side and caught his hand.
//It's late// she said. Obi-Wan did not physically acknowledge her comment. Instead, he said something to Jaq that she could not catch. Jaq grinned and bowed a goodnight farewell. They left through the back door of the garden. Once they were out of the light from the main building, Daylon let go of the hand she had been holding.
"What did you say to him?" she asked.
"Oh, I just reminded him that I was still awaiting punishment. He understood." Obi-Wan chuckled.
"That man is disturbing."
"You've said that before."
"I have? Well, I meant it."
"That's a far cry from the way you were acting towards him at dinner."
"That's different." She said.
Obi-Wan stopped walking and looked at her. He could just see her eyes in the darkness. "You are a paradox, Daylon. Like two different people." He said, suddenly reflective. She did not know what to say for a moment.
"No, Obi-Wan. It is you who are two personalities."
She walked the last few meters to their apartment, leaving him standing in the dark, alone. What does she mean, it is me? She is the one who changes. Not me… Not me… The words kept replaying in his mind: "It is you who are two personalities" He just couldn't understand. He was Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jedi knight. He was constant. Steady. He did not change! Searching his memory, he tried to find instants in which he had been different. But nothing came to mind. He could see Daylon changing: from Jedi to seductress; from closest friend to object of desire. But couldn't all of those changes been partly a change of his perception? Yes, they could. But his demeanor had not changed at those times. But she doesn't see my demeanor. She sees me. The me that no one else sees. This dawned on Obi-Wan in almost slow motion. The change in perception had been instigated by a change in him. But what had instigated that?
This weighed on his mind for a few minutes more before he decided to go inside. Sleep had always been therapeutic for him. That's what I need- sleep. He scooped up the mess in his mind and locked it away. Inside, he reached out with the force. Daylon was in the bedroom, getting ready for bed. He knocked on the door softly.
"Are you decent?" he asked. A laugh from inside indicated that she was. He opened the door to find her sitting on the bed, legs crossed, staring at the ceiling. She was wearing his clothes.
"Sorry about that," she said, picking up on his observation. "I wasn't provided with sleep clothes, or anything resembling them, so I just borrowed some things of yours. You don't mind, do you?"
"No, not at all." He paused. "What are you looking at?"
She gestured for him to come closer. "The dome in the ceiling. It becomes transparent at night, and the stars are incredible."
Obi-Wan flopped onto the bed beside her. It was soft. If there was one thing he enjoyed about missions, it was soft beds. Anything beat the not-so-comfortable-but-good-for-your-back sleep couches at the temple. He scooted around until he was on his back, with his hands behind his head. Daylon did her best to stay out of his way.
"I hope you don't fidget like that in your sleep. And take your boots off!" she said lightly. Obi-Wan complied.
"We will be sharing the bed then?" he asked. The possibility of being so close to someone he couldn't understand at the moment, when he couldn't even understand himself, bothered him slightly.
"I think it's necessary. From what I got from Jaq's servants, he wanders around at night."
"Lovely. So we have to play even while asleep?"
"Looks like it, so get comfy." Daylon smiled dryly. "But not too comfy. I don't want any snoring, blanket stealing, or cold feet, got it?"
Obi-Wan laughed. It was sort of a joke of theirs. They had shared beds before, and it wasn't objectionable at all, but there was one time… on a mission to a very cold world. They had been separated from Qui-Gon, and lost. Night fell, and there was nowhere to go and nothing to do except wait and keep warm. So they had set up a mock camp in a cave. To conserve warmth, they had doubled up their survival blankets and huddled together, talking to stay awake. She had told him not to snore, and he had told her not to kick. The blanket stealing and cold feet followed. They had been about sixteen then… it seemed like a long time ago.
"That was as fun as hypothermia will ever get." Daylon sighed.
"Yes, I have to agree with you on that." He got up abruptly, jostling the bed again.
"Where are you going?"
"To change. Be right back. Don't miss me too much."
//Don't worry. //
"Ha!" came the call from the bathroom. A minute later he came back, dressed in loose pants.
"No shirt?" Daylon raised an eyebrow.
"I wasn't provided with shirts, remember? Except for my own tunic, which you are wearing."
"Oh. Well then when's the last time you showered?"
"This morning! Right after someone used the hot water, as I remember it. And I wouldn't be talking. You're the one who has chosen to sleep in my dirty tunic."
"Dirty? You brought a dirty tunic on the trip here?"
"I didn't exactly have the time to do laundry. Besides," he leaned over and sniffed Daylon's shoulder, "It doesn't smell all that bad."
"No, it smells like you, that's all."
"Ouch. At least I remembered to bring a tunic from the ship. Admit it, you owe me. "
"Oh, yes, master, I am at your service. Of course."
"Don't mock me! I'm serious. Without my tunic you would be at a disadvantage."
"No, I would just wear something else."
"I'd like to see you try to sleep in one of those weird outfits."
"I would take you up on that challenge, but it isn't necessary and I'm tired."
"A great reason to do anything."
"Shut up and get to bed already." She used the force to throw a pillow at him.
"Yes, Master. I wouldn't want to be hurt by the flying pillows."
She threw another one as he was pulling back the sheets, and it cuffed his head.
"Hey!" He picked up a pillow and threw it at her.
"I am not going to get into a pillow fight with you, Obi-Wan Kenobi."
"Why? Afraid that I might win?" he smirked. But only for a short moment, as a pillow flew at his head. In minutes, the place was a mess and the pair were sprawled across the bed, laughing.
"Remember the time we did that in the temple gardens with those Shala Flowers?" Daylon asked.
"You mean those big fluffy things that grow on that one bush? Yes, I remember. Yoda got caught in the crossfire." He chuckled.
"That was the day I learned to respect the gimmer stick."
"That was also the day that I learned how funny master Yoda could look with fluff all over him."
They both laughed at the memory of the short green master covered in white flowers. Daylon got up and piled the pillows into the corner. Then she powered the illumination down to ten percent and slid under the covers.
"Goodnight Obi-Wan." She yawned. Within minutes, she was asleep. Jedi learned from an early age how to utilize rest hours by going directly into deep sleep. Likewise, they learned how to go from a deep sleep into full awareness in seconds. Obi-Wan would not need that this night though, and let his thoughts drift. The windows were open, and a warm breeze blew through the room, yet Obi-Wan shivered. He slipped under the sheets, careful not to wake Daylon.
What to think about… No idea where Mai Lin is. Jaq had nothing to do with it. I didn't feel any lingerings in the Force. She was never at this location, that's for sure. Maybe at the trades. We'll find something there, I can sense it. Or is it that something will happen? He closed his eyes and tried to grab hold of the whispers in the Force, but they slipped away. Nothing…Where I started… His thoughts became gradually clouded, slowing down until sleep swallowed him into blackness.

The light shone in his eyes, making it difficult to see, but he knew where he was: the temple gardens. Daylon was there… but she was different. She was younger, maybe sixteen. He watched as she walked towards him, skipping. The closer she got though, her gait changed. She was walking with a steady stride now; now a comfortable sway… and as she covered the last few feet her pace was a slow almost prowl. He had been watching her feet, but now he looked up to see the face of twenty-eight year old Daylon. She smirked at him. "What's the matter Obi?" she asked. "Afraid?"
"No," he stammered, watching from oddly distanced eyes as she leaned close and brushed a soft kiss on his lips.
"I think you are," she said. Time slowed down to a heartbreaking pace. Obi-Wan blinked and it seemed an eternity before light reentered his eyes. When it finally did, Daylon was gone. He could smell her though, light lavender hovering where she was. Inhaling deeply, he couldn't believe that she was gone. He called out for her in vain, and hung his head. "I'm not afraid," he murmured.
"Obi-Wan, self denial will not help you," came a familiar voice from behind him.
"Master?"
"Yes, Padawan."
"But, you… I saw it-"
"There is an explanation. You are dreaming." Qui-Gon said, laughing. Obi-Wan frowned slightly. "So, what is it that you wish to ask me?"
"What do you mean?"
"There must be something weighing on you, Obi-Wan, or else your subconscious wouldn't have summoned me. Think…"
"I… don't know if this is the sort of thing that I could speak of…"
Qui-Gon sighed and placed a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder. "A woman."
"Yes… Sort of. It's Daylon."
"Tell me about it,"
Now it was Obi-Wan's turn to sigh. "Master, I don't know what to do. She keeps… changing. She is my closest friend, and she always will be, but sometimes – especially lately – she has seemed something else. I find myself extremely attracted to her. I don't know why."
"It's rather obvious, padawan. You are good friends, partners in raising Anakin, and partners on this mission. It seems only natural that one or both of you would be interested in taking the next step."
"But that would ruin everything—"
"Would it?"
Obi-Wan paused.
"What would it ruin, padawan?"
"We wouldn't be allowed to work together,"
"Says who?"
"The council, I suppose,"
"But do you
know?"
"No, I don't."
"So it is a possibility that your working relationship would remain unchanged."
"Yes." Obi-Wan conceded.
"What else?"
"We… we couldn't be friends anymore."
At this Qui-Gon laughed. "Couldn't be friends? You'd be the best kind of friends!"
Obi-Wan looked down sheepishly. "What if it didn't work out? Then what?"
"What if the sun died? Do you really think that a romantic relationship between the two of you would end bitterly, if it ended at all? Is Daylon one to hold a grudge?"
"No,"
"Granted, you have quite a temper, but I think that she could straighten you out there…."
"Master." Obi-Wan knitted his brows. "This is serious."
"Is it?"
"What do you mean? Of course it's serious!"
"I see. Something that should be thoroughly analyzed and weighed before a decision is made? A sort of scientific matter, then?"
"Scientific? No."
"Then what?"
Obi-Wan was slightly bewildered. His master was asking him to define the nature of subconscious decision-making. And he had no idea.
"I will give you a hint padawan. It has nothing to do with thinking."
"The force?"
"No, Obi-Wan. Your heart." He poked the young man in the chest with two fingers. "Love is a matter of the heart. What does it say to you?"
"I don't know… She seems to be two people. I just saw her go from a child to an adult as she walked toward me. I don't know what it means."
"A child to an adult, eh? Are you sure she didn't grow from a girl into a woman?"
It was like a light flickered in Obi-Wan's mind. His Master had something here…
"I think I am beginning to understand, master."
Qui-Gon smiled. "Good."
"Just one more thing-- How do I approach her?"
"How you always approach her. With complete honesty and openness. One of the benefits of being a jedi is that jedi say what they feel. There is very little game-playing. You know this. Apply it."
"Thank you, master."
"You are welcome, my padawan. May the Force be with you."
Before Obi-Wan could say goodbye, his Master was gone, and he was left standing in the gardens. The sound of rippling water made him turn around. Daylon was there. ..
"Daylon…"
"
Yes? Obi-Wan?" She shook his shoulder. "Wake up, we have to get ready."
"Ready for what? I'm ready," he murmured.
"No, you are not ready, now get up!" She used the force to pull him to his feet.
"Okay, all right, I'm going…"

***

Jaq slipped from his room, making sure that no one would notice his exit. Silently, he got dressed in the dark, and made his way outside. It was just past midnight, the night before auction day. His new guests should be just settled in now… He had wondered about Jinn's girl since he first saw her. He couldn't decide whether she was nothing, or an explosion waiting to happen. But dinner had really piqued his interest. She was obviously very hot, maybe too hot. And she had turned him down too…. That really irked him. He wasn't used to being dismissed by a woman. At least he would be able to watch her… even if it was with Jinn.
He walked up to the French doors that opened on the bedroom and pushed them inwards. They swung open without a sound. There was the prize, in bed… asleep. And so was Jinn.
Damn! He was right the first time, she was nothing. Nothing to him, at least. And apparently nothing to Jinn. This made Jaq pause to think. A girl like that… no one wanted one. So maybe he would do his guest a little favor… Say, get him a better deal? Maybe a deal that wouldn't object to spending some time with Jaq too, eh? Yes, that was it.
He started to turn to go when he heard a noise. A soft grating… he peeked in again. A glass of water was moving across the dresser. As he watched, it lifted up and over to the bed, where Anya reached up for it! Jaq waited until she had turned over again before he ran.

"Yes, Hash? It's Jaq… I have a proposition for you… there's this girl I think you'd be interested in. She's a force-sensitive."
***

At breakfast the table was unusually silent. Jaq was without his lady escorts for once, and he ate his meal intently.
"I am looking forward to the Equinox trade, Jaq." Obi-Wan ventured. "What time must we leave?"
At this Jaq perked up. "Eleven. You two will enjoy it immensely. I'm sure."
"Is there anything I should know before we leave?"
"No, no. I will explain whatever you do not know as we go along. There are really no rules… except Anya must wear white."
"White?" Obi-Wan asked. He glanced at Daylon, but she said nothing.
"Yes, it is the appropriate color for women at the Equinox."
He nodded. White. Got it.
Daylon sniffed slightly.
//What?//
//Nothing, it's just… white. Kind of tame for Eros, don't you think?//
//I suppose…//

//I should just be glad it isn't red.//

//Me too.//
"Are you satisfied with your meal?" Jaq asked.
"Yes, very much. Thank you."
"And you, Anya?"
"Yes. Thanks."
"Well I must depart now, to prepare, I will meet you in the front hall at eleven." He said. After he had gone, Daylon sighed. Obi-Wan knew what she was feeling—dread.
*

Daylon stood in the large bathroom, and started to prepare herself. They were going to a slave trade arena, where women would be the prize, and she needed to set her mind to 'caution'. There were many dangers. If she showed any emotion, she would stand out as someone not accustomed to slave trading. That would be detrimental. So she meditated for a while, and focused on tapping into the force. She would need it. A few moments later she had found the white garment she was to wear. It was sheer and tight, and not at all to her liking. But it was the only white thing besides her underwear, and that was not an option. She ran a brush through her long hair and looked in the mirror. She didn't look bad. Actually, she might pass for pretty. I wonder if he will notice.
She looked at herself closely. What had she just thought? Why would it matter if anyone noticed, much less him? But what startled her most was that he was Obi-Wan. How odd… She couldn't look at herself anymore. She left the bathroom quickly, brushing past Obi-Wan on the way out.
"Are you all right?" he asked. She turned around slowly, collecting herself.
"I'm fine."

*

The arena was not what Obi-Wan had expected. It was more like an opera house than a slave auction. Formally dressed men crowded the floor. A few women servants here and there wore fine gowns, and clung to their masters. Daylon was not clinging to anyone though. She walked behind them, assuming a submissive posture again. It almost pained Obi-Wan to see her look so… defeated. She had only truly looked like that once before, many years ago. But there was no time to remember. Jaq practically dragged them across the floor to a private box.
"So this is the standard auction. I'm not buying tonight, but you feel free to go ahead. This is Wen's box, he's a colleague of mine, he lets me use it. Up we go," Jaq rambled. He pushed a button and the box shot up a few meters. From there they could easily see the auctioning stage. The lights flickered twice.
"Here we go," Jaq said. Obi-Wan could sense Daylon tensing up beside him. He knew it was difficult for her to see other women peddled, unwillingly, for profit. Hell, it was difficult for him. He reached over and squeezed her hand. //It's okay// She eased up a little, but not entirely.
The auction started. A tall man walked up to the center with a sound amplifying device.
"Welcome to the arena, gentlemen! Bidders get ready… here we go! Our first item is a lovely tw'ilek female, aged twenty standard years. Do I have twenty thousand? Twenty? Twenty five?"
Obi-Wan leaned towards Jaq. "How do they price them, these days?" he asked.
"It generally starts at one thousand for every standard year up to thirty five, and then it levels off. If she's particularly nice, maybe they'll start at twenty thousand over standard. The most I've ever seen is a twenty-five year old iegan go for one hundred eighteen. She was something…"
Obi-Wan nodded. That meant that if Mai Lin had been sold, her starting price would have been thirty thousand. They could check transaction records to see who had spent that amount the week of Mai's disappearance. Meanwhile, the bids went on. The tw'ilek went for thirty thousand. Another woman was brought out. Daylon watched in disgust. She didn't want to think of what it would be like, to be up there, in heavy chains, displaying her 'assets'. Most of the women were crying. It ripped at her soul to see them. Gods, how can these men do this? Who gave them the right to buy and sell other people?
Obi-Wan felt no different. He sat and endured though, watching the crowd more than the show, looking with the force. He saw nothing. No one there had anything to hide. That in itself was a little disturbing. Each mind was utterly open, not caring what anyone would think. Even non-force-users shielded to some extent, making it possible for Obi-Wan to detect the willingness of the person to be read. But these people… He focused on one man towards the front. The man was waving a bidding chip over his head, but in his mind he was attacking the woman on display in some violent fantasy. Obi-Wan backed out quickly. He suddenly had a new appreciation for mental shields. He tested to see if Daylon's were up. They were. Tight. She was pouting again. Except it was a contemplative pout. Looking to his left he saw that he wasn't the only observant one. Jaq was openly staring at Daylon.
"Is there something on you mind Jaq?" Obi-Wan asked. Immediately, he wished he hadn't, because he scanned Jaq reflexively. Before he could withdraw he was bombarded with extremely erotic images, all featuring Daylon. Or Anya, as she was being called in the dream. He slammed his mind shut and tried to block out the sights playing in his head, but it was too late. They were already there. All of this took maybe a millisecond to occur, but it haunted Obi-Wan for quite some time afterwards.
The auction wrapped up at ten, and they left their box to get some fresh air before the high auction started. Daylon followed Obi-Wan and Jaq through the crowd to the side door. When it was opened, cool air rushed up to greet her. "Ahh, this is so much better." She sighed.
"Yes, it can get quite stagnant in there," Jaq muttered. He pulled out a cigar and offered one to Obi-Wan. "Jinn?"
"No thank you. How long do we have?"
"Not long. We should probably go back now."
As they reentered, Daylon got a totally different sense from the room. It was much more crowded than before, if it was possible, and there were different minds here… stronger minds. It was all a jumble of thoughts and emotions, making it hard to feel what was coming from where, but she could definitely tell that something was wrong.
//Obi-Wan,//

//Yes. I feel it too. It must be the energy of the auction, the tension.//

//No,//

//Daylon, calm down, you're going to blow our cover.//
//I mean it, something is wrong.//
//Don't worry, It'll all be over soon.//

//I hope you're right//
She tried to grasp his hand, but the crowd was too thick, so she tried to stay as close as she could.
"Is that Kama?" Obi-Wan asked, pointing to a large box with the privacy curtains drawn.
"Yes, It is…" Jaq started. Daylon was losing them. She tried to push through, but it was getting harder and harder…
She jumped as a hand fell on her shoulder, and another over her mouth. Before she could reach out for Obi-Wan, a force-restricting collar was snapped around her neck. She was alone. Her hands bound behind her back with some sort of cloth. More hands lifted her up and started to carry her towards the back of the hall. Someone help me! Obi-Wan…
She could only guess that they were behind the stage of the hall, because of the many girls in chains. It suddenly clicked: she was going to be sold. This warranted a burst of adrenaline and a desperate struggle, but without the force she couldn't do anything. The hand moved from her mouth.
"You can't sell me, I have an owner! Ben Jinn! He's my owner!" she shouted.
"He ain't no more, so shut up," the man said, slapping a chip patch onto her neck, just below her larynx. She could no longer speak. So she couldn't protest when a man with a medkit walked over and pulled out what looked like a scanning device. Oh gods, please don't sedate me… He passed the device over her abdomen once, twice, three times. It beeped in confirmation of something…
"Okay, this one's sterilized. You can take her now."
Sterilized? Please no… Please, please not that…no…
She was pushed into a line and watched over carefully. But it wasn't necessary. She was completely numb.
*