A/N: Alright, I'm over my emo bullshit. Time to write some serious ficcage.

Chapter 6

As the trio made their way to the docking bay where they were set to meet their Jedi guests, Aleena couldn't help but wonder if the Council had it in for her. Though she had grown up directly under Mace Windu's guard, she never thought that one day he would become a member of the Council itself. He had watched her grow up with Mistress Keera and was always very strict with her; both of them were. It was no wonder that she had become a Knight at the young age of eighteen when two of the best Jedi she had ever known had taught her. Still, what kind of assignment was this anyway? Had the Council been smoking something? This was completely unheard of. Either way, she hoped against all hope that this Obi-Wan Kenobi was at least semi-attractive.

She sat up.

Obi-Wan?

Why is that name familiar? she thought, running her fingers over the material of her cloak. She seemed to recall a night a few weeks previous before she had left for Kaaleita.

---

It was just after the news of her master's death had arrived at the Temple, and Aleena was so overwhelmed by the news that she had no choice but to head out for a drink. Upon her arrival at the tiny, seedy bar, she felt a pair of eyes on her immediately. Stripped of any Jedi uniform and clad only in black, she slammed her shields into place. No one was going to play games with her that night. She was not in the mood for a one-night stand, let alone conversation. She just wanted to mourn.

A few drinks later, she still was not relaxed, and the bartender began to take pity on her. She had turned down several gentleman patrons, and looked deep-seated in sorrow. The bartender smiled at her weakly, sliding over another shot of rum. She nodded in return. Just as she had tossed back the shot and was about to leave, yet another young man took a seat next to her.

"Hello," he said. Aleena looked up and inspected the intruder. The Padawan haircut gave him up immediately. Strange, she had thought, she had never seen this one before. "I'm Obi-Wan. How do you do?"

"You're rather presumptuous," Aleena drunkenly replied.

"I'm afraid I don't take your meaning, Miss."

"I'm not here to pick up anyone, let alone a Jedi apprentice," she answered before climbing off the stool and storming off. Obi-Wan followed, curious. She led him out to the dark underworld of Coruscant and rolled her eyes when he appeared next to her as she was waiting for a taxi. "Didn't I tell you off already?"

"What is your name?" he asked.

"None of your business."

"You seem a little drunk, Miss. Might I escort you home?"

"No."

"At least tell me your name."

Aleena turned to him, annoyed. "It's Aleena. I don't need an escort; I can find my way back on my own. Thank you and goodnight."

Obi-Wan opened his mouth to reply, but before he could a taxi appeared and Aleena got in without another word. Before he could say "goodnight" the cab was gone.

--

Hmm… Aleena thought bleakly, massaging her temples. I wonder if it is the same Padawan?

"You said his name is Obi-Wan?" she asked Jamario. He nodded.

"Obi-Wan Kenobi. His master is Qui-Gon Jinn."

"Why haven't I heard of these people before?" Aleena asked.

Jamario shrugged. "Probably for the same reason I'd never heard of you before this. Apparently the Jedi Order doesn't train all their apprentices on Coruscant. Not many Jedi know this, but clearly it happens. I had heard of your master, of course. She was very well-known. However, I had no idea she had had an apprentice. She was never at the Temple though, so you must've been why. Something happened to her about twenty years ago and she wasn't seen at the Temple often afterwards. Nobody knows for certain what went on though. Maybe you'd like to enlighten me?"

"Not a clue," Aleena said. "I just know I spent most of my life on Kaaleita and very little time at the Temple. When I was at the Temple I was always with Master Windu, Master Yoda or Mistress Keera. I've never really socialized with other Jedi."

"It's highly unheard of for such things to go on. If I didn't know better I'd say the Council was trying to protect you, though from what I'm not sure."

Aleena nodded, looking out the window. "By the way," she asked. "What is my name?"

"I'm afraid I don't take your meaning," Jamario said, cocking his head to the side.

"Well, do I have a fake name or am I keeping my name?"

Jamario furrowed his brow. "You know, I'm not sure. I suppose you could keep it since they've never heard of you, but it might be smarter to change it."

"What should I change it to?"

"That's up to you, I suppose. I'm surprised the Council didn't discuss this with you."

"You have too much faith in them," Aleena snapped sarcastically.

"Oh look, we're here!" Elysia announced as the speeder zoomed towards the docking bay. She set it down below in the parking area and the trio stepped out. Above them, a transport was landing and two Jedi were on their way out.

"Well, good luck, Aleena," Jamario said as he climbed back into the speeder, this time in the driver's seat.

"Where are you going?" Aleena demanded in horror.

"Well, it would be a bit obvious if I were to accompany you, so I'm going to sit this one out. See you later." He winked, closed the door and sped off. Elysia giggled.

"He's silly sometimes," she sighed.

"I cannot even believe he just did that!" Aleena exclaimed.

"I can," Elysia replied. "He's right—it would be a bit obvious."

Aleena was silent for a moment. "I suppose…"

"Come on," Elysia said, grabbing Aleena's arm, "We're going to be late. By the way, hike up your skirt a bit more."

"Why?" Aleena demanded. "Do I not look trashy enough?"

"Nope."

Aleena rolled her eyes and did as she was told. The two then walked up to the landing zone above them, arriving just in time to see two regal-looking Jedi walking down the ramp.

"Master," Obi-Wan said. "Do you see those two women?"

"Yes…" Qui-Gon replied offhandedly. "What about them?"

"Are they prostitutes?"

"No, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon chuckled. "The one with the darker hair is our hostess, and I'm not sure who the young lady with the silver hair is. She must be a friend or a servant."

"That's her?" Obi-Wan exclaimed. "She's the bounty hunter we're staying with?"

"Yes."

"She looks like a prostitute."

"I don't think she would appreciate you saying that, Padawan. Keep your judgments to yourself."

As the two Jedi approached Aleena and Elysia, Aleena's eyes widened. It was the same Obi-Wan. How could she use a fake name when she had already told him her real one? This would be tricky. She drew in a breath and looked at Elysia one last time before the Jedi were within earshot.

"Here's where the fun begins," she muttered. Elysia smiled.

"Indeed it is," she answered slyly.

"Welcome to Corellia," Aleena said, opening her arms. "It's an honor to have two Jedi as my guests."

"It's an honor for us to stay with you," Qui-Gon said. "My name is Qui-Gon Jinn and this is my apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi."

Aleena turned to Obi-Wan and stuck out her hand. Her eyes met his and she noticed he was staring at her intensely. Mind shields in place, she was confident he couldn't sense the Force in her. The question was, how long would she be able to keep the game up?

"It's nice to meet you, Obi-Wan," Aleena said, as stoically as she possibly could, all the while looking him over. He was much more attractive in the light than in the dark of the bar.

"A pleasure, m'lady," Obi-Wan answered with a small smile, taking her hand and kissing it gently. He looked up at her and she swore he was giving her the most seductive look she had ever seen. Aleena tried not to shiver as she pulled her hand away.

"Right," she said. "Well, let's be off, shall we?"

"How rude of you not to introduce yourself, m'lady," Obi-Wan said.

"Now, now, Padawan," Qui-Gon chided, "You're being rude yourself. Though, he is right, m'lady."

"Oh, yes," Aleena said nervously. "My name. You know my name, of course, but I did not introduce myself properly."

Think of a name, any name. Think of one now. Come on, Aleena, you can do this. Just pick a name.

"And my name, of course, is very important. You will need to know it so you can address me properly."

Elysia's eyes widened and she stared at Aleena hard.

"So about that name?" Obi-Wan prompted. "Did you forget it or something?"

"Uhh…" Aleena stuttered. Suddenly it came to her. She would use her childhood nickname. Perfect! "It's Lita… Lita Gani."

"I see," said Qui-Gon with a smile. His eyes bore through Aleena and she knew now the only person who was being tricked was Obi-Wan.

"Are you related to the Jedi Keera Gani by chance?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Who?" Aleena asked. "I don't believe I've heard of her."

"Well, you know how common names can be, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said. "I'm surprised you've heard of her."

"Just a name I heard once. Recently deceased, is she not?"

Aleena froze before choking back a cough. She quickly covered it with a cough when she noticed Obi-Wan look up. "Sorry," she murmured. "I've been sick."

"Well," Qui-Gon said, noticing a subject change was sorely needed, "Let's get back to the apartment, shall we?"

"Yes," Aleena said with a stiff smile. "I'm freezing."

"I bet," Obi-Wan muttered as he walked past her. Aleena rolled her eyes, noticing his eyes moving up and down her scantily-clad body. It would be a miracle if he didn't seduce her first.

--

A/N: How 'bout them apples? Not bad for the first fic attempt in a few years. Review, s'il vous plait. Merci!