On the Loom of Chariclo 10

Before either Kanan or Ezra could say anything, the green twi'lek, Fenek entered the little dining room, headless of permission. "Miss!" she breathed excitedly. "We have a guest!" Her eyes positively shined.

Now Kam's own face lit up as she gave the woman a kiss. "Judging by the look in your eyes, I don't think it's the local constabulary, looking for his tribute, is it?"

"Close," she replied, draping her lekku over Kam's shoulders. "I'm sure he's looking for something like that."

Kam smiled, then pulled away, slightly embarrassed. "Remind him that I have business first… and I might need him later. Both of you."

"Yes, Miss." Fen said, understanding flashing across her features. "Should I prepare a private room?"

"Yes," said Kam, hardening her features. "The larger room." as an after thought, she added. "And bring a reflective glass. I'll be along shortly."

Ezra blushed from the root of his scalp to his toes. What ever they were planning, he hoped he and Kanan were long on their way back to Chopper Base before it happened. Kanan was unmoved. If he had sensed any sexual tension or innuendo, he had chosen to ignore it.

Trying to follow Kanan's example, he tried to act nonplussed. "I thought it was obvious what we're going to do! We're going home, aren't we Kanan!"

Kanan didn't answer right away, until after a long pause, he only said Ezra's name quietly.

"Kanan?"

"We should talk about this..."

"There's nothing to talk about!" Ezra cried, "We're going home! They're waiting for us! Zeb, Sabine and - "

"Don't say it!"

"I don't have to!" Ezra cut him off, but his anger was cooling. "You promised..." he said at last.

A Jedi shall not know anger,

or fear,

or hatred,

or love...

Kanan Jarrus had learned this from infancy.

But he knew all of them.

And he was still, in his heart a Jedi...

He sighed.

"Yes… I did. I did promise."

Kampher, who had been watching all of this in silence only nodded, as if she had expected it.

"I must go tend to my… visitor," she said at last. "You'll need to stay until at least nightfall, after… the event. In the mean time, the house is yours of course. Kanan, I'll need to see to you privately, later." she gave a pointed look at Ezra, who blushed again. He had an idea what the Healer was talking about. At least he hoped he did.

"Anything you want to talk to me about, you can say in front of Ezra," Kanan said firmly. "Anything."

"Of course," she said. "Kenbe can show you where you can exercise and meditate, if you'd like, Kanan. Ezra, my son wanted to spend time with you, if you would."

"Uh, sure..."

"Go with the boy, Ezra," Kanan said to him. "He might be able to teach you something. He was raised in a Jedi environment."

"More like try turn my brain into mush grass if he can," Ezra replied grumpily. Still he was curious.

"I won't!" cried a new voice, even as Kam began to leave. "I promise! Cross my heart an' hope to die! Stick a saber in my eye! Mama! Pappa's here! He wants to talk to you now!"

Young Kay'leb burst into the now crowded room, followed by the rodian, Kenbe. He jumped into his mother's waiting arms. He grew serious. "He looks worried, mama!"

"I'm going," she sighed, setting her son down. "We'll join you all for last meal, and talk then, Kanan, if you will follow Kenbe..."

Kampher embraced her husband warmly, then pulled away as if to scold him for coming when there was so much he needed to do elsewhere.

"What is it Schurke?" she asked, seeing the concern in his eyes. "I know you missed me but..."

"You have to close it down, Kam," he said without preamble. "The Emperor is instating a 'morality cleaning'." He laughed bitterly. "Too many state secrets are becoming pillow talk., and with the growing unrest in the Senate..."

"Should I apply for a state run license then?" There was humor in her question, but she knew the answer. "A new title? Consort to the Outer rim?"

"There's a new guy in charge," Schurke said quietly. "Fanatical, straight laced – smart..."

"Dangerous." Kampher finished for him. "I understand." She kissed him softly. "The Regional Governor has been making eyes at the house for a while now. I'm sure I can coddle one last… agreement with him. It might take a week, a month at most."

"Can you do it sooner?" he asked. "Kam, this is urgent..." He pulled her closer. "I know I'm asking a lot."

"You always have."

"And you've always come through. Have I told you that I love you, lately?"

"Say it again, I like it."

"I love you, Kampher Canaille… always have." He began to nuzzle her throat, eliciting a sigh.

"Schurke..."

"I know that sigh, Kam. What do you want me to do."

"The other Jedi, Kanan..."

"Kam, I don't think he'd be interested -"

"He's blind..."

Schurke pushed away a little and met her eyes. "Have you asked him? You don't know if it would even work!"

"We tried once – Fen did it!"

"Kam!"

"He was sedated, Schurke. Heavily sedated! And it was only for a few moments..."

Schurke narrowed his eyes. "You didn't even warn him? Do you know how dangerous that was, for all of you? Especially Fen?" He paused, exhaling. "And?"

"It worked..."

Schurke ran his fingers through his hair, keeping the other arm around his wife, considering.

"The boy wants to us to try again."

"Does the master? Let me guess, you haven't asked him yet."

Quietly. "No..."

"I think it's a bad idea, Kam," he said at last, but drawing her in. "But if he's willing – of his own volition – then yes. We can try."

She sighed, and traced her fingers lightly down his spine. "Thank you," she murmured into his throat.

He caught her chin on his fingertips, and raised her head to meet his eyes. "You owe me, and I think I want to collect right now."

"I think that can be arranged. Do you want me to call Fen?" she asked playfully.

"No," He replied, sweeping her into his arms. "This time, I want just you all to myself..."

Without another word, he carried her to her private room, and locked the door behind.