Not What It Seems.....
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Faster than anyone could blink, Mahlee had sprung forward and now held Arella in place with a dagger pressing against her throat. Arella gasped in terror but dared not move.
"I knew there was a reason I didn't like you," Mahlee growled into her captive's ear.
"Mahlee!" her mother shouted. "Let her go this instant!"
"No, Mother!" the girl resisted. "She lied to us. She's taken advantage of our hospitality, eaten our food -- of which we have very little. It's her and her kind that have put us in this miserable situation to begin with. She should pay!"
Arella gasped again as Mahlee's grip tightened around her waist and the knife grazed her skin. She blinked hard and then opened her eyes to see a bewildered Del standing before her. No friendly smile warmed his face this time, only an expression of wounded betrayal as he recalled the secrets he had divulged the day before.
"Is Jex right? Are you really 'her'?" he asked.
She hesitated before finally whispering a faint "yes." The astonished look on Del's face let her know that he was crushed by this revelation. Dropping his head, he turned and walked away.
"Mahlee," Daylonne asserted again.
"Yes, Mahlee, please put that knife away," Jex ordered casually. "She's of no use to us dead."
The girl eyed Jex carefully, contemplating his words before slowly letting her hand drop to her side. Arella crumbled to her knees, her hands around her throat as if checking to make sure it was still unscathed.
"This is ridiculous!" Daylonne declared angrily. "I don't care who she is, I will not allow someone to be treated like this in my home! Mahlee, I will discuss your behavior with you later. The rest of you, go. Jex, come with Miss Tenot and me into the hut." The woman kindly helped Arella up from the ground, dusting off the plain dress she had loaned the young woman earlier that morning. "I'm so sorry, Ana--- I mean, Arella," she corrected. She put her arm around Arella and led her back inside the hut.
Jex followed the two women inside with a feeling of triumph filling his breast. Yes, now he would have a positive report to send back to headquarters. Now the rest of their plan could continue. Everyone was already in place and just waiting for the word. Victory was close at hand.
Then he remembered..... she hadn't been alone.
He moved up close behind her and leaned in to whisper in her ear. "Where's your 'friend', Miss Tenot? The one with the shiny toy?" he asked. Arella snapped her head around and glared daggers at him. She wouldn't give this scum the pleasure of a response. "Was anyone with her?" he finally asked Daylonne realizing Arella wasn't going to cooperate with him.
"Yes. A young man.... Ben," the woman replied as she cleared the table of bread dough.
Again Jex laughed out loud for the second time in mere minutes. Still Arella glared at him in disgust. "Ben?" he managed in between guffaws. "Is that who Mylo is with?" Daylonne nodded. "Ben -- or whatever his real name is -- just so happens to be a Jedi."
"What?!" Daylonne exclaimed stopping in mid-wipe of the table. "A Jedi?" She glanced to Arella for confirmation and the look on the young woman's face was assurance enough. "Oh, my! That rather complicates things, doesn't it?"
"Maybe... but maybe not." Jex pushed Arella into a chair and then pulled Daylonne off to the side for a private conversation. "Daylonne, this is exactly the chance we've been waiting for. I had hoped to have her several days ago, but we have her now. We can proceed with our original plan."
Should she tell them that she could hear every word they were saying?, Arella wondered. No, she decided to play dumb for the time being. What were they going to do with her? And what was this 'plan'?
"Oh, Jex, I just don't..." Daylonne began. "... I just don't want anyone hurt. Despite who her father is, she's been no trouble at all these last few days."
"No one needs to be hurt, Daylonne," Jex assured her. "She's just our ace in the hole with Tenot. We've got to take this opportunity. I'm sure Mylo would agree."
Daylonne was silent for a few seconds before nodding her head in apprehensive agreement. "I just don't want anyone hurt."
"Just trust me," Jex urged. "Now, why don't you go check on the children. Keep them away from here. I'll 'explain' things to Miss Tenot." Arella watched in veiled horror as Daylonne left the hut leaving her alone with Jex. She dared not move from her seat but refused to look at him. He pulled up a chair next to her and swung his legs around it sitting in it backwards and leaning his elbows up on the back.
"So, fancy meeting you here," he mocked. She merely snorted in revulsion and shot him a withering glance before turning to stare straight ahead again. "Funny... you seemed more friendly at the club the other night."
"You make me sick," she spat out contemptuously, carefully enunciating each word.
Finally he was getting a reaction, so he continued. "Now, is that because I'm against your father's travesty of a government?... or because you're disappointed that my interest in you wasn't sincere?"
"Ha!" she laughed thrusting her chin arrogantly up into the air. "Unless you had forgotten, I turned you down even before you stuck a blaster in my back! So your 'interest' ,as you call it, didn't 'interest' me in the least."
Jex grinned. "Ah, what spirit, Arella --- may I call you Arella?" he offered insincerely.
"Only if I can call you ---"
"Ah-ah-ah!" he interrupted with the wag of a finger before she could finish her insult. "None of that now, Arella. We need each other, you and me."
"I could never need you," she growled.
"Oh, I would have to disagree with you on that point. Without me, Mahlee may be unable to contain her obviously violent distaste for you. Without me, you may not make it back home to all of your luxuries. And without me, your friend, Ben, might find himself staring right into a blaster upon his return." He noticed her tense up which was exactly the reaction he was hoping for.
"Now that I have your cooperation, let me continue."
"No," Arella interrupted. "I have a few questions I'd like answered. I mean, it's only fair since you're holding me hostage that I know why, don't you think?"
Jex looked at her and had to admire her courage even if it was naive and foolish. "All right."
"I know that this has something to do with my father, but I'd like to know exactly what he has done and how it relates to these people."
Jex chuckled in disbelief. "You're kidding, right?" he asked. The confused look on Arella's face let him know that she wasn't kidding. "You really don't know?"
Arella blushed at her ignorance and lowered her eyes to her hands folded in her lap. Perhaps she should have studied harder in politics class and listened to more of the inane banter between her father and his colleagues, but, truth be told, it had never interested her in the least.
"Politics have never been a passion for me, I'm afraid. I lived my life, and my father lived his."
Well, this put a new twist on things, Jex thought to himself. Here he and the others had thought she was in on all of this along with her father. In truth, hadn't she spent much time with him on Coruscant plotting and scheming? However, from her words and actions now, there was no way this girl had any idea of what was really going on all over the planet.
So, he explained it to her.
All about how her father and a few others had conspired to blame a massive economic recession of some twenty-odd years ago on the Shean people -- Mylo's race -- to escape public scrutiny for their own dishonest political actions. Since the Shean people were a minority and so different from others on Shreeana, they easily became the scapegoats for all of the planet's woes. Soon after, segregation laws were passed, and then working and housing restrictions placed on the silver-haired people. The only opportunity left them was a hard life of grueling manual labor in the copara mines which only served to line the pockets of the politicians. The Shean refused, and eventually all were forced out of the cities completely and not allowed to return under any circumstances. Arella's father and his tight circle of 'friends' had fought to maintain the situation over the years, and succeeded.... or so they had thought.
It had been years in the making, but now a true resistance force had been formed and were now organized enough to begin fighting for change. Many city folk had seen the ridiculousness of the discriminatory sanctions and offered to help the Shean. Jex was one of them. They had tried all of the legal channels in hopes of resolving the issues peacefully, but Tenot would not budge in his prejudice.
Now was the time for action.
Jex stopped and looked at Arella. So much was going on behind those dark brown eyes, he could tell. She was soaking it all up like a sponge and trying to decide for herself what to believe.
"It's all true," he added.
"I believe you," she muttered quietly staring off into space. And she did.... every word. Even if Senator Tenot was her father, she knew deep in her heart that he was indeed capable of such atrocities. And it sickened her.
"One more question," she stated looking right into Jex's face. "What part do I play in all this?"
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Something wasn't right.
The hairs on the nape of Obi-Wan's neck had been standing on end for the past hour, and he didn't know why... only that it was not a good sign. He tried to hurry Mylo along without giving too much away.
"Slow down, Ben, " the older man chuckled as he struggled to keep up with the Jedi. "Didn't anyone ever tell you that absence makes the heart grow fonder?"
Obi-Wan stopped and stared questioningly at Mylo, offering the man a hand over the rocks they were traversing.
"I mean Ana, man. A little time apart makes a woman appreciate it more when you're around." He slapped Obi on the back and grinned. "She'll be fretting over you while you're gone, and I guarantee, as soon as she sees you, she'll run into your arms and give you the best welcome home you could imagine."
"Oh!" Obi-Wan muttered as his face began to flush. Indeed his mind had dwelt on Arella a huge part of the day, but that's not what had him upset. This nagging feeling was what had him turned upside down.... and the possibility that it had something to do with her didn't help matters. He climbed down after the man and followed him along the path.
"Yes, I think my Del rather fancies your Ana. She is quite a beauty and different from what he's been exposed to in the past. But it's clear to see her heart belongs only to you, my friend. You are lucky to have a good woman at your side."
*What?!*, Obi-Wan tried to comprehend all Mylo had just said. The man obviously thought that Arella and Obi-Wan were a couple, and a part of the Jedi rather liked the concept, but it just wasn't possible. He had his life as a Jedi and its duties, and there was no place for a romantic relationship... no matter how much a part of him desired it. Yes, despite their rocky start, Obi had come to care about Arella more than he would have ever thought possible. The few tender moments they had shared while out in the wilderness had shown him another side of himself that had never surfaced before. He was still human and still desired closeness to others. In this case, it happened to be the closeness of a very feisty, very pretty spoiled brat.
He chuckled under his breath and felt Mylo's gaze upon him. "Yes, Mylo. I believe you're right. A good woman is a blessing, and you have definitely been blessed. Daylonne is a wonderful woman." Change the subject, Kenobi. Let him assume what he wants about you and Arella.
"That she is, my boy. That she is."
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Finally, the encampment came into view and it couldn't be too soon for Obi-Wan. That nagging feeling hadn't gone away during the whole hike back with Mylo. All he wanted was to see Arella and know that she was safe. Walking into the clearing, he noticed a parked speeder at the same time as Mylo.
"Ah, it looks like Jex finally made it out to see us." He noticed the quizzical look on Obi-Wan's face and explained. "Jex is a good friend to us. He's from the city, but he's helping us in our efforts. He brings us supplies and news several times a month. You'll like him, Ben. He's a good man."
There went those hairs on the back of his neck again. Why did he think that Mylo's words would prove ironic?
The camp was awfully quiet. The children weren't running around wreaking havoc, and the few adults that were outside stopped and stared as Obi-Wan and Mylo entered the center of camp. They were anticipating something, the Jedi sensed. They knew something he didn't, and he didn't like it one bit.
Obi-Wan followed Mylo to his hut, his Jedi senses working overtime. The older man stopped abruptly and Obi almost bumped into him.
"What the--?!" Mylo exclaimed.
"Hey, Mylo," came an unfamiliar male voice. "Glad you made it back."
The older man stepped aside to allow Obi-Wan to enter, and the young Jedi's hand immediately moved to his light saber.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you... Ben," Jex added as he pulled Arella closer to him, a blaster stuck up under her chin and a look of terror on her face. Arella could see the rage seething under Obi-Wan's surface and feared he might try something foolish to save her.
"I told you I would help you. Just don't... don't hurt him." She was pleading for his life, Obi realized, and it unnerved him that she was the one doing the protecting instead of him.
"Oh, I believe you," Jex responded never taking his eyes from Obi-Wan. "But I don't trust him. Toss your laser sword to Mahlee," he ordered Obi-Wan. "Then go sit in that chair over there."
Obi-Wan hadn't even noticed the others in the room. Mahlee and Del were off to the side, the girl wearing her typical scowl. But most unsettling was that now her brother also wore the same wrathful expression instead of his usual smile. This was not good.
"What is going on?" Mylo demanded.
"This is Arella Tenot, Mylo..... the senator's daughter..... the one we've been waiting to get our hands on." Jex waited for the truth to sink in and realized the moment it hit home by the stunned expression on the older man's face.
Jex jerked Arella just enough to elicit a small gasp, and that was all it took to break down Obi-Wan's resolve. His job was to protect her, and right now that meant giving up his saber. It would save her and buy him some time to concoct a plan of escape. Grudgingly he unclipped it and tossed it to Mahlee. The girl caught it gingerly and handled it very carefully as if unsure of its safety. Then Obi-Wan strode cautiously over to the chair and sat down.
Del walked over to Obi-Wan, pulled the Jedi's hands behind the chair, and slapped on a pair of restraining cuffs. They would be no real hindrance to him if he wanted to get free, but for now-- for Arella's safety-- he would play along. He glanced up and caught her eye, trying to reassure her with only a look that he had it all under control. Now if he could only convince himself.
Mylo was still in a state of disbelief. "She's Tenot's daughter? I would have never guessed it. She's nothing like him."
Obi-Wan decided to try some of his Jedi diplomacy. "Mylo, she's not her father. You cannot blame her for her father's actions. That would make you no better than those you fight against."
"Shut your mouth, Jedi," Jex ordered still gripping Arella close in front of him.
"Jedi?!" Mylo added as he did a wide-eyed double take of Obi-Wan.
"Yes, Mylo. A Jedi. And I'll bet his name's not really Ben either, although Miss Tenot here wouldn't give up his name for anything." Jex turned his gaze to the Jedi. "Who are you, by the way?"
Obi-Wan's back stiffened in defiant pride. "I am Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi."
"I think I liked Ben better," Jex scoffed. "Anyway, my friends, we are going to confine you both to this hut until we figure out our next move." He let Arella go and herded her to a chair across from Obi-Wan. He pushed her down into the seat and jerked her arms around in front of her before applying restraining cuffs to her wrists as well. "I'll be back, sweetheart, so try not to miss me too much."
"Don't worry," Arella muttered venomously. Jex just chuckled arrogantly as if he was really getting a kick out of the whole situation and then left the hut. She and Obi-Wan were alone. A moment or two of silence passed before either of them spoke.
"You'd better tell me what is going on here," Obi finally urged in a calm voice.
"You mean with all your Jedi wisdom you haven't figured it out yet?" she sarcastically replied. The impatient look he shot her told her she had gone too far. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I'm just.... just upset." Her eyes lowered to the ground and his anger dissipated quickly due to the defeated manner of her being.
"What happened while I was gone?" he asked. She told him the whole story and he listened without muttering a sound even after she was finished. She looked at him in anticipation of a response before finally blurting out her own.
"Well?! What are we going to do now?" she demanded. He was supposed to be the wise, all-knowing Jedi protector after all, she reminded herself. His brows knit together in concentration, and any other time she would have thought he looked somewhat cute that way, but right now, in this situation, it wasn't bolstering her confidence any.
Obi-Wan finally looked at her and shrugged. "I don't know," he stated flatly.
"What?!" she questioned shaking her head thinking she heard him incorrectly.
"I don't know," he repeated. "It seems the choice is up to you." Her jaw dropped to the floor before she regained her composure enough to rebut him.
"Me? What do you mean?"
"Well, you said you agreed with them about the grievances they hold against your father and his government's actions. You even agreed to help them. Although I would advise against jumping into anything before knowing all of the ramifications, I believe it is your choice of what to do next. Whatever you decide, I will still be there to protect you. It is my duty."
It was all he could do. He wasn't given the power to make her decisions for her.... just to protect her no matter what trouble her decisions got her into. However, a crazy feeling in the pit of his stomach told him that she was sure to find plenty of trouble no matter what choice she made.
It took a few moments for the weight of Obi-Wan's thoughts to settle in her mind. HER decision..... HER choice. She had never really had those before, at least not in this way. Sure, she had chosen new shoes, new jewelry, and other insignificant things, but this..... this was something that mattered. If she didn't help these people, they would still go on fighting for what was rightfully due them, but it would sure be a lot harder than if she offered her assistance. *Why, some of them might even die!,* she thought, horrified at the prospect.
Hadn't she been tired of being treated like a child? Didn't she want to be taken seriously as an adult and a woman? Well, here was her chance. All she had to do was take that first step.
Her back straightened and she lifted her chin proudly as she looked right into Obi-Wan's waiting eyes. "Thank you," she stated appreciatively. She saw the confusion flick across his face even as the corners of his mouth were pulled up into a small grin.
"What for?" he asked softly.
"For showing me that I have a choice," she replied. Then she stood and walked over to Obi-Wan who was still restrained in his chair. He kept wondering what she was going to do with each step she took and felt the room getting warmer as she leaned down and let her lips hover right over his. Then she whispered, "For showing me that I'm a woman and not a child anymore." He didn't even have time to say anything before she covered his mouth with her own and gave him a sweet yet very passionate kiss.