~Chapter Ten~

"These Republic cruisers aren't very pleasing looking ships," Keldin remarked to himself.

"They're not supposed to be expensive," Obi-Wan responded, "And they're not supposed to be very pretty."

"A shame the Republic can't look exceptional in their technology."

"I agree."

"They should ask me for my special touch."

Obi-Wan gave him a sideways glance.

"Not that way!" he said smacking him.

Jaden looked at Keldin, "Maybe you did mean it that way."

Keldin gave him a glare.  "Don't try my patience.  You may end up like Tre."

Jaden just shook his head.

"I hope you have nothing to do with Tre's death," Obi-Wan stated to Keldin.

"I don't.  Eventually I would've, but I didn't."

Obi-Wan just nodded his understanding.

Jyana then was walking towards them, Wokki slightly behind her.  Obi-Wan couldn't believe his eyes.  She was wearing a very elegant dress, which he couldn't quite place its origin having been stuck to Coruscant, Naboo, Tatooine, Corellia and Alderaan in the recent years.  It was a princess style, the split between the top and the skirt just underneath her chest, which helped Jyana's female features become more evident.  The dress had a white underlay and a shear and glittery purple overlay, which split apart into two sections viewed in the front outlined by gold, showing the white underlay.  It had very tiny straps to keep it on her, but the purple overlay added some flared sleeves also outlined with gold, which were off her shoulders.  She had seemed as if she was wearing a little make-up, some color and "angel dust" to accent her cheeks, light purple eyeshadow embedded with gold glitter, and a little more pink to her lips, something Obi-Wan had never seen Jyana wear before.  Not as if she really needed it, but it was something about how she looked now that made her more attractive to him.  Jyana heard Keldin say out loud, yet not too loud, "Damn it!"  She looked up at Obi-Wan and sighed sadly once she noticed his reaction.  Oh gosh, I have grown up.

"Chin off ground now," Keldin warned him.

Obi-Wan could not wipe the shock off his face.

"He's out of it," Jaden remarked laughing a little.

"If there's drool on my boot you die," Keldin threatened.

Obi-Wan checked the rims of his mouth for any remnants of any drool.  "I hope she does this more often," he said more to himself than to anyone else.

"Hope she doesn't," Keldin said trying to get Obi-Wan to stop thinking anything that was near what he thought he was thinking.

"Oh you're no fun."

All Keldin could do was grin.

Then an idea popped into Obi-Wan's head.  "Picture this Keldin. Syerré in a very short and tight fitting skirt and a tight shirt…"

Keldin started staring off into space with an expressionless face.

"Oh my…" Jaden remarked.

"Keldin," Obi-Wan desperately tried to bring him back, "Keldin."
"What'd you say?" Keldin asked getting briefly out of his trance.

"Keldin, now you know how I feel."

Unwillingly, Keldin snapped back into reality and smacked Obi-Wan in the back of the head.

I was asking for that this time.

Wokki handed Obi-Wan a utility belt that contained a blaster and Jyana's lightsaber.  "Give me yours.  Jyana needs her weapons only she can't carry them herself while she's dressed up."

"And why is she dressed up?" Obi-Wan asked curiously yet a little glad that she had in the first place.

"Couldn't wear my Jedi outfit on a mission from the Council.  It was either hunt for my brown robe and beige other stuffs or dress up.  Reluctantly I chose the latter," she replied for herself.

"You have a brown robe?"  This was something new to Obi-Wan.  He had never known her with a brown robe.  She either didn't wear a robe or wore her black one.

"Somewhere.  Must of left it on Naboo or Endor."

"Good."

"Good?" Jyana, Wokki, Keldin, and Jaden all said in unison.

Carefully choosing his wording he slowly stated, "She could make them believe that she's a lady and they might respect her or us more."

Jaden's eyes widened as he looked at Jyana.  There was a smirk on her face.  "Then they'll be disappointed to find out I truly ain't no lady," she responded laughing to herself.  She then let out a not so loud burp.  She giggled as she covered her mouth.  "Ops.  Scuze me.  Did I do that out loud?"  When Keldin laughed and the others nodded she continued, "Must be that whiskey speaking again."

"You gotta get off that whiskey," Obi-Wan muttered.

"I haven't had any since Coruscant, but it's always good to have something to blame for my unladylike behavior."

"Blame Tre, that's always fun," Wokki said.

"Fine.  It's his fault then."

Obi-Wan just smiled to himself.  He replaced his belt with Jyana's, the one handed to him.  Although he did have a time readjusting it, it fit fine.  I've never carried a blaster before.  This is going to be weird.

Leave the blaster to me.

Okay.

Behave now, or you'll have Hell to pay.

Whatever it is, it won't be my fault, okay?

I'll take your word on that.

He looked her in the eye and they both nodded their silent agreement.  "Ready?" he asked.

Jyana nodded.  She looked back at the people she was leaving behind.  "Now don't do anything major until I see y'all again, ya hear?"

Wokki grinned and nodded his agreement.

Keldin protectively pulled her aside.  "Let me know if he hurts you at all."

"He won't, Keldin.  It's a mission for the Council.  He wouldn't want to feel my wrath again now would he?"    

Keldin flinched inwardly.  "Yours won't be the only wrath he would face."

"I know.  I'll be fine."

"May the Force be with you."
Jyana followed Obi-Wan onto the Cruiser and it then lifted from the planet's sandy ground.  Keldin, Wokki, and Jaden headed back onto Obi-Wan's ship to find some couple making out (unsure as to who though) intensely making out.  Keldin angrily stalked off the cockpit with a giggling Wokki.  Jaden stated to the lip-locked couple, "Hey cut it out."
They peeled themselves apart from each other, blushing intensely. 

Jaden shook his head and walked into the cockpit.  Keldin was staring intensely at the space now ahead of him.  He noticed the ship that the Republic Cruiser was entering.  All of a sudden he sensed the presence of Detori once more.  Oh no, he thought, Jyana's going to find out the truth about her sister.  I have a bad feeling about this.

The two Jedi, only one appearing as one, stood awaiting their entrance into their mission.  Obi-Wan was trying his hardest not to tug at the blaster extension on the utility belt he was now wearing.  He carefully closed his robe and pulled his hood over his head.  He turned to look at the 'princess' beside him.  She is truly beautiful.

Thank you… you don't look so bad yourself.

He smiled at her, a smile that caused her to blush and turn her head away from him further.  A smile that ached with longing yet was humbled with an expectance to patience.  He noticed then a widening of her eyes.  She looked about nervously.  He felt a sudden urge to comfort her but held it in check because it may not be welcomed.  He just waited for her to express her fears.

"I have a bad feeling about this, Obi-Wan," she stated.

He carefully reached for her hand which she actually didn't snatch away like she usually did.  He kissed it like a gentleman as he agreed, "So do I, Jyana."

"What'd you do that for?"

"You're posing as a lady.  It's only right that I treat you as one."  He let go of her small, very feminine hand and offered her his arm to hold on to.

She looked at his warm friendly gesture, pondered it and looked him in the face.  "Got my lightsaber?"
He shook his head and smirked.  "It's kind of attached to me.  Of course I have it."

"Good."  She placed her hand in the crook of his elbow as they descended the plane as a couple of old, good friends, nothing more, nothing less.  Yet there were always those new, well not so new, surging feelings sweeping through Obi-Wan, erasing his mind of conscious thought.  He controlled them the best he could.  He still knew that no matter what Keldin may have promised him, he was still going to get the same headache as he always did.  Just this time, he didn't know how painful it would be.

Jyana's grip tightened on his arm.  "Did the Council tell you who you were negotiating with?"

"No, why?"  He was incredibly worried.  He'd never seen Jyana this tense before.

"I sense the Sith."

"The Sith?"  When she only nodded he responded, "No wonder you needed your weapons."

"I always need my weapons, Obi-Wan.  But I fear they won't do much good.  The presence of Sith I feel is greater than any other I've ever felt before."

"Don't worry, Jyana.  I won't let them hurt you…" because I…

"You what?"

The words 'I love you' couldn't seem to even force their way out of his mouth so he just sighed, "Nothing."
It ain't nothing.

Just then a dark cloaked man approached Obi-Wan with his reddish orange lightsaber ignited.  Obi-Wan quickly shielded Jyana and she latched onto his back.  He reached for his lightsaber and handed Jyana's to her behind him.

Stay behind me, Obi-Wan sent to her.

She didn't respond, she just stood closely behind him.  Obi-Wan could sense Jyana's fear of the Sith who was approaching.  He had an idea now why.  He was not going to let that creature take her in that way.  No one would.

Obi-Wan and the Sith circled each other and extended their lightsabers to meet each other.  The crossed the lightsabers back and forth, up and down.  The Sith addressed him during their tentative duel, "So you're the one who killed Lord Maul."
Obi-Wan only nodded his response.

"So we now can have our revenge.  It's hard to believe the Jedi Council has fell into our trap."

Trap?  How?

Jyana darted out from behind Obi-Wan, double-lightsaber ignited.  In like manner, Darth Detori did the same from behind Darth Ash, the man that was fighting Obi-Wan.  The girls looked at each other for a brief second.  They realized immediately who the other was and they both screamed.  Jyana ran back behind Obi-Wan and latched onto him tightly.  Darth Detori just darted from the room.  Darth Ash's eyes followed her out the room and he sighed and addressed Obi-Wan, "We'll meet again," and darted right back after her.

Obi-Wan turned off his lightsaber and turned a crying Jyana around to face him.  He moved her face up to look at him.  He wiped the tears from her eyes as best as he could.  She searched his eyes.  "You knew, didn't you?" her shaky voice stated, "Why didn't you tell me?"

Still caressing her face gently and a little surprised she wasn't fighting him, he said, "Keldin told me not to."

Her brow furrowed.  "And when did you start obeying him?"

"Only that once so far.  It kind of slipped my mind.  I'm sorry."

Another tear fell down her cheek.  Obi-Wan carefully wiped it away and pulled her towards him.  He cradled her and tried to calm her down.  The he spotted some men in white hard uniforms.  "Um, Jyana, we've got company."

She lifted her head off his chest and looked around towards their newfound adversaries.  "Blaster," was all she said.

Without a word, Obi-Wan handed her the blaster and re-ignited his lightsaber.  They warded off their attackers.  Obi-Wan was at first amazed at Jyana's perfect aim, but then realized that her aim was due to her Jedi reflexes.

There was a loud explosion.  Obi-Wan and Jyana looked at each other.  "The ship," they said in unison.  They ran to the direction that they had left the ship.  Just then another surge rocked the large ship.  Jyana was tossed onto Obi-Wan and they crashed to the floor together.  Obi-Wan didn't think but held Jyana firmly by her waist.  She looked down to the man on whom she was laying, began blushing and asked quietly, "Can you let me up?"
Oops.  Obi-Wan let go of her and they both stood up.  Obi-Wan's face was slightly redder than Jyana's had been.  They both brushed off their clothing and tried to back away from each other, but another surge rocked the ship causing Jyana to crash into Obi-Wan again, but this time against a wall.  "Sorry," she muttered, but this time Obi-Wan didn't let her go.  She looked behind her and realized they were in a secluded place but some of the troopers had marched by, obviously looking for them.

Stay quiet, Obi-Wan sent cautiously.

We've gotta get out of here.

Obi-Wan nodded.  When he felt it was safe to talk he said, "I find it strange that the Sith haven't come back for us yet personally."

"I agree…" she tried to move away from Obi-Wan but he prohibited her.  He kept her tight in his grip and pushed a nearby button to reveal the opening to an Escape Pod.  "Huh?"

"Shhh…" he shushed her, "We can get out of here and to whichever planet or moon we're nearest to."

She nodded but once she turned around she realized that the troopers now surrounded them from all angles possible in front of them.  "Lightsaber," she said and he handed it to her.  She stepped out of the small chamber into the larger hallway and screamed to Obi-Wan, "Cover me!"

He did to the best of his extent but she really didn't need him too much.  She tossed her lightsaber ignited in a twirling motion into the air and it deflected all the shots fired at them and knocked down most of their opposition.  While the lightsaber was in the air she used the Force to whip out her blaster and gun down the remaining troopers.  She then tossed the blaster back to an amazed Obi-Wan and caught her lightsaber as it returned to her, and stashed herself with Obi-Wan into the Escape Pod.

As Obi-Wan started it up he muttered to her, "Where'd you learn that?"

"Dunno.  Just now I guess."

What a woman.  He then leaned back in the cramped vehicle and pulled her against him.  "You all right?"

She fidgeted.  "Maybe if you let go of me."

"Not right now," he said, "We don't have that much room."

"Well I feel weird."

"How so?"
"I feel too feminine."

"There's nothing wrong with that."  He gently kissed her on her bare neck.
I see…  She fidgeted some more and longed to be out of this Escape Pod.

"Oh…" Obi-Wan exclaimed tacking on a word Jyana hadn't heard from him before.

"Obi?"
"You can't swim, right?"
"Right."
He reached into the utility belt pouch and pulled out his own aquatic breather.  He put it in her mouth and said, "Close your eyes and hold on to me."

Huh?  She then heard a splash as their Pod crashed into water.

"Stay calm and breathe through your mouth.  Hold tight."  Obi-Wan pushed open the Pod and water rushed in.  He calmed the terrified Jyana and swam out of the Pod, carrying her out on his back.

When they got out of the swamp, Jyana climbed on to the ground and laid there, taking the breather out of her mouth and gasping for real air while dripping wet.  She was sure she had ruined her dress, but she didn't care right then.  She could always make another, or have the someone fix it later.  Obi-Wan placed his likewise dripping arms around her, assuring her that she was all right.

"Where are we?"

"I think Naboo."

Jyana looked around and took in the scenery and sniffed the air.  She nodded, "I think you're right."

"I wonder why the Sith didn't follow us."

Jyana wondered that too, but soon she knew why.

"You failed us!" Darth Sidious screamed at the frightened girl.

Darth Ash stared at her.  We just lost her sister but he insists on punishing Detori instead.  I will not participate.

"Very well Ash.  I don't need your help anyway."  Darth Ash and Detori will never replace Maul.

Darth Detori started backing up.  Oh no.  Not again.

Darth Sidious quickly grabbed his female apprentice.  He tore her cloak and tunic off of her and pushed her to the ground.  Using the Force, he bonded her so she could not move.  "This should teach you not to ruin our plans ever again."  As he positioned himself over top of her, Darth Detori found herself screaming, but with no sound escaping her mouth.  Someone else was screaming for her…

Jyana screamed and tore herself away from Obi-Wan.  What the…? Was all Obi-Wan could muster himself to think.  He tried to get near her to find out what was wrong, but she wouldn't let him.  Why all of a sudden does she not trust me?  What'd I do?

It wasn't you… it's… men…

Huh?  Trust me.  I would never hurt you.

I can't…

Obi-Wan looked away from her, the pain clear in his eyes.  He couldn't not try to comfort her, but now she wasn't going to even let him.  She was leaning against a tree, hugging herself and crying.  She was also shivering.  Just seeing her off, turning herself into the tree and crying into it as if the tree was comforting her.

Obi-Wan won't hurt you, my daughter.

Mommy?

Obi-Wan looked at her, tears forming in his eyes.  He was sure they weren't truly his own.  He was sure his emotions were taking on some of her pain.  He just longed to take it away from her.  I love you.

What?

He loves you Jyana.  Vaya's voice reminded her daughter, although Obi-Wan couldn't hear her.

Jyana sent to her mother, I can't return that now.

Not yet.

Jyana, Obi-Wan thought oblivious to the fact that Vaya Angele was talking with Jyana Falson and assuring her the same thing, I love you.

Jyana, comforted in her mother's arms, not the tree but near it.  I can't trust him.

He'll never be to you what Darth Sidious is to your sister.

A single tear fell form her eye as her mother told her, you can trust Obi-Wan Kenobi.  You've trusted him before, you can trust him now.  Vaya moved away from her daughter.  Obi-Wan spotted her coming towards him.  Master Vaya?

You may go to her now.  She shouldn't fight you.

Obi-Wan looked at Jyana, still facing the tree, and started towards her.  Here goes nothing.  He took off his robe and placed it on her shoulders in order to get her warm so they could move on their way to the capital city of Theed.  She moved herself into the robe.  She turned around to look at him.  "I'm sorry Obi-Wan.  I'll explain later."

He smiled at her to hide the hurt it really had caused him in his heart.  "I love you," was all he could say.  At least he could say it now.

"I know," Jyana responded with a sad look.  I'm not ready for this yet, but I don't want to hurt him.  I'm afraid I will.  I don't know if I really love him.  I don't really think so.

Obi-Wan stepped in front of her in the direction they needed to head and stretched his hand towards her.  She looked at him, and then his hand.  I keep saying to myself, 'just this once.'  Well this is the last time until I change my mind about marriage.  I don't want him to get the wrong idea.  She slowly took his hand.  He looked down at her hand and gently squeezed it to assure her that he was there for her.  I hope he maintains his distance.

He sighed hearing her thought.  I will.  I won't make you do anything you don't want to do.

Thank you.  She squeezed his hand back in response.

They headed off to find the plains in the midst of the swamp.  When they came upon the vast green plain, they stopped.  The sun was going down and it was getting too dark to see.

"We should rest for the night, then head out tomorrow," Obi-Wan suggested.

Jyana nodded.  "So what was that mission all about?" she curiously asked as she sat down, free of Obi-Wan's hand, and leaned up against a tree trunk.

"I'm not really sure.  Adi Gallia mentioned something about cloning but I didn't…"

"Did you say cloning?"
"Yeah.  I didn't see any…"

"The guys in white hard uniforms.  Sith must really not like battle droids."

"How did you know?"
"Not sure.  Just explains why there were so many of them."

"This can't be good."

"It's the Sith.  They're supposed to be bad."

Obi-Wan sat down beside Jyana and placed his arm around her.  Her only response was a cock of the eyebrow.  "So what was wrong awhile back?" he asked.

"It's hard to explain."

"We have all night."

She leaned on Obi-Wan and sighed.  "It's just the way the Sith would treat me when they get me."

Obi-Wan protectively pulled her closer to him.  "They'll never get you."  As long as I can help it.

Jyana shifted herself uncomfortably and replied, "I hope you're right."

The room was as dark as a bottomless pit of nothingness.  It was as cold as Hoth at night only much worse.  It was amazing how the atmosphere of a room could reflect the cold reality of a heart in turmoil.  Darth Detori quietly sobbed to herself.  I've got to get out of here.   There's no way I'm going to let him do this to my sister.  She had regained the torn fabric of her Sith clothing and had wrapped it around her body to keep the coldness of the dark ship from turning her to ice, but the cold atmosphere was nothing like the cold emptiness inside of her.  Why must I always be used?  Why must it always be this way?  She started crying uncontrollably.

I'm scared and I'm alone,
I'm ashamed
And I need for you to know…
I'm damaged, as I'm sure you know…
I didn't say all the things that I wanted to say
And you can't take back what you've
taken away,
'Cause I feel you, I feel you near me…
How can I forgive a man who was stronger?
I was just a little girl, but I can't go back…

(lyrics c/o Plumb)

He stepped out of the shadows like a large sand panther, his eyes bright with anticipation and rage.  At last, he thought, At last some revenge on Vaya that suits her more fittingly.

A 8-year-old girl was sitting on the bed nervously looking around.  Darth Maul stood before her on the edge of the bed.  A smile crossed his masked face.  The little girl looked up from him, unsure what to think.  It wasn't long until a part of her was taken away forever...

Obi-Wan noticed Jyana's uncomfortable shifting and he tried to comfort her.  "What's wrong?"

"My sister is treated so wrongly…" she started but her voice trailed off.

Obi-Wan leaned back to look at her.  He carefully wiped away one of her many tears.  "Can you tell me more detail?"

She shook her head.  She couldn't force those words out of her mouth.

"Can you just show me with your mind?  I mean, allow me in to see what's bothering you?"
She nodded.  When Obi-Wan entered her mind he saw the most terrifying thing.  He pulled Jyana closer to him and scowled.  Now I'm really glad I killed him.  To think, he raped an 8-year-old.

Revenge is an evil thing, Obi-Wan.  Be careful.

I will.  I'll just protect you… forever.

Jyana involuntarily rested on Obi-Wan and leaned closer to him.  She allowed herself to be pulled to him in his arms.  She closed her eyes and found herself drifting away into sleep, peacefully and comfortably.  How does he do that to me?

I love you…

Thanks… I think.