| ***** Knock-Knock! "Urgh…Can’t a girl get some peace?" Knock-Knock-Knock! "I’m STILL dying." Knock-Knock-Knock-Knock! "I was dead earlier. And I’m still dead now…Oh, Sith! Just a moment!" Kylenn snuffled in annoyance. She pulled her dressing gown from off her bed, wrapping it round her. She hoped that whoever it was had a good explanation for disturbing her, just as she was beginning to drift off… "OK." She replied feebly. "Come in." Slowly, the door opened to reveal the curiously hesitant figure of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Complete with handkerchief over his nose and mouth. "Is it safe?" He mumbled. "Oh, great. Just what I need. Another comedian." "I don’t want any germs. Qui-Gon will have me down the healers before I could say AAAACCHHOOOO!" "You should have thought about that before you came in here." Kylenn paused to blow her extremely reddened nose. "Is this a social visit, or do I sense an ulterior motive lurking behind that boyish exterior?" "Can I sit down?" Obi-Wan ventured. "Sure," she shrugged, "Pull up a germ and park your backside." She smiled inwardly as Obi-Wans’ discomfort became more evident. "Hells’ teeth, you look dreadful!" Kenobi frowned. "Ah. I see you’ve been to the Jay Abran charm school." Kylenn stifled a cough. "To what do I owe this honor?" "Er…" Obi-Wan pulled the handkerchief down from his mouth. "It’s a bit, well, delicate." Kylenn arched an eyebrow. This was interesting. "I mean, I wasn’t sure…you know." "No, Obi-Wan, I don’t know. And if you don’t find a way to tell me, then I’ll never know, will I?" He swallowed. "It’s a bit personal." "This wouldn’t be about Jemmiah, perchance?" Kylenn enquired. Obi-Wan sat back as if shot. "How did you know?" "Oh, come on! You’ve gone as red as a Tatooine sunset!" Kylenn watched his face go even more crimson. "Come on, tell Auntie Kylenn everything!" "Well," Kenobi looked endearingly confused, "You’re, er..a girl." Kylenn feigned shock. "I am?" She pretended to look down the front of her pajamas. "Yeah, certainly looks that way. Carry on." "You know what I mean. You have a female perspective on things." "I suppose I do. Can’t say I’ve ever considered it before." She frowned, scrunching up her nose. "This isn’t the "Big Talk", is it? I thought your master was meant to take you to one side and discuss that with you when you were thirteen or so." "No!" Huffed Obi-Wan. " Well, not exactly. I need your advice." "On what?" "I want to get Jemmy a present. You know. Something feminine." "Oh, is that all." Kylenn looked crestfallen. "I thought I was going to hear some juicy piece of news." Obi-Wan looked at the floor. "I’m sorry," she half coughed/half laughed. "Are you sure Jemmiah would like something feminine? Why not get her some flowers?" "Flowers." "No? What’s wrong with that?" "She’s not a flowery person." "Then what kind of person is she? Obi-Wan, as willing as I am to help, I really don’t know her as well as I would like. Nobody knows her better than you or Master Jinn. She lived with you briefly, didn’t she? When she was ten?" Obi-Wan nodded. "Why not ask Qui-Gon?" The strangulated cry that came from Kenobi’s throat convinced Kylenn that perhaps the idea had not been well received. "What sort of ideas did you have, then?" She asked gruffly, her head beginning to throb once again. "Well. Clothes." "Clothes?" Kylenn stared intensely. "Of the…you know…intimate variety." Kylenn threw her head back and nearly choked with laughter, tears streaming down her face. "Obi-Wan Kenobi, are you talking about getting her some naughty undies?!?" She wiped her eyes, a huge grin on her face. "Shush!" Hissed Obi-Wan guiltily, looking round as if he expected Qui-Gon to appear in the room. "Oh, Obi-Wan!" Kylenn smiled, "What’s wrong with that? It’s a lovely idea. She’s bound to like it." "You think so?" Kenobi frowned in earnest. "Sithspit, yes. I would, if ever I had the chance to wear ‘em." "Really?" "YES!" She grinned. "How long have you two been an item, as it were? Three weeks?" "Four." Obi-Wan smiled. "Ooooh. That’s the way the winds blowing, is it?" She tormented him. "No wonder you didn’t want to discuss this with your master. Naughty Obi!" "Give it a rest." "You asked!" Obi-Wan fidgeted again, twirling his braid between fingers. "I’m not used to going into stores and asking for advice on…" "Sexy knickers!" crowed Kylenn, as Kenobi turned an even darker shade of red. "Yes." Gritted Obi-Wan. "Well, normally I’d help you myself, except that I’ve been ordered by my master to have complete bedrest right up until the Cantina crawl, or it’s no-go for me." She smirked. Actually, she’d just made that up, but he wasn’t to know… "I’d ask Sybelle, except that she spends all her waking time with that smuggler of hers. And I wouldn’t trust her not to get Jemmy something she’d really hate, just to cause trouble." "Hmm." Kylenn pondered. "Tricky one, isn’t it?" She reached for another throat lozenge. "You’ll just have to take Simeon and Jay with you." "You are JOKING!" Kenobi was mortified. "I’m sure Jay will be only too happy to give you his expert advice on women. And as for Simeon, he’ll jump at any chance just to poke his nose round the ladies undergarment section!" Obi-Wan groaned. "If you want to impress her, Obi-Wan, you’ll do it." Kylenn crossed her arms adamantly. "Or you could always get her those flowers that I mentioned…" "No." Obi-Wan sighed. "You’re right." He stood up with the air of a condemned man. "I’ll see what I can do." "Is this for the Cantina-crawl evening?" Kylenn asked innocently. "Could it be that you’ve got something more interesting planned than listening to Master Yoda singing?" "I can’t get any redder." Obi-Wan lied. "Yes you can!" Kylenn contradicted. "You’ve really cheered me up!" She became serious. " Obi-Wan, be careful about Kryztan Harkley." "What about him?" Kenobi frowned. "He’s OK. I’ve known him for as long as I can remember…" "Yes, well. I think you’d do well to keep an eye on him. He’s had a thing about Jemmiah for some time, and I’m sure I’m right in saying that he was a little put-out when she started going out with you." "I don’t believe it." Obi-Wan shook his head. "Well," Kylenn shrugged. "That’s your choice of course. But Sybelle told me she thinks he’s going to make a move on her. Letina Sorrel said much the same. So be careful at the Cantina-crawl. There’s nothing like alcohol to relieve one’s inhibitions, as we all know." Obi-Wan shook his head. He knew that Kylenn’s information must be wrong. Harkley was a good man, and a good friend. No, there had to be some misunderstanding. "Thanks." Kenobi muttered, straightening his tunic. "Now all I have to do is pluck up the courage to go to the stores…" "Good luck." Kylenn waved, feeling much recovered. She waited until Obi-Wan had opened the door from her room and shouted as loudly as her croaky voice would possibly allow: "Remember, Obi-Wan. A two-piece garment. Something in red or black, you can’t go wrong. And NOTHING WITH FRILLS OR LACE, incase it chafes…" The door shut very, very swiftly. Kylenn grinned. All she had to do was tell Sybelle, Letina and Jemmiah to follow them to the store. If they could just keep out of sight… ***** Leona P'lila stood outside the cafeteria as the young people filed past. She waited till she saw a girl not dressed in the traditional Jedi attire. The girl was certainly not hard to miss; there was more of her showing then clothes. Leona debated with herself if she should really do this; it was so unlike her. Finally deciding it wasn't a good idea she was already turning to leave when the girl noticed her. "Healer Leona, are you looking for someone?" Jemmiah asked. "Well, ah, actually I was looking for you." she said; now feeling trapped. "What has he gotten himself into this time?" the Corellian girl asked rolling her eyes. "Ah, who?" Leona inquired somewhat perplexed. "Why Obi-Wan, of course. The only time I see you healers is if someone's hurt. Now I know I'm not, so the logical assumption would be Obi." "Oh, I see" Leona chuckled "yes I suppose that would be logical, given the amount of time he spends with us." "It isn't Master Jinn, is it?" her sly smile belying the concern in her voice. "No actually it's about the...ah...charity event." Leona tried not to sound as nervous as she felt. "Oh, you're not gonna tell me what a bad idea it is, are you?" Jemmiah frowned with distaste. It seemed most of the adults were dead set against it. She couldn't understand why these Jedi were so down on having a good time. She knew of Corellian Jedi who knew how to party. "Umm, no. I've already signed up to go and I was wondering if...um if you knew who else might be going." Jemmiah cocked an eyebrow at her. "Well, I know Mace Windu told me he wouldn't miss it and he's talked Qui-Gon into going. Jemmiah didn't miss the small smile on the healer's face at the mention of Obi-Wan's master. "And of course, Master Berlingside and I believe Master Ashdal..." "Oh, Master Ashdal's going?" the healer's face fell with such swiftness it would have been funny if not for the look of despair that replaced it. "You're interested in Qui-Gon." Jemmiah stated blatantly. "What...no...no of course not." Leona stammered, her face blushing brightly. "Why would you think that?" She badly wished she could turn and run away. "I've noticed you're always in the infirmary when he's there" she paused as though in thought, "but I don't think I've ever seen you talk to him." She tilted her head expectantly, looking at the older woman. Why did this darn girl have to be so observant, the healer thought? What was she supposed to say now. If she tried to deny it, it would only make her look guiltier. "You know, there's nothing wrong with that" the girl cajoled, "he's ok for an old man." "Qui-Gon Jinn is not an old man." Leona stated defensively, unable to stop herself. Jemmiah smile widened triumphantly. The healer's reaction was as good as an admission. Healer Leona stared at the floor helplessly. How did she do that? That girl purposely maneuvered her into that. Here she was a grown woman, expertly manipulated be a girl barely out of puberty. What was she suppose to do now, confess and become the laughing stock of the Temple. As if sensing her thoughts Jemmiah spoke up. "I won't tell him a thing." she said sincerely. "He never listens to me anyway." she added with a laugh. "I'd better go now." Leona said rather embarrassed. Not knowing what else to do she turned and hurried away. A mischievous smile graced Jemmiah's face as she watched the healer walk quickly down the hall. ***** "I can’t do this." Obi-Wan swallowed. "It’s all very well for the likes of Kylenn. She’s a girl." His rich voice trembled just a touch in trepidation. "I’d sooner eat one of Master Yodas’ stews." "What’s the problem?" Menali Jay Abran rested his lean face in the palm of his hand. "How difficult can it be? You just have to walk up to an assistant and say you want to get some frillies for your girlfriend…" Obi-Wan slumped over in embarrassment and hit his head off the table. "If this is what he’s like selecting the damned things, what state’s he going to be in when he gets to see her in them?" Simeon Cates smiled wolfishly. Kenobi raised his head just a touch, just in time to see Abran and Cates staring off into space, clearly trying to picture it… "Cut that out NOW." warned Obi-Wan. "You’ll die of heart failure." Abran shook his head. "She’s too much for you to handle, friend." "Hmm." Agreed Simeon, chewing his lip. "Remember her sixteenth birthday party? I nearly died when she appeared in that dancing girl outfit. Especially when she made her entrance in that rolled up carpet!" "I think SHE nearly died when she saw you two with those feather boas." Abran taunted. "And as for Master Windu…" "My master NEVER gets to hear about that, understood?" Obi-Wan cringed at the memory. "What, you think we’re suicidal?" Simeon asked balefully. There was an uncomfortable silence as Obi-Wan returned his thoughts to the task in hand. "It’s no good." He said eventually. "If I back out now then I’m a poor excuse for a padawan. I have to try." "Do, or do not. There is no…" Simeon began. "Will you stop quoting Master Yoda at me? Somehow when he dished out that particular piece of advice, I don’t think he had in mind a trip to the ladies underwear section in a department store!" He began to get nervous. "Oh, come on then," He muttered, "If I don’t do it now my nerve will go completely. And I want to have it over and done with before my master gets back from his meeting with Master Windu and Master Berlingside." They walked companionably through the gardens. All around them was an aura of complete calm and relaxation. Amidst the peace, the tornado that was Obi-Wan Kenobi lengthened his stride, walking briskly and purposefully, an epicenter of turbulent emotions hurtling onwards. "Say something helpful." Simeon frowned. "He’s about to burst into tears, by the look of him." Abran paused, then cleared his throat. "All this fuss over a few strands of silk." Obi-Wan closed his eyes and if anything stepped up his pace. "You could always buy her some edible ones." Jay Abran added helpfully. Kenobi pulled his hood over his face and stalked away, with the others a few paces further back. How was he going to manage this?" Sybelle and Letina Sorrell were lounging around in the latter’s apartment, looking thoroughly bored. This in itself was nothing new for Sybelle. If she wasn’t with her boyfriend then she was usually bored. Jemmiah had seen him on a few occasions, and had to admit that he was handsome enough, in a roguish sort of way. "Don’t you two have any classes to go to?" She grinned. "It’s ok for you, with your private tutor." Pouted Letina, tucking a strand of light brown hair behind her ear. "I didn’t always have a private tutor." Jemmiah countered. "I had to have regular lessons, like all the other Nerfs. And wear a uniform. Sith, I hated that! I had to take it up in length, it was so dashed ugly!" "Yeah, I think most people round here remember that." Sybelle said coolly. "It must be great to wear what you want, although how Evla lets you get away with some of the stuff you put on, I really don’t know." "That’s because I don’t leave our apartment wearing this kind of thing." She indicated her short-ish dress and black boots. "I carry it in a bag, and then change. I also make sure that I keep away from the crèche area when I’m here." "You’ll get caught out one of these days." Letina warned. "I’m surprised nobody’s mentioned it to your guardian. Qui-Gon, for example." Jemmiah looked down at her dress. "It’s not that short. Is it?" She added, as she caught the other two exchanging glances. "Well…" Sybelle blinked. "The neck line is a bit, how shall we say, daring." "So, you think it’s too much?" She suddenly felt insecure. "It’s a real spanker, Jemmy. But it does make a statement." "What statement?" she asked. "Docking bay for hire: please park your ships here." Sybelle replied truthfully. "Sheeeeshh!" Jemmiah sat down beside them. "I didn’t think it was THAT bad." "Makeup’s ok, though." Letina added. "Great," Jemmiah grumbled, "I got something right then." "You know, you could look quite classy if you wanted." Sybelle remarked, unaware of the hurt she was causing, "you just have to adopt less of the Corellian "doxy" look." "Cheers, guys." Jemmiah glared. "I know who to go to if I ever want to have my confidence bolstered." Sybelle shrugged. "You asked." Jemmiah looked away. This would require some careful consideration. "I saw Healer Leona today." She said eventually. Her grin widened at the thought. "She’s got the hots for Master Jinn!" "You are KIDDING me!" Sybelle laughed. "Please tell me you are having me on!" "No, I jest not." Jemmiah’s accent became acutely more Corellian. "She’s gonna join our little Cantina-crawl, just so she can be with him. Ain’t that sweet?" She drawled. "Oh, force save us!" The Alderaani Letina replied in a clipped tone. "What a combination!" "No, no!" Sybelle held up her hands, her mind racing with the possibilities. "I think this could be an excellent chance to have a real laugh!" "How?" Letina asked. "What have you got planned?" Jemmiah smiled. She could read Sybelle like a book. "We have to make sure they’re given every opportunity to spend as much time with each other as possible when they’re on the Cantina-crawl. Whilst she’s keeping an eye on him, he can’t keep an effective eye on us." Jemmy raised her head proudly. "And I have a real good back up plan, just to make sure." "That’s what I like to hear." Smiled Sybelle, clapping her on the back. "Corellian ingenuity." She narrowed her eyes like a predator stalking her prey. "So. How’s it going between you and Kenobi? I’ll bet he approves of your dress sense." Jemmiah blushed. "Leave the kid alone." Letina scolded playfully. "Don’t tell her anything you don’t want to, Jemmy." She leaned across her friend. "Tell ME instead!" "Nevermind me," Jemmiah tried to change the subject. "How about you? How’s smuggler boy?" Sybelle grinned. "That’s classified information, and not for impressionable young ears." She looked at Jemmiah. "It’s funny that you’re going out with a Jedi padawan and I’m seeing the scoundrel. I would have thought it would have been the other way around." "I’ll have to ask Master Yoda to predict my future, then." Jemmiah rolled her eyes. "It’s so annoying! He knows something about me…he’s seen it, but he won’t say what it is! It’s driving me mad?" "Must be important." Letina shrugged. "You’re his fave person. Same with Master Windu. Wonder what it is?" "Must be spooky, knowing that they’ve seen something important in your role for the big, cosmic plan," Sybelle expanded her arms wide apart, "and not be told what it is." "Tell me about it." Jemmiah groused. "Knowing my luck, I’LL end up with a smuggler, or mercenary with a starship for hire or something. Have ten kids or so, who’ll grow up to save the galaxy or somethin’." "You don’t half have an active imagination, Jemmy." Laughed Letina. "Save the galaxy? Right." The door chime sounded, and Letina opened it. Facing her was a crumpled, but fully dressed Kylenn. "Shouldn’t you be back in your crypt?" Letina frowned. "Tee-Hee." Kylenn shouldered her way in. She took in the three co-conspirators. "Have I got news for you!" ***** Qui-Gon Jinn peeked into the cafeteria. The room was almost empty. Most of the initiates and padawans had already taken mid-meal and would now be attending their afternoon classes. Deciding he was indeed hungry, the large master entered. Making his way down the counter he placed a variety of healthy edibles on his tray. Picking a table furthest away from the other diners he settled into a chair enjoying a peaceful meal as he studied a report on the latest environmental issues on Coruscant. "Qui-Gon!" a familiar voice called from across the room. Looking up he saw Mace Windu and Master Berlingside heading his way. "Mind if we join you?" Mace asked, already taking a seat across from his friend. "Would it stop you if I said no?" Qui-Gon asked with a stoic face. "Nope." the tall brown-skinned master replied glibly. "Master Berlingside." Qui-Gon acknowledged with a nod. "Master Jinn" he replied formally as he sat next to Mace who was already shoveling mounds of some indistinguishable food into his mouth. Watching Mace for a moment Qui-Gon shook his head in amusement. "Whaa..?" Mace asked through a mouthful of food. "The only other person I've seen eat like that is my padawan." he stated. "It's not my fault Council duties have stimulated my appetite." "Nor is it your fault when your robes don't fit the same." Qui-Gon teased. "I told you they shrunk in the wash." Mace replied a little too emphatically, causing his friends to snicker. "Did you know the temple is all abuzz over the cantina-crawl?" Mace decided a change of subjects was in order. "Word's spread like the Corellian death flu." "Has Master Yoda found out about it?" Qui-Gon's face paled at the thought. Mace only looked at him incredulously. "He knows." Qui-Gon lamented. "The little troll's just waiting for the right time to question me, then whap with his stick." Qui-Gon shuddered. Now it was Mace' turn to delight at his friend's discomfort. "Jemmiah's assembling quite a crowd for the event. I heard Pipsqueak is even planning to attend. "Pipsqueak?" Qui-Gon asked. You know, the little assistant healer of An-Paj. What's her name...Leona I think." Mace answered. "I don't think I know her." Master Berlingside said. "That's because you don't have the galaxy's most accident-prone padawan like Qui-Gon here." Mace chided. "Well," Berlingside asked with interest, "What's she look like?" "Oh, she's attractive enough...but..." Mace began. "Well, what is it, three arms? Two heads? Horns?" Master Berlingside chuckled. "No, it's just she's as timid as a mouse. Hence the name Pipsqueak. You know, small and mouse-like." Mace laughed heartily. "That's not very nice." Qui-Gon admonished. "Hey, I didn't give her that name. That honor goes to An-Paj." "So, she's shy, huh?" Berlingside said thoughtfully. "You know what they say about the quiet ones." Jemmiah, Sybelle, Letina and Kylenn walked quickly toward the department store. They could not afford to stop if they were going to beat Obi-wan there. And yet, Jemmiah did. "What's wrong?" asked Kylenn. "Nothing, there's just someone I need to invite to the Cantina-crawl." She replied, a slow smile spreading across her face. Sybelle was the first to notice who she was talking about. A young blond haired man walked slowly in front of them, staring up at the sky. "Oh, Jemmiah, not him! "Not Padawan Dull!" begged Letina. "Face it, Jemmy, he just doesn’t know how to have fun." But they all knew it was too late. Jemmiah and/or Master Windu were always involved in one scheme or another to make Padawan Hmiol crack a smile. She walked toward him as her companions hung back. "Hey!" "Huh?" he looked down to see who had spoken. Oh, hi Jemmiah." "Have you heard about the cantina-crawl?" "Yeah." "Typical." Whispered Sybelle. "I've never heard him say more than five words in a row." "You ought to come." Jemmiah continued. "Sure, whatever." He gave her kind of a blank look, like he really didn't care one way or another, then continued walking. Alright, let's go." said Jemmiah as she rejoined them. "One of these days me and Windy'll wear him down." Then they took off again. ***** "Force save us!" Simeon whistled quietly as the three padawans reluctantly edged their way through the "Best Buy" department store, in what was one of the classier establishments in the neighborhood. "I don’t believe that women actually wear this kind of thing." He grabbed a turquoise chemise spun from Corelli-silk and rubbed it appreciatively between thumb and finger. "Simeon!" Hissed Obi-Wan. "What?" "Will you stop pawing everything you see?" "I thought Jemmiah was s’posed to say that to you?" He replied with a cheeky grin. The look that Obi-Wan gave him could have fried a Wampa. "There’s so much." Abran frowned. "Where on Coruscant do we start? Everywhere you turn, it’s wall to wall skimpies!" Kenobi wished the ground would open up and swallow him. The present was a bad idea. Bringing Simeon and Jay was immeasurably insane. He’d never felt so utterly noticeable: three Jedi wandering about the ladies underwear section in a store. He felt as if everyone in the vicinity were staring at him. He looked up from the ground. Everyone WAS staring at him. And besides, Jay was correct. Where did you start? He turned to his friend. "Help!" He swallowed. "Calm down, Obi. You’re hyperventilating." Abran frowned. "It’s easy. All you have to do is glance at some of the stuff and then try and think what she’d look good in." Obi-Wan felt himself shake slightly. If the Council had made this one of the trials for padawans to take before achieving knighthood, Kenobi felt he would probably fail. "This black stuff’s nice." Called Simeon, holding up a lace bra. "I think I’ll go off and die somewhere." Obi-Wan closed his eyes. |
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| A Night to (almost) Remember |