The Channel - Section 3

Darth Nepharia

Rating: NC-17
Warnings: This story is rated NC-17 for the sexual content.
Disclaimer: All characters and worlds in this story are property of George Lucas (and any other legal entity that he might be), with the exception of the characters Selera and Braith, the concept of a channel -- those are MINE!!! -- and the planet earth (I don't think he has a copyright on that yet. 
Summary: Selera enjoys the attentions of both light and dark Jedi.
Feedback to: tboyd1@hotmail.com

"Get up."

Selera could hardly open her eyes. At least he didn't leave a mark on my face, she thought.

"Get up," said the voice again. It was Maul.

"I hate you," she said.

"Good, because I shall do the same to you when you are finished with your young padawan," he said. "But only after you watch me tear his heart out. Now get up."

"I can't."

"He only gave you about twenty stripes," Maul said as he examined her back. "I would have given you five times that."

"And how am I supposed to go to the cotillion like this?" she asked. "How am I even supposed to stand?"

"I will help you, and you will do what you are supposed to," he said gently.

"This was not part of the bargain," she moaned as he helped her sit up.

"We will have to dress the wounds on your back or you will bleed through your gown," he said eyeing her wounds once more.

"Why...why...why did he do this?" she panted, gripping his hand tightly.

"You were insolent and fearless," Maul said, "Never doubt your master's intentions, for your master he is, Selera."

"What did I do?" she moaned as Maul dressed her back.

"You angered me," he answered.

"No one worries about making me angry," she spat.

"You are the servant, I am your master, and he is mine. It is very simple, Selera."

"I don't like the way this is turning out," she said, wincing as he continued nursing her back. "Why didn't you just leave me be?"

"Because you need to get ready for the cotillion."

"No, I mean, why didn't you leave me on my own planet? I was happy there." A tear slid from the corner of her eye.

"Were you?" he asked, "Or were you just surviving like everyone else on that primitive planet? I got the impression that you wanted to come with me."

"I think I was curious...then," she answered. "I'm definitely not curious any more."

"Selera, this is the path you have chosen. Live with the consequences," he answered. "There are still many benefits that the dark side can offer you. You must just keep your impulses in check."

"I am not Sith," she said.

"No, but as I said before, you are owned by Sith." He said no more until he had finished dressing her stripes.

Selera wiped her eyes and got dressed. It turned out things were just a simple on Coruscant as they were on her planet: complete obedience was required. And even that might not save you. Once she was dressed, she felt a little better. Moving was still torture. The heavy makeup definitely helped her look better, but she was still in pain.

"Here, take this," he handed her a small glass of liquid.

"What is it?" she eyed him suspiciously.

"It will ease the pain and let you function tonight," he explained, offering the glass again.

She immediately took it and downed the whole glass.

"It won't make me giddy?"

"No. Just make sure you don't drink anything else tonight. You must maintain your guard with all the Jedi that will be there," he counselled. His tone had softened.

Selera nodded. "My Lord?" she called quietly and bowed her head.

"Yes?"

She looked up at him. He seemed satisfied with her subservient attitude.

"Will you still beat me when I return?" she asked.

"I have said so," he answered, "so it will be."

Selera bowed her head and closed her eyes. And Obiwan? she thought.

"He will die before your eyes." There was no emotion, just simple truth.

"I'm sorry Obiwan," she whispered.

"He is here."

Selera straightened up and stood. She checked the mirror to assure her hair and makeup were perfect. Her back felt better, as Maul said it would. She left Maul in her room and made her way to the entryway. On the way, she clouded her thoughts just as a bell rang.

She took a heavy sigh, put on a happy face, and opened the door.

Obiwan looked exquisite. She had not known what Jedi wore for formal wear, but the contrast of black and silver-grey robes was magnificent. He appeared to be quite taken with her appearance as well. He smiled broadly.

"Are you ready, My Lady?" he asked.

"Yes," she answered as she stepped through the door. He escorted her to his waiting shuttle. Qui Gon sat inside waiting for them to return. Selera was a bit surprised.

"Good evening, Master Qui Gon," she said bowing her head slightly and performing an elegant curtsy.

"Good evening, Selera," he said with a pleasant smile. Unlike Obiwan, Qui Gon seemed less interested in her appearance. Selera sat across from the Jedi Knight.

"So what are your plans for the evening?" he asked them both. He seemed to be aware of the fact that such political events could be terribly boring.

"We had planned on going to dinner at the Cotillion," Obiwan began, "but the political discussions do not hold much interest for Lady Selera and I thought we might go do something a little more to her liking after the meal," Obiwan answered.

Selera's mind drifted as Obiwan and Qui Gon discussed what places were appropriate to take the Senator's niece to and what would be a proper time to end the evening. She did not want to return to the Senator's apartment with Obiwan as she had been instructed. She did not want to watch Obiwan's death nor did she want to have a subsequent beating. She looked at Qui Gon and wondered if the Jedi were strong enough to protect her from the Sith if she asked for their help.

"Selera?" Qui Gon called to her. "Did you have a question?"

Selera thought a moment, behind her busy thoughts, but then shook her head. "No, not yet."

Even Obiwan sensed her vacillation. "What are you thinking, Selera? You seem very troubled this evening," he reached out to touch her, but withdrew his hand suddenly.

She thought a moment more and decided that it was no use. As much as she liked Maul, she was terribly angry with him and she had no loyalty to him or his master. Nor was she going to bring Obiwan to Maul for slaughter. She revealed her thoughts and as much of her background as possible, still hiding the fact that Palpatine was a Sith lord. She bowed her head, and took a deep breath.

"My sponsor is of the dark side of the Force," she admitted. "I have been aiding him in some reconnaissance work. He has trained me in my art, but I do not abide by his treatment of me." She explained.

"I was to bring Obiwan to him this evening." She left the obvious unsaid.

Qui Gon shifted in his seat. "Why are you telling us this?"

"I....I..." she looked at Obiwan, "I can't abide being part of a senseless death. I like...my master, but I don't care for his ways."

"What do you want from us?" it was almost as if he already knew the question, he was waiting for her to voice it.

"I will need protection," she said, "I was very naive when I agreed to help him..."

"And now you understand what he is trying to do?"

"Yes and no," she admitted, "I understand he has different beliefs, but I had no idea that it involved killing for no apparent gain for his ideological beliefs."

This seemed to catch Qui Gon off guard.

"So it would be ok if it advanced his belief system?" he asked.

"Don't you?" she asked.

This definitely caught the Jedi Knight off guard. "So you are a spy for him, is that it?" he asked.

Selera stood up and stretch out her hand, beckoning him to take it. She looked at Obiwan and smiled.

The Jedi Knight hesitated, but Obiwan nodded to him and Qui Gon took her hand.

Immediately Selera swam through the visions. She moved across the planet and went to the cotillion, where she saw everyone, including Palpatine, being careful not to make him aware of her presence. She focused in on Jedi High Council member, Master Yoda and sought his thoughts. He was definitely aware of her, greeting both her and Qui Gon silently, and then sent her away with a message to meet him at his council chambers.

Qui Gon released her, looking at her very surprised.

"So Yoda was right," he said. "He said there was something very strange about you. He said you were too obvious."

"Too obvious? Isn't that a bit redundant?" she asked with frown as she sat next to Obiwan.

"He thought your thoughts were too easily read," Qui Gon replied. "He did not reveal the nature of his suspicions at that time, but I imagine he was thinking that you were a channel."

"And what did you think?" she asked.

"I thought you were a young lady of simple thoughts trying to have a good time at the expense of my padawan," he answered bluntly. "It did not occur to me that your open mind was related to any sort of gift involving the Force."

Selera chuckled. "Gift, indeed," she answered, returning to her seat next to Obiwan. "It was something I was born with, but my family thought nothing of it. Nor did anyone else recognize it, until my master."

"Does your family know..." Obiwan asked.

"No, nor does the Senator," she answered, shaking her head. "If he knew my history, he would be ashamed of me. I'd rather he not know, and I'd rather not see him right now."

"Who is your master?" Obiwan asked.

Selera looked at him and opened her mouth, but shut it again. She shook her head again. "I'd rather not say," she sat back. "But time will eventually reveal him to the Jedi."

Qui Gon sat forward, intent upon Selera, "Surely it would be easier to protect you from someone if we knew who it was," he said, trying to convince her to give them a name.

"No, it would not matter," she said. "I want to speak to Master Yoda."

"I thought that was what you wanted to avoid?" Obiwan asked.

"Well, My Friend, things have changed since we last met," Selera answered. "I was not going to stand by and watch a friend die at the hand of my master. Especially if I could prevent it." She looked into his eyes. "All will be revealed in time."

Qui Gon bypassed the cotillion and went straight for the Jedi High Council chambers. There they met Yoda as he said he would.

"Knew powers you had, I did," Yoda chortled to himself.

"Yes, you detected me when you were in the shuttle after I arrived, didn't you?" she smiled.

"Yes," he put a finger to his mouth in thought. "Surprised companions your presence could not also detect," he looked at Qui Gon and Obiwan. "Very good are you."

"I'm even better now," she said, smiling slyly.

"Believe that I do," he replied, using his cane to walk over to her. "Train you, who did?"

Selera gracefully pulled her skirts up and sat on the floor, making her about Yoda's height. She offered her hand to the Jedi master. She was going to try something she'd never attempted before, but she felt as if she knew how to do it. As soon as Yoda touched her, the rush of visions made her gasp. He was very strong in the Force and she had to fight to control the visions. The Jedi sensed this and eased his presence in her mind. She flew him past all the stars she had gone by on her way to Coruscant, returning to her small planet on the edge of a very small galaxy. There she showed him her planet. She managed to take him back in time to where Darth Maul found her and how he discovered what she was. She showed him her training with Maul and their relationship. But she revealed nothing of Palpatine's nature. She only wanted to reveal the truth of what she was and how she came to serve the dark side.

"Agreed to serve him, you did?" he asked when she finished.

"I agreed to help him, not be his servant."

"Consummate this agreement you did?" he asked.

"I don't understand." She replied.

"Intimate with you, he has been?" Yoda explained.

"Oh," she blushed, "yes." She looked at Obiwan, embarrassed.

"Claimed you, he has?" Yoda asked.

"He says so, but I do not wish to be his slave," she said.

"Ahh, but you call him your master," Yoda said.

"I thought that would better define what our relationship has turned into," she said. But then continued, "I will be no man's slave, but I cannot protect myself from him." She looked beseechingly to Yoda.

The Jedi master nodded and turned away. "Powerful ally, you are," he said, thinking aloud. "Want to lose you, he will not."

"I cannot go back," she said.

Yoda was silent for a moment, bringing one of his fingers to his mouth in thought once again.

"Hide you, we can," he said finally. "Help us, you will?" He cocked a questioning eye at her.

Selera sighed. "Exchange one master for another?"

"Slaves, Jedi have not," Yoda explained, "friends and allies only."

"Compulsory or voluntary?" she asked suspiciously.

"Jedi, you are not," he said. "Voluntary your services would be."

"And if I decline any request?" she asked.

"Disappointed we would be," he answered "revenge, we do not seek."

Selera nodded as if satisfied. "I am afraid that he will still find me."

"That good, is he?"

"He is very good. And he has powerful allies," she explained.

"Come to us you would not, if protect you we could not, I think, hmmm?"

"I was hoping," she answered.

Yoda nodded. "Protect you we can," he said. He turned to Qui Gon.

"That shouldn't be a problem," Qui Gon answered. A silent exchange took place between the three Jedi that Selera could not discern. Obiwan stepped to Selera.

"I need to take you to our own quarters until other arrangements can be made," he explained. "We can protect you better there and we are close to other Jedi who can help if needed." He motioned for her to follow. Selera stood from her sitting position on the floor, smoothed out her dress and followed Obiwan. She looked down at the exquisite dress and thought it a shame she didn't get to properly show it.

"I think you are beautiful, with or without the dress," he said.

Selera smiled. "Thank you," she said quietly. She was silent a moment as she reflected on how it was the thought of Obiwan's death that helped her decide to leave her dark lord.

"I'm greatful, of course," he answered, apparently reading her thoughts.

"I...I hope you don't think too ill of me," she said.

He stopped and turned to face her, "Why would I think ill of you? I think it was an amazingly brave thing to leave a master that sought only to use you."

"Yes, but you must be thinking that I was seducing you strictly for my own master's purpose," she said, "And, in fact that's what it started out as, but it ended up being something quite different. I want you to know that my...feelings for you helped changed my mind about not wanting to end up in the Jedi High Council chambers."

He laughed.

"And that I appreciate your not telling anyone before I told them myself," she concluded.

"I knew you would," he said, "that's why I didn't."

"How did you know?" she asked incredulously. They started walking to his chambers again as he explained.

"While you might have a gift of clouding your thoughts, Selera, your heart, like your mind, is easily read. It gave you away long before your thoughts ever would," Obiwan opened his chamber door and invited Selera in.

"I guess I would have never made a good spy, then, hmm?" she added as she stepped in.

The surroundings were plain, but utilitarian, like everything else about the Jedi. He had a few mementoes placed about to personalize his living space. She imagined they all looked about the same.

"I can go get some clothes for you to wear if you would like to get out of that gown. You can get cleaned up while I go fetch them, if you'd like?" He was so helpful, so attentive. So unlike Maul.

"Yes, thank you, that would be great," she answered. "I need to get out of this make-up."

He pointed her to the wash room. She went in and carefully stripped off her clothing. Her back still did not hurt, but she cringed just to look at it. It looked bad. She figured she had better bathe before any pain returned.

There was a knock on the door.

"Yes?"

"Are you ok?" it was Obiwan.

"Uh, yes. I..." She looked at her back in the mirror.

"Are you hurt?" he said through the door. "Would you like me to fetch a healer?"

Selera thought a moment. "Yes, that might be for the best, I'll be all right for now."

"I'll be back shortly," he said.

"Ok."

In the interim, she bathed and washed all the makeup and perfume from her body. Her hair, that had once looked so elegant, was back in it's normal state. Selera dried herself off and draped the oversized towel around her body, being careful not to touch her striped back. She imagined Palpatine was becoming concerned she had never showed up at the cotillion and was going to send Maul out to search for her. He was sure to come here looking for her, she thought.

After a few minutes, there was a knock on the door that made her jump.

"Selera, are you all right?"

"Yes, come in."

When the door slid away, Obiwan saw her back for the first time.

He rushed into the room dragging another woman. Judging from her clothes, she also was a Jedi.

"Oh, Lord, Selera," he said examining her back. "Why didn't you tell us?" he chided.

Selera said nothing.

"He did this to you after I saw you this afternoon, didn't he?"

Selera nodded.

"Selera, why didn't you say something?"

"He gave me something for the pain," she said, "I wasn't uncomfortable. Can she do something for it?"

"Do something?" He laughed. "She can heal it." He turned to the woman.

"Where do you want her?" he asked the woman.

"Where she is will do fine."

"If she touches me she will need to keep from drawing any energy," Selera advised.

"Oh, that's right," he turned to the woman and explained how to do just that, and then left her to her job. Within a few minutes, Selera's back felt better. When she looked at her back in the mirror she saw the stripes were all healed except for some white marks that looked like scars.

"Those should disappear in a few days, but you will be out of pain, for sure," the woman advised.

Selera was so grateful. She felt tears in her eyes that spilled over and down her cheek.

"Thank you," she whispered. The woman grasped her hand firmly in encouragement before leaving.

"I've brought you some clothes," Obiwan said when he came back from seeing the woman out. "Nothing too fancy, just what your average Jedi apprentice would wear."

"They will do," she replied, not looking at the clothing. She was looking at her back in the mirror, amazed at how quickly she had been healed. "I knew Jedi could do this, but I think I figured it would take longer."

"There are many like her. Like yours, hers is a special gift." Obiwan explained, "Not all Jedi can do it. I will leave so you can get dressed."

"Obiwan, no," she stood up and tucked the towel around her before stepping before him.

"Will we be alone here tonight?" she asked.

"Yes, I suppose so, why?" he asked. She brought forth the image she'd had earlier that day of the two of them entwined and stepped closer to him.

"I'll lock the door," was all he said.

Selera watched Obiwan sleep. He was amazing. He had indeed been a virgin, but what he lacked in sexual experience he more than made up for in enthusiasm.

She wondered if all the Jedi were like him. Or rather, she wondered if all the Jedi's souls were like his. His was not like Maul's. His was bright and light. When Obiwan came inside her, she could do nothing but follow suit. It was so intense she passed out. When she woke, it took a few seconds before she figured out she was not still sleeping. She was disoriented and dizzy.

But a whole different truth was revealed to her by her experience with the Jedi apprentice. Either Maul and Palpatine were much better at hiding things from her, or they simply didn't know the truth. And the mental imprint that Maul had made upon her mind didn't appear to make any difference to Obiwan. He seemed most understanding.

She did not have to be anyone's slave. Palpatine must have known this. Her certain gift made her what was known as an innocent: neither dark nor light. Palpatine could not control her - he knew that. Likewise, the Jedi council could not order her to do anything against her will. But they seemed a little more disposed to help her in a manner that suited her than Palpatine had. But she knew that her life could be lived on her own terms now - as a truly free woman.

Selera couldn't sleep, so she got up and walked about Obiwan's apartment. She wondered what Qui Gon's was like.

There was a ring at the door. Quickly, she pulled on a shirt, just barely making herself decent before opening the door.

"Lady Selera?" It was Qui Gon. "I sensed that you could not sleep and thought I might keep you company." He looked at her in the strangest fashion, and then smiled a knowing smile.

"What?" she asked, looking down at herself, expect something to be wrong.

He chuckled briefly. "I now understand why Yoda wanted you to be...intimate with my Padawan."

"How is it that you people know everything that I do?" she asked incredulously.

"Get dressed," he said, "Let's go for a walk."

Selera left Obiwan sleeping blissfully as she slipped out the apartment door. Qui Gon was waiting for her.

He looked approvingly at her dress: she was in Obiwan's clothes. They were a bit large, but they worked.

"At least you now look like what you are," he said.

"I'm not an apprentice," she replied.

"No," he said, "but you are definitely strong with the Force." He answered.

"I'm beginning to feel like a prize, with different people vying for me," she said quietly.

"Do you think Obiwan is vying for you as if you were a prize?" he asked.

Selera smiled slightly and shook her head. "No," she answered. "He has a pure soul." She looked at Qui Gon. "Is he naive or is that how a soul on the light side feels?"

Qui Gon laughed. "Well, he is still young, with the naivete that goes along with youth, but, no, what you feel in him is the light side."

"It is interesting," she said.

"Have you never been with anyone of the light before?" he asked.

"Um, no, actually, I have not," she answered. "To be honest, Qui Gon, I've only known I was a channel for the past couple of months."

This caught the Jedi knight quite off guard.

"But I thought you had advanced training?" he asked.

"I completed my training in the span of about four weeks," she said.

He drew in a deep breath and let it out, "I see," he said, "I am beginning to understand why you left your former master. You weren't actually with him all that long?"

"No."

"At least it didn't take you very long to figure out you didn't like him." Qui Gon said.

"I never said I didn't like him," Selera came back quickly, "I just said I don't agree with his methods and I won't be party to them."

"Yes, I remember," he hesitated. She sensed that he wanted to ask her something.

"You are correct," he said, reading her mind. Still he hesitated.

Ask, she thought, looking over to the Jedi Knight.

"I am....curious," he started, "I don't imagine that anyone in my position could help but be curious."

"To what end?" she asked.

He blinked in surprise. "I think I just want to know more about your gift," he answered. "How it works. Why it works."

"Do your people not already have these answers?" she asked.

"To some extent," he said. "I think what I'm trying to say is that I would like to satisfy a personal curiousity."

Selera laughed. "I've never heard it called that before."

The Jedi blanched noticeably. "Is that required?" he asked.

"No, but it depends on what you are after," she explained. "You want to see what's in the universe? People, places, things? It's not necessary. If you want to do some self exploration, yes, it is required."

He nodded as an expression of understand came over his face. He thought deeply and said nothing.

"Is there someplace where we can sit down?" she asked, "I would be more than happy to give you a first hand display of what I do." She stopped walking, "Now that my secret is out in the open, there's no reason to hide it."

"Probably a healthy attitude, considering all that you've been through," he responded, "Come this way, I know a place.

He led her to a small library. In it there was a reading table with several chairs around it. He pulled out one of the chairs and gestured that she should sit down. After getting her situated, he sat across from her.

"How do we start?" he asked awkwardly.

"Well, what would like to know?" she asked.

Qui Gon laughed slightly and absently rubbed his beard. "Now that you get right down to it, I have no idea," he said.

"Then just take my hand and we'll wing it," she said, placing her outstretched hand on the table.

Hesitantly, he took it.

Immediately, the visions began. She could sense Qui Gon's surprise, even though he knew what was going to happen. She left Coruscant and wandered through the galaxy to nearby systems. She went to the surface and followed the inhabitants, skimming through their minds as they went about their day. Mundane thoughts of what they were doing, where they were going, as well as their secret thoughts during conversations.

She brought him back to Courisant and to his sleeping apprentice, peeking into his dreams as he slept.

Can she see everyone's thoughts this way? he thought.

"Yes, I can," she replied.

They looked at one another; Qui Gon released her hand, ending the visions. He gave her strange look.

You are reading my thoughts? he thought, still looking intently at her.

Selera laughed. "Yes," she answered again.

"Perhaps it is time to go see Master Yoda again." he said, standing from his chair. "Have you ever experienced this before?"

"No, it's usually just the opposite: everyone knows my thoughts, but I'm left in the dark as to what everyone else is thinking."

"Perhaps it was our contact?" he suggested.

"I've never had it happen with anyone else."

Qui Gon went from being at ease to being very formal and distant. This could be to our advantage, he thought.

"In what way? What's wrong?" she asked, standing from her chair as well.

"Nothing," he answered, and his thoughts went to the mundane. She knew exactly what he was doing, she had done the same thing on many occassions when hiding her own thoughts.

"Are you sleepy?" he asked suddenly.

"No, not really," she answered.

"Then you may entertain yourself here at your leisure, My Lady," he said, "I should return before dawn." Was all he said before leaving her alone in the room.

Selera really didn't feel like reading so she went to some doors that led to a balcony and went outside. The air was warm and moved quickly across her face. She went to the side and looked down: it wasn't near as high up as Palpatine's apartment, she could still see the base of the building...

"It is beautiful here, isn't it?"

Selera nearly jumped over the railing. Turning around she saw nothing until Lord Maul moved from the shadows of the building into the light.

She immediately blocked her thoughts as her mouth went dry. She tried to slip back to the door way, but Maul stepped in front of it.

"You must have known I would come for you?"

Selera nodded. "I figured you would," she just barely whispered.

She was unsure what he would do. She halfway expected him to pick her up and throw her over the balcony railing.

He moved close to her, reaching forward and touching the garments she had on.

"How is your back?" he asked.

"Fine," she answered.

"Their healers took care of you," he commented.

"Yes," she replied.

Maul stepped closer to her, deliberately invading her personal space. Selera could feel the heat from his body. She knew he wanted to seduce her and she wasn't half opposed to the thought. He reached up and took her firmly by the back of the neck and caressed her cheek with his free hand.

"My master wanted me to kill you," he whispered, "but he also knows I cannot."

He leaned forward and put his mouth over hers, pulling as much energy from her he could. She merely let her mind fly around the building tops of the city, never spending too much time at any one. She felt his body respond to hers as he held her captive for several moments before breaking the kiss off.

"Did you get to fuck the apprentice?" he asked.

Selera withdrew from his embrace.

"It appears, dark or light, you all have the same motivation," she answered, sliding away from him to the opposite end of the balcony railing.

He gave chase and followed her, cornering her on the balcony. He made small bites on her neck and ear lobes.

"My master did send me with an offer," he whispered directly into her ear before grasping an ear lobe firmly between his teeth. "Have you revealed us to the Jedi?" he asked.

"Just you, but not who your master is," she answered breathlessly.

A low growl escaped his throat. His bites became more insistent; she was sure he was leaving marks, but her body responded to it. "That will do," he answered. He pulled away and looked into her face. "I will return when you have secured private quarters," he said before placing one final kiss on her mouth and backing away to the opposite corner of the balcony.

Selera was slightly confused until she heard Qui Gon call from inside.

Selera? he was thinking, then he said it aloud "Selera?"

Maul climbed up on the railing, just as Qui Gon emerged on to the balcony. The Jedi only saw Maul for an instant before the Sith leapt down to some unknown escape.

Qui Gon looked at Selera: he was out of breath. "Are you all right?" he asked.

Selera nodded, wiping the moisture of Maul's last kiss from her lips.

He stood, hand on his lightsaber, attempting to assess the situation.

"I did not sense him," Qui Gon said. "I could only sense your....feelings." He was very serious as he stepped over to her. "What was he doing here?"

"He came to find out what I had revealed to you about him and his master," she answered truthfully. "He also brought an offer from his master for my return."

"What was it?"

"I don't know. You returned before he could tell me," she answered, "but it wouldn't matter."

Qui Gon sighed heavily and escorted her from the balcony. His thoughts were a jumble, she could not catch them all.

"Selera, I'm very sorry to have exposed you like this," he said, closing and locking the balcony door behind them. He passed his hand in front of the lock, she assumed to make it impenetrable.

"I wasn't thinking and it could have cost you your life. I assumed that by being within the Jedi quarters that you would be safe enough, but apparently I was wrong."

"It's all right Qui Gon..."

"No, it's not all right -- it was wrong of me," he snapped and turned to face her, "I don't think you understand just how very much in danger you were. He could have done any one of a hundred things to you and I would not have been here to help. It was stupid of me to assume that they would not come here, or that they would not be able to find you here." He grabbed her firmly by the arm and led her from the room, back down the hall, and to Obiwan's quarters.

"Get in there and stay in his room," Qui Gon ordered, "I will place a sentry on the door. And you must promise me something."

"What's that?"

"That you will go no where alone," he gave her a stern look.

She smiled. "I will try to remember," she deliberately evaded making a direct promise.

He gave her a sidelong glance, "I mean it."

"I will take Obiwan with me everywhere, will that suffice?" she asked.

"Yes, I suppose that will have to do for now," he responded. "I will be speaking about the intruder with Master Yoda. He will probably place more restrictions upon you than I have, so be prepared." He seemed to be trying to read her.

Why are you so unsure of me? she thought, deliberately opening her mind to him.

"Because, Selera, I am still wondering what your motivations are," he answered, "You and that man seemed very comfortable with one another and while you were immediately fearful when you first saw him, that fear diminished considerably as you spoke, did it not?"

Selera nodded as if guilty. "You are perceptive, especially from such a distance," she answered, "Exactly how far from me were you?"

"I was on the ground floor."

Selera's surprise must have been evident.

"Yes, it surprised me as well, My Lady," he answered. "Now, if you will excuse me, I must be on that errand once again." He raised a finger to her, "And remember what I told you."

Selera sighed. "I will, I promise," she finally conceded and went into Obiwan's quarters.

She decided to crawl back into bed and get some more sleep, since there was little else to do in the small apartment. She didn't want to turn on a light for fear of waking him.

Sensing her return, Obiwan rolled over and placed an arm across her waist, pulling her close before returning to sleep. Selera found it a rather comfortable spot and drifted off to untroubled dreams.

Because of Obiwan's close proximity, her dreams were a variety of dreams and visions. They were so jumbled together that she could not tell what was real and what was from her own imagination. She kept finding her dreams drawn to a certain point outside the building, constantly interrupting the steady flow of dreams and visions. Finally she gave in to the desire and followed it to a spot outside the building. Again, from the shadows of a balcony, Maul appeared.

"You came," he said.

"You were summoning me, weren't you?" she asked. The Sith Lord nodded.

"Your powers are growing greater everyday," he said, "My Master said this would happen."

"Is he terribly angry with me?" she asked.

Maul let out a low chuckle. "Not anymore," he answered. "He did not think you were capable of leaving him."

This time Selera laughed. "I have very few loyalties, Lord Maul. None of them are for him," she replied. "If he thought that mistreating me was a way to garner my loyalty, he must be a very twisted man."

"Not so much as you would think," Maul answered. "He is very powerful, and when you do not have powers such as yourself, he is very intimidating. His presence alone has made strong men bow to his will."

"Hmph," she scoffed.

"He is willing to make an offer, you know."

"An offer of what?" she retorted, "More lashes? More rape? Oh let me pack my things, I'll be right over."

"Now you're being sarcastic."

You must be kidding she thought and gave him a look to match.

He sighed and stepped forward. "Selera, come home with me," he said earnestly. He was asking, not telling this time. She gave him a sidelong glance.

"My Master has agreed to leave you to your own devices," Maul said, "He knows you are powerful and trustworthy. He promises the freedom you want and had no idea you craved it so."

"Well, now," she said, "that was his mistake, wasn't it?" she raised an eyebrow. "As if I would trust his word. If I agreed to come back, what's to stop him from truly making me his prisoner?" She shook her head. "No, I cannot go back."

"Not even for me?" he asked. His face was blank and she could not read his thoughts.

"I would not go back if you asked me, if that's what you mean," she answered. "But that doesn't mean I would end our relationship." He seemed to respond to her last answer.

"I desire you, Selera," he said, reaching out for her.

"You always have," she said, a smile stealing over her face. She moved closer to him.

"I mean, I want you now," he said.

"Not possible," she answered, using his own words, "What else do you want?"

This time he smiled and stepped forward, the conversation disappearing into a dreamlike vision. He stepped into her body, occupying the same space, and disappeared into her own mind.

Startled from sleep, Selera sat up and broke contact with Obiwan. She knew the close contact with him was causing such strange dreams, but he also awoke with a start.

"Are you ok?" Obiwan sat up.

"Yes," she gave a small shudder. "I had a strange vision."

"Yes, you did," Obiwan answered, but it was not the same carefree, innocent voice she was use to. She looked up at him, trying to focus in the dim light. He looked at her and she saw them: his eyes...his eyes were the familiar orange star-bursts she knew so well. She fell backward off the bed, scooting as far away from the bed as she could. Her eyes were as large as saucers and her heart pounded in her ears.

"My God, how did you do that?" she asked. "Where are you?" She looked around, halfway expecting him to be in the room.

"I am very near," he answered in a quiet, familiar growl.

"Where is Obiwan?" she asked.

"We are both here," he answered.

Selera's mouth dropped open.

"What do you want?" she asked, suspicious of what he might do next.

He shook his head, "I told you I wanted to be with you," he answered. "I knew you would join again with the apprentice, so I waited until he touched you."

Selera shook off her fear and moved to the bed to get a closer look at the man...the men. "How...how did you do that?"

"His mind is still weak," he looked down at Obiwan's body, holding up and examing one of his arms. "But a fine body...well trained at least."

"Obiwan?" she called.

"Yes?" answered the Jedi. Selera smiled when she heard his real voice.

"Are you all right?"

"Yes, we are fine," he answered. "It is interesting."

Selera moved onto the bed and sat next to him. "Are you in any danger?"

Obiwan shook his head, "No, I sense no danger from him."

"Maul, why are you here?" she asked again.

"Well, as his mind says it, he wants to fuck you," Obiwan answered candidly. Selera almost laughed; It was not in Obiwan's nature to use such language.

"Why?"

"He misses you," he looked at her sadly. "Do you love him?"

Selera was caught off guard, but answered truthfully. "I don't know if you would call it love, but I do like him."

"And what about me?" Obiwan asked.

Selera smiled and touched his face. Through the vision she could see both men in the same body: they were one. And she revealed her emotions to them both, because it seemed that no words could express what she felt for each of them. Then she withdrew her hand.

Obiwan snatched her wrist firmly, "He is right, I do want to fuck you, My Lady." His demeanor had changed to that of Maul's. "And I mean to have you." He pulled firmly on her wrist, drawing her closer to him, and took her around her waist with his other arm, pulling her forcefully to him.

He put his mouth over hers and took as much energy through her as he could. The combined will of both men put quite a strain on her ability to control anything. When he pulled away, she was left weak and gasping for air. He did so several more times until Selera hung limp in his arms, hardly able to move.

"Now, My Lady," Maul purred and sharply bit her earlobe, "I will have my way with you."

He started at her neck with some light nibbles, punctuated by some rather solid bites. All the while caressing the rest of her body with his hands. To Selera it seemed at times there were more than one pair of hands moving over her body, but she was so exhausted and the constant draw of energy through her mind made reality tough to discern.

He worked his way down to her breasts, which he spent much of his attention kissing, sucking, and biting. Selera would get to the edge of orgasm and Maul would stop his ministrations, teasing her. She had lost all control of herself to the both of them and it seemed that if Maul had wanted to spirit her away, this would be the most opportune time to do it. Instead, he opened her legs and spent an even more extensive amount of time on her most vulnerable parts, exploring every inch of her until she cried out for release.

"Please," she moaned, helpless to further her own pleasure.

"Not yet, but soon," he whispered.

She kept expecting him to have intercourse, to finish himself off. She could feel the intense desire from both men. They worked in tandem to keep Selera weak and at their mercy as they continued their seductive torture.

"Now, Selera, what do you want?" It was neither mans' voice, but a strange mix coming from the same body.

"Please, I need to..." she begged.

They finally gave in and moved up to couple with her. But as soon as they entered her and began their quick, deep movement, Selera came with a force. She cried out loud and the walls shook with the force of a distant explosion. Her mind opened up to reveal all of her most intimate secrets -- her entire life was laid before her. Every deed she had ever done was forced into her mind in those seconds of her orgasm, that she seemed overwhelmed with them. When she finished, her mind wandered aimlessly through space as she waited for the men to finish inside of her. Their visions were strong and intermingled as they passed through her mind. But she had seen them before.

Once finished, he rolled to the side and was left breathing hard from the physical exertion of their encounter. He discontinued their mental connection. Selera was glad to be alone in her mind.

"Was that to My Lady's satisfaction?" Maul asked.

"Yes," a bit embarrassed by the flow of personal visions that had passed between them. That had never happened before when she came. It had to be the intensity of the orgasm, she thought.

"It is disconcerting, no?" he asked, knowing her thoughts.

"Yes," she answered. "Did you enjoy it, My Lords?"

"Obiwan enjoyed it so much, he is unconscious -- sleeping," Maul responded. "His mind could not handle all of it. But I must commend his adventurous spirit to go along with it all."

Selera smiled. There came an insistent banging from the door. Maul barred the door with his own mind.

"I must be gone now, but will return when I can," he said. He laid down, closing his eyes. Obiwan's face became serene again, sleeping peacefully. Maul was gone. Getting up, staggering a bit to get her feet under her, she wrapped one of the sheets about her naked frame, covering Obiwan with the remaining blanket. And just in time as the door finally slid away and three people rushed in: Qui Gon with Masters Yoda and Windu. Qui Gon had his lightsaber out, lit, and ready for battle. They were all concerned, but registered surprise at her attire. She leaned heavily against the wall and her face was still flush from her experience.

"Yes?" she answered innocently. Qui Gon sighed as he turned off his light saber and returned it to his belt.

"Get dressed, we must talk some more," Qui Gon said. "I will rouse Obiwan." He slipped passed her and moved to the bed.

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