The Channel - Section 4

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 finds that Maul wants her.
Feedback to: tboyd1@hotmail.com

She retrieved her own clothes and slipped into the bathroom to dress. After emerging from the bath, she could see Qui Gon was having quite a time getting Obiwan moving. She could hear his mental proddings directed to his apprentice.

"Good time too much had he, I suspect," Yoda said. Windu hid a smile as he looked at Selera as gravely as he could. Selera smiled meekly as she straightened her clothes. Obiwan was finally coming around.

Qui Gon looked at her. What did you do to him? he was thinking. The words as clear as if he had said them.

Selera shrugged innocently and shook her head, I don't know, she thought back. It still surprised Qui Gon that she could read his thoughts, but Qui Gon managed to rouse Obiwan while Masters Yoda and Windu escorted Selera from the apartment.

"Come later they will," Yoda said, leading her from the room.

Yoda and Windu led Selera to a small sitting room where they all sat down at a table. One entire wall was nothing but windows; Selera could see the light of dawn bringing life back to the dark city. It had been a long, eventful night and made made her exhausted just thinking about it. She was rubbing her eyes when Master Windu finally spoke.

"I would ask you how you have enjoyed your stay so far, but I understand it has been far from restful," he said. This time, Selera blushed.

"Clouded your thoughts are," Yoda said suddenly as he leaned forward, looking closely at Selera.

"It affords me a certain amount of privacy from your kind, begging your pardon, Master Yoda," Selera answered with a polite smile on her lips.

"Understand I do," he replied.

"We wanted to talk to you about offering you a permanent place among our chambers," Windu said suddenly.

Selera was immediately suspicious, which she did not attempt to hide.

"Pay for your services, the council will," Yoda quickly replied. "An honest and prestigious profession it is," he added.

It sounded that way. She wanted it that way.

"But I want my skills available to everyone," she said, "not just the high council. And I will decide who will get to use my skills, not the high council." She waited for their reply. A non-verbal exchange took place between the two Jedi masters before Yoda answered.

"Understood," Yoda replied. "Set up a system of requests we can, if you like."

"Yes, but I want to see every request that comes in, no matter who it comes from," she insisted. "I'm not going to be turned into some temple whore that does the bidding of her masters."

Windu was surprised at her language, raising an eyebrow. "No, we had thought to make you more of an Oracle."

She knew what that was and the thought pleased her.

We thought you would approve, she heard Qui Gon's thoughts.

She turned and saw Qui Gon and Obiwan walking into the room. The young Padawan still looked groggy. She waited until both men were seated and then she looked at them all, one by one.

Respectable she thought. That was the first time she'd been referred to as that. And she would get to decide who had access to her gifts, not others.

To be useful instead of used? Qui Gon thought. He finally spoke.

"I volunteered to head your security detail," the Jedi Knight offered, "It only seemed to make sense."

"Qui Gon said that you and he have achieved a telepathic connection," Windu interjected.

Upon hearing this, Obiwan woke up a little more to pay attention.

Selera nodded. "Yes," she answered, "I don't know why; I've never had that with anyone before. I mean, everyone can read my thoughts, but I've never seen inside anyone's mind unless we were...intimate."

"He said he sensed your fear when you were accosted by the man on the balcony," Windu confirmed, "And he said he felt the same response from you when you were in Obiwan's apartment before we arrived just a few minutes ago.

Selera looked at Qui Gon in surprise.

Yoda sat forward once again and looked intently at Selera: "Had you in Obiwan's apartment that man?"

She smiled and sighed, "Yes and no,"

They all looked at her. Obiwan gave her a sidelong glance, unsure of what she was going to tell them.

"He was in a dream," she said.

They all responded to this.

"Powerful he is," Yoda commented. "And persistent." He looked to Qui Gon.

"He said he had to be very close to do it though," Selera added. She crossed her arms and rested them on the table, shaking her head. "But I am not worried about him."

"It still causes you a certain amount of distress to see him, though," Windu interjected.

"I wouldn't call it distress," she answered. "Just stress, he still never ceases to surprise me, is all. After our meeting last night I have no doubt to what his attitude on the matter is."

"The matter being?"

"My returning with him to his master: he know it won't happen and he doesn't blame me even though his master is terribly disappointed. Unfortunately for them, my time here with the Jedi has revealed that I do not have to be slave to anyone to use my gifts."

"Happy I am to hear that," Yoda said, "Disillusioned with your gift you were when last we spoke."

"I just needed someone to explain my options to me a little better," she looked at Obiwan.

"Then settled it is?" Yoda asked.

She nodded, "Yes."

"Then the arrangements will be made, Lady Selera," Windu sat back, apparently satisfied. "We will get back with you when all the appropriate details have been worked out."

"Time it will take," Yoda said.

"Patient I am," Selera answered and smiled.

Yoda began rattling off a list of expected behavior for her own safety until her own guard could be established for more permanent protection.

Selera sat back and sighed, wondering if it would turn out as she had hoped. She caught Qui Gon making plans of his own on how to keep her as secure as possible, while at the same time keeping her accessible. She smiled to herself thinking that it was nice to know someone else's plans for a change.

Lady Selera, you have a visitor, Qui Gon's thoughts interrupted her conversation with her new assistant. It's your...Senator Palpatine.

Selera looked at the door momentarily and thought, Let him in.

"Rai, we'll have to continue this later," Selera stood from the table where she and her personal assistant had been talking and handed the woman back her notes, "I must take this visitor."

"Certainly, My Lady," the woman took the notes and headed for the door, just as the Senator walked in.

He graciously stepped out of the way and allowed the young lady to leave. Qui Gon stuck his head in the doorway and looked at Selera.

Are you sure you want to do this? he asked.

Yes she thought back, He was bound to find out sooner or later. Leave us.

Qui Gon shut the door, leaving the two of them alone.

She saw his face immediately change mood to something less than cordial.

Selera motioned for the Senator to take the seat that her recently-appointed assistant had just vacated. She sat back down in her own chair. An icy wall was between them.

They sat and looked at one another momentarily. Selera decided to start.

"Before you say anything, I must warn you that my guard and I share a very special relationship," she said.

This caught him by surprise and he gave her a sidelong glance. "Empathetic?"

"That and telepathic," she replied.

He clenched his jaw; it was obvious he was not happy. "Does he monitor your conversations?"

"He can," she answered, "but only when I let him. I'm every bit as good at hiding my real thoughts from him as I am from you."

He swore under his breath. She remained calm, knowing that any fear or excitement on her part might cause Qui Gon to enter uninvited. He was so jumpy when she received guests without a chaperone.

"I gave you the ability..."

"You didn't give me this ability, you recognized it and you saw that I was trained," she interrupted. "There's a difference. But that is also why I will continue to see your apprentice when you are in need of my skills."

"Maul?" he asked incredulously. "Why Maul?"

"Well, we can't have you coming here to get information," Selera answered, "Even my friends would wonder where you learned to do that. I'm surprised you didn't figure that one out for yourself."

He was furious. She could tell by the veins popping out on the sides of his forehead.

"You should not have left," he whispered.

"And you should have realized that an innocent would never put up with the treatment you dished out to me." She glared at him.

He took a deep breath and calmed himself down. "A mistake I would not have made twice, I assure you," his tone softened. "Even Sith Lords have errors in judgment once in a while."

"Yeah, well, this one cost you," she said.

He reached out to take her hand as it rested on the table, but she withdrew it.

"I'm sorry, Selera," he said. He seemed most sincere.

She shook her head and looked at him sympathetically. "I almost want to believe you,"

He leaned forward onto the table, "Then do it!" he whispered. "We could still make a formidable team."

"If you had thought that, you wouldn't have used me so," she snapped. "I understand your motivation, Palpatine, more than you realize. I don't give a damn what your politics are or what you do with the information I give you, but I expect a few common courtesies."

"Like what?" he asked.

"Respect," she answered. "These Jedi respect me just because I'm a channel," she said. "I was born with a special gift -- I didn't do anything to get it, I just have it. And they respect me for it. Of course, it benefits them that I am a channel, just as it benefitted you. Except you were more interested in my attitude than my gift. If you think that beating me or raping me is likely to keep me loyal to you, you are sorely mistaken."

"Yes, I was mistaken," he admitted quickly. "And you are not one of my apprentices, and I never should have treated you as such."

She gave him an incredulous look.

"All right, all right," he said putting up his hands, "you are right. You deserve better treatment, and if the Jedi are giving you what you want, then that's fine for now." He sighed, sat back in his chair, admitting to a defeat.

"So how are we going to handle our special sessions?" Palpatine said. "You are right though. I cannot come here to use your...services." His inflection had a distinct inference to something more in line with her former employment on her native planet.

Selera turned her head at the inference and ignored it.

"And the Jedi are already aware of who my apprentice is, so he cannot come here," he continued, "So exactly how are we going to use your services when we need you?"

"Someplace public," Selera suggested. "I won't go to your private apartment. Why can't we use your Senate offices?"

"Maul cannot use those," he answered, shaking his head.

Selera nodded. "My apartment has a balcony. He will have to use it and he will have to be discrete," she said.

Palpatine nodded is approval. "That is acceptable," he said. "How do we communicate our intentions?" he inquired.

"We can work out the details as we go," she answered, "I am currently too busy trying to set up my own offices to do much else, but it will get done, I promise."

"Well, I certainly appreciate your allowing me access to your gifts," he said. It was awkward for him.

"Senator," Selera began, "It is only by the grace of your apprentice that I have even considered it."

"And how is that?" he asked.

"He told me that you wanted me dead," she explained. The Senator drew in a breath at this. Selera continue, "But he said he could not do it." She sat back and crossed her arms.

"You must understand," he said, speaking slowly and deliberately, choosing his words carefully, "that in those first few hours after you...left, I was inconsolable." he answered.

She laughed. "I love your choice of words, but I think you forget just how well I know you," she said. "Just how many breakable objects perished that night?" she asked smiling.

Palpatine squirmed in his seat and then sighed and smiled pleasantly. "You are right, again you are right," he admitted, "I was furious. And yes, I initially told Maul to find and kill you so the Jedi could not have your talents.

"But," he continued, leaning forward and staring straight into her eyes, "I also finally came to the conclusion that to destroy you would be to destroy a gift that this universe only sees once in a millenium. You are so rare that your kind exists only in manuscripts. Even I could not bring myself to destroy that."

Selera thought a moment contemplating what he had said. She put her elbow on the table and drew her hand to her mouth in thought, staring overtly at the Senator. Finally she put her hand down and smiled.

"Senator, that is the most convincing thing you've said to me this entire meeting," she said. "There may be hope for you yet."

"I'll take that as a compliment," he answered.

"Is there anything else we need to discuss?" she asked, feeling a mental tug from Qui Gon.

"I would like to set up a . . . meeting for my apprentice at your earliest convenience," he informed.

"I will tend the arrangements myself and let you know," she replied.

Palpatine stood from the table and pulled his cloak around him, "Selera?"

She looked up at him.

"Thank you, My Lady," he said in a very formal tone, bowing graciously.

Selera stood and offered him her hand, which he took and squeezed before walking to the door. Selera informed Qui Gon that the Senator was leaving. Before he reached the exit, Qui Gon opened the door and stepped aside to let the man exit.

Selera sat back down and contemplated her conversation with the eminent Senator Palpatine. However, her thoughts were interrupted by Qui Gon.

"You seem troubled," he said.

Selera smiled, "Well, Qui Gon, while I can successfully keep you out of my thoughts at will, I certainly cannot hide my emotions." She stood and walked across the room to her desk.

"The Senator seems very concerned about your sudden choice of a career," he said.

"Yes, I am young and I had to explain to him what I do," she said, turning to the window. "No, he doesn't approve at all, but he has accepted it. He told me I always have a place if I want to go home," she answered being careful to neither lie nor tell the whole truth.

"Whenever you are ready, we can go over my suggestions for your private guards," he said.

Selera was no longer in the mood to play Oracle that day. She sighed. "Can we do it another day?"

"It really should be done as soon as possible, My Lady," he insisted.

She motioned to the same seat Palpatine had been in. "Then let's do it now," she said.

After seating himself, Qui Gon showed her electronic files of fifteen different respected Jedi Knights who had volunteered to be assigned to her private guard. After going through them all, she sat back.

"Qui Gon, they obviously are people you trust," she said. "You should make the choice based upon how fit for this position they would be. I'll leave that in your hands. Just how many guards will I be getting?"

"The High Council has authorized five, in addition to myself," he answered.

"That's fine, go ahead and pick the Jedi you trust and I'll pass that along to the High Council," she answered. She did not dismiss him, but Qui Gon knew it was time to leave. She was in a dark mood and wanted to be left alone.

On his way out the door, he thought Do you want to be disturbed the rest of the day?

No, I shall be returning to my apartment for some rest, she thought in response. Qui Gon?

Yes, Lady Selera? he paused just outside the door.

Thank you for all your help and patience during this time, she thought.

My pleasure, was all he responded before closing the door behind him.

"Lady Selera, I highly recommend you conduct all your meetings in your office," Qui Gon advised, "Using your own apartment for this as you did last night makes it difficult..."

"And when someone makes a request to meet with me who, by nature, cannot come to these chambers, what am I supposed to do?" she asked.

Such as your Sith friend? he thought. He would not say it aloud.

"Yes," she answered. She would not hide the fact from him.

"The answer is obvious: you should not see those people," he answered.

"Qui Gon, I made a bargain with Yoda that anyone I decide can have access to my skills," she argued.

He took a deep breath before beginning. "As Captain of your personal guard, when it comes to matters of your personal safety, I feel it is my duty to make recommendations that I feel keep you away from any harm."

"And, Qui Gon, I appreciate it, I really do," she said, "But there are some things that will be dictated by my conscience," she explained. "It will be up to you to keep me safe even in those situations."

"You are not making this easy for me, I can see," he said closing his eyes and shaking his head, "If you are not willing to follow my directives..."

"Qui Gon, what if the tables were turned?" she asked. "What if I were an Oracle on a Sith territory? Any Jedi would be compromised if they were to go there, don't you think?"

"I still don't like it," he answered, frowning.

"Then tell me how I resolve this," she said.

Qui Gon sighed. "I don't understand how these people can drive you away with how they treated you, yet you still feel some sort of obligation to them," he refuted.

"Not to them," she corrected, "Just the one. The Master I will not have any dealings with -- he is on his own."

"But the servant will do as his master bids," Qui Gon added.

"He may make requests that his master sends him to make," she corrected, "Whether I give him what his master wants is another matter altogether."

"You are so stubborn," he said.

"Yes, and if you had your way, you'd seal me up in a windowless room and dictate to me how I run my own office," she argued.

Qui Gon crossed his arms and sat back in his chair. "There will be attempts made on your life, it is my job to see to it that they do not succeed."

Selera nodded. "And I have every confidence that you will do it," she said.

He looked at her disconsolately. I am not happy with this situation, but I will do everything within my power to prevent any harm befalling you.

Selera leaned forward and touch his arm. "Thank you Qui Gon, I couldn't ask for anything more," she said. He was beyond words when he finally got up and walked out.

Selera was not alone for long when Obiwan stepped into the room. His face lit up when he saw her, but he, too crossed his arms after he closed the door.

"What did you do to Qui Gon?" he asked.

Selera smiled. "I'm not his apprentice," she answered, "What are you doing here?"

"Qui Gon sent me in to watch over you while he stepped out for a bit of fresh air," he said as he walked over to the table. "Have you had lunch yet?" he asked suddenly.

"Oh no, what time is it?" she asked.

"It's well past lunch. You two were in here arguing for several hours," he replied with a smile and a raised eyebrow.

"What do you find so amusing?" she asked as she stood from her chair.

"I find it interesting how perplexed and frustrated he becomes when dealing with you," he answered, "Not even I can do that."

"Oh thank you very much," she answered sarcastically. "If I frustrate him that much, why does he continue to do it? Why doesn't he let someone else take care of my needs?"

"I asked him that same thing not too long ago," Obiwan said coolly.

"And?"

Obiwan paused before answering, "He said that it's not everyday that a Jedi has the honor of guarding such an important person as the Lady Selera." He gave her a sidelong glance.

Selera looked to the doors, thinking about Qui Gon and how diligent he had been in getting everything set up for her and she suddenly felt pangs of guilt.

"Besides," Obiwan continued, "I think he likes the mental challenge you present him."

She slapped him on the arm. "You make me sound like I'm such a chore," Selera said.

"No, not a chore," he said eyeing her over, "You are anything but a chore." He sighed. "Let's go eat," he said suddenly, gesturing for the door.

"Are we allowed to do that?" she asked, "I mean, Qui Gon won't be upset that you didn't just lock me in my office and shove scraps under the door?"

He laughed. "Well, he did make mention of something to that effect, but agreed to let me take you to my apartment instead."

Selera looked at him: he always had a smile for her. And he always had a way of brightening her spirits after a long day. Up to that point, her days consisted mostly of arguing with Qui Gon over everything. It was Obiwan's quick wit that usually helped her regain her own sense of humor. She imagined he must do the same for Qui Gon, which is probably why the elder Jedi had not given up on her yet.

"Yes," he answered leading her from her office, "And it's also why he hasn't give up on me yet."

Lunch was nothing fancy. It never was when Obiwan did the cooking; it was utilitarian, as everything with the Jedi. But it usually was enough to fill her up. The thing she enjoyed most about being with Obiwan was that she could be herself, something she hadn't been able to do since leaving her own planet. The Oracle of Coruscant became Selera Elia: simple country peasant once again.

Selera could complain about Qui Gon's contrary ways and Obiwan just listened.

"Does he treat you this way?" she asked him this particular day.

"No," Obiwan replied, "But then I'm not an Innocent either, I'm his apprentice: it's my job to do what he tells me. You're a very interesting case, Selera. As a channel and an innocent, you follow your own counsel. That is something the Jedi, dark or light, don't always have the luxury of doing -- we are usually being guided by the force, which is sometimes contrary to what we might have done otherwise."

"Does that bother you?" she asked, "Not being able to do what you want?"

"Not really, not any more," he answered, "I've accepted the discipline of being a Jedi. While that does keep me from doing some things, it gives me greater advantage in others."

"I suppose that is fair," she said, nodding in understanding, "You gave up one thing to gain another. But how do I fit in? I mean, I didn't do anything to have this gift. While training was a real bore, it wasn't too terribly hard. And here I am: the Oracle of Coruscant," she said with a smile and a flourish, mocking her own title.

"I don't know Selera," he replied, "I don't question why things happen any more, they just are." He leaned forward and dropped his voice to a whisper as if someone might hear him, "Just as we all know you have a, er, friend who is of the dark side, a side that opposes mine. But it is not wrong for you to do that."

"Even though everyone says I shouldn't?" she asked.

"Yes, Selera," he answered. "We do not like it because for us it would be wrong. But because of what you are, it is not wrong for you."

Selera looked at him strangely and smiled. "Why are you telling me this?"

He sighed and leaned back in his chair. "Because I saw what your previous masters did to you. They tried to bend your will to theirs and it didn't work...it couldn't work, simply because of your nature -- they would have eventually destroyed you," he seemed agitated.

"I see my masters making similar attempts to control you, using different methods mind you, but it's the same thing." He leaned forward again and looked her square in the eyes, "Selera, don't let them talk you into doing anything you don't feel is right for yourself, don't let them do it." He was most emphatic.

She studied his face carefully; Selera had never seen Obiwan so passionate about anything. Selera shook her head in confusion. She didn't know where all this was coming from or why he was so fervent in his telling.

His face softened and he apologized, "I'm sorry, I don't want to sound like I'm preaching at you."

"I didn't take it that way," she replied, "But I'm wondering what has made you come to this conclusion?"

He smiled, "I see it every time I see your face, Selera, it's so obvious," he reached up and briefly touched the skin on her cheek, "just as it is obvious to every other Jedi, dark or light, who see it. Many of them just refuse to believe it is there and think that....they...can somehow 'turn' you to their side. Like your previous master and some of the Jedi on the high council.

"Only they are wrong, and everyone is entitled to be wrong once in a while, even Jedi," he concluded.

Selera laughed at the last part of his answer. It was very much of what Palpatine has said at their last meeting. Perhaps Palpatine had figured out the same thing.

Selera smiled at him and gave him a sidelong glance. "Just how did you come by this piece of wisdom?"

He blushed noticeably, "When we were....together. I saw that Sith's soul as our minds mingled together -- he recognized it as well. Dark side he may be, but a remarkable being nonetheless."

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you admired him," she jibed.

"Well I certainly have the advantage of knowing how a Sith thinks," he responded, "It was indeed a remarkable experience."

"I know just what you mean," she said, sensing to share a bit of her own epiphany, "During a vision, when I manage to enter a person's mind, I learn so much. Not just about them, but I gain their life experiences as well -- the good, the bad, everything. It's almost as if I'd lived it myself."

"Yes, that's it," he agreed, "That's the best way of putting it, we shared our life experiences."

Guarding her thoughts, Selera looked at the young Jedi and wondered how sharing the life's experiences of a Sith would affect him. She knew it had definitely changed her.

"I didn't like that look," he commented as he picked up a stray piece of food and popped it in his mouth.

Then she wondered how a Sith would be affected by sharing the life's experiences of a Jedi: this could turn out to be very interesting indeed, she thought.

She shook her head and smiled. "Just idle thoughts," she said, "Sometimes even I need to be alone in my mind, Obiwan."

It took weeks to establish her routine. And Qui Gon was little help because he felt everything she did put herself at risk. Selera stuck to her guns when it came to doing what she felt was right, and the Jedi conceded in most things.

The only reason Selera got Qui Gon to back down was because she managed to take Obiwan with her everywhere. When he was not doing his master's bidding, he was with her. While Qui Gon was not always pleased with the amount of time his apprentice spent with Selera, he could not refute that the two had an affinity for one another: they were like two peas from the same pod.

And Obiwan's progress had begun to move forward at an exponential rate, far faster than anyone had thought possible at this time. Perhaps time with Selera is good for him, Selera overheard Qui Gon thinking one day.

Selera got so use to having Qui Gon's thoughts go through her own head, that most times she didn't pay any attention unless he addressed her directly. However, she felt pretty sure that he monitored her mind constantly for reaction to any threats that might come. She had learned to cloud her real thoughts from him very well, even though he always knew her emotional state: that was something she could never hide. But it was not something she thought was a real problem.

"Are you about done for the day?" It was Obiwan. She hadn't seen him much for several days, because he'd been studying for his level tests, something that was required every so often when the council felt an advancement was in order.

Selera smiled at him and stood from her writing desk. "Yes, are you here to walk me home?" she asked.

"Well, actually I thought we might have a bit of celebration," he seemed rather excited.

"How did you do?" she asked, already knowing the answer.

"I passed my third level tests today with one of the highest scores they've seen in a while," he gloated. Looking closer at him, she noticed he had put on some of his nicer clothes: apparently he was not expecting to be turned down.

"Don't worry, I'll have you home at a respectable hour," he said.

Stepped from behind her desk and took his extended hand. "Where are we going tonight?"

But he did not answer. Instead he just led her out of her office and past her guard that was on duty, who started to follow them, but Obiwan told him that he would be her escort for the evening and to meet them back at Selera's apartment.

Obiwan was most secretive about where they were going. While in the shuttle he would not tell her, even though she begged to know. Finally they reached a housing complex and Obiwan escorted her inside, where a catered dinner sat waiting for them.

"Obiwan, how can you afford this?" she asked, knowing the expense it must have taken to hire it out.

"An unexpected bonus," he said.

"But you shouldn't have spent it all!" she exclaimed.

"I didn't" he replied. "Although I wanted to," he said. He drew her close to him, holding her firmly about the waist.

"I am not content just being your friend, Selera," he said, "I much prefer the way it was when we first met several months ago." He began with light kisses on her lips, hesitant at first until Selera opened her mouth, inviting. He pull her even closer as he put his mouth on hers, not giving her any chance for escape.

But escape was hardly on her mind. She put her arms around his neck and pressed her body next to his, enjoying the warmth. She let the visions he drew fly through her mind randomly.

Finally, he pulled back and looked at her. "First we eat."

Which they did. His demeanor through the meal was still that of a friend, but it was punctuated by overt sexual tones that she did not discourage. Selera watched the young Jedi apprentice; he was so much more confident since the first time they had met, so much older, although it had been less than a year since her arrival on Coruscant.

After dinner they retired to a couch in a small sitting area, each with an after dinner aperitif, where they sat quietly and talked. She removed her shoes and placed her feet in his lap and they discussed everything as they always did, except Obiwan rubbed her feet and played with her toes. Every once in a while, he would unexpectedly draw energy through her for seconds at a time, which she found very disorienting. He obviously thought it rather humorous.

"Stop it," she said rubbing her eyes and temples, "You're giving me a headache."

"Oh, we can't have that now," he said releasing her feet. He acted as if he were getting up, so Selera took her feet off his lap and put them on the floor. Instead, he slid over next to her and put a possessive arm around her. His other hand went to the front of her red dress, where he pulled the string tied at her neck that held the garment closed. There were three of them and he untied them in quick succession, opening the top. Beneath was an iridescent, cream-colored under dress that shimmered pinks and yellows in the light when she moved. It was very low cut and he reached out and traced her collar bone out to her shoulder. He touched her neck, sliding his hand up to her cheek and mouth, and lightly traced the lines on her face.

"You are always in my mind, but I have missed having you in my arms," he whispered. Then he put his hand behind her neck and drew her mouth to his once again, but did not draw any energy; he seemed satisfied merely to be touching her.

Selera loved his gentleness, she knew he would never hurt her. She let him finish undressing her, feeling no self-consciousness at being naked before him. It had been a long time. He ran his hands over the length of her body before removing his own clothes and escorting her to the bedroom.

On their first encounter, he had been a virgin. But this time, he seemed to know what he was doing -- she knew that everything he did to her he must have learned from Maul's sexual repertoire. The only difference being that he went much slower and had a much lighter hand than Maul.

When he finally granted her release, she cried out and was left breathing hard. Obiwan quickly followed suit.

Selera, are you all right? Is your guard with you? It was Qui Gon.

Selera groaned and sat up suddenly. Where are you? she thought.

"What's wrong?" Obiwan asked with concern.

"It's Qui Gon!" she exclaimed.

I'm in the Jedi High Council Chambers going over Obiwan's test, came Qui Gon's response. He repeated his first question. Are you alright? I sensed...something.

Selera covered her mouth, laughing. She had no idea that they would be able to communicate over such a long distance. Er, well, Obiwan is with me, and we're just fine, she responded, trying to hide the humor in the situation.

Obiwan rolled over and began laughing. There was no answer from Qui Gon for a long moment.

Do I even want to know what you are doing? he asked finally.

Well, you could ask, but I'm afraid I would compromise myself if I answered, she replied.

Another long pause.

Perhaps I should just let you both be for now, he said. She could sense he was uneasy with the situation.

Perhaps that is best. I will talk to you later, she finished. She rolled her eyes at Obiwan and began laughing out loud, throwing herself down on the bed. She felt as if she'd just been caught by her father.

"I bet he doesn't make that mistake again," she said.

"You think so?" he was smiling. "Let's try it out," and he tackled her on the bed, wrestling with her playfully until he had her pinned down.

"I rather like having you in this position," he said. Selera fought against him, but he was clearly stronger than her. He held her down with little effort. "Let's see, what will you give me if I release you?" he asked as she fought.

"Well, I've already given you my body, what more do you want?" He had her hands pinned above her head as he straddled her body. He sat for a moment in thought before answering.

"That will do," he replied, releasing her hands as he leaned down to kiss her.

"I need a vacation," Selera said putting her head down on her desk.

When would you like to go? came Qui Gon's half-serious response.

I have too much to do to take a break right now, she responded. She got up and walked out to a small reception area where her personal assistant sat with Qui Gon. "Who's next on my agenda?" she asked.

"You have one more appointment this afternoon," answered Rai, her personal secretary. "He should be here any moment."

"Good," Selera said, "Send him in when he gets here." Selera went back into her chambers but left the door open. One of her guards sat inside with her at all times, while Qui Gon, who stayed in the outer office this time, came and went at various times of the day.

"Lady Selera," came a voice from the door. In stepped a man dressed in the standard garb of your average Jedi Knight. Selera smiled at him and moved from behind her desk to greet him. He walked in, closing the door behind him, and quickly passed her guard as he reached inside his robe and pulled out a blaster. He turned, aiming it at the her guard and hitting him as drew out his own light saber, but before he could get it on. The guard crumpled to the ground, dropping the light saber -- it skittered across the floor.

The man turned back to Selera, training his weapon on her and walking toward her, closing the distance between them. Selera quickly dived behind the closest piece of furniture, her mind screaming for Qui Gon as loud as she could. A large, scorched hole appeared in the wall behind where she had been standing.

The blood was rushing in her ears so loud she couldn't hear anything else. The man reached her hiding place and she looked up at the man just in time to see Qui Gon's light sabre cleave the man in two. Selera cried out loudly, scooting away from the dead man. Qui Gon put away his light saber and rushed to Selera, followed by her secretary.

"Are you all right?" he asked, grabbing her by the shoulders. Selera merely looked at the man on the floor and looked around the room. "Selera!" he shook her.

"Yes! Yes! I'm fine!" she yelled. "How is the guard?" she asked. Qui Gon did not answer. Her mind was a jumbled mess and he could make no sense of it. He pulled her up from the floor and escorted her from her chambers. Obiwan had not been far away when he heard the commotion; he came running in the door.

"Take her home," Qui Gon said, handing her off to his apprentice, "Do not let her out at all tonight. I will send another guard over shortly."

Obiwan did as he was told. Selera did not say a word on the whole trip back to her apartment and Obiwan did not force the issue. Her mind was working so fast not even he could keep up with it.

Obiwan stayed with her even after the second guard showed up. However, the guard stayed outside in the hall, guarding the door. Obiwan ensured her balcony doors and windows were properly secured before fixing her something to eat.

He placed a plate before her, but said nothing. He sat down across from her and just watched her. Her mind was racing so fast he still could not keep up and she sat chewing on her fingernail and staring off across the room as if he wasn't even there.

"Selera," he finally said. She jumped and looked up at him. Her mind went completely blank.

Why? she thought suddenly.

"I'm sure I don't know, but I can guess," he said. "It's obvious that someone out there doesn't want you around. Are you sure your Sith friends haven't had a change of heart?"

Selera nodded. "Pretty sure," she answered, "my Sith friends use me as much as anyone. The master continues to make it very clear that he still wants me back. And the apprentice...well, I'm sure you know what the apprentice thinks." She thought back to the time Maul and Obiwan shared Obiwan's body: a shiver ran up her spine.

Obiwan smiled slightly. "My sentiments exactly," he said raising an eyebrow.

Selera actually blushed. Then she sighed, returning to her thoughts about the attempt on her life. She played through the events, remembering as much as she could. Obiwan payed close attention to these thoughts.

"He knew about the guard," Obiwan said after seeing her play through it a couple of times, "And I don't think he planned on escaping. Are you sure you had never seen this man before?"

Selera shook her head. "Yes, positive."

He sighed and shook his head. "I'm sure there are other people out there on the dark side who would want to take your life," he offered in conclusion. "It is unfortunate.

"It is likely going to become harder for candidates to gain entry to your offices," Obiwan said. "Qui Gon is likely to require a no weapon zone in your offices."

"That's fine by me," she responded quickly, shuddering as she remembered the attack.

"He's not going to like the idea of you having private sessions in your apartment either," Obiwan advised.

"I can understand," she responded, "I will very likely limit my private session to those people I already know and trust."

Obiwan shifted in his chair and leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. "Perhaps it is time you ended your relationship with your Sith friends," he said. It sounded innocent enough, but Selera picked up something else in his voice.

"I understand that you do not bother with the politics involved in an issue when doing a reading for a client," he explained, "But it could be the fact that you still have connections to the Sith that have angered some people and led them to this attack."

"What else are you thinking?" she asked, hearing other overtones in his voice.

"What do you mean?" he asked. She knew he was trying to hide something.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were jealous," she said with a slight smile.

He quickly stood from his chair and paced the area. He sighed heavily before stopping and facing her.

"Yes, you are correct," he admitted, "I am jealous." He wrung his hands momentarily in thought, choosing his words.

"But it's because I have very strong feelings for you and..." he shyly looked away and blushed, "I had figured you into my long-term plans and if you get yourself killed I would be...very unhappy." He abruptly sat down and looked her square in the face. "There, now I've gone and thoroughly embarrassed myself."

Selera laughed out loud before giving him a pleasant smile. She reached across the table and touched his arm; he was carefully not to draw her energy.

"Oh, Obiwan," she said, "I am flattered that you think so highly of me."

"I had not wanted to reveal that to you," he said quietly as he patted the hand on his arm. "I am still several years away from my final trials and..."

"You did not want to get my hopes up?" she offered.

"No," he responded quickly, then embarrassedly lowered his eyes again, "I didn't want to get my own hopes up." He sighed again.

"You are a very special woman, Selera," he admitted, "And I know you have other...interests. I don't pretend to be the sole center of your affection."

"But a predominant one, you know," she said.

He smiled at this. "I think I just want you to keep me in mind. And when I am able to make you a decent proposal, I ask that you take it seriously."

Selera knew Obiwan liked her; she just had no idea his feelings ran that deep. She smiled warmly at him and nodded. "When that times comes, Obiwan, I will."

"I just have to keep you alive long enough to hear it," he said.

"I'm sure Qui Gon and Yoda are already coming up with a plan to do just that." She sighed. "And, for me, it usually means either protracted periods of time locked away somewhere or I'll end up with a permanent shadow and no privacy. Neither option sounds like much fun."

Obiwan gave her a side long glance accompanied by a smile. "I'd be more than happy to be assigned as your permanent shadow."

Selera laughed. "Well, if you can convince Qui Gon, I'd be very surprised -- pleased, but surprised."

That evening, Qui Gon increased her security, but still left her alone inside her apartment. Selera was getting ready for bed when she heard a rapping at her balcony door. She went to the balcony door and cautiously drew back the curtain. Maul stood casually with one hand on the light saber at his waist, his expression as bland as always. She smiled and unlocked the door, allowing him inside. He walked inside and in a serious fashion, examined her for any damage.

"What are you doing?" she asked as he circled around her looking her over.

"We received word of your attack," he said. His face was totally unreadable, but she knew he wouldn't be asking if he hadn't been concerned. "Are you all right?"

"Yes," she answered, stepping back to the balcony door and closing and locking it. "Qui Gon saved my life."

He grunted. "An assassin should never have got that close to you," Maul criticized. "He did not protect you adequately."

Selera jumped to Qui Gon's defense. "Well, that's not entirely true," she went to one of the large, overstuffed chairs and sat down. "He was only doing what I allowed him to do," she began. "I have to admit, that I placed some severe restrictions upon him when it came to my protection."

Maul sighed and shook his head. "It does none of us any good if you are dead, Selera," he said as he removed his robe and draped it across the couch. He tugged his gloves off, placing them on top of the robe before moving around to sit down on the couch.

"Yes, but..." she looked over at him: he was giving her a scolding look. "Then I suppose you would agree with disallowing our conjugal visits?"

"If I were in Qui Gon's position, I would not allow it," he answered coolly.

This surprised Selera. "Well, Dear, it just so happens that that is what Qui Gon wants." She waited for his response.

"While we both know our visits are of no danger to you, if he is any good at what he does, he will do his best to see that they end."

"Then how will we see one another? Or are you not opposed to ending our visits?" she asked. She was anxious to see his reaction; he seemed very cool toward her this evening.

He smiled wryly and leaned forward. "He could not keep me out even if you did agree to his methods," he said, "Besides, I protect you myself when I can."

Selera thought this unusual for Maul and she cocked her head reflecting her surprise.

He continued his smile, "You don't think that my master would let any harm come to you before his plans for you had come to fruition?"

Selera suddenly became uncomfortable. "What do you mean?" she asked suspiciously.

Maul shook his head, "Don't worry, Selera. When the time comes, you will very likely join us of your own accord."

"And exactly when is that going to take place?" she asked, growing even more concerned.

"Not for some years," he responded, standing from his seat and stepping over to the windows overlooking the city. "My master's plans are long range and broad in scope. Not something rushed into."

Selera sat and thought a moment. So, the Sith are keeping me in their plans after all, she thought. Not a real surprise, but something good to keep in mind when dealing with Palpatine.

"Does your guard know we are together?" he asked over his shoulder.

Selera hesitated before answering. "Yes," she said, "Qui Gon placed himself outside my apartment door when you arrived."

Maul turned and smiled his wry smile once again. "How much have you told him about this conversation?"

"Nothing except that you are here and that I am not in danger," she said.

"As if he would take your word for it now that there has been an attempt made on your life." He moved over to her. "Has he sought entrance?"

"You know he has," she answered, "And he said that barring the door with your own mind will not keep him out should you endanger my life."

Maul raised an eyebrow at this. "I would test this if I did not wish to spend some more time with you tonight." Maul suddenly laughed out loud. "Perhaps you should not cloud your thoughts from him while we make love, so he can see everything we do when we are alone. Perhaps then he would not question my motives."

"If I did that, then he would know all about you...and your master," she informed.

"Hmph, we can't have that now," he answered. He turned from the window and moved toward the chair she was sitting in. Maul kneeled down and caressed her hand that she had resting on the arm. "He obviously knows when you are with a man, though. What does he do when you are with his apprentice?"

Selera was uncomfortable with the current line of questions. "Maul, did you come to see me or are you fishing for information?

He smiled briefly before responding. "I am just curious as to why you still see the apprentice."

"Obiwan wonders the same thing about you, you know," she replied.

He withdrew his hand from hers and crossed his arms. "And what do you tell him?"

"I think he has figured out that I am committed to both of you, but firmly to neither," she answered spitefully. She sense his anxious mood; he seemed to be more talkative than playful this particular evening. Perhaps because of the attack -- she wasn't sure.

"Perceptive," he said, having read her thoughts.

She pursed her lips and sighed. "Are you angry that I was attacked? Is that it? You're angry with me?" she asked.

"Sidious was livid, but not with you" he replied. "We know who the attack came from and they have been...dealt with already.

Selera sat forward at this news. "Who was responsible for the attack?" she asked.

"No one that you need worry about anymore," he answered.

"What did they want?" she asked, more curious than ever.

"They wanted you dead," he answered. He offered no further information and Selera knew it was pointless to push the issue and she sat back in her chair with a huff and just stared at him. She clenched her jaw momentarily before standing from her seat.

"Maul, I continue to see you because I like you. God knows why," she said, answering his earlier questions. She moved away from him, almost talking to herself. "I've never been so mentally challenged as I am with you. You're smart and I've learned so much from you."

"Even though you do not always approve of my methods?" he interjected.

"I don't always approve of your methods," she agreed.

"And what of the Jedi apprentice? Why do you like him?" he asked again.

"Because he is my friend," she answered honestly. "Let's be realistic, My Lord, our relationship is more business-like. No matter how much I might like you, I will never be able to break through that tough, Sith shell of yours."

He nodded in agreement as he casually walked up behind her. He laid his hands on her shoulders and caressed down her arms. "It's not been all business."

She smiled when he touched her -- she couldn't help but grow excited at his touch. It was the first real advance he'd made all evening.

He leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Would it be so terrible if I made you mine?"

"You mean to be owned by you?" she asked, remember his former claim upon her.

"We would own one another," he added as he placed a few light nibbles on her neck.

"Hmmm," she said, "You know I could never be second to Palpatine, but for you that is the way it must always be."

"He is my master," he answered, suddenly removing his hands from her body, "So we keep our relationship as it is? Sneaking out on balconies to see one another?"

Selera turned around to look at him. "You obviously want a complete commitment from me, why should I expect anything less from you?"

She saw a fleeting glance akin to shock cross his face and then it was gone. He looked to the door in thought and then back to Selera. "Would it be any different with the Jedi apprentice?"

Selera groaned and turned away. "The Jedi apprentice does not want to take a mate until he no longer has a master," she blurted unexpectedly. She put her hand over her mouth, surprise she even said it: she had not meant to share that information. She saw the flash of anger cross his face, but she kept calm, not wanting to alarm Qui Gon. She knew Maul would not hurt her, no matter how angry he got.

"So he has asked already?" he said calmly.

She removed her hand from her mouth. "No," she answered quietly. "He said he plans on asking when he is in a better position to do so. All he did was ask me to keep an open mind because he knows I have other...interests."

Maul stepped to her, he was not very happy. "At this time, you chose to love us both. But the time will come, Selera, when you will have to chose one or the other," he explained. "I will not suffer you to whore yourself to the Jedi forever, My Dear." With that, he grabbed her firmly by the arms and drew her to him, kissing her hard and drawing the visions from her. She felt his mixture of anger and jealousy and passion, which seemed to stoke the flames of her own passion. She responded in kind, seeking his mouth with her tongue and moving her arms around his neck. She reached up and played with the horns that circled the crown of his head.

He released her arms and reached around her, holding her firmly as she wandered through his mind, trying to figure out exactly what he was up to.

I want you to be mine, he admitted. Mine and mine alone. If I thought it would help, I would kill the Padawan.

Selera pulled away from him and looked at him. "Why haven't you?" she asked suddenly.

"Because it would not endear you to me," he answered. "In fact, I know it would likely drive you away as it did before. That's not what I want."

"What exactly do you want from me?" she asked, feeling as if she would get an honest answer from him.

"As I said, I want you to be mine," he replied, "But I want you to want to be mine. That is something I cannot force you to do."

"What if I don't want to be yours?" she queried a hypothetical situation.

"I cannot imagine you not wanting to be mine," he answered, "But my first inclination would be to kill the Padawan if you didn't."

That was the answer she was looking for. "So basically, either way, I can't have the Jedi apprentice. Is that what you're saying?"

"What if I decided to take another lover," she asked, a slight smile on her lips, "Neither you nor Obiwan?"

"I don't know," he answered, keeping his hold on her. "I've grown to hate that Padawan dearly. I imagine I could learn to hate any other new lover with time."

Selera laughed. " 'Well, Selera, you can love anyone you want, but I'm going to kill everyone you love if it's not me,' "...and she laughed some more... "How to win friends and influence people."

He released her suddenly and pushed her onto the couch, walking away from her. She knew she had angered him, but she didn't care as she laid on the couch and laughed a bit more. She finally quieted down before looking at him. He had taken up a position on the other side of the room: feet firmly planted, arms crossed, and a sullen look on his face.

"Do you toy with the Jedi apprentice like this?" he asked.

"Only when he gives me a good enough reason to," she said.

"And what did I do to give you a good enough reason?" he asked, maintaining his stoic demeanor.

"It was the lack of logic in your thinking: you are insanely jealous, Maul," Selera was still smiling at him. "I know you want me and I think it admirable that you have finally figured out that you cannot forced me to love you," she explained. "But by the same token, you basically said that if I don't love you, that you aren't going to allow me to be happy either."

His countenance softened at her explanation: he obviously recognized the flaw in his thinking.

"You must understand, Selera," he began moving slowly back to her again, "I've never wanted a woman like I want you," he said. "I've had many women, but I never felt as if I could not live without them." He stopped in front of her as she still sat on the couch.

Selera just looked up at him; she knew he had just paid her a great compliment. Selera reached out and took his hand and brought it to her cheek and then pressed it to her lips, appreciating the smoothness of his skin.

He sat down next to her and looked at her, the same expressionless look on his face.

"Maul," she finally said, "You are right when you say that I love you both. But please don't ask me to chose between you tonight, because I cannot."

He nodded as if satisfied, then drew her to him to escape in her body.

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