The Beribac Legacy

by Jane Sehrn-Ta

Title -- The Beribac Legacy.
Author -- Jane Sehrn-Ta (jane.sehrnta at googlemail dot com).
Archive -- Yes to Master Apprentice and my livejournal only.
Category -- Alternate-Universe, Crossover, Qui/Obi, Qui/Other, Obi/Other, etc :).
Rating -- Adult.
Warnings -- More plant porn ;).
Summary -- Taras Dooku has to learn how to share.
Feedback -- Would be greatly valued.
Disclaimer -- If I had created these sexy guys, this would be the kind of movie I would make. Alas, they belong to Lucas, so I gain no profit other than the satisfaction of playing with them :).
Dedication -- This is to wish my dear comrade, Little Owl, a very Happy Birthday. Thank you for always being there, and for always pecking on my window to check up on me whenever I fall off the face of the Internet. You bring so much fun and joy to my life. This tale is sent to you with lots of love and huggs, and I'll forgo the Force-proof rope because in this episode you won't need it.
Notes -- Sequel to The Beribac King. // // indicates telepathy.

Taras Dooku was thoroughly relaxed and enjoying himself for the first time he could remember. A large portion of his enjoyment was due to the sight in front of him. His apprentice, Qui-Gon Jinn was stretched out prone on the daybed before him, thoroughly sated, his back being massaged by the nimble fingers of several of Queen Nayoola's handmaidens. Not only had the Changeling rite changed their physiology, it had transformed Qui-Gon's Force aura to a radiant, sublime green. In the space of hours, it seemed, his wayward Padawan had undergone years of maturation. It was true Qui-Gon still had much to learn, as evidenced by his almost shy bedding of the Queen. It was only her reassurances that she was indeed several centuries of age, and the concerted effort of her gathered handmaidens not to giggle appreciatively, that Qui-Gon had turned to the task with the carriage equal to that of a Jedi ambassador to a foreign planet.

Qui-Gon was apparently a man's man, but he showed his usual dedication to the Moment, and was genuinely aroused and pleased by the Queen's attention, in return, enthusiastically doing his best to pleasure her. His efforts had been an apparent success, given the way Queen Nayoola reclined nearby, draped in a gilded robe, a knowing smile on her face and enjoying the attentions of her handmaidens as she watched Qui-Gon writhe appreciatively on the daybed beside hers.

"Are you comfortable, Master Dooku?" Nayoola asked, turning her gaze to him as if attuned to his thoughts - and she probably was, he thought wryly.

"Most comfortable, m'lady," he said, raising his glass of wine in a toast and leaning back into the hands of the handmaiden rubbing his shoulders. "Your hospitality has been without equal."

"It is my pleasure," Queen Nayoola replied, echoing the toast. "It is not every day we celebrate such a joyous occasion as this. You will likely be reassured that I have invited many of last night's guests to tonight's reception. I know you were anxious to hold discussion with members of the honourable Trade Federation."

There was a touch of irony in the word honourable and he wondered at it. Indeed, he needed to learn more from this young - no, enigmatic was a better word - monarch. Indeed, perhaps he should swallow his own personal preferences to bed the Queen also as he had been invited, to see if in the closeness of the coital bed he would learn more from her. "I am most grateful to your Majesty for accommodating the needs of the Jedi ambassadors."

"The Jedi have been very good to us," Nayoola demurred. "It's the least we can do."

At that point, Qui-Gon gave out a prolonged groan and wriggled up from his nest among the women, regrettably shrugging on his own robe and moving to sit on the daybed beside his Master.

//Too much talk for you, Padawan?//

Qui-Gon grunted to the affirmative, taking his Master in a long, plundering kiss, before leaning back into the cushions, apparently satisfied with himself.

King, be damned, Dooku smiled. He looked more like a young god. He was about to yield to the temptation of crossing the distance between them when a curtain nearby was drawn aside and Jakk Sparflyer staggered into the room on the arms of two handmaidens.

"Y'Highness," he slurred, before sweeping into a grandiose bow.

The young fop had undergone his own remarkable transformation - at least in appearance. The maidens had apparently successfully bathed and pampered him, although he also appeared thoroughly debauched by the process, judging by his leer and the grope with which he sent the women on their way.

"Master Jedi," he continued, bowing again to the recumbent men.

"To what do we owe the pleasure, Jakk?" Nayoola asked, smiling and offering a dainty hand to be kissed.

"It appears we have some visitors, y'Highness," he said.

It was only now that Dooku realized the air of nervousness had returned to the young garden keeper.

"And who is it?" Nayoola asked, apparently used to the necessity to pump the young man for information.

"Master Obi-Wan Kenobi," Jakk said with some satisfaction, and then hesitated. "And ummm... Master Yoda."

Dooku nearly dropped the glass he was holding. Of all the beings in the universe he might see right now, he had not counted on the green troll being one of them. He barely restrained a theatrical sigh.

"Aye," Jakk said, as if interpreting his unease. "He said he'd be waitin' in 'er Highness' reception room until s'time as you all're ready to meet with him, savvy?"

Dooku turned to regard Qui-Gon at once, but Qui-Gon seemed totally unaffected by the gravity of the situation. Indeed, he seemed involved in some internal debate of his own.

"O.W.K.!" he exclaimed at last, delighted. "Do we get to meet with Master Kenobi also?"

"He's on his way up now, luv," Jakk intimated with another leer. "Said he wanted to meet with you first."

Dooku was on his feet, shrugging away the attention of the handmaiden massaging his shoulders and scanning the room for his clothes and... an escape route? His former Master would not be at all pleased with the events here and doubtless they would not be able to do anything about Qui-Gon's obvious satisfaction leeching into the Force all around them. It was going to be a very long day.

"Please relax, Master Dooku," Queen Nayoola said diplomatically. "I'm sure Master Yoda will be glad to hear our news. The sovereignty of Naboo has always enjoyed a warm reception from Master Yoda and the Jedi Council."

Dooku forced himself to sit down, but all the joy had drained from him. The only thing he could be sure of was a prolonged round of grovelling to the troll and, likely, bruised shins to show for his efforts. He restrained another sigh. It seemed Qui-Gon had detected his unease for the first time, as he felt a cautious tapping at his shields. He'd forgotten they had automatically gone up in response to the mention of his old Master's name.

//Master?// Qui-Gon began, leaning toward him, but then arresting his movement as another person entered the room. This time there was a flurry of appreciative cries of recognition from the women.

"Jakk, you son of a Bantha, let's see you!"

"Obi-Wan!" the garden keeper roared joyfully, barely taking a step forward as the robed Jedi crossed the room - for such he obviously was by his radiant presence in the Force, and the bulge of the lightsaber near his hip. They proceeded to indulge in a kiss that was obscenely erotic. Indeed, the maidens and even Nayoola fanned themselves as they watched.

Dooku took a moment to study the new arrival, as he broke out of the kiss and pulled the hood of his robe back. He was of average height, and probably not much older than Dooku's twenty-nine years, with lush copper blonde hair, and a neatly trimmed beard. Kenobi turned to regard them, green eyes sparkling merrily on recognizing them.

"Greetings, my new brothers!" he exclaimed in an exquisitely cultured voice, patting Jakk on the rump as he strode or, rather, swayed toward them. He had quite the walk, and it seemed everyone in the room had stopped to watch it. Even Qui-Gon leaned forward expectantly, looking at the older man with something like amazement.

"Master Obi-Wan Kenobi," Kenobi announced, bowing formally as Dooku rose to meet him and returned the gesture.

"Master Taras Dooku," he replied promptly.

Moments later, Dooku was quite astonished as the imp leaned in and gave him a kiss on both cheeks, and then a thorough kiss on the lips. He was suddenly quite hard. He hadn't expected that!

Qui-Gon was also on his feet now, and looking on. With his usual enthusiasm, Qui-Gon strode forward and echoed Kenobi's unconventional greeting.

"Qui-Gon Jinn," Qui-Gon said at once, "but call me Qui-Gon."

"Obi-Wan," Kenobi responded in turn, looking around and smiling at them. "I can't tell you how glad I am to meet you. It's been over 270 years. I thought it would never happen."

"Isn't it you who is always lecturing us on the virtues of patience, Obi-Wan?" Nayoola said, offering her hand and smiling as Kenobi gave her his obvious customary greeting after the peremptory touch of lips to her hand.

"Your Highness," he replied, smiling. "Indeed it is... but where is Padme?"

"Here I am," another young handmaiden appeared at his call, and hurried into his arms, securing what was easily his most affectionate welcome.

While Dooku was gaping, Qui-Gon was again knocking on his hastily raised shields.

//O.W.K., Master,// Qui-Gon said at once, grinning broadly, but then looking perplexed as Dooku showed no reaction to the significance.

//If you have a point, Padawan, now would be the time...//

//O.W.K., Master,// Qui-Gon repeated, looking at him as if he was dense, and at the moment, he felt decidedly stupid. //His initials were on the wall of Jakk's hut, Master.//

Ohhh! That explained why his Padawan had insisted on carving their initials on the wall that morning. He had thought it some love struck ritual on Qui-Gon's part, but it seemed it had a larger significance. "So you are..." Dooku stumbled. He didn't know the protocol for introducing them to one of their "kind".

"A Changeling, yes," Nayoola responded with pleasure, as Kenobi finally pulled out of his intimate kiss. "It was Padme's turn as Queen when Obi-Wan was changed. You could say she's a favourite."

"Oh come now, your Highness," Kenobi said with a knee-weakening tone that had the desired effect on his audience. "You know I love you all." He turned and smiled at Dooku and Qui-Gon, as the handmaidens drifted close to join Jakk in hanging off Kenobi's arms. "We have much to talk about. But first I must deliver Master Unduli's apologies for not being here with me. She's on a mission and couldn't come without the risk of blowing her cover. But she promised to catch up with you both as soon as she could. The maidens giggled appreciatively at the undertone in his voice.

"I'm afraid I have not heard of either of you," Master Dooku replied, somewhat embarrassed. Kenobi claimed to have been around for over 270 years. How could he never have read anything about either of them?

"Understandable," Kenobi said, repeating his melting smile. "You will be able to look up many of our exploits under a number of different aliases over the centuries." He graciously accepted and took a modest sip from the flask that Jakk raised to his lips.

Jakk seemed disappointed by the implied restraint. "Obi-Wan - y' won't be celebratin' with us?"

"In time, of course, you old rogue," Kenobi grinned. "But alas, some politics first, savvy? We must deal with Master Yoda's concerns first."

Jakk grinned broadly then.

"It shan't be so bad, Master Dooku," Kenobi encouraged, turning on Dooku as though he had complained aloud. "He's not going to be disappointed at the continuation of the Beribac tradition with our newest and I hear, most prodigious, King." He winked at Qui-Gon, and Qui-Gon's innocent face split with a grin. If it weren't for a rush of fear about the coming confrontation, Dooku would have likely have been feeling rather jealous by now.

As it turns out, it was rather bad. Even the confident Obi-Wan Kenobi seemed somewhat disturbed by the flurry of whacks that the small Master bestowed on Dooku's shins as soon as the Queen and her handmaidens had concluded their greetings and retreated to allow the Jedi to conduct their own business. The troll didn't seem satisfied until he had cut Dooku down to size and had even landed a few blows about his head. His gentle Qui-Gon had been somewhat shocked into reality by the reaction, and it had taken a stern, Masterly, //Stand back!// across their bond to get Qui-Gon to obey.

"Master," Dooku began, only to quieten as another blow landed on his head.

"Be quiet, you will, Taras Dooku," Yoda snapped irritably, and waddled over to stand before Qui-Gon.

"Lost all propriety, have you?" Yoda asked, landing another hit on bewildered Qui-Gon's shins.

Qui-Gon immediately dropped to his knees and bowed his head, looking more like the nervous, unsure Padawan of less than a day ago.

"Better that is, Qui-Gon," Yoda admonished. "Changeling you may be, but Jedi you are first."

"Yes, Master," Qui-Gon stammered, looking up and needing only the glimpse of a hook on the troll's extended forefinger to be cowed.

Dooku's head sagged to his chest. Had he really allowed them to walk into this? Had he been so naive as to think that Yoda knew nothing of what would happen on Naboo? Especially knowing the troll's ability to make their life a misery? Last night he should have done the right thing and allowed his Padawan to embark on this path without him. In truth though, the thought of life without the young man at his side was intolerable. Was there a way to free them both from this apparent trap?

It seemed the troll had sensed his thoughts, as Yoda turned and began to deliver another hit. It was only Kenobi's voice, skilfully timed, that halted the blow.

"Master, he has much to learn. Please."

"True, this is. A Changeling, however, he should not have become!" Yoda fumed. "Coerced Qui-Gon, you did."

"No, Master, that's not true..." Qui-Gon began to protest.

The next hit was destined once more for his beloved Qui-Gon, but it seemed another conciliatory "please" from Kenobi, with a warning look at Qui-Gon, was enough to halt Yoda's arm and make Qui-Gon silent and contrite, head bowed again.

"To accept the outcome of Qui-Gon's choice the council was prepared, but this..." The troll seemed to be pacing out his desire to swing again at his benighted former apprentice. "Show no consideration for the Code you did. Acted on your own desires, you did," Yoda accused. "To explain this whole mess, some doing it will take."

Kenobi acted as interpreter for the green troll's rage. "As you know, Master-Padawan relationships are forbidden. This makes your union rather a delicate political Temple situation."

"Typical of your usual rebellion!" Yoda accused. "Had no idea that wanted the boy you did."

"I wanted..." Qui-Gon's voice again died out as the gimer stick was flourished threateningly at him.

"Finish your business here as quickly as you can, you will," Yoda demanded imperiously. "Then back to the Temple you will come for reassignment. Help in the Outer Rim you will."

Outer Rim: that was going to keep them far out of reach of the troll's usual sphere of influence. Dooku had to try hard not to smile at the implication. Once more, the troll showed his uncanny ability to read through his shielding and his impassive facial expressions.

"Smug, you need not be," Yoda exclaimed, with a bearing of his own smugness. "Check on you often I will."

If it weren't for the aura of hurt disappointment and confusion from Qui-Gon, he would have retorted. As it were, he nodded and said, "Yes, Master," as clearly as he could to avoid getting another whack for sullenness.

Yoda harrumphed and then turned, his voice softening. "Master Kenobi."

It took an effort for Dooku not to look up curiously. He felt the same curiosity emanating from Qui-Gon. Yoda's tone with Kenobi was friendly and extraordinarily warm.

"Walk me to my flyer you will," Yoda said, almost petulantly.

"It would be a pleasure, Master," Kenobi said smoothly, holding a hand which the troll unaccountably accepted to step onto his floater. "I have much to report of our activities in the Outer Rim."

"Good, Master Kenobi." Yoda brought his floater to hover beside Kenobi, and turned on his former apprentice once more. "A full account of your behaviour here, I shall expect, Master Dooku." His tone softened as he looked on Qui-Gon. "Do not spoil the boy. Much potential he has. Much he can learn from Master Kenobi. Much you could learn too, were you not so stubborn!"

"Yes, Master," Dooku bowed, recognizing the implicit dismissal in his tone. As the troll left at Kenobi's side, he gestured to Qui-Gon to get to his feet and discreetly back out of the reception room. Once alone in the antechamber, Qui-Gon turned on him, his aura coloured by concern.

//I'm sorry, Master,// he said sadly. //I didn't mean for him to hurt you.// Qui-Gon started to lean down to place his hands on his Master's battered shins to impart healing energy, but didn't protest as Dooku drew him up into his arms.

//Know this, my own,// Dooku smiled as Qui-Gon melted into the embrace, head tucked in against his neck, //Master Yoda's ire with me has nothing to do with you. I admit, I was a rather refractory and difficult student. Likely I deserve it.//

//No one deserves that abuse,// Qui-Gon protested, but he was already leaning in and making rather distracting and pleasurable sucking kisses along the soft skin of his neck.

//Let's forget him, my own. Come, let's go back to where the Queen and her lovely ladies are waiting. And Jakk will be there too.//

Qui-Gon smiled then. //Okay, Master.// He drew back and looked earnestly into Dooku's eyes, more of the innocent love struck Padawan appearance about him again. //I'm glad you'll be with me, Master, always.// He licked his lower lip, apparently newly aware of the response this elicited in his Master.

//You young imp.// Dooku smiled, quite glad to follow Qui-Gon back to the opulent suite where the Queen and her handmaidens awaited.

Jakk was nowhere to be seen at first, but then they glimpsed him, stretched out on a bed with a couple of handmaidens tangled around him, a curtain draped to give them quiet time to snuggle and sleep off the intoxication of the Beribac in peace.

Queen Nayoola smiled on their return, but frowned as she sensed the air of conflict surrounding them. "All did not go well, Master Dooku?"

"As well as was to be expected," was all Dooku was prepared to offer. Considering the Queen had claimed to be on good terms with Master Yoda, it wasn't wise to be forthcoming with a stronger opinion.

"Master, you should rest," Qui-Gon prompted at once.

Dooku withheld a sigh. Truth be known, he was tired, and wanted some quiet time to think.

The Queen again seemed to show a remarkable insight into his thoughts. "You do look tired, Master Dooku." She nodded across the room. There is a private chamber there, where you and Padawan Jinn can rest. It's several hours to the reception, and doubtless you haven't had much sleep in the last day."

"M'lady, you are most gracious. I would not want to offend."

"No offence would be taken, Master Dooku. In truth, we all need some rest. I command it."

Well, one couldn't very well countermand the orders of a royal host, could one? Dooku swept into a bow. "Thank you, m'lady."

Qui-Gon smiled gratefully at Queen Nayoola, who settled back into the arms of the surrounding ladies, before steering Dooku to the indicated room. As the door closed, Dooku sat down and pulled off his boots, giving in at last to the sigh he had been withholding.

//That's my task, Master,// Qui-Gon chided him gently and hurried forward to help. He knelt down and put the boots aside, then paused to place his hands on Dooku's bruised shins.

The surge of energy from the youth's fingers took him by surprise. He looked down on Qui-Gon, but Qui-Gon was engrossed in his task, and that was to heal his Master. His skills in the Living Force were apparently magnified by the benevolent Beribac. It would be quite exciting to see if he himself had gained any talent in that regard. In truth, he didn't understand the Living Force at all. But then again, neither had his Master. He had distinctly seen the hook on Master Yoda's extended claw. Who had shared the Beribac ritual with Yoda? He wondered if Kenobi knew.

//Relax, Master,// Qui-Gon entreated. //Stop worrying.//

Dooku smiled at him, and caressed his cheek. //That is my task as your Master, Qui-Gon.//

Qui-Gon sighed, and began massaging Dooku's feet with broad, gentle strokes of his thumbs. //Why does Master Yoda hate you so much, Master?//

//Hate is a strong word,// Dooku replied. Nonetheless, secretly, he had guessed the answer long ago. Dooku had dreams of the future: dreams that would not have pleased his Master. He was sure that over the years as his student, Master Yoda had glimpsed into them. Always in motion is the future, was Yoda's catchphrase, yet it seemed he resented and blamed Dooku for the betrayals of his dreams. It's not as if he could control them - could he? Indeed, it was only the fact that he had managed to get through his Trials without dreaming of cutting down the troll, that he suspected he had made it to knighthood.

//I don't understand, Master,// Qui-Gon continued thoughtfully as he worked. //If Master Yoda was joined with the Beribac, how can they tolerate him hurting you? It goes against everything they told me - they said they seek peace and non-violence.//

That was a good question - one which he did not have an answer for - but Kenobi might. //Perhaps... they see me as a threat to peace.//

"No," Qui-Gon retorted at once, drawing him down for a kiss. "They would not have let me change you."

"Would they have denied you anything?" Dooku asked, smiling, but the smile faded as the question made him ponder. Could the Beribac see the future that he had seen for himself?

Qui-Gon frowned. He turned away, sitting down to pull his boots off, a decidedly unhappy air bleeding through the Force. It was moments like this that Dooku was able to recognize how young he still was. And would be, forever...

Dooku edged along the bed, and pulled Qui-Gon back against his belly, placing his arms around the younger man's shoulders and putting a kiss on his head. "Ignore the ramblings of your old Master, my own. I see shadows that mean nothing. Come... let's be in the Moment."

The words had the desired effect. Qui-Gon looked up and smiled, pressing back into his arms and fidgeting in a most satisfactory way. Qui-Gon chuckled. He wasn't fooled, but he got up anyway and started divesting himself of his clothes, a sight that caused Dooku to forget all miserable thoughts of the future and Master Yoda, and to focus instead on the young man before him. Qui-Gon stepped out of his leggings and tumbled onto the bed, looking at him expectantly. Dooku wasted no time in shedding the layers of his tunics and joining him.

"Any regrets, Master?" Qui-Gon asked, looking up into his face as Dooku gathered Qui-Gon into his arms.

"About spending eternity with you, Qui-Gon?" he said seriously. "Never!" And before Qui-Gon could say anything more, he kissed him, exploring the taste of his mouth, which was still heady with the scent of the Beribac. That, combined with the memories of the previous night had him hard and wanting in seconds.

Qui-Gon was wriggling and chuckling now, pressing against his erection and rocking, his mouth yielding to the kiss.

"What do you want, my own?" Dooku murmured as their lips parted. "You know I'd give you anything I could."

"Just this," Qui-Gon said, smiling and squeezing Dooku, quite hard.

He groaned. As if that would be difficult! Qui-Gon rolled onto his belly and wriggled again enticingly, canting his hips up as he moved onto his hands and knees, his head resting between his forearms on the bed. Dooku looked around. Amidst the interesting items on the bedside table - some of which he thought he would like to explore later - there was a jar of oil. He brought it to his hands and swiftly prepared himself, before sliding an oiled finger into the pliant body before him.

Qui-Gon groaned and thrust back. Considering that only a day before, Qui-Gon's experience was non-existent, he was definitely receptive now. On instinct, Dooku forwent further preparation and plunged into the body before him. Qui-Gon cried out, but there was no pain that he could sense, just a rapture that rapidly spread through him too. The Beribac urged their completion, and he gripped Qui-Gon's hips and drew him up a little more to change the angle of penetration, and began to thrust in earnest. Qui-Gon was quite unable to move to meet him, but judging by the moans that accompanied their coupling, he was enjoying himself. Before he was spent, Dooku kept sufficient control to hold back, and reached to stroke Qui-Gon's cock. It responded eagerly to the stimulation, and Qui-Gon's hands clenched and unclenched on the sheets, as Dooku brought him off with a few rapid strokes. As Qui-Gon spasmed with the strength of his orgasm, Dooku pounded into him again, pushing him down on the mattress and coming hard in his body.

"Oh sweet Force," Qui-Gon groaned.

Dooku had the youth pinned beneath him, his body covering Qui-Gon's, and his cock still unaccountably hard and buried inside Qui-Gon. "Indeed," Dooku groaned himself, licking the sweat beading on Qui-Gon's shoulder and tasting the hint of Beribac in it. He couldn't resist, he had to leave a love mark there. Oh, it would take deep reflection and meditation to hold back his desire to totally dominate and take Qui-Gon for his own. He stroked his fingers across the skin he could reach, and the tiny Beribac thorns grazed across the skin.

Qui-Gon shuddered and groaned again. He was coming again, from that scant touch. How would it be to find all the ways to bring his young lover to orgasm? Would he ever tire of it? He doubted it. Despite his wish to stay where he was, he finally withdrew and settled beside Qui-Gon, holding him and stroking his hair.

"I love you, Master," Qui-Gon murmured sleepily, snuggling into his arms.

Dooku didn't know if he dared say the words. Would that make everything horribly wrong? Qui-Gon didn't seem to mind that he didn't answer. He was nearly asleep.

When Dooku next awoke he found the bed beside him empty. The soft hiss of the door closing caught his attention. He looked up groggily, and started. Obi-Wan Kenobi stood inside the door wearing only a thin satin robe. He was fingering the ties and watching Dooku. In haste, Dooku grabbed a blanket and pulled it across him. There was something a little otherworldly in Kenobi's stare, and frankly, he felt exposed, even with the blanket across him.

Kenobi smiled, and his hands dropped away from the ties. He walked across to the bed, however, and settled down beside Dooku, leaning up on his elbow to look at him.

"I would never have taken you for a prude, Master Dooku," Kenobi said, his tone light.

"I am as liberal as the next man," Dooku responded dryly. "I think, however, that anyone might feel a little overwhelmed in this libertine's paradise."

Kenobi threw his head back and laughed, and it was not unpleasant to watch him.

Indeed, his body seemed determined to respond to the other man's proximity. Dooku rapidly coerced it to behave.

Kenobi looked at him again. "The Queen might take offence at being called a libertine."

"That is not what I meant," Dooku replied, although he wasn't sure what he meant. Indeed, it wasn't the physical that really bothered him. It was the way everyone seemed to look right into his soul. He opted to change the topic. "Where is Qui-Gon?"

"He's near," Kenobi reassured him. "He's curious, naturally. And there is a lot to explore here, among our kind." It seemed he sensed immediately the direction Dooku's thoughts would take. "You needn't guard him so jealousy. You have nothing to fear of losing his loyalty. He's totally besotted with you, Master Dooku."

That did indeed soothe his fears a little, although he wasn't ready to let Kenobi see it. Instead he opted to change the topic. "You seem to have a remarkable way with the troll..."

Kenobi looked puzzled for an instant and then laughed. "Yoda? Not really. Something you'll soon come to find is that you'll treasure the time spent here among your kind. Even Master Yoda does, in his way. I always feel a little lonelier when I'm away. The Outer Rim is no paradise."

That didn't concern him. The Outer Rim was where the action was - the perfect place to foment an alternative to the heavy yoke of the Republic.

"The thought of work in the Outer Rim doesn't concern you?"

"Given a choice between comfort and making a difference, I'd rather make a difference."

"Ahhh," Kenobi nodded appreciatively. "I can see why the Beribac approved your choice."

So, it had been a conscious choice, despite his concerns. "And Qui-Gon... Did he have a choice?"

"Indeed he did. I cannot explain exactly how it works - I know it's different for them - for the monarchs chosen by the Beribac. My Master, Luminara Unduli, was chosen as Beribac Queen. It speaks to them more clearly than to us, and lets them see the ramifications of their choice. As far as I know, no one has ever refused. It is a privilege."

"And how many of them... of us... are there?"

"Not many, that I know personally. There are others in the Jedi, but Master Yoda manages to isolate us. Apart from my Master, and now you and Qui-Gon, he is the only Jedi Changeling that I know. He is also the oldest."

"But who changed him?"

"That, I can't tell you. All I know is that he or she merged again with the Beribac."

"Merged?"

"Became one with the vines again. I've often wondered if it is because one eventually gets tired of immortality. They are absorbed into the vines, and give up their life and experiences in the process. They become part of the Beribac, and their experience is passed on to the new monarch in time."

So Qui-Gon would know? Once again, it seemed, Kenobi read the direction of his thoughts.

"At first, the knowledge of the monarch is necessarily limited. To be joined with so great a consciousness at once would surely drive most beings insane. Over the centuries, the Beribac reveal what is needed for our goals to be achieved."

"Which is... peace?"

"Don't mock the power of such a goal," Kenobi said. "I have much yet to learn, but I know this, the Beribac have a plan and it is achievable."

"By installing Master Yoda as head of the Jedi? He is blinkered - he is a puppet of the Senate. Every day more systems fall victim to corruption, and he does nothing to prevent it... He seems more obsessed with an archaic Code and controlling the lives of those who might be able to help."

Kenobi sighed. "It has been a challenge since the one who made him merged with the Beribac. He has become more refractory as a result. And after that scene in the reception room earlier, it's clear you know what I mean."

"And yet, the Beribac do nothing to control him, to..."

"Would you like to be controlled, Master Dooku?" Kenobi interrupted dryly. "They must have our cooperation. Something that you and I cannot understand is the vastness of their plan. The Beribac value time. You and I, who are yet so young, know nothing of time. Master Yoda is where he is for a reason."

"You just accept this?"

"I know this. When you let go of your ego, you will understand it too. When you share with your Changeling brothers and sisters, you will learn and grow. A monarch is chosen for the largeness of their spirit, and the absence of their ego. Qui-Gon has already shared and learned so much. You might do well to follow his example."

Ego, be damned. He had to know. "And you shared with him?"

"It is his right as King," Kenobi said passively. "It was my duty to share with him. Different beings react differently to the Beribac. It is fortunate for us humanoids, that the vines give us so pleasurable a means to share. In time, you will treasure it with the kind of enthusiasm that Qui-Gon shows."

"And his enthusiasm was how you learned he was besotted with me?"

Kenobi smiled patiently. "Shall I share with you?"

"Surely not, seeing as it was something so personal, between you."

"There is nothing personal between brothers, Master Dooku. All ego is given up when one shares with a brother or sister."

Before Dooku could remark on this, Kenobi had pulled him forward into a searing kiss. A hand was caressing his shoulder, and then the thorns pierced his skin, and he was lost in the rush of the Beribac through his veins. He became aware that he was returning the kisses, pulling the robe away as their bodies melded and rocked together in a frantic coupling that nearly took his breath away. The only penetration was the tiny hooks at his shoulder and yet he felt Kenobi's pleasure as intimately as his own: their cocks pressed together, and the rush of fluid sweetened by the Beribac between them. Kenobi let go then, trailing his fingers in the sticky fluid, and traced them over Dooku's lips. Dooku licked the offering away, then hissed softly as Kenobi reached down to spread the juices over his still erect cock.

Surely an alpha male like Kenobi wouldn't... but he did: he rolled onto his stomach and lifted his hips, pulling a pillow under them to offer himself. Intoxicated by the Beribac, Dooku could do nothing less than sate his appetite on the willing body given to him. He thrust into the slick, tight wetness, and groaned at the strange, sticky suction encasing him. He gasped. Kenobi was no mere receptacle for his pleasure: his body was adapting and feeding back pleasure in a totally symbiotic way. It was then he felt the presence in his mind. It was like a training bond, only entirely more intimate.

//You and Qui-Gon?// he gasped.

//And you and I... and all of us...//

Dooku sensed the others then: the Queen, her handmaidens, Jakk... and Qui-Gon... who was vicariously enjoying his pleasure. Joined to Qui-Gon's mind more intimately than he had ever been before, he knew the magnitude of Qui-Gon's love first hand; he felt Qui-Gon receiving him as intimately as Kenobi did.

//Yes... in me... want you, Master,// Qui-Gon's voice gasped within his mind, and he came, exploding into the body beneath him. He felt himself drifting.

When he awoke, he was in Qui-Gon's arms, and Qui-Gon was stroking his face, his limbs wrapped possessively around his Master's.

Dooku blinked in confusion, looking up into the patient eyes staring down at him. "Was that... was he here?"

Qui-Gon merely smiled, and indulged him in a long, and thoroughly debauching kiss. By the end of it, he found it didn't really matter anymore.

The reception that evening was a totally different affair to that of the previous night. In a gesture that was likely misunderstood by all but the Changelings present, Qui-Gon sat at the Queen's side and behaved in a manner most befitting a young monarch. He had even managed to make his way through a customary dance with the Queen, and seemed somewhat cured of his traditional clumsiness. Dooku found himself smiling and wondering whether the Beribac were responsible for that.

Qui-Gon had even managed to show interest in some of the political manoeuvring that followed, and it was only late in the evening, as he was talking once more with the Nemoidian Viceroy, that Dooku had realized that Qui-Gon had disappeared. Once again, his apprentice was shielded from him. He concluded the discussion as succinctly as he could, before excusing himself.

He retreated along the edge of the ballroom. On the floor, Obi-Wan Kenobi led Queen Nayoola through one of the local dances with native flair. Is that the confidence that 270 years of life would give him? He didn't know, but he would find out. First though, he wanted to find Qui-Gon. He had little doubt where the boy would be after the previous night's first ecstatic union. He wandered out to the terrace, and hurried down the stairs, making his way to the abandoned Beribac garden. Sure enough, as he approached, he found the telltale pile of clothes - this time apparently discarded in enthusiasm at once on the pathway - crowned by Qui-Gon's lightsaber. He really needed to remind the boy to entrust his 'saber to his Master's keeping. However, all thoughts of discipline dissipated as he heard Qui-Gon's groans in the undergrowth. He hurried forward, only to walk straight into the back of the garden keeper, Jakk Sparflyer.

"Oh, hello, luv," Jakk grinned. "He's got a lot o' stamina, that one."

In the clearing, Qui-Gon lay amongst the Beribac vines, entwined in a lover's embrace.

Dooku couldn't really berate the other man for watching, given that was precisely what he had intended to do. Instead he watched, his eyes taking in the length of Qui-Gon's body as he offered himself to the vines, caressing and cooing to them as he himself was wooed. Dooku took the flask the garden keeper offered him and took a long draught. Ah yes, he began to feel its effects almost instantly.

Qui-Gon let the vines support him and pull him back onto the ground. Thanks to the soft glow of the vines, Dooku could see all the individual tendrils that were teasing sensation from his young lover's body. Something that looked like a swollen pod was placed to Qui-Gon's lips, and Qui-Gon bit into the offering. Beribac juice drizzled from his lips as he sucked at the pod, and took his fill. He suddenly cried out and arched his head back. Dooku noticed that, once again, a vine had plunged into Qui-Gon's body. Qui-Gon reached to stroke his own cock, but it seemed the vines had other ideas, wrapping around each of his limbs and restraining him, so that he was helpless to do anything but succumb to the obviously welcome intruder. Tiny tendrils of the vine crept into place, wrapping and suctioning his cock, squeezing him with the same rhythmic motion that seemed to have overtaken the vines.

Jakk had taken back his flask and was indulging in another long drink himself, his other hand having wandered down and disappeared under his shirt and into his pants. Dooku had the overwhelming desire to do the same, but instead focussed on the youth straining on the ground, lapping up every ounce of sensation that the Beribac offered him. In moments, Qui-Gon was coming hard, and his groans were barely swallowed by the vines that caressed his lips.

Being so distracted, Dooku was therefore quite startled when an arm circled his waist, and a hand firmly stroked across his hip. "Kenobi..." he stammered, as he recognized that the other Jedi had come up between them, and was likewise drawing Jakk close. Before he could say anything, Kenobi reached up and slipped a hand around his neck, pulling him down into a demanding kiss. The thorough plundering he got made him suddenly desperate to know what it would be like to be taken intimately by the other Changeling. He had never liked subbing, but could now see himself offering his body to Kenobi quite readily.

"Soon," Kenobi said as though reading his thoughts, drawing back with a grin. "I look forward to it... but first, I think someone else wants you."

Sure enough, Qui-Gon had become lucid of their presence and was reaching out to him. He allowed Kenobi to divest him of his lightsaber belt, before crossing to Qui-Gon. With satisfaction, he noted that the vines continued to pin Qui-Gon to the ground. As he settled down between Qui-Gon's legs, he saw Qui-Gon's eyes widen with realization as several of the vine's tendrils retreated to give Dooku access. Qui-Gon's cock glistened in the moonlight, and Dooku didn't hesitate, but swallowed him to the root. The strangled groan he got in return was all the encouragement he needed to work the shaft with his mouth, lips and tongue, bringing his not inconsiderable skills to the task. He was peripherally aware of Qui-Gon's muscles straining against the vines, but this just added to the pleasure, and he swallowed. Suddenly his mouth was full of the pungent taste of the Beribac, and he licked and tasted, cleaning Qui-Gon with his tongue.

"Now!" Qui-Gon gasped.

Dooku realized that the vine had withdrawn from its intimate claim on Qui-Gon's body. He pushed Qui-Gon's legs up and open, and found Qui-Gon slick and ready to take him. He penetrated Qui-Gon, and took him hard. He became aware of a peripheral moan, and a glance gave him a vision that only magnified his excitement. The garden keeper was leaning forward, bracing himself against a tree as Kenobi stood behind him, pounding into him. Dooku groaned and turned his attention back to Qui-Gon. He wanted to hear the boy scream his name.

He almost got his wish. Qui-Gon cried out, "Master!", went rigid for a moment and then stilled, panting heavily as he climaxed. He collapsed on top of Qui-Gon, claiming his body as his own. They lay, sated and gasping, and had barely recovered their breath when he felt the other men at his side, joining them. He turned as a hand pulled his head to the side. He looked into Jakk Sparflyer's dark, glistening eyes, and accepted the kiss pressed upon him. Meanwhile, Kenobi took advantage of his distraction to start ravishing Qui-Gon.

He graciously gave his claim up to Qui-Gon as Jakk began to pleasure him almost lazily. He felt the tiny thorns on the garden keeper's fingers, as pleasure ran through his whole body. He glanced at the others to see Kenobi tenderly mapping out Qui-Gon's body with his fingers, lips and tongue, with a focus that made Dooku ashamed of his own hasty grab for completion. Perhaps that was the patience that Nayoola alluded to. Perhaps after 270 years, you appreciated time, and you took as much of it as you wanted. It seemed the vines were welcoming home one of their own, as they began to wrap around Kenobi as well, exploring him as thoroughly as he explored the young Beribac King.

Jakk was biting at his neck lightly, and he tipped his head back, giving himself over to the sensation. Jakk pushed him back, and straddled his hips. "Take what y'can," Jakk intimated with a leer, sensing victory. "Give nothing back."

The garden keeper impaled himself and at the same time, sank his thorns into Dooku's shoulders, and Dooku was lost. He grabbed the man's hips and pumped with all his strength. Jakk howled, triumphant as he squeezed the sensation from Dooku's body. The Beribac offered a pod to him, and Jakk generously squeezed the juice into Dooku's mouth. Dooku lost count of the times he came and, indeed, lost count of the time he was unconscious.

He woke up to find Jakk still astride him, licking the Beribac juice from his lips. Glancing to the side, he saw Kenobi was now buried inside Qui-Gon, whose legs were now resting over Kenobi's shoulders as Kenobi set a deliberately slow and sinuous rhythm, which apparently drove Qui-Gon wild with pleasure. Qui-Gon looked up into Kenobi's face with nothing short of adoration. He resolved to try to secure that look for himself, as soon as he could muster the discipline. Right now, however, he thought he was merely lucky to still be breathing after a workout that would normally have killed a young man: healthy libido or no.

He grabbed the garden keeper and pulled him down to the ground beside him. "Enough, Jakk," he murmured. "You'll be the death of me." Which wasn't entirely true. In one dream he had been finished by some young upstart wielding two lightsabers. That had been a rather classless demise. If he was going to go out, he wanted it to be in some titanic battle, quite likely cleaving a gimer stick, and the owner of that gimer stick, in half.

It seemed Qui-Gon had remained cognisant enough of his Master's presence to groan when he heard his Master's deep basso. At least he had one asset going for him that Kenobi would never possess. He grinned and turned onto his side. Jakk was grumbling, but settled quickly enough. Dooku finally drifted into sleep, with Jakk spooned against him, and Qui-Gon's completion on his lips.

When Dooku awoke, it was lighter in the clearing, although dawn was a way off. The body pressed against his was still there, but he knew at once that it was Qui-Gon. He gathered the young man closer.

"Hmm, Master," Qui-Gon mumbled, pressing back against him.

//Where are the others?// he asked, not wanting Qui-Gon to wake fully yet, lest he draw away.

//They had some catching up to do,// Qui-Gon replied, his Force aura a radiant green. Mischief entered his mental tone. //You can't be sorry to see them gone, Master.//

//Hmph?//

//I sensed it through the Beribac, Master. Your jealousy was like a vibroshiv. I don't think even Obi-Wan dared to wait around for you to wake up.//

//Well, you are mine, Qui-Gon.// Dooku replied defensively.

//Yes, Master,// Qui-Gon replied, obviously feeling smug. //Although you are learning to share a little.//

//We shall see about that,// Dooku responded, smiling now.

Qui-Gon turned over, settling down into his arms. "If you plan to take on the Senate and the Jedi, Master, you'll need allies."

That was an unexpected statement. It was as if the imp had seen into his premonitions. Without a doubt, his time on Naboo had made him feel extraordinarily transparent, but this was the most telling betrayal of all. He gathered up his most imperious tone. "I have no plans to take on the Senate or the Jedi, Padawan."

"Not now," Qui-Gon said, tenderly stroking his cheek. "But you can't hide from yourself anymore, Master. That is your ambition. The Beribac saw it."

He was uncomfortable with the vision spoken aloud. He was about to disengage, when suddenly one of the vines reached up and tightened across his shoulders, pulling him back to lie on the clearing floor. Qui-Gon took advantage of the other vines crawling up to restrain Dooku, to straddle his body once more.

"What is it you want, Qui-Gon?" he asked, feeling suddenly awed by the power he sensed in the young man. The boy had been shielding from him! Qui-Gon's eyes were suddenly reflections of a vast knowledge that he couldn't possibly hold. He realized that there was so much more to the transformation as it had affected Qui-Gon. He suddenly glimpsed a future unlike any that he had ever dared to imagine.

"What the Beribac want, Master - peace - but I want you too." He licked his lower lip, in that thoroughly enticing way. "And I intend to have both. You will always be my Master, but you will learn a little from me too."

That he didn't doubt, given the way Qui-Gon had managed to see into his soul. Qui-Gon smiled then, and the infinite dimension of his expression disappeared, and it was just Qui-Gon looking at him: loving and trusting and perhaps too innocent for his own good. He felt warmed and infinitely protective.

Qui-Gon leaned down and took his lips then, in a very sweet and tender kiss. "Don't be afraid, my Master."

"I promise to work on it, my own," he said huskily, then took a gamble. "I love you."

Qui-Gon smiled broadly and as if reassured, the vines released him, allowing him to take the young man back into his arms. "I know," Qui-Gon whispered.

Qui-Gon's aura now shone with such a deep contentment, it was impossible for Dooku's soul to feel infected with anything but his young lover's light in this moment. Perhaps the Beribac had taught him something of the Living Force after all.

The End