Master Apprentice Archive Two Worlds: Rendezvous Quick search:

Two Worlds: Rendezvous

by Master Elayna (Elayna88@aol.com)

Pairing: Qui-Gon Jinn/Obi-Wan Kenobi

Rating: NC-17

Archive: M&A, my page http://www.shadowynd.com/~elaynas_den/index.html, anyone else please ask.

Category: Drama, romance, action, extreme AU.

Feedback: Please! Any amount any time.

Notes: This series was inspired by an absolutely gorgeous picture from Knight Van and a certain suggestion regarding Qui's nature from Padawan Boots. The unique combination took root together and wouldn't go away. This is my first WIP, which became a Serial In Progress. Please bear with me as I figure it out. :-)

Thanks: To Alex for wonderful betaing, to Diane and Tracy for oceanography discussions, and Dagmar and Mac for the inspirational drawings of MerQui.

Summary: A Jedi Padawan reunites with his rescuer.

Warning: short moment of het sex

Disclaimer: The boys belong to the majestic George Lucas.

Blue...

Blue everywhere. The sky above, the ocean as far as he could see. What would it be like to live in this environment, to know only the ocean and the sky? To never walk on land, never experience the thrill of that first blast into space, never set foot on another world. To know water from birth to death.

Of course, Quist knew many more colors than blue, Obi-Wan realized. In the depths of the ocean were the red of coral, the many fantastic colors of fish, the various greens of seaweed, the black of the deadliest predators. But no technology, no established professions. Would there be culture, music, art? Families, clans?

He reeled in the line, bored by the lack of tension. Time to try the other side of the boat and see if he had better luck. Not that Obi-Wan was particularly interested in catching fish. But even a Jedi could only meditate for so long without something to occupy his hands. This was the third day that he had spent, sitting patiently in the speeder boat, hoping that Quist would reappear and wishing he wouldn't.

Despite his apparent calm while flicking the rod and sending the line sailing into another part of the ocean, conflicting emotions disturbed the padawan. As he and Yoda finished their stint protecting Yiff, more than anything he had yearned to return to the ocean and see Quist again. He had soothed the unfulfilled desire with meditation, reaffirming his commitment to the Jedi.

But now he was here, waiting for Quist to show. He should be thrilled but was instead disheartened. If only Yoda hadn't called Trey before heading out after Obi-Wan and Yiff, if only Trey hadn't been waiting at the dock, if Obi-Wan had managed to spend time with Yiff before the ex-Cabal member began babbling to Trey... It wouldn't have taken long to replace the time spent with Quist with vague images of fleeing and swimming, hiding the existence of the Cean. Obi-Wan owed the Cean such protection after Quist's repeated saving of his life.

Alas, Yiff was jabbering at Trey even before Obi-Wan had the fishing boat docked and the Cabal and the fisherman unloaded. At first, the damage appeared minimal. After leaving their prisoners with the local militia, the four gathered at the hotel. Trey seemed inclined to downplay the entire incident as irrelevant and only likely to complicate Yiff's testimony by calling into question his believability.

The time waiting for the judge to be able to hear Yiff's testimony gave Trey too much time to think. About the Cabal, about the Cean, about smuggling and the benefits of having potential observers. Trey presented his plan to the two Jedi in his office, with the earnest expression that had undoubtedly helped him get elected to his current position.

"You've made contact. You can talk to them. They'll listen to the Jedi. We need their help."

Obi-Wan glanced sideways to see what his Master would say, but Yoda deferred with the merest flick of one ear to his Padawan. Opting for a respectful tone, Obi-Wan said, "I understand your concerns, honored sir, but the Cean do not trust land dwellers. Asking them to assist in a criminal investigation would only increase their distrust. I do not think this is the best way to establish cordial relations between your two races."

Trey's reaction shifted from warmly encouraging to determined. "But you only spent a few hours with one of their members. You can't really know how their Council of Elders would react to the request."

"Quist made it very clear that he was the only one willing to spend time close to land dwellers, and that the others do not trust humans. I have no reason to believe that he was lying."

"Then maybe this Quist would help us, since he's so interested in people."

"Quist is a rescuer, not an informant. He has little real knowledge of humans and no defenses against people as ruthless as the Cabal."

Trey very deliberately turned his attention from Obi-Wan to his Master, the dogged determination turning icy. "Are the Jedi denying my request to help establish relations between the S'valli and the Cean?"

"Deny your request to help establish relations, we do not. Believe that we can be effective in the task of recruiting spies, we do not."

"I'm only asking you to try," Trey said coldly, and Obi-Wan could see the powerful politician behind the normally friendly, concerned man. He waited to hear his Master's standard wisdom regarding 'doing not trying' to be spouted, and was surprised by Yoda's response.

"Try Obi-Wan will, for one standard week. Then leave we must. Other obligations we must fulfill."

"Thank you." His wishes satisfied, Trey smiled as he stood, his tall body with its handsome face and striking profile exuding all charm and gratitude now.

Obi-Wan didn't say anything to countermand Yoda's decision in Trey's office, or in the turbo-lift, or in any of the hallways as they walked out of the government building. Once they hit the street and stepped onto the moving pathway, an indignant "Master!" escaped.

"Ocean you like, yes."

"Yes Master, but this is a fool's errand. The Cean don't even want to talk to the S'valli, much less help them catch criminals."

"Quist you like, yes."

"Yes, Master." As he had more than once in the past, Obi-Wan regretted the difference in height between Master and Padawan. When Yoda choose to conceal his thoughts from Obi-Wan, he didn't even need to school his face to polite masterly neutrality. By merely tucking his chin in, Yoda could effectively hide his eyes from Obi-Wan, stopping him from discerning the truth in those expressive orbs. Short of dropping to his knees to force Yoda to look at him, Obi-Wan had no clues to help him guess his Master's plan.

"Then vacation you shall have."

"Master?"

"Seven days on ocean, you shall have. Return not before that time is up. If Quist you meet, persuade him if you can. If you cannot..." Yoda shrugged. "Promise we did not make."

"But you've always said do or do not, Master."

Now Yoda did look up at Obi-Wan, and the rare touch of cynicism in his eyes reminded the Padawan of his Master's great age and all that he must have seen and experienced in his many decades of handling political disputes. "Senior Padawan you are now, Obi-Wan. Realize by now that even Jedi can fail, you should."

"Yes, Master."

So here he sat, having his vacation on the ocean whether he liked it or not, renting a boat for the days, having excellent sea fish dinners and staying at a pleasant hotel in the evening. The experience of free time to vegetate and relax was unusual, and almost enjoyable. When he tired of fishing, Obi-Wan swam, practicing his underwater breathing, or read datapadds, having brought along both novels for pleasure and texts for his studies. Most of his fellow padawans would envy him this unique opportunity.

Obi-Wan tried to live in the moment and appreciate his enforced vacation, but he dreaded Quist's possible appearance and trying to explain Trey's request. How would someone who so cherished harmony react to the thought of spying on smugglers? He could almost picture the disappointment on Quist's face.

Reeling up the line, Obi-Wan decided it was time to study his galactic history. Perhaps mental concentration would distract him from worrying about Quist's reaction.

Curled up in the boat, a datapadd in his hands, studying the rise of the Republic and the union of its member worlds, Obi-Wan didn't see the shadow under the boat, or notice the head that slid out of the water.

Or when the head disappeared and the shadow swam off.

He was up there.

The Jedi.

Quist had watched him several times over the last three waking periods, coming up silently behind the boat so Obi-Wan would be facing away from him. Once he had to swim away hastily when Obi-Wan rose and stripped off his shirt. He heard the quiet splash as Obi-Wan's body hit the water, but he kept swimming without looking back. A mental call never came, so he presumed he avoided being seen.

Why was the Jedi here? Was he waiting to talk to Quist?

It didn't matter. It couldn't matter. Saving the humans was one thing, spending time talking to a non-endangered human was another. The Elders would be angered. Even more, Xan would be furious.

His attention should be focused on Xan now, on the spirit Quist loved and the strong body he enjoyed pleasing. The time was coming for their bonding ceremony, when Xan and Quist would appear in front of the Cean, affirming their love and devotion, expressing their dedication to remain together for the rest of their lives. They would wear jewelry they made for each other, the necklace of large kava shells, the bracelets of smaller dohli shells around their upper arms. As leader of the Elders, Xan's father Crion would bless their union before the feast of celebration.

Resolving to locate Xan and discuss their plans, Quist began searching. Oddly, though, Xan could not be found. Quist searched in the places Xan normally frequented - the deep tunnels where the zilsat crabs lived, the flat wide area that the Cean used to gather for blessings, the beds where the wild aragor ferns grew. At first, Quist smiled at the irony of Xan being missing, the reverse of the typical situation.

After a time, he became frustrated and a little alarmed as he passed other Cean and none had seen Xan. His lover enjoyed the company of other Cean, rarely spending time on his own. Had something happened to him? Had he been unwary and savaged by one of the predators? It was rare for a predator to attack a Cean, but not impossible.

Pausing, Quist drifted in place, letting his mind roam. He had known Xan all his life, knew his habits, his attitudes, his preferences. If Xan wasn't where Quist expected, where would he be? For some reason, the haunted ship came to his mind. Like Quist's secret ship, the haunted ship was a human wreck. But unlike his, it had been a ship that sailed on top of the ocean, and sank many years ago, before Quist was born. Pitted with holes, partially decomposing and reclaimed by the ocean creatures, the haunted ship was regarded with awe by the young Cean and disdain by the older. Swimming through its narrow corridors was a rite of passage for many young Cean, a rite Xan had sneered at and refused to perform.

Even as he thought this avenue of search a foolhardy choice, Quist swam toward the haunted ship. Perhaps having searched the likely places, he would find Xan in the most unlikely one.

Out of instinctive reverence, Quist swam close to the bottom, almost hidden by the fronds of the plants growing in the mud. As a child, he and his friends had always approached the haunted ship in the same manner, as if they needed to hide their arrival from its fearsome presence. He slipped over the small hill and began swimming down into the little valley that sheltered the haunted ship.

And there was Xan.

And Selli.

They were kissing, his slim black and silver tail twining around her red and gold one, one of his hands caressing her breasts, the other at the small of her back where skin met tail, arching her into his larger body. Her fins waved back and forth as she yielded to his passion, her red and his black hair floating in the currents.

[Xan!] Quist's mental call was instinctive, his sense of betrayal profound. They were to be bonded and spend the rest of their lives in harmony. Xan should not be with anyone except Quist.

[Quist.] Xan disengaged slowly from Selli's body, the female Cean backing away in confusion. [It's all right,] he soothed her. [Leave us. Quist and I must talk.]

Xan's reaction alarmed Quist. He did not seemed upset or guilty, his smile somewhat sad and forced as he faced the older Cean. [Quist, I am sorry that you had to find out like this. I did not mean to hurt you.]

[Find out? But - .] Words failed Quist, leaving him staring at Xan in mute shock.

[Selli and I are to be bonded.]

[You and I are to be bonded.]

[Selli and I have been selected to have children.]

[Children - . I did not know you had requested that privilege.] The secrecy of the Cean was carefully preserved by a system that kept their numbers limited. The Cean did not breed indiscriminately, but asked permission from the Council of Elders. No Cean would make the request lightly, and the Council would never approve anyone who did not demonstrate that they would take the responsibility seriously. Only the most worthy were blessed by the Council. If Xan had requested to father a child, it was a decision carefully and lengthily considered. And hidden from Quist. Apparently Quist didn't know Xan as well as he had imagined.

[You and I have been friends a long time, Quist. If I were not approved, there would be no reason to harm you.]

The description of them as "friends" hit Quist hard. He was under the impression they were a great deal more than friends. [But why, Xan? You have never said you wished children.]

[My father is a great leader of the Cean, and I plan to follow his example. If I do not have children, there will be no one to follow me.]

When the Jedi had disrobed and Quist realized he was tempted by a land dweller, Quist feared his world had been turned upside down, unwilling sexual attraction warring with his loyalty to Xan. He felt even guiltier when he succumbed to the temptation to kiss the human, dragging him into the water for a last good-bye. But this... Feeling as if caught in a whirlwind of air and water, a swirling hurricane that was dragging him out of the ocean to smash him back down, Quist could only say, [It is not harmonious to plan your life and your child's life on being selected as the leader. What if there is a better candidate when Crion ends his service? When you end yours?]

Xan's confidence was unmistakable as he replied, [There won't be.]

With dawning awareness of Xan's flaw, Quist said, [You do not want to serve for the value of service. You are... ambitious.]

[Ambition is not a sin, Quist. And I will provide better service as a leader than you do, wasting your life saving those land vermin.]

[I have never really known you.]

[You are a handsome man, Quist, and I have enjoyed our time together. I would have bonded with you if I had not been selected as a father.] Bending at the waist, Xan's brought his tail forward, the fins lightly dancing over Quist's tail as they faced each other. [I would still enjoy being with you after Selli conceives.]

Revolted, Quist flinched back. [Never, Xan. You and I will never be together again. We can never be friends after today.] Quist began to swim away, unable to look any longer at Xan's pale blue eyes, eyes that had lied to him, that had hid Xan's scheming ambition.

[Don't be like this, Quist. Don't be naïve and foolish.]

Quist didn't respond, swimming faster and faster, pouring on the speed to escape from Xan's revelations. All the time, Quist had been - how would the humans say it? The consolation prize. A back-up plan. Someone who would be acceptable as a partner if superior dreams didn't materialize. No wonder Xan had not pressed to finalize their bonding ceremony. He was delaying for time, so that some of the older Cean would pass into the endless sleep, and more births would be approved. How long would he have kept Quist dangling? Could he ever have truly loved Quist?

Before he realized it, Quist was breaking the surface of the ocean, not silently as normal but almost shooting out of the water, his arms slapping on the waves, his mouth taking deep gulps of air as his gills lost the water necessary to breathe.

"Quist!"

And there was the Jedi.

Obi-Wan was kneeling in his boat, his hands on the controls at the stern as if he was intending to start the engine. Quist could only stare at the young human, knowing he had swum here, looking for someone to talk to, but not able to express his conflicted thoughts, not even sure if the human would understand his feelings. Their world was so different from his, their way of life so foreign.

"Quist, is something wrong?"

Curling his hands over the side of the boat, Quist struggled to say something. Obi-Wan's hands clasped his, warm dry skin on damp. "There is something wrong, Quist. Tell me. Let me help."

"It will be dark soon. You should return to the shore."

Dismissing the concern, Obi-Wan said, "I will be fine, Quist. Talk to me."

Too much of a rescuer, Quist could not ignore that the humans did not see well in the dark, and this boat's light would be very small. He would not endanger Obi-Wan because of his own foolishness. "Tomorrow. Come back tomorrow."

Reluctantly, Obi-Wan agreed, "Tomorrow."

Without further words, Quist released the boat, slipping back under the waves.

Pacing was not normally allowed by Jedi discipline, and particularly difficult in a small boat. Obi-Wan made it work, concentrating on small measured steps, chanting the Jedi Code under his breath. He had been awake, cleaned, breakfasted, and ready to go as soon as it was light, not knowing when Quist might come. The Cean appeared to have some sense of time, conscious of nighttime and the wisdom of humans not being on the ocean in the dark. But with their apparent lack of technology, an exact method of measuring time seemed unlikely.

"I have not seen humans do this before."

"Quist!" Obi-Wan knelt, leaning over the boat edge. The Cean looked calm this morning, last night's distress smoothed away from his features. "I'm glad you came."

Latching his hands onto the boat, Quist asked, "What were you doing?"

"Pacing. Land dwellers walk back and forth when we are disturbed."

"Then land dwellers must always be calm on the ocean."

"A boat is not a good surface for pacing." He brought their hands together, trying to determine what to say next. As a Jedi, he had learned the subtle nuances of expression and intonation, how to judge when people were ready to talk but needed to be pushed, or when he should back away and let their secrets remained unrevealed. Inconsequential conversation was often a tactic people used to avoid confronting their problems. Would it be the same for the Cean? "Talk to me, Quist, tell me what is wrong," he pleaded softly and sincerely.

Quist bent his head, bringing their clasped hands to his forehead. Obi-Wan waited, sensing Quist was gathering his strength to speak. Finally, he said, "You know Xan and I were to be bonded."

'Were.' Obi-Wan caught the immediate implication of that tense. "Yes, I know. And he has a beautiful black and silver tail. Tell me about him," he added encouragingly, not sure yet if something had happened to Xan or to the planned bonding.

"I have known Xan since he was born. His father is Crion, the leader of the Elders. Xan is beautiful, passionate, strong-willed."

"He sounds like you."

Quist raised his head, a surprised expression on his face before he said consideringly, "In some ways. I have been accused of being determined. But he is more beautiful."

The other Cean was clearly alive, which allowed Obi-Wan to narrow down his guesses. Something had happened to the planned bonding, something that Quist hadn't expected and found deeply distressing. Obi-Wan was beginning to contemplate the notion that Xan's beauty was only skin-deep. "I doubt that," he said, freeing one of his hands to stroke Quist's face, the strong cheekbones and jawline covered by a short beard, tracing the thin lips with his fingers.

Leaning into Obi-Wan's touch, Quist said, "He wants to be a father."

"And he can't with you." Their biology still perplexed Obi-Wan, but even without visible sexual organs, Quist was definitely masculine. The universe was filled with species that had interesting and varied means of reproduction, but the necessity for one male and one female remained the dominant pattern for sentient beings. If Xan was male too, it was a logical deduction that children for the two of them were impossible.

"No." Quist looked confused again by the obviousness of that statement. "And now Xan has received permission from the Elders to bond with Selli, so they may have children. Is that not the way of the Jedi?"

Even in the midst of his distressed explanation, Quist's intelligence and curiosity could be sidetracked by learning new knowledge, but Obi-Wan wasn't interested in comparative anatomy and social restrictions. "I would need to mate with a female human to reproduce, but I would not need permission from the Council." To return the conversation to Quist's problem, he continued without pausing, "How does Selli feel?"

"Selli wants children also. I saw them - " Quist's words faltered.

Kicking off his sandals, Obi-Wan slipped over the edge of the boat and into the water, his hands coming to rest on Quist's waist, his feet tucked on Quist's tail at the narrow base before it flared into fins. Quist undulated his body gently, keeping them afloat, as he collapsed into Obi-Wan's arms. "I can guess," Obi-Wan said. "You don't need to tell me."

"I have never known Xan, not truly known him."

In such times, despite all his years of experience in making soothing noises, Obi-Wan could still feel helpless, not knowing what to say. Personal betrayal by a friend, family member, or loved one was the worst. "I'm sorry."

"I drifted with the currents last night, letting them take me where they would. I am trying to accept it."

Snuggling Quist closer, Obi-Wan sympathized, "Acceptance is difficult, Quist. It may take years before you can forgive him for what has he has done." Without knowing anything of Quist's religion or philosophy, it was difficult to offer words of wisdom. The drifting sounded meditative, but 'release your feelings into the Force' might not have any meaning to Quist. Accustomed to ignoring bodily discomforts, Obi-Wan disregarded the fact that his clothes were wet and clinging to his body, concentrating on Quist's face, searching for a lightening in the blue eyes that would signal the Cean found comfort in his words.

But Quist buried his face in Obi-Wan's shoulder, hiding his face, their bodies tight together. Obi-Wan held on, stroking the damp hair, letting Quist find what solace he could in bodily contact. His words muffled, Quist asked, "Why have you come?"

"It doesn't matter now. We can talk later," Obi-Wan soothed.

"I am glad you are here."

"I am glad that the Force led me back to you at this time."

The sun was slowly warming, heating the top of Obi-Wan's head and drying Quist's hair. Rocking to the waves of the ocean and the undulation of Quist's tail, the two remained together, Quist's shoulders occasionally shuddering as he struggled with his feelings.

Though Quist showed no signs of breaking away, Obi-Wan realized he needed to put some distance between them, his body having a predictable but badly timed reaction to Quist's closeness. He began detaching, but Quist clutched him even tighter. "Obi-Wan?"

"Please free me, Quist."

His voice wounded, Quist asked, "You wish to leave me? You will not offer comfort?"

"I wish to comfort you, but - " Shamefully, his eyes shut, Obi-Wan flexed his hips against Quist's. "My body is reacting to yours, Quist. Please forgive me. This isn't the right time. But even a Jedi has limits."

"You are - aroused by me?"

Obi-Wan could only confess, "Yes."

"Why?"

There was no condemnation or shock in Quist's voice, but merely genuine puzzlement. Though he wasn't sure whether this conversation was appropriate now, Obi-Wan was compelled to offer total honesty. "Because you are kind, brave, intelligent, and incredibly handsome." With deliberation, he let his eyes caress Quist's face, his broad shoulders, his body dimly hidden by the water. "You have demonstrated your courage by saving my life, your compassion by helping Yiff in spite of his duplicity, your curiosity by wanting to know about humans, your respect for all life by helping land dwellers. You are - you are everything I admire. You would make a superb Jedi. And you are so attractive, and so powerful, and I love your tail." Daringly, Obi-Wan slid his hands down, stroking the scales covering Quist's hips, testing their sleekness and the faint ridges where they overlapped. "I want to know all about you, your life, your thoughts, your feelings, how - how you make love. And I want to make love to you," he finished in a rush.

Now it was Obi-Wan's turn to hide his face in Quist's shoulder, the next words whispered, "But this is the wrong time. You are hurting. And we are the wrong people. I cannot live in the ocean and you cannot live on the land."

Stroking the skin of Obi-Wan's back, Quist replied, "But we could be together. For a time."

Obi-Wan kissed Quist's neck, and responded with his mind. [I don't want to hurt you.]

[You won't. I want this. I need you.]

Catching Quist's eyes with his own, Obi-Wan searched for deception or troubled emotions, and found only honesty and passion.

[Please Obi-Wan. Make love to me. Show me what you have dreamed of.]

Still uncertain whether this was wise given Quist's emotional state, Obi-Wan could only reply, [Yes.] He arched his body completely into Quist's, wet clothes meeting damp skin and scales, pulling Quist's head down into a kiss. Obi-Wan took charge of Quist's mouth, exploring his tongue and teeth, shaped so like Obi-Wan's previous human lovers,' and yet with such a different flavor, filled with the tang of salt and seawater.

Even as they kissed, Obi-Wan was tugging his shirt up, breaking away long enough to yank it over his head and toss it toward the boat, where it landed with a wet plop. Treading water, he pushed down his trousers, throwing them at the boat, not caring that they landed on the edge and remained dangling in the water. He only cared about returning to Quist's arms.

Quist seemed to share his need, his hands boldly cupping Obi-Wan's buttocks as Obi-Wan reclaimed his mouth. As the big hands clenched on Obi-Wan's firm muscles, thumbs slipping into the crevice between his cheeks, Quist said, [You are so different here.]

[As are you,] Obi-Wan replied, similarly holding Quist where his buttocks would be, searching and finding a small opening in the interlocking pattern of scales, one finger skirting around the outside as his hips thrust rhythmically against Quist. His cock rubbed against Quist's front, the scales so supple and smooth that the faint ridges teased and tormented the sensitive underside, but did not hurt.

Obi-Wan's legs clasped Quist's tail tightly, no gap allowed for water to separate their bodies, his inner thighs rubbing against blue-green scales, the soles of his feet flattened on the back of the tail. Being embraced by the water allowed Obi-Wan's body to move fully, bucking and thrusting as Quist undulated in response, the waves immediately surrounding them made choppier by their frenzied actions.

In normal circumstances, Obi-Wan prided himself on being a slow and patient lover, ensuring his partner's climax before his own. But the belief that he would never have this opportunity, coupled with the awareness that this precious time could last no more than a few days, made him desperate to fulfill his desire. With Quist's willing cooperation, Obi-Wan rubbed, thrust, stroked and kissed Quist, driving himself to a furious climax, releasing Quist's mouth to cry out his pleasure before going boneless in the water. Quist's strong grip kept his head above water as Obi-Wan floated in dazed delight.

[I'm sorry,] he said mentally, his lungs bellowing as he struggled to breathe.

[For what?]

[For not pleasing you.]

[You pleased me greatly, Obi-Wan. I enjoyed watching you and helping you achieve satisfaction.]

Gathering enough energy to move back into Quist's embrace, Obi-Wan complained, [But I want to give you pleasure too.]

Quist was clearly regretful as he explained, [You humans arouse easier than the Cean. And we do not make love on the surface. You cannot hold your breath long enough for me.]

Tucking his head on Quist's shoulder, Obi-Wan said, "I did bring a breather."

"A breather?"

"A small one that fits in my mouth. I can stay under for hours."

"Obi-Wan."

Something in Quist's tone made the Padawan raise his head to meet his eyes, turned smoky blue with passion. "Get it."

Something mischievous within Obi-Wan made him draw the moment out. Rather than reach into the boat and lunge for the breather, he leaped in, taking time to 'discover' his wet clothes. With an apologetic glance at Quist, he shook them out and draped them over the seats to dry, knowing that Quist was getting - and appreciating - a good look at his naked body as he arranged the clothing.

He inserted the breather in his mouth before entering the water again, making a point of placing one foot on the edge, facing toward Quist and boldly displaying the length of his legs that had so intrigued the Cean.

"You are - " Quist's voice was lower and huskier than normal.

[A tease?] Obi-Wan suggested when Quist did not seem inclined to finish his sentence. He put his other foot on the boat's edge, an action that should have tipped such a small vessel and sent him plunging ignominiously into the water. A discreet application of the Force kept him sexy rather than embarrassed, as he splayed his hands on his hip bones, the silver breather his only covering.

"Stunning," Quist corrected.

A tiny jump and Obi-Wan landed in the water next to Quist. [Love me.]

Quist's large hands cupped Obi-Wan's buttocks again, their touch already becoming familiar, but still exciting. "You are accustomed to taking a lover here?"

[Yes.] Obi-Wan had experimented with both ways, and generally preferred to penetrate rather be penetrated. But with Quist - Obi-Wan craved to know his possession, however it might happen. Obi-Wan wanted whatever Quist wanted to share.

[Good.] Quist switched to mental communication as his mouth was occupied with nibbling on Obi-Wan's neck. He dove forward as he feasted, and Obi-Wan found himself sprawling backwards until he was upside down and being propelled deeper by Quist's strong embrace and the forceful motion of his tail.

[My tail, I want to feel your feet on my tail.]

Responding eagerly to the command, Obi-Wan slid the soles of his feet over the smooth scales, bending his knees to reach Quist's waist, stroking down as far as he could reach, prevented from a complete caress by his shorter height.

Quist was corkscrewing as he swam, his speed and continual explorations of Obi-Wan's body making the Padawan dizzy, blood rushing to his head, his nerves afire with pleasure. Obi-Wan felt completely out of control of the situation, pushed along and dominated by Quist's greater strength, overwhelmed by the water whipping past his body, his body twisting and bending in Quist's embrace, seeing flashes of vibrantly colored fish darting past as they sped downward. Only his Jedi training enabled him to manage the vertigo and disorientation, and focus on pleasure.

Quist charted Obi-Wan's body as he swam, gripping tightly to his torso, holding Obi-Wan so he could kiss his shoulders, tongue his nipples, bite at his navel, and finally swallow his cock. Clenching his teeth, Obi-Wan held onto the breather even though he wanted to scream with ecstasy. Quist's ability to give him pleasure while controlling their descent amazed Obi-Wan. The merman was learning every bit of his skin, each sensitive patch on his body. Dimly, it registered in Obi-Wan's brain that this frantic drive must have evolved through Quist's aquatic half, the rush to the bottom duplicating a fish's need to swim upstream to spawn. But thinking intellectually proved impossible, leaving Obi-Wan concentrating on feeling, able to say only one coherent sentence.

[Not too deep.] This experience would end unpleasantly if Obi-Wan found himself crushed by the pressure of the ocean depths.

[I know. I understand. Touch me.]

Realizing that he had stopped moving his feet as he was swept along, Obi-Wan tried to obey the command, stroking a limb, caressing the tail, nuzzling with his cheek, but his efforts were sporadic and disjointed. He could be jealous of Xan, Xan who would have an easier time reciprocating with his silver and black tail, but Xan had been a fool and spurned Quist. Obi-Wan was here and he would cherish this loving.

Then, touching Quist's front, he felt scales shift under his hand. Rebelling against Quist's power to manipulate his body, Obi-Wan latched on, wrapping his arms and legs around the tail, rubbing his cheek on Quist's groin area even as he swung with the tail's undulating motion. Though the water was growing murkier and darker, the tail's shine was growing brighter, the silvery tint rippling brightly, the scales gleaming like jewels illuminated for display. They were definitely shifting, moving aside as something pulsed slowly, emerging from underneath. Boldly, a penis surfaced, large and long like Quist but unlike his bronzed skin, it was as white as the finest Saiterian marble, with prominent blue veins running the length.

[I wish I could get my mouth on this,] Obi-Wan thought, even as he knew it was an impossibility. He would drown without the breather that prevented full use of his mouth in their lovemaking.

[I want to be in you.]

The lack of lubrication worried Obi-Wan, but Quist was relentlessly breaking his grip, pulling Obi-Wan's arms away from his tail, twisting the Padawan until Obi-Wan released his feet, his back fully turned to Quist. Despite the gentleness of his personality, the merman was physically strong, and Obi-Wan was incapable of resisting. Instinctively, he caught his feet behind the tail, gripping Quist rather than be pulled away by the current created by Quist's speed.

No hesitation, no preamble, and Quist was sliding into Obi-Wan, his large penis entering easily, somehow slicker than a human penis. As if the penetration was a signal of success, Quist slowed, circling forward, his body curling into a loop, bending Obi-Wan in the curve of his body until Quist's head was almost touching his tail, Quist's cock fully buried in Obi-Wan's depths, Obi-Wan's legs spread to the sides.

Quist's movement became lazy, no longer frenzied, as he circled. The position allowed Obi-Wan to reach the bottom of his tail, and the Padawan stroked the shallow ridges of the midnight blue fins, intrigued by their rubbery feel compared to the slickness of the scales. The fins were apparently an erogenous zone as Quist's body quaked with shivers, arms tightening around Obi-Wan.

Then Quist reversed his position, arching his back until almost making a full circle the other way, bringing Obi-Wan's body with him. Obi-Wan stretched his arms up and pointed his toes down, following Quist's curve. Their dance of passion ceased being a frenzied rush and instead became an acrobatic ballet, Quist lazily corkscrewing, circling and looping, that massive tail sometimes directly in front of Obi-Wan's face, the brilliant silver, blue and green almost blinding.

And all the time, Quist's hips undulated gently, his tail flicking back and forth, his cock thrusting into Obi-Wan, filling the Padawan completely, rubbing on his prostate. Obi-Wan couldn't moan or pant, afraid of losing the breather, so settled for expressing his pleasure with yearning whimpers coming deep from his throat and chest. The cold of the water didn't register on Obi-Wan. Certainly, it didn't deter the hardness of his cock pointing straight away from his body.

Then Quist stopped the dance, holding tightly onto Obi-Wan's hips, steadily sinking as he concentrated on plunging in and out of Obi-Wan's body. Obi-Wan angled his legs back and around Quist's hips, digging his feet into Quist's tail under the curve of his buttocks, pulling Quist tighter to him with each deep plunge.

Quist's explosion, when it came, resembled a human's, the liquid warmth pouring into Obi-Wan's body, giving a final touch of pleasure on his prostate, Quist's arms squeezing Obi-Wan's chest and his bite marking Obi-Wan's neck at the intensity of his release. Obi-Wan arched, ready to come, but Quist's big hand around the base of his cock stopped him.

[Please.] Obi-Wan pleaded. [Please please please please...]

Quist's mouth replaced his hand, the heat a delicious counterpoint to the chill of the seawater swirling around his cock. Though Obi-Wan instantly missed Quist's presence within his body, he gratefully held onto his skull, his fingers tangling in the long brown hair fanning out in the water. A shove, then another, and Obi-Wan was coming, bending his body so he could hold onto Quist's body, clasping Quist's back, his feet on Quist's hips, needing to be close to his lover.

When Quist released Obi-Wan's body, the Padawan slumped boneless, exhausted with pleasure, his body sinking. He had no energy left to swim and would willingly have collapsed to the bottom, but Quist caught him in strong arms. [You are all right?]

[Force, yes. Can we do that again?]

Definitely amused, Quist replied, [Later. You need to rest.]

[Carry me. I haven't the strength.]

Quist obeyed, holding Obi-Wan in his arms as he had held Yiff. [Would you like to rest in my ship?]

[Oh yes. That sounds - fantastic.] Being underwater and secluded, just the two of them, and Quist's previous willingness to let Obi-Wan use his body gave the Padawan pleasant visions. After he recovered, could he convince Quist to have sex not surrounded by water? And if he relaxed in Quist's embrace during the trip, would he be recovered as soon as they arrived at the ship?

[Hold your breath.]

Obediently, Obi-Wan inhaled, holding air in his lungs. The breather was removed and replaced by Quist's lips, sealing their mouth together. Just as when Quist had saved Obi-Wan's life, his mouth was dry with the taste of salt. But now, neither Quist or Obi-Wan were hesitant to explore, their tongues meeting and caressing. Obi-Wan groped for Quist's penis, giving a little moan of frustration when he realized it had disappeared again, his front flat and seamless.

[I wanted to carry you like this, not Yiff.]

[You had better not carry Yiff quite like this,] Obi-Wan instructed, as their arms held each firmly, Obi-Wan stroking the tail with his feet. The thought of the gangly Cabal member experiencing such joy with his merman was anathema to Obi-Wan.

[Never,] Quist promised as he carried Obi-Wan along, heading toward his sunken ship.

So involved with each other, neither of them noticed that they were watched by more than just the fish.

Selli was confused and frightened by what she had seen -- Quist and land dweller in the Cean dance of passion, Quist's gorgeous blue-green tail twining with the odd limbs found on the human's bottom half, their arms stretching together as they twisted and circled, the human's thin braid tangling in Quist's free-flowing hair.

Confused, frightened... and aroused?

She cupped her breasts, feeling the tingling in her nipples only experienced before when Xan had touched her. The front of her tail was subtly softening, the scales preparing to open, allowing her lover into her body.

No! she thought fiercely, determinedly. This was wrong. Such feelings were repulsive. Selli had only seen them at a distance, on the ships, but she had been warned since childhood. Everyone knew that the land dwellers were evil, dangerous, not to be trusted. Quist was wrong to have such contact with one of them.

Squeezing her fingers tightly, she ground her fingernails into her palms, concentrating on every perfidious tale of the land dwellers' atrocities -- their disregard for the ocean and their lack of harmony, until she felt her body stiffening, her tail losing its reflexive twitch.

When she looked up, Quist and the land dweller were moving away. The silver thing from the land dweller's mouth was being held in Quist's hand, their lips sealed together, the human clinging to Quist like a limpet clings to the rocks.

What should she do? Forget this scene, follow them, report Quist to the Elders? Such a dilemma - indeed, imagining that such a dilemma would ever confront her - was beyond Selli's experience.

Biting her lip in indecision, she realized they would soon be gone from her sight, leaving it too late to confront them. And if she went to the Elders, she wouldn't know where Quist and the land dweller had gone. Realizing she had only one choice at the moment, she followed them silently.

Quist decided the airlock was a more enjoyable place than he had ever imagined. As the water receded, exposing their heads to air, he and Obi-Wan were free to kiss without having to worry about the Jedi swallowing water. They nibbled and licked and explored until the water was gone, Quist sitting on the floor with Obi-Wan on top of him.

"We should go in," Obi-Wan said, a tinge of rueful amusement in his voice at their enraptured passion.

"Should we, or should we take care of this here?" Quist asked, finding the symbol of Obi-Wan's need rising and hardening with want.

"Inside. I have a better plan in mind, if you will let me."

"Anything that pleases you, Obi-Wan."

"Good." Obi-Wan rose, and Quist rose with him, giving a small gasp of surprise as he floated in the dry air as easily as he swam in the ocean, held up by invisible hands. "It's the Force," the Jedi explained.

The bands of power deposited Quist gently on the grav-unit inside the door. Obi-Wan was on him instantly, straddling his lap, placing the soles of his feet on Quist's scales, kissing and nuzzling as both sailed down the corridor, propelled by the Force and guided by a wave from Quist's tail.

[I want to make love to you in a bed.]

[Whatever you desire,] Quist responded, exploring Obi-Wan's supple curves and flat planes. His skin was wet but drying rapidly under Quist's hands. The importance of a bed escaped the merman, but Quist was ready to experiment with anything the Jedi suggested.

[Mmmm...I can desire a lot,] Obi-Wan said, a streak of humor in his tone as he toppled them off the grav-unit and onto a bed in one of the cabins.

Unprepared for the action, Quist flopped on the covers, his tail slapping up and down, as Obi-Wan maneuvered them into the position he wanted, Quist on his back, Obi-Wan sitting on Quist's hips.

[Do you have massages?] the Padawan asked, learning the answer from Quist's blank look. A passionate kiss and Obi-Wan was bounding off the bed. "Stay there."

The grav-unit had been sent sailing across the room by the abruptness of Obi-Wan's move, so Quist obeyed, not wishing to have to crawl on the floor. He could hear Obi-Wan rummaging in the small room next to the sleeping cabin before the Padawan returned, a jar in one hand.

Wafting the opened jar under Quist's nose, Obi-Wan asked, "Do you like this smell?"

After sniffing, Quist responded, "I do not recognize it, but yes."

"It reminds me of nuts and orchards and freshly turned ground. Very masculine, which makes it appropriate for you," Obi-Wan said with a smile.

"What are you going to do?" Quist asked, unable to stifle a small moment of uneasiness. The Cean did not contain things in jars. Though he had investigated some of the jars' contents, he had been unable to decipher their purposes from the different consistencies.

"Massage. Don't worry, you'll like it," Obi-Wan soothed, pouring some of the fluid into his palm, setting the bottle down before rubbing his hands together, coating both. He started on Quist's shoulders, alternating soft rubbing with strong gripping and squeezing, his hands working in concert to relax Quist's muscles.

"Ohhhh," moaned Quist. The fluid coating his skin was thicker than water, more like the viscous liquid squirted by an enraged olimoli, but the warm burn was tingling rather than painful.

Obi-Wan was thorough in his attentions, moving from Quist's shoulders down his arms, shaking then pulling every finger on both his hands before returning to the flat muscles of Quist's chest. Quist's nipples deserved special care, rubbed, pinched, and encouraged to harden into stiff peaks.

As much as Obi-Wan would have liked to forget all other considerations, his conscience would not permit him to completely discard awareness of external factors, even though his body continued to react to the exciting chance to explore Quist's body, his penis half-hard as it laid on Quist's tail. His voice regretful at disturbing the sensual peace, Obi-Wan asked, "Do you want to talk about Xan?"

Eyes that had fluttered shut in satisfaction snapped open again. "Why?"

His hands smoothing over the taut muscles of Quist's abdomen, slipping down to his waist to tickle at the scales, before sliding back up to the hard chest muscles, Obi-Wan responded, "Because you are hurting. And while being with you is wonderful, I don't want to go away and leave you still hurting."

"I will hurt even if we talk." Clasping Obi-Wan's hands gently by the wrists, Quist stopped their motion, holding them flat on his chest as he tugged Obi-Wan into a lingering kiss. [Thank you. But please - let us enjoy what we can, while we can. Xan's betrayal will take long to heal. I want this precious time with you.]

Tasting the salt of Quist's mouth, Obi-Wan agreed, [We shall live in the moment. No Xan, no mission. Just a few days for us.]

[It shall be all we can have.]

[You would have made a good Jedi.] As his lips felt Quist's smile at the compliment, Obi-Wan knew Yoda would not begrudge him this stolen time. He had to wonder if this was what the Master intended when he insisted Obi-Wan take this mission. Obi-Wan's increasing inclination to seriousness irritated his Master, and Yoda was not above manipulating events when he deemed it necessary for his Padawan's mental or physical health. [On my last day, you shall tell me of Xan, and I shall tell you of my mission.]

[The last day,] Quist agreed, as he tugged the tie from Obi-Wan's knight's tail, bringing the longer hair at the back forward, curving the wet strands to Obi-Wan's cheeks.

"But for now, I shall ravish you," Obi-Wan promised, feeling emotionally lighter than he had in years. And sexier than with any other partner, Quist's eyes searing his flesh as Obi-Wan rose up enough to flip Quist over, the merman giving a small, "Oomph" as he landed on his front, Obi-Wan resettling on the back of his tail, snuggling his buttocks against the tender curve of tail that signified Quist's buttocks.

[Ravish me.]

Though a young man, Obi-Wan was experienced enough not to let the impatience and eagerness caused by Quist's command control this moment. He reined in his feelings ruthlessly. These few days would pass quickly enough without being rushed. Pouring more oil on his hands, Obi-Wan admired the broad expanse of Quist's back, his smooth skin and solid muscles. Quist was superbly built, his physical condition well honed through constant swimming. His upper body could have belonged to a Jedi Master in his prime. Obi-Wan massaged Quist's back with the same dedication and care he had given to his front, enjoying the sensation of silken skin covered by slick oil.

As Obi-Wan subtly rocked during the massage, his half-erect penis snuggled into the shallow crevice in Quist's scales that delineated his buttocks. Quist's tail twitched under him. "It seems very uncomfortable, to be so - loose," the merman noted.

"We wear protective clothing," Obi-Wan said, pressing the heel of his palms into Quist's muscles. "Do you like feeling me?"

"Like feeling you?" Quist parroted, confusion in his voice.

"Like feeling that I want you. That you arouse me."

"You should not say such things," Quist responded, but he sounded more hesitant than condemning.

"Why not? Isn't it good to be honest? Isn't honesty harmonious?" Lowering his voice, Obi-Wan leaned down, his head next to Quist's as he whispered in his ear. "I loved the way you made love to me. I've never been so excited. Or so satisfied. I want to make love to you."

Quist's breathing was shallow, his eyes glazed with desire and uncertainty. Boldly, Obi-Wan continued, "I want to fuck you. I want to fuck you through the mattress. I want to fuck you until we can't breathe. Do you understand?"

Strangling a groan, Quist buried his head in the pillow, hiding his face from Obi-Wan. He could not hide the involuntary bucking of his hips, or the twitching of his tail. [You should not say such things,] he repeated.

Obi-Wan grinned, his smile broad and delighted. Erotic conversation appeared to be unknown to the Cean, but for the Jedi, even being raised in a Temple that emphasized spirituality over physical needs, naiveté past the age of puberty was rare. Yoda's lectures on sex and love had been tactful, but thorough, and quickly supplemented by practical experimentation. Being trained to be a Knight demanded a certain level of sophistication. Having a being this powerful flustered by mere words sent a rush of excitement through Obi-Wan's senses. Sliding back so his buttocks were sitting on what would have been Quist's knees, he stroked over the shallow crevice, finding what he hoped - an area where the scales did not overlay but created a small opening. Already oiled, his index finger slipped in without difficulty, finding the passage tight and long. He explored delicately, hoping to find that more anatomical similarities existed, and was rewarded when Quist's shallow breathing simply stopped and held as he pressed upon a certain place, before resuming with a agonized gasp when Obi-Wan released the pressure.

[You liked that.]

A whimper was his only response.

Remembering Quist's question, Obi-Wan asked, [You are accustomed to taking a lover here?] but Quist was beyond the ability to give a rational answer. Obi-Wan touched him again, and again, playing with Quist, controlling the merman's pleasure, heightening it with firmer touches, then easing off, adding a second finger and then a third, until the opening was well-stretched and Obi-Wan had to lock his knees onto the sides of Quist's tail to stay on the bucking body.

With his free hand, he oiled his cock, making sure the lubrication was complete before lying flat on Quist's big body, guiding himself into the opening. He pushed slowly but steadily until his entire length was in Quist, his testicles touching Quist's scales, his slicked hands clasping Quist's oiled arms. [Am I hurting you?]

The moan was not a sufficient reply for Obi-Wan.

[I must know I am not hurting you,] he insisted, [or I will not move.]

[Make love to me, Obi-Wan. Please.]

And Obi-Wan did, withdrawing himself from Quist's body until only the head of his cock remained caught in the opening between scales, lunging back in to fully submerge himself, maintaining a relentless but even pace, his legs pressed against the tail, the oil from Quist's back transferring itself to Obi-Wan's chest as they rubbed together. Obi-Wan was resolved to make this loving last, to keep it slow. He wanted Quist pleasured beyond sanity, beyond thought, beyond any remembrance of Xan.

Riding the powerful body required all Obi-Wan's concentration as Quist undulated on the fleecy covers, the sound of his tail slapping up and down as loud as their rough panting. The oil made their love-making even more difficult, Obi-Wan constantly adjusting his grip on Quist's skin. But Obi-Wan was a trained Jedi with superbly crafted muscles, and he brought them into play with determination. Finally, he was able to reach underneath Quist's jerking hips and grasp the thick penis rising from the scales, stroking and sliding and driving himself home, mindlessly kissing Quist's shoulders until the shuddering and quaking of their bodies could not be contained, massive orgasms overtaking them as they both dissolved into rapturous bliss.

Barely able to move, Obi-Wan rolled off Quist's body, bringing his hand up to lick at the evidence of Quist's release. [Like exquisite fish roe,] he said.

[Wha - ?] Quist couldn't even finish the word as he awkwardly shifted onto his back.

[Never mind,] replied Obi-Wan, cradling his head on Quist's shoulder. [Sleep, Quist. Sleep in a bed with me.]

"Yes, Obi-Wan," the Cean agreed softly, asleep almost before he could utter the words. Obi-Wan sighed and followed his example.

"Obi-Wan."

Obi-Wan exhaled gently and snuggled deeper into the strong arms holding him, nuzzling his cheek against Quist's firm chest, reluctant to awake from the pleasant languor of sleep. Their bodies had dried, leaving a flaky residue of salt on their skin and the sheets, but Quist's tail still felt slick and sensual as the soles of Obi-Wan's feet rubbed on it.

"Obi-Wan," the Cean prompted again, and Obi-Wan grumpily obeyed, opening his eyes to see a young Cean perched on the edge of the bed, his straggly hair appearing brown from its dampness, but more likely as blond as his tail was yellow and gold. "Obi-Wan Kenobi, meet Ani."

The awareness of a visitor snapped Obi-Wan from his lethargy. Though not excessively prudish, Obi-Wan flushed at being caught sleeping naked with his lover, adjusting his body to lie more fully on Quist, hiding his penis. "Ani," he said a bit tersely, unable to stifle a feeling of resentment at this interloper.

"Obi-Wan," the boy said politely, his voice still a trifle light and high as befitted his youth, his gaze discreetly averted from their bodies.

Resentment was quickly supplanted by greater concerns, as Obi-Wan realized that the youth's hunched shoulders indicated nervousness more than embarrassment and small worry lines edged from the corners of Quist's eyes. "What is wrong?"

"Selli saw - us. She followed us here, and went to the Elders. Ani came to warn us."

Comprehension flooded Obi-Wan's mind as years of Jedi training demanded he analyze the known facts and extrapolate assumptions. The Cean neither liked nor trusted land dwellers, and Quist's involvement with one undoubtedly would be condemned. But how severely? What action would the Elders take? "What will happen?"

Quist's spoke as if pained. "I don't know. This has never happened before."

Would the Cean have crime and an established procedure for justice and punishment? Best to speak slowly and simply, rather than confuse Quist if the concepts were new. Obi-Wan still had a mission to complete, and needed to know what reaction to expect, even if Quist seemed unwilling to talk. "Will the Elders think that what we have done was wrong?"

"Yes."

"Have other Cean done wrong things?"

"The Cean are not perfect."

"And what usually happens when a Cean has done something wrong?"

"They are shunned, banished for a period of time. The Cean find it difficult to live alone."

But Quist didn't. Quist spent a lot of time by himself, traveling close to the beaches where the other Cean feared to go, rescuing humans from danger. Would banishment be viewed as an appropriate punishment for him? And would they want to punish Obi-Wan for his part of this transgression? But concerns more important than the safety of two adults must be handled first. Size was not necessarily a reliable way to determine age, but Ani looked as old as Obi-Wan when Yoda had chosen him as a Padawan. Even though Obi-Wan had regarded himself as mature and responsible at that age, assisting his Master with negotiations and battles, he felt a need to protect this innocent. Reaching out, Obi-Wan clasped Ani's hand. "Thank you, Ani, for warning us. You should leave now and say nothing."

Ani looked to Quist for confirmation, and the Cean nodded, gripping Obi-Wan and Ani's united hands with his own. "Yes, thank you, Ani. Go now."

With a bob of his head, Ani said, "My Mom always says it is harmonious to help others," then slipped to the floor, his arms propelling his body, his tail trailing behind as he sped out the doorway.

As the youth disappeared, Quist added, "You should leave too."

"I won't abandon you," Obi-Wan replied flatly, not wanting a debate on his decision.

"The Cean are not your people, the Elders not your - judges."

Quist was stubborn, but Obi-Wan was capable of equal stubbornness. Swinging over Quist's body and stepping onto the floor, Obi-Wan went to the clothes locker and began rifling through its contents. If he had to face the Elders, he would prefer some minimal coverage. "Besides, I have a mission to complete. I need to talk to your Elders."

"What is your mission?"

Turning around with trousers in his hands, Obi-Wan wanted to forget reality. Quist had propped himself up on his elbows, his long hair disarrayed from their passion, the fins of his tail flicking upward with impatience, his bronze shoulders tense with worry. Obi-Wan wished he could drop the clothes, crawl back onto Quist, and remove the signs of stress with more massage and love until Quist's body was relaxed and his tail supple. "Do you know what smuggling is?"

Quist shook his head in confusion.

Force, how to explain the coalition governments of many nation-states on one planet, all creating their own rules for their own people? Economics, trade, taxes? "The S'valli do not have one group of Elders. They have one group that speak for the S'valli when dealing with other worlds, but many different groups of Elders that speak for different groups of S'valli. And the Elders do not permit all things and people to travel freely on the land. So smugglers will hide things and people to carry them where the Elders will not allow them to go. Do you understand?"

"I believe so," Quist said, but the worry lines were deepening with his struggle to follow Obi-Wan's explanation.

"Sometimes the smugglers use boats to carry things and people to other parts of the land."

"And?" Quist asked, as Obi-Wan stopped talking to pull on a pair of trousers. The owner must have been a bigger man than he, but the fit was bearable, the elastic automatically adjusting to Obi-Wan's slimmer waist while Obi-Wan rolled the excess length under the ends.

"And one of the S'valli has asked if the Cean will help catch the smugglers, by watching the boats and reporting on their movements."

"They will not."

Though Obi-Wan doubted this mission from the beginning, he found Quist's blunt denial challenging. As a Jedi, Obi-Wan had spent much of his life changing a 'no' to a 'yes,' and his sense of accomplishment would not blindly surrender to Quist's opinion. Mildly, he replied, "I have promised to ask the Elders."

"You will not."

Irritated that Quist would dictate his behavior to him and prohibit even an attempt to complete his mission, the Padawan opened his mouth to argue, but was forestalled when a voice spoke in his mind.

[Quist. Come out, Quist. We know you are there.]

Quist breathed, "Xan," and for a moment Obi-Wan hoped that like Ani, Quist's former lover came to warn him.

Then another voice spoke, [You and the land dweller,] dashing the hope.

"Crion."

"Crion?"

"Xan's father." Sliding off the bed, Quist crawled to the grav-unit, using the strength of his upper body to pull himself onto the flat surface. "You shall have your wish to speak to the Elders. Crion is their leader."

He knew he was supposed to leave. He should go back through the mysterious walls that changed water into air and flee to the safety of his pod group.

He knew he should leave. He just couldn't.

Ani had many good friends in his pod, and enjoyed the communal nature of the Cean. But like Quist, he was intelligent and curious, fascinated by the other world beyond his world. The pod mother recognized his interest and often scolded him, devoting strict attention to him when warning the pod of the dangers posed by humans. His own mother seconded her warnings, though less enthusiastically. Ani's mother wanted to believe good of all beings, even the land dwellers.

With his pod group, he had been allowed to briefly observe humans, carefully rising to the surface by an isolated boat, keeping their heads underwater while listening to the pod mother explain what the Cean knew of human ways - their lack of harmony evidenced by overfishing and dumping contaminants into the water, their occasional recklessness during bad weather leading to a capsized boat and humans that must be rescued before searchers could discover the Cean. One day, when the pod children were older and stronger, they might have to help in such a rescue.

Though he knew the land dwellers didn't like losing their boats, Ani hoped that the occasion would come when he could be a savior, grab one in his arms and pull the human to the surface, maybe talk with the person until a ship arrived. It was a secret fantasy of his to be a rescuer like Quist.

And now here he was, on one of the human ships, filled with their things. Warnings resonated in his ears along with Quist's kindly direction to leave but the sight of all the wondrous objects on display silenced the voices.

Slithering around the big main room, he delicately touched objects with a single finger before risking his whole hand. The chairs he recognized. Their texture was soft, supple, pleasing to his touch. Humans needed chairs for sitting, as the air was bereft of the subtle currents to hold them drifting gently in place. The Cean pitied the humans for their environment's lack.

A table for placing things on. Humans were encumbered by their need for many objects. With all the essentials for life floating around them, the Cean needed few possessions.

Ani wondered why the humans did need so many things. Weren't the riches of life around them on the ground?

But then his gaze was enraptured by the bank of lights along the wall, and he stopped wondering why and started trying to figure out what, hardly daring to breathe as he sat in a chair for the first time in his life and examined instrumentation.

A flat surface ran along one wall, like a ledge, and the wall was decorated with many odd protuberances and plain square spaces. Ani ran his finger along the faint ridges that distinguished one. With a flash of intuition, he realized it would show information when functional. Or maybe moving pictures? He poked the buttons on the side of it, some flat, some round, some long, some short, but nothing happened.

"Obi-Wan, please reconsider. You should not do this."

At the sound of Quist's voice, Ani curled tightly into a ball to hide himself, ducking his head and raising his tail until his fins touched the back of his head. He didn't know Quist well since the older Cean rarely supervised the pod group, but he had seen him at celebrations and talked to him whenever he could find an excuse. Quist seemed very nice to Ani, but no adult liked being disobeyed.

"Quist, please understand, I have to. I am a Jedi and I have a duty to perform." The voice had surprised Ani when he first heard it, sounding much like a Cean's but with a crisper tonal quality.

"They will say no, Obi-Wan, and they will be angry at me because you asked."

Obi-Wan was silent for a long moment, the noise of his feet gone. Ani peeked cautiously around to see him standing, looking down at Quist, who was floating on a glowing panel. The human was wearing tan cloth around his lower limbs, but his chest was bare. The paleness of his skin also had surprised Ani, who thought the exposure to the sun would turn land dwellers to the same bronze that marked Quist. Finally, Obi-Wan asked, "How angry?"

"Very."

"But you don't know what they will do?"

"No - only that it will be worse the longer you stay." Ani suppressed a snicker at that truth. As leader of the Elders, Crion was considered to be the wisest of the Cean, but his temper was legendary, and increased proportionately to the length of time someone argued an opposing viewpoint. Indeed, Ani heard rumors that Crion was almost removed from the Council for his unharmonious anger, but then he wasn't and the adults stopped talking about the possibility. No one told Ani or the other pod children why.

Obviously unhappy by his expression, the human conceded. "Very well."

"You will go to your boat and leave?"

"Yes," the human said, his voice sounding as if the agreement hurt. "If you think it's best."

"I do." Quist reached out to pull on Obi-Wan's arm, and the human surrendered to his embrace, sitting on his lap, his lower limbs on each side of Quist's tail. Ani recoiled as they kissed, the action too shocking, the moment too private to watch.

"But I don't know where my boat is. I don't have a tracker for it."

At Quist's response, Ani risked another peek. "That way. The journey would not be long, perhaps the length of a race and again."

"I'll find it. But I wish there was some way to know you will be okay."

"I will be. I may be shunned for a long time, but I will be fine." Another long kiss, one that Ani dared to watch this time, gentle and soothing more than passionate. "Thank you, Obi-Wan, thank you for this time."

"And thank you for saving me, Quist. Saving me and loving me."

Obi-Wan stood up, saying, "Let's go," before putting something silver in his mouth.

They left. Ani waited until the sound of feet disappeared and the length of time the magical walls needed to work. He had lost his chance to escape. The two would go outside, and talk to Crion and Xan. Instinctively, Ani guessed that the four would argue severely before Obi-Wan would escape to his boat.

Remaining here was his only option. Going outside to reveal his presence would anger Crion more, who would not expect a child to interfere in the affairs of the elders, and disappoint Quist. He would wait until after the disagreement, then leave and return to his pod.

In the meantime - in the meantime, he would stay trapped in this human place.

And explore.

As Quist pushed Obi-Wan out of his arms, placing himself in front of the airlock door, he felt cold for the first time in his life, his body and tail vibrating with a shiver. He wanted Obi-Wan back in his arms, keeping him warm, making his blood heat with the swift rise of pleasure.

But Obi-Wan needed to return to his Jedi life on the land, and Quist must calm Crion and Xan to allow him time to escape.

The Elder and his son were waiting, facing the door as it slid open, keeping a careful distance away. Knowing their dislike of humans, Quist was sure they feared contamination. To what, they wouldn't be able to explain, but they were afraid of exposure anyway.

He swam out, paying no attention to Obi-Wan behind him. Their goodbye had been said before entering the airlock. He didn't want to see his lover swim away. [Crion, Xan.]

[Quist.] Crion spoke, his son silent in his shadow. The family resemblance was strong, Xan appearing a younger version of his father. Their black hair floated around their heads, Crion's streaked with white. The black and silver pattern of their tails was similar, though as he aged, Crion's silver had eclipsed the black until the darkness was mere flecks in the shimmer of light.

Of all their shared attributes, the eyes were the most striking. Pale blue in color, Crion's eyes showed no signs of aging but burned with the same fierce hatred as did his son's. [You dishonor us. You shame the Cean and you risk our world with your depravity.]

[I have shared friendship and love with a land dweller. There is no crime in being harmonious with those who are different from us. Obi-Wan would never harm the Cean.]

[You defend your crime? Have you no shame?]

[We have committed no crime.] Even as Quist spoke with Crion, Xan was moving, swimming up, and Quist realized he was pursuing Obi-Wan. Quist followed, keeping himself between Xan and where the subtle change in the current told him Obi-Wan was located. [Let him go.]

The intensity of the hatred in Xan's eyes seared Quist's soul. [He must pay for what you have done.]

The next speaker was hesitant, and for the first time Quist saw Selli hovering by a tall clump of araali grass. [Shouldn't the human go, Xan? It may be dangerous to keep him. Other humans may come look for him.]

Crion's voice was as icy as the great white slags found at the northern and southern ends of the world. [Leave, woman. You have done your part.]

[Let us all leave, Crion. Let me face the Elders. I will be judged by them. By all of them.] Quist was still moving as he spoke, trying to keep his attention on Crion, knowing that the older man was making the decisions, but also staying between Xan and the departing Obi-Wan. Then Xan tried to dart around Quist, lunging toward Obi-Wan. In anger at Xan's refusal to let Obi-Wan go, Quist bent at his waist and swung his tail up, brutally slapping at Xan's face. Xan reeled back as Selli tentatively approached Crion, laying a hand on his arm. Crion retaliated with the same violence as Quist, the blow sending Selli flailing.

[I will not be defied!] Crion's roar could have shattered the delicate inside of a vitlon shell. Despite the white in his hair and the silver in his tail, he seemed to darken before Quist's eyes, becoming black as the sellat's skin and as evil as the land dwellers were reputed to be, his anger distorting not only his face but the water around them. The blackness was almost tangible, swirling out from Crion, creating a whirlpool that first caught Quist and then Obi-Wan. The Jedi bumped into Quist as he was forced back down, and the Cean grabbed onto him, clinging together as the power gathered and twisted around them.

[It's the Force, Quist. He's channeling the dark.]

[The Force?] Quist was unable to comprehend what was happening, dimly seeing through the swirling currents as Xan returned to his father's side, Selli holding a hand to her bruised face, watching with fear in her eyes. Obi-Wan's legs wrapped around Quist's tail, and the Cean held onto the Jedi, the human's touch his only security in the madness, offering comfort that they were together, even if both were unable to fight the power directed at them. Quist could see the concentration on Obi-Wan's face, the human trying to combat the evil with sheer force of will, but the water whipped him around and around, churning into an inescapable prison, turning them endlessly in a vicious circle until his sense of balance distorted and finally lost, unable any longer to determine whether he was heading up or down.

Blue...

The blue sky was the first thing Obi-Wan saw when he regained consciousness and opened his eyes. Without thinking, he groped for Quist's hand and found it, his breath releasing in a relieved sigh. Whatever had happened, they were together.

Ancient tales of the Sith, rogue Jedi and Force sensitives fallen to the dark had been told in the crèche, Obi-Wan and his friends huddling together in one bed, each trying to scare the other until the crèche parent made a nightly check and sent them scattering back to their own beds. But no childish tales had ever frightened Obi-Wan the way Crion's power had. The Cean had fallen, fallen completely and totally to the dark side and Obi-Wan had never felt such unrestrained anger unleashed. Yoda might be as powerful as Crion, but even when Yoda used the full extent of his abilities, his direction of the Force was gentle and soothing on Obi-Wan's senses, knowing that his Master was protecting him or others.

Crion's use of the Force was jagged and raw, an untamed explosion with unknown but likely unpleasant consequences. It had required all of Obi-Wan's energy to concentrate on his own body, to keep his chemical levels stable as they rose quicker than a human should, the poisonous nitrogen building up in his system.

He sent a last thought of gratitude to the Force and sat up, opening his eyes. They were on a beach, the same beach where Obi-Wan met Quist so many days ago. The tide was close but not dangerously so, and at least no ties held them down.

Obi-Wan examined Quist, the fatigue etched on the Cean's face under the bronze skin, his breathing shallow and irregular. Quist had said banishment was his people's choice of punishment, and Crion had certainly succeeded in banishing Quist with a vengeance, flinging him far away and making his return impossible.

An erratic chugging noise had Obi-Wan turning to scan the horizon, watching as his boat sputtered closer, Ani's small figure at the controls. Since Quist was still unconscious, Obi-Wan left him and waded out.

Ani's "Hi," was timid.

Obi-Wan smiled, forcing his face into a reassuring expression. "Thank you for bringing the boat."

"I was inside the ship. I saw what happened on this flat square. I've never seen Crion so mad."

"One of the underwater cameras must have been functional."

Ani shifted in the pilot's chair, his yellow gold tail flicking with worry. "I thought you would need the boat."

"Yes, thank you."

"Will he - ?"

"He'll be fine. I'll take care of him now."

A bob of his head, and Ani arched over the side of the boat, his entry splashing the waves before his head reappeared. The worry was replaced by curiosity. "A camera?"

"It's a small device that records images and shows them on a monitor."

"A mon-i-tor," Ani said precisely. Another scared look toward Quist's recumbent figure and the youth asked, "You're sure he'll be okay?"

"I'll take good care of him," Obi-Wan promised.

Ani disappeared under the waves, leaving Obi-Wan to lean into the boat and click on the anchoring unit. He splashed back to Quist, laying down beside him on the sand, and pulled Quist's head onto his shoulder. The Cean would be traumatized by what happened. Obi-Wan wanted to allow him to wake naturally, the comfort of a steady embrace his first sensation.

He stroked Quist's chest soothingly, down the bronze skin to the uneven line at his waist caused by the blue and green scales of his tail, now replaced by creamy skin and long legs.

Quist's legs.

~ end Two Worlds: Rendezvous, beginning soon, Two Worlds: Rebirth ~

~ feedback to Elayna at Elayna88@aol.com, always appreciated and slowly answered ~