Humor / Romance
Rating: G to PG-13.
Spoilers: None that I know of.
Synopsis: In response to a writing challenge issued by Aya, Qui-Gon Jinn can't get any satisfaction... nada... zip. As a by-product of this predicament, Iovene Bitto can't get any either... grrr. Disclaimer: Qui-Gon Jinn belongs to George Lucas [damn] along with Star Wars (tm). Iovene Bitto and the Republic Intelligence Agency belong to me, as does the original characters to be introduced here. This is written for fun -- no money is being made. So let the games begin!
Archive: Archiving is *good*! This will be archived on Gon With The Jinn; Temple Bards and Jedi Soul also have my permission. All others please ask first.
Feedback: This is always welcome; how else can a writer improve?

Compared to Pitari, Corellia is a paradise: rolling hills, bountiful farm land, market places filled with the finest products the Republic has to offer. Okay, maybe I *am* partial... I was born and raised there -- so sue me.

I'd sent a message to my brother, Oskar, to let him know I'd be visiting. It had been years since I'd seen him and Hanna... But there's something I'd never told him. Oskar didn't know I was with Republic Intelligence, and it was time to change that. He was so protective of me when we were growing up, but I thought he could handle the shock by this time.

It was refreshing to step out onto the tarmac of Solo Distribution's personal spaceport again and feel the warmth of sunlight on my face. The air smelled of burnt fuel and plant life -- a strange combination, but one I'd grown to miss after leaving Corellia.

A familiar sound descended on my ears a moment later as a tall, dark-haired man in the uniform of a freighter pilot approached me at a fast jog.

"There she is!" He hugged me tightly, lifting me off the ground in the process. "There's my baby sis; my bitsy teeny 'Veney!" Oskar laughed, spinning me around so fast that it seemed to exert a stronger g-force on my person.

"Will you knock off the baby-talk already?" I half-joked, hugging him back. "I think I'm gonna puke!" Once I was back on my feet again, I grinned at this man, a quiet laugh bubbling up inside me like a liquid starting to boil. "Oskar Solo... It's been *ages*. How's my favorite brother?"

"*Favorite* brother?" Oskar grinned back, "Sweetie, I'm your *only* brother."

"Oh, yeah? Well, that's *one* way to get rid of the competition."

"Ah; you're still a Solo at heart."

"It's genetic," I laughed as I followed him to the apartments adjoining Solo Distribution's main office.

A holo player sat blinking on a table next to a vase holding a single blue Aldaarian Rose. Oskar reached over almost absentmindedly and activated the player, causing the image of an attractive blonde woman with pale blue eyes and a gentle smile to glow before our eyes. Hanna hadn't changed a bit.

"Hello, Iovene. I apologize for being unable to greet you personally, but there was a change of plans." Hanna paused solemnly, as if in response to the half-growl, half-moan which issued from my brother. "You needn't growl, Oskar... I didn't invite Cupernica to raid those shipments of Broma Candy. But I *have* called for negotiations in attempt to save our contract with the Ruan Candy Company of Pitari." Her eyes brightened as the recording continued. "The mediators have been selected by the Jedi Council and are on their way from Coruscant; by the time you receive this message, they may well be settling in at the local hotel." Hanna's image flickered and then disappeared, causing the holo player to switch off immediately.

I decided to unpack, so I was in my room when the door chime sounded. Even as I hurried to answer it, I heard Oskar calling to me.

"It's okay, 'Veney; I got it."

I wish he wouldn't call me that.

I entered the living room, my curiosity growing because of a familiar feeling of peace ebbing into my conscious mind like a wave; a wave in the Force. Did I dare hope this Force sensitive was in some way connected to *my* Jedi? Could Qui-Gon be one of the mediators Hanna mentioned?

A young man of about 18 stood staring at Oskar with a serenity that assured me that the Force is strong in him... and growing stronger. Even though I'd never seen him before, I knew him as I knew my own name.

"Hey, Sis," Oskar bellowed, "this Nerf-herder wants to talk you."

As I drew closer, I noticed a long braid cascading past his right shoulder. The youth shifted his eyes and fixed them onto mine, revealing a humble pleading look.

"Madame Bitto... We've never met, but I implore you to trust me."

I swallowed, calling upon every ounce of calm and diplomacy I could muster.

"What can I do for you, Padawan?"

"My name is Obi-Wan Kenobi; my Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, wishes to see you again... and the Force tells me you feel the same way for him." He handed me a stem of Corellian orchids, a smile starting to glide into place on his lips. "He is meditating in preparation for the upcoming trade negotiations; but when he felt your presence on this planet through the Force, he asked that I invite you to join him at the Garden Restaurant this evening at 18:00 hours." Obi-Wan backed up a step or two, and bowed to me. His smile was still in place, making his approval of this situation quite obvious. "May the Force be with you always."

"And with you, Padawan Kenobi. You may inform your Master that I'll be there."

The Padawan went on his way, and I moved to prepare for this evening. For a split second, I seemed to sense a ripple of protectiveness pass through the Force, but decided it was simply my imagination.

Oskar hadn't said much since Kenobi left, which usually meant he was either brooding or plotting. Whatever the case, I had a bad feeling about it.

Although Qui-Gon and I had spent a great deal of time together on Pitari and knew each other very well, this was our first real "date". Needless to say, I wanted everything to be perfect... absolutely *everything*, right down to what I chose to wear.

Standing before the full-length mirror in my room, I studied my reflection one last time before leaving for the Garden Restaurant. My hair was up off my shoulders, held in place by jeweled pins. My arms, shoulders, and back were bare, the flesh tone contrasting with the deep blue color of the Aldaarian velvet halter gown. An earrings and necklace set fashioned from gold and Naboo pearls as well as a gold Aldaarian-styled belt put the finishing touches on the ensemble. I did a double take in spite of myself; I'd changed since the last time I stood here, and it was for the better.

With a nod of satisfaction, I left my brother's home. He didn't seem to be around, but I waved and wished him a good evening anyway before setting out for the restaurant.

The tall double doors of the Garden Restaurant opened before me, and I stepped into what seemed to be -- very literally -- a large garden. Streams and bridges as well as tables stretched out in front of me, and toward the back and to the left side were carefully trimmed hedges. Ancient looking ornamental lanterns glowed from their perches while in the vaulted, ceiling tiny twinkling lights mimicked the stars in the evening sky.

I paused in my tracks -- someone was following me, I *knew* it. However when I turned toward the door, nobody was there.

"Good evening, and welcome to the Garden." I turned toward the voice and found myself facing a protocol droid. "I am M1-P3, your waiter for this evening." M1 affected a little bow, then moved off toward one of the hedges. It paused, turning to regard me. "You *are* Madame Iovene Bitto, I presume?"

"You presume correctly."

"Excellent. The gentleman said you were uncommonly punctual." The droid tottered off again. "This way please, Madame."

Following M1-P3 through the little hedge maze, I could sense Qui-Gon's presence growing stronger still. He sat serenely in his Jedi robes -- strong and proud, the very image of a man at peace with his soul. Candles flickered around us, improving the lighting without sacrificing the mood. In that moment, our eyes locked and I remembered every detail of our relationship to this point. He stood and bowed deeply, taking my hands in his and kissing first the backs of my hands and then my wrists. The combination of the smoothness of his lips and the roughness of his beard caused my heart to beat faster.

"M1-P3, you may bring the wine now," Qui-Gon murmured softly, taking a few steps closer to me.

"As you wish, Master Jinn."

No sooner was the protocol droid out of ear shot than Qui-Gon gently cupped my face in his hands.

"Hello, Love," he whispered, his eyes closing as his lips brushed mine very lightly and tenderly. A moment after Qui-Gon drew back, his lips claimed mine again, this time with more ardency, more urgency, deepening the kiss upon some unspoken signal. "Gods," he gasped, "I've missed you."

"I know," I murmured. My lips closed on Qui-Gon's again and drew out a languid kiss -- long, sweet, and slow. "And I've missed you."

He snatched me closer and I felt his growing arousal through four layers of cloth.

"So it's mutual." Qui-Gon smiled, his voice barely audible. "You have no idea how tempted I am to give that Droid something to intrude upon."

"Are you sure? Really?" I laughed.

He regarded me, a mischievous gleam coming to life in his eyes as he waved a hand before me as he'd done early that morning on Pitari. Just as before, he had not put the Force to work.

"We needn't have dinner just yet."

"Not *this* again!" Laughing, I wiggled my fingers in his face. "Is that the way you want it, Mister?"

"That's 'Master', Love." Qui-Gon's voice wasn't much above a whisper, and yet it carried well enough.

"In that case," I smiled, then bowed gracefully, "as my Master wishes."

Qui-Gon caressed my jaw slowly, his eyes searching mine as though we had been separated for years rather than a few weeks.

"I should like to share this night with you, if you'll have me?"

"I will," I breathed, coaxing his face closer so I could claim his lips again.

Qui-Gon responded immediately and with growing fervor. Cupping my face in his hands, he kissed me softly.

"Thank you." He kissed the inside of my wrists again, then began kissing up my arm. He nuzzled along from my left shoulder to the nape of my neck -- I could feel his breath, hear him moaning softly in my ear as he nibbled on my left ear lobe. I moaned softly, causing him to reply with a rumbling hum somewhere between a growl and a purr. Even in this moment of growing desire, Qui-Gon's touch still remained reverent and caring.

"Sir?" M1 paused awkwardly, causing Qui-Gon and I to immediately stop what we were doing. We turned to face the protocol droid, and it continued, "Your wine, sir."

"Thank you M1-P3." Qui-Gon cleared his throat in an effort to dispel the tightness and apprehension. "Could we see the menu as long as you're here?"

"Why certainly, Master Jinn." The droid touched a hidden button on the side of the table, and a holographic listing appeared. Consulting with me through the Force, Qui-Gon made the selections: Naboo Petite Cru-Fish Bisque, Herb-spiced Leg of Nerf, Aldaarian Truffle-stuffed Articado with Cheese, and the Triple Broma Decadence Cake for desert.

"Excellent choices, Sir." M1 bowed again. "If you and Madame wish to dance after dinner, there will be live music later in the evening."

I bit my lower lip to keep from laughing. Meanwhile, Qui-Gon smiled politely and bowed to the droid.

"The lady and I shall keep that in mind. Thank you."

M1-P3 was about to leave, then turned to face me.

"Oh, I nearly forgot, Madame. There is a holographic transmission awaiting your attention at the receiving station nearest the front registers."

"Thank you," I grumbled. "I'll be there in just a moment." Soon after, I contacted Qui-Gon's mind. [Somebody followed me here.]

[Did you see him?]

[No. It's just a hunch.]

[It's the Force, Love. It's stronger in you than you realize.] He took hold of my hand again, his eyes showing me what I might become.

[Well... just be careful, okay? I've got a bad feeling about this.] I kissed Qui-Gon on the knuckles, then very lightly on the lips. "You're welcome to come along if you like."

Qui-Gon regarded me in silence, then concealed my hand in his again.

"I *would* like that... very much."

No further words were necessary -- we exchanged a smile and started after M1-P3.

[That feeling's back; we're being watched,] I sent to Qui-Gon. [But *whoever* is watching isn't in the business. The weird thing is, I feel I should *know* him.]

[Hidden in plain sight,] he replied immediately. [Does he have a Force signature?]

[If he does, it's very weak.]

Just ahead of us stood two figures in hooded cloaks; the shorter of the two was obviously female.

"This is none of our business," the woman hissed. "Let's just go home and leave them be."

"Oh, no," I groaned. "Hanna... Oskar, what are you doing here?"

"Never mind what *I'm* doing here, 'Veney; who's the monk?"

"I assure you, sir," Qui-Gon dead-panned, "I am *not* a monk."

Hanna and I fought to contain the laughter that threatened to break though, but Oskar missed the humor completely.

"Is that so?" Oskar strode forward two steps and stabbed a finger into Qui-Gon's chest. "In *that* case, you've got some questions to answer."

"Oskar, this isn't necessary," Hanna warned. But her husband didn't listen.

"Okay, Wookie-boy," my brother growled, "just what are your intentions were my sister is concerned?"

Qui-Gon remained calm in spite of Oskar's display of anger.

"My intentions are quite honorable, I assure you."

Hanna glanced at me and shrugged, obviously wishing she could correct the situation.

"Honorable?" Oskar laughed bitterly. "Yeah, right... How do I know you're really a Jedi?"

I placed a hand on both men and insinuated my way between them. This had the desired effect, since Oskar's anger leveled out to a low boil.

"Come on, let's act like adults, shall we?" I paused, gauging my brother's reaction before going on. "Time for introductions. Qui-Gon, I'd like to present my brother Oskar Solo and his wife Hanna Antilles-Solo. Oskar, Hanna, Master Qui-Gon Jinn." Qui-Gon bowed deeply and offered his hand to Oskar who, after a moment's pause, grasped it firmly. I could feel myself grinning as I continued. "It would be easy enough to change this to a dinner for four; wouldn't it, Qui-Gon?"

Qui-Gon shifted his eyes to me, and I sensed a touch of surprise in him.

[Love, you're serious...]

[Very.] I nodded. [I never told my brother I'm in RI, and I came to Corellia to change that.]

[Hence his apprehension regarding the Jedi.] Qui-Gon sighed and kissed me on the forehead, then continued aloud. "As you wish, Love.... Only please, don't expect me to call you `'Veney'."

"The thought never occurred to me."

Several hours later, we had finished dinner and sat laughing and talking in the private dining area. Things had progressed very well, and Qui-Gon and my brother were on much friendlier terms.

"You know, QG, you're okay. I had my doubts about you before, but I can see they were just so much hot air." A puckish grin stole onto Oskar's face as he leaned toward the Jedi, his voice gaining a more confidential tone. "So... um... if you want to play 'hide the lightsaber' with 'Veney, it's okay by me. But if I ever find out you're using her, hokey religions and ancient weapons aren't going to save your sorry ass from *me*!"

["Hide the lightsaber"?] Qui-Gon eyes widened slightly. [Gods...]

Hanna fought to keep from laughing just from the look on his face. If she would have heard what he'd transmitted to me, her sides might have been aching as much as mine.

"I will guard the lady with my life," Qui-Gon assured, a smile shining out through his eyes as he rose to his full height. "And now I must bid you good night. The trade negotiations will be commencing mid day tomorrow, and I require rest."

Hanna nudged Oskar, then he rose a little hastily.

"We've got to go, too. You know the drill... places to go, things to see, people to do." Oskar stammered, "Um, that is.... ah..."

"Good night, Master Jinn," Hanna interrupted, leading her husband off. "It's been a lovely evening. Come along, Oskar."

"G'night, Red," Oskar called to me in his wake. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do..."

Qui-Gon and I were alone again... but the evening had grown so old that seeking intimacy now would compromise his assignment. Still, he held out a hand to me, a gentle smile glowing on his face.

"Might I have a dance with you before I leave, Iovene?"

"Of course." I stood and, taking his hand, moved away from the table and closer to my Jedi. My other hand rested on his shoulder, his long hair flowing softly against my fingers. "Qui-Gon, about Oskar..."

His index finger touched my lips, and he smiled tenderly.

"I'm glad I've met him." He stroked my hair, then caressed my jaw line. "Have I mention how wonderful you are... how lovely you look tonight?"

"You haven't..." I smiled, snuggling against his shoulder as we danced. "Not until now."

[You are, Love,] he whispered in my mind. [Very much so. And I thank you for sharing this night with me.]

[But,] I transmitted in protest, [we were interrupted continually.]

[Sometimes having is not as sweet as desiring.] He smiled. [I shared your company, and that is all the Force intended for this night.] Qui-Gon's lips brushed mine. [We will know intimacy again before I leave Corellia, Love... I promise you this.]

And a Jedi always keeps his promise...

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