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Title: Sugar Tales: A New Arrival

By: Judy

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Rating: R

Disclaimer: Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon are owned by Lucas. Just borrowing. Honest! Shara Kender and Rees Toth are used by the gracious permission of Aya. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Summary: More in the adventures of Sugar the Cat and her Jedi. This time a new arrival upsets the delicate balance of the Force in Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan’s quarters. And it’s not Shara!

Archive: Yes! Jedihunks, Corellia. Sarah Gower--did you archive the other cat stories? You’re welcome to.

“A New Arrival (1/2)”

“Meowrr?”

“Meowrr?”

“Rowrrr?”

“MEORRR?”

“I thought you said she’d go away if we didn’t respond,” grumped Shara Kender sleepily as she nestled in against Obi-Wan’s chest.

“She usually does,” he groaned. He rubbed his hand over his face. “But she knows you’re here so she’s being perverse. Sugar! Go away!”

Another meow, almost a “hmph,” then quiet.

“She’s probably just jealous. I know I would be,” Shara giggled into her lover’s shoulder. She made purring noises and began to lick his neck.

“Hey! That tickles,” Obi-Wan couldn’t repress a chuckle and played at trying to push her away. Shara took the opportunity to pounce on him and Obi-Wan captured her mouth in a fierce kiss. “Here, kitty, kitty, kitty,” he growled low, as his mouth moved to her neck, then began its trek lower.

“Mmmm,” Shara moaned, then pulled away and sat up. “Unh-uh,” Obi-Wan protested. “Patience, Ben,” she chided, with an impish grin. Without warning, she pounced again, this time tickling him furiously. He gasped with laughter. “Stop...stop, Shara, gods! Shara, stop...” Shara’s laughter joined his as her hands roamed all over his lovely backside and Obi-Wan began licking her stomach, tickling her with the Force.

Their frolicking came to an ubrupt end when an ungodly yowl issued from the living area. “What was that?” Shara asked, eyes wide. “Sounded like someone was trying to pull the ears off a gundark.”

“No,” Obi-Wan had already hopped off the bed and was pulling on pants. “That’s Sugar. Something’s wrong.”

“But I don’t sense anything,” said Shara. “Except...”

“Qui-Gon’s back.”

“But that wouldn’t upset the cat, would it?”

“No, he’s not what’s upsetting her.” Obi-Wan palmed open the door and virtually ran into the living area.

Shara stayed behind, getting dressed more slowly, but the exchange she heard provided a clear enough picture:

“What’s wrong with...? Oh, no! No, Master. No, no, no, and no!”--Ben

“Now, padawan, it’s a gift from the Urussean ambassador. For the negotiations we helped with last week. I couldn’t refuse. It would be a gross breach of protocol.”--Qui-Gon

“Well, can’t you just lose it somewhere?”--Ben

“Obi-Wan.” --stern Qui-Gon

“Did you hear Sugar? This...creature upset her.”--Ben

A sigh. “Sugar ran out before I could stop her. She’s probably made her way to Adi’s.”--Qui-Gon

“What? See, you frightened her off. Gods!”--angry Ben

“She’ll get used to him.”--placating Qui-Gon

“No, she won’t and neither will I.”--still angry Ben

“Padawan, you don’t have a choice. He’s staying.”--angry Qui-Gon

A sound of frustration. “I’m going to look for Sugar.”--Ben

Shara busied herself trying to get ready as Obi-Wan stormed back into his room. He grabbed his tunic and thrust it over his head, then began pulling on his boots. He definitely was in a temper. Having been away on a mission until two days ago, Shara hadn’t realized how much he had come to care for this cat, although several of his communiques had mentioned the animal’s antics.

“Damnit,” cursed Obi-Wan as he fiddled with a hook on his boot. “Why does he insist on making our quarters into a zoo?”

“He is very much in tune with the living Force, Ben. He loves creatures of all kinds and they him.” Shara tried to be soothing, but laughter was bubbling up. Ben looked so indignant.

“You’re laughing at me, I can tell,” he groused, giving her an evil glare.

“Yes. I am,” she said, putting on her most innocent face. Obi-Wan’s glare didn’t waver. “Well, on that note, I have to go.” She hooked her lightsaber to her belt. “More drills, you understand.”

“Sure, run out on me in my time of need,” Obi-Wan’s tone was sarcastic but he quirked a smile for her and pulled her close. “See you tonight?” He kissed her soundly.

“Of course,” Shara kissed him back, then left him to finish fighing with his boot.

In the living area, Shara grinned at Master Qui-Gon who sat crossed legged on the floor with a wriggling yellow ball of fur in his lap. All paws and ears, the creature, a canid species by the looks of it, was growling and grring in play, tongue lolling, as it wrestled with the chew toy Qui-Gon was holding.

“Hello, Shara,” Qui-Gon smiled. “Did you manage to calm him down?”

“I think so. For now. But he’s really quite attached to that cat. This will prove interesting.”

“Indeed. This is a Urussean canine. The equivalent of dogs here. And only a puppy at that. He’ll be good-sized when grown. Too large for this place, so I will have to find a good home for him before long....But Obi-Wan doesn’t have to know that, just yet.” He grinned mischievously.

“Ooo. I’m glad you’re not my master!” Shara laughed.

“Convey my greetings to Rees, will you?”

“Will do. See you later.” Then she was out the door.

Qui-Gon smiled down at the puppy, who now was chewing enthusiastically on the toy, slobber going everywhere. The Master Jedi didn’t seem to notice. He patted the puppy gently on the head. “Good dog.”

"Part 2: Puppy Love"

Sugar had disappeared. Adi hadn’t seen her. Apparently no one had. Obi-Wan felt like he had walked every corridor, every hallway in the Temple, but no black-and-white feline anywhere.

It had been three days since Qui-Gon had brought the Urussean puppy into their lives. It felt like three years. In Obi-Wan’s less than partial opinion, the pup was just about the equivalent of the Sith Kitty. Almost. Sith Kitty won out in the torture and terrorize department. The pup won in the over-exhuberance, let-me-lick-you-to-death department. Obi-Wan had nothing against dogs or other varieties of canid species per se, just ones that had to lick him every five seconds, use his boots as a chew toy, or pee in excitement every time someone new entered their quarters. And the constant barking...

Besides, dogs were extremely high-maintenance. With Sugar, he just put some food and water out for her, changed her litter when the smell got too bad (usually when Qui-Gon yelled at him to change it), and that was it. She acknowledged his presence when she chose. The puppy, on the other hand, demanded constant attention.

At least he wasn’t allergic to dogs, reflected Obi-Wan on that third morning as cut up some lava fruit for breakfast. Just then, he heard whimpering coming from the living area. The dog or “damn dog” as he found himself referring to the animal. As in “time to take the damn dog for a walk” or “time to feed the damn dog” or “shut up, you damn dog.”

Qui-Gon was usually less than amused when he heard his apprentice calling the pup that, but his master hadn’t given the dog a name yet, so Obi-Wan had just formulated his own. Qui-Gon just called it “puppy,” usually in a cutesy voice that was so unlike his master that the first time Obi-Wan had heard that tone of voice from Qui-Gon, he had been tempted to call the healers to come look at the elder Jedi.

The puppy obviously worshipped Qui-Gon and his master was obviously fond of the puppy, but Obi-Wan was the one who got stuck having to take care of the animal. And why? “It will bring you closer to the living Force, young padawan,” Qui-Gon had said that first afternoon after Obi-Wan had returned from looking for Sugar. “Caring for another lifeform, especially one that relies totally on you for its well-being, is essential to helping you grow as a Jedi. You just might be surprised what you can learn.”

More whimpering brought Obi-Wan out of his reverie. Well, his lesson needed to go out. Obi-Wan sighed. He hadn’t gotten any sympathy anywhere else, either. Shara had just laughed saying Master Qui-Gon was right. Master Rees had just shook his head, saying something about interesting teaching methods. Master Adi had smiled while saying that she didn’t pet-sit canines as they were too messy.

“Tell me something I don’t know,” grumbled Obi-Wan as he hooked the leash onto Damn Dog’s collar. The yellow bundle of energy yipped in excitement and nearly dragged the young man out of the apartment.

“Easy, now,” Obi-Wan called. For a pup, he sure had plenty of strength. Obi-Wan groaned when he saw someone approaching. He pulled on the leash to keep the pup from bounding over to jump up. “No jumping,” he warned. Instead, the dog let loose with several high-pitched barks. “YIP, YIP, YIP!”

Obi-Wan cringed. They had already gotten several complaints from their neighbors about the dog’s incessant barking during the day while they were gone. Qui-Gon had said it was natural for the puppy to feel alone and call to his mother. “I’m not his mother,” Obi-Wan had glared at his master. He’d gotten that annoying quirky smile in response.

The person passed by quickly, giving Obi-Wan an evil look. Yes, one of the neighbors. A master who rarely left the Temple. He’d probably petitioned the Council to have Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon sent somewhere soon. That would be just fine with me, Obi-Wan thought. “Will you be quiet?” he hissed at the dog who happily ignored him, drooling along the corridor.

Obi-Wan was heading for one of the smaller Temple gardens. There the dog could do his business among the bushes, no one the wiser. Well, except for Master Donil who had accidently found the “gift” the puppy had deposited yesterday. He’d come to their quarters looking most displeased and carrying his soiled boot. Obi-Wan had cleaned the boot and apologized profusely all the while mentally cursing the damn dog. So today he was carrying some tissues and a plasti-bag, just in case.

Nearing the garden, the pup let out another loud bark and yanked hard on the leash. Obi-Wan, caught off-guard, lost hold and the dog ran off. “Gods! Come back here, you damn dog!” he yelled as he gave chase. He skidded to a halt around the corner as he saw the pup raise its leg next to a certain gimer stick held by a certain Master Yoda. “NOOOOOOO!” Obi-Wan screamed. Too late. Now the gimer stick was held by a wet Master Yoda who looked very angry. His green ears had dipped and his eyes were narrowed as he looked first at the panting, grinning dog, then at Obi-Wan who was caught between collasping in abject horror or hysterical laughter. The apprentice had to bite his lip hard to keep from laughing. He felt tears prick at his eyes. Of all the persons in the Temple for the pup to pee on...it was just too ridiculous for words!

“Apprentice, this creature, one of Qui-Gon’s, it is?” Yoda’s gravelly voice was harsh.

“Yes, Master,” Obi-Wan gulped. He was still fighting down laughter as well as the urge to run away really fast.

“Talk about this, we must. Come before Council, both you will. Immediately.”

“Yes, Master.” Obi-Wan bowed as Yoda ambled off mumbling under his breath about recalcitrant Jedi.

Obi-Wan dragged the dog back to their quarters and prepared himself to meet his fate. "Damn dog."

****

Qui-Gon had laughed. Loud and long when Obi-Wan had related what the pup had done to Master Yoda. Their appearance before Council actually had gone well. The wizened Jedi Master, as well as the entire Council, had seemed more amused than anything by the time Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan had arrived. The Council had instructed them to find a proper home for the puppy, outside the Temple. Obi-Wan had sighed in relief. Maybe he would be free soon.

But Qui-Gon had crushed that hope. “The puppy will stay with us until we are given another mission.”

“And how long will that be?” Soon, let it be soon, Obi-Wan prayed.

“Probably another month. We’re on downtime, remember?” He clapped his hand on the younger Jedi’s shoulder. “Obi-Wan, you are being stubborn about this. You are probably the most stubbon person I have ever known, aside from Master Yoda. You came to care for Sugar. Why can’t you extend the same to this animal?” Qui-Gon indicated the puppy who was growling low at his rag toy.

“He’s not all bad, I admit that, Master,” Obi-Wan sighed. He *was* being stubborn about this, but he missed his cat, and this dog had displaced her. He said as much.

“Sugar will return when she’s ready, of that I am certain,” Qui-Gon squeezed Obi-Wan shoulder affectionately. “Don’t worry. She can take care of herself.”

“I hope so.”

That evening, Obi-Wan was sitting at his work station tinkering with a malfunctioning comlink when the door buzzed. Shara! Obi-Wan jumped down off the stool and his right foot landed on something soft. “YIPE!” It was the puppy who began yelping loudly. “Oh no!” Obi-Wan reached down and grabbed the puppy as it tried to limp away. “I’m so sorry,” he murmurred. Cradling the puppy in his arms, he sat down on his bed and began to examine the injured paw. “Easy, easy. Not bleeding, doesn’t appear to be broken.” Using a touch of the Force, he sent healing energy into the paw and the dog’s tail began to wag as the pain receded. A lick in the face was Obi-Wan’s thanks.

“Hmm...I wouldn’t mind trading places with that puppy right now,” said Shara, her eyes twinkling in amusement. She had let herself in when she heard the dog crying.

Wiping his face, Obi-Wan glared up at her. “This doesn’t mean that I approve of this animal.” His brow furrowed as he set the dog down. It bounded over to Shara and jumped up, placing large paws on her knees. She reached down and fondled his ears. “Yes, you’re a good dog, aren’t you? Go find Master Qui-Gon, go on now.”

With that, the dog scampered out in search of the Jedi Master.

"Damn dog," Obi-Wan groused. "I can't get him to obey me."

“A gentle but firm hand. That’s all it takes,” said Shara as she swayed up to Obi-Wan.

“With you?” he grinned as he captured her hips in his hands.

“I was talking about the dog...”

“Of course you were.” Obi-Wan pulled her down for a gentle, but firm kiss.

TBC...

Next up: Sugar returns. Cue music: "dum da dum dum"