A Fate Unseen: Swarm War

by An Origami Fish

Seven years after the end of the Yuuzhan Vong War, the galaxy has found itself in a downward spiral; the happy end of the war a thing of the past. Fractured and scarred, can the Jedi Order unite and overcome an enemy that cares not for its own fate and wants only chaos? Or will the galaxy finally crumble under the horror that is the Swarm War? Sequel to A Destiny Altered.

1. Jacen

A Fate Unseen: Swarm War

The future is to be lived, not prearranged

-Luke Skywalker

Jacen

{-[I]-} {-[I]-}

Jacen Solo knew the Galactic Alliance was in trouble, knew that he was probably witnessing its dying breaths. He fought back a groan as his head throbbed despite the Force calming techniques he was using; a familiar din in Senate Chambers made up of the shouts of disgruntled senators echoed like miniature explosions in the background.

A government born during a time of war had been unable to find its footing in peacetime, and the ad hoc way it was rushed together to counteract the Yuuzhan Vong threat eight years ago was now proving to be its downfall. The shattered economy of a galaxy ravaged by incessant war was ill-equipped to handle the needs of trillions of people, and a government stretched too thinly by reconstructing efforts in hundreds of systems was unable to cope with the burgeoning demands placed upon it. The government was teetering on the brink of becoming a failed state, and everyone in the room knew it.

"This is an outrage! My sector was promised aid from the Galactic Alliance four years ago! We have yet to see a single credit or crumb of food since then!

"What happened to the resources in the emergency funds?"

"My planet should have received terraforming equipment last year!"

"I have three million people with no place to go because their planet is still a wreck!"

"Well my planet has six million people starving because the food-aid that was promised by last year's Outer Rim Relief bill never came!"

"Again we're wasting money on Coruscant! That world and its people are dead! Rather than use the credits on a symbol that no longer is, use them on the planets that still have people on them!"

"Order!" The banging of the gavel was barely heard over the shouts of the many irate senators. "Silence! I will have order in the Senate!"

The ruckus died down, but many of the senators present had mutinous expression on their faces. They had every right to be angry. History books may have recorded the Galactic Alliance and their allies as winners of the war, but those books were forgetting a few details.

The galaxy's trading systems and economy had been utterly ruined by the four years of constant warring and the years of instability caused by Yuuzhan Vong agents prior. Throughout the course of their invasion, the Yuuzhan Vong had targeted industrialized worlds and laid them to waste; shattering the backbones of many key systems and disrupting a trade network that had lasted for centuries. Hundreds of other worlds had been damaged, ravaged, and ruined beyond repair This translated into many billions in refugees and those with no place to call home, countless systems that no longer had the ability to feed its own people or support local jobs. Worlds that could still be fixed continued to drain the already strained resources of the government as rehabilitation and restoration projects soared over-budget.

And of course with so many previously-inhabited planets now silent graveyards, the other planets and colonies that had relied on the output and resources of those decimated worlds were suffering as well. To pay for the restoration projects and aid for the refugees, the Galactic Alliance government needed funds. To get those funds, they had to increase the membership dues and taxes on all of the systems that fell under their domain. Which in turn caused more strain and collapse, as worlds were still struggling to return to the lives they had once known.

To make matters worse, these funds were separate from the credits being spent to maintain the military and security of the war-ravaged galaxy. Though the war had ended, the power vacuum meant that smugglers, pirates, and all manner of criminal enterprises quickly sprung up to take advantage of the scattered and often non-existent security forces. Some were simply refugees who had no other means of making income. Others were criminal organizations who saw an opportunity to make fistfuls of credits. Hijacking, the drug trade, hostage-taking, the sharp increase in crime directly corresponded with the beleaguered Galactic Alliance government's failure to fix a very broken galaxy. The crime wave only added to the anti-government sentiment and animosity, and further destabilized sectors that might have been able to recover if it hadn't been for the criminal elements and corruption.

The galactic economy was on the verge of collapse, and there didn't appear to be an easy solution in sight.

"The Office of the Chief of State recognizes the delegation from Bothawui," Cal Omas motioned tiredly. The post-war years had been even crueler to him than the warring period. Permanent, heavy bags were under his eyes, his face lined with wrinkles and seemed frozen in a resigned and pained expression. Though he still had the aura of a politician, the problems and chaos of the last few years had worn away at his strength until it seemed as if he could barely keep himself standing. "Senator Reh'mwa, you have the floor."

A dark-furred male Bothan rose and inclined his head. "Thank you, Chief of State Omas. Though the people of Bothawui have nothing but the greatest of respect for the Galactic Alliance and the ideals it tries to uphold, recent events have put the agenda of the Galactic Alliance at odds with what the people of Bothawui desires. We have been allies of this government reaching far back into the Rebellion era, have bled and died alongside soldiers and spies of the member-states. So it is with deepest regret that we announce our intention to secede from this great government."

Again, a flurry of alarmed and started cries filled the Senate Chamber, and Cal Omas once again had to yell for quiet.

"Senator Reh'mwa, are you certain that this action is what the people of Bothawui desire?" Cal Omas finally asked when some semblance of order was reached.

"Chief of State, during the Yuuzhan Vong War, we Bothans declared ar'krai against the Yuuzhan Vong. In our culture, that is a decision not made lightly for it calls upon the complete annihilation of a race, ours or theirs. The war ended on terms far from satisfactory to our people, who believe that the Yuuzhan Vong haven't paid enough for the damage they have caused to this galaxy. We have asked this Senate and your High Council many times for permission to carry out our sacred war on our own terms, and have been rebuffed. Every Yuuzhan Vong that lives is an affront to us culturally and morally. We cannot remain a part of a government that will continue to shield those murderers and deny their victims the justice they deserve.

Bothawui knows that membership of the Galactic Alliance is a voluntary matter, and that you will do nothing to enforce our continued membership without becoming hypocrites and tyrants yourselves. As such, we invoke the clause in the Galactic Alliance charter that gives us the right to remove ourselves from the member-states of the Galactic Alliance should a majority of our people wish it. A referendum was held on Bothawui and on all our colonies, and nearly eighty-percent of the Bothans wish to part ways. Please honor their wishes, and the wishes of my government."

Cal Omas' haggard expression was prevalent as he wearily nodded. "Very well. But know that the Yuuzhan Vong are still members of the Galactic Alliance. Any act of aggression against them on the part of Bothawui from this point on will be considered a declaration of war against the Galactic Alliance as a whole."

"It is understood, Chief of State," Reh'mwa tilted his head. He then gazed about the room. "My fellow senators, I now take my leave for a final time. May the future be brighter than the present."

Parting with a phrase that had become very common as of late, the Bothan senator pocketed a datapad and very calmly left a deathly silent room.

Cal Omas lethargically reached over and activated the voice-amplifier. "We will take a break for lunch. Still on the schedule is the discussion of the relocation efforts regarding the Ithorians, the emergency petition by the Hapes Consortium, and delays surrounding the aid appropriation for the Mid-Rim projects. Please return in another two hours. That is all."

As the Senators and other diplomatic representatives filed out of the room, two figures ducked into a much smaller chamber off to the side. It was the official office for the Jedi Order Representative to the Senate, Jedi Knight Jacen Solo.

After completing his four-years of soul searching and learning about more abstract views of the Force, Jacen had returned to the Order with a much calmer and collected air about him. He quickly took to his duties on the High Council with much more enthusiasm than before; seemingly willing to do any and everything he could to help better all aspects of the Jedi Order. His dedication and advocating of the 'Unifying Force' philosophies earned him a following of Jedi Knights and Masters on many sides of the philosophical spectrum. He had truly developed an aura of leadership and responsibility after his sojourn, acting and sounding like the leader the Jedi Order needed. In fact, there were now whispers that it was Jacen, and not his forgotten younger brother, who would fill the vacant Grandmaster seat that Luke Skywalker had left behind.

With Coruscant slowly being rebuilt, Jacen was now on Denon—the temporary capital of the Galactic Alliance and location of the Galactic Alliance Senate. It was about as opposite of Mon Calamari as possible; with smog congested air, rugged mountain-sides spoiled by extensive city-building, and skies full of traffic of all sorts. It had none of the calm and relaxing aura that Mon Calamari had had, and was thrice as noisy and unpleasant as the worst parts of the ocean planet. In a way the industrial nature of the planet fit the mood that permeated the building. The 'honeymoon' period, the two years after the Yuuzhan Vong War had ended, had long passed. With the celebrations and memorials complete, it was now up to the living to try and return the galaxy back to some semblance of normalcy.

"That wasn't entirely unexpected," Jacen Solo's apprentice sighed with a rueful shake of her head. Nelani Dinn let her black hair loose from its tight bun, shaking it free as she plopped down in a nearby couch. "I mean, the Senate had plenty of warning beforehand but was too bogged down in procedures and other worries to really address the issue."

"Apart from letting the Bothans attack the Yuuzhan Vong, I doubt Cal Omas would have been able to do much anyways," Jacen remarked, taking a seat at the expensive wooden desk. He pulled out two blumfruit from one of the desk's drawers and tossed one over to Nelani. "These past few years, especially after that Tion Hegemony debacle, he's really lost a lot of power and influence, and the other senators can sense that."

"And he still has one more year left of his term before elections," Nelani said, absently peeling the fruit with delicate usage of the Force. "We're going to lose a few more planets if the delays and setbacks keep dragging on."

"Judging by the mood of things, we'll lose more than a few." Jacen idly patted a memorial bust by his office window—a gift that all senators had been given a month ago to honor those fallen in war. It was sentimental, but also another example of the misplaced priorities of a lame duck government. "The Galactic Alliance was built during wartime, with wartime needs in mind, with the Jedi Order's needs in mind. We were so focused on surviving, on winning the war that we barely had a chance to plan for what happened after. But the tide of gratefulness that the end of the war brought is now fully exhausted, and the shortsightedness of those who built the government is being brought into full view."

"Do you think a no-confidence vote will be taken? Or will the other senators let him finish the rest of his term?"

"Hard to say," Jacen shook his head. "The entire galaxy is frustrated with the lack of progress, but it's not like anyone is eager to step up and take over. There hasn't even been any talk of his successor and the election is next year. It's almost as if we're standing on a tipping point, where we'll soon be forced to choose between chaos and order."

"Sometimes I wonder why the Jedi just can't step in and take control," Nelani tilted her head. "I mean, I know we're dedicated to serving the Force, and not ruling over anyone. But if the entire galaxy benefits from it, why shouldn't a Jedi step up and be the next Chief of State?"

Jacen smiled faintly. "Aside from what happened the last time a Force-user ascended to that position?"

Nelani nodded, her curiosity innocent in nature.

Jacen inclined his head, patiently delving into the intricacies of what happened when the Jedi doctrines clashed with politics. When the will of the Force conflicted with the agendas of those not attuned to it and how it led to the rise of a despotic rule.

It had become almost second-nature for the both of them. She would ask a question, he would answer, and she would ask more questions that would cause him to reevaluate or reaffirm his viewpoints. In that aspect, she reminded him a lot of himself when he had been younger, open to any and everything the teachers could teach him.

He had found Nelani near the end of his 'spiritual journey,' when the Force had taken him to Lorrd. She had been a very shy and caring twelve-year old girl, dirty and cold and living in the streets. Though her parents had hidden her during the war, they hadn't survived themselves. It hadn't taken much for him to convince her to come with him.

Though she was still shy and caring three years later, Nelani eagerly absorbed all that he taught her and was a great student. Not as powerful in the Force as some of the other Jedi, she was a quick learner, picking up both blade and Force techniques almost faster than he had. In her spare time, she completely immersed herself in the doctrines and history of the Jedi—often returning to him and with questions or an odd fact or two about the orders of eras past.

She was the envy of many of the other apprentices, but didn't let her apprenticeship with him go to her head. In fact, if anything, whenever someone mentioned her being paired to him, it seemed to make her even shyer than before.

The doors to the room opened once more, and this time three hooded figures entered.

"Well, I guess that's my cue to exit," Nelani said, standing. "Thanks for letting me sit in this morning's Senate session, Master Solo. It wasn't quite as brain-draining as you made it out to be."

"You can always attend the afternoon session too."

"Thanks, but I think I'll pass. I'll be training with Seha at the Jedi Temple if you need me."

"Okay," Jacen gave her a brief salute. "Say hello to her and her friends for me."

Seha Dorvald was another Force-sensitive he had found in his travels, although her age and lack of training—she had been hiding in the undercity of Coruscant when Jacen found her on the last month of his travels—made the Force a bit harder for her to use than most. Her shyness and insecurity worked against her when it came to learning the Force. But Nelani had become an unofficial 'teacher' of sorts to the younger teen, and the two war orphans had a very close friendship.

"Will do." With one last nod, Nelani slid past the three cloaked figures, and the door closed behind her.

Once she was gone, Jacen stood and stepped around his desk, bowing formally. "Queen Mother."

"Senator Solo." Tenel Ka pushed back her hood and raised an eyebrow.

"We'll be right outside, Your Highness," one of Tenel Ka's twin protectors commented.

"That way he doesn't have to pretend to go through all those formal, respectful things everyone else has to do with you," the other chirped, to the very audible groan of her other half.

Tenel Ka's gray eyes sparkled and she tilted her head in acknowledgement. "Thank you, Taryn, Trista."

"Oh, before you go. I actually asked Zekk to stop by so we could discuss something over lunch," Jacen said casually, stopping them just before they left. "But since I'm currently occupied with the regent of sixty-three systems, I don't think I can keep the meeting. Also, since the Senate session ran over, I wasn't able to inform Zekk otherwise."

"We'll take care of it, Senator Solo." Though the words were said with as little emotion as possible, the delight that spiked out from both twins caused Tenel Ka and Jacen to share a hidden grin.

"You two may have lunch with him if you wish, I shall be safe with Senator Solo," Tenel Ka said regally, mischief underlying her otherwise professional tone.

Setting up Zekk with one or both of the Zel twins at least once a month was an odd, two-year old scheme both Jacen and Tenel Ka had started; much to Zekk's constant embarrassment and disbelief. It was a plot the almost twenty-year old Zel twins were more than happy to take part in.

Taryn and Trista eagerly ducked out of the room, and the doors to the office closed once more. Jacen made a brief gesture to lock it. No sooner had he completed the movement of his hand, than Tenel Ka had stepped forward and wrapped her arm around him.

"Hey." Jacen leaned into the embrace and rubbed her back, concentrating both on her Force presence, but also the life growing within her. She had borne her pregnancy well, only a slight swelling of her stomach to indicate the presence of their child, their daughter. It was still hard for Jacen to believe that he was soon going to be a father.

Both shared a warm smile full of emotion as they parted, eyes shining brightly. Jacen let a single hand caress Tenel Ka's stomach, connecting with the equally strong presence of their daughter–to-be. "Hey Allana. I know it's been a while since we lasted talked. Sorry about that, your father has a very crazy schedule. Be a good girl and don't come out for another couple of days, okay? Your mom still has to get back to Hapes."

Tenel Ka rolled her eyes, placing her single hand atop his own. "I have it timed so that she will arrive the day after my return. If I could slow her growth for several months, then a couple of more days will not be any trouble."

Jacen responded by kissing Tenel Ka gently and embracing her securely; reminded of just how close he had come to losing both his best friend and his daughter six months prior. Tenel Ka had been poisoned during a state function, and though the Queen Mother was more than able to use the Force to fight off the affects, the lethal substance had nearly snuffed out the innocent life growing within. The damage to the developing life had been great, and only a concerted effort to heal the child with the Force, and a delayed pregnancy, had given their daughter any chance of survival. Jacen couldn't remember ever being so frightened in his life, and reminders of that moment still shook him.

Jacen took a step back, a worried look coming over his face as he kept a lingering hand on her cheek. "Not that I'm not happy you're here. But I thought you were going to be on Hapes until you had our daughter? What's the emergency petition Cal Omas mentioned?"

Tenel Ka's expression darkened slightly, taking a step away to turn towards the window. "Trouble with the Corellians."

"You didn't mention anything the last time I was at Hapes."

"It was not so serious the last time you were at Hapes," Tenel Ka replied after a measured beat. "Recently, Corellian ships have begun boarding Hapan vessels, kidnapping the crews, and pressing them into the service of the Corellian Defense Force. They have even become so bold as to begin violating clearly marked boarders, with some of their military ships seen in the Rim Worlds and even firing warning shots at my patrol crafts."

"And what have they said?"

"Standard diplomatic stalling. I've contacted both Jysella and Valin about the issue, and they say that the new Prime Minister is riding the wave of post-war patriotism and is refusing to allow anyone else to tell them where they can and cannot go. They are trying their best, but recommended I take it up with the Senate before things escalate. Although, after seeing how quickly Cal Omas gave in to the Bothans, I do not have much hope. Corellia has many allies, many with an abundance of credits at their disposal, and he will be too afraid to alienate them all. Add to the fact that Bothawui is a strong ally of Hapes, and I do not believe he will be too sympathetic to us."

"Corellia had always remained separate from the New Republic, it's no surprise if they start going rogue now," Jacen said, a flash of annoyance escaping his tightly controlled countenance. He stepped up behind his lover and wrapped his arms around her, his hands resting gently on her swollen belly. "Look, if the Senate can't help you with this, I'll take your issue directly to the High Council."

"Hapes would appreciate that," Tenel Ka breathed. "The sooner the Corellians can be made to stop their provocations, the quicker the Senate can proceed with more pressing issues."

"Jacen Solo will appreciate that as well," Jacen smiled. "This senator has a vested interest in Hapes and her queen after all."

"Is that so?" Tenel Ka tilted her head back to him and quirked an eyebrow. "And just what is this interest of yours, Senator Solo?"

"Allow me to demonstrate," he whispered, leaning in and kissing her once more. They pulled back at the end, but only just. Jacen very gently caressed her cheek, his brown eyes holding her gaze. "I'll do everything in my power to protect you and our daughter, Tiki. I promise."

{-[II]-} {-[II]-}

The rest of the Senate meeting went as expected, with Cal Omas promising to 'look into' the Hapan allegations regarding the Corellians, and little else happening. After an entire afternoon and evening of readjusting aid quotas and diverting credits from one project to another amid a multitude of protests, the meeting was finally over.

It was late into the night, a couple hours past the traditional time for dinner, when Jacen once again passed through the doors of the Senate chamber and out into the hallway. He was just about to head to the cafeteria for a late evening meal when he heard someone call his name.

He turned. "Master Hamner?"

"Jacen." The long-time Jedi-turned-politician, flanked by several high ranking officials and important politicians, strode up to him. Despite no longer being on the High Council, Kenth Hamner still had many important political connections that the Order needed. "Thank you. Sorry to keep you from your meal."

"Not a problem. What can I do for you?"

"Actually, can we talk about it in a place that's less open?"

"Sure," Jacen shrugged. He followed the delegation to a nearby meeting room, where everyone took a seat at a round, cold metal table. A single lamp shone from above, casting shadows in over corner of the room and keeping most of the delegations' faces hidden from view. "What's this about?"

"To be blunt, Jacen. What's your opinion of the current Chief of State?"

Jacen regarded each member in the room with a careful glance before responding; being in the Senate had taught him to always tailor his words to those he was speaking to. "I take it none of you are here to work on his reelection campaign?"

"We are not," a Mon Calamari admiral admitted. "Cal Omas has bungled too many important issues to be allowed back into office. From the Tion Hegemony, to the delay in relief supplies. The Bothans were the final straw."

"We're trying to gather enough votes for a vote of no confidence in next week's assembly," a Gotal politician added.

"Officers and politicians, I can understand. Where do you come in, Master Hamner?"

"The Jedi Order is as much a part of the Galactic Alliance as everyone else. It's in the Order's best interest to keep the Alliance strong, to ensure that all that we have fought for does not come apart. Cal Omas as the leader is no longer in our best interest, in the galaxy's best interest. You've read the signs, know that he's one bad step away from completely dissolving everything we struggled for."

"And here I thought we Jedi were staying out of the politics."

"This is no laughing matter, Jedi Solo," another politician, Jacen recognized him as Fost Brasmin, Coruscant's symbolic senator, scowled. "Billions of people continue to suffer because Cal Omas is no longer the type of leader we need. At war time, he may have had the wherewithal to keep us together, but in peace time, his strategies no longer work."

"We need a strong leader, someone to inspire the people and bring them back together." The Kuati Senator, Haydnat Treen said resolutely.

"Even Fleet Command is getting fed up with being run about the galaxy chasing after pirates and putting down rebellious refugees," a second Mon Calamari admiral said in agreement.

"It sounds as if all of you have already decided on a replacement then," Jacen said, still uncertain why it took the entire committee to tell him this. Then again, he thought, this was the Senate. Nothing could be done without a committee, even ousting the Chief of State.

"Two replacements, actually," Kenth continued to stare at Jacen.

"Me?" Jacen's eyebrows shot up.

"You and Admiral Niathal," Kenth confirmed, motioning to the first Mon Calamari admiral. "It will be a balancing act between what is needed and what is right. Admiral Niathal can handle the responsibilities of the fleets, while you focus on getting the aid out to those who need it."

"Master Hamner…"

"Hear me out, Jacen. Like it or not, you're currently the most popular Jedi in the Order, and popular with the public as well. This galaxy needs a leader they can believe in. Needs someone they can look to to bring them back from the brink. They won't have to fear a Vader repeat because it will be one of their own in charge of the armed forces. If we don't act now, it might soon be too late to save the Alliance, and who knows what chaos will occur then."

"I am aware that you are in a relationship with the Queen Mother of Hapes," Admiral Niathal said gently. "And that Cal Omas will do nothing about the Corellian aggression. If you were to join me as co-Chief of State, we would be able to put an end to that matter without further fuss."

"If I know Tenel Ka, and I do, she'd have a few words for you, trying to use her like that," Jacen said mildly, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course, my apologies."

"Master Hamner, as badly as this galaxy needs a strong leader, I think putting a Jedi in charge of the Galactic Alliance is a big mistake. I have no doubt that the High Council is unaware of this idea, and I know at least three-quarters of the Jedi on that council would disapprove."

"The Jedi are the ones that helped to create this government!" Hamner said incredulously. "We make up half the High Council and help decide the serious matters! We cannot remain politically neutral when we literally dictate terms to the rest of the galaxy. What good is the High Council if we aren't supporting the very politicians we helped put into power?"

"And that's part of the problem," Jacen interjected sharply. "The Galactic Alliance is not a proxy for the Jedi Order, nor is the Jedi Order supposed to take sides. We must let things take its natural course."

"Even if it means the galaxy goes down in flames? Jacen, your parents helped to build this government. Gial Ackbar, Mon Mothma, Crix Madine, and countless other heroes all gave their lives so we can live as we do today. We survived the Empire Reborn, the Ssi-ruuvi Imperium, the Yuuzhan Vong. Are you telling me that after all those sacrifices, sweat, and blood, we are to simply stand aside and watch the galaxy as we know it collapse into dust?"

Jacen took a calming breath. "Master Hamner, admirals, senators. During my travels, I met a Fallanassi Force user who taught me the dangers of trying to manipulate events. If there was one lesson she imparted to me, it is to leave nature alone and accept the galaxy for what it is. Nothing good has ever come of the Jedi meddling in politics. It's necessary at times that we do so, such as when the fate of the entire galaxy hangs in the balance, but it is not what the Jedi are meant to do. My brother tried to do it to save the Order during the Yuuzhan Vong War, but then his plan backfired and he took on the blame meant for an entire government's decision.

Yes the Jedi Order may be a part of the Galactic Alliance, but unlike the other members, we are the only ones who make up half of the High Council. It is an advisory body that often makes monumental decisions that affect the entire galaxy. Yet, you do not see any Hapans, any Imperials, any members of the Tion Hegemony, or Bakurans on that council; only ministers, the Chief of State, and Jedi. The High Council is the one exception, not the rule. The Galactic Alliance and the Jedi Order have an unequal relationship where they need us to remain stable, more than we need them. It was agreed at the end of the Yuuzhan Vong War that the Jedi were not its caretakers.

If it falls, it falls. If the next incarnation that rises from the ashes is dedicated to serving galactic peace, and is capable of doing so, the Jedi will of course support it in a similar fashion. But the Galactic Alliance is simply a means to an end for the Jedi, no more, no less."

The silence was deafening, with half his audience looking awed, and the other half looking disgusted. Kenth Hamner was among the latter group. "Jacen, we can't afford to let the galaxy fall apart because of semantics and pride. The Galactic Alliance is the only thing holding back galaxy-wide anarchy."

"Is it?" Jacen again challenged. "The Corellians and the alliances they have been forming appear to be pretty stable despite the Galactic Alliance's decline. The Bakurans have flourished since the end of the war, their ships patrol parts of former Ssi-ruuvi space all the way to the Corellian Trade Spine. Even the Mandalorians have undergone a renaissance with all the beskar iron the bombardment of their planet had uncovered. At one time, for millennia, the Hutts were the most powerful force in their part of the Outer Rim, but now both the Hapans and Bothans have been slowly absorbing their territory. The Empire, which once spanned this entire galaxy and had the most powerful navy in existence, is a mere flickering flame on the verge of being snuffed out. It's all a part of a natural cycle, Master Hamner. Governments rise and fall, life and death, success and failure. The Jedi are mere guardians of the peace, tasked with ensuring that this cycle continues in as natural a way as possible."

"And what of the trillions of lives that could be lost or endangered once the Galactic Alliance fractures?" Admiral Niathal spoke up. "What will the Jedi do then when the fleets of the Galactic Alliance are no longer at their disposal? The Jedi are what is holding this government together. They are why the military continues to back Cal Omas and the Senate. People believe that the Jedi can make a difference, can change lives for the better. What we have to do is operate on this government and removed the cancerous growth that is Cal Omas. We can still save this government, all those lives, if we only act now. Are you telling me that you've given up on saving this Galactic Alliance?"

"You misunderstand me, Admiral," Jacen said softly. "I don't want the galaxy to burn per se, but the Jedi are part of the current problem. We've become this government's crutch, enabled many of the problems that exist today because so many in the government look to us to make galaxy-altering decisions. A Jedi as Chief of State will be akin to turning this quasi-republic into an outright dictatorship once more, even if you are supposedly the co-Chief of State. The galaxy needs to start relying on their own people, on their own power. Not on an order of people whose numbers aren't even five-hundred strong."

"So you won't step up and be the co-Chief of State?"

"No?"

"Will you participate in the vote of no-confidence?"

"I'll vote nay," Jacen held up a hand to halt any comments. "Cal Omas may be unable to cut through the bureaucracy that is holding up aid and alienating allies, but our hands are just as tied. Even if we vote him out of office before the elections, is there any guarantee that another can do where he failed? You said it yourself Master Hamner, the Galactic Alliance was built up by the Jedi, ensuring that our allies were in key positions. If even the man we put in charge of everything can't get things done with a deck stacked on his side, what difference will rushing a candidate into his position make? Cal Omas is not stupid, he knows he won't get re-elected if someone runs against him. Let him set his affairs in order, to try and make it as easy as he can for his successor."

Kenth's lips thinned. "Very well, it is clear you are not going to help. Thank you for your time."

The members filed out of the room. A single figure, body hidden by a cloak, emerged out from its shadows.

"You do not wish to lead, Jacen?"

"Not like that, Vergere," Jacen shook his head, not at all surprised to see her. She had been with him during much of his soul-searching, acting as both teacher and guide, and becoming a bridge between the 'lost' Force sensitive cultures and himself. They hadn't always agreed—such as when he overrode her desire to leave Nelani and Seha behind—but they had developed a true Master-Apprentice relationship in that time. If he didn't know any better, he'd almost say that she'd grown fond of him. "I've learned much on my travels. There are other ways to lead than from a spotlight."

The Fosh, her feathers dull and graying, offered a patient, slow bob of her head in response. "Indeed there are. What are your plans then, Jacen? Will you let the galaxy burn around you?"

"Sometimes a burning is needed to cleanse, to make room for new life. Some seeds only open when exposed to fire after all," Jacen replied evenly. "This government has had its time, and now it will be up to others to step up and take its place. The trillions of lives the admiral mentioned will continue to live on, but without the false hope of Jedi swooping in to rescue them of all their problems. It was a mistake to have the Jedi so involved in government, to turn us into war-heroes and people to be idolized. Sure Uncle Luke might have wanted to avoid another Purge, but now the Jedi Order has become something this entire galaxy is looking to to save the day once more. And we simply don't have the ability to do so. Change needs to happen, and change for the better won't occur if Jedi take over the government."

Vergere took a chair opposite of him, the light above casting shadows. "You have grown much, Jacen Solo. I am proud that you have begun to see things for what they are."

"But it will be a controlled change, a controlled burn. Chaos, discord, the collapse of a government, won't be helpful to anyone. The framework for a new government, one free of Jedi intervention, has to be built first."

"You think of your daughter and her mother," Vergere's eyes narrowed. She had always disapproved of his relationship with Tenel Ka, one of the few arguments that had yet to be resolved.

"I think of all my family, Vergere," Jacen replied. "They are all important to me."

"More important than the fate of the galaxy? When the time comes, would you be able to choose between trillions of lives and that of the red-haired queen? Choose the galaxy over your twin? In our travels, I taught you, Jacen Solo, to separate your emotions from what is needed, that your empathy is your greatest weakness. Will you let your personal feelings dictate the course of the galaxy, when logic would suggest a different course of action?"

Jacen raised a single eyebrow at her question. "I'll cross that bridge when I reach it. The Aiing-Tii monks helped me to see that there is no sense worrying about what is to come. What happens will happen, as is the will of the Force. I might have to make that sacrifice, I might not. Until I reach that point in time, the only thing that matters is the present. I have Tenel Ka, my daughter, my brother and sister, my mother and father, my aunt and uncle, and my cousins. Rather than fret about things I can't do anything about, I'll use the present to cherish them while I can. The future is not set in stone, Vergere. You especially taught me that."

"And so I have." Vergere said proudly. The trip had been every bit as rejuvenating for her as it had been for him, with Vergere delighting in just how many unique cultures had survived despite the galactic wars that had torn apart the galaxy. Even then, Jacen didn't miss the slight melancholy vibe she tried to hide from him, as if she had seen too much, knew too much.

"Ever since we returned from my quest to find myself, I've rarely seen you."

"Oh, I've been around. Teaching at the various Force-sensitive-serving academies that exist in this galaxy," Vergere said airily. "You are not so important that I'd fall to tears without your presence."

"I'm glad. I missed you too," Jacen laughed.

Vergere tilted her head. "And I you, Jacen Solo. Am I correct to assume that you need no advice on how to deal with the Jedi Hamner and the others?"

'Jedi' was said with the utmost reluctance, as if Kenth wasn't deserving of the title.

"You'd be right," Jacen nodded. "At one time, I might have agreed to his plan, but not now. Was there something you wanted, or do you just enjoy lurking?"

"Lurking is not a crime, is it?" Vergere said, pretending to be aghast at his words.

"Lurking when I'm pretty sure you don't have security clearance to be in this part of the Senate Building, is," Jacen grinned, standing. "How many guards did you have to mind-trick?"

"Three," Vergere answered glibly, walking around the length of the table to reach his side.

"Vergere," Jacen said, stretching her name out in sing-song.

"Yes?"

"You avoided my original question."

"I did, didn't I?"

"Why are you here now?"

"Just checking up on my apprentice," Vergere hummed. "Times are going to change again, and very soon. Be sure that you are ready for it, Jacen. I've invested much time and patience in you after all."

"Are you warning me about a future?"

"I am warning you about the future," Vergere corrected, her voice softening. The doors slid open, and they both emerged into the hallway. "Events are unfolding, gathering speed as they do. Take care to remember the lessons you learned in your travels. And try to remember the silly ramblings of your old teacher as well."

"You're not that old, Vergere," Jacen said fondly.

"Am I not? Rare is it for my kind live beyond seventy. I only just turned eighty-nine yesterday."

"Happy birthday."

"Thank you," Vergere said sarcastically. She sobered quickly though, her mood reaching Jacen as she looked up at him with sharp eyes. "The Force does not appear to be done with me quite yet, but I can feel its calling. I will not be alive when the events are set into motion, that much I am certain. I can only hope that I have prepared you well enough for the events that are to come."

"I've learned much from you, Vergere," Jacen said gently, placing a hand on her shoulder. "A part of who I am is because of your lessons."

"Whether that is good or bad remains to be seen," Vergere snorted. "Maybe you are just as great a fool as I am, learning these nonsensical ramblings of an old woman."

"There isn't much in this galaxy that does make sense," Jacen pointed out.

"True," Vergere sighed. "I have told you many times that it is pointless to wish for something that can never be. But now, as I enter the last years of my life, I can only wish for things to be so much different. I needed more time, but time I did not get. I was fortunate enough that the Force guided you to me as quick as it did, though. The galaxy isn't ready for what is to come, any more than it was when I left with the Yuuzhan Vong."

"I thought you left because of the Yuuzhan Vong," Jacen raised an eyebrow.

"Jacen Solo, you forget that I cavorted with Force users that were not necessarily followers of the light. I had some inkling of what was to come, even if it had not yet transpired. Do you not think the galaxy would have stood a better chance against the Yuuzhan Vong when it was under Palpatine's rule; united, with planet-destroying weapons, and in a military state. I left not because the galaxy was unprepared for the Yuuzhan Vong, but because they were unprepared for the consequences such a war would cause. And even then, I could only delay the Yuuzhan Vong for so long. It was not the results, but the actual war that I feared, a war that would stretch across the stars and leave a galaxy in ruins. A war on a scale never before seen or felt in the Force. The war simply did not reach the level required to herald in an age of eternal night."

"Vergere, you're speaking riddles again."

"I am old, I have a right too," Vergere clucked. "And maybe all I am doing is rambling, that my fears are unfounded. Maybe what might come to pass won't do so in your lifetime. If that is the case, I can rejoin the Force more relieved than I have ever been in my whole life."

"It's not like you, to care for the state of the galaxy. Sure the Yuuzhan Vong War left it in ruins, but you never struck me as the type to worry about such things."

"Jacen, Jacen, Jacen," Vergere said , tsking. "It is not the galaxy I worry about, but you. You and the eventual burden you must carry should things come to pass the way as I have foreseen them. The Yuuzhan Vong War was only an interlude to a tale written well before our times. A side-show in a prophecy that has yet to be fulfilled. Balance has yet to be brought to the Force. Your story is far from over, and it saddens me that my time in it is drawing to a close when yours is nearing its zenith. Stay true to yourself, Jacen Solo. No matter what happens in the future, that is what you must do. Only then will the tale that is millennia in the making will end on terms to your liking."

"You're crying," Jacen said softly.

"Yes, yes, perhaps I am," Vergere smiled ruefully. She placed a feathered hand on Jacen's chest. "Live long and rule well, Jacen Solo. I do not think we shall meet again."

"Vergere?"

"Look, your apprentices come to join you," Vergere gestured down the hallway.

Jacen turned to look, seeing Nelani and Seha's shadows round the nearby corner. When he looked back at his side, Vergere was nowhere to be seen.

"Hi Master-who-forgot-again-about-dinner-with-his-lova ble-apprentices!" Nelani called out brightly.

"Politics, what can I say?" Jacen shrugged sheepishly and shoved his hands into the pockets of his Jedi robes. He would worry about Vergere later.

"How about, 'thank you for discovering that the Hapans leave Denon in an hour and have reserved a seat for you on their ship'?" Seha grinned, waving a datapad. The red-haired girl was always less shy and more confident when she was teamed up with Nelani.

"Thank you for discovering that the Hapans leave Denon in an hour and have reserved a seat for me on their ship," Jacen dutifully recited, causing the two teenage girls to giggle. "They have seats for the two of you too?"

"Of course," Nelani said. "Did you really think I was going to miss the birth of my Master's first child?"

"Nelani managed to talk the temple stewards into giving me some leave time," Seha added. Being a non-assigned Jedi Initiate—Jacen was technically not her master—Seha Dorvald lived and honed her abilities within the Denon Jedi Temple; the temple becoming her home and its staff her family. However, between the endless training exercises and good nights' sleep in a warm bed, she was often out with Nelani, and by extension Jacen, whenever they were in town.

"Great," Jacen smiled warmly. "Glad to have you along."

"So, Master," Nelani tilted her head up curiously as they began through walk through the ever-busy streets of Denon's Upper Government Level. "What kept you this time? Didn't the Senate let out, like two hours ago?"

"You remember earlier in my office when we talked about Jedi taking control of the Senate?"

"Uh huh."

"Master Hamner wanted me to team up with Admiral Niathal and become co-Chief of State."

"Really?" Both Nelani and Seha's eyebrows shot up in incredulous disbelief.

"That was my reaction too," Jacen laughed.

"What'd you say?" Nelani asked.

"I turned them down."

"But why?" Seha blinked. "Doesn't this galaxy need someone capable of bringing it back together again? Omas is certainly not doing that."

"Jedi shouldn't be politicians."

"But they are," Seha pressed. "How can Jedi be non-political if they made you a Senator, if they make up half the High Council? If you're in a position to change things, shouldn't you take that step to make things better? Being in a position of power, but not doing anything…isn't apathy the same as letting everyone suffer and die?"

Jacen opened his mouth, and then closed it. For some reasons, the words being said by the young teen sounded a lot more logical than out of the mouth of a raving Jedi Master desperate to hold together a sinking government, and he couldn't formulate a response right away.

"Jacen told me that whenever a Jedi was in control of the central government, it marked the beginning of an end for the Order," Nelani said slowly, not quite agreeing, but not disagreeing either. "And he's right in some ways, I looked it up. Every time the Jedi became too influential in the central government, the Sith would re-emerge and knock them off their pedestal. I think it's actually the Force balancing things out, keeping the light from becoming too strong. But whatever the reason, the evidence is in the history books."

"But didn't it take two thousand years for the last order to fall?" Seha said. "And they only fell because it was a Sith in charge. Do you really think Jacen's going to wake up one day and arbitrarily decide to be a Sith? A good man in power, someone strong, can do so much good for this galaxy. And the galaxy needs a good man, or woman, to lead it."

"You think I should have agreed with Master Hamner?" Jacen asked curiously.

Seha bit her lower lip, looking sheepish. "Or at least put up another one of the Jedi Masters in your place."

"Go ahead and speak your mind, Seha," Jacen said lightly. "I can tell you're agitated about something."

"Well," Seha looked at her feet shyly. "I kind of think you missed an opportunity."

"An opportunity?"

"The Jedi got in trouble the last time for being passive, almost lost the war," Seha said slowly. "Even if there is no actual war to fight, being passive has never helped the Order in times of peace either."

"The Galactic Alliance…"

"Is a part of the Jedi Order, no matter what we say," Seha pressed, looking up at Jacen with newfound strength. "Or is the High Council just a sham?"

Jacen closed his eyes, trying to separate his own beliefs, his wishes, from reality. Seha was right again. As much as he wanted the Jedi Order to remain impartial, things had gone too far for that. Yet, if he were to take sides, wouldn't he be affirming Jedi control over galactic affairs?

"Nelani? What do you think?" Jacen said slowly.

Nelani hesitated for several long seconds, before taking a deep breath and answering. "You once told me that what happened in the past is a useful learning tool, but that the past is unchangeable no matter what we do. All the examples you told me about, all the patterns I saw in history, they're all things that happened long ago. This is the present, the elections are in the future. The Galactic Alliance is more than just a government to many. It represents hope, a unified galaxy. If it falls…even if the galaxy doesn't descend into chaos, that hope will be lost, and it might be a long time before the galaxy comes together again. It might take another 'Yuuzhan Vong' to make everyone realize that this galaxy is all of their homes'. Just because you might want to distance yourself from politics doesn't mean the other Jedi will also. If you're going to take an apolitical route, convince the Jedi Masters and Knights on the High Council to step down. If not…well…then I think Seha is right. If the Jedi are going to continue to be a guiding force in the Galactic Alliance, then one should step up now and become Chief of State."

"Should that person be me, then?" Jacen almost whispered.

"No," Nelani said with such conviction that Jacen couldn't help but gape at her.

"No?"

"No," Seha confirmed, agreeing with her counterpart. "You're our Master, our teacher, and friend. You can call us selfish, but we're not going to share you with the rest of the galaxy and let its burdens destroy the good man you are. Look what the position did to Cal Omas. I think a Jedi should be Chief of State, but it doesn't have to be you."

"Then who? Master Hamner did have a point when he said that the public wouldn't rally around anyone but someone they saw as a hero."

Even after two and a half years of being the Jedi Order's senate representative, of learning the intricate details of politics on Denon, and all the lessons his mother had given him to ready him for the position, Jacen knew he was still a relative novice at twenty-eight years young—especially compared to some of the life-time, centuries-old politicians he had to deal with. He knew that some thought of him as an idealist, an optimist, naïve to the real workings of the galaxy, and he let them think that; better for them to underestimate him than know his true abilities. But there were times such as this when he wondered if he hadn't truly gotten himself in over his head.

"After the Queen Mother has her baby, talk with the Council, Master," Nelani said gently, taking one of his hands. "This shouldn't be a problem you alone have to face. Tell them about it, about the arguments for and against it. The Jedi Order is more than one person after all."

The rest of the trip to the spaceport passed in relative silence as Jacen mulled over the words of his apprentices. In a way, they and Vergere were like two sides of a scale, balancing each other perfectly. Vergere would ask questions because she already knew the answers and wanted him to come to them. But Seha and Nelani would ask questions because they truly wanted to know the answer. They all learned from each other, acting as support for each other in these trying times.

And Nelani and Seha were right in many ways. There was the reality he wanted, and the reality that existed. The Jedi were politicians, closely tied to the makeup of the Galactic Alliance itself. Would the Galactic Alliance continue to exist if the Jedi withdrew? Was it healthy for the Order to continue to be involved so intimately with the inner-workings of a galaxy-spanning government? The many questions continued to spiral about in his head as they neared the spaceport.

But as they got closer to the spaceport, other thoughts began to occupy him, temporarily taking his mind off things. For the closer they got to the spaceport, Jacen was reminded more and more of what awaited him—his lover and their unborn daughter.

A short time later, when the shuttle doors closed and the craft disembarked, the regent of sixty-three star-systems leaned against him, her eyes closed in contentment. In turn, he draped an arm around her and tilted his head to rest atop her own. Out of all the titles he had collected since the end of the war—war hero, senator, savior, next Grandmaster—he looked forward to earning the title of 'father' the most.

He was going to be a father.

He could still scarcely believe it.

He was both terrified and excited about the prospect.

And he definitely couldn't wait.

{-[III]-} {-[III]-}

Jacen smiled tenderly at the sight of Tenel Ka cradling their newborn daughter against her. The peace and happiness coming off the normally stern Queen Mother of sixty-three systems was something he never thought he'd feel so openly from her. Never thought he'd feel himself. He used the Force to send both his daughter and his lover all of the love he felt for the two of them, and Tenel Ka looked up at him with affectionate gray eyes.

"Thank you, Jacen."

He leaned forward and kissed her sweat-slickened forehead. "Thank you, for giving us such a wonderful daughter. I can already see her as the future Queen Mother of Hapes. She's going to be amazing."

Tenel Ka gently looked at the sleeping form tucked protectively in her arm. The strongest of emotions were shining from her as she let her fingers caress the very soft skin of her daughter's cheek. "Yes, she is. Allana is so much like her father, strong in the Force."

"Like her mother too," Jacen kissed Tenel Ka once more.

"She comes from very strong families."

"Between Taryn, Trista, my apprentices, and our two families, she's going to have more than enough people spoiling her silly," Jacen chuckled softly. He looked to the healers who had helped with the birth. "Thank you, the two of you, for helping."

The Mon Calamari healer, Jedi Master Cilghal smiled gently. "It was no problem, Jacen Solo. The birth of a child is always a refreshing break from my usual duties. Especially when it is a child of two young Jedi I have had the pleasure of watching grow up into fine people they are today."

The second of the two medical professionals, a Hapan doctor named Lalu Morwan, bowed low. "Thank you for the honor, Jedi Solo, Your Highness. I am simply fortunate enough to be the first Hapan in the presence of the chume'da."

Tenel Ka and Jacen bowed their heads in turn, and Cilghal smiled warmly. "I will leave you to things, then. Your child is in perfect health, Queen Mother."

"And I will go let the media know that the line of succession is secure with the birth of your beautiful daughter. By your leave," the Hapan doctor bowed one last time, and then left the room on Tenel Ka's assenting nod.

At the mention of Allana, Jacen turned back to his daughter, lightly touching her seemingly impossibly tiny hand with one of his fingers. Allana reflexively gripped it and didn't let go. He swallowed heavily, his eyes flicking back up to her mother. "And you'll be fine caring for her?"

"It was what we agreed to, wasn't it?" Tenel Ka nodded hesitantly, using the Force to communicate her reassurance.

A night of passion within the privacy of the Queen Mother's quarters. A clear night's sky. A fresh breeze wafting in from the open balcony doors, cooling their sweat-slickened bodies. The room was dark save for the soft glow that emanated from the planet's seven moons and the dazzling aura of the Transitory Mists. Silent save for rustling of trees outside and the occasional call of a night bird.

"I could stay," Jacen whispered softly, hand stroking the toned stomach of the woman he loved. The life they had started together was extremely faint, but definitely present. "Stay here, on Hapes. Together we can raise our child together, be a family."

"We both know that would never work, my dear friend," Tenel Ka returned, her voice just as soft, but full of regret. "My duty is to Hapes, yours is to the galaxy as a whole. You deal with enough politics at the Senate, the last thing you need is to worry about Hapan politics, and the daily assassination attempts on top of that."

"Tiki…"

"Jacen, the galaxy needs you. You are meant for so much more than just one planet or cluster of systems. With your position, you can make the whole galaxy so much better than it is right now; do more for our child out there, than here on Hapes."

Jacen went quiet, staring up at the smooth stone ceiling of the royal chambers. It had been painted to resemble a Dathomiri night's sky, glittering stars peeking out against light, wispy clouds.

"That's not to say I will not miss you," Tenel Ka whispered, giving his arm a hug. "I want our child to have her father in her life as much as possible. I want you to be in my life as much as possible. But if you stay too long on Hapes, you'll be dragged into the court intrigue and backstabbing that has become as much a culture on Hapes as it is its primary weakness. You don't need that distraction, not when your decisions affect things greater than Hapes. I will raise our daughter, and maybe by the time she takes the throne things will changed enough for her to actually be with the one she loves. To have that family we were denied because of our duties, because of politics."

"I know, but it doesn't mean I have to like that arrangement," Jacen sighed, continuing to touch his daughter both physically and through the Force. He had yet to lose that wonder-struck expression that had come over him ever since Allana's arrival into the world.

"The feeling is mutual. Were it possible I would rule Hapes with you at my side," Tenel Ka said, her voice catching slightly as she fought back a surge of emotion. "But the Force was kind enough to let us have this wonderful child. I do not wish to tempt fate any more than necessary."

Jacen swallowed heavily and nodded. "You're right. After everything we've gone through, I should be thankful just for being able to have the two of you. Are you ready for the others now?"

Tenel Ka tilted her head, somehow still looking regal despite being in a hospital gown. "I am."

Exhaling, Jacen reluctantly freed his finger from the tiny fist of his daughter and pushed away from the bedside. "Be back in a moment."

He strode across the room and the doors opened on his signal. Awaiting directly on the opposite side were Tenel Ka's loyal protectors and his apprentices. His two apprentices had been talking to Taryn and Trista in low voices, no doubt relaying what they were feeling in the Force. As they took note of him, four pairs of eyes looked up at him eagerly.

"Jedi Solo?"

"They're both okay," Jacen smiled reassuringly.

"Then we'll stand guard until you return with the former Queen Mother and the others," Trista said solemnly. "No one will get past us and harm your family; I swear it in the name of House Zel."

"Thanks. You don't have to be so serious though, Trista."

"Go get the others already," Taryn ordered, practically bouncing on the balls of her feet as she gestured to a room further down the hallway.

"Alright, alright."

Chuckling to himself, Jacen continued through the short hallway and to the nearby waiting room, a definite bounce in his step. The doors swooshed open, and expectant eyes all turned to him once more.

Smiling broadly he held out his hands at his family and friends. His parents, Isolder and Teneniel, Zekk, Lowbacca, Luke and Mara and their children, were all seated with equally wide grins. "They're both fine. Come on, let me introduce you to Allana."

"Allana?" Ten year old Ben Skywalker tilted his head questioningly. He was sitting with Jedi Initiate Kani Asari, one of his friends from the Ossus Praxeum, and they both hopped off their chairs to join the others.

"Yup, named after my little brother and the founder of the Force Witches on Dathomir."

Jacen felt a small pang inside as he said it. He hadn't seen nor heard from his brother at all since the end of the war. Zonama Sekot was outside the range of any HoloNet buoys and the convoys that went to and from the planet were heavily guarded and top-secret due to the delicate nature of their presence within the galaxy. Added to the fact that his travels and his job as Jedi representative to the Senate had kept himself occupied, and he really didn't know anything about how his brother was doing outside of vague Force impressions. It was as if Anakin truly was dead to the rest of the galaxy.

As quick as the pang came, however, it disappeared as he forced those emotions away. Now was the time for celebrations of family present, not family lost.

"Jacen?" Janek Skywalker, Ben's younger brother, looked up at him with a small distressed crease on his forehead.

"Sorry about that," Jacen ruffled Janek's messy red hair. He sometimes forgot how empathic Force sensitive children could be to their surroundings. He made a note to remember that in the future. The last thing he wanted now was to hurt Allana with his troubled thoughts. He forced himself to smile again. "You're going to be an uncle now, Janek. Astral, isn't it?"

The seven-year old's eyes widened. "Wow, an uncle!"

"Yeah," Jacen chuckled as Janek ran off to tell his brother.

"Aren't they going to be second-cousins?" Zekk whispered.

"Shush, you try explaining complex kinship relations to a seven-year old," Jacen whispered back good-naturedly.

Reaching the door to the med-bay, the twins and two apprentices standing guard quickly bowed to the former Queen Mother and stepped back respectfully. Taryn activated the door panel for the small delegation, and the four waited until the group had entered before following them in.

Inside the med-room, a still glowing Tenel Ka sat with her daughter tucked against her, a tired but exhausted grin on her face.

"Mother, Father," Tenel Ka acknowledged her parents, unable to stop smiling despite the fatigue of childbirth. "Han, Leia."

"Daughter." Isolder stepped forward behind Teneniel. They were an interesting pair. Teneniel was once again wearing her standard Dathomiri leathers, but Isolder had on the proper dress of a Hapan noble. From the way they were holding hands, it was clear though that their absence from each other hadn't lessened the feelings the two had for each other one bit.

"Allana, these are your grandparents," Tenel Ka said gently to the sleeping child.

Teneniel rested a hand on the tiny bundle with the utmost of care, eyes briefly flickering close as she did. After a second, her eyes opened and she looked upon her daughter with kindness. "She will be a strong and wise ruler, Tenel Ka, like yourself. Always will she be surrounded by her friends and family, and be loved by her people."

Tenel Ka released a relieved breath. "Thank you, mother."

Teneniel smiled tenderly at her daughter embraced her and Allana in a hug. "You are everything I could have hoped for and more, Tenel Ka. I hope that your daughter will make you as proud as I am of you."

Tenel Ka couldn't help but shed tears of happiness as she nodded and whispered. "I love you."

"And I you," Teneniel and Isolder took a step back to allow Han and Leia to take their place. Both sets of parents exchanged smiles that were all excitement and joy.

"Congratulations," Han said with genuine happiness. "If Your Highness ever needs a royal babysitter, Leia and I would be happy to take over. We'll give the princess a ride or two in the Falcon."

Tenel Ka smiled broadly, laughing as soft as she could as to not wake the baby. "Hapes thanks you and will more than likely take you up on your offer."

As the grandparents continued to fuss and admire the newborn, the others gathered around a still bewildered Jacen.

"You're a dad," Zekk chuckled.

"Still trying to get my head around that," Jacen said, making a sound of amusement. "And don't forget, Zekk, you agreed to be Allana's godfather."

"Hard to forget that." Zekk slapped Jacen's back supportively. "Look a little happier, Jacen. This is the birth of your daughter here."

"My daughter," Jacen repeated with a silly grin, as if trying to get used to the words. "My daughter."

"[For someone used to handling living creatures and baby animals, you seem oddly conflicted by Allana's birth]," Lowbacca said good-naturedly.

Jacen rolled his eyes at his larger friend. "I know, but she's a bit more than a baby animal, Lowie. She's…well…a part of me. I can feel her in the Force, like a part of my heart. It's scary in many ways, and even though I told myself I was ready for it…it's just…wow."

"Welcome to parenthood," Mara Jade Skywalker said, her children now at Tenel Ka's bedside looking up at their 'niece' with amazed eyes. "You'll now spend the rest of your life either fearing for your children, wanting to wring their necks, or being so proud of them and being at awe that they came from you."

"Thanks Aunt Mara," Jacen shook his head ruefully.

"It's too bad Jaina couldn't be here," Zekk said. "Did she say why she couldn't make it?"

Jacen nodded. "Trouble between the Chiss and Imperials. According to her message, it sounded like the entire thing is a tinderbox ready for that one spark. She doesn't think she'll have any free time for the near future, but wished me luck and told me to send holos."

The doors to the med-room opened, and General Livette entered with a grim expression on her face, instantly casting a pall over the festive mood.

"General?" Jacen raised an eyebrow.

"I apologize for intruding on this happy occasion, but there has been an…incident."

Jacen quickly moved back to his wife and daughter's side to help shield the newborn from any negative impressions as the atmosphere grew grimmer.

"Proceed," Tenel Ka said with a curt nod of her head.

"Thank you, Your Highness. Just an hour ago, a Hapan security patrol was engaged and destroyed by a Corellian force of unknown size by the Relephon Moons. Details are still coming in, but the additional ships sent to the Relephon system report that the Corellians are no longer present."

"[Relephon, that's deep in Hapan space]," Lowbacca growled. "[What are the Corellians doing there?]"

"Unknown," Livette shook her head. "House AlGray, the house that controls the Relephon region, denies any knowledge and appears to be innocent in this matter. She has pledged her House's full cooperation. One of the Battle Dragons destroyed belong to her security forces. I am told that all hands were lost."

"And the Corellian ships? Were any destroyed?"

"From what the Ducha AlGray reports, only a few fighters," Livette replied. "The bulk of the Corellian force suffered relatively minor damage due to the surprise nature of their attack. We've sent word to Corellia demanding an explanation, and have received the usual stalling in response."

The thick tension in the air was felt by all as they all knew just how serious the situation had become. If Tenel Ka failed to retaliate, members of the nobility would jump on this as a moment of weakness and try and remove her from power. If Tenel Ka did retaliate, war with the Corellians was unavoidable. The timing of the attack, pretty much at the same moment she was giving birth to her daughter, was suspect, but there was little she could do about that now.

"General Livette, ready the Royal Navy and reinforce all outlying sectors. Let them know that deadly force is authorized should they encounter any Corellian military vessels. Let the Corellians know this as well, their provocations have gone on long enough."

"Yes, Your Highness," Livette bowed formally and left the room.

Tenel Ka wearily looked at her friends and family. "I apologize, but if many of you stay, the Jedi Order risks being drawn into this conflict as well. To avoid the appearance that Hapes is receiving aid from the Jedi Order, I will have to ask most of you to leave."

"Of course," Mara nodded, her lips pressed together grimly.

"Jacen," Leia looked to her son. "Are you coming with us?"

Jacen held Tenel Ka's sharp gaze for a very, very long second. Words passed between them without even being spoken. Slowly, he looked away. "I am. It wouldn't look any better if a High Council member as on Hapes either."

"We'll watch over the Queen Mother and the chume'da," Trista said firmly, she and Taryn taking up positions on either side of Tenel Ka's bed.

"Friend Zekk," Tenel Ka gestured to the dark-haired Jedi just before he left the room with most of the others.

"Your Highness?"

"Hapes would appreciate it if you were assigned the position of Jedi Ambassador to the Consortium," Tenel Ka said shortly. "Your past experience with Hapes makes you the most suitable choice."

Understanding what she was doing, Zekk nodded once. "Jedi Knight Solo, do I have the approval of the High Council to stay on and look out for Jedi interests within the Consortium?"

Jacen shared a rare rush of feeling towards the other Jedi, who tilted his head in silent acknowledgment. Jacen might not have been able to stay without ruffling a few feathers, but a single Jedi acting as a diplomatic representative of the Order, could. Hapes never really had one before since Tenel Ka was also a Jedi, but it didn't mean that that always had to be the case.

Face tight, Jacen inclined his head. "As a member of the High Council, I approve of your appointment to the Hapes Consortium. I will inform the rest of the council about your position as soon as I am able. Your task is to protect any and all Jedi interests within the Consortium, to help keep peace and prosperity, and to inform the High Council should you deem any information necessary of their knowing."

"I accept my task," Zekk said, bowing solemnly. "Don't worry, Jacen. We'll be okay over here."

Thanks, Jacen sent telepathically, not trusting his voice as he turned around to catch up with his parents.

Don't mention it. We're beyond favors, remember? I'll keep your family safe, Jacen. Promise.

Jacen swallowed, fighting back more emotions than he could afford to feel at the moment. Almost immediately, Nelani gently slipped one of her hands into one of his, and Seha did the same to his free hand. Their Force presences promptly helped to ground him, siphoning off the storm of emotions and thoughts that had been running through him.

"Thanks, you two," he breathed, their footsteps loud and rapid in the near-empty halls of the palace.

"Any time, Master," Nelani replied in an equally soft voice. "The Queen Mother and your daughter are going to be okay. They have to be, right?"

"Yeah," Jacen answered, as if saying it would make it so. Even then, he could feel the doubts nibbling away as he fought the urge to look back over his shoulder. "They'll be just fine."

{-[Chapter End]-}

A\N: Welcome back to the Star Wars universe of An Origami Fish…we have a very, very, long way to go…A few differences between this and aDA that you've probably noticed already. Politics is going to be a main aspect of this part of the trilogy, not as much space-fighting. The overall mood of the story will be decidedly darker as well as we delve into the not-so-bright post-NJO war-ravaged galaxy. Unlike aDA I'm no longer working on a skeleton of preexisting stories (and assuming my readers have read said stories), so the storylines will take longer to play out. Also, Swarm War will be the foundation of sorts from which the other two trilogy parts will build off of, so expect a lot of 'stage setting' and drawn out plots.

So, the format of this story (or what I have planned) will occur in three 'acts' with three six-chapter scenes in each act. Each chapter is from a different POV, or focuses on a specific place. Chronologically, 'Scene 1' will be (from earliest to latest) chapter: Anakin (chapter 6), Corellia (5), Ossus (2), Jaina (3), Jacen (1)-Zekk (4). If you really want to read the story in chronological order, you can wait five weeks for the chapters to come out and read it all at once =). So yes, this means weekly updates (every Sunday) for the near future.

Writing chapter twenty-five, so 'Act One' is already finished and Scene One of 'Act Two' is done as well.

To make up for the lack of J/TK in aDA, the romance of this story will go more towards Jacen/Tenel Ka (and Taryn/Zekk). A/T'ers will be slightly disappointed by the lack of screen time the power couple gets in this story compared to aDA.

Oh, and to Draco, Vergere still won't die of old age…One Sith, Two Sith…as many as you need Sith.

Reviews are always appreciated and I definitely take your comments into account as I write future chapters. Suggestions, critiques, a scene you might want to see, let me know and I'll get back to you. See you all next week =)