--
Chapter Four

Jaina stared at the screen, anger welling up inside. She could feel fury building inside of Jag. Chief of State Daala's face was replaced by a reporter.

Jag reached over and muted the screen and said, "What is she trying to achieve? There's no way this can work."

"She can't…do this," Jaina sputtered, "The Jedi aren't the Galactic Alliance's puppets. We don't answer to their every beck and call!"

"She can't round up all the Jedi, just Galactic Alliance citizens," Jag mentioned, more to himself than Jaina.

"Exactly. She can't rein in all the Jedi. Who in their right mind is going to listen to this? She's going to lock us all up in a prison somewhere!" Jaina ranted, "That blood-sucking, Sith-spawned, lousy former Imperial-"

"Jaina-" Jag said.

"No offense," she said quickly, and then continued her string of insults, "crazy, moff-loving harlot thinks she's doing? She has completely-"

"Jaina!" Jag said, raising his voice.

"After everything we've done for the blasted Alliance," Jaina continued, ignoring him, "she has the nerve to blame us for-"

"JAINA!" Jag yelled.

"What?" Jaina spat back at him.

He handed her his comm link and told her, "You're parents are calling."

"Oh, thanks," Jaina mumbled as she took it from him. She switched it on and said, "What do we do now?"

Princess Leia's voice came over the tiny speaker, "I don't know. Amelia is safe; she's not a Jedi and even if she was, she's got Hapan citizenship."

"Good. What about you?" Jaina responded.

"Technically, I never became an official Galactic Alliance citizen. Alderaan was never brought in the GA like it was in the New Republic. I doubt that technicality will hold off Daala for long, but it should buy me some time," Leia responded, "Have you thought of anything yet?"

"No, I'm working on it," Jaina said, and then asked, "What about Uncle Luke and Ben?"

"I don't know. If Daala is blaming the Jedi as the cause of everything, Luke may be charged. I'm not sure about Ben, yet. Maybe I'll see if I can get him to come with us."

"Harboring a fugitive, Mom. Dad should be proud," Jaina responded drily.

"Your father and I have been wanted for a good portion of our lives. We're good at this," Leia responded.

"Has anyone turned themselves in yet?"

"I haven't heard. A few have already disappeared," Leia responded, "There may be a rendezvous at a later disclosed location, but I'm not sure yet."

"Okay, keep me posted," Jaina responded, "I'll let you know what I decide to do, one way or another."

"Good luck. I love you, honey."

"Love you, too, Mom. Bye," Jaina said and broke the connection. She hadn't noticed during her conversation that Jag had left the room.

He reappeared and told her, "Don't tell me where anyone is. The less I know, the better."

Jaina nodded, "Okay."

"Are you parents okay?" he asked, sitting back down next to her.

"Yeah. Mom is buying herself time by claiming she isn't a Galactic Alliance citizen."

Jag's brow furrowed in confusion.

"Alderaan was never part of the GA," Jaina explained.

Jag nodded, "And there aren't enough people left to make a petition."

"Correct."

"What about Allana?"

"She's fine. Tenel Ka doctored Hapans papers under Amelia months ago," Jaina responded, then grinned, "Although, I'd love to see Daala try to get her from her. Or try to arrest Tenel Ka."

Jag smirked, "The GA would need a new leader."

Jaina nodded, and then leaned against him, "I don't know what I'm going to do."

"You're not going turning yourself in and you know I'm not turning you over," Jag stated.

"It's not a secret I'm here. She's going to find out. I'm not going to let you start an intergalactic incident over me," Jaina replied firmly, "There has be a way around this. How does the citizenship thing work, anyways?"

"Basically, if are born on a planet in a particular government, you fall under their jurisdiction."

"No, I mean how do people change it? Your parents switched sides."

"With the Chiss, Father swore an oath to the military, but he's not a citizen. He's still an Imperial citizen. Mother was included because they were married. All of us kids were born on Nirauan," Jag answered.

"How does it work in the Empire?"

Jag closed his eyes in thought. He'd read the information a few months ago while reviewing and revising Imperial doctrine.

He opened his eyes and responded, "If the world has been acquired, whether by their own petition or other means, it's given automatically. Individual options are personally applying for it or marriage. You have to have lived in an Imperial territory for five years to apply for citizenship. If you marry an Imperial, you have to renounce your former allegiance, if you want the citizenship rights. That was the law last time I looked at it. Why?"

Jaina raised her eyebrow, somewhat surprised that he hadn't caught up yet to what she was thinking.

"Let's get married."

"What?" Jag responded.

"We're already engaged. We'll just move it up to tomorrow. I'll renounce whatever I have to and won't have to hide. You won't start an incident," Jaina explained.

"No."

"No? What do you mean no?" Jaina asked, eyes narrowing.

"I don't want you to do this just because of Daala. You shouldn't have to give up the wedding-"

Jaina cut him off, "I don't care about that, Jag. I want you. It doesn't matter if it's at some over extravagant ceremony my mother cooks up or on a ship deck or in a seedy chapel. I'm not going to let you start a war over me after I worked so hard to end the last one."

Jag was quiet for a few moments before he responded, "If you're sure, I'll do whatever you ask."

Jaina kissed him, and then said, "Thank you."

Jag sat at his desk in his office at home staring at the wall. Jaina was talking to her mother in the other room.

Jag did not like the situation, not one bit. Daala was up to something, that much he knew. He could not figure out what it was, though. He saw no logical reason to lock up the Jedi. Jacen Solo had had help in his overthrow of former Chief of State Cal Omas. Jag had no doubt that Jacen manipulated the system and those around him to take control. The Jedi either didn't see the signs of Jacen's fall or ignored them. That wasn't a conversation Jag was about to strike up with anyone, especially Jaina or his future in-laws.

The Jedi hadn't fumbled up the Yuuzhang Vong war. The New Republic proved its ineffective leadership skills and cracks in the system tens of times over before its collapse. The Jedi weren't responsible for their stupidity.

The Rebellion against the Empire was started more by disgruntled Senators than anyone else. As far as Jag knew, the only active Jedi during that period was Luke Skywalker. He certainly didn't cause the war.

The Clones Wars, Jag knew, seemed to have no clear-cut cause. From what he had learned, the Old Republic started crumbling ten years before the war began. He had learned that Palpatine had wormed his way into the Supreme Chancellor position of the Senate, and from there gained more and more power as the war progressed. That war, Jag concluded, was clearly the cause of a Dark Jedi.

Only two out of the two wars Daala was referring to had a direct Jedi cause. That didn't count the many other skirmishes and wars in the Core and Unknown Regions.

There had to be another reason, Jag thought. Daala had to know that she was making enemies, fast. After her declaration, the Hapes Cluster would close off any relations with the Galactic Alliance. The Empire had yet to enter any type of alliance or agreements with either government. Jag knew he had to get the Moffs in line before taking any steps into expanding the Empire's power and influence.

What Jag hated most of all about this situation was what Daala was doing to Jaina. Jaina was giving her former life to stay with him, and stay away from Daala's grasp. Jag felt guilty about the entire situation. He had no doubts about marrying Jaina. If she had told him right after he proposed she wanted to go elope right then, he would have. He didn't want her to feel like she had to do it just to save herself.

His logical side argued with him. He knew that Jaina wouldn't do something unless she really wanted to. She could have told her mother she'd meet her and hide or she would turn herself in.

Jag shook his head. I must be crazy, he thought. He had no regret about what he was going to do. He just wished his family had had an opportunity to meet the woman he loved before they were married.

Jaina poked her head inside the door and told him, "You okay?"

Jag stood up to meet her. He pulled her close and tilted her chin up to face him with his finger.

"Yes," he answered, and leaned down to kiss her.
--

--
Chapter Five
Jaina tapped her foot impatiently as she waited for the Millennium Falcon to land. Her parents had been in a nearby system when she called last night after making her decision to renounce the Galactic Alliance.

"Jedi Solo, traffic control has cleared the Millennium Falcon for landing," a guard said from behind.

Jaina nodded her head in thanks. She hated the guard detail that followed her around now, but she knew she would just have to get used to it. She was confident that should a problem arise, it would be her saving their skins rather than the other way around. Jaina didn't mind their presence as much today, though. Allana would be here and her safety was more important.

Jaina could see the saucer shape of her father's beloved ship approaching. She waited, just as impatiently as she had as a child, for it to land. She watched as her father set the ship down perfectly. The familiar sounds of the landing ramp lowering and air escaping reminded Jaina of all the times she had waited for her father to come down the ramp. Jaina closed her eyes.

"I see his boots, Jaya!" Anakin squealed. He tried to pull from Jaina's grip.

"No, Anakin, we have to wait," she scolded him, clutching his hand tighter.

Anakin stuck out his lower lip in a pout. Jacen reached over and grabbed his little brother's other hand. The twins knew Anakin would bolt the second Jaina's grip relaxed.

Han Solo began walking down the ramp. Jaina finally let go of Anakin's hand and the three of them sprinted over to the ramp and tackled their father.

Jaina shook her head and forced her eyes open. She wasn't going to think about that now. She took several deep breaths in an attempt to bury the emotions threatening to spill out.

She refused to allow herself to break down now.

Jaina stumbled back a step as Allana tackled her legs. Jaina bent down and hugged her niece tightly.

"Jaina!" she said excitedly.

"Hi, Amelia," Jaina greeted and placed a kiss on her forehead.

"Hello, Jaina," Leia greeted as she pulled her daughter in for a hug. Han appeared next and took his daughter from his wife.

"Did you bring it?" Jaina asked her mother.

"Yes, it's inside," Leia responded. Jaina nodded and gestured for her to lead to way. The four Solos walked back into the Falcon. Jaina snatched the white box sitting on top of the counter while Han and Leia grabbed their overnight bags. Allana waited quietly next to Jaina.

"Come on," Jaina said, "I'll show you to your rooms."

Allana crouched next to Jaina. Jaina sat on the floor of the main bedroom in her parents' temporary quarters. She had her mother's white box on the floor. It was dusty, but in good shape. Jaina gently lifted the lid off and set it aside. She pulled back the paper to reveal her mother's wedding veil. She carefully picked up the gem-encrusted tiara and lifted it out of the box.

"Wow, that's pretty," Allana said, and then asked, "Did Grandma Leia wear that at her wedding?"

"Yes," Jaina answered as she examined the veil for any damage.

"What happened to her dress?" Allana asked.

"It was destroyed on Corescant during the war," Jaina responded, "Mom kept them separate just in case."

"Oh. Are you going to wear it?"

"Yes."

"Grandma Leia said we're going to be the only people at your wedding."

"That's right," Jaina answered. She had set the veil on her head and was adjusting the fit.
"Aren't weddings supposed to have lots of people?" Allana asked.

Jaina turned and sat next to her niece. She smiled softly at her, as she answered, "It doesn't matter how many people are there or how fancy it is. What matters is how much the bride and groom love each other."

Allana nodded, satisfied with the answer. She smiled at her aunt and asked, "How much longer?"

Allana could not understand why her aunt decided to get married in a conference room. She could get married anywhere on the planet she wanted to and she chose some old conference room near Jag's office. She asked Grandma Leia about it and she shrugged.

Jag was standing with some official towards the front of the room. Allana was waiting with Leia by the door.

Allana jumped as the door opened. Han and Jaina stepped inside.

"Jaina, you look really pretty," Allana told her. She was wearing a simple green tunic with brown pants. Leia had made a small crown out of braids with half of Jaina's hair. The rest of Jaina's hair was and spilled out of the crown. The veil sat on top of her head.

"Thank you, sweetie," Jaina responded.

Allana looked over to Jag. His green eyes were locked on her aunt. Allana watched as Leia gave Jaina a tight hug before pulling Allana closer to Jag. Allana looked back at her aunt. Han was talking quietly to her as they made their way to Jag and the official.

"You're beautiful," Allana heard Jag say to Jaina. She saw her aunt blush. She watched as Han gave Jaina a kiss on the cheek and stepped aside.

The official started to talk. Allana found it hard to pay attention. He was talking about love, duty and commitment. She knew what that stuff was. She was six, not stupid. Her eyes began to wander around the room. There wasn't much in here. She really wanted to know why her aunt wanted to get married in this boring room.

Allana's attention was grabbed by Jaina's voice. Her aunt sounded like she was crying. Allana looked at her alarmed, but saw she was smiling. It reminded Allana of her mother. Tenel Ka cried when she smiled any time Allana came to see her.

"You made me a promise, Jag, years ago in a small conference room on Borelias. You kept that promise. After everything I threw at you, you came back. You never really went away. I've loved you for over 15 years. You were always in my heart," Jaina said through her tears.

Allana cocked her head in thought. Something had happened in a conference room. Maybe they kissed in one. That would make sense, she thought.

Allana missed the rest of her aunt's vows. Her Grandmother tapped her shoulder to snap her back to attention. Allana had no idea how she knew her mind had been wandering. She looked over and saw that Jag was speaking. It sounded like he was finishing up.

"I suppose Luke Skywalker has one more achievement to add to his plate. He threw us together, forced us to either get along or kill each other. I'm glad we chose the former," he said with a grin, and then continued, "I love you, Jaina. I always have and I always will."

Allana heard Han sniff. She looked over at him, slightly surprised. She had never seen Grandpa Han cry. His eyes met hers and he reached out to squeeze her hand.

Allana watched as the official declared her aunt married. She started giggling when Jag kissed Jaina, though to be honest; it was hard to tell who kissed whom first.

Admiral Daala hated Jedi. She hated them from the moment Kyp Durron decided to make her life miserable.

It still irritated Daala that Durron had gotten off so easy. She highly doubt Luke Skywalker punished Durron. They probably sat around a campfire on Yavin IV, drank caf and talked about how it's okay to blow people up if you say, "the Force told me to do it."

It was grossly unfair. That's where Daala stepped in. She was going to stop the Jedi once and for all. Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader had gotten close, but as Jedi themselves, they couldn't fully eradicate the problem. Skywalker could go on and on about the "Dark Side" and how there is a difference between the two. It made little difference to Daala. The Jedi, dark or not, took problems into their own hands and made them ten times worse.

Daala was done with them. This first law was merely to satisfy the Senate. Many of the members still saw the Jedi as useful. Daala had merely suggested that the Jedi Order be under military control rather than an entity on its own. She had argued that anyone with that type of power needed to be kept in check. She reminded the Senate of Jacen Solo. He could go and call himself Darth Caedus or whatever he liked, but he was still a Jedi who had caused upheaval and death across the galaxy.

Oddly enough, several senators jumped on board at that point.

Of course, the images of burning Kashyyyk may have helped too.

Daala uploaded the list of Jedi who had turned themselves in and compared it to the list of active Jedi Skywalker had turned in. Only a fourth had revealed them thus far. It looked like they were mostly students and teachers here on Corescant. Daala would have to start issuing arrest warrants soon.

Pity.

One of Daala's aides walked in. She laid a datacard on her desk.

"Here's the list of Jedi claiming they don't fall under our jurisdiction," she stated and left the room.

Daala picked up the card and inserted it into the terminal at her desk. She scanned through the short list. Some she recognized, others she had never heard of it. She paused when she reached Leia Solo. Solo was claiming she was never a Galactic Alliance citizen. Her Force-sensitive orphan was Hapan. Daala had to wonder if the child's parents were killed by the nanovirus. Why the Solos would have her if that was the case, she had no idea.

The next name on the list caused Daala to growl.

Jaina Solo.

Jaina Solo had renounced all ties to the Galactic Alliance by marrying Head of State Fel.

Daala wasn't too surprised. She knew Fel wouldn't give up Solo. She had hoped he would struggle and give Daala an excuse to enter his territory.

He was too smart for his own good.

Daala wanted Jaina Solo. The woman had slain her own twin brother. Daala had heard about her ability to shatter Mandalorian armor. She was an admirable and deadly foe.

She needed to be destroyed. Daala wanted her almost as bad as she wanted Kyp Durron.

Almost.

Unfortunately, for Daala, Solo was seen as a hero by most of the galaxy. She had put the lives of billions over her own and murdered her twin. She saved the galaxy and all that shavit.

It wasn't that Daala wanted Jacen to stay in power, far from it. She was grateful he was dead, but she couldn't let someone that power stay free.

Daala finished scanning the list. She needed a way to draw out as many Jedi as possible to one location. Once there, she could swiftly destroy them.

Daala tapped her chin in thought. She had to attack the right target. It had to be one that all the Jedi would rush to. She needed a location that would anger all the Jedi. Her attack had to be undercover, of course. She would have to hire outside help. She couldn't let her fingerprints be anywhere near the site. The question was, what did all the Jedi care about enough to gather?

Daala snapped her fingers. She had it. She pulled up another program on her terminal. She was going to do this right. It wouldn't be one of her military disasters. This would be something her dear Tarkin would be proud of.

She was going to end the Jedi.

Jaina and Allana were seated on the couch in her and Jag's quarters. After yesterday's ceremony, Jag had pushed the paperwork through and sent off a transmission to the Galactic Alliance with Jaina's information. He had taken the rest of the day off work.

Han and Leia were planning their next excursion. Jaina had offered to take Allana for the morning. She was working with her on her meditation and levitation skills.

"Reach out and lift that bowl," Jaina instructed. She watched her niece's eyelids close halfway. She could feel Allana stretching out with the Force. The bowl lifted a few inches off the table.

Jaina's comlink pinged loudly. Allana dropped the bowl. Jaina picked it up from the table and turned it on. Jag's voice came over it before she could offer a greeting.

"Turn on the news."

Allana was one-step ahead of her. She snatched the remote and turned on the screen.

Jaina switched off the comlink, eyes wide with shock. Queen Mother Tenel Ka was speaking.

"There was an attack on Shadu Maad, located in Hapan territory…"
--

Chapter Six

---
"I assure you, Your Highness, that this attack was not sanctioned by the Empire. Anyone associated with it from our end did not have our support, back-up or blessing," Jag was saying to the image of Queen Mother Tenel Ka.

"I don't think you were behind it, Jagged. Your Moff Council, however…" she responded, "several on my end are highly suspicious."

"Understandably so. I plan to question each thoroughly this afternoon. I want to offer you our services. I'd like to send out an investigation team," he responded.

"Ah yes, please do. The Jedi and I myself would appreciate it. It would also help remove blame on your end," she answered.

"That, too. Why anyone would think I would attack the Jedi is beyond me," he answered, and then asked, "Do you suspect Daala?"

Tenel Ka was quiet for moment, formulating her response, "It has crossed my mind, yes. She offered to send out her own team. Between yours, mine, the Jedi and hers, I expect to see a wide range of results."

"When will hers arrive?"

"Two days."

"Mine will be there in one," he promised and she signed off.

"Who are you sending?"

Jag turned to look at his wife. She was seated on a couch off the side, out of view of the holocom.

"I have a group in mind."

Jaina nodded. She was quiet for a moment, and then said, "I want to go."

Jag rose from his chair and went to sit by her. He wasn't surprised at her request, but it worried him. She wasn't ready to return to that area of space just yet. She didn't need to be that close to where she ended Caedus's life.

"Are you sure you are ready?" he asked.

"No, but I have to go. Someone went after the Jedi. Not just the Jedi, but younglings. I know Daala is behind it, I just have to prove it," she answered truthfully.

"Do you want to go as part of my team or with the Jedi?" he asked.

"Part of your team," she answered, and then grinned, "Need to make sure they are doing their job."

Jag chuckled, "I seem to remember you being quite the taskmaster."

"Only to you and Kyp," she smirked, throwing her arms around his neck, "and as I recall, you were the one who volunteered to work on my reports."

"I wasn't about to pass up the opportunity to spend time with a goddess. A goddess needs plenty of attention," he stated with a grin, "to convince the Vong that you were, indeed, Yun-Harla. Had to appear to be a devoted follower."

"Then, dear, I think you managed to be my biggest follower," she smirked.

"All in the name of duty."

"Of course. Whatever you say, Colonel," she responded using his old rank, "Kiss me."

"I hear and obey, Oh Great One."

Jaina leaned back in the pilot's chair of the Imperial shuttle Onyx. The team of Imperial investigators were in the main hold, supposedly going over mission objectives and details. Whether they were, Jaina didn't know. She really didn't care at that moment. She'd woken up two hours ago from the same nightmare that plagued her the past eight and a half months. She wasn't surprised. She was about five minutes from the Transitory Mists.

From where she fought and killed Darth Caedus.

From where she became the last surviving Solo child.

From where she lost her other half.

Jaina wiped away the fresh tears that had started to gather in her eyes. She would not think about him now. She had a job to do. She had to find out exactly what happened at Shadu Maad and who did it.

Jaina glanced over her shoulder as Major Neilson entered the cockpit. He snapped a sharp salute to her and she responded likewise.

"Three minutes to the Mists," Jaina told him.

He nodded and sat in the co-pilots chair. He was technically in charge of the team, but he had been given strict instructions to listen to Jaina. She leaned forward as the comm pinged.

"Unidentified ship, identify yourself."

"This is the Imperial Shuttle Onyx. We have a clearance code," Jaina responded.

"Transmit now."

Jaina keyed in the code her uncle had sent her. The code cleared and Jaina began the dangerous journey into Mists. She visibly flinched as she flew past where the Anakin Solo had sat during her duel. She blinked to clear her suddenly clouded vision and gritted her teeth. She wasn't going to let her dead brother's ghost torment her right now.
Jaina gripped the controls tightly as she brought the ship into the docking bay at the Jedi outpost. As she shut down the systems, she could see a group approach. She could identify her Uncle Luke, Tenel Ka, Kyp Durron, Corran Horn, Iella Wessiri Antilles and several Hapan guards.

Jaina followed the investigation team out of the ship and towards the group. She bowed to Tenel Ka and the rest of the Jedi as Major Neilson introduced the team.

"Let us find you temporary quarters," Luke offered.

"Not necessary, for the moment. We've been instructed to start immediately," Neilson said with a dismissive wave.

"Very well, but I'd like to speak with Jedi Solo Fel first. Corran?" Luke responded, turning to the Corellian, "Would you mind taking these men on a tour of the area while I speak with Jaina?"

Corran nodded and waved for them to follow, "Come with me."

Luke lead Jaina, Tenel Ka, Iella and Kyp into a meeting room in the hallway connecting the hanger bay to the rest of the base.

"I trust congratulations are in order," Luke said with a smile as the door closed behind him. He hugged her tightly, "Your mother messaged me right after."

"It's about damn time," Kyp muttered. Jaina threw a glare at him.

"Thank you," Jaina said with a smiled as she hugged him back. Luke stepped away from her, staring at her with a slight look of disbelief.

"What?"

"I never thought I'd see you in an Imperial uniform," Luke admitted.

Jaina blushed. She was wearing a simple Imperial-styled black uniform. It had no rank or insignia, but the design was obvious. She had forgone her Jedi robes to send a message to any prying eyes that she was working with the Empire.

"Many of us have taken unexpected paths," Tenel Ka responded quietly. Jaina looked over at her friend. She hugged her tightly, and then pressed a datachip into her hand.

"View alone," Jaina whispered as Tenel Ka pocketed the card.

Jaina stepped away from Tenel Ka and was immediately grabbed by Iella.
"Welcome to the family."

Jaina smiled at her. She stepped away a moment later and looked at Kyp. He walked over and embraced her tightly.

"What's the real story?" Jaina asked as she moved away from Kyp and sat down at the table.

Luke sat across from her and responded, "Five unmarked ships entered the Mists. Two were destroyed by our defenses. One was badly injured. Witnesses say it disappeared into the Mists. The other two managed to land."

Iella picked up the rest of the story when Luke stopped, "Two commando teams entered. The Jedi took down one of them in the hanger bay, but the other made it into the base. Four managed to escape. Based on the ship data we have, they appear to be pirates, but I don't think that's the case."

"How many died?" Jaina asked quietly.

"Three younglings and a Knight," Kyp responded, "An apprentice and two other younglings are missing."

Jaina bit her lower lip and nodded, "Any contact?"

"None," Iella answered.

"How are the investigations going?" Jaina asked.

"Iella is working with us," Luke explained, "Us and the Hapans have combed over the area. We haven't found much yet."

Jaina nodded, "And the Alliance's team?"

"Arriving tomorrow morning," Iella responded.

"Any suspects?" Jaina asked.

"Nothing concrete."

Jaina glanced over at Tenel Ka. She didn't know if the young queen had stated her theory or not.

"You have an idea?" Luke prompted.

"I think Daala is behind this," Jaina answered. She could see Tenel Ka nodding, "She has a motive. She's already proved her hatred toward the Jedi."

Luke didn't respond, eyes impassive. Jaina's heart sunk. She knew that look. He was going to go all Master Jedi on her now.

"Those are some steep accusations. She's on the table, as is the Empire and Hapans. We have to investigate each group thoroughly," he finally answered, "That means your team, yourself and Jag, along with the Moffs."

Jaina sighed. Logically, she knew this was what the Jedi had to do. She had thrown herself into the Empire's service. It still didn't make her feel any better about it.

"Jag has already started with the Moff Council," she told them, and looked at her uncle, "I need to know that you aren't withholding any information. I'm still a member of the Jedi Order, remember."

"We aren't," Luke responded, folding him hands in front of him.

Jaina nodded. She stood and addressed everyone in the room, "I'd like to get started with our investigation immediately."

Iella nodded, "I'll take you. I can show what we've started."

Jaina nodded and followed her out the door. She wanted to get this done as soon as possible. The fastest they finished, the faster the culprits would be caught, punished and the missing Jedi returned.

And the faster should could escape from her personal hell.

Jaina stared out the viewport facing the dark abyss that once held the Anakin Solo. Off to the side she could see the lump of rock that last held her friend Zekk. He was gone. She missed him. She hadn't felt him die, but that didn't mean anything. She had felt Jason and Raynar die, yet they both survived. Zekk was gone; his named joined the long list of those whose lives ended because of Caedus.

Jaina closed her eyes and rested her forehand on the viewport. She could hear the team working in the background. Jaina couldn't concentrate on what they were saying. She kept replaying that day that she realized she was have to kill Jacen in her head. She felt like her heart was being torn into tiny shreds.

Jaina would never stop blaming herself for his fall, she knew. She was his other half. She should have seen what was happening, put aside her anger and forced Jacen to see reason. It didn't matter that he had cut her out of their bond. She knew that she was the only one who could have broken through his armor. She knew more about him than anyone else in the galaxy. She knew his dreams and fears as children, and then teenagers. She wished she had reached out to him during the end of the Yuuzhang Vong war. She wished she had reached out to him and stopped his five-year journey. She wished she had talked to him after his trip to see what he had seen. She should have seen what he had done during the Killik crisis. She was too wrapped up in her own issues and the Joiners to pay attention to what was really going on. Even afterwards, she ignored everything, blaming it on the Killiks when it had been herself who had fallen into the trap. After Jacen shot at their parents and court-martialed her, she should have stepped up, but she didn't. Instead, she let her anger fester and ignored the signs.

Jaina banged her forehead softly against the viewport, trying not to attract attention. She could feel all the sadness and guilt building up in her again. She had to stop. She couldn't cry now. She couldn't rant now. She couldn't scream.

Jaina took a few deep breaths and bottled up her emotions. She would not break down in front of the team. She wanted them to respect her; not because she was Head of State Fel's wife, not because she was a Jedi and slayer of Cadeus. She wanted them to respect her, Jaina.

Jaina gritted her teeth and turned around. Sorrow and regret could wait. It was time to catch some murderers.

Chapter Seven
The swirling lines of hyperspace reflected the chaotic emotions raging through the elder Corellian man. Han Solo's feet were propped up on the console in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon. They were two hours out from Bastion; they had no true destination. The Solos were taking several random hyperspace jumps before deciding their next port of call.

Han closed his eyes and locked his hands behind his head. His little girl was married. Not only had Jaina gotten married, but also she was now an Imperial. This went beyond sleeping with the enemy. Logically, Han knew that Fel's Empire was different from Palpatine's. It was different from Pallaeon's. It had evolved into a more tolerant, fair empire. This Empire had no anti-alien bias. How could it? Fel had grown up as the alien. Regardless of the differences, it still made him cringe to think his daughter was now one of them. He couldn't shake the old fear of the clank of stormtroopers clattering down the hallways of Rebel bases; the sound of the whine from the TIE fighters as they flew over head, raining destruction over the land.

It was the same logic that Han used when calling Jaina his little girl. She was in her early thirties. She had been adult for years. She had grown up during the Yuuzhang Vong war, after her first fight with Rogue Squadron. After her first wingman died, she had been thrust into adulthood. She was still somewhat of a child when Chewbacca died. Han believed the final push for her was the death of Anakin and disappearance of Jacen. She had fallen to the dark side, brought back by Kyp Durron and her new husband.

If Kyp Durron had saved his daughter from the Force, Jagged Fel had saved her soul.

Han had no problem with his son-in-law. He always believed Jaina had made a grave mistake ending it with the pilot. Han was grateful Jaina had Jag to pull her through her latest heartache. Han didn't know if and when she would recover. It wasn't like before when she was the last Solo child as a result of outside forces. This time, she had been the one to end her twin's life.

Han's hand balled into a fist. He was still angry with his oldest son. He couldn't understand why the kind-hearted pacifist turned into a power-hungry killer. A day didn't go by were Han didn't ask himself what he had done wrong. Han didn't know if it was was he and Leia's constant absence, the lack of parenting or his capture by the Vong. Deep down, Han knew he was angrier with himself. If only he had reached out after Jacen's capture or stopped his five-year journey. Jacen had left before he could deal with the heartbreak and suffering of war. If only he had seen the signs of his son's fall.

Ultimately, Han felt he had failed Jacen. He wondered if Anakin Skywalker's mother had felt this way. He wondered if she even knew what her son had become. He hoped not, for her sake.

This was why Han vowed to do it right with Allana. He wasn't going to let her fall. He wouldn't let her become a victim of her family's lineage, the dark lust of the Force.

Han used to believe in the Force; now he didn't know. The Vong created voxyn to kill Jedi. His boy died to stop more Jedi from dying. The Force gave his daughter a ridiculous and burdensome title. The Force pulled his twins into a crisis and turned her little princess into a hive-minded nut. It had turned his son into a psychotic murderer. The Force forced his daughter to kill her own brother.

And now, using the Force had sent his family into hiding.

The hyperspace alarm blared. Han sat back in his chair and prepared to pull the old freighter from hyperspace. The coordinates of their next jump were already programmed. Han glanced at the navcomputer with a look of disgust. He and his family were on the run, once again. The difference this time, Han thought with disgust, was that it wasn't their own son chasing them.

Han frowned as he called back for Leia and Allana to strap in. Somehow that thought brought him little comfort.

Han pulled back the hyperspace lever, reverted into real space and sent them back into hyperspace within minutes. He resumed his previous pose, praying for the peace of mind he would never have.

The stark, white surface of Csilla contrasted with the black speeder skimming over the snow. The snow seemed to shimmer under its repulsors. It turned into a long driveway and parked into the garage next to a large, white house with green decorative shutters.

An older man stepped out of the parked speeder. He limped through the garage to the door. He was home early today, a rare occurrence. Clutched tightly in his right hand was a datachip containing an encrypted message for him and his wife.

Soft instrumental music met his ears as he entered the house. He recognized it as the newest recording of the Coronet Orchestra. The melody carried a haunting tone; eluding to the recent destruction the planet endured. The sorrowful melody sent a shiver down Soontir Fel's spine. He hoped it wasn't foreshadowing the contents of the datachip.

"'Tir! You're early."

Soontir smiled at his wife. Syal Antilles Fel was more beautiful than the day he met her. Her grey streaked hair sparklers in the sunlight streaming in from the large window. Her voice still carried a melodic tone. Her figure had hardly changed after baring six children. The only part of her that pained Soontir was her sad eyes. The death of three children and estrangement of another wore heavily on her soul and caused the youthful spark to almost disappear from her emerald eyes.

Soontir walked up to his wife and took her in his arms. He ducked his head and brushed her lips with his own.

"We have a message from the Empire," he told her. She pulled back from him to look at him.

"From Jagged?" she asked, hope creeping into her voice.

"I think so. It's encrypted with one of the family codes," he replied as he walked into the living room and over to the entertainment center. He had encrypted it at the office, but had not watched it. He pushed the disc into the disc player slot, hands slightly shaking. He waited for Syal to sit down on the couch before pushing play.

His elder son's face appeared. His hair was slightly longer and unruly. A lock fell onto his forehead. He looked tired, but there was a spark in his eyes Soontir had not seen in years. Syal leaned forward as Jagged began to speak.

"Hello Mother, Father. I don't know how much news you've received in the past week. I hope my this beats the holojournalists."

Syal stared at the screen with a look of confusion. Soontir raised an eyebrow. He'd heard rumors regarding his son and a particular Jedi…

Jag took a deep breath before continuing and a grin broke out on his face, "Jaina and I were married earlier this week. I wish you all had been there. I've attached a recording of the ceremony. I'm afraid I can't supply any more details via transmission."

Syal gasped, bringing a hand to her mouth. A slow grin appeared across her face. She reached out and squeezed Soontir's hand.

"I miss you all very much. I look forward to the day when we can see each other again without any more repercussions against the family," Jag paused, his voice quiet, "I love you all."

The transmission ended. Two files appeared on the screen. Soontir turned to look at his wife. Silent tears rolled down her cheeks. She snatched the remote from the coffee table and selected the wedding file. They watched in stunned silence as their son pledged his life to the brunette Jedi who had caused him so much heartache through the years.

"Is that Jag? What is he doing?" Wynssa's voice yelped from the doorway. Soontir glanced behind him as the blond rushed forward with a lock of shock on her face. Her brother Cem was not far behind.

"Shh!" Syal snapped. They watched the rest of the recording in silence.

Cem was the first to respond, "Jag got married? Is he crazy?"

"Apparently," Wyn responded, clearly angry.

"I heard that Daala passed a new law requiring all the GA Jedi to report in," Cem said.

"She's using him!" Wyn snapped, "Don't you see? She's using him to get out of trouble."

"Wynssa!" Syal reprimanded, "I would think you would have a higher opinion of your brother than that."

"Sorry," she mumbled, and then continued, "I can't believe you forgot what she did to this family."

Soontir sighed. He had plenty of reservations about Jaina Solo, but he was a wise enough man to know that there was more to the story than met the eye. Jagged had told him of his conversation with Jacen Solo, among other details of the Dark Nest crisis. He was curious about what exactly had happened during Jag's time with the Jedi fighting Alema Rar.

"Wynssa, you will not judge your brother's actions. None of us knows the entire story. I'm surprised you didn't see the sincerity and devotion in that recording," Syal stated firmly.

Wynssa nodded and left the room. Cem glanced uncomfortably between the vacant spot left by Wyn and his parents.

"What do you think, Cem?" Syal asked.

Cem grinned, "I think it's about time. I don't think I could take much more of Jag going on about her."

Syal and Soontir just laughed.

It was after midnight at the Jedi base in the Transitory Mists. Two Jedi loaded several crates of supplies into a gray yacht. The Jedi moved swiftly, but quietly. After the last crate was loaded, the shorter of the two walked down the wrap and approached the brunette watching from a distance.

"Heading out before Daala's goons show up?" Jaina asked her cousin.

Ben nodded, "We've been granted special privileges to stay here as long as we report all our findings to the GA team and accompany them back to Corescant."

"Some privilege."

Ben snorted, "I know. Dad is sending a bunch of us away before they arrive. He's afraid of another attack. I'm surprised Uncle Han and Aunt Leia aren't here."

"Amelia has to be kept away," Jaina murmured, "Is he sending all the younglings and students?"

"Yes."

"Where?"

Ben shrugged, "Random jumps until Dad says otherwise. I'm taking a group of the Shadow with Tionne. The Pulsar Skate will be here in an hour to take more. Master Horn is going with that group. Kam is taking another group in some other ship."

"Three masters? That's it?" Jaina asked.

"No, a couple others are going," Ben grinned, "including Kyp."

Jaina let out a short laugh, "Who is he going with?"

"Kam," Ben answered with a grin, "You really think he should go with Corran?"

Jaina shook her head. That would be a disaster. Both Jaina and Ben sobered quickly, each thinking what Mara Jade Skywalker's reaction would have been to Kyp aboard her ship.
Luke approached Ben and Jaina, wiping his hands on a rag.

"Tionne is bringing your group," Luke told his son. He nodded to Jaina.

"Great," Ben said with a sigh.

"Ben, I need you to go. You can't be here when Daala's men arrive. I won't turn you over to her," Luke told his son, resting a hand on his shoulder.

"And keeping a bunch of Master here for her to snatch is going to solve the problem?" Ben asked, crossing his arms and giving Luke a look that painfully reminded his father and Jaina of Mara.

Luke waved dismissively, "Don't worry about us. We can stay out of trouble."
Jaina doubled over laughing, "Uncle Luke! That may be the biggest lie in the history of the galaxy."

Luke grinned, "True."

The three quieted as Tionne loaded up a group of five younglings. Jaina gave Ben a tight hug and watched as father and son walked toward the sleek Jade Shadow.

Jaina tensed abruptly, hand gripping her lightsaber. Something was coming. She ran over the Luke, who has his lightsaber in his hand.

Alarms began to blare. Jaina's eyes grew wide as she met Luke's gaze.

They were under attack.

---
Chapter 8

The expansiveness of space both humbled and elated Jag. He longed for the days when he was a simple fighter pilot; the days when he would rise at the sound of emergency klaxons and run to his clawcraft. He'd pull on his helmet, start up his craft, clutch the stick and become one with the stars. He'd flown in scores of battles, but the ones he remembered fondly were during the later years of the Yuuzhang Vong, starting at Boreleis, specifically after he and Jaina's first passionate encounter in that conference room. Back then, he and Jaina lived day to day, snagging stolen moments when possible. He could remember stumbling into her quarters after skirmishes and collapsing in bed with her. Some of those nights, or days, when some extended fights ended, were passion filled while others were spent asleep. Even more of those encounters were spent comforting her tears.

Even on her worse nights, she was breathtaking.

Then it all went to hell.

In retrospect, he and Jaina had both had a hand in destroying their relationship. They'd spoken of it once, while she was still recovering from her battle with her brother. She had refused to let him postpone the conversation. She had to apologize, she said. She blamed herself. She'd forced him, with a threat of bodily harm, to listen to her.

Even on her sick bed Jaina Solo couldn't be argued with. Jag locked the door to her room and they talked for hours about everything that had happened to them through the years. Many tears and apologizes later, Jag felt they had repaired the broken foundation of their relationship.
Their relationship was like a house. Too many cracks in the foundation and it would break. The roof and walls would come crashing down.
Their foundation had been fixed, and walls rebuilt. They had accomplished something Jag believed impossible. They had gotten married.

The door to Jag's office opened. He turned from the viewport to face his aide. Lyra approached his desk.

"Transmission from the Queen Mother Tenel Ka," Lyra stated as she set a datacard on the desk, "Here are the budget reports over the Moff Council."

Jag nodded his head in thanks. Lyra turned and left the room. Jag sat in his chair and turned to face the holocomm. He turned it on and Tenel Ka's somber, regal face appeared.

"Your Highness," he greeted with a nodded.

"Head of State Fel, there has been another attack on the Jedi."

Jag's heart leapt to his throat. Jaina! He quickly regained composure, somewhat, to respond.

"How bad?"

"Jaina is fine. Angry, but fine," Tenel Ka said, "but the Jedi suffered a quite a loss. Jagged, I'll be frank, this needs to stop. This screams of Daala. I propose an Alliance between the Empire and Hapes Cluster to deal win her once and for all. Is this possible?"

Jag nodded, "I'll put pressure on the Moffs to act accordingly."

Tenel Ka's mouth quirked into a small smile, "Perhaps I'll send a few of my delegation to assist you. I should remind them of their precarious position. I'd hate for them to forget their options."

"It would do them good to be reminded," Jag nodded, "When would you like to set up the terms for this alliance?"

"I think it's imperative that we discuss it in person. Is it possible for you to come to Hapes?"

"Yes. I'll make the arrangements. I have someone in mind to hold the reins here."

"Very well. I look forward to meeting with you."

The transmission ended. Jag punched in another code; a code he hadn't used in years. He waited, fingers tapping his leg, not knowing if he would be connected or not. He hoped so. He needed help. Only a naïve, stupid or disturbed man would leave Bastion unattended right now.

Jag grinned as the old symbol for the Empire of Hand showed up. Good, he thought, the code still worked.

Now if only the proper person would answer, his day would improve.

Jaina Solo Fel was angry.

Actually, angry was too mild of a term. She was furious. If turbolasers could shoot from her eyes, the entire base would be obliterated.

Three dead Masters. Seven dead apprentices. Eight slain younglings. Fourteen others were in critical care.

Shadu Maad was destroyed. A Hapan medical frigate had taken the injured and the younglings to Hapes under the careful watch of Tenel Ka, Corran Horn and Tionne. Kam had been killed. He died saving a group of younglings.

Jaina had sent her team to assist with the hanger clean up. Jaina was currently patching a hole on the hull of the Jade Shadow. Her late aunt's ship had worked well as a safe house for the younglings Ben had gathered before and during the fight.

"Jaina?" Ben Skywalker's voiced called from inside the ship where he was replacing the stabilizers.

Jaina down jumped from her perch. She wiped the grease from her hands onto a rag as she walked up the ramp and into the cockpit. She hoped Ben hadn't screwed up another set of repairs.

"What?" she asked as she followed his voice to the cockpit.

"Your husband is trying to track you down. Dad rerouted the message to here," Ben said as he got up from the co-pilots seat and walked out the door.

Jaina flipped on the comm. "Hey."

The small image of her husband looked at her with a worked look. He asked, "Are you okay?"

"Yes. How did you find out?"

"The Queen Mother called me. I'm coming to Hapes to meet with her. We're working on a plan."

"When will you be here?"

"Two days."

"Who is going to keep an eye on Bastion?"

Jag paused, and then responded carefully, "My father."

Jaina closed her eyes. She knew, sooner rather than later, she would have to deal with her in-laws. She was sure that they were furious with her, not that she could blame them. She certainly would be angry if the roles were reversed. She shook her head in an effort to clear her mind. Right now was not a good time to open that particular door.

"Oh," she responded, and changed the subject, "I'll have the team send you their report immediately. Whoever was behind these attacks has to have the backing of some powerful leaders."

Jag did not acknowledge her change of subject. He had expected some type of reaction from her. He nodded at what she said, but business was the last thing on his mind.

"Are you doing okay?" he asked quietly.

Jaina bit her lower lip. She knew exactly what he was referring to.

"I'll feel better when I can see you again," she answered slowly; "This isn't exactly my favorite place."

Jag nodded. He hadn't expected her to go into detail right then, not in the cockpit of her aunt's ship. Her simple statements had told him enough.

"I'm leaving as soon as Father arrives," Jag told her, and then gave her a small smile, "I'm bringing your ship."

Jaina grinned, "I better not find a single scratch on her."

"Not a single mark will mare her hull, my dear," he responded with a grin, "I'll even refill it."

"Good. I'd hate to punish you."

"Oh, i don't know. I'm sure your punishment would be ... interesting."

Jaina laughed, "Now now, Head of State Fel, what are you implying?"

"You're the Jedi, you tell me," Jag responded with a grin.

Jaina shook her head. She could hear someone join Ben in the back of the ship.

"I have to go," she said.

"Me too. I'll see you soon, Jaina. I love you."

"I love you, too," Jaina blew him a kiss, and then added, "Not a scratch."

"Not a scratch," he responded and the transmission ended.

"Jedi Solo Fel?"

Jaina turned from the cockpit of the Jade Shadow to face Major Neilson.

"Yes?"

"You need to see this. I sent a couple team members to check for ship remains. One was completely destroyed. The other was partially intact. They found this transmission in their computers. It was deleted, but we managed to pull it up from the back-up memory. Whoever deleted it did it in a hurry," Major Neilson told her as he handed her a datapad.
Jaina took it from him and read the screen. Her eyes grew wide as she reviewed the contents

"Who has seen this?" Jaina asked.

"Myself, Lieutenant Tyron and Lieutenant Norm."

"Forget about it. Tell Tyron and Norm the same. Don't tell anyone what you read. If this information meets the wrong ears… well, you can figure it out," Jaina ordered, and then asked, "Is this the only copy?"

Major Neilson shook his head. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a datacard. He handed it to Jaina.

"Thank you. I'll see that Head of State Fel sees this," she told him as she pocketed the datacard. She deleted the message on the datapad as she ordered, "Destroy the ship. I don't want a simple plate of duresteel to remain."

Major Neilson saluted her as he said, "Yes, ma'am. It will be done immediately."

Major Neilson walked out of the ship. Jaina pinched the bridge of her noise with her fingers. This was the last thing she needed right now. She had to keep this a secret. She couldn't let this newest development ruin any chances of an alliance between the Galactic Empire and Hapes. If the wrong person found out about this, it could ruin everything.
Jaina wasn't about to let another war erupt if she could stop it.

Queen Mother Tenel Ka closed and locked the door behind her. She walked over to her private communication console and computer terminal. She sank down on the plush, expensive chair. She shrugged her heavy cloak off her shoulders. She pulled out the datachip Jaina had given her a day ago and slid it into a slot on the console.

Allana's face appeared on the screen, "Hi, Mommy! Aunt Jaina promised me she'd get this message to you. Grandma and Grandpa are taking me back out on the Falcon. I don't know where we are going."

Tenel Ka wiped a tear out of her right eye as she listened to her little girl recount various adventures she'd gone on in the past several weeks. She told her mother about the zoo on Bastion, the coral reefs on Mon Calamari and the green fields of Chandrilla. Tenel Ka wished she could show her daughter the wonders of the universe, but it was her job to keep peace in her corner of the galaxy.

As Allana's message faded away, Tenel Ka let her hand brush the air that held her daughter's image. Tenel Ka reached down and turned off the message. She punched a few keys on the keypad add a high-level security code. She pulled out the chip and rose from her chair. She walked to the far side of the room and pushed a small node in the carved wall. A panel opened. Tenel Ka reached inside to pull out simple chest. She entered the code and opened it. She laid the datachip inside, along with other datachips. Everything in the box was from Allana. Tenel Ka placed the box on top of another box. She involuntarily flinched as her fingers brushed the other box. Inside were messages and other items from Jacen Solo. Tenel Ka couldn't bear to part with them. She thought one day that she'd give some to Allana to show her the good man her father once had been.
Tenel Ka pulled her hand back and closed the panel. She rushed over to her chair and picked up her cloak. She swung it over her shoulders and wiped the tears from her eyes. She smoothed the front of her dress and opened the door, locking her sorrow deep into her heart.

Chief of State Daala was ecstatic.

She sipped her whiskey as she reread the report from the attacks on Shadu Maad. The prisoners from the first attack were safely hidden away aboard a Star Destroyer making random jumps. She hoped the operatives had listened to her about included ysalamari in the Jedi's cell. The captured Jedi weren't skilled enough to pose a large threat, but Daala had learned years ago that meant little.

She supposed they could thank Kyp Durron for that.

Daala threw her head back with and laughed. Jedi Masters Kam Solusar, Mirak Keller and L'Ole Fa were killed. Several unidentified Jedi died, too. Daala could hardly believe her luck. The operative who had managed to send her the report had returned an hour ago. He'd slipped away in a snub fighter.

Daala slammed her glass down on the table. She had struck a blow to the Jedi, she knew it. Her alliance team was arriving any minute now. They would play nice, and then when the Jedi refused to turn themselves in, they would be arrested. Next, Daala would take on Queen Mother Tenel Ka. She was harboring fugitives.

Daala's comm unit beeped. It was a texted message. She downloaded it to her datapad.
Daala grinned. She could not believe her luck. Head of State Fel was on his way to the Hapes Cluster. She could easily take out two of the thorns in her side at once. With Fel absent, her operatives could get into Imperial space and get what she needed.

Daala poured herself another glass of whiskey. For once in her life, everything was going well.

Jaina locked the conference room door behind her and turned to face the two occupants. Ben Skywalker and Iella Wessiri Antilles were seated at the table. Iella had a datapad in front of her. Ben's hands were clasped on the table.

"I need to know if you two can keep this quiet. We can't tell anyone, not the Jedi, not Uncle Luke, not Daala's people, not Tenel Ka, not even Jag."

"Jaina, what's going on?" Iella asked, setting her datapad on the table.

"A few members of my team discovered some important information regarding these attacks. This information can't leave this room. If the wrong person finds out…" Jaina trailed off, "I know where the Jedi captives are."

"Where?" Ben demanded.

Jaina held up her hand to stop him, "I can't give you that information yet. I need to know if I can trust both of you to keep this quiet. Iella, I need your intelligence and Ben, I need your detective training. If the wrong people find out about this, it'll be enough to fuel a civil war. I know it's a lot to ask, but I don't know who else to turn to."

Iella nodded, "Just tell me what you need, Jaina, and I'll get it."

Ben nodded gravely, "I'll help you, Jaina. Where do you want me to start?"

Jaina handed them each two datacards, "The first one has the code. Memorize it and destroy it. The code will open the second card. I've included all the information you need."

Jaina reached into her pocket and pulled out a credit card. She handed it to Iella and said, "This is untraceable. Get what you need. We need to be able to sneak on board and get the Jedi out without anyone noticing. Then we need to move the Jedi somewhere safe. The Hapans, Empire, Alliance and Jedi can't know how they escaped or who held them captive, not until we figure this out. Iella, let me know what you think later today."

Iella nodded, pocketed the cards, picked up her data pad and left the room. Jaina turned to face her cousin. She waited for the door to close before speaking.

"Ben, something is going on here. This is bigger than anyone realizes. This goes beyond Daala. I'm sure she has a hand in it. Based on what I read from the salvaged transmission, she's working with rogue Hapans and Imperials. Ben, we can't let this get out. If one the Hapans think the Empire is encouraging attacks in their territory, they'll declare war. I don't know if Tenel Ka or Jag would be able to stop it. That's what Daala wants, her two greatest threats neutralized. We can't let it happen."

"What do you want me to do?" Ben asked.

"Find out who is working for what side. I know you can do it, Ben," Jaina told him, "Do you know anyone you trust that can help you?"

Ben sighed, "I'm not sure. I'll have to think about it. Corran has the experience we need, but I don't think we can pull another Jedi without explanation."

Jaina nodded, "True. Think on it and get back to me."

With that, Jaina turned and left the room. She had preparations to make before Jag arrived.
_