Sleep was not a friend to her this night. Jaina Solo stepped out of the
biotics building and slowly made her way toward the landing grid. The last
several weeks had been the hardest she'd experienced in her young life, and
the dreams that came to her in the darkness of night did not offer comfort
or a reprieve of the grief that had seized her heart. Admittedly, she had
only tried to get some rest for about an hour after she had arrived on
Borleias, after she'd had a meeting with Wedge Antilles about her purpose
here. Her thoughts were divided, confused even, and that only helped to
prevent any peace from entering her mind.
Jaina glanced around at the technicians and mechanics who worked ludicrous hours, just to ensure the smooth running of the base. The distant sounds of heavy machinery echoed in the air, but for the most part Borleias seemed quiet tonight. That is, if you ignore the fact that there are still Vong warriors on planet. A sigh slipped from her lips as Jaina brushed stray strands of hair away from her eyes. The wind was warm and gentle and the sky above was as clear as a Corusca white gem. She thought about visiting her parents, but changed her mind as the memory of how she treated them on Hapes danced through her thoughts. She had been upset by Anakin's death; his funeral on Hapes still seemed surreal to her, and she couldn't face talking to her parents about Jacen because both of them believed he was still alive. The only one she felt she could talk to was Lowbacca, and the Wookiee had gone to his quarters right after their late night dinner, weary from the journey to Borleias.
So, Jaina decided to head to the landing grid and seek out a technician who could direct her to the X-Wing that she would be flying while here. She loved being around starships, loved the chance to work on a craft every opportunity she had. Perhaps her ship would need some maintenance. That would keep her busy for a few hours, and hopefully by the time she was weary enough for sleep, she would be too tired to dream. Shoving her hands in the pockets of her flightsuit, Jaina quickened her pace, eager to become knee-deep in grease.
A strong ripple in the Force momentarily surprised her and Jaina stopped a few meters short of the landing grid. The presence was powerful and familiar to her yet different from that of a Jedi. Her father and Wedge possessed this sort of energy, as well as a few others she knew, but this aura was neither of them. Jaina turned in the direction of this presence and after a few quick seconds of searching, she saw him.
There were rare moments in her life where her breath had been taken from her. Jaina could count on her fingers the moments where she had been left speechless. The first time she used the Force. The first time her father let her help him work on the Millennium Falcon. The first time she flew among the stars. And this moment.
The Chiss Clawcraft sat alone on a dimly lit platform just east of the main landing grid. The floodlights shone upon the starship as if it were some sort of prized statue. Standing to the right of the ship was its pilot, dressed in a black flightsuit with red piping on the sleeves and pants. His left hand rested on his hip, his right dangled by his side. His right foot was propped up on an irregular rock that seemed out of place in this perfect moment. Jagged Fel's face was turned slightly to his right, his head tilted upward toward the stars. The warm breeze played with his almost jet-black hair, the white lock above his right eyebrow falling repeatedly against his forehead then flying backward as if the wind took it on a private journey.
Jaina knew that she shouldn't be staring at him. Anyone who happened along and saw her like this would probably enjoy spreading the word that she was practically drooling over the general's nephew. She reluctantly pulled her stare away, gazing at the ground, but her eyes soon sought him out again. He has no idea how handsome he is. The thought jumped out at her at the same moment Jag closed his eyes, raising his head a little higher, and Jaina's heart fluttered, an affect that Jag seemed to have on her every time she was near him.
Her hands came out of her pockets, falling to her sides. She had never seen the young colonel so deep in contemplation. At least, he appeared to be. Jaina wanted to reach out and touch his mind, something she was now able to do because of their connection through the Force that established itself right before they left Hapes. Jag wasn't aware of it, of course, but Jaina could get a tentative hold of his thoughts and emotions. She changed her mind, not wanting to risk his ire should she probe his mind and he learned of it. He had agreed to fly under her command with Twins Suns Squadron and she wasn't willing to risk anything that could cost them an exceptional pilot.
It seemed like a good time to thank him for his assistance with Twins Suns, yet at the same time Jaina didn't want to interrupt him. She brushed hair from her eyes again, and decided that if she didn't move in some direction within the next few moments, Jag would see her and suspect that she had been watching him.
Jaina walked slowly toward Jag while at the same time trying to figure out the right words to say to him. They had barely spoken since they departed Hapes and she couldn't shake the feeling that he was unhappy with her. For what, Jaina didn't know, but she suspected it had something to do with the way she treated him on Hapes as well. I sure wasn't nice to a lot people in the last few weeks, she sighed. Her sudden change in attitude was not unexpected, having lost both her brothers, however her dabbling with dark side powers was a different matter. Somehow apologizing to those who expected more of her, like her parents, Uncle Luke and Aunt Mara... That was going to take more courage than she felt she had at this moment.
She reached the Clawcraft and stopped behind Jag, slightly to his right. He opened his eyes but didn't turn to greet her. Jaina sensed a moment of brief annoyance from him, and he seemed distracted as well. Another emotion coursed through him, one she hadn't expected. Uncertainty? This isn't the first time I've sensed that from him. Jag was always in control of his emotions, his thoughts. A couple of times on Hapes she had sensed the same indecision from him, however then she knew where it was directed. He had been unsure of how to respond to her, and with good reason Jaina realized. She had provoked him into arguments on a couple of occasions and it had left him exasperated and herself with a feeling of victory over him. He was probably expecting another round of discussion and didn't want to bother with her.
Jaina raised her head toward the stars, following the path that Jag's eyes had taken. The gentle breeze swirled around her, and yet again she had to push her hair back from her face. They stood silent for another moment, and she became aware suddenly that his stare had shifted to her. You better say something soon, Solo. The longer you stand here, the more stupid you're going to look.
She cleared her throat, turning to meet his stare. Her heart jumped when she noticed the intensity of his gaze, his pale green eyes unblinking as he studied her.
"I was going to check on my ship," she started, "when I noticed you standing here. I didn't get the chance before, but I wanted to thank you for agreeing to fly under my command with Twins Suns. I know that couldn't have been an easy decision for you."
Jag blinked, erasing the impression that he had turned to stone, and his left hand fell from his hip to dangle at his side. "I can take orders as well as I give them. I have no problem with the prospect of flying under your command. I think my uncle's plan is a very intriguing one. I look forward to assisting him in anyway I can."
Jaina nodded. At least you know that the reason for his uncertainty has nothing to do with his thoughts on your leadership abilities. Jag turned his stare back toward the sky, his eyes focusing on some unknown point among the stars. Jaina continued to watch him, noticed the taut movement of muscle as his jaw clenched.
"I'm sure that whatever Wedge has in mind for our neighbours on Pyria VI is going to infuriate them royally. I'm glad that we can be a part of it." A small smile touched her lips at the thought of giving the Yuuzhan Vong a lot of hurt.
"Hmm."
"Hmm? That's all you have to say?" She nearly laughed at his cavalier response. Jag Fel was not a man of few words.
He nodded, not turning to her.
Her brow furrowed as she watched him, not sure what to think of his sudden aloofness. Here she was trying to bridge the gap that developed between them on Hapes and he was practically ignoring her. She was almost tempted to just walk away without so much as another word to him. Something in his expression stopped her, though. Jaina studied his face yet again, the firm set of his jaw, the look in his eyes...
...and suddenly realized that what she thought was contemplation moments ago was something entirely different. Jag was troubled about something. She sensed it immediately through the Force now that she recognized it, and that was probably the source of his distraction. Jaina silently cursed herself. Even through the Force you have trouble figuring this man out. What's up with that?
Part of her knew that she should just go and leave Jag with his thoughts. After all, whatever was bothering him had nothing to do with her. Yet at the same time she told herself that, the words were already forming on her lips.
"Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice soft.
He finally turned to her, his sigh heavy and deep. "I was thinking about how my father will react once he learns of my presence here."
"What's this? Colonel Fel is afraid of angering his father?" she teased, playfully poking him on the shoulder.
"No. I'm afraid of losing his respect."
He obviously surprised himself more than he did Jaina, for Jag's eyes widened and a tinge of colour hit his cheeks. That was an admission she had not been expecting. Although she hadn't been around Jag a lot since she first met him on Ithor, she knew enough about the man to know that he didn't normally let things get to him. He allowed the words of politicians to bounce off him as if he were made of rubber. He took her criticisms and taunts without ever being insulted by them. It had never occurred to her that the one person who could shatter his cool disposition was his father, General Baron Soontir Fel.
There was a moment of awkward silence between them as Jaina tried to think of a response and Jag tried to look as if he hadn't said what he did. He ran a hand through his hair, messing it more than the wind did, then drew a long breath.
"I can't believe I said that outloud."
Jaina grinned. "I'm sure your father will be proud of you for making a stand here. I can't imagine why you would lose his respect when all you're doing is help fight against the Vong."
He nodded slowly, looking back at her. Once again, he had the power to take her breath away. Jaina found it increasingly hard to look into those green eyes and not become swept away by the emotion she saw there. She fixed her stare on the scar that ran from just above his right eyebrow and back into his hairline.
"My father and the Chiss parliament are unwilling to make any commitments to the war until they know more about the enemy. I'm suppose to be gathering tactical information, and I don't think my father will see my proactive stance here as a reconnaissance mission." He pursed his lips in a grim line. "It's complicated."
Jaina thought about some of the decisions she had made recently, how they had affected others in her life and understood, on some level, what was going through his mind. Still, General Baron Fel was revered as a great tactical mind. Surely, he would understand Jag's decision to join Twins Suns, and respect that.
"I doubt it's as complicated as you make it out to be." She smiled encouragingly, locking eyes with him once more.
"I'm the only son he has left. You have no idea how much of a burden that is."
Once again, shock washed over him and Jag looked away from her this time. Before Jaina could respond, could think of something to say to that, she sensed her uncle approaching them. Turning toward the biotics building, she groaned as Luke sauntered toward the platform. Great. I really didn't want to face him right now.
Jaina glanced around at the technicians and mechanics who worked ludicrous hours, just to ensure the smooth running of the base. The distant sounds of heavy machinery echoed in the air, but for the most part Borleias seemed quiet tonight. That is, if you ignore the fact that there are still Vong warriors on planet. A sigh slipped from her lips as Jaina brushed stray strands of hair away from her eyes. The wind was warm and gentle and the sky above was as clear as a Corusca white gem. She thought about visiting her parents, but changed her mind as the memory of how she treated them on Hapes danced through her thoughts. She had been upset by Anakin's death; his funeral on Hapes still seemed surreal to her, and she couldn't face talking to her parents about Jacen because both of them believed he was still alive. The only one she felt she could talk to was Lowbacca, and the Wookiee had gone to his quarters right after their late night dinner, weary from the journey to Borleias.
So, Jaina decided to head to the landing grid and seek out a technician who could direct her to the X-Wing that she would be flying while here. She loved being around starships, loved the chance to work on a craft every opportunity she had. Perhaps her ship would need some maintenance. That would keep her busy for a few hours, and hopefully by the time she was weary enough for sleep, she would be too tired to dream. Shoving her hands in the pockets of her flightsuit, Jaina quickened her pace, eager to become knee-deep in grease.
A strong ripple in the Force momentarily surprised her and Jaina stopped a few meters short of the landing grid. The presence was powerful and familiar to her yet different from that of a Jedi. Her father and Wedge possessed this sort of energy, as well as a few others she knew, but this aura was neither of them. Jaina turned in the direction of this presence and after a few quick seconds of searching, she saw him.
There were rare moments in her life where her breath had been taken from her. Jaina could count on her fingers the moments where she had been left speechless. The first time she used the Force. The first time her father let her help him work on the Millennium Falcon. The first time she flew among the stars. And this moment.
The Chiss Clawcraft sat alone on a dimly lit platform just east of the main landing grid. The floodlights shone upon the starship as if it were some sort of prized statue. Standing to the right of the ship was its pilot, dressed in a black flightsuit with red piping on the sleeves and pants. His left hand rested on his hip, his right dangled by his side. His right foot was propped up on an irregular rock that seemed out of place in this perfect moment. Jagged Fel's face was turned slightly to his right, his head tilted upward toward the stars. The warm breeze played with his almost jet-black hair, the white lock above his right eyebrow falling repeatedly against his forehead then flying backward as if the wind took it on a private journey.
Jaina knew that she shouldn't be staring at him. Anyone who happened along and saw her like this would probably enjoy spreading the word that she was practically drooling over the general's nephew. She reluctantly pulled her stare away, gazing at the ground, but her eyes soon sought him out again. He has no idea how handsome he is. The thought jumped out at her at the same moment Jag closed his eyes, raising his head a little higher, and Jaina's heart fluttered, an affect that Jag seemed to have on her every time she was near him.
Her hands came out of her pockets, falling to her sides. She had never seen the young colonel so deep in contemplation. At least, he appeared to be. Jaina wanted to reach out and touch his mind, something she was now able to do because of their connection through the Force that established itself right before they left Hapes. Jag wasn't aware of it, of course, but Jaina could get a tentative hold of his thoughts and emotions. She changed her mind, not wanting to risk his ire should she probe his mind and he learned of it. He had agreed to fly under her command with Twins Suns Squadron and she wasn't willing to risk anything that could cost them an exceptional pilot.
It seemed like a good time to thank him for his assistance with Twins Suns, yet at the same time Jaina didn't want to interrupt him. She brushed hair from her eyes again, and decided that if she didn't move in some direction within the next few moments, Jag would see her and suspect that she had been watching him.
Jaina walked slowly toward Jag while at the same time trying to figure out the right words to say to him. They had barely spoken since they departed Hapes and she couldn't shake the feeling that he was unhappy with her. For what, Jaina didn't know, but she suspected it had something to do with the way she treated him on Hapes as well. I sure wasn't nice to a lot people in the last few weeks, she sighed. Her sudden change in attitude was not unexpected, having lost both her brothers, however her dabbling with dark side powers was a different matter. Somehow apologizing to those who expected more of her, like her parents, Uncle Luke and Aunt Mara... That was going to take more courage than she felt she had at this moment.
She reached the Clawcraft and stopped behind Jag, slightly to his right. He opened his eyes but didn't turn to greet her. Jaina sensed a moment of brief annoyance from him, and he seemed distracted as well. Another emotion coursed through him, one she hadn't expected. Uncertainty? This isn't the first time I've sensed that from him. Jag was always in control of his emotions, his thoughts. A couple of times on Hapes she had sensed the same indecision from him, however then she knew where it was directed. He had been unsure of how to respond to her, and with good reason Jaina realized. She had provoked him into arguments on a couple of occasions and it had left him exasperated and herself with a feeling of victory over him. He was probably expecting another round of discussion and didn't want to bother with her.
Jaina raised her head toward the stars, following the path that Jag's eyes had taken. The gentle breeze swirled around her, and yet again she had to push her hair back from her face. They stood silent for another moment, and she became aware suddenly that his stare had shifted to her. You better say something soon, Solo. The longer you stand here, the more stupid you're going to look.
She cleared her throat, turning to meet his stare. Her heart jumped when she noticed the intensity of his gaze, his pale green eyes unblinking as he studied her.
"I was going to check on my ship," she started, "when I noticed you standing here. I didn't get the chance before, but I wanted to thank you for agreeing to fly under my command with Twins Suns. I know that couldn't have been an easy decision for you."
Jag blinked, erasing the impression that he had turned to stone, and his left hand fell from his hip to dangle at his side. "I can take orders as well as I give them. I have no problem with the prospect of flying under your command. I think my uncle's plan is a very intriguing one. I look forward to assisting him in anyway I can."
Jaina nodded. At least you know that the reason for his uncertainty has nothing to do with his thoughts on your leadership abilities. Jag turned his stare back toward the sky, his eyes focusing on some unknown point among the stars. Jaina continued to watch him, noticed the taut movement of muscle as his jaw clenched.
"I'm sure that whatever Wedge has in mind for our neighbours on Pyria VI is going to infuriate them royally. I'm glad that we can be a part of it." A small smile touched her lips at the thought of giving the Yuuzhan Vong a lot of hurt.
"Hmm."
"Hmm? That's all you have to say?" She nearly laughed at his cavalier response. Jag Fel was not a man of few words.
He nodded, not turning to her.
Her brow furrowed as she watched him, not sure what to think of his sudden aloofness. Here she was trying to bridge the gap that developed between them on Hapes and he was practically ignoring her. She was almost tempted to just walk away without so much as another word to him. Something in his expression stopped her, though. Jaina studied his face yet again, the firm set of his jaw, the look in his eyes...
...and suddenly realized that what she thought was contemplation moments ago was something entirely different. Jag was troubled about something. She sensed it immediately through the Force now that she recognized it, and that was probably the source of his distraction. Jaina silently cursed herself. Even through the Force you have trouble figuring this man out. What's up with that?
Part of her knew that she should just go and leave Jag with his thoughts. After all, whatever was bothering him had nothing to do with her. Yet at the same time she told herself that, the words were already forming on her lips.
"Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice soft.
He finally turned to her, his sigh heavy and deep. "I was thinking about how my father will react once he learns of my presence here."
"What's this? Colonel Fel is afraid of angering his father?" she teased, playfully poking him on the shoulder.
"No. I'm afraid of losing his respect."
He obviously surprised himself more than he did Jaina, for Jag's eyes widened and a tinge of colour hit his cheeks. That was an admission she had not been expecting. Although she hadn't been around Jag a lot since she first met him on Ithor, she knew enough about the man to know that he didn't normally let things get to him. He allowed the words of politicians to bounce off him as if he were made of rubber. He took her criticisms and taunts without ever being insulted by them. It had never occurred to her that the one person who could shatter his cool disposition was his father, General Baron Soontir Fel.
There was a moment of awkward silence between them as Jaina tried to think of a response and Jag tried to look as if he hadn't said what he did. He ran a hand through his hair, messing it more than the wind did, then drew a long breath.
"I can't believe I said that outloud."
Jaina grinned. "I'm sure your father will be proud of you for making a stand here. I can't imagine why you would lose his respect when all you're doing is help fight against the Vong."
He nodded slowly, looking back at her. Once again, he had the power to take her breath away. Jaina found it increasingly hard to look into those green eyes and not become swept away by the emotion she saw there. She fixed her stare on the scar that ran from just above his right eyebrow and back into his hairline.
"My father and the Chiss parliament are unwilling to make any commitments to the war until they know more about the enemy. I'm suppose to be gathering tactical information, and I don't think my father will see my proactive stance here as a reconnaissance mission." He pursed his lips in a grim line. "It's complicated."
Jaina thought about some of the decisions she had made recently, how they had affected others in her life and understood, on some level, what was going through his mind. Still, General Baron Fel was revered as a great tactical mind. Surely, he would understand Jag's decision to join Twins Suns, and respect that.
"I doubt it's as complicated as you make it out to be." She smiled encouragingly, locking eyes with him once more.
"I'm the only son he has left. You have no idea how much of a burden that is."
Once again, shock washed over him and Jag looked away from her this time. Before Jaina could respond, could think of something to say to that, she sensed her uncle approaching them. Turning toward the biotics building, she groaned as Luke sauntered toward the platform. Great. I really didn't want to face him right now.