Hey kiddies, long time no see. Well, you ready for another serving?
Disclaimers: George Lucas, Zahn... Blah Blah Blah...
To enjoy or not to enjoy is entirely up to you.
-Jae
***
Han Solo fell back upon his hands in astonishment. He'd been encased in carbonite at the time members of the rebellion took on the former lord, but he'd recognize that face anywhere. The man had been of high stature, his organization encompassing an inexpressible amount of the illegal and legal activity in the galaxy. Prince Xizor. The Falleen's black hair, now streaked with gray, was fitted in a gold cuff atop his head, the rare silk of his ensemble was that produced on the dead sphere formally known as Caamas. Han had smuggled a small quantity for Jabba the Hutt what seemed like a lifetime ago. It was a face he'd seen on the holovid, a man of smuggling lore, A DEAD MAN; or so he'd thought.
After a few moments of gaping, Han regained his posture, a wry grin on his now facade face.
"Whaddya a clone or something?" He asked raising a battered eyebrow inquisitively. Xizor swiped his hand through the air to silence him.
"I did not have you brought here to ask questions, whether pertaining to my former demise or otherwise. You are here to allow me to avenge past events. To revisit our collective pasts per say." Han remained silent. Wasn't it too early in the game to reveal one's cards yet?
They remained silent, gauging the other discreetly. With the figure of the Dark Prince towering over him, Han struggled to remember the few details Luke and Leia had provided of the destruction of Xizor and his palace. There hadn't been time between the Sarlaac Pit and Endor to do much story telling. Leia had gone to The Dark Prince for help. Instead she was held against her will as bait for Luke... Chewie had once implied that... No.
"No.
Han bellowed, "You will not use me as lure to entrap them. Ya..." Han never finished his thoughts. He was swallowed by darkness as somebody struck him across the backside of his head.
***
Never made promises lightly, but there have been some that'd been broken... sworn in the days still left... She had to find him and that would not be accomplished sitting behind her desk, attending meeting after meeting or heading the Senate day in and day out. If it were the last thing she were to ever do... She would not leave the Farlax Sector without him.
Leia stood before the New Republic Senate. Her platform hovered above the marbled ground; she was not dressed in her usual fine robes. She had on a pair of flight pants, a tunic and an old battle fatigue vest, from the days of the rebellion. So many years had passed; so many intricate details in their lives had changed, but some things would forever stay the same. The audible hush that overtook the circular arena was quieting down. Leia spoke:
"My fellow New Republicans, I am taking leave of my office as Chief of State for an unknown period of time. A personal situation has arisen that I must attend to." I never dreamt that I would find somebody like him; I never dreamt that I would love somebody like him, I never dreamt that we would come so far only to once more be on the verge of losing one another... her voice remained balanced, her face revealing none of the inner turmoil burning within her.
"Councilor Gavrisom will be fulfilling the role as President until further notice. The Advisory council has agreed upon the decision and I am now presenting this conclusion to the Senate. Upon my return I will await a vote of confidence to continue my role as Chief of State. Any questions can be directed now to the members of the Advisory Council. May the Force be with you all."
A clamor of mixed applause and murmurs filled Leia's ears as she exited the Senatorial Hall.
***
Leia's steps tread heavily against the paneled floor. Her eldest son Jacen stood awaiting her at the shuttle's access doors. She could not help but mull over how much he looked like his father. Her eyebrows furrowed as she approached him. Jacen had been battling an inner war concerning his use and the use of others of the Force. Leia could not quite understand the turmoil affecting her son. She'd never worked up to her full potential as he and his siblings have been accomplishing. Another one of the could have, would have, should haves Leia often felt afflicting her life. She'd made her decision years ago. She was a diplomat. Her job to her people was to fight for their freedom and their rights and to help organize a government that would respect and uphold such ideals. It was her path. There was no point in dwelling upon past decisions. It was the future of her husband which now needed her full attention and capacity. They embraced silently and entered the transport. It wasn't long before Jacen finally spoke.
"Anakin's not pleased about being told to stay at the Academy. Nor am I pleased about being told to sit back and wait while my father is in peril. What's going on Mom? Uncle Luke and Mara have been gone for many days without any word. What are you keeping from me?" Leia frowned as she watched the outside world through the transparasteel windows. Her son was waiting expectantly for an answer. What was she to tell him? That she and his father would probably not return home? That he and his siblings may most likely be orphaned when it was all said and done?
"I remember the first time I held you Jace. I'm not sure when or even if before that I'd ever felt so alive. And when you and your sister were kidnapped, taken from me not once, but twice, I thought that I would cease functioning and go mad with despair. The last time that your father was held hostage, we were able to retrieve him. Our family has almost seemed invincible in my eyes. So many threats to our well-being, yet after all these years, we've survived. I've lost friends, family and loved ones, but your father and Uncle have been such focus points of my life since the day that they burst into that cell on the Death Star that I can not abandon them. Leaving it up to others and my children to find them and bring them back while I pretend that I am the very mast of strength and control. This is something that is between the past and myself. The NRI has found new developments, which correspond to my earlier intuitions. Only I can settle this." Jacen was now gripping his mothers tiny hand, clenching it in his own. There were tears coursing down Leia's cheeks. Jacen remained silent, waiting for his mother to continue. Leia inhaled the processed air of the transport, filling her lungs. Her breath came out in a slow sigh, each heartbeat bringing her closer to her destination. Closer to Han.
She did not continue speaking, only enclosed her son in an embrace.
***
Belindi Kalenda allowed Lando Calrissian to wrap his arm around her, his hand caressing her back. After years of being in the service of the NRI, she'd grown to become imperceptible. Her facial features and body language revealing nothing of her surprise or emotions. It was the smallest jerk, the slightest movement that could end an operative's career and life, destroying a mission.
Bero was also unfazed by the man's appearance.
"Ah, he said, "I was wondering when your consort would appear. Allow me introduce myself once more. The name is Bero and my superior has taken some interest in the young lady.
Lando said nothing as the Bith continued excitedly.
"A lucrative position in an organization of wealth and power is being offered. Her skills are required for a length of time yet to be determined."
Belindi raised her hand to silence the being,
"What type of skills are were talkin' about?" She inquired. This could be it, or at least a means of information, a new path to take. Bero's facial features reflected the species' equivalent of a malevolent smile.
"Gambling, escorting and information pilfering."
The arguing at the Saabac table had ceased and the rhythms of a popular post Imperial jazz quartet filled the corners of the cantina. Lando and Belindi exchanged confiding gazes, Lando's lips curled into a smirk.
"You can call me Alfonse. Let's see if we can't come to some sort of agreement."
***
"DADDY!" Jaina was in a cold sweat, her nightclothes clinging to her body. Sitting up in her bunk, she checked the chrono. She'd only gone to bed a few hours before, her entire being assaulted with the thoughts of her father; dead, held captive, tortured. Were these visions? Predictions of what was to come? She reached out into the darkness, a sudden presence in the room alarming her. As the lights came on she didn't like what she saw at all.
***
I have a tendency to uh stray from the timelines and events set in the books. The next chapter is well under way and should be quite interesting. Any complaints or comments, you know what to do. Until next time boys and girls.
-Jae
Disclaimers: George Lucas, Zahn... Blah Blah Blah...
To enjoy or not to enjoy is entirely up to you.
-Jae
***
Han Solo fell back upon his hands in astonishment. He'd been encased in carbonite at the time members of the rebellion took on the former lord, but he'd recognize that face anywhere. The man had been of high stature, his organization encompassing an inexpressible amount of the illegal and legal activity in the galaxy. Prince Xizor. The Falleen's black hair, now streaked with gray, was fitted in a gold cuff atop his head, the rare silk of his ensemble was that produced on the dead sphere formally known as Caamas. Han had smuggled a small quantity for Jabba the Hutt what seemed like a lifetime ago. It was a face he'd seen on the holovid, a man of smuggling lore, A DEAD MAN; or so he'd thought.
After a few moments of gaping, Han regained his posture, a wry grin on his now facade face.
"Whaddya a clone or something?" He asked raising a battered eyebrow inquisitively. Xizor swiped his hand through the air to silence him.
"I did not have you brought here to ask questions, whether pertaining to my former demise or otherwise. You are here to allow me to avenge past events. To revisit our collective pasts per say." Han remained silent. Wasn't it too early in the game to reveal one's cards yet?
They remained silent, gauging the other discreetly. With the figure of the Dark Prince towering over him, Han struggled to remember the few details Luke and Leia had provided of the destruction of Xizor and his palace. There hadn't been time between the Sarlaac Pit and Endor to do much story telling. Leia had gone to The Dark Prince for help. Instead she was held against her will as bait for Luke... Chewie had once implied that... No.
"No.
Han bellowed, "You will not use me as lure to entrap them. Ya..." Han never finished his thoughts. He was swallowed by darkness as somebody struck him across the backside of his head.
***
Never made promises lightly, but there have been some that'd been broken... sworn in the days still left... She had to find him and that would not be accomplished sitting behind her desk, attending meeting after meeting or heading the Senate day in and day out. If it were the last thing she were to ever do... She would not leave the Farlax Sector without him.
Leia stood before the New Republic Senate. Her platform hovered above the marbled ground; she was not dressed in her usual fine robes. She had on a pair of flight pants, a tunic and an old battle fatigue vest, from the days of the rebellion. So many years had passed; so many intricate details in their lives had changed, but some things would forever stay the same. The audible hush that overtook the circular arena was quieting down. Leia spoke:
"My fellow New Republicans, I am taking leave of my office as Chief of State for an unknown period of time. A personal situation has arisen that I must attend to." I never dreamt that I would find somebody like him; I never dreamt that I would love somebody like him, I never dreamt that we would come so far only to once more be on the verge of losing one another... her voice remained balanced, her face revealing none of the inner turmoil burning within her.
"Councilor Gavrisom will be fulfilling the role as President until further notice. The Advisory council has agreed upon the decision and I am now presenting this conclusion to the Senate. Upon my return I will await a vote of confidence to continue my role as Chief of State. Any questions can be directed now to the members of the Advisory Council. May the Force be with you all."
A clamor of mixed applause and murmurs filled Leia's ears as she exited the Senatorial Hall.
***
Leia's steps tread heavily against the paneled floor. Her eldest son Jacen stood awaiting her at the shuttle's access doors. She could not help but mull over how much he looked like his father. Her eyebrows furrowed as she approached him. Jacen had been battling an inner war concerning his use and the use of others of the Force. Leia could not quite understand the turmoil affecting her son. She'd never worked up to her full potential as he and his siblings have been accomplishing. Another one of the could have, would have, should haves Leia often felt afflicting her life. She'd made her decision years ago. She was a diplomat. Her job to her people was to fight for their freedom and their rights and to help organize a government that would respect and uphold such ideals. It was her path. There was no point in dwelling upon past decisions. It was the future of her husband which now needed her full attention and capacity. They embraced silently and entered the transport. It wasn't long before Jacen finally spoke.
"Anakin's not pleased about being told to stay at the Academy. Nor am I pleased about being told to sit back and wait while my father is in peril. What's going on Mom? Uncle Luke and Mara have been gone for many days without any word. What are you keeping from me?" Leia frowned as she watched the outside world through the transparasteel windows. Her son was waiting expectantly for an answer. What was she to tell him? That she and his father would probably not return home? That he and his siblings may most likely be orphaned when it was all said and done?
"I remember the first time I held you Jace. I'm not sure when or even if before that I'd ever felt so alive. And when you and your sister were kidnapped, taken from me not once, but twice, I thought that I would cease functioning and go mad with despair. The last time that your father was held hostage, we were able to retrieve him. Our family has almost seemed invincible in my eyes. So many threats to our well-being, yet after all these years, we've survived. I've lost friends, family and loved ones, but your father and Uncle have been such focus points of my life since the day that they burst into that cell on the Death Star that I can not abandon them. Leaving it up to others and my children to find them and bring them back while I pretend that I am the very mast of strength and control. This is something that is between the past and myself. The NRI has found new developments, which correspond to my earlier intuitions. Only I can settle this." Jacen was now gripping his mothers tiny hand, clenching it in his own. There were tears coursing down Leia's cheeks. Jacen remained silent, waiting for his mother to continue. Leia inhaled the processed air of the transport, filling her lungs. Her breath came out in a slow sigh, each heartbeat bringing her closer to her destination. Closer to Han.
She did not continue speaking, only enclosed her son in an embrace.
***
Belindi Kalenda allowed Lando Calrissian to wrap his arm around her, his hand caressing her back. After years of being in the service of the NRI, she'd grown to become imperceptible. Her facial features and body language revealing nothing of her surprise or emotions. It was the smallest jerk, the slightest movement that could end an operative's career and life, destroying a mission.
Bero was also unfazed by the man's appearance.
"Ah, he said, "I was wondering when your consort would appear. Allow me introduce myself once more. The name is Bero and my superior has taken some interest in the young lady.
Lando said nothing as the Bith continued excitedly.
"A lucrative position in an organization of wealth and power is being offered. Her skills are required for a length of time yet to be determined."
Belindi raised her hand to silence the being,
"What type of skills are were talkin' about?" She inquired. This could be it, or at least a means of information, a new path to take. Bero's facial features reflected the species' equivalent of a malevolent smile.
"Gambling, escorting and information pilfering."
The arguing at the Saabac table had ceased and the rhythms of a popular post Imperial jazz quartet filled the corners of the cantina. Lando and Belindi exchanged confiding gazes, Lando's lips curled into a smirk.
"You can call me Alfonse. Let's see if we can't come to some sort of agreement."
***
"DADDY!" Jaina was in a cold sweat, her nightclothes clinging to her body. Sitting up in her bunk, she checked the chrono. She'd only gone to bed a few hours before, her entire being assaulted with the thoughts of her father; dead, held captive, tortured. Were these visions? Predictions of what was to come? She reached out into the darkness, a sudden presence in the room alarming her. As the lights came on she didn't like what she saw at all.
***
I have a tendency to uh stray from the timelines and events set in the books. The next chapter is well under way and should be quite interesting. Any complaints or comments, you know what to do. Until next time boys and girls.
-Jae