CHAPTER 9

A distinct rapping sound on the speeder's window caused both Jag and Jaina to jump in unison. They giggled at the absurdity of the moment as the muffled voice of one of their assigned escorts tried to get their attention from outside the vehicle. Jaina reached across and used her fingers to wipe the glossy smudge of lip coloring from the corner of her husband's mouth. He turned to suck on the finger instead, all the while buttoning the top of his uniform jacket.

Jaina, contorting herself in the confines of the speeder's private passenger compartment, jerked her hand free with a mischievous grin. "You are so bad," she scolded him as she tried to adjust the top of her dress.

The rapping became more insistent. Jag lowered the window slightly, using his frame to block the view of the interior. "We'll be just a minute," he commanded the Intel officer.

"Certainly, sir," came a respectful reply.

The din of the crowd outside the Naboo Grand Hall was deafening until the window closed again, dropping the couple back into the isolated silence of the speeder. "It's crazy out there," Jag remarked as he turned back to his wife.

Jaina faced Jag, anxiously fixing some wayward curls that had escaped her carefully coifed hair. "You could say the same for in here," she chuckled. "So, do I look presentable?"

Jag allowed one arm to slink casually around his wife's waist. "Good enough to eat."

Arching an eyebrow, Jaina resisted his pull with a palm on Jag's chest. "That's not quite the answer I was going for…"

Not one to be denied, Jag dipped Jaina back, kissing the spot behind her ear. Then he whispered in a low seductive tone. "Then you should not wear clothes that tease my Corellian soul."

He tasted his way down her neck, soaking in the sumptuous trail of perfume left from her pulse point to the rim of her collarbone. Jag applied his lips skillfully the length of the seductive and sensitive bone until Jaina acquiesced with a moan. Satisfied, he drifted lower to the plentiful curves blossoming over the top of the red dress.

A sudden voice and the clamor of outside noise bolted Jag upright in the seat, dragging Jaina along until he unceremoniously dumped her on the seat next to him. "Colonel Solo-Fel, I must insist for your safety and the safety of the crowd…"

Jaina gave Jag a gentle nudge, peeking out from behind his carefully positioned torso. "We're ready, Officer. I apologize, but I had a minor ensemble crisis."

"Is there something I can do to assist…" The young man furrowed his brows quizzically then decided against further discussion on the matter as Jag cleared his throat. Jaina could only imagine the face he was directing at the poor man. The officer tipped his head respectfully. "If you're ready?"

Jag replied casually over the ever-increasing cacophony. "Lead the way."

Scooting across the seat, Jaina inhaled deeply once before accepting her husband's proffered hand. As she rose from the confines of the speeder, the noise level rose in a flourishing crescendo as the crowds of admirers cordoned off from the main entrance to the Grand Hall caught sight of her. At the same time, she was buffeted by an intense surge of emotions emanating from the crowd. It actually caused her to fall back, but Jag was there to offer a supporting arm while she quickly slammed the mental barriers around herself protectively.

A brief exchange with Jag's concerned green eyes confirmed to him that she was fine. Not a moment later, the security contingent was hustling them up the immense staircase in a flurry of shuffling feet. Memories began flooding back to Jaina as she recalled the last time she had been at this very location. The same was true for Jag; she felt it in her heart and in the subtle squeeze on her hand.

Once at the top, as a couple, the young lovers paused despite the insistent demands of the guards all around them. A quick scowl from Jag was enough to send the entire squad back a step with polite nods. Turning back to Jaina's upturned face as her smile radiated love, Jag slipped back into a memory. His hands reached up to cup her face, desperate for a touch. Jag's palms found the silky skin. His lips, jealous of his hands, rushed forward of their own accord.

Jaina, mistakenly expecting a feathering of a kiss at best, met his mouth with the gentleness she predicted for such a public display of affection. A year ago emotions were high, and Jag had needed to stake his claim. Now, Jaina expected the reserved man with whom she had fallen in love to be bound again by his own inhibitions once more. His kiss, though, demanded a response. There was no question of their love before all these witnesses. Jaina's lips parted, and he plunged into her mouth wantonly. The force of his passion caused Jaina to fade away, but Jag wrapped a hand around her tiny body until they touched from top to bottom.

Jaina's arms snaked around his neck. The noise of the hoots and whistles from below finally broke through their intimate union. Jaina pulled her head away first. Jag followed with his hungry lips until the kiss broke. A grin stretched across Jaina's face.

"That was some memory."

Jag rubbed his thumb lovingly along Jaina's cheekbone as he replied. "Better. Now we have a lifetime in front of us."

The cries of the crowd demanded to be heard above the private bubble they had erected in their minds, shutting out the world. Jaina's eyes sparkled like a rare gem ripped from the depths of the earth. "I feel like a princess in your mother's holodrama."

"You are the princess of my dreams."

Jaina tipped her head toward the crowd. "Maybe we had better give them what they want."

Of the same mind, Jaina and Jag turned to face the crowd. Their closest arms held desperately onto each other; the other offered a polite wave in recognition of the support and warmth flowing in their direction. The shouts and calls grew like a closing thunderstorm, as did the accompanying cheers. Jaina never even heard the lead of the security group as he leaned in, but she sensed his consternation. She nodded despite not really knowing his request. She had general idea of his desire indicated by his outstretched arm waving at the door.

It was a quick trip to the large main doors, and Jaina and Jag emerged into the regal elegance of the Grand Hall, no longer the dank ruins where Jaina had fought her terrible battle with Shimrra. Everywhere light and sparkling newness glimmered with overwhelming hope renewed. Not until she stepped inside did Jaina realize how full circle they had come. Oddly enough, the location did not seem to bother her in the least. It was a comforting fact to know the horrible dark presence of the Overlord could be squashed and consumed by the light of rebirth.

They had little time to absorb the opulence of the Hall, now restored to its original splendor of Padmé's era, for Provisional Governor Leia Organa Solo was beckoning to Jaina and Jag from the head of the receiving line. Threepio parked by her mother's side was issuing his customary official introductions.

"Colonel Jagged Fel, heir to Baron General…"

Leia glowered at the shiny droid. "Really, Threepio. I think I know my own family."

When confronted, Threepio's arms jerked up in his odd habit. "Of course, Mistress Solo. I was merely…"

"Threepio!"

The protocol droid abruptly turned himself away to await the next guest in a two step waddle. Leia stepped back, assuming her proper stance as Governor and an official hostess. Her smile faded momentarily. "Sorry about the snap a minute ago. I think I am beginning to dislike these things as much as your father."

Jaina laughed. "So that's why you let him beg out of tonight."

"I couldn't bear to tell him he had to come here and tear him away from Keira. As soon as possible, I am going to beg out of the festivities myself. Hopefully, I'll make it home in time for bedtime stories." Leia heaved her shoulders then assimilated a welcoming smile while opening her arms for her daughter. "You look stunning," she exclaimed.

Jaina accepted her mother's arms eagerly, returning the hug with the same ferocity but took care not to damage either of their delicate ensembles. "Thank you. Something I just pulled out of the Falcon on a whim and threw on."

Eyeing Jaina from head to toe, Leia's smile turned a little wicked before she reached out to fix the laces on the front of the dress discreetly. "It looks like it came off in as big of a hurry." She winked as she smoothed the tie once and lowered her hands. Without missing a beat, Leia faced Jag with a toothy grin. "You look dashing, Jagged."

Fighting off the notable embarrassment, Jag cleared his throat subconsciously, but to his credit managed to not turn a shade of red like a Yugori apple. He respectfully leaned forward and kissed his mother-in-law's cheek. "Thank you, Leia. Your beauty rivals Jaina's tonight."

Leia chucked Jag on the cheek with her tiny palm. "You're sweet for saying so, but I am sure there will be eyes only on one Solo woman tonight."

Jag caught Leia's hand with his own and brought it to his lips. "Jaina has you to thank for that."

The Governor drew her hand away with a gracious smile. "Flattery will get you very far, Jag." She leaned closer. "You're already my favorite son-in-law, though."

"Thank you. I am honored."

Leia glanced down the receiving line then back at the Thyferran Senator and his contingent entering through the enormous doors of the Grand Hall. "Now is your chance to make a good impression. I will stall Senator Glentaw for as long as possible."

Jaina smiled appreciatively as a flock of Ryloth moths took flight in her stomach. "Thanks, Mom."

Turning to step away, Leia's voice caused Jaina to halt in her tracks. "Sweetie?" The daughter turned back dutifully. "Try to exercise some tact – hmmm?"

"As always, Mother."

"Remember, the Empire was not crushed in one night."

Jag stifled a snort. "My wife and your daughter figures things would have been different if she were in charge."

Jag's mirth was undeniable as he placed a palm on the small of his wife's back to guide her down the line. He was composed by the time they had to exchange formalities with the string of dignitaries between Jaina and her ultimate destination, the Chief of State. Jaina felt the knot growing in her stomach, but by now Jag was a rock, her rock, strong and sure. His palm slipped along hers and his fingers twined around her tiny digits like old friends. Jaina stole his solidarity willingly.

The moment arrived, and she was being introduced to Cal Omas, the most powerful man in the galaxy. Jaina straightened her shoulders as she drew in a deep breath. Jag's hand faded away as he lingered to answer a question directed his way by Cal's aide, a towering Devaronian. With just the two of them, leader and hero, face to face, the Alderaanian peered down through wizened eyes, studying the young woman who had defeated Overlord Shimrra. At the same time, she grinned up with a disarming smile. The battle for Twin Suns had begun.

"Colonel Solo, it is a pleasure to finally meet you." The Galactic leader's voice was smooth as the finest shimmersilk.

Jaina tipped her head respectfully. "Likewise, I am honored."

The shift of the Chief of State's gaze was subtle but not missed as his eye's quickly scanned downward. "You look well. I kept up on your illness and recovery through your mother. You sacrificed much for the sake of all our people. You seem to have come through with shiny colors." His expression was polite. "Ah, and I believe congratulations are in order. You have a new husband and daughter."

"Yes, I am very blessed to have a truly amazing husband at my side as well as our daughter, Keira." Jaina allowed herself the privilege of a proud smile before sharpening her focus to the task at hand.

Tight on time, Cal recognized her gratitude with a curt nod then turned his attention back to the matter on both of their minds. "So Colonel Solo-Fel, I hear you have been reluctant to sign back on with the Alliance military. General Antilles and I spoke not more than an hour ago on the matter. Your talents and public image would be a boon to Starfighter Command. What can I offer to garner your favor?"

Tact, Jaina. Tact. Jaina drew a mental image of her mother in the middle of heated negotiations and imposed it on herself before stating her demands. "Full autonomy."

Cal chuckled. "General Antilles wasn't lying then. You must realize the impetuousness of your request, and the implausibility. Everyone must answer to a higher authority, even myself."

"I do." Cal arched an eyebrow curiously at Jaina's remark. "I answer to the Force."

Cal's face hardened slightly. He was obviously not used to being told he was not the ultimate authority. "Then ask the Jedi Council to fund your Twin Suns, my dear."

Jaina's smile never faltered. "The Jedi are not warriors in the true sense. Not all would condone the type of squadron I want to establish. Besides, they, too, answer to the bureaucracy of the Galactic Senate, which helps fund them."

She caught the Thyferran delegation starting down the line. Time was closing in, so Jaina needed to state her case and hide the desperation boiling up from the pit of her stomach. Realistically Jaina knew her ultimate desire was unattainable, but as always she was setting the bar high and hoping for the best. She plunged forward bravely.

"Sir, I want to protect the galaxy. I want to root out the evil that will threaten the tentative peace we have fought for. At the same time, I fear I will be used instead as a propaganda machine for the galactic government instead of where I am truly needed. I cannot serve two masters. Twin Suns was a powerful weapon during the war. We were afforded liberties then…"

"Yes, yes. I see your concerns Colonel Solo-Fel, but you must understand the practical implications of giving one person free rein. War calls for drastic measures, but now everyone must be held accountable. It's just not possible. I am sure General Antilles would place you in the best position for your skills…"

"It's not Starfighter Command that I am worried about; it's the whims of the Galactic Senate. I don't want to become a political toy."

Cal held up a hand. "I would try my best to keep politics out of your squadron."

"But can you guarantee it?"

The leader's face was condescending. "You know I cannot."

Raising her chin, Jaina struck a defiant chord. "Then we are at an impasse I am afraid."

Cal was absolutely a blank slate for a couple of heartbeats. Jaina was not sure what to make of his inaction. Then the man curled up one side of his mouth. "That is unfortunate…for all involved."

Jaina detected something else though, a deep appreciation possibly from the other man. She forced a smile. "It is." She sensed the Thyferran delegation closing. "Thank you for your time, sir."

Jaina tipped her head and began her turn to leave his presence, when Cal's voice halted her departure "Colonel?"

Her eyes locked into Cal's. "Yes?"

"There is always a way to achieve your goals. You just have to find it."

She smiled. "Thank you. Have a good evening."

"You're welcome." Cal swiveled his gaze from Jaina to her husband as he scooted into the tail end of the conversation. "Colonel Fel, perhaps you will be better able to sway your wife on behalf of Starfighter Command."

Jaina's eyes flashed to her husband. "I will try, sir." She watched as he stiffened visibly.

The Chief of State grinned as he stuck out his hand to Jag. "I will make it your first official assignment as Rogue Squadron Commander. I suppose congratulations are in order."

Jag accepted the warm handshake. "I was unaware it was official, sir."

"It was a pleasure to sign off on your assignment this afternoon. The Chiss's loss is our gain."

"Thank you, sir." Jag took back his hand before turning to his wife.

Jaina was staring at him with her mouth agape, just barely registering the truth. For a moment there was complete silence in her mind as it struggled to fight between her failure and her husband's hidden success. She had been realistic in her expectations, noting that it might take time and bartering to achieve her goals. That did not make her initial failure any easier to swallow. Here, now, she was faced with the shocking reality that her husband would be back in the game sooner than she ever imagined. The heady truth spun around in her mind like some whirling dervish out of control.

Jag's demeanor never wavered as he grabbed her elbow and ushered her away from the receiving line. She complied long enough to make it out of earshot then slammed on the thrusters, grinding to a halt to stare at her husband. Words were impossible to form; her mouth just wavered open and shut.

Finally Jag broke the silence. "Well, are going to say something?"

Jag got his answer as Jaina swung on her heel and stalked off.

Jag marched after Jaina as she dismissed herself from the third group of admirers since leaving the Chief of State. She was as riled as a tusk-cat guarding its kill for sure, yet her stony silence was worse than any tirade she might have inflicted upon him. At least if she lashed out verbally then he would have had a chance to state his case. This way he was caught in some insufferable purgatory, and she held the keys.

He grabbed her arm, closing his fingers solidly around the warm flesh. "Jaina, we need to talk."

Jag did not give Jaina an option as he tugged her to a discreet corner. They were partially hidden behind a large ornamental plant, away from the prying eyes of any curious spectators. He released his wife, and she swiveled in a flurry of red shimmersilk, her brown eyes sparkling like lasers set to kill. "Interesting concept from one who conveniently forgets to talk about some fairly important matters."

"Listen Jaina, I can explain if you give me a chance…"

Her hands shot to the waist cinched into an impossible circumference by those binding red laces. "A chance?! A chance! Sithspit, how many chances do you need, Jag? I can name several chances…"

"It might seem that way, but there was never a good time for you and me to have a one on one conversation. I was going to tell you tonight…later. I never figured my nomination would be endorsed so quickly." Jag ran his fingers through the white shock of hair.

Her eyebrows shot up in high arches. "I suppose there wasn't time in the speeder?"

Jag fought a blush, caught in his own untruth. "Yes…well…" Jag slapped his hands against the sides of his black dress pants in frustration. "You know as well as I that I could not help myself. I mean look at you; you're…you're…I admit I was…distracted."

The compliment did not have the desired effect of calming her ire. Instead it only served to fan the fire. "Jag," she hissed, "this is important. This is a life decision, and you just forgot to tell me because you were distracted."

Jag tried to take her hand. "Jaina, be reasonable. You were gone all day at work and then Iella was there at your office. Then Kyp showed up. We were never really alone long enough to discuss Wedge's offer. I was not excluding you. Besides we had discussed me joining Starfighter Command once we got to Naboo."

She yanked her hand away and fussed with the scarlet laces. "Yes, but where are the Rogues going to be based? Here on Naboo always, or Coruscant later? These things are important." Her brown eyes were quieter for a moment. "You always do this."

"What?" He was truly confused; he had done nothing wrong.

"Make decisions without me."

Jag bristled under the accusation. "I do not."

"Yes, you do," she said quietly. "You designed the Legacy without me. You made the decision to resign from the Chiss military on your own…" She started a list with practiced ease.

"I cannot believe you are throwing those things in my face. I did all that for you."

"Did you ask my opinion?" Jaina's words were tinged with sarcasm.

"No." Jag felt his control slipping. Hot anger boiled beneath his typically cool demeanor and threatened to spill over. Everything he had ever done out of love was being discarded as his own selfish designs. "You are a fine one to talk. I don't see you asking my opinion on Twin Suns." The vehemence was undeniable in his voice.

"I told you exactly what I had planned. You knew…"

"I knew what you wanted, but you have effectively shut me out. You have summarily dismissed me on several occasions. If you want to throw the Legacy back in my face, so be it. I will give you the funds to design your own ship. Those same funds, let me remind you, that made it possible for me to resign my Chiss commission without any undue stress on our lives except that we were given the opportunity to come back to Naboo. I would have just as gladly stayed on Csilla and spent time with you and Keira. I missed you – both of you. Why can't you ever defer to me? It's always about what you think is best. Maybe I do those things so I might have a say in an otherwise one-way street."

Jag's eyes darted back and forth, varying between rage and hurt with each movement. Then a dark cloak shuttered them off, hiding Jag behind a steely wall. Jaina simply stood there, unflappable and sure of herself, waiting for him to yield. He was, for once, going to deny the woman he loved.

Jag spun on his heel and walked away.

Daron let his partner guide the ship into its berth in the Theed spaceport. He had been there only once previously to meet Iella, shortly after the infamous encounter with the rogue Jedi called Zekk. Glancing out the view port as he undid his seat restraints, he noted that the amount of city lights indicated considerable development since his last visit. Also, the strict protocols to gain permission to land had changed. It had taken considerable wrangling and name throwing to open the tight channels.

Standing, Daron placed a reassuring hand on Aptin's shoulder then slipped out of the cockpit to check on their passenger. The sound of his boots clipped off the transparisteel floorboards of the inauspicious vessel. Other than the steady rhythm of plastene sole metal, the ship was eerily quiet. Not one of the three passengers had spoken much since departing the ruined fueling station a couple of hours previously. The girl had not spoken a word since Daron had carried her battered body from the wreck.

Sneaking into the small passenger compartment, Daron paused. She was finally asleep. For most of the trip, the poor girl – he knew she was otherwise but was incapable of seeing the battered shell before him as a woman – had sat in the corner of the bunk. Her eyes had peeled out in wide-eyed distrust, waiting for the next terrible truth to jolt her reality. Daron had been hard pressed to treat even her most superficial injuries.

The impact of landing had forced him to lay a palm on the wardrobe doors to balance himself as he tiptoed into the dimly lit room. Once steadied, he trained his eyes on the bruised face peeking out from under a blanket drawn up to a dimpled chin. The girl had cleaned most of the wounds herself and applied some bacta salve. Even then, he wondered what grievous injuries resided below the surface. By the pained look on her face when she was awake and the ragged intake of her breath, he guessed there were broken ribs at a minimum. Bacta would cure her body's woes, but Daron wondered if anything would heal the emotional wounds, ever.

Kneeling down, Daron eyed the scorched wound under the cover of her bangs. The odd symbol was impossible to miss though, as it practically glowed with some inner heat, like it was still on fire. She had avoided the blistered abomination in her ministrations.

Daron gently placed a hand on her shoulder, hidden under the blanket. The girl shot awake; her eyes snapping open as her body jumped reflexively, hands warding off an impending attack. He whipped his hands back to his shoulders, palms out, and waited for a couple breaths for recognition to enter her eyes. As soon as her posture relaxed, Daron addressed his ward.

"We're here."

Her eyes gave no indication that she knew what he had said. She merely blinked once then disappeared back into some personal shell. Daron was not sure where to go from there, so he bent over to sweep the blanket she had thrown off in her surprise. He folded it efficiently and returned it to the storage bin.

Turning around, Daron found the girl halfway to standing. Her movements were painfully slow. Daron went to her side, but hesitated to assist when her eyes flashed warily in his direction. He had to respect her spirit after all that had transpired. Stepping aside, he made way for the girl to move toward the corridor.

She gauged him cautiously, then stepped forward gingerly placing one foot in front of the other. A few steps from the open door, her knees buckled and the girl fell to the floor. Daron was quick enough to prevent the inevitable thud and scooped the limp frame into his arms. A small moan was the only proof that she was conscious still.

Peering down at the pitiful brown eyes, partially focused in his direction, Daron spoke, more for his own benefit than hers. "I've got you. Nothing's going to happen." He swallowed. "I promise."

She gave in then, her brown orbs rolling back. Not a second later the her body relaxed in his arms as she slipped into the dark of unconsciousness.

Han sat on the settee in his daughter's room, with Keira nestled into the crook of his arms. She wiggled her tiny head, burrowing further into the warmth of his body. The lights were dimmed, and the house was still and quiet around two kindred spirits enjoying a solemn moment.

It had been too long since Han had the thrill of cuddling with an infant, and he had forgotten the pure joy that could be found from such simple moments. As if to express her shared sentiment, Keira released a self-satisfied sigh then stuck her fist in her mouth. Han was learning this habit was simply one of the wonderful quirks every baby developed.

He smoothed the fuzzy black hair, proof that she was part Fel, back with the gentle brush of his palm. "So what story do you want to hear, my beautiful Corellian princess?"

Keira answered with a gurgling coo muffled by the wonderful tasting fist.

Glancing around, Han found a stuffed Ewok propped up on the arm of the settee. It was decorated with a green bow, a large flimsi tag sticking out. Picking up the toy, Han read the inscription aloud. "To Keira: Your own Lieutenant Kettch to order around. Love, Uncle Wedge and Aunt Iella." Han harumphed. "Already capturing the hearts of pilots everywhere. Your mother had that same ability early on. Serves your father right, I suppose."

He wiggled the fuzzy doll in his hand, ruffling its fur. Han paused as a tiny hand stretched out until a set of chubby fingers could claw into the fur. It was almost as if she were able to see. Keira tugged the plush fur until the plastene nose could replace her fist in the inquisitive mouth. Grandpa Han guided the doll away, only to be met with a muted protest.

"Yes, I know. Keira likes to get her way, but sometimes we mere mortals know better than baby princesses." Han's husky voice had the pleasant effect of calming the rising storm. "How about I tell you that story?"

Keira cooed.

"Oh, I see. Score one hit for the old pilot." He nestled the Ewok doll between Keira and his torso. She gripped it with two powerful arms possessively. Han rolled his lips as his mind worked furiously to devise a story. With his own children, bedtime stories had been treasured events where he had spun wild yarns to the delight of all three children. He eyed the Ewok and found inspiration whispering in his ear.

"A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, there was a man named Han…uh, Handsome, who was forced to save the beautiful Princess Laney and her wayward brother, Lucifer, for they had become lost in the jungle. Lucifer was easy to find – men never truly get lost you see - but Laney was nowhere to be found. Chewie, Handsome's best friend in the whole galaxy, used his amazing ability to follow a scent and trailed the beautiful lost princess.

"On the way, Handsome's search party ran into these furry creatures called Ewoks." Han poked a finger into his muse as if to emphasize his point. "They surrounded Handsome and his band of merry men, but Handsome was not afraid. I knew… I mean, he knew the Ewoks would lead him to the princess."

Keira kicked her feet excitedly, then cuddled into the warmth provided by the fur of the doll. The same delicious fist found its way back into her mouth. Han smiled warmly as he rubbed a loving thumb across the silky soft skin of her forehead.

"So Handsome walked bravely into the Ewok village, surrounded by hundreds of savages – for these beasts were full of fire in their bellies and gnashing teeth beneath their deceptively cute exterior. But Handsome knew he needed to be brave for the princess's sake. Of course the others doubted, but Handsome was sure they would find Princess Laney a prisoner of the Ewoks. He was right of course. She was there, a captive, held against her will. She stood there so beautiful and proud, waiting for him to rescue her and declare his love."

"There was a fierce battle, and Handsome took care to spare as many Ewoks as possible for they were only protecting a precious jewel they had found. Who would have not wanted the magical princess for their own? In the end, he rescued the princess from the village. After the battle, the Ewoks threw themselves at Handsome's feet, awed by his prowess as a warrior.

Han smirked, proud of his fabrication so far. "The princess begged for forgiveness of her captors. She was a merciful woman, and Handsome was powerless to her feminine wiles. He was smart though and formed a plan quickly. An alliance was drawn up that day, a powerful alliance, without which the terrible Emperor, who wished to slay Laney and Lucifer, might never have been defeated. So you see, if Handsome had not saved the princess on that day who knows what might have become of that galaxy. As it was, Handsome married his Princess Laney, and they lived happily ever after."

Han drew in a breath as he gazed down at the now sleeping form of the tiny infant. In his eyes, she was the epitome of what was right in the galaxy – innocence and beauty wrapped up in the perfect package. He exhaled with a shudder. If not for the profound peace wafting through his mind, he might have jumped at the sultry sound of a voice trickling past his ear on a warm, tantalizing breath.

"My hero, the mighty Handsome Han."

Han balanced Keira delicately with both arms as he craned his neck to stare into two loving brown eyes. He felt the color rise in his cheeks with a flush. "A guy can dream."

Skirting the settee, Leia settled gently into the soft cushions, drawing her legs up beside her. "Every princess needs a hero."

She feathered a kiss on his lips before placing her head on his shoulder. Together, Han and Leia gazed down at Keira to watch the steady rise and fall of her life-giving breath. They were silent for a long while before Han spoke. "I am a whole lot luckier than that Handsome fellow could ever hope to be because right now I have two princesses in my arms."

President Fruto Kenkant of the Rolobian Domain had droned on forever about the merits of processing Uchin fruit pods before shipping versus the usual practice of shipping freshly harvested pods. A quick mental check revealed her forced smile was starting a wayward tumble to a frown again. Jaina started to exercise the facial muscles required to smile, noting it always seemed harder when that was not what your face wanted to do.

"Excuse me, President Kenkant. I need to steal Colonel Solo-Fel for important Jedi business." The sound of Kyp's voice was music to her ears, and Jaina found her smile grew with ease.

"Certainly, Master Durron."

Jaina bowed courteously and then acquiesced to the gentle tug on her elbow. Barely out of earshot, she leaned over to whisper into her friend's ear. "Thank the Maker, Kyp. I thought I was going to die of boredom. I swear I will never eat another Uchin fruit for as long as I live."

A sort of smile tickled the Master's lips. "Somehow I doubt that."

"What business do we have to discuss? Is it with Luke and Mara? I have barely had a chance to speak to them all night," she queried innocently.

"Nothing planet shattering really…"

Suddenly Kyp swept Jaina into an embrace, one hand planted on her tiny waist, the other grasped her hand. Before she realized what he had done, Kyp had them spinning in the flurry of dancers crowding the center of the Grand Hall's floor. The tune was a lively number, and Jaina had to focus for a few moments to catch the necessary steps. She giggled despite her annoyance at being conned into dancing. Her mood was entirely too foul to be parading around in such a carefree manner.

Kyp smiled down at her. "…just thought you would like to dance."

Furrowing her brows, Jaina called her partner out. "What are you up to, Kyp?"

He blinked his green eyes, feigning hurt. "Why am I always the first to be suspected for ulterior motives and scheming? Truth be told, Drue has been dealt the unsavory task of sucking up to her father and the rest of the Thyferran delegation. I, on the other hand, was summarily dismissed so as to not tarnish the unparalleled reputation Drue fabricated so we could get the hapless Bacta Cartels to fund the Dozen."

"Ah, so that's how you have a squadron of new X-wings."

Kyp, anticipating a sliver of an opening between two couples, whipped Jaina in a dizzying spin across the floor. "A perceptive one you are."

Jaina stepped away as the dance dictated so they were at arm's length, then back so Kyp could capture her once again. "So, to whom does the Dozen answer?"

"The Jedi Council," he answered matter-of-factly. "Tell me, where's your husband? I am surprised he had the nerve to leave you unchaperoned among the hungry masses."

"He's around." Jaina stared at Kyp's new green Jedi tunic, examining the intricate weave of the thread.

The song ended, and Kyp bowed with all the flourish of a nobleman while Jaina curtsied as decorum dictated. A slow melody wafted across the room after the band briefly acknowledged the applause. Jaina turned to step off the dance floor, but Kyp had other plans. She found herself firmly planted in his arms; their bodies were respectively separated, but it was definitely an intimate arrangement.

"Kyp…" she began to protest, still not meeting those all-knowing eyes boring into her.

A gentle finger elevated her chin. Jaina fought the urge to look at him, but the call was undeniable. "What happened?"

A single tear slipped out of the corner of Jaina's eye. "We had a fight."

He cocked her head side to side, all the while fighting a smirk. "Don't see any blood. How's the mere mortal?"

Jerking her head free, Jaina smacked her palm on his chest. "Stop it, Kyp. It's not funny."

"I suppose not." Kyp donned a formal mask. "Do you want to talk about it?"

She shook her head side to side. "Mmmm-uhhh."

"All right, let me venture a guess." He ignored her livid glower. "Jaina, in her mad desire to get Twin Suns going, ran around these last couple of days bent on her one objective, only to meet opposition at every turn. Colonel Jagged Fel, as luck would have it, falls into this stellar gig of commanding the most prestigious starfighter squadron to ever fly. Caught up in her own personal crisis, Jaina doesn't learn this fact until after the ink has dried, as the saying goes. How am I doing?"

Jaina balked in place, refusing to participate in the dance further. "You've been talking to Jag?"

"No." He wrestled Jaina back into compliance, forcing her feet to move with his powerful arms. "Word of Jag's new command is circulating like wild fire. Meanwhile you are over here putting off Jaina-heat-waves like none of the Jedi have ever felt before."

"If I wasn't in this dress…"

"Yes, well we have had that conversation once before," he offered with some mirth. "You are at a disadvantage, seeing as it is physically impossible to channel the Force in that dress." Her look was one of pure disgust, and Kyp could not help but laugh. "I must say you are lovelier than I remember - fiery temper and all."

"Kyp," she hissed a warning. "The Dark Side is very tempting at this moment."

This time Kyp stopped, dragging her to a halt before him. "Jaina, talk to Jag. Time is too precious to waste on static in the comm lines. You should be proud of what he has accomplished, not ripped because you weren't in on the deal. There is not a thing that man would not do for you, and I know the same is true the other way. I know you though; you forget sometimes there is more than just Jaina involved. You have got a husband and baby. You have to learn to give – in everything."

Kyp finished his lecture curtly, then resumed his trek across the dance floor with Jaina in tow. Remarkably she did not argue, bark, or even mutter a cold reply. She simply followed his lead. That was until Kyp spun her out of his arms and into the path of another couple.

"Colonel Fel."

Jag drew his feet together slowly before turning to address his caller. He heaved in a breath, drawing back his shoulders proudly to hide the bitter defeat pounding in his heart. After an hour of enduring one congratulatory backslap after another, Jag had found the perfect opportunity to escape. That was until the Queen of Hapes had summoned him.

He about-faced smartly on his heel and forced a smile his heart could not back. "Your Majesty."

To his dismay, Jacen was escorting Tenel Ka. If Jaina's twin knew anything was wrong, he did a masterful job of concealing it. Jag offered a polite nod then turned his focus back to Tenel Ka, who seemed to have changed from shrewd Jedi warrior princess to serene world leader with ease.

"I was wondering, Colonel Fel, if you might do me the honor of escorting me in a dance."

Jag glanced to the dance floor first, where the occupants were whipping around to an upbeat tune, then to Jacen, who was respectfully distancing himself. Completing the circuit, he met Tenel Ka's royal gaze. Jag tipped his head respectfully before offering his arm. "It would be my honor."

She smiled politely. "Perfect."

Not more than a few short steps later, Jag was guiding the Queen of Hapes in an intricate series of steps. She whispered in a discreet tone while matching his lead with alarming proficiency. "Thank you for the trouble, Jag." She slipped into a less formal tone when prying ears were unable to make out their conversation between the music and rustle of material floating across the dance floor. "I was trying to avoid the inevitable rumors of Jacen becoming my future consort if we continued in the same manner for the rest of the evening."

"I see," he offered curtly. "Then I am a diversion."

"That is a fact. And a safe one at that."

Jag's lips pursed. "I am married."

Tenel Ka tipped her head. "You are a perceptive man."

The couple danced in silence for the length of the bridge, where a particularly involved series of footwork required concentration on both their parts. As the melody of the chorus started anew, the steps were more familiar. Tenel Ka's expression reflected her respect for the precision with which Jag had completed the elaborate part of the dance.

"Most impressive."

A slight curl of the corner of Jag's mouth was the first sign that he was enjoying the Queen's company at all. "On Hapes, Jaina told me the trophy room was full of the mounted heads of those who had stepped on your toes."

Tenel Ka's unmoving royal mask caused him to squirm momentarily, fearing he had spoken out of turn. Finally, she spoke smoothly, "Worried for your own skull, Colonel Fel?"

"Should I be?"

"No, I will not claim the head of my dear friend Jaina's husband. You have passed the test. My toes are intact."

The music ended with a flourish, and Tenel Ka spun away, bobbing with a regal flair to match Jag's polite Imperial bow. Jag offered his arm to escort the Queen back from the floor as the band struck up a slower song. To his dismay, the redhead motioned with open arms that she desired one more dance. Jag stifled his consternation with the steely will honed from years among the Chiss and gracefully took Tenel Ka back into his arms.

There was nothing comfortable or comforting about where he was at that particular moment. The air between Jag and his wife's friend was riddled with unspoken questions, and his only thought was that he desired only one woman before him, whom he could hold tight and tell how much he loved. The air was too thick with bitter feelings and distrust at the moment to make his wish a reality.

His thoughts were broken by the clipped voice of the Hapan Queen. "You are thinking about her." He met Tenel Ka's piercing eyes that saw right through him. "Your thoughts cause you much pain."

"Am I that open of a book to you Jedi," he jested with some disdain.

"My Jedi senses are not what tells me this, but rather my eyes. For a man that has just been given the most prized post for fighter pilots galaxy-wide your face shows only a man concerned with what he does not have."

In a bold move, Tenel Ka actually led the dance for a refrain, but Jag was so involved in deliberating his reply, he hardly noticed. "My success seems to have been my enemy today."

"Success is never your enemy, only those who wish to deny your success." She studied Jag for a heartbeat. "Is Jaina your enemy today?"

Jag chuckled. "In a strange twist of fate, I suppose so. The play for Twin Suns did not work out as she would have hoped, and my fortune was…a surprise."

"If I recall correctly, Jaina can be single-minded when she gets something in her crosshairs. You must demand that she listen."

"Easier said than done."

"Yes, but you are the one chosen for her. The Force put you two together for a reason. You were meant to be her sounding board, her guide, her counsel…" Tenel Ka ignored her partner's snort. "Jaina is young still; she needs these things and more. I know your thoughts. How can one make the deaf listen?" She had his attention now and his respect. "In our Jedi training, we learn there is always a way to communicate. Sometimes we simply must learn a new language."

"Aside from tying her to a chair and rattling off my bullet points, I am at a loss."

"No, you are not. There is always a way." Tenel Ka paused as another couple swept close enough to listen to their conversation. A simple spin swept the Queen and her partner away. "But first you must understand her personal demons."

"I am her husband. I know better than most about her brush with the dark side and the horrific price she paid fulfilling her role as the Sword of the Jedi."

Tenel Ka curtly interrupted, "Do you know why Jaina was called the Sword of the Jedi?"

"Yes, her uncle made the declaration at your knighting ceremony. She has fulfilled the prophecy." Jag had the uneasy feeling that the queen was not only leading the dance at times but the conversation as well.

"To a point."

Jag furrowed his brow. "But I thought…"

"I know my friend Jaina well enough to know what you were made to think. She told you only enough, but not the whole story." Tenel Ka paused. "I tell you this despite the fact that Jaina may refuse my friendship for doing so, but I believe you must understand. Not only did Master Skywalker declare her the Sword of the Jedi, forever to be in the front rank of our fight. He said more."

Jag eye's harbored fear as he peered across the distance. "He told Jaina she would never know peace, that she would stand tall and alone." Tenel Ka paused. "This is the terrible burden she bears. It drives her fears and makes it hard for her to think past tomorrow. Imagine going through life waiting for the rest of the prophecy to be fulfilled."

"Maybe Luke was wrong. Maybe it was only as long as she was the Sword. She is not alone, so it might be wrong. Aren't you Jedi always touting that the future is forever in motion," he argued.

"Yes, that is fact. But it goes without saying that the likelihood that it is true is equally…"

"It's not," he snapped. "She is not alone. She fulfilled her part of the bargain. Why can't the Jedi or the Force or whoever just leave her alone to enjoy her family? Why is it always about everyone else and never about her?"

Tenel Ka's eyes never faltered in their forthright stare as he finished. Jag felt his breathing become ragged with the tight force binding his chest. He needed to get away. He needed quiet. He needed Jaina.

"It is our burden – the burden of the Jedi." The Queen's face showed no judgment for his harsh words, only a profound sadness. "Many of us have been forced down a path that we would have otherwise not chosen. Thankfully, Jaina was allowed the chance to love and be loved in return."

Jag cringed inwardly; painfully aware of the terrible choices Tenel Ka had made herself. "I apologize…"

"That is not necessary, my friend. I did not say these things to alarm you or upset you. A lesser man would not be able to absorb the terrible implications of what I said, but you are not an average man. There is a battle ahead, Jagged. You must be armed with every bit of knowledge available if you are to succeed." Her green eyes bore into him as if she was willing her thoughts into his. "Now go make your wife understand she must have faith in you. Prove to Jaina that she is not alone."

Abruptly Tenel Ka spun away with alarming speed, and Jag was momentarily disoriented by the quick action. As his dancing partner disappeared into the arms of another. Blinking twice Jag opened his eyes to find a pair of beautiful orbs the color of delicious caf swimming before him. "Jaina," he breathed.

They stood there locked in a strange moment of time, alone in a sea of movement, but neither of them moving. Jaina's eyes welled up with an ocean's worth of sadness. A single tear threatened to escape and steal the beauty of her face. Jag reached for it instinctively, his palm cupping her cheek, a thumb catching the bandit.

Her face was warm, flushed with the exertion of dancing, and her chest rose and fell silently. Still neither of them moved. That was until Jaina's fingers came up to wrap around the hand on her cheek. Jag felt the tremble and captured the shaking digits in his grasp. Jaina lips moved in a whisper.

"I'm sorry."

"Not here."

Jag, now instilled with a new purpose, broke for the edge of the dance floor, dodging couples as they drifted past as gracefully as if there were repulsors on their feet. His firm grip locked his wife to his path, winding and hesitating in an artful retreat. Finally, they were free and moving swiftly toward an opening that led to the balustrade-lined walkway to other parts of the Palace complex.

Falling into the shadows of an alcove, Jag finally swung around to face Jaina. He was caught unaware by the sheer force of her body tumbling into his chest. Jag steadied his stance at the same time as his own arms chose to match Jaina's breathtaking grip around his waist. Here, in his arms, she felt so right.

"Can you ever forgive me," she begged into the folds of his jacket. "I have been so wrong, so self-involved…"

Jag ran a palm through the collection of curls. "We have both been wrong."

She forced herself away, craning her neck to stare into his apologetic eyes. "No," she shook her head, "I did this. Everything I said was wrong; everything I have done was wrong. I wish I could take it all back. I wish…"

Her voice was cut off by the pair of lips that captured her mouth. A pair of calloused palms flanked her cheeks, allowing for no avenue of escape. She eagerly accepted the gesture, as anxious to reaffirm her love as her husband was to taste it. And taste it he did, with a flurry of hungry kisses placed one on top of the other in a display of shameless gluttony.

It was Jaina who put a stop to the ravaging battle of passions. His hands fell to her shoulders as she pushed him away with two palms applied powerfully to his chest. "I did not mean what I said about the Legacy. I love it more than you can ever know," she panted.

Curling the corner of his mouth up in that hint of a smile that was his trademark, Jag did not answer immediately. His eyes simply searched her face. "I know."

"And I didn't mean what I said about you making plans without me. You had good reason every time. Besides, I am a fine one to speak…"

"Jaina?" Here she was, confirming every point he had marked on his mental checklist, knocking the blow out of every argument by her own simple admissions, and all he wanted her to do was stop.

"…really. I mean you should have been the first one I turned to about Twin Suns. It's just you are so accomplished, and I feel utterly insufficient as a commander when you point out all the flaws in my plans…"

"Jaina." He merely wanted to tell her everything was going to be all right.

"…but I shouldn't really. You are only trying to help and make me a better leader. I need to learn…"

"Jaina. Be quiet!"

"…to listen," her voice trailed off and even in the obscurity of the shadows he could make out the rosy tinge of her cheeks.

Jag could not help but to chuckle. "Yes, you should. Listen, that is." Jag grasped her hands in his, studying their apparent frailty beneath his evident strength. "There are many things right about our marriage, but many things we need to fix. These things – relationships – they are never perfect. They are as flawed as the individuals that make up the union. Do you know what our biggest flaw is?"

Blinking for a moment, she processed an answer. "We're both always right."

A bolder grin graced Jag's lips, and a row of white teeth illustrated his approval of the reply. "I could not have said it better. We are independent and head-strong and willful to a fault. As with any flaw it could be our undoing or it could be our survival. Jaina, I swear I will try harder to listen and seek your approval, and no, you are not completely at fault. There were many things I need to improve on myself." He inhaled sharply. "I need you to swear you will try to do just that as well. I need you to listen to me; I need you to value my opinion above all others. Can you do this?"

A sharp clearing of a throat caused both Jaina and Jag to jump. The intimacy was ripped away with all the harshness of a dousing with a frigid bucket of water. Jag spun to confront the interruption with a frosty gleam in his eyes. The Intel officer assigned as their escort for the evening stood ramrod stiff, not doing a very good job of hiding his discomfort by the rigid set of his jaw.

"Excuse me, sir, but I have been ordered to retrieve Colonel Solo-Fel."

"Now is not a good time," Jag hissed in a chillingly harsh tone. "Come back later."

The man gulped sharply but refused to be swayed. "I must insist that Colonel Solo-Fel come with me. She is needed at Intel Headquarters."

Jaina stepped out from behind Jag, where he had carefully positioned her initially. She had to unwrap her arm from his grip to do so. "Is there some sort of trouble?"

The Intel officer relaxed visibly upon hearing Jaina's inquisitive tone. "I can't say, Colonel. I'm just following orders."

Jag, in the meantime, fought back the bile surging in his stomach. Again he felt as if the call of duty was thwarting him at every turn. At one time, honor and service were all he knew. Now, he felt like he was locked in some grand battle with the part of him that had been his rock and guide in life. A tentative touch on his arm blazed with warmth through the layers of his uniform. Jag lowered his scowling face to gaze into the one thing that he wanted to know as his center. His bitter emotions calmed instantly, rolling back like a wave receding on the sand.

A sincere smile tickled her lips, subtle enough to hide from others the depth of the love flowing from it. "You will come with me?"

Jag tipped his head. "There is nowhere I would rather be."