Thanks for reading everyone and commenting...Keep them coming...I really like to know what you all think of this story... :-)

And to answer a question that was posted...No, no one in the Solo or Skywalker families know Jacen is a Sith, some wonder about him "falling to the Dark Side" but none expect him to being a full fledged Sith.. Although, he is totally and completely a Sith Lord, Darth Troddeln...He lives a double life as a Jedi Master who sits on the Council...Jace is very much a Sith in this ...

Chapter 10

Council Chambers Jedi Temple, Coruscant

The Council meeting ended but not without great disagreement. Luke glanced over at his nephew who was speaking quietly with Corran Horn, Kenth Hanmer, Tresina Lobi and Kyle Katran, all of whom supported many of Jacen's ideas and his placement on the Council. Even Luke had to admit that a lot of Jacen proposed for the Jedi seemed in the Order's and the GA's best interests. However, in the back of his mind he couldn't ever shake the nagging feeling that Jacen had an ulterior motive, which is what bothered Luke because he couldn't understand why Jacen would want anything but what was best for the Jedi Order. Luke couldn't help but feel a great sadness in the way his relationship with Jacen had gone. Although, Luke thought with a heavy heart, it wasn't just with Jacen; my entire family is torn apart.

He took a deep breath and looked over at Mara, she met his gaze and gave a microscopic nod and he felt her love and support and her concern for their son. Letting that bolster his resolve, Luke moved over to Jacen and the other Masters.

"Excuse me, Masters," Luke interjected when Kenth paused in his speech, "I'm sorry, but I need to speak with Jacen regarding a personal matter."

"Of course, Master Skywalker," Kenth bowed his head and then turned back to Jacen, "Master Solo, we will continue this later."

Jacen smiled and nodded, "Most definitely. Your input is greatly appreciated."

As the group moved away Luke called out, "Corran." Luke waited for the younger man to turn and then went on to say, "I just wanted to say that despite the decision today, I will personally stand behind Valin through this just as I have Jaina, my sister and Knight Chivel."

Corran nodded, "Thanks Luke. I appreciate your support and I know Valin will also. But as I said in the meeting, I don't think it will do the Order any favors to openly support someone the GA will surly see as a traitor and as a rogue Jedi. We can't afford anymore bad press." Then he looked at Mara who came to stand beside Luke, smiling he said changing the subject, "Mara, Jysella was telling Mirax that she wants to wait to take her trials. What do you think? Is she not ready?"

Mara shrugged and responded, "I think she's ready. I really don't know what is bothering her. She is usually pretty open with me but recently she hasn't been. But I know she and Ben are close; maybe he knows."

Corran looked from Mara to Luke and then said, "This really isn't the time or the place to discuss this but I believe we should talk about the—ahh—complications involved with how close they have become. Mirax related something to me that has me concerned."

Luke nodded, "I agree. I will admit I'm not completely comfortable with their closeness. Ben is so young and Jys is—"

Corran smiled and finished, "Too old for him. I agree, but," Corran looked back at where Kyle and Kenth were waiting for him at the door, "we can finish this some other time. Good day." With a bow of his head he moved toward door and his waiting colleagues.

Luke watched as the group left the chamber and then he turned to Jacen who smiled, looked from Luke to Mara and then said, "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. I know what you want to talk about."

"Jacen, we need to discuss Ben's apprenticeship and where he's going," Luke said before Mara had a chance to.

She looked at Luke then openly glared at Jacen, "We're concerned about his use of his anger and emotions to tap into the Force."

Jacen sighed and responded, "I understand your concern and I am too. I've spoken to Ben about it, explaining the dangers of tapping into such emotions—"

"Well, maybe if he wasn't placed in situations where there were as many dangers, he wouldn't feel that touching the Dark Side was the only option," Mara nearly spat.

"Aunt Mara," Jacen's tone was almost condescending, Luke thought, "we have discussed Ben's involvement in the GAG more times than I care to remember. Ben is doing what he wants to do. He is contributing to the unit and he feels like he is accomplishing something important. And almost as importantly, he is doing well at it. I do not force him to go on missions. I make the assignments but he knows he can back out at any time he doesn't feel comfortable."

"Like he would do that?" Mara's frustration was very clear. "Come on, Jacen, he's only fifteen. He doesn't want to look weak in front of the other GAG officers. Of course, he wouldn't back out of assignments once he's assigned. He wants acceptance and he wants to be grown up."

"Mara, he has been doing this since he was thirteen." Then Jacen turned his gaze to Luke. "And he has been going on missions with me since he was ten. I never expect Ben to do anything that he is not capable of doing, however, it is important to his development as a Jedi to participate where he can."

"Jacen," Luke calmly said, "we are worried that's all. We've seen and heard of some of the things that you've done, Jacen. What concerns us is to see Ben in situations where, not only he could be bodily injured, but feels that the only way out is to touch the Dark Side in the belief that it is alright because it is part of the Unifying Force."

"Uncle Luke, we've discussed my belief in the Unifying Force nearly as much as we discussed Ben's apprenticeship. There was a time that you also believed in the Unifying Force." Jacen smiled and went on to say, "But I will reiterate that I've taken your concerns into consideration in my teachings and that I haven't taught Ben anything that isn't traditional Jedi teachings." Jacen paused and looked at his wrist chrono then he smiled graciously and concluded, "Unfortunately, we will have to continue this some other time. I have to go. I have a meeting with my command staff regarding my recommendation that Major Shevu be promoted and given control of the GAG. But let me reassure you that I have Ben's best interests at heart and would never do anything that would jeopardize him." Jacen then bowed and said, "Aunt Mara, Uncle Luke, have a good day."

They watched as he turned sharply on his heal and headed out the door. Finally, Mara softly said, "Luke, I still don't like that he has so much control over Ben."

Luke met her eyes, "Me either, Mara, me either." Then he asked, "Mara, do you really think Jysella is ready for her trials?"

Mara narrowed her green eyes and she pierced him with a sharp look, "Skywalker, what do you have up your sleeve?"

He sighed and looked back at the door, "Just that I really am not comfortable with Jysella's feelings towards Ben." He looked at her and went on, "If Ben was older I would more than support this relationship. But Ben is still too young and Jysella is an adult. What I fear almost more than Jacen's influence is Jysella's."

"Luke, what are you talking about?"

"I've seen how those two look at each other especially since we came back from Mullin. I know that they are bonded through the Force and I," Luke looked away and then quietly said, "I think they are more than just friends."

Mara looked as if he had just slapped her, "You don't mean…"

Luke swallowed and shook his head, "I only know that I'm concerned that something like that will happen. Ben thinks he's an adult, Jys looks at him as he is one. And I remember what it's like to be a hormonal fifteen year old boy."

"You think if Jysella passed her trials, she could be sent on a mission and therefore be away from Ben for a while."

Luke nodded and responded, "That is exactly what I think. Then we can concentrate on getting him away from Jacen."

Training Room Jedi Temple, Coruscant

She twisted away as she parried his strike and when she came to a stop she came back with a lunge which Ben caught and easily deflected. Ben's lightsaber skill was a flawless, dance of smooth strikes and perfectly placed parries. Jysella's style was more Dathomirian then anything—a choreographed mix of athletic spins and leaps with well placed lunges and counter strikes. Not surprising, considering the Master who shaped her into the Jedi she had become was Dathomiri Kirana Ti. What did surprise them though was that they were becoming very well matched and each time they sparred, Ben had a harder time keeping up with her.

Jys allowed herself a small s mile as she back flipped over a low strike and as she landed on her feet she reached out and caught Ben's lightsaber near the hilt. Stunning them both as the contact knocked it out of his one handed grip.

"Ahhh!!" He growled as the hilt hit the mat several yards way.

Jys broke out into a smile and deactivated her golden blade and clipped to her belt. "Well, that wasn't too difficult," she said smugly as she stood straight with her hands on her hips while trying to steady her breathing.

Ben reached out with the Force and called his saber to him. As it landed in his hand he looked at her and grinned lopsidedly, "Like I said, weak as a whisperkit."

She walked over to the side of the training room and picked up her outer light green robe from their things. She said as she pulled it on over her tan pants and white tunic, "Oh, no, you don't!" Then she turned on him and pointed her finger at him, "I won that fair and square."

He stepped close to her and grinned as he raised a brow, "If you say so." He reached down to the bench and picked up his outer uniform shirt. As he put it on over the sleeveless undershirt, Jys watched as his toned muscles of his shoulders moved under the newly healed skin of his shoulders and upper arms. Ben was tall and lanky but he also had a very well developed musculature which came from the training regimen that was demanded of all the Stormies of the GAG. When she noticed that he caught her watching him, she turned away and she caught sight of his smile at her blush. Of course he had one on his face as well. As he buttoned the shirt, they stared at each other for a long moment and Jys could feel her heart race, which had nothing to do with the exertion of sparring. She wanted to kiss him again and be kissed by him, but she knew that they shouldn't. Her mother was right, Ben was still young and if they truly loved each other they could wait for each other.

As he reached out to touch her face, she quickly turned away. She instantly felt his disappointment. "Jys? What's wrong?"

Slowly she turned and swallowed, "Ben, I told my mom about us."

Ben straightened and said, "And what did she tell you? No, let me guess: she told you that I'm too young for you and that you shouldn't love me. Am I close?"

Jysella could only stare at him and slowly nodded, "Yeah. That pretty much sums it up."

He turned and moved away from her. She watched as he ran his hand through his hair to push it off his forehead. She could feel his frustration through the bond that over the past few days strengthened in its intensity. "Ben," she said quietly, "Maybe we shouldn't rush this. I mean we both are young. I'm only eighteen and I'm not ready for where this is heading." But Jysella words didn't sound convincing even to her. She wanted Ben's love as much as he wanted hers.

He turned and met her gaze again, "I know you don't mean that, Jys. I can feel it." He stepped closer and this time she let him gently touch her face. "Jys, I know I'm young. I know that I feel more for you than I should. But I can't help it. It's like I'm drawn to you and I can't imagine my life without you. Mom and Dad are always saying that I'm growing up too fast. Well, maybe I have."

She couldn't move, he completely mesmerized her with his bottomless blue eyes and for several long moments he was as enthralled by her green. However, Ben was the one to break the spell by moving away again. Jys hated to admit that she was greatly disappointed.

However, she didn't want to end their day like this either. They were enjoying themselves until her mind got in the way of her heart. She took a deep breath and grinned, "You promised to take me out to lunch after we were done."

He turned and grinned back, "Emmm…I seem to remember that it was you who brought up the idea of lunch. Not me. So, you should be the one doing the buying."

She raised her brow and said as she picked up her bag, "Okay, I'll buy, but you have to at least try salm soup."

He made a disgusted face and said, "On second thought, it is very ungentlemanly of me not to buy you lunch since you did beat me and all."

She laughed, as they left the training room hand in hand, "Smooth, Skywalker. Real smooth."

---

The Market Cross was a new restaurant that was a fifteen minute slidewalk ride away from the Temple and bordered the small Naboo neighborhood of New Theed and specialized in mostly Naboo and Gungan ethnic food. Ben and Jys entered the bright and cheerful establishment that boasted an open air dinning area. They were greeted by a bronze colored protocol droid who led them to a table near the stone-like low wall that surrounded the balcony and several potted plants that were native to Naboo.

Jys smiled as she sat down and looked around. "I love this place."

Ben grinned back and nodded, "I do too. It reminds me of going to Naboo with Dad, Mom, Aunt Leia and Uncle Han after the Swarm War."

She folded her arms and leaned over them, "Is it really as beautiful there as they claim?"

Ben remembered the trip that took his father and aunt to the home of their mother who they had never known. Then he nodded and said, "Yeah, it's beautiful there. Maybe someday we can visit."

Jys smiled, "I would love that."

A service droid interrupted them and asked for their orders. They placed their orders and after their no-ales arrived, Ben asked, "So, have you heard anything more about Valin?"

She took a sip of the soft drink and shook her head as she sat the bottle down. "No. Except that the trial is to take place within a few weeks and will occur here. I overheard your dad tell your mom that he thinks Naithal is trying to play politics with my brother's charges."

Ben looked concerned as he asked, "I wouldn't doubt that. I know Jacen supports her, but sometimes I don't think she will make a good Chief of State." Then after he took a sip of his drink he inquired, "What do you think the Council will do?"

She shrugged her head and looked down at her folded hands. "I don't know. I really don't think the Council should get involved." She looked up and went on, "Ben, don't get me wrong, I love my brother. I always will. And that he may have saved Syal is great. But as terrible as it is, Syal chose to become an enemy. And now my brother has become a traitor."

Ben slowly nodded, "I wish this whole war would just stop. Jacen keeps telling me that the war is necessary to bring about a lasting peace. That the Corellians are terrible for starting it in the first place. But I sometimes have a hard time believing that people like Uncle Han and Aunt Leia or Wedge and Iella Antilles are bad or wrong."

She looked at him and sadly said, "I want the war to stop too. I'm afraid of what this is doing to my family. Val is likely to be sent to prison for treason. Mom and Dad fight all the time about his position in supporting Master Solo and the Senate, and her belief the Insurgents should be allowed to leave the Alliance if they want to."

Ben looked concerned as he asked, "But you still support the GA, don't you?"

She narrowed her eyes and nearly snapped, "Of course I do."

"I'm sorry, Jys," Ben apologized, holding out his hand. "Don't need to bite my head off. I—" he looked away quickly before going on more quietly, "I just mean that I'd understand if you didn't. That's all."

"Ben," he met her gaze again and she reached out to take his hand, "I'm sorry too. I don't agree with Corellia. The only way the galaxy can rebuild and be strong after the Vong war is by uniting. What Corellia and its supporters are doing is damaging whatever has been done since the end of that war. I don't like that we had to go to war over this and I wish there was another way, but the galaxy has to be reunited."

"I wish we didn't have to be at war too. I miss Uncle Han and Aunt Leia," Ben added quietly.

Their food was delivered and they ate in relative quiet, except for Ben's occasional derogatory comments about Jysella's soup and her defensive replies of her choice.

Finally, the droid took away their plates and brought them the traditional dessert of peca fruit torte. As they ate the flaky sweet delicacy, their conversation turned serious again with Ben asking, "So, has Mom recommended that you take your trials yet?"

Jys slowly swallowed her bite and laid her fork down on her plate, after a moment she said, "Yes."

Ben could tell there was something wrong, "Jys?"

She looked up at him and then admitted, "Ben, I'm afraid that if I take my trials and granted Knighthood that I'll be sent away."

Ben was shocked; nothing like that had ever crossed his mind, "What do you mean?"

"Ben, it's simple. If I become a knight I'll have to go on missions. I'll have to leave Coruscant and if the Council assigned me to an outpost like Lorrd or some other Force-forsaken planet I'll have to go." Her eyes were bright as she intently gazed into his. "Ben, I can't be sent away and that is what I fear will happen."

Ben stared at her. His heart raced with the terrible thought of Jys going away. He reached across the table and took both of her hands into his, squeezing them he quietly said, "Jys, I won't let that happen to you—to us. I need you too much. Jysella, I can't lose you."

She squeezed his hands back and whispered, "Ben, you'll never lose me. But I don't want to be sent away."

Fear suddenly ate at Ben. He knew his parents weren't happy with their closeness and from what Jys had said earlier, her parents probably weren't either. He didn't understand what everyone's problem with them was. Why do they feel that our love so wrong? he thought. His father had attempted to question him about his feelings for Jys after their return from Mullin. He avoided answering his questions, but he knew that Luke suspected that they were more than just friends. The only one who didn't seem totally against them was Jacen.

Suddenly a thought struck him, "Jys, if you are ready for your trials then you should take them, but we can talk to Jacen. He can help make sure that you aren't sent away."

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