Chapter 12
The Lieutenant elected to strap himself in behind Jaina, and he was studying her every movement intensely. Smart man, electing to learn from one of the best instead of wallowing in defeat. The ride down to the planet was incredibly smooth, although by the look in Jaina's eyes he knew she was wishing she was in her X-wing. He hated to admit it, but he was dying to try a sim run against her. He'd truly loved watching the recordings of the space battles she was involved in, starting with the ones Jagged had brought back with him after Ithor. The ones he brought back upon his return to Chiss space were even more impressive. There was no doubt she was one of the best. His favorite recording, however, was the sim she'd shared with Jagged on Mon Calamari after Ebaq 9. That had been the most breathtaking display of sheer skill he'd ever witnessed. Even though Jagged had eventually shot her down, the sim was very narrowly won. The recording soon saw use in the Empire of the Hand's training program, and never failed to leave stunned silence.
He jumped slightly as she began communicating with ground control. Lost in my thoughts again… That's happening more and more these days.
As she finished the landing sequence, the unhindered joy of a few minutes ago vanished from her face, the serene aristocrat's face back in place. She straightened her shoulders as she hit the top of the boarding ramp, pausing a moment to be announced, then started down the ramp gracefully, headed in Jagged's direction. Soontir couldn't hear over the roar of those who had assembled to welcome Jaina to Bastion. The applause and cheering was near deafening.
Although he didn't think it possible, the volume intensified as Jag wrapped Jaina in his arms. She blushed for a moment, burying her head in Jag's chest. The love between them was plain to see as Jagged tilted her chin up and kissed his new wife, ignoring everything but her. Jagged had waited long enough to call her his, and he was not about to waste a moment of their time together worrying about what anyone else thought of them.
Soontir noticed the holocams zooming in as the kiss intensified, and spotted that annoying blonde reporter across the plaza. She was chattering excitedly at the holocam aimed her way, the kiss in the background. He made a mental note to watch the news tonight, and see what she had to say. Jayla Mandra's reports on Jaina had always been complimentary, and that attitude clearly dominated on Bastion, much to his surprise. Soontir didn't fail to notice the pink flower petals drifting down from the higher balconies, thrown by young children hopping up and down as they looked at the two war heroes. Jaina was being given a warrior's welcome.
Finally, the couple broke apart, and Jag turned to face the crowds, Jaina tucked securely under his left arm. She laughed at whatever Jagged whispered in her ear, and gently brushed the pink petals out of his hair. Soontir moved around the plaza to allow for a better view of the press conference, watching the crowd carefully for reactions. In the back of his mind, he noted the pilot starting up the shuttle, preparing to move it to the Imperial Palace.
The plaza quieted instantly as Jag began speaking. "Citizens of the Empire, thank you. The Empire is what it is because of who you are: strong, determined, and dedicated. I know many of you saw the press conference earlier today, and know of my plans to rebuild the Empire to the glory we once enjoyed, without the cruelty and tyranny that characterized our age in the spotlight. This afternoon, I'd like to ask the privilege of introducing you to my wife, who will be by my side."
Jagged was forced to pause briefly, as it was impossible to hear anything over the cheering of the crowd. The blond reporter was mere feet from him now, and Soontir could hear her happily begin reporting on the fairytale that was unfolding before her eyes. He lost track of what she was saying, instead looking at the gaze that passed between the newlyweds.
"Please allow me to introduce Her Grace, the Duchess of Braxant, Jaina Solo Fel." As Jaina stepped forward to speak, he stood in awe. There weren't many moments in a man's life where he knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that history was being made. Today, however, was one of those days. Not only was history being made, but his son, and the lovely woman he'd asked to remain by his side, were the prime architects. As Jaina began speaking, directing her gaze from those in the plaza, to those who watched on the rooftops, she emanated confidence and power. Soontir could only stand, pride roaring in his heart, as Jaina described the orphanage system that had been set up over the last month, the new educational system that would be in place shortly, and pledged her life to the service of the people of the Empire. He would never be able to remember the rest of the words they spoke that day, but he'd always remember the electricity that shot through him as the Empire he'd once served so faithfully lifted its head and dared to dream of a future. A future it could be proud of. A future he'd be honored to serve.
The petals began to fall again as the couple made their way to the speeder a short distance from them. This time, there was no brushing the deluge of petals aside. Jagged spared one determined glance back at the crowds in the plaza as he handed his wife into the speeder. He allowed himself to wave briefly before following his wife.
As Jayla Mandra turned to interview the people around her, Soontir knew the court of public opinion had spoken. His heart wanted to celebrate, but he sternly reminded himself that they still had to face the moffs.