Chapter 13
Soontir didn't know how he would survive the waiting. Knowing that Jaina was announcing her intent to claim her grandfather's place and secure Jagged as Emperor made waiting for them to come home torture. The afternoon's press conference had been a stunning success. From watching the commentary on the holonews, the average citizen loved Jaina for how swiftly she had moved to improve the lives of the people she was responsible for. Her first move had been to ensure the safety and well-being of the Empire's orphans. Her second, and most popular, was her plan to rebuild the Braxant Sector. Those who were struggling just to survive could be hired by the Empire in agriculture or construction and earn a wage while they contributed to improving the infrastructure of the sector. Not only would they be able to earn enough to provide care for their families, they would learn the skills needed to continue supporting themselves long past when they left the program. To help oversee the project, Jaina had brought in Lando Calrissian. His unique flair and business-oriented mind took the project from the debate stages to a venture that, one month in, was already garnering an unusual amount of interest in the holopress. The project was expected to add programs for medicine, technology, and the arts soon.
Jaina's schedule over the next month included touring the sites selected for the project, as well as the various orphanages and children's hospitals in the sector. Syal had offered to accompany Jaina on the orphanage/hospital tours, and Jaina had been enthusiastic in accepting Syal's help. Syal was currently involved in preparing for the tour by placing orders for stuffed animals. She couldn't resist adding model X-Wings and clawcrafts for Jaina and Jagged to sign. Soontir had given up teasing her about the scheme when she'd threatened to add TIE Interceptors for him to sign. She was bent over the console, smiling as she anticipated making a child's day just a little brighter. His wife had extensive experience in these types of tours, and it was the thing she missed most when she gave up her acting career. Secretly, Soontir thought she also wanted to keep an eye on Jaina.
Jaina, much as she looked perfectly composed and confident in public, still had semi-regular periods of emotional upset in private. Aristocra Formbi's arrival hadn't helped. Soontir considered it progress that Jaina was slowly allowing the Fels to be part of her support system. Wynn had made a special effort to stay by Jaina's side when Jag couldn't be there, and Syal was just as fiercely ensuring that Jaina had an emotional safe haven. Jaina was family, and family put family first.
The sound of Jag's footsteps brought Soontir out of his reverie. He quirked a dark eyebrow in his son's direction, waiting for Jagged to speak.
"The moffs are not happy about it, but there is not much they can do short of assassinating us. And right now, losing Jaina would be a public relations disaster for the moffs. The general populace adores her." Jagged stood by the side table, comparing a few of the crystal decanters, before he settled on his favorite brandy.
"It probably helps that the Imperial News Network has a variety of reporters who are only too happy to talk about your dedicated service during the Yuuzhan Vong war, and they're playing up her role in the last war pretty hard, particularly being willing to give her all to ensure galactic peace. By the way, that kiss from this afternoon has been replayed frequently." Soontir couldn't resist the opportunity to make Jag blush, and he wasn't disappointed. Jagged quickly turned directly to the table and poured himself a brandy to cover his discomfort.
"I wanted to talk to you about something, actually. You told me, on Coruscant, that you would be happy to help in any way possible. If you are up to it, I have a job for you."
"I'm listening."
"I'd like you to oversee the Flight School."
It only took Soontir a moment to make his decision. "On one condition. Jaina gets to participate as a guest instructor as often as she wants." She could never be allowed to fly in the 181st, she was far too valuable to risk in a fighter squadron but Soontir could give her the next best thing.
Jaina's face was split in a broad smile as she followed Soontir into the training facility a few days later. Jagged had readily agreed to Soontir's condition, and Jaina was more than willing to take him up on the offer. Like her father, she had flying in her blood and was an excellent instructor. He'd enjoyed working with her to program the sim they'd be running today. She had a mind with a distinct turn to the devious. As agreed, she waited at the door to the simulator room. Soontir wanted to introduce her at the opportune moment.
He smiled as he noted the cadets standing at strict attention. It hadn't taken long for word to get out that the legendary Baron Soontir Fel would be running flight school. Clearly, the cadets were determined to impress. "As many of you know, I am General Baron Soontir Fel. I am here to ensure you have the best flight training the galaxy has to offer." As he continued, the memories of his first training class flooded his mind. I am Captain Soontir Fel. I will teach you how to fly and how to survive. If you think you know better than me, all I can teach you to do is die. He was the best the Empire had ever had, and teaching was his passion. Jagged couldn't have given him a better assignment.
"Now that you have received your instructions, I have one last piece of information to brief you on before we begin. Your wing commander." Jaina strode into the room, her signature Corellian swagger very much in evidence. She didn't react to the sudden tension in the room as the cadets realized they would be flying under the command of their new empress. Without breaking stride, she moved to Soontir's right side and gave the cadets an appraising glance.
"Your wing commander today is Empress Jaina Solo Fel. She started her military career during the Yuuzhan Vong War as a member of Rogue Squadron, and took over command of Twin Suns Squadron during the Borleias campaign. She served with distinction during the battles for Hapes, Ebaq 9 and the retaking of Coruscant, among others. After the Vong War, she became the first woman to command Rogue Squadron. She participated throughout the Second Galactic Civil War in a variety of squadrons and missions, most notably the strike on the Anakin Solo. Her skill in a starfighter is legendary, and we're very lucky that she has agreed to take time out of her schedule to participate today. Are there any questions?"
The sense of awe among the cadets was poorly hidden. Even if Jaina hadn't flown for the Empire, she was a living legend and one of the deadliest fighter pilots alive. She answered their questions on the mission with a brisk efficiency gained from years of command experience before ordering the cadets to their cockpits. As the cadets moved to the simulators, Soontir glanced sideways just long enough to catch the feral grin on Jaina's face. "If you have the time Jaina, I'd love a one-on-one after this sim."
"If your ego can handle it, I'm in. Just don't use your age as an excuse for losing." She grabbed her helmet and made her way to the ball cockpit she'd be using, leaving Soontir no chance to respond. As she swung up into the cockpit, his mind was alive with the various sim scenarios he could use for their one-on-one. He couldn't wait for the cadets to finish.