Chapter 25

After breakfast was over, Jag took the twins upstairs to change their diapers and their clothes while their mother took a shower.

Jag took the twins downstairs and packed the diaper bag before placing each of them in the stroller. He took a seat on the sofa near the second floor entrance letting the twins sleep in their stroller while he waited for Jaina to emerge from their bedroom.

He heard Jaina a few minutes later, and smiled as she came down the stairs from the third level.

"All ready to go?" He asked.

"I think so. Are the twins in the stroller?"

"Yep, and they are out like a light." Jag confirmed

"Excellent."

He got up off of the sofa and walked over to her, "Have a nice day with Zekk. I'll see you when I'm done work." He said leaning in to give her a kiss.

"I will. Love you." She said as she pushed the stroller into the turbolift.

Jaina was glad that walking down the street pushing a stroller was nowhere near the media magnet that it once was. Reporters barely bothered her anymore, probably because there was no dirt to dig.

She smiled as she approached the park and felt Zekk's presence near the entrance. She walked a few steps farther and saw him duck out from behind the trees. He smiled and began walking towards her.

Jaina stepped away from the stroller and walked to meet Zekk. He had his arms at his side, but she wrapped him in a big hug which he eventually returned.

"It's so nice to see you Jaina." Zekk said smiling ear to ear.

"I'm glad that you called." Jaina said smiling back at him.

"I know, we have a lot to talk about. Of course, that incudes me finally meeting your beautiful twins instead of just seeing the pictures."

"Of course. Let's go find a bench and take a seat." She said walking back over to the stroller and signalling for Zekk to follow her.

They both sat down on a bench nearby, and as soon as they were settled Zekk began to speak.

"Jaina, I really need to apologize to you for what happened on Ossus."

"Zekk, you don't need…" Jaina tried to interrupt

"No, I need to get this out there." Zekk took a breath and continued, "I reacted really poorly to the situation. You were trying to be my friend and were excited to tell me, and I completely threw that back in your face. You had every right to keep your pregnancy from me, and I should have been happy that you had decided to share your news with me."

"Zekk it's okay.."

"I know it is now, but you need to know where I was at that time. I never thought that when I left you on Hapes that this would happen. I was naïve enough to think that we had enough of a connection that you would be there waiting for me when I was done being selfish. After that I thought that you would eventually be mine, and that Jag was just a rebound. When you got married I was completely devastated. I became so consumed with my sadness and loneliness that I developed habits that I should never have started. Those habits continued until you told me about the twins."

"I had heard about you going on a bender after I got married, but I had no idea that it continued that long."

"It did. It got out of control. I got out of control, and my reaction to your pregnancy showed that. I knew that I had to leave. I waited around long enough to go through counselling with Master Skywalker, and then I informed him of my intentions to go on extended leave from the order. I knew that I needed to figure things out before I could ever show my face on Ossus again."

"Where did you go?"

"I drifted around, going anywhere I thought would help guide me back onto the straight and narrow. The better part of a year of soul searching does a lot for you." Zekk said smiling, "The biggest thing that I realized is that Jag makes you happier than I have ever seen you. What we had was lost a long time ago, and friendship is the best thing for us. If you are happy with him, then who am I to try and ruin that for you? As for the pain and suffering I caused while you were pregnant, there is no way that I could ever apologize enough. You almost lost the twins because of me, and I am so thankful that they are healthy."

"Zekk, did you know that when you snuck into my bedroom to apologize that you got me off of bedrest?" She asked

Zekk blinked, "No, I didn't know that."

"Well your apology magically relieved all the stress that I was feeling. I can't really explain it, but you were already forgiven in my books." Jaina explained

Zekk smiled, "Well thank you. Now how about meeting those beautiful twins of yours?"

Jaina bent over to pick one of the twins up out of the stroller, "Would you like to hold them?"

Zekk looked hesitant, "Umm…sure."

"Alright, well first I'll give you my little guy."

Zekk put his arms out to grab Hadrian as he was lifted out of the stroller.

"Zekk Ennth, meet Hadrian Fel." Jaina said as she placed Hadrian on Zekk's lap.

"I don't need to hold him in my arms?"

"Nah, they can sit up on their own. As long as you keep a hand or two on him so that he doesn't fall, it's all good."

"You look like your momma little buddy."

"He has my colouring, but the face is all Jag."

"No, I think he has your nose."

"Only you would actually notice that." Jaina said chuckling

"What can I say? I used to look at your face an awful lot." Zekk said bouncing Hadrian on his knee

Jaina smirked a little bit, "I know you did."

"So is his sister as cute as he is?"

Jaina smirked again, "Oh, she's even cuter."

"I'll have to be the judge of that."

Jaina reached in and picked up Halia. "Here she is my little cutie Halia Fel."

Jaina sat her on her lap and then switched with Zekk so that she was holding Hadrian.

"I take it back. Halia is the spitting image of you. Her hair is a mix of your colour and Jag's colour, but other than that she's all you."

"So I'm guessing you think she's cuter than her brother?" Jaina asked with a raised eyebrow

"You caught me."

"I know I did."

"So what does Jag think about being a father?"

Jaina smiled, "He adores it. He loves the kids more than anything. He's an absolutely amazing father, he does whatever he can to take the pressure off of me which I appreciate a lot."

"I'm just glad he didn't come after me when you almost lost the twins."

"He's the calm one in the relationship. He's smart enough to know that kicking your butt around wouldn't have done anything to help the situation if the worst had happened." Jaina explained

"Well I'm glad he's the calm one."

Jaina smiled, "Me too."

"How has the rest of your family been with the twins?"

"Well Jacen has had this incredible connection with them ever since he saved them that day, so they love him just as much as he loves them. My parents love being grandparents; they seize every opportunity to spoil the twins rotten. Every extravagant gift now is because she wants to use her grandmotherly quota of spoiling."

"What about Luke and Mara?"

"Luke and Mara have been a lot of help as well, especially when I discovered that twins who are merely a few months old can control spoons with the force making meal time very interesting. Mara showed up last night in the middle of bath time, which was a huge help because bathing these monsters solo is a challenge."

"Of course it is, they have Solo genes."

"Everyone says that."

"It's true though, you and your brothers weren't exactly angels as children."

"I know that." Jaina said starting to look a little sad

"What's wrong?"

"I really just wish that Ani were still here. He would love the twins so much."

Zekk reached over and put a hand on her shoulder, "You know that he is with you everywhere. Every breeze whistling through the tress, every ray of sunshine on your face he's there."

"I know, it doesn't really make it any easier though."

"I know it doesn't. His death was hard on all of us. We thought he was invincible, he represented the future of the order and to have his light snuffed out that young was a tragedy."

"I really miss him sometimes."

"I wouldn't think you were human if you didn't miss him at times. You have to remember though that he saved us all and while that doesn't justify his death; it does comfort me in a way because he was willing to give up his life to save ours. That is the ultimate sacrifice. Your little brother is a hero in everyone's eyes." Zekk said looking at her sadly

"Sorry I'm being a killjoy today. I should be a lot happier now that you're back in town and you've met the twins."

"That's okay. I know better than a lot of people that you need to open up sometimes."

"I feel so bad for Jag when he has to put up with me in those moods. He's very understanding though; he lost two siblings so he gets it." Jaina said to Zekk

"Are you and Jag planning on having more kids?"

Jaina chuckled, "I expect that if we do, the twins will be a little bit older. We haven't really discussed it at any length, but I want them to be at least two years old before we have another one."

"I bet your mother will be itching for more grandchildren before then."

"Well she'll just have to bug Jacen into getting busy then."

"Speaking of Jacen, what has he been up to lately?"

"He's been splitting his time between here and Ossus allegedly, but I think he's also been a frequent visitor on Hapes."

Zekk's eyes widened, "You think he and Tee-Kay are actually together?"

"I would bet money on it."

"What makes you think they are?"

"He's been really secretive since before my wedding. He used to always call when he reached Ossus to let us know he had arrived, but he only calls us every time he actually gets to Ossus. The other times he must be going to Hapes and doesn't want us to know because Mara and I will tease him about it."

"If I had to listen to Mara and you teasing me incessantly I wouldn't want to spill the beans either." Zekk admitted

"Well I'll get the truth out of him eventually." Jaina promised

"How?"

"No idea." Jaina admitted

"Are you going to be staying on Mon Cal for a while?"

Jaina sighed, "I don't know."

Zekk looked at her curiously, "You don't seem thrilled with that answer."

"Well, originally we came here when the twins were 6 weeks old as a way to shut the press up. Once we got here however, Jag's parental leave from work finished. They wanted him to stay here instead of going back to Ossus, and I conceded. To be completely fair, he was going to tell them that living on Mon Cal was unacceptable but I told him that doing that would be absurd." Jaina said as she looked over at Halia who was nodding off on Zekk's lap.

"I think our conversation is boring my daughter." Jaina observed. "I'll put her back in the stroller."

"I think it may be boring your son as well." Zekk pointed out.

Jaina looked down at Hadrian sleeping on her lap, "I love it when they do that. It is the absolute best thing when they fall asleep at the same time, it makes having a nap so much easier."

"Motherhood suits you Jay." Zekk observed

Jaina blushed, "Thanks. I would have wanted to wait a little longer for it to happen, but apparently the universe had other plans. I'm just happy that everything is working out."

"I am too."

"Where are you heading after you leave here?"

"Well I think I'll just head back to Ossus. There isn't really much for me elsewhere."

"If we ever end up on the same planet at the same time again don't be a stranger. Everyone has forgiven you." Jaina said

"That's nice to know."

"Would you like to walk me back to my condo? I can give you the grand tour, and trust me when I say grand tour."

Zekk smiled as he rose from the bench, "Sure." He answered.

They walked back to her building, while continuing to talk. As they entered the lobby of the building, they had no idea that a holo-reporter had been on their tail ready to start the swirl of rumours.

When Jag got home a few hours later, Jaina was sitting in the 2nd level living room watching the holo-report.

"Hey hon. Wouldn't you know that just because I went out with Zekk today the press decide I'm having an affair."

"Seriously?"

"Yep…did you know that I was having an affair? It's been going on for months…and Zekk decided to come to town so we can tell you." Jaina tried to say without laughing

"Well all the more reason for you to pack your bags up then."

Jaina's eyes widened, "What?"

"Pack a two weeks worth of clothing and accessories. We are leaving."

Jaina looked at him curiously, "Where are we going?"

"That my love is for me to know and for you to find out."

"What about the kids?"

"Your parents are watching them."

"You have this all planned out don't you?"

"Absolutely." Jag said grinning.

"Alright, give me a half an hour."

"Are we taking the Goddess to wherever we are going?" Jaina asked as Jag drove the speeder to the docking bay

"Yea, apparently the docking bay we are in is now ours and will always have top security. I think it's because they know how special I am."

Jaina snorted, "Dear, don't overinflate your ego."

"You don't think I'm special?" Jag asked pretending to be hurt

"Oh I think you're special alright." Jaina said rolling her eyes.

"I sense sarcasm." Jag pointed out

Jaina chuckled, "So how long did it take you to plan out this…whatever it is?"

"Well, you know how it was taking me forever to negotiate things this week….well those were half negotiations and half trip planning."

Jaina looked at him sideways, "You sneaky rebel."

Jag smiled, "I learned from the best."

"Are you still going to keep the location a secret?"

"For as long as I can."

"Ugh, I hate secrets!"

"Don't worry…it'll be worth it." Jag promised as he parked the speeder in the docking bay.

Jaina grabbed her bags out of the backseat, "I feel bad leaving the kids with my parents for two weeks."

"Hon, I'm pretty sure if they raised you that they can take care of twins for a couple weeks. Besides, if they need a break they can call Luke and Mara over."

"You're right; there are enough people on Mon Cal who can take care of our little terrors."

"Exactly! Giving us a couple weeks to enjoy by ourselves." Jag exclaimed as they walked up the boarding ramp into the Goddess.

After everything was stored and they were both strapped in Jaina began the preflight while Jag got authorization.

"Done?" Jag asked

"All set." Jaina replied

"Excellent." Jag said as he took the ship out of the docking bay and into the atmosphere.

After over a day in hyperspace, the Goddess finally reverted back to realspace.

Jag looked over at Jaina who had a peculiar look on her face.

"Let me guess, you're trying to figure out where we could be after this long in hyperspace?"

"You know me too well."

"What possibilities have you come up with?"

"Well, there is really nowhere of any particular importance within the distance from Mon Cal that we travelled. The only place I can think of is Hapes."

"You my love are too good."

Jaina's eyes lit up, "Seriously, I guessed it?"

Jag nodded.

"Awesome."

"You're still wondering why we're on this trip aren't you?"

"I have no clue why we are taking this trip, but I know that there is something that I'm missing. I know that I should know why we're taking a trip."

Jag smiled, "And they say that men are bad."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"It means that you'll find out tomorrow. For now, we have to get authorization to land." Jag said as he hailed the planetary defence offices.

"This is Colonel Jagged Fel stating his intentions to land. I have official authorization from the Queen Mother. Authorization code Gamma-0157-Delta-22-Phi."

"Please proceed on your current vector. You have the authorization to land in Her Majesty's private docking bay."

"Thank you."

"Jag, you realize that it's the middle of the night here don't you?"

"Of course I realize that, however Tenel Ka is expecting us."

Jaina slammed down her mental shields just in case. "Alright, let's get down there then."

They landed without any problems, but oddly Tenel Ka had not been out to meet them.

Jag began unloading the bags, and Jaina made sure to lock up the ship. She turned around to see Tenel Ka walk into the docking bay tightening her robe around her middle.

"Friend Jaina, it's so good to see you."

"It's good to see you too Tenel Ka." Jaina replied

"I'm sorry we're early, but there seemed to be some complications that are brewing on Mon Cal so I thought it better to get out earlier rather than later."

"That's no problem Jagged. My staff had the guest suites prepared a few days ago."

Jaina stood with her husband while he conversed with her friend. She looked around the docking bay and saw a small craft partially covered with a cargo net. She looked at the craft for a few minutes longer trying to determine where she knew it from. Suddenly the lightbulb in her head went off.

"I'll be right back." She said suddenly as she ran full tilt into the palace.

Tenel Ka and Jag ran after her both wondering what she was up to.

Jaina made her way into the master suite in the palace knowing that Tenel Ka wouldn't be upset if she did so. She opened the door wide and looked inside. There in the middle of the suite was her brother putting a robe on, with his pants obviously hanging off a chair on the other side of the room.

Jaina began jumping up and down "Yes" She exclaimed, "I knew it!"

"Jaina what is going on?" Jag asked as he and Tenel Ka reached the master suite.

"You, and her! Ahaha! Yes! I knew it, you tried to deny it but I just knew!"

"Okay Jaina, you can stop gloating now." Jacen said trying to be angry at his twin.

"Oh c'mon Jasa! I know you didn't want this to be a secret forever!"

"We were planning on informing your family soon." Tenel Ka said from beside Jag.

"Exactly how long has this been going on?" Jaina asked curiously

"Since about a month after your wedding." Jacen said sheepishly

Jaina stood there silently doing the math in her head. Her eyes widened, and her jaw dropped. "Oh force, tomorrow is our anniversary isn't it?" she asked looking at Jag.

"I was wondering how long it would take you to figure it out." Jag said smirking.

"Now I feel horrible that I forgot." She said walking over to Jag and burying her face in his shoulder

"Its okay love, it isn't until tomorrow so you technically didn't forget it." Jag said chuckling

"I'm so happy I finally had my suspicisons confirmed." Jaina mumbled from Jag's chest

"How long have you suspected?" Jacen asked curiously

"A while. I think ever since one of the times you supposedly went to Ossus and didn't call us to say you'd arrived."

"I knew there were details that I missed." Jacen exclaimed smacking himself in the forehead. "Do you think mom knows?"

"I don't know if she does, but someone else is very suspicious."

"Mara?"

"Mara." Jaina confirmed

"She would never say anything right?"

"She didn't say anything when she learned about Jag and I, or when she found out that I was pregnant."

"So we should be safe?"

"Of course you will be, Mara knows how to keep secrets."

"Well as much as I am enjoying this, we should probably get our things down to the guest suite."

"Do we have an early morning tomorrow?"

"Not particularly, but since we have no kids with us I thought that we would take advantage of sleeping in."

"I do like the way you think Jagged Fel."

"Good night, friend Jaina, Jagged."

Jacen hugged his twin, "Good night sis."

Jaina watched as Tenel Ka and Jacen shut the door to the master suite.

"This is already the best anniversary trip ever."

"Nice to know you're easy to please." Jag added.