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Also, I'd like to announce that this story has been Nominated in the 2007 Summer Fanfic Awards on the Force. Net for Best Romance. Thank you!!!!

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Chapter 38

Galactia Tower, Imperial City, Bastion

Jaina found herself pacing on the watch platform of the Tower Hanger. Her arms tightly hugging herself as she tried to swallow her nerves. She really had no idea how her parents were going to take her latest news. She knew from the last time she had spoken to Leia that the hint of a scandal was as popular in the tabloids and Holonet news shows on Corellia as it had been on Bastion until Jag forbade any more such reports. If Leia's outbursts were any indication, she could only imagine what her father thought.

I guess I'll soon find out, she thought as she heard the fa miliar whine of an engine. She watched as the Millennium Falcon, its dull black hull scarred from the many battles her father had been in the past few years, passed through the containment field and then come down expertly on its landing struts in the area Palace Control had designated for the one-time Rebel icon.

Jaina made her way through the hangar to stop just as the ramp to the Falcon lowered. She considered going on up into the ship, but decided against it. She'd wait for them to come to her and then she could talk to them on her terms.

Han and Leia were the first down the ramp with Allana following behind holding C-3PO's hand. As soon as the girl spotted Jaina she let go and dashed off the ramp and ran to Jaina.

"Jaya!" the girl yelled as she ran into Jaina's waiting embrace, dropping the doll she carried as she did so. "I've missed you. Princess Leia and Captain Han have been worried about you."

Jaina glanced up at her parents as they came to stand behind their granddaughter, who had been instructed to keep her true relationship with them completely secret outside the fa mily. "I know, sweetie and I've missed you," Jaina responded as she let the little princess go and stood. "Hi, Mom, Dad."

Leia moved around Allana and briefly hugged Jaina, "Hello, Jaina, I think you have a lot of explaining to do."

Jaina looked at her mother, "I'll explain everything when we get upstairs." Then she stepped into her father's tight embrace. "How's it going?"

"Okay. Though, I never liked being summoned by the Emperor, that usually never ended well," Han gave her an inquiring look.

She s miled and said, "Actually, it was me who 'summoned' you, I only used his name."

At his raised eyebrows, she reminded, "Upstairs. I'll let you all know what's going on when we get to the penthouse." She moved away from her father and looked at the golden droid who was as much a part of her fa mily as the living members. S miling warmly she greeted him, "Hello, Threepio. Dad still threatening to scrap you?"

"Hello, Mistress Jaina. I am functioning well. Fortunately, on the journey here we had no problems except for Captain Solo's insistence that you have lost your mind and his threatening to kill Emperor Fel if…"

"Goldenrod!" Han hissed as he eyed the few techs close enough to possibly hear the droid. "Will you shut up! Pronouncing my…emmm…curiosity concerning my daughter's recent behavior isn't a good way to make friends."

Jaina laughed, albeit nervously, "No, death threats usually aren't the best way. Come on; let's head up, Jag's waiting for us."

---

Jag was nervous, no doubt about it. He waited for Jaina to return with her parents and wondered again how they would take their announcement. He felt confused because in a sense he knew the Solos, despite anything Han may have said contrary to the fact and Leia's well placed shot over the jungle of Tenupe, had always accepted him for Jaina. They even encouraged his decision to ask her to marry him—the first time, he reminded himself. A lot has happened since then.

However, Han's desperation when Jaina went after Jacen during the Battle of Mon Cal came back to him.

"Jag, she still loves you. She may have felt something for Zekk, but in her heart she's always loved you. I know she put you through hell, kid. But if you had ever felt anything for her you have to stop her. And right now you are the only one who can."

With Han's words echoing in his mind, Jag hoped Jaina's father would remember them and set aside whatever fear he had of the Empire and whatever anger he had concerning the way Jag had forced Jaina's hand to agreeing with his proposal. With that thought, Jag knew that was what really made him nervous. Because if he was a father, he knew he'd not be happy if someone tried to force his daughter to enter an arranged, loveless marriage, despite the fact that now it no longer would be.

Jag turned the circuit before the large windows of the common room and stopped to look out over the bustling city. Suddenly, Vinnis appeared at the archway to the corridor of the service wing of the penthouse. "Your Excellency?"

Jag turned and replied, "Yes, Vinnis?

"Lady Solo and her guests are on their way up."

"Thank you. Please set the refreshments up in the garden."

The lanky middle-aged butler bowed deeply and responded, "As you wish, Sir."

A few moments later the lift doors opened and Jag took a deep breath as he subconsciously pulled on the dark green jacket he wore. He moved through the open space, weaving his way around the furniture to stand at the top of the three entrance steps.

Jaina was the first to leave the lift; she was holding the hand of a beautiful red-headed girl who he instantly knew was the Hapan Princess Allana. He s miled at Jaina and then bowed before Allana.

"Your Highness, welcome to Bastion."

Allana curtsied and shifted the doll she held in the crook of her arm and eyed him curiously. "Thank you, Emperor Fel."

Han moved to stand behind the girl and gently rested a hand on her shoulder. Holding out his other hand he said as Jag took it, "Nice to see you again, kid. Despite the fact that I'm not happy with what the gossip mongers are implying about you and my daughter."

Jag s miled uncertainly and firmly shook the Corellian general's hand, "It's a pleasure to see you again, General Solo."

Then he turned to Leia. She bowed and said, "Emperor Fel, your palace is rather spectacular. Thank you for the warm welcome." But Jag knew from the imploring look she gave him that her thoughts mirrored her husband's.

Han laughed, "Yeah, I was a bit surprised at the escort of TIEs. I get warm and fuzzies every time I see them."

Jag lightly chuckled, "I'm just glad that you didn't fire at them. Jaina warned me not to deploy them," he shrugged, "but that is Imperial protocol when dignitaries visit. And the three of you are that, whether you like it or not."

Leia s miled beautifully and it reminded Jag of Jaina's s mile, "You're just lucky we are on the same side of the war."

The tension somewhat dispersed, Jag invited them to follow him out past the stairs and into the private living rooms of the apartment. He led them into the large library that had one whole wall from floor to ceiling full of an assortment of data storage items—old fashioned Chiss styled leather bound books to several types of datacards and chips. The opposite wall was dominated by a large stone fireplace and more shelves with books and datacards. The furniture was subdued and functional and more art and plants accented the space. The front wall was opened to a balcony and a walkway that led to a massive garden, which was supported by repulsorlifts and had just been completed a few days ago.

"Jagged, this is amazing," Leia said as they made their way through the garden dedicated to what he referred to as the lost worlds. As they walked, he had explained that there was plant life from all sorts of planets that had been destroyed over the years. Most came from worlds ruined by the Yuuzhan Vong, but there were planets from those destroyed by the old Empire such as Aderaan and Caamas as well.

"Thank you, Princess," Jag said as he met her eyes. "It's my way of helping a small part of those planets to never be forgotten."

Jaina stepped up to walk beside Jag. She looked back at her mother as she took Jag's hand into hers, "The chief gardener finds it both challenging and exhilarating to find which combinations of plants will grow next to each other. Sometimes it's surprising, because we have only known the beings of these worlds to exist at odds with each other."

If her parents were aware of Jaina's show of intimacy they ignored it as Leia s miled and said, "I remember one of my first visits to Bastion was with Admiral Pelleaon and he met with us in his garden. I remember commenting on the regularity of the plants. Everything was in neat rows and had its place." She looked around and added with a sly s mile, "It's refreshing to see that chaos can exist in the Empire."

"I like variety and order and I believe they can co-exist." He looked at Jaina and s miled, "Someone had taught me that a long time ago."

Jaina returned his s mile as they turned off the path. Before them was a large white gazebo, within its spacious shadows was a cloth covered table set with light refreshments. A servant droid stood ready to wait on them but other than that they were totally alone.

"Please sit and help yourself," Jag said as he pulled a chair out for Leia, then for Allana beside her Jedi Master. C-3PO stood back and Han cautiously sat on the other side of Leia, while Jag took his seat between Allana and Jaina.

"Okay," Han leaned forward, his elbows stubbornly planted on the beautifully set table. "What's going on?"

Jag looked at Jaina and she took a deep breath. Under the table she took his hand again and gave it a squeeze then she announced, "Jag and I are getting married at the beginning of Bastion's autumn."

Han instantly sat up and pulled his hands back, Leia looked over to C-3PO and said tightly, "Threepio, please take Allana back to the Falcon. She can have a snack there."

"But, Princess, I want to stay," the girl complained.

"Sorry, kiddo, I think this is going to be a grown-up talk," Han countered with a forced s mile and after she left with the protocol droid said to Jag and Jaina, "So, the rumor is true. I didn't want to believe it. How could you do that to Zekk? I may never have thought him right for you, Jaina, but to sneak around when you were engaged to him was wrong."

Jag felt Jaina flinch and before she could say a word, Jag said, "General Solo, Jaina and I aren't having an affair. I know what the media is saying and it is blatant lies. That is why I put a stop to what slander I had the power to."

He swallowed and felt the dampness on his skin as he began to sweat. This was probably the hardest thing he'd had ever admitted to. Reluctantly, he said, "My father approached me with the idea that marrying Jaina would be good politically before the Battle of Mon Cal. I dismissed it because she was still engaged to Zekk and because I really wanted nothing to do with her. She had hurt me and I really didn't consider his idea. However, after Zekk's death and her stunt that could have potentially ended in her execution, I had to do something. I couldn't let her die. I loved her despite her feelings for Zekk and the pain she had caused me. That was why I put her under my protection. I know what that looked like to the media now, but at the time I was desperate to keep her safe from Wekk's court-martial. Once I announced that I would be Emperor, my father's thoughts on Jaina's attributes as a wife came back to me. When she arrived here, I approached her with a business proposition and in the days since she arrived we've discovered our love again. However, whatever the media is saying about an illicit affair is false."

"What do you mean 'business proposition'?" Leia evenly asked.

Jaina met her mother's brown eyes and responded, "A marriage of connivance, Mom. He gets a wife with ties to royalty and I don't get court-martialed and together we make the Empire strong and we stop Jacen."

"Jaina, you'd never be happy in that sort of arrangement," Leia said and then glared at Jag, "and I can't believe you'd ask her to do something like that."

Han scowled and in a low threatening tone, "You are lucky that you are virtually untouchable, Fel, because I'd throttle you."

"Dad, stop. I knew what I was getting into, but it doesn't matter now because I want to marry him because we love each other. The rest is just added perks."

Jag looked down at the empty snack plate before him and quietly said to answer Leia's question, "I think asked her to marry me as a way to punish her for not loving me and for my own selfish reasons. I wanted her any way I could have her." He looked at Han and said, "Yes, if I'd be in your shoes, I'd want to throttle me too." Then he looked at Jaina, "I didn't realize that she still loved me. Leia, Han, I never stopped loving Jaina. I was angry with her and I didn't like what she was doing or did, but I never stopped hoping that someday she would come back to me."

Jaina s miled and squeezed his hand again then she said to her parents, "We are taking it slow—"

"You call getting married slow?" Han declared as he leaned back in the chair and glowered at Jag.

"Dad, even though we are planning to wed in less than three months, we are letting our relationship rediscover itself. A lot has happened in the ten years since the last time Jag asked me to marry him, but we are finding that if anything those ten years has helped both of us become better people. And our love is stronger because of it."

"Is this what you really want, Jaina? What will your role in the Empire be?" Leia asked intently gazing at Jaina.

Jaina took a deep breath and announced, "I plan to be Jag's partner in governing the Empire. I hope to see the educational systems of some of the Empire's non-human planets to become as good as their human counterparts. I want to see medial care on those planets to continue becoming better. I want to see more growth in the economy of the poorer areas of Bastion and in the Empire as a whole. I want to continue being allies with other Confederacy planets without them fearing that we plan to take them over. Lastly, I want to defeat Jacen and prevent him from making something as evil as Palpatine's Empire out of the GA."

Silence engulfed them as Han leaned in and stared at his daughter. After a long moment he s miled lopsidedly and announced, "Princess, it may have taken thirty years, but I think you are finally your mother's daughter. Nice campaign speech, by the way."

Leia looked at Han and said dryly, "Except an empress usually doesn't need a campaign speech. So, you will be Empress then?"

Jag s miled as he suddenly felt the tension ease. Jaina snickered while Jag grinned and said, "Actually, she is refusing to take the title. I keep telling her Mrs. Fel just isn't going to cut it and she keeps telling me that I need to come up with something not as sinister as empress."

Leia s miled and Jag noticed a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "Good. I'm glad that you don't want the title. I think the survivors of Aderaan would be slightly disturbed by their princess aspiring to become the Empress even if the Empire that destroyed our home no longer exists, but they wouldn't mind if she keeps her title and governs with respect, righteousness and tolerance."

Jaina looked at her mother confused, "But you are Aderaan's princess not me."

Leia leaned forward and raised a delicate dark brow, "I may be an Aderaanian princess, but I'm not the last. Jag, I like what you have been able to do for the Empire in such a short time. I like what you are hoping to do in the future. I can see why the people of the Empire like you and I can understand why you are feared by those who don't. You have a quiet power and a talent for leadership. I've always known that you would go far. I may never agree with the Imperial system but you make it less burdensome on the citizens by your tolerance and by your devotion to those citizens.

"I also know that you love each other." She s miled and then added, "You both glow within the Force." Jag watched as Jaina slightly blushed and he suddenly wondered if he was too.

After a short pause, she looked back to her daughter and announced, "Jaina, I would be honored if you accept my title of Princess. You will do more good with it than I can at this late hour of my life. My role now is guardian and Jedi Master to Allana. I used my title and the power that it gave me to help destroy the Empire of aggression and subjection, I'd like you to use it to rebuild that Empire into one of acceptance and equality." Then sadly she added, "And to stop the monster my son has become from creating something evil out of what I spent my life, blood and tears building."

"Mom, what do you mean?" Jaina asked breathless and Jag squeezed her hand, his own heart pounding at Leia's implication.

Leia s miled and said, "It's quite simple, really. You are now and forever will be Princess Jaina Organa Solo, the last heir to the Aderaanian Royal House of Organa." Then her s mile turned into a smirk and she added as she looked at Jag, "I think Princess Fel will work if she doesn't wish to be Empress, don't you?"

Jag nodded and said as he s miled at Jaina, "Yes, that will work nicely, I think."

Jaina grinned and poked him in the chest with a finger, "As long as you never call me 'Your Worshipfulness'."

"No, that will always remain your mother's title," Han smirked and dodged away when Leia swatted at his arm. Then he looked at Jaina and demanded as he reached for the cake in the middle of the table, "But I do want to know somethin'."

With the tension completely gone, Jaina was finally spooning some berries onto her plate. "What's that, Dad?" she said as she popped one of the purple stousberries into her mouth and Jag ordered the servant droid to get the bottle of Aderaanian wine from the cooler.

"Did you really have an affair with Kyp?" When she stopped chewing and tensed, he s miled and winked at Jag, "You know I always did like him better."

Headquarters of the Fifty-first Infantry and Galactic Alliance Guard, Coruscant

Kyp felt extremely out of place among the Coruscant GAG Stormies and the few infantry troopers that were standing at attention as Colonel Lon Shevu promoted Ben Skywalker from lieutenant to captain. Shevu had only come back to the capitol to report in with Jacen and for the promotion.

After the older man pinned the new rank insignia on Ben's lapel of his dress uniform, Kyp was amazed at the sudden burst of applause from the crowd of over hundred military beings. Lon moved off to the side and also joined his applause with those of the enlisted and low ranking officers that would now be under Ben's command. Suddenly, someone called out and was joined by several other gruff voices.

"Speech! Speech!"

Ben looked down and Kyp actually felt his momentary embarrassment, but it was gone almost as soon as it came. Ben cleared his throat and looked back up to speak. The men, women and other assorted beings that made up the unit instantly become quiet, causing a shiver to go through Kyp. A mere sixteen year old shouldn't have that much presence and charisma.

"Thank you, Colonel Shevu, for this great honor. I hope that I am able to lead the Coruscant Guard as well as you have. I would also like to thank all of you for turning out today to witness this.

Only a year ago, I stood here and was promoted lieutenant and then I said that our main goal is to keep the citizens of Coruscant and the GA safe. That goal has not changed. In three weeks Chief of State Niathal will give a speech on the state of the war and the GA. It will be our duty to make sure she is kept safe throughout the time she is speaking. We continue to receive reports of illegal contraband being sold throughout the city. There is also the usual stuff, terrorist attacks, death threats, illegal immigration of criminals and the such." Ben smiled and finished, "Our work is far from done."

More applause met Ben's words and Kyp shook his head. He still didn't like that his Apprentice was so embroiled in GAG and by extension Jacen. Although, the Supreme Commander wasn't present, Kyp couldn't help the feeling that it was supposed to mean more than Jacen not wanting to show favoritism. Kyp didn't really trust Ben's sudden change in mind. Nor did he trust Jacen's reason that he presented to the Council not a week ago that he was far too busy to give Ben's training the attention it really required.

Ben explained to Kyp after they met again that when he told Jacen about the Skywalkers' request that Kyp take over Ben's apprenticeship he agreed and convinced Ben that it would be better this way. Luke and Mara were just happy that their son was no longer living with Jacen, since Ben moved into the Temple, and that he was willing to train under Kyp. However, things were going too smoothly for Kyp's comfort. Ben still wasn't completely willing to open up with Kyp, but what Ben had told Kyp was completely legitimate theory and established Jedi philosophy; most of it Kyp himself ascribed to, or had in the past.

In Kyp's opinion, Ben Skywalker was in more jeopardy then any of them thought and that made him feel very responsible for making sure the son of Luke and Mara Skywalker didn't fall completely to the Dark Side.

He watched as Ben mingled with his officers and soldiers for a long time. Finally, the Apprentice made his way to the back of the meeting room to where his Master stood with his hands tucked within his dark brown robe. Kyp smiled and Ben returned it, "Master Durron, I'm glad that you were able to make it."

"I'm glad that you invited me," Kyp responded and nodded toward the knot of soldiers who were gathering around the refreshment table. "They really look up to you."

Ben glanced over at them and said, "Yeah, they do. Which is scary if you think about it." He looked back at Kyp and grinned, "I know that a lot of people think I'm here because of who my parents are and that my Jedi Master had been Jacen, but it's really because I'm good at what I do and for someone my age that is really unusual."

Kyp chuckled lightly, "I'm glad to see nothing is wrong with your ego."

Ben joined Kyp in laughing, "Jys tells me not to let it all go to my head. I guess that did come out egotistical. But then I'm a soldier as much as a Jedi and I don't think anyone can be as egotistical as Corran Horn."

Kyp slapped Ben on the back and snickered, "Ben, you definitely have a point there. I'm just glad I'm not the one related to him."

Ben made a face that reminded Kyp just how young Ben really was. "Please, don't remind me. He keeps telling Jys that we should get an annulment. I just wish he'd let it go and accept the fact that I'm his son-in-law."

Kyp shook his head, "Ben, Corran just wishes that you two would have waited, that's all. And he's a typical overprotective Corellian father. You remember how your uncle used to act with Jaina concerning Zekk?" Ben nodded briefly and Kyp went on. "And I'm sure Jys has told you stories about how her grandfather Booster dislikes Corran."

Ben grinned and said, "Yeah, she's told me all sorts of things regarding Master Horn and Captain Terrik. Maybe you're right. I hope things get better for Jys that's all."

Suddenly, Ben's face became blank and immediately his expression became one of concern, which bled out into the Force. "Ben, what's wrong?"

Ben didn't answer but closed his eyes and then after a moment they flew open and he turned to rush away.

" Ben!" Kyp called after him and moved to follow his Apprentice. "Ben, stop."

The young man did along with several of the curious Guardsmen. Ben glanced around and as Lon stepped forward, he said more to his commander than to Kyp, "I have to go."

Lon beetled his forehead and asked, "Where?"

"I'm going to Bespin. It's Jysella," he looked around and went on, "my wife, she's in trouble."

He moved to go past Lon and the Colonel reached out to stop him by placing his hand in front of Ben, "Captain Skywalker, you are not authorized to go to Bespin. You know that. With relations as they are, you going there would be seen as an act of aggression."

Ben looked desperate and then angry, "Colonel, something is happening and she needs me."

Kyp reached out into the Force and easily found Corran and Jysella. Corran felt agitated and fearful and Jys was in pain and afraid. He opened his eyes and stepped forward, "Colonel, my Apprentice is correct. I felt it also." Then he looked at Ben. "As a Jedi you could go to Bespin, but Colonel Shevu is correct, as GAG you cannot."

"Then I'll go as a Jedi. I have to see my wife. She's in pain." Kyp was amazed at the desperation in Ben's voice.

Kyp looked back at Lon and then after a moment said, "Then as the senior member of the Jedi Council I can authorize Ben's trip to Bespin." Lon shrugged and acquiesced. After which Ben turned to start moving through the GAG soldiers again, but stopped when Kyp said, "Ben, I will have to come with you."

Ben met Kyp's eyes and simply demanded, "Then let's go."

Jade's Shadow, Bonadan, Corporate Sector

Mara was more than happy to be leaving the capitol of the Corporate Sector. First, she and Luke were able to complete their mission successfully. The CorpSec would be rejoining the Galactic Alliance. Second, even though they were unable to find Ben within what historically had been dubbed the Sith Sector, Ben was safely on Coruscant and was now away from Jacen.

Thirdly, she was finally happy that she and Luke stopped being delusional sentimentalists about their nephew. She shook her head as she finished the caff and sat the mug down on the small dining table in the common room of her ship. It still amazed her how they denied the obvious for so long but the young man's own mother could admit it.

The call they received three weeks ago from Leia completely surprised them and had been extremely emotional. Leia said that she could no longer sit back and wait for the Jedi Council to come to the same determination she and Jaina had. However, it wasn't only the revelation that Jacen had, not only fallen to the Dark Side, but was a Sith that surprised Luke and Mara the most; it had been the story of how they had come up with that conclusion.

Leia related to them a secret that had to remain such about the paternity of the Princess Allana. She told them about a dream that the girl had that Jacen wanted to hurt her and that he had been the one who had hurt her mother. Leia and Jaina believe that Jacen caused the hemorrhage in Tenel Ka's brain and that he would have killed Allana too, or may have taken her to train her as a Sith if she hadn't been hiding on Dothamir with Isolder.

However, they have no evidence of this; only the dream of a seven year old whose relationship to Jacen Solo must remain secret for the girl's own safety, but Luke and Mara could find truth in it just as Leia, Han and Jaina had.

Mara and Luke were determined to find evidence against their nephew and use it to bring him down. Mara shivered slightly ever time she thought about what that would most likely mean for Jacen. She truly hoped he was redeemable and she knew that Luke truly thought that he was, but she had her doubts. She knew Jacen was doing evil in the galaxy, she knew how quietly a Sith could operate and she knew that whatever trail he left would be extremely hard to find. But find it they had to, because if they went after him before they had hard evidence he could twist the events and make the Jedi into the villains. She had related to Luke that she had been told once by Palpatine in a rare moment of candor that it was the Jedi's arrogance in believing that they could confront him without evidence of his dual identity that was their undoing and his triumph. She only hoped that Jacen's quest for power hadn't overtaken his desire for peace and he was doing the unthinkable and perpetrating the war as Palpatine had done the Clone Wars.

Suddenly, the forward hatch slid open, bringing her out of her thoughts. She looked up to find Luke coming toward her.

"Any luck getting hold of Kyp?"

"No," he shook his head and absently picked up her mug from the table and headed into the food prep area. As he filled her mug and made himself a cup of hot chocolate he elaborated, "I did get in touch with Kenth though."

She leaned forward and frowned, "Where's Kyp? I thought he was going to be with Ben during his promotion."

Luke brought forth their steaming mugs and set them down on the table and then he seated himself in his usual spot across from her. "On his way to Bastion."

"Bastion? What's he doing there and where's Ben?" she narrowed her eyes. "Luke, it was your idea to ask Kyp to train Ben. I hope that you didn't make a mistake."

Luke sat up and held out his hand in a placating way, "Hey. Don't start on Kyp again. Apparently, something happened to Jysella. Ben felt it during his promotion and nearly deserted to go to her."

"Is she okay?" Her concern for her former Apprentice instantly came through.

"I don't know. Kenth said that Kyp hasn't contacted him yet and Corran isn't answering his calls. Mirax also is on her way there. Corran must have talked her and Kyp and Ben went with her to Bespin. That's all anyone knows."

Mara sat back and reached out to her one-time Apprentice. She easily found her despite being clear across the galaxy from one another. Jys seemed tense and afraid but she felt no pain from her. Mara sent to her daughter-in-law thoughts of reassurance and love and Jys warmly acknowledged them.

"Did you find anything?" Luke asked after Mara came back to the here and now.

"She seems okay physically but she's afraid of something."

"Well, let's hope she is okay and that it's nothing serious." Luke then picked up his mug and sipped at the cooling chocolate.

After a moment of concerned silence over Jysella as they both wondered what could have happened, the Holonet view sputtered to life. Both Masters looked over at it and Luke grinned, "Ahh…the squashball game is coming on that I wanted to watch."

Mara made a face and shook her head, but before she could comment on Luke's recent obsession with the sport she noticed that it wasn't the pre-game nonsense that was on but a news broadcast and the hologram behind the middle-aged Devaronian anchor was of very fa miliar people.

"Luke, is that Leia, Han and Jaina with the Fels?"

Luke was already turning up the volume. He looked over at Mara and simply said, "Yeah."

"…Historically, nothing like this had ever happened. The Chairman of New Aderaan, Jan Thil has commented in a recorded statement following the announcement this morning that the Survivors are not happy with what Princess Leia has done but she as the last member of the Organa House has the right to name an heir if she so desires…"

"What did she do?" Luke asked bewildered.

"Shhh…"

"...Princess Leia then announced the betrothal of Princess Jaina Organa Solo to Emperor Jagged Fel…"

Luke looked as if he'd been hit. Mara felt his feeling of betrayal as his shoulders slumped and she reached over and laid her hand on his forearm.

"Leia knew what she was doing, Mara. By officially acknowledging Jaina as her heir to her royal heritage, she has given Jag Fel the one thing his critics all agree could have been his downfall—his lack of a true royal bloodline. He was fine as Head of State, but to be a true king he lacked the bloodline. Now his wife will provide that if not for him per se then for their heirs."

"But is Jag's Empire really that bad, Luke?" Mara countered.

"They are the enemy of the GA, so what are you targeting?"

"Just that he has done a lot of good over the past year. Sure peoples and planets fear him, sure they are fighting against us in this war, but I've heard the average people of the Remnant love him." Then she was quiet for a moment as they watched the news program as new Princess Jaina spoke of her hopes for the people who would be under her rule as the wife of the Emperor.

Luke swallowed and softly said, "She reminds me of Leia when she was running for Chief of State. I'm glad that she doesn't want to be named Empress."

Mara s miled and nodded as she sipped her caff, "Never thought I'd say this about my former Apprentice who would rather be flying into battle than navigate a party, but she makes a very poised princess." She sat the mug down and slowly said, "Luke," when he met her eyes she went on, "she still is the Sword of the Jedi."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Have you ever considered what a sword of the Jedi would do?"

Luke shrugged, "Mara, I still don't know why I even said that. Besides it's been nearly fifteen years. I don't think it matters anymore."

She raised a coppery brow, "And Anakin Skywalker was the Chosen One who had been predicted to bring balance back to the Force. It took him forty-six years to accomplish that. Luke, I think we should contact Jaina. We may need her when the time comes."

"The time for what?" she knew that he really knew what she was saying but still couldn't believe a boy he loved like his own son could have betrayed him so.

"To destroy the Sith."

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