Hapes

0-o-I-o-0

"All hail Tenel Ka Chume Ta'Djo. All hail chume'da Allana Ta'Djo."

The herald's call echoed in the rebuilt Lorell Hall, heard by the many hundreds of Hapan nobles and politicians who were in attendance. As one, the crowd dropped to bended knee, the magnificent wooden doors of the hall opening soundlessly to let in the bright Hapan sunlight. Copper-colored hair shimmering in the bright light, her clothing befitting of the member of the Royal House of Djo, Tenel Ka entered with her wide-eyed daughter ensconced in her arm. It was hard for the Queen Mother to believe that it had been almost a year since she had given birth to her daughter, just short of a year since the entire political landscape of Hapes had been turned on its head by the Killiks. But she had no time to dwell on those thoughts as sharp gray eyes swept the hall.

Trumpets heralded her arrival, the atmosphere not quite festive but not solemn either.

The Queen Mother had gone out with her entire personal guard, and had come back with only five badly damaged Nova-class battle-cruisers and a handful of support ships. Entire Houses had fought alongside the Queen Mother, and died as well. The royal court was noticeably more roomy than usual, as was the absence of a good many nobles who had gone off with Tenel Ka to battle the Killiks.

The Hapan Royal Navy as a whole was a pale shadow of itself. So much of the Hapan military had been lost in the almost back-to-back warring that even the normally hawkish nobility had become gun-shy. With the Queen Mother's orders to rebuild the infrastructure instead of creating ships to replace those lost in the Yuuzhan Vong and Killik wars, Hapes was thriving but more vulnerable than ever.

Not that anyone would say it out loud. Not when the infrastructure projects and trade with other systems had wealth pouring into the Consortium for families of all political alignments. The new-found wealth was reflected in the different clothing many of the nobles sported—from chic Coruscanti core styles to exotic Kiffu ensembles and military new-Imperial—if the style was in among the elite of some renown sector, then it could be seen in the court.

A respectful silence followed the last ringing note, Tenel Ka walking at a measured pace along the main thoroughfare, the crowd rising as she passed by like a living wave. Her gaze continued to sweep back and forth along the crowd, mentally cataloging the many faces that were absent, the many faces that were new.

Out of the entire crowd, only two of the faces guaranteed any sort of friendship, guaranteed that her feelings could be kept secret. Both Zekk and Jacen were towards the front of the crowd, the only males apart from Isolder in such a position. Zekk was House Zel's personal escort, and Jacen was the father of the chume'da. They smiled faintly upon eye-contact, but otherwise showed no reaction as she passed them.

"Welcome home, daughter," Isolder greeted.

Tenel Ka almost did a double-take at how tired and worn down her father looked in person. Between the gray hair, wrinkles, and his shorter-than-she-remembered stature, she couldn't remember the last time he had looked so old. She caught herself, however, and offered a courteous tilt of her head. "It is good to be home, among family and friends."

"It is," Isolder agreed. He stepped off the royal platform. "The throne is yours once more, Chume. Rule well, rule long."

Tenel Ka released a long, slow breath, relying on the innocent warmth of her daughter tucked against her body to relax her nerves. After five straight months of nothing but warring and death, how was one supposed to return to 'life as usual' in the static courts of Hapes? Battle maneuvers, life and death decisions for hundreds of thousands in the span of a single second, swapped for court intrigue and the petty games nobles who'd never left the Hapes Cluster thought made them important.

Again Tenel Ka focused on her daughter, her natural curiosity as she peeked at the crowd from over her mother's shoulder, her small heart beating strongly in her chest. Tenel Ka stepped up to the throne and sat in a smooth series of motions, bowing her head slightly so Isolder could place the Hapan crown back onto her head.

"You have done well in keeping Hapes in one piece, Crown Prince Isolder," Tenel Ka said aloud. "We thank you for your services to the Consortium while We were away."

"You honor me," Isolder bowed and then stepped to the side.

With the formulaic transition finished, Tenel Ka turned her attention to the crowd. "The threat the Killiks posed to this galaxy, to the Consortium, is finally ended. Though the end did not come without great cost, We will honor all those who died ensuring that the rest of us would be able to live in peaceful and prosperous times."

0-o-II-o-0

Taryn Zel and Zekk were seated on the roof of the Hapan Palace, watching as the sun slowly sunk below the horizon. The month they had been back had been filled with all sorts of political maneuvers, all sorts of the usual intrigue the Royal Guard normally had to deal with. Tenel Ka's return, though not unexpected, spoiled the plans of those hoping she'd perish in the war. Jacen wasn't able to escape Hapan politics either, and had to deal with countless requests for 'his virile seed' and offers to be consort to one House or another.

Mass memorial services to the hundreds of thousands of Hapans who had died in the fighting coincided with the more private funerals of higher-born families. All united by the fact that they were Hapans who had given their lives not just for the Consortium, but for the greater galaxy. The realization that they were truly part of something bigger was slowly sinking in.

But then again, the following days were still filled with much of the same. Nobles, more rich than ever thanks to the trade deals, schemed. Commoners went about their lives oblivious to the games the nobles played, but intrigued by the influx of foreign goods hitting the markets. And the royals did their best to balance their personal desires with the desires of sixty-three star-systems. It seemed like nothing had changed at all in the five-plus months they had all been gone.

In his time in the Consortium, while Taryn continued her duties as part of the Chume'doro, Zekk had returned to what he was good at; helping displaced refugees receive the help they might have had trouble getting otherwise. He could be frequently seen at the filled-to-the-brim orphanages in Tenel Ka Chume'dan as he did his best to show the kids that they hadn't been forgotten either. Though the fighting against the Killiks never truly breached the city walls, the number of dead from the Yuuzhan Vong and Swarm War combined had left many children without parents. Being an orphan himself, Zekk could definitely relate to them.

Working with the orphaned children made him reflect on his own life as well, making him marvel at how he somehow managed to go from street-rat hiding in the alley-ways to Jedi Knight residing in the Queen Mother's palace. It was almost surreal for him, and he had one person in particular for making Hapes feel like a home.

"Taryn?" Zekk said softly, his forearms folded atop his knees.

"Hmmm?"

Zekk continued to watch the amber and orange orb sink in the distance. "How many sunsets did we see together…you know…before the war?"

Taryn shook her head and rested it on his shoulder, hugging one of his arms as she did. "Doesn't matter."

"It does to me." He still didn't know how much of his memories, if any, he could recover from his pre-Joining days and that worried him slightly. He remembered all the practical things, like his time in the Shadow Academy, his training as a Jedi, his piloting skills. But the more personal memories were either gone or a fuzzy haze that vanished every time he tried to focus on them.

"It's in the past Zekk," Taryn said softly, the pad of her thumb rubbing the outside of his hand. "What should matter is how many more Hapan sunsets we'll see together in the future. How many times we'll get up early and greet the sun as it rises again. Sure, you might have lost most of your memories of us, that just gives us an excuse to make new ones. Even without the part of you the bugs took away, you're still Zekk. Still…"

"Still what?" Zekk asked when Taryn trailed off and looked down at her feet as if trying to collect her thoughts.

Taryn replied by gently cupping his face and kissing him slow and long. One of his own hands came up to entangle itself in her flaming red hair as he pressed his own lips against hers with equal emotion. When they parted, Taryn smiled almost peacefully at him. "The man I love, what else?"

Zekk felt his heart thump loudly in his chest. He knew, just from the fragmented memories he did have, that Taryn was still the only person to tell him 'I love you.' From his time in the Shadow Academy, throughout the Jedi Academy, he had never really felt the level of emotion for him that was now burning freely from the beautiful young woman before him.

He knew from the almost serene expression on her face that it was not the first time she had admitted such feelings to him. He felt the same for her. Then, not knowing when he had last reciprocated those feelings, he cupped her face and gave her an equally slow and long kiss.

They parted very reluctantly. "I love you too, Lady Zel."

Taryn's gray eyes shined with unguarded emotion. He shifted, pulling her so that her back was resting against his chest, the tall warrior woman ensconced comfortably in his arms.

"So, how many more sunsets do you think we'll see, Zekk?" Taryn whispered softly, the sun now a third of the way beneath the horizon, the ambient green glow of the Transitory Mist slowly regaining prominence.

He rested his head on her shoulder, their cheeks touching as their hands laced their fingers together. "Many more, I hope. Many, many more."

"I…I feel the same way," Taryn murmured. They sat like that for a while, the warm night air keeping them comfortable and content in the presence of the other.

As the sun almost disappeared beneath the distant lands, he sensed a shift in her emotions as hints of nervousness and fear escaped her, and he pulled back slightly. "Taryn?"

Taryn licked her lips, spinning around to face him on her knees. She looped her arms over his shoulders and leaned forward so that their foreheads were touching. "You know I'm not the type of girl to give my heart lightly, right? Once I give it, no one else is going to have it. I know that you have Jedi duties and all and that you'll probably have to leave again pretty soon to save the galaxy or something. Of course I'll still be here guarding my cousin and the chume'da, but…"

"You're rambling, Taryn," Zekk said faintly. "What's wrong, why are you shaking so much?"

"Because I love you, Jedi Knight Zekk, and for once I want to use my royal privileges and tell your Jedi Order off for sending you on the other side of the galaxy when I really want you here, at my side for the rest of my life!" Taryn managed to get out in a mix between a yell, laugh, and panicked spew. "I know how short life is, and how suddenly one of us might die, so I want us to have every moment this galaxy is going to give us because you never know when you'll wake up one day and realize that your best friend and the one you wanted to spend the rest of your life with is no longer with you because the Force wanted him more. And…and I've already lost mom, and dad, and I would have lost Trista too, several times over, but you keep us alive and happy and I don't want…don't want…"

Zekk pulled her to his chest, her body quivering as she just trailed off and gripped his robes tightly. He could feel the tears he was sure Taryn would never shed openly, soak the front of his Jedi robes. In the background, the sun finally dipped below the horizon, the sky now a blaze of viridian and aqua. "I love you Taryn Zel, that's never going to change. I'm sure of it. The bugs wiped my mind of all that made me me, took away any memory I had of our past time together. Yet I fell in love with you all over again."

"Can the Force give you to me?" Taryn whispered softly, keeping a cheek pressed against his chest as she loosely held him in turn. "I've never asked for anything, didn't want the privilege that comes with being a Royal. So do you think the Force will be good enough to give you to me, free of charge?"

"I'm not sure about the Force," Zekk said. "But I am yours, Lady Zel."

Taryn's gray eyes flicked upwards to his face. "Marry me."

Zekk blinked, then looked down. "Taryn?"

"Marry me. Officially become a member of House Zel, I mean it."

"I was a street kid and am an outsider Jedi. The nobles won't even accept Jacen as Tenel Ka's consort, and he's a Solo. To them, he's just a sperm donor. You'd be ruining your…"

"And I told you, I couldn't give a womrat's backside about what the nobles think of me! I'm never going to be Queen Mother anyways and I'm part of the royal family so they can stuff their complaints. Now are you going to marry me or not?"

Zekk couldn't help but laugh at the almost child-like petulant tone in her voice. "When we tell our future kids how you landed your husband, they're going to think you don't have a single romantic bone in your body."

Taryn blushed, then blinked. "So it's a 'yes'?"

"It's a yes, Lady Zel." Zekk confirmed, the decision simple for him.

Taryn's reaction was to suddenly push him down onto his back, straddle him, and then kiss the living daylights out of him. Zekk definitely didn't complain, wrapping his own arms around her as he returned the kiss with equal fervor. Above, the stars blinked merrily, the undulating currents of the Transitory Mist streaming through the night's sky.

0-o-III-o-0

Jacen Solo felt as if his face were burst from the smile he was wearing as his nearly one-year old daughter crawled happily towards him, a stuffed Rancor toy clutched in one hand. About half-way to him, she appeared to push herself off the ground onto her two legs. She toddled forward a couple of steps, before overbalancing and falling on her well-padded, diapered rear. A look of surprise accompanied the fall, then she just giggled and resumed crawling across the rug-covered floor.

"She's amazing," Jacen chuckled, holding up a stuffed Nexu for his daughter and a holo-cam in the other. He pretended to walk the Nexu across the floor in front of him. "Hey, Allana, look what I got for you. Meow!"

Allana appeared to forget all about the Rancor, dropping it without care, as she motored her way in a combination of walking and crawling to get the new toy. But then, half-way to her dad, she seemed to remember the Rancor and looked back over her shoulder. Seeing the Rancor on the other side of the room, Allana pouted, then overbalanced again and fell back down.

"I will get it for you," Tenel Ka started to move over, only to see the stuffed toy fly across the room into her now giggling daughter's arms.

"Well, I guess that answers the question as to whether or not she'll be a powerful Jedi," Tenel Ka couldn't help but laugh along with the rest of her family. Her daughter, gnawing on the top of the Rancor's head, blinked in curiosity. "Don't worry about it, Allana. You will be surrounded by friends and family, always."

Jacen sat down in front of Allana, handing off the holo-cam to Tenel Ka as he brought the Nexu forward. "This is a Nexu." Jacen instructed. "It's a herbivore and normally found in…."

"Nanananana," Allana reached for the toy while swinging her Rancor up and down, seemingly not caring about what her dad had to say.

"Okay, we'll call her Nanana," Jacen shrugged, grinning sheepishly at the camera. "A few more years before the creature lessons I guess."

"Probably for the best," Tenel Ka said with mock sarcasm. "I recall you keeping crystal snakes and other potentially lethal creatures in your room on Yavin."

"They were harmless unless harassed by anyone," Jacen protested, surrendering the cat and picking up the saliva-slickened Rancor. He made several roaring noises, manipulating the creature's arms. This caused Allana to burst into giggles, and she promptly grabbed the Rancor again, as if expecting it to continue moving and making sounds. She jerked it up and down for a few moments, then flipped it to the side and went back to her Nexu.

"I thinks she likes the Nexu, more," Tenel Ka observed. Then, sensing her lover's thoughts. "That doesn't mean you will get her one. At least not until she is older."

"Says the Queen Mother with the juvenile Rancor beneath the palace."

"It's not my fault that my mother is Dathomiri and that the Singing Mountain Clan thought it'd be a good gift."

"Nanananana," Allana added to the conversation, twisting the stuffed Nexu in her little hands.

"Exactly," Tenel Ka said royally. "See, she supports me."

"She could have been saying 'daddy's right, listen to him,'" Jacen pointed out.

Tenel Ka was about to reply, when Allana emitted a giant yawn and rubbed at her eyes. Handing the holo-cam back, Tenel Ka gently lifted her daughter off the ground. "You have done well today, Allana. The people of Hapes were all impressed."

Allana was already sleeping before Tenel Ka had finished her sentence.

"Can you believe we made something as amazing as her?" Jacen whispered, standing and recording Tenel Ka as she walked around the room with their daughter.

"She would be amazing," Tenel Ka smiled a private smile up at the camera. "She has you for a father and myself as her mother."

"I think being Queen Mother's gotten to your head a little," Jacen chuckled. He set the camera down on a nearby table and walked over to his lover and daughter. "She's amazing despite having us as her parents."

"And being a Jedi Master has made you a bit too humble," Tenel Ka rejoined, accepting Jacen's chaste kiss. She carried their daughter over to the crib and gently tucked her in.

"With all the politics going on today, we haven't even discussed what we're going to do for tomorrow," Jacen laughed tiredly.

"After over thirty requests in one day to be consort to one woman or another, staying away from court is probably prudent for you," Tenel Ka said evenly. "Even I have limits as to the level of ridiculousness I can tolerate."

"Still mad about that noblewoman, whoever she was, telling me to get a feel of what I could possibly be having on a nightly basis?"

"Well there was her too," Tenel Ka said.

"The woman who cornered me in the bathroom and flat out stated she wanted a quick deposit of my seed?"

"I wasn't counting her among the thirty-plus."

"The coalition of women who are scheming to have me fall for one of them?"

"You laugh now," Tenel Ka said, shaking her head in tired amusement. "That's how all intrigue starts. The Queen Mother allows what seems like a silly idea to continue on for a bit too long. And before you know it, people are trying to assassinate me for a better chance of being impregnated by you."

"Sounds like typical Hapan politics to me," Jacen quipped.

"With the additional enjoyment of being more complicated because Jedi are involved."

"It's probably a good thing I'm leaving after Allana's birthday then," Jacen said, his expression softening. Said birthday wasn't all that far away, meaning he didn't have many days left with his family before the galaxy he had been ignoring took precedence once more.

Tenel Ka swallowed heavily and nodded once. "It will reduce the number of political schemes I have to be aware of by a great deal."

"And give more weight to the fact that I'm a Jedi Master on the High Council and can't show favoritism to any one system or planet," Jacen said very unconvincingly as he stared down at his daughter's sleeping form.

"Yes, it would," Tenel Ka's voice was almost a whisper.

He moved up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "You know I care deeply for you and Allana, would do anything to protect the both of you."

"As I would the two of you," Tenel Ka breathed back. "But we agreed, your place is with Denon, making the entire galaxy a better place. We would only tie you down, hold you back. You are capable of so much good, Jacen Solo. Use that good, make this galaxy a place where fathers don't have to be separated from their daughters to ensure the safety of billions."

"I'll do my best," Jacen kissed the skin between her neck and shoulders. "For you, for Allana. So the both of you can live in a better galaxy."

"And I shall raise her the best I possibly can, for you, and for her sake." Tenel Ka exhaled. She stepped forward and out of his arms. "Perhaps we can take a family outing to the zoo tomorrow. The political-portion of my schedule should only occupy the morning. Barring an extra-galactic invasion, my afternoon should be free enough."

"That sounds like a plan," Jacen agreed, thankful for the change in topic. It wasn't that he wanted to avoid their impending separation, but at the same time dwelling on it wouldn't change anything either. It was pretty clear from his stand point. His place was on Denon, Tenel Ka's was on Hapes and neither could abandon their duty to the billions of lives that relied on the decisions they made.

"Then let us retreat to bed, Jacen," Tenel Ka gestured, as if able to hear his thoughts and feelings. "I wish to make the most of the time we do have so the memories at least will keep me company in trying times."

Jacen took her extended hand. "It would be my honor, Queen Mother."

Together, they walked past the table with the holocam on it, neither aware that it was still on record and had caught the entire conversation. That one day, Allana Djo Solo would be able to see just how much her parents loved her, loved each other, and would use that knowledge to comfort her in the darkest of times.

0-o-IV-o-0

"Taryn," Trista almost groaned, putting a hand to her head and shaking her head at the same time.

"What?" The bright-eyed Hapan warrior princess asked curiously, continuing her patrol with the members of her squad. The fact that she was practically skipping as she hummed a merry tune was not missed by any of those in her squad.

"Can you not look like you've just spent the entire night having really good sex with Wonderknight?" Chiri Aros said, the corners of her lips twitching in amusement. "You're practically glowing, and you've been humming that song throughout the entire patrol!"

"Don't worry, it wasn't really good sex," Taryn said reassuringly over her shoulder.

Chiri's eyes widened and she stopped in place in shock. "You mean Wonderknight can't…"

"It was the most amazing sex ever," Taryn said mildly, not missing a stride. "You know the type that curls your toes and blows your mind, and makes you wish it would never end?"

"Okay, now you're rubbing it in!" Chiri complained. The mechanical sounds of the pistons in her robotic legs accompanying their footsteps across the marbled floor. The only reason why she could stay with the squad was because they were officially at peace-time. The main assignment of their squad was to keep the palace secure, and to protect the Zel twins as well. No matter how impish said twins became. "Come on, Lady Zel. With Lieutenant Zel and the captain breaking up, you're like the only one of us actually getting any…"

Someone cleared her throat and the others glanced to Hiana. "Lady Zel is not the only one 'getting any'."

"You and the Dathomiri boy?" Chiri raised an eyebrow.

"I can verify that he is most definitely a man," Hiana replied angelically.

"That's it! I say that the rest of us should march up to the Chume and demand added benefits for the Chume'doro," Chiri grumbled.

"I'm almost afraid to ask," Ryadii Skella said, playing the straight-woman.

"I say that everyone on Alpha Squad gets assigned their own Wonderknight for the purposes of better coordination with the Jedi Order, additional protection against Force-sensitive assassins, morale maintenance, and stress relief."

"I don't think she'll be too convinced about that last reason," team medic Mirala Chell giggled.

"But she'll empathize," Chiri said. "And just think of it, our Houses will then have Jedi-heirs and kick the butts of all the other Houses."

"I think we'll have better luck petitioning for Jedi Solo's seed," comm-specialist Anyasin commented.

"Way to redirect the conversation, sister," Trista arched an eyebrow. "Would you like to tell the rest of the squad and myself why you had the most mind-blowing sex last night?"

Taryn blinked as if that was an absurd question. "Because it happens every time I'm with Zekk?"

"Lady Zel, even if I'm supposed to protect you, I can't promise that my mechanical hands won't suddenly malfunction and find themselves around your throat," Chiri glowered.

Taryn grinned broadly, taking point with a definite spring in her steps.

"You sure you have no idea?" Chiri glanced to Trista, who shook her head in bewilderment.

Hiana, however, narrowed her eyes, then joined Taryn in front. "Congratulations."

"What are you saying?" Taryn asked, betraying nothing.

"Guessed it was the right thing to say. Tell the others. It will be good for morale. That is an order," Hiana urged monotonously.

"Fine," Taryn glanced over her shoulder. "Jedi Knight Zekk is House Zel's Jedi."

"We all know that," Ryadii said in confusion.

"Officially," Taryn added, beaming.

It took a second for that to sink in, during which time Taryn continued her patrol while the others momentarily ground to a halt.

"You realize how she tells us this when we're in the middle of a patrol and can't mob her with questions?" Anyasin groaned, resuming her pace.

"I think she planned it that way." Mirala added, looking put out.

"So, is that why you were congratulating me?" Taryn looked to the sniper once Hiana had drawn even again. "You guessed it?"

Hiana blinked. "I assumed he got you pregnant."

This time Taryn did miss her step, her cheeks becoming bright red.

"What? Isn't that the result of multiple nights of amazing sex?" Hiana asked a bit too innocently.

"Captain Roh, you're my new best friend!" Chiri laughed with the rest of the squad.

Hiana shared a small smile with the flushed Taryn. "Thank you sergeant for helping me raise unit morale, carry on."

The sniper then resumed her place in the middle of the patrol and was replaced by Trista.

"Congratulations," Trista said softly, her eyes glimmering as she took her sister's hand.

"He's staying Trist, he's staying for me, for us," Taryn breathed out.

"And his duties as a Jedi?" Trista asked.

"He's…he said he'd talk with Jacen. Said that he could probably do more good concentrating his efforts on one part of the galaxy, than spreading himself out to all its corners."

Trista suddenly spun in front of Taryn and gave her a tight hug. "I'm so happy for you, sister."

Surprised at first, Taryn returned the hug, her own eyes squeezing shut as the grin—the one that hadn't been able to leave her face since she had awoken—persisted. "Future is looking bright for us, sis."

"Yes," Trista nodded, stepping back and looking like a mirror image of her twin with a matching smile. "It is."

Inside the palace, Zekk found Jacen in the royal quarters, giving Allana a ride on his shoulder. The tot was giggling up a storm, drool already dripping into Jacen's mess of brown hair. "Rawr, we're powerful Rancors!" Jacen roared, stomping around with deliberate side-to-side swaying motions. Allana continued to laugh as her small body moved with her father's. Jacen paused when he realized that Zekk was in the door way, looking bemused and fighting back laughter.

Jacen was bare-chested, a loose pair of sweats on him. It was evident he had had a hand in feeding Allana breakfast, if the mushed up fruit stains and spilt drink on said pants were any indication. A pile of Allana-sized clothes indicated that it too had breakfast-related damage done to it. At the table where the baby-chair was, scattered bits of cereal surrounded an overturned bowl and a small pool of water surrounded a baby-bottle. A toy box was open with scattered stuffed-animals of various sorts strewn about, and Jacen's Jedi robes were being used to dress a particularly large teddy-bear gifted by some noble hoping to earn favors.

"I see the powerful Rancor left the remains of its morning meal all over the place," Zekk finally laughed. "And then rampaged about the room. Whatever are we going to do?"

"Errr…yeah," Jacen said sheepishly, lifting his daughter off his shoulders and placing her in the play-pen. He then shut off the holo-cam Tenel Ka had set earlier—she had wanted to document the morning after Jacen had unwisely said 'how hard can it be to feed her?'.

"Don't stop on my account," Zekk said, stepping into the room.

Jacen had used the Force to pull a few towels from the bathroom and began to clean up the mess. "Good thing it was you and not Tenel Ka. I don't think she realizes how hazardous it was to leave me with Allana all morning."

"To Allana or to you?"

Using a wet towel to wipe off his hair, Jacen gave Zekk a sidelong look. "Me of course. I have zero experience with babies, and the fact that she's mine scares the…"

"Shirt right off you."

"Very funny."

"Tenel Ka holding court?"

"Until lunch," Jacen nodded his thanks as Zekk helped him tidy up the room. "You need something?"

"Can I talk to you first as Jacen Solo my good friend, then Jacen Solo the Jedi Master on the High Council?"

"Shoot."

"Taryn asked me to marry her last night and I agreed," Zekk got out in a single breath.

"Congratulations."

"Yeah, yeah, I know. You and Tenel Ka's nefarious scheme to get me and Taryn together have succeeded at long last. Pat yourself on the back."

"I fully intend to. So, what's the problem?"

Zekk responded by levitating a knocked-over carton of juice and floating it around the dining table. "I belong to an order of people who do this for a living."

"Ah. Those dastardly flying-juice-cartoners. "

"You do know you're much more amiable when Tenel Ka and Allana are nearby. Makes you a happy person and it shows."

"You're marrying Taryn but afraid the Jedi Order is going to zip you off to the next crisis on the other side of the galaxy?" Jacen summed up, ignoring Zekk's remark.

"Pretty much. I assume with the Killik threat over and Hapes opening its doors to the galaxy, the Jedi Order won't want to spend resources with a Jedi Ambassador to Hapes anymore."

"You're probably right on that," Jacen agreed. "The Killik War really affected the numbers of Jedi we can put into the field. I know of other ambassadors already being recalled and reassigned to more volatile areas. I highly doubt they'd allow someone as capable and powerful as you to languish about in an area of space that's pretty stable."

"That's what I thought," Zekk sighed, shaking his head. "On one hand, I know the galaxy needs my help. On the other, I have a life too, finally have a place that I can call home. The problems in this sector might not be galaxy-threatening, but aren't we Jedi supposed to look out for the little people too?"

"The way I see it," Jacen answered, slowing his actions but continuing to wipe the floor with the rag in his hands. "By returning to the Order, by allowing ourselves to sacrifice our personal peace for the sake of others. That's the true meaning of being a Jedi. We have people we love. We can either love them by being with them and let many people suffer when we could have stopped it, or protect those many people and those we love by being in a position to affect policy."

"But what's the point of it all if you have nothing to look forward to at the end?" Zekk asked. "Sure you spend the next few years smiting bad guys and making the galaxy a tiny bit safer, but in the end, those are years you're never going to get back, years you could have spent loving those who love you in turn. That love might be there still, but it won't be the same. Leaving them behind, making the decision to run about the galaxy while they are forced to stay where they are because of their own duty, that's not exactly saying 'I love you'."

"She'll understand though. That same duty that keeps her here forces you to protect those others out among the stars. Just as she protects those on Hapes, tries to make Hapes better, you'll be doing the same but on a larger scale."

"She'll understand that those trillions of others in the galaxy mean more to you than her," Zekk shook his head. "When you love someone with all your heart, you don't just suddenly up and leave. If I stay with the Jedi Order, I won't have any idea when I'd be able to return to Hapes next. Between the missions, the politics, the life and death adventures we Jedi go on, it'll probably be months, if not years before I can be back out here."

"Let's say you stay," Jacen said, beginning to wash the dishes. "Stay, live your life with those you love, have a family. All the while, the darkness in the greater galaxy grows and grows. But you choose to stay on Hapes anyways because it's what makes you happy. We're Jedi, Zekk, we can't afford such luxuries when we're often the first and last line of defense this galaxy has. It was why all the orders of the past actually banned attachments. Apart from the whole dark side thing, if Jedi decided to just settle down, we'd have no way to defend the multitudes that don't have a Jedi defender nearby. We need to be out there in the galaxy, not confined to one small corner of it."

"'We need'? What about the needs of those we care for? I understand that we can serve many more people jetting about the galaxy, but what about serving those closest to us. Being a Jedi is more than selflessly throwing our lives away for the greater good. It's finding that good in life and trying to preserve it the best we can. As much as she'd probably love to come away with me and jet across the galaxy fighting crime, Hapes is her home, the place she feels most strongly about. And don't people who feel strongly about one location or people, or person, fight the hardest? How can I go to distant planets, systems I'll probably never visit again in my life time, and expect to defend and protect it with the same emotions I would defending her, defending Hapes? A Jedi's strength comes from their love of life, and she's become a very big part of my life."

"I can only tell you what the Jedi Council would say," Jacen said wearily. "They'd more than likely ask you to return to active duty, to go where you'll be needed most. Yes, you're married now, but even Jedi Masters can't spend time with their other. Master Durron's wife saw more of him during our campaign against the Killiks than over the last couple of years, and they have three kids together. We can't always get what we want, Zekk. If you're a Jedi, you have to maintain the responsibility expected of us. If that means leaving our families behind to serve the greater good, then so be it."

Zekk, who had been dangling a stuffed Nexu over the edge of the play-pen, let Allana take it from him as he glanced back towards Jacen. "And if I leave the Jedi Order?"

"Zekk," Jacen wiped off his hands on a dish towel and sat on one of the chairs at the dining table. "You can do whatever you want. If you think the galaxy will be better served with you quitting the Order, go ahead. A Jedi can't afford to be selfish, can't afford to place their own needs and wants over that of an entire galaxy. So if you don't think you can handle that responsibility any more, go ahead and leave the Order. I'm sure many people would understand."

Zekk nodded silently. Watching as the stuffed Nexu's head became Allana's latest chew-toy. Organizing his thoughts, he looked over to Jacen again. "What will you be doing? I know you have no plans to stay on Hapes. But are you at least going to visit?"

Jacen, his gaze locked on the tiny red curls atop his daughter's head, smiled sadly as he shook his head. "It makes things a lot less complicated for both Tenel Ka and I if I don't."

"Your daughter needs a father," Zekk protested mildly. "I grew up without parents, and let me tell you, Peckham was a life-saver. I'd have been proud to call him dad."

Jacen emitted a soft laugh, shaking his head. "You just don't understand, Zekk. I'm a Solo, a Jedi Master, a member of the High Council. Tenel Ka's a Queen Mother for billions. Every decision we make, every side we take, it has the potential to ruin or make lives. If I stayed here, I'd be embroiled in Hapan politics, make Tenel Ka and Allana an even bigger target. If I stayed here, I wouldn't be able to use the Solo name to help protect Hapes from outside enemies. What happens when the next Killiks or Vong, or whatever, decides to invade? On the High Council I can help make the policy needed to keep the galaxy spinning, to make sure that Hapes enjoys the peace it's currently enjoying for a very long time. Yes Tenel Ka and Allana are important to me. I love them, and because of that, I have to leave them."

"I'm sorry," Zekk said gently.

"Don't be," Jacen shook his head. "The Force wanted it this way for a reason. Besides, whenever I have visions of Allana, she's always surrounded by friends and family. She'll probably be so loved, she won't even need me."

"She'll always need her dad," Zekk shook his head.

"She's stronger than Tenel Ka and I," Jacen's lopsided smile was melancholy. "She'll be just fine."

"I hope you're right."

"I am too," Jacen sighed. He then forced a smile onto his face. "So, when's the wedding?"

"You know Taryn," Zekk had to laugh. "She wanted it quick and out of the way. We're doing it twice actually, a small Hapan wedding and a Jedi one."

"A Jedi one?" Jacen's eyebrows rose.

"She wanted to be sure we were married in the eyes of the Force too," Zekk laughed, nodding. "They're scheduled for this weekend, at the old Zel family estate."

"This weekend is Allana's birthday," Jacen noted.

"Great, you can bring her along. It's going to be a small audience only. She didn't want those extravagant things the nobles throw, you know, the multi-million credit bashes."

"We'll be there, definitely," Jacen nodded. "Zekk."

"Yeah?"

"If you do decide to stay on Hapes, decide to leave the Order…" Jacen trailed off, his gaze still focused on Allana.

"I'll look after them both," Zekk said solemnly. "Promise."

"Thank you," Jacen breathed out, looking away and out the balcony window. "Just because the Force wants it a certain way, doesn't mean I have to be happy with it. But this is the way it has to be, the way to keep the darkness at bay and to ensure that Allana grows up to have that future I dream she has."

0-o-V-o-0

News of a member of the royal family getting married quickly circulated through the nobility, and the commoners, and the Jedi Order. It was an instant hit among the local HoloNet, which was grateful to provide coverage about something that wasn't a funeral, grieving family, or construction project. It was the talk of the town among the commoners, who delighted in the fact that Taryn Zel of Her Majesty's Royal House, was actually marrying someone with a non-existent pedigree. The fact that a royal was marrying for love, to someone who had been born and raised in the streets, gave hope to the people that the times were indeed changing. Of course, the reverse was also true, with many noble families calling it the 'scandal of the millennium'. A member of the royal house completely eschewing decorum and tradition, not to mention politics, on a level that even Teneniel hadn't dared, was unheard of. There were even calls from some of the more conservative groups for Tenel Ka to forbid the marriage or strip Taryn of her title.

But the happy couple wasn't about to let any of that get to them. They were beyond giddy, with Taryn's delight becoming infectious to the rest of her squad. Said squad did their best to insulate her from the negative media and political views, giving death glares to anyone who dared try and spoil the genuine joy she radiated.

Zekk, of course, was also getting congratulations from his friends across the Order as news made it out of the Transitory Mists. A couple days before the wedding, both he and Taryn were sitting in the Zel-family's dining room, laughing as the holo-image of Jaina Solo recounted a memory from their younger days.

"Okay, so both you and Jacen…"

"And Anakin, and Lowie, and Tesar, and Tekli…"

"I get the point, all of you knew I was going to end up with Taryn," Zekk couldn't help but laugh. "Can someone explain why the Force made me take this long to realize it?"

"The Force has a sense of humor and wanted to draw out your relationship as long as possible so we could all make bets, jokes, and enjoy your floundering," Jaina guessed, laughing in turn.

"Ah, yes, the Force secretly likes epic space soap-operas," Zekk deadpanned.

Taryn giggled. "Hey, it worked out in the end. He'll officially be Zekk Zel very, very soon."

"I still can't believe the two of you are really getting married," Jaina Solo was grinning from ear to ear.

"Yeah," Zekk chuckled. "Me too."

"Of course, you had to wait until I'm on the other side of the galaxy and tied up in all sorts of Imperial business, right? Geez, first Imperial stuff makes me miss Allana's birth and now I have to miss out on your wedding too?"

"Taryn and I thought about having it later, but we weren't sure what the galaxy would have in store for us so…"

"You don't need to give me any excuses, Zekk. I understand," Jaina said, her eyes soft. "I'm glad you've finally found someone you can spend your life with."

"Thanks, I am too," Zekk laughed, his arms wrapped around a smiling Taryn. "Any sign that your boyfriend is going to take things to the next level too?"

Jaina laughed wryly. "Neither of us are ready for that step. We still have so much to do out here. Jagged's literally fighting for his life and office every day, trying to duck the political maneuvers the Moffs are pulling. I'm trying to make sure the Force-sensitives over here have a balanced training so they don't become the next generation of Sith Lords and Ladies."

"You make Hapan politics sound so petty and small in comparison," Taryn commented. "All we care about is what happens in the cluster. Those Imperials seem to want to take over the entire galaxy."

"Tell me about it," Jaina shook her head in amusement. "Does this mean that you've convinced Zekk to stay on Hapes?"

"As if he needed any convincing," Taryn squeezed his hands.

Jaina tilted her head slightly. "The Jedi Order is okay with that?"

Zekk released a slow breath. "You're probably the first person outside of Trista and Taryn I'm telling. But I've decided to leave the Jedi Order."

"Really?"

"Yeah," Zekk nodded, his voice thick. He felt Taryn gently caress the arms he had wrapped around her. "It's been my life for so long, made me who I am. But I think…I think the life I'm trading it for is more than worth it. Actually, I know it's worth it. I can't keep fighting for abstract ideals and ancient platitudes forever."

"The Jedi Order is definitely going to be poorer without you," Jaina said, her expression tender.

"You're okay with it?"

"You're talking to the girl who's shacked up with an Imperial Moff and wearing Imperial-black Jedi robes. Turi was right though, they are very slimming," Jaina grinned. She leaned back into the high-backed chair, head pillowed in her hands, and spun around with the chair once. "I'm a firm believer in following one's heart."

"Jacen seems to think the opposite. He's leaving Hapes for Denon after Allana's first birthday. Says he can do more for his family over there than on Hapes."

"That does sound like him," Jaina sighed, shaking her head. "I'm with you on this one Zekk. You can still do your duty as a Jedi, serve the galaxy, and be with the people you love. Both sides have to make sacrifices, but it's doable. Even if you're on Hapes, you'll be keeping the light side strong in that pocket of the galaxy."

"I understand your sacrifice," Zekk said. "You've practically marooned yourself in that far corner of the galaxy away from your family, friends, and other Jedi. What'd Jagged give up?"

"We're together out here, but we're also not," Jaina explained after a moment. "When he was Assistant Syndic, I couldn't marry him, have any sort of family or out-right relationship with him because of politics. We could be near each other, share a few hours at a time together, but ultimately we were tied to our duties. Even now as a Moff, because his position is so tenuous, nothing is certain for either of us. We've probably spent all of a day or two together since you guys left, and most of that time was discussing strategy and politics. Because of his position, his responsibilities, he has to place me at a lower priority to keep the both of us alive. He doesn't like it one bit, but we both know duty, understand the responsibility we have to those who look to us for direction. Someday, maybe, we'll be able to marry, spend time together without creating some political firestorm. But that's not going to happen any time soon."

"You said both sides have to give some. Do you think…" Taryn started, taking a breath to organize her thoughts. "Do you think I should have accepted a position in one of the GA's commando units? I know they're recruiting heavily to replace the people they lost during the war. If I was accepted into one of those squads, then Zekk could stay in the Order. I feel as if I'm asking Zekk to step away from the only family he's ever known, and I know he'd never ask that of me. But if I was a GA commando…"

"You'd have even less time with Zekk and no guarantee of even meeting up even during leave times," Jaina said, shaking her head. "You'd also be serving an institution you don't truly believe in. I think that's kind of why Zekk's willing to step away from the Order. He's outgrown it."

"I wouldn't put it that way, but…well…maybe I would," Zekk said with a sheepish laugh. "It gave me structure, a path to walk and guides to show me how to walk that path."

"And now it's time for you to forge your own path," Jaina said, her expression gentle.

"With Taryn," Zekk confirmed, giving Taryn a quick kiss on her cheek.

"I'm truly happy for you, Zekk." Jaina grinned a lopsided Solo-style grin. "Who knew all those years ago during the Vong War that you'd meet your future wife in the bed-chambers of the Queen Mother?"

"She did," Zekk said dryly. She rolled her eyes and playfully slapped his arm. "What? Didn't you tell me you Hapan women always get what you want if you have your heart set on it?"

"You remember!" Taryn beamed.

"Yeah, I guess I do." Zekk was given a quick kiss by his future wife.

"Stay well, you two, and watch each other's backs," Jaina laughed.

"Always," Taryn confirmed.

"Definitely," Zekk nodded.

"Good luck you two, may the Force be with you, both."

0-o-VI-o-0

The day could not have been more perfect for a wedding. The sun was shining, but a breeze kept the temperature down. Sky a deep blue with wisps of clouds floating by. The wild garden around the Zel ancestral home lent its scent of wildflowers and earthy herbs to the festivities, while the copse of trees provided the shade. Despite it being a royal wedding, only a few dozen people were present.

Crown Prince Isolder and Trista were in Hapan finery, while the noble-household members of Alpha Squad were similarly bedecked in the richest clothes Hapes could fine. The non-noble members were in their dress uniforms, but looked at ease with the rest of the Hapan delegation—a group of school-age children from the many orphanages Zekk had been helping in the last month. Most of the children had grown up under the fear of the Yuuzhan Vong or Killiks and were very withdrawn because of it. Zekk wanted to reach out to these hand-picked Hapan kids to show them that life was not always dark and scary and full of death. Many nobles had been relatively miffed that a bunch of poor children got to attend the exclusive wedding over they, but were slightly placated when they realized that no other noble outside Taryn's squad had been invited either. And it was hard to be gloomy or sad in the almost festive atmosphere of the Zel estate's backyard.

In their best Jedi robes and grinning along with the rest of the crowd were the Skywalker family, Tesar, and Tekli. Jacen was closer to the bride and groom, Allana in a carry-pouch attached to his chest. The serenity and joy permeating the air was infectious, with genuine laughter and wide smiles everywhere.

Tenel Ka was at the end of a pebbled walkway in full Queen Mother regalia, her gray eyes warm and full of happiness as she stood by Zekk and Taryn. In a low, almost teasing voice, she raised an eyebrow to her cousin. "Are you certain you wish to do this?"

"Yes, Chume," Taryn chuckled. From the warm sunlight, Taryn seemed like she was glowing in her dazzling silvery wedding dress.

"And you, my friend?" Tenel Ka looked to Zekk.

"Definitely," Zekk smiled back, dressed in his finest Jedi robes.

Tenel Ka turned her attention to the gathered crowd. "My friends, we are here today to celebrate the marriage of my cousin, Lady Taryn Zel of House Zel, to one of my dearest friends, Jedi Knight Zekk. This will be the first of two ceremonies. I will be conducting the rest of this ceremony in Hapan, in the tradition of our mothers' mothers to formally bind them in the eyes of Hapan law. Then, Grandmaster Skywalker will call upon the Force to bless and confirm the union of these two amazing people."

Zekk couldn't help but feel his heart pound loudly in his chest as he held both of Taryn's hands in his own. His own green gaze focused solely on the sparkling gray of the red-haired woman in front of him. Almost distantly, he heard Tenel Ka recite the Hapan marriage rites in an older dialect of the Hapan native tongue. He knew what to expect, knew that the ancient words she was speaking were his vows to uphold. Most of the vows were a bit archaic in nature, having remained the same for thousands of years: a list of things he now could and could not do without Taryn's permission, a promise that at least one child would be a daughter, to uphold the House he was marrying into, and similar conditions. Face shielded from the view of the audience by the hood of her gown, Taryn stuck out her tongue at the conditions, and he did his very best not to burst out laughing.

Then Tenel Ka moved on to Taryn's half of the deal, again the vows were remnants of the Hapan culture of three millennia earlier. Taryn was to ensure that he was well cared for, that he raise any sons they did have to be worthy of a Hapan woman, that she trust him to speak on her behalf if she is not present and so on. Unable to physically stick his tongue out at her, Zekk sent his wife a mental image, and saw the corners of her lips rise into a smirk. But it wasn't like either of them could do anything about it. Tradition was tradition, even if it didn't make sense at times.

"Do you, Taryn Zel, accept Zekk to be your husband, your partner in life and equal in all aspects of your household?" Tenel Ka said in Basic, a knowing glint in her eyes as she deliberately reworded the ending of the Hapan rite. After all, no ancient Hapan ritual would ever let the man be equal in such a union. Sometimes, though, it was okay for tradition to change…sometimes.

"I do," Taryn nodded, grinning at her cousin.

"And Zekk, do you promise to keep my cousin happy, to honor her and support her, and to be there for her for as long as the Force allows?"

"I do," Zekk breathed.

"In the eyes of Hapan law, by my word as Queen Mother, you are now husband and wife. Do I really need to give you permission to kiss one and other?" Tenel Ka said with an arched eyebrow.

Zekk and Taryn grinned and promptly moved into each other's arms, sharing a brief but passionate kiss to the cheers of their audience.

"Now then," Tenel Ka spoke, gesturing to Luke Skywalker. "To officiate the second ceremony, might I present to the guests here, Grandmaster Luke Skywalker of the New Jedi Order."

"Thank you, Chume," Luke looked years younger in the Hapan sunlight as he stepped up onto the dais. "Zekk, Lady Zel."

Zekk and Taryn bowed respectfully. Luke had accepted Zekk's decision to leave the Order, fully understanding the reasoning and promising that he would always have a place in the Order should he decide to return. That had taken a great deal of weight of the two, and made the day all the more special.

Luke returned the bow, then addressed the crowd. "As some of you may know, there is no 'ancient' Jedi marriage tradition, as the Orders before this one all believed marriage to be harmful. But from firsthand experience, I can tell you that it is the furthest thing from the truth. There is no greater joy in life than to start a family with someone you love. To wake up every day knowing that whatever the day throws at you, you'll have someone at your side ready to back you up every step of the way. I've known Zekk for many years now, and can honestly say that I am proud of the person he's become, happy for the path in life he has just started on."

"Thank you," Zekk whispered out.

"From the ancient traditions of Hapes, to the new traditions we are just starting. If the two of you could please kneel before one and other," Luke gestured for Taryn and Zekk to kneel where they were.

They did, resting on the backs of their legs.

"Close your eyes," Luke instructed. "Though you might not be a Jedi, Lady Zel, the Force flows through all living things, big and small. Breathe out slowly, and back in. Focus on the warmth from the sun, the crisp breeze as it blows through this garden. Hear the birds sing, the leaves rustle. The scent of the plants, of the soil beneath you. Remember it, engrave it into your mind. Your eyes are closed, yet you know without a doubt that the one you love sits right in front of you. The Force has brought you together against all odds, brought you to this very moment. Focus on the one you love, breathe in, breathe out."

Zekk and Taryn did as told, their senses seemingly heightened as the Force swirled around the two of them.

Open your eyes.

Both Taryn and Zekk did as told, finding themselves alone in an ethereal version of the garden they had been in. White lights fluttered all around, the plants almost silvery in nature. Behind them, the Zel family home was in shades of white and gray, glimmering brightly in the realm they were in. The world seemed to return to normal colors, but this time they could see older versions of themselves in the house. The sound of children laughing pealed out from the open windows. Zekk was teaching two young girls how to bake while Taryn and a young boy stole samples of what was being made.

The scene faded back to white, then to color again.

The children were older, their own images now sporting hints of gray in their hair. It was a family meal, animated conversation filtering from the house. Both daughters wore the outfit of the Chume'doro, the boy—now a young man—wearing a SigIntel uniform. On the lap of one of the daughters was a baby, who gurgled a bit as the daughter handed her off to the older version of Taryn. The family resemblance was clear, and as the group shared a smile, feelings of inviting warmth and youthful energy filled the ancient house of the Zel family.

The house faded to white one last time, and when it returned to normal color, Taryn and Zekk could see themselves again. This time, their older versions had wrinkled faces, hair now completely gray. Taryn walked with a noticeable limp, Zekk looking tired. They sat down onto a swinging bench between two trees in the garden, Taryn leaning into Zekk, eyes closing. He held her tenderly, his own eyes fluttering close as sleep claimed them. Contentment, completion.

One of many possible futures, Luke's voice echoed gently. The Force has brought you together, has ensured that you have reached this day. The future now, is up to you.

"Open your eyes and stand," Luke's voice said almost hypnotically.

Taryn and Zekk did, tears of happiness escaping. Realizing that barely a few seconds had passed, they again bowed their heads to Luke, who smiled kindly in turn. A swirling breeze rippled through the garden, a sense of harmony and peacefulness coursing through everyone present.

"In the eyes of the Force, you are one," Luke said softly. "Congratulations, the two of you, and may you live long, happy lives."

The audience, which had been absolutely quiet throughout the ceremony, cheered as one, more than a few wet eyes being hastily wiped at. Unlike the Hapan ceremony, both Zerkk and Taryn simply hugged, their hearts beating rapidly as they recalled every detail of that possible future.

"I love you," Zekk whispered softly.

"I love you too," Taryn murmured. "We're going to do whatever we have to do to get that future, right?"

"Definitely," Zekk confirmed.

The two parted, holding hands and smiling at their audience.

As the crowd followed Taryn and Zekk back down the aisle towards the tables laden with food, the sun shone brightly and all was well in the ancestral household of the family Zel.

0-o-VII-o-0

Jacen Solo knew that his best friend and their daughter were in good hands, knew that despite the distance, their relationship would endure. He was leaving Hapes, not sure when he'd be able to return. Months, years, decades? It was all up in the air. Even then, he could not help but keep his face emotionless as he stood on one of the Fountain Palace's landing pads in front of the shuttle that was to take him away. He had said his goodbyes the previous night, had warded his heart for this very moment. The minute he had stepped out of the threshold of the palace, he had ceased to be Jacen Solo, lover of Tenel Ka and father of Allana and had changed into Jedi Master Jacen Solo, with the weight of the galaxy on his shoulders.

Vergere had been right all along. Being forced to choose between Tenel Ka and the galaxy, between Allana and the galaxy, and he had chosen the galaxy. He had chosen to master his emotions, to prevent them from making rash decisions for him. He could not afford to love, to spend time with Tenel Ka and Allana, not with the state the galaxy was currently in. And the only way he could help fix the galaxy was not tucked away in an isolationist kingdom—pretending the galaxy was spinning just fine—but on Denon, Coruscant, or wherever else he was needed. As it was, he had spent one month on Hapes, and a part of him was already chastising the rest of him for it being a month too long.

Just because he had decided to take a break from the fighting, didn't mean that the problems in the Senate, with the Jedi Order, had taken a break as well. The sleek, black, medical mask that covered the bottom quarter of the right side of his face—worn because the Killik acid had eaten away his cheek and parts of his jaw bone and throat—was a stark reminder of what could happen if he let his guard down. Though he had been wearing it since the battle with Welk, it was only now that he felt its presence on his face. It was almost as if his time with his family had made him forget about it entirely, forget about the burdens, about the many scars visible and intangible he had picked up over his relatively young life.

But now, on the landing platform, about to depart the comforts and luxuries of Hapes, about to separate from his family, everything he had blocked out was rushing back. Duty, responsibility, pain, resolve, molded his mind so that the love he felt for his family was seen in a different light. He was leaving them to ensure that not just them, but as many people as possible, could have bright happy futures.

"Let me know if some other extra-galactic alien decides to make Hapes their home," Jacen said with a hint of a smile, mentally noting the slight mechanical buzz his mask gave his voice. Why he hadn't realized it before had never crossed his mind. "I'm sure I owe you a fleet or two by now."

"Not to mention a new palace," Tenel Ka said with an arched eyebrow. "You still owe the Royal Family for all the repairs your sortie with Lomi caused."

"Only half," Jacen bargained. "She was the other party involved in the fight."

"I'm working off my debt to society," Lomi's robotic voice said sarcastically, from the small crowd of gathered Hapan dignitaries, officials, and friends. "I'm a Hapan general you know."

"And the uniform suits you," Jacen said lightly. "Those bright Hapan purples and reds are a lot better than those browns and blacks you used to wear."

"I think your girlfriend had me wear these colors so she could pick me out in a crowd," Lomi grumbled, ignoring the glares from the Hapan nobles about her disrespectful reference to their ruler.

"Don't worry, Jacen," Zekk chuckled. "I'll work off your debt to the Royal Family for you. It's what friends are for, right?"

"Yeah," Jacen smirked. "Thanks. Still sure about staying on Hapes? The galaxy could really use your help you know."

"I'm sure," Zekk nodded. "I can do my part by helping Tenel Ka out over here."

"And we'll be free babysitters for the chume'da," Taryn added.

Jacen offered Zekk and Taryn a two-fingered salute. "Take care you two."

"You too, Jacen," Zekk nodded.

Jacen looked back to Allana, being held in Tenel Ka's arms and looking wide-eyed at the people around her. Slowly, he planted a tender kiss atop her head, letting his hand slowly caress the smooth skin of her face. "And you, Allana…Keep on growing and become as strong as your mom. Even if I'm not here for you physically, I'll always be a comm-call away."

Allana looked at her father with wide eyes before making a couple of happy baby sounds and burrowing herself back against her mother.

"We will be well, Jacen," Tenel Ka said, her voice barely a whisper. "Promise."

"Thank you," Jacen replied. He took a step back from his family, his smile now forced as he tilted his head slightly at everyone else. "Good luck, and may the Force be with you all."

He turned without waiting for a response and, after taking a deep breath, continued on, up the shuttle ramp. There was no pilot, he had eschewed one in favor of personally directing the vessel back to his awaiting ship. In the pilot's seat, looking out the viewport as he started up the ship, Jacen's eyes fluttered close for several long moments. Through the Force he broadcast his emotions to Allana and Tenel Ka, emotions he wouldn't be able to communicate to them for a very long time once he was on Denon. This, this is what it was meant to be a Jedi, he thought, opening up his eyes. To give up everyone you love for the greater good, for the many others who need you.

The shuttle lifted off the landing pad, the many faces that had come to see him off soon replaced by the spires of the Fountain Palace, then by the white clouds that covered the sky. Soon Hapes itself was but a rotating orb beneath him as the vast field of stars took its place in the viewport. And as he focused on bringing his shuttle into the landing bay of the carrier assigned to pick him up, he couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. After all, he was a Jedi Master, and his place was among the stars.

0-o-Chapter End-o-0

A\N: There! I actually managed to write a wedding scene, it might not be A/T's but its a wedding scene, leave me alone now =p. Jacen will get a chapter of his own as he continues on his journey and heads closer and closer to his fate. Like I couldn't be any more ominous with that... This is curtains for Zekk and Taryn and company for this story though, so wave bye to them. They'll definitely pop up again in part two of the trilogy. On Sunday we head off to Corellia to navigate around the Horns and Antilles of the Star Wars Fish Universe.