Disclaimer:  Same old one, none of these characters belong to me.  I am making no money off of this.  If you have any questions, or want to see the complete disclaimer and list of characters, see the Prologue

A Complicated Friendship:

The Story of Jag Fel and Jaina Solo

Chapter 21: Helping Hands

"Just let me speak to the queen!" Jag demanded right before shots were fired.

 Padme arrived in the control room demanding to know what was going on.

"Ma'am, we have a single Imperial fighter trying to penetrate our defenses."

"Fighter, state your name."  Padme had a hunch that she knew who this was.  Ben had called to let her know what happened and said he had a feeling that this was where Jag was headed. 

"This is Colonel Jag Fel of the 181st Imperial Squadron.  I need to speak with Queen Amidala.  Requesting permission to land."

"Colonel," Padme cut in, "you have permission to land in my private hanger.  I'll be there to meet you."

'Finally a voice I recognize!' Jag thought.  "Thank you, I'll be down in a few minutes.

As soon as Jag landed he saw Padme.  He walked up and gave a stiff, formal bow.  "Good to see you again ma'am."

"Jag, you needn't be so formal, please, Mrs. Padme will do."

"Ok, Mrs. Padme," he said courteously.

"Will you be visiting for a while?"

"Well, if it's not any trouble, I was hoping to stay for a bit."

"No my boy, it's no trouble at all.  Like I've said before, you're welcome here whenever you want," she said smiling.

"I'm not sure how long I can stay, but thanks."

"Now that that's been taken care of, what's bothering you?"

'Is she a Jedi or something,' he thought.  "No, why would you say that?"

"Jag, I've been a politician and around Jedi for years.  I can read emotions and expressions very well.  Don't try to tell me nothing is wrong."

"Ok, there is something wrong but I really can't talk about it right now.  As soon as I can speak of it I'll let you know."

Padme decided to go with a different approach.  "So, where's Jaina?"  She saw Jag's expression sadden.  'Ah-ha, got him!'  "She didn't come with you?"

"No," he said sadly, "she's happy where she is."  'With Zekk,' he thought bitterly.

"Are you sure?  I mean her best friend is here and she is…"

"With family and other friends," he said bitterly.  "Look, I'm sorry Mrs. Padme.  Things have been rough lately, I shouldn't have snapped at you."

"Jag, it helps to talk things out, get others opinions."  She said hoping he would open up.

"Can you let me get settled in first?" he asked, deciding to take up the offer.

"Sure, just let me know when you're done."

"Oh, and please don't let anyone, especially Sticks, know that I'm here."

"Ok Jag, I feel that this is important to you, so I won't tell."

"Thank you, for everything."

"Your Welcome," with that he turned and left.  'No Jag, I won't tell them you're here, but I can't stop them from coming either, and I won't try.  Whatever has happened this time, you guys have got to get it worked out.'

On the 'Errant Venture':

Ben sat and watched over Jaina, trying to help her heal, something just wasn't right.

Sean and Taylor walked in; Taylor went to her brother and gave him a hug.  She could tell he was stressed and worn out.

"Hey punk," she said, "Grandpa sent us to see how you two are."

"How's Sticks doing Ben?" Sean asked.  She looked pale, bruised and battered; he could tell she wasn't all right.  It was as if after her confrontation with Zekk she had taken a turn for the worst, and Jag disappearing like he did, wasn't helping out much either.

"Not good," was all that Ben said.

Corran, Wedge, Jacen and Anakin, arrived, after throwing Zekk off of the Horn Estate, just in time to hear that last statement.  Corran noticed Jaina's sudden decline in health.  He also noticed the effect it was having on Ben and Jacen.  Over their bond with their sister, or cousin, they felt what she was going through.

Anakin, still not fully recovered sat in a nearby chair.  "What can we do?" he asked.

Sean looked in amazement at Anakin.  Here he was still recovering, but wanting to help his sister.

"You," Wedge said to Anakin, "are going to rest."

Taylor then spoke up, "Can't we just give extra energy and healing powers?"

"Normally I would say yes," Ben began.  He took after his father and cousin Anakin, very powerful.  When he looked at you, he seemed to see right into your soul.  "But it's almost like she's not trying.  She seems to have lost her other half."

"Well, that's understandable since Jag disappeared," Sean commented.  Nobody was upset with Jag; they realized he misunderstood the situation, thanks to Zekk.  But they also realized that they needed to fix this situation and soon.

"That's the thing Sean, I've never seen a bond this strong, besides Mom and Dad."

"Ben," Corran asked curiously, "are you saying what I think you are?"

"But that's impossible," Wedge proclaimed, "To have a bond like Luke and Mara do Jag would have to be Force-sensitive.  He's not"

"I'm not so sure about that Dad," suddenly all eyes were on Sean.

"What are you talking about Sean?" Taylor asked.

"Well, during the search and rescue mission at Myrkr, Jag said he got this funny feeling, like he was being cut off from something.  I just dismissed it and told him that Ben must have been projecting."

"I've had suspicions for a while now," Ben added.  "Jaina said she could've sworn that she could hear him when he was gone last year. Jag also half-mentioned something similar.  I also felt his emotions and reactions at Myrkr as we were entering the planet's atmosphere.  Something strange was definitely going on with him.  But now is not the time to debate this.  Right now let's head for Naboo, I've got a pretty good feeling Jag's there.  We'll get her healed on the way and reunite them."

"Sounds like a plan," Jacen said, "we can figure out the rest later."

"Well, what are we waiting for," Anakin said, "let's get going!"

In the landing bay:

In the shadows, Zekk watched the group leave.  It included Luke, Mara, Corran, Wedge, Ben, Sean, Taylor, Jaina, Jacen, and Anakin.  'Well, well, well, what have we here?' Zekk thought to himself.  'Guess I'll have to make the trek to Naboo to continue keeping Jaina and Jag apart.  If she won't stay away from him I'll just make him disappear, either voluntarily or involuntarily.  Either way, I will get what is mine.'