Jaina's Journal_Entry_22
"Your Song"
By Obi's Girl
Disclaimer: Fallin' is by Alicia Keys, and whatever other songs I may use in the future development of the series, does not belong to me.
Author's Note: This is probably one of the longest chapters of the series. Enjoy!
I moaned, sleepily lifting my head from my counter. It was my counter, wasn't it? Never mind. I shrugged off the feeling, stretching my arms and legs. I groaned, looking around. It was my apartment. I expected to see Jag and Syal talking quietly on the couch or something, but they weren't there.
I smiled, having Syal Antilles, as my mother in law didn't seem so bad. Actually, I felt great relief. Had it been someone else, I would probably feel a little uncomfortable. At least with Syal, I feel some connection to her.
"Good morning, sweet heart." A voice called from my doorway. Jag stood, leaning against the frame with a grin on his face. I tilted my head, looking past him. Syal was standing behind him, almost like a shadow. I frowned slightly, but let it go as Jag entered and wrapped his arms around my waist, kissing my cheek, "Ready to go?"
I shrugged, my mind still not awake. "Ready to go where? Not another planning session, I hope."
He nodded, "No. From now on, we don't have to worry about it." Jag paused, allowing his mother to pass, "Actually, what we have to worry about now is far more important. Now, we have to look for the location."
My frown deepened and mentally, I felt like kicking myself.
~~
"So I guess we'll have to look for places on Coruscant first." I mused as drove us - to somewhere. To be honest, I didn't even know what he had in mind. I tried to get him to say something, but he refused. Probably his Chiss side.
He only smiled, "It's a surprise, Sticks. After you passed out last night, I checked around, asking a few favors about available spaces around Coruscant."
Favors? I shrugged, glancing back at Syal. She was looking at the buildings we passed, totally oblivious to what we were talking about. I looked back at Jag, lowering my voice, "Hey, is your mom okay? She's been quiet since you arrived this morning at my apartment."
Jag glanced back at his mom, and then looked at me, "It's been awhile since she's been on Coruscant, Sticks. The reunion with Wedge was hard; she hadn't seen him for most of her life."
I frowned, slouching, "I guess." I smiled again, snuggling the crook of his neck.
~~
Zekk wandered down the squadron hallway, passing several of quarters but stopped when he came upon my quarters. He glanced around before unlocking the door and stepping inside. He flipped on the lights using the Force and was surprised when he found there was nothing decorative about the place. It was normal, plain almost. A counter, small kitchen, a circular-like table in the main room, surrounded by three chairs and a small vase in the middle. A blue couch behind the table and beyond that, locked doors that he supposed to be my sleeping quarters.
Sleeping quarters. Zekk smiled, approaching the small door. It opened even without him coming it. Again, he glanced around, memorizing everything as it was. He sat down on the bed. The covers smelled of me. He grasped them, feeling the fabric. Opposite the bed was a closet and fresher. On the right side of the door was a dresser, lamp and a brown chest, in the corner.
The Jedi used the Force, pulling the chest so it was right in front of him. He flipped it open. Just what he thought - clothes, clothes, accessories and more clothes. He rolled his eyes, typical women but it was probably standard procedure in the military to carry as much clothes as possible. At least he believed it was.
He shrugged off the feeling.
"What are you doing here, Jedi?" an angry voice scolded from the doorframe of the bedroom.
Zekk bolted up from the bed, his hands lightly touching his lightsaber. The man stepped forward, holding a blaster in his right hand. It was set to stun but Zekk didn't feel he was a real threat. Only a security officer and he didn't look like he was Peace Brigade. As far as he knew, the Republic was against the Peace Brigade. "Can I help you, officer?"
He nodded, "I'm Captain Farrell, security, and you're under arrest, Jedi."
Zekk scowled, crossing his arms, "On what charges? I haven't done anything serious. Unless you consider being a Jedi a serious crime."
The officer's eyebrow's furrowed, removing some cuffs from his belt, "A smart-mouthed Jedi, huh?" He paused, huffing, "Breaking and entering, for one and two…conspiring against the Republic."
Conspiring? Before he could protest against the accusation, the officer placed handcuffs around his wrists and escorted him to security.
~~
I gazed up at the large building before me. Jag wasn't kidding when he said he called in a few favors. This place was huge! I glanced over at him. He only smirked, taking my hand, leading me towards the entrance as I continued to stare. Syal followed behind me, not really looking up. After sometime, I looked back at Jag. He shrugged, "The inside is smaller, I promise you. It just looks big on the outside."
I nodded okay as a short, chubby, nicely dressed blue alien walked up to us with a broad smile on his face. "Colonel Fel, welcome. Welcome!" He turned me, extending his hand, which was one of eight. Four arms on both sides. "And you must be Jaina Solo, the fiancée. Welcome. Welcome."
I looked back at Jag but he only nodded, as the alien gestured we sit down. Syal followed behind us for a time but stopped, staring at the black piano in the front of the church. Jag leaned over, nudging me. I smiled back, sitting down.
"My name is Tevron Ki, Coordinator and Booking. I am pleased our establishment is one of your many choices to hold your wedding. Have you selected a date, yet?"
We both shrugged, as I leaned forward, glancing at Syal, "Not really. We're just looking at places first. And possible off-planet."
Tevron smiled again, "Really? Any ideas where? I know a fabulous catering company. Just fabulous!"
Jag laughed, "We're leaving that up to our family. They seem to be planning this wedding more than we get to."
He frowned, snidely remarking, "You really should have say on what you want. They maybe your family, but that doesn't necessarily mean they know your tastes." Tevron froze, looking back at Syal as she seated herself on the piano chair. Jag and I looked back as she began to play.
Her fingers lightly touched the keys as if she wasn't even playing at all. I knew Syal was a singer before she married Jag's father and that she left the Republic, which hurt Wedge immensely but he pretty much kept his sister secret from everyone. I nodded watching Syal as she began to hum a tune, humming that soon became singing.
"I keeeeeeep on fallin' in and out of love with you. Sometimes I love ya; sometimes you make me feel blue. Sometimes I feel good; At times I feel used. I feel you darlin'
Makes me so confused…" She paused, looking back at us.
She smiled, quietly getting up from the piano sitting down on another chair, next to Jag. If Tevron weren't in the room, I'd probably get down on my knees and hug Syal. Her voice is unbelievable! Even if it was just part of a song, I already had a picture in my head of what my wedding would be like and it was a good picture.
Tevron cleared his throat, smiling at Syal. "You have a beautiful voice, Mrs. Antilles. You're Jag's mother, right? Wedge Antilles' sister?"
She nodded yes, extending her hand to the alien but frowned when she realized he had eight hands. He laughed, waving three hands. "Oh, don't worry about it. Most humans don't know how to react to an eight-armed blue alien."
"My mother's singing at the wedding. It's her wedding present to us." Jag added, smiling at her.
"Wonderful! Wonderful!" he cheered, turning his attention back to Jag and I, "I hope you consider our establishment for your wedding. And if you have questions, feel free to call my office." He stated, standing up.
I frowned, standing up as well, "You're leaving? What about the tour?"
He sighed, "I am greatly sorry. Greatly sorry but I have some clients to attend to. They just called at the last minute. They were supposed to come in earlier but they were busy and just rescheduled for this time slot."
I glanced at Jag, but he only shrugged, extending his hand to the alien, "Thank you again for your time."
After we left, I leaned over and whispered to Jag, "He was a bit rude. Chauffeuring us out before we even got the chance to look at the place. You think he did it because he recognized I was a Jedi?"
Jag nodded, "I don't think so. I believed him. He's a businessman, Sticks. They're all busy like that…but we have other places to look at it. Like you said, this place is only one of many choices."
I shrugged, looking back at Jag, "How many places?"
He only smiled, walking passed me and went inside the hover car as Syal followed behind him. I rolled my eyes, following her.
~~
Zekk huffed tiredly, squinting under the dim light of the interrogation room of the Coruscant Security headquarters. He had been at the headquarters for about three standard hours, answering all questions he possibly could but the captain refused to his questions and Zekk wasn't about to use the Force to pry the information out of him.
"I told you --- I'm not involved in some conspiracy against the Republic. True, I broke into Lieutenant Solo's quarters but she's an old friend of mine. But I swear, I'm not a traitor."
The captain grunted as another officer entered with a mug of caf. From the markings on his collar, the officer looked to be a lieutenant but Zekk could have been wrong. "Captain, the tape is ready."
The Captain nodded, grabbing hold of Zekk's arms, escorting him to another room. The lieutenant followed quietly, sipping his caf. A woman stood on the right of the Holovid, carrying a data pad. She smiled warmly at Zekk but he only scowled as the lieutenant pushed play on the Holovid.
Zekk relaxed a bit as he watched the Holovid. For a moment, he didn't even recognize who was talking to the villip but the camera in the room, zoomed in closer and he was shocked to discover it was he! Well, not really him but a clone or something. Of course, Zekk knew the Republic banned cloning centuries ago, but nevertheless, the man talking to the villip was him and in Vong. Vong language.
It couldn't be him. Zekk didn't know Vong. It had to be a shaper; it was the only explanation. The dark haired woman, standing next to the Holovid paused it and held the data pad close to her chest as she ordered the lights on.
"Our translator analyst. Were you able to figure out what he was telling the villip?" the Captain asked.
She smiled warmly, "Yes, I was. The Vong talking to the Warmaster was a scout. The scout was telling him that the best time to strike Coruscant would be during the wedding of Lieutenant Jaina Solo and Colonel Jagged Fel. However, since Solo and Fel have not selected a date yet, there's still time to warn them so they can up the security."
The captain nodded, "Have you contacted Colonel Fel and his fiancé, yet?"
The translator frowned, "No. But I left a message with the Solo family and the Rogue Squadron. Whenever they plan on returning, they'll be notified no matter what."
Zekk nodded, "THIS IS CRAZY! That's not me! I've been framed. I mean, what do proof do you have that the Vong spy was me, other than the fact that it's caught on tape? What about biological data, DNA testing?"
The captain hesitated, looking at the translator. She gasped, "I'll notify some people upstairs to run a full DNA analysis." The translator pushed play on the Holovid again, walking out of the office.
Zekk scowled, hiding his face as the Captain nodded to two officers to put him away until the people upstairs were ready.
As the two officers led Zekk through the station and towards the Cell holding area, the Jedi made a split decision against his better judgment, turned on the two. Several of the officers working at their desks, promptly rose from their seats. Pointing their guns in his direction.
"Don't make thing harder for yourself, Jedi." One of them stated.
Zekk nodded, his vision blurring. He looked to his right and saw an officer inject a sedative into his neck…
~~
Luke Skywalker calmly stood up from meditation, answering the Holovid call. Mara was in the other room sleeping, so he quickly rushed over. The Jedi Master glanced at the caller ID - Coruscant Security. His first thought was Fey'lya but he didn't think that was the case. He palmed the ID and the image of an officer appeared. "What can I do for you, Captain?"
"Finally, I was able to contact someone from your family. I guess you'll have to do. We're holding a rogue Jedi down here at the station, Master Skywalker. A Jedi by the name of Zekk, but according to our records, he may not be a Jedi at all."
Luke laughed, waving his hand, "Zekk's a Jedi, alright. He's been out of the loop for awhile, reckless but I assure you he is no criminal."
The Captain only grunted. Luke frowned, asking him the charges. "Breaking and entering an officer's quarters, but that's nothing compared to treason."
Treason? Now, Luke was definitely paying attention. "Treason? Do you have proof?"
"Partial proof. We have a video recording of Zekk, talking to a villip. The face on the villip was identified as the Vong Warmaster. As you can see Master Skywalker, these charges are very serious." The Captain stated.
Luke huffed, "Have you been able to contact my niece?"
He nodded, "We've tried. Her quarter's are the one he broke into."
Luke moaned. He knew I would probably kill him for that alone but treason? No Jedi had ever been accused of spying for the enemy. There had to be more to the story. "I'll call Jaina, then I'll get back to you, Captain."
~~
I glanced over at Jag as he suddenly pulled over. Syal sat forward, leaning on my chair as her son answered the COM. It was Luke. I would have smiled hello but I send he wasn't exactly making a social call. "Master Skywalker, what is it?" Jag asked, glancing at me.
He huffed, "Sorry, for interrupting you on your day off, Jaina, but something serious has happened. Zekk's been arrested."
I scowled, "And that's what you called to tell me? I'm not surprised. I would have placed a restraining order on him if he came near me again." I nodded, rolling my eyes, "What are the charges?"
"Breaking and entering --- into your quarters."
I laughed, crossing my arms, "See for that I'd kick his ass, and then turn him over to Coruscant Security."
Luke nodded, ignoring my sarcasm, "There's more. He's also been charged with treason. They have evidence, Jaina, though partial. Zekk was seen talking to a villip, specifically the Warmaster."
Zekk and the Vong? That really didn't sound right. He came back to fight against the Vong and to win me over. But the Zekk I was hearing about didn't match up to the Zekk I knew. But then again, I never really knew Zekk. He always pushed me away. "This has to be a mistake. Zekk would never…"
Luke pointed to himself, "I know he wouldn't; you know he wouldn't but there's strong evidence he is a traitor." He paused, "I know you and Zekk haven't exactly been getting along lately but someone needs to go down there and get him out of there."
"So, I'm stuck with the job to bail him out of this mess, huh?" I mumbled. Luke regretfully nodded as I slouched back, looking at Jag. "I'm really sorry sweetheart…"
Jag nodded, "Don't worry about it. I already know a location we'll both love."
I leaned over, kissed his cheek before switching Luke off without saying goodbye. Vaguely, I saw my Uncle Luke roll his eyes and smile to himself.
~~
Zekk wearily sat up, feeling his neck. He stood up, and walked over to a small mirror in the cell. A rash had already appeared around the puncture. He wasn't exactly sure where the puncture mark came from until he remembered his failed escape. After that, everything was a blank.
The Jedi looked up as an alternate security guard showed up. He whispered something to the other man, who in turn stood up and followed the younger man outside. Zekk wandered for a moment what was going on but pushed his thoughts aside as Jag, Syal and I entered, followed closely by the two officers. Zekk groaned.
I yelled, facing him. "How could you be so stupid?! If this is your way of getting attention, congratulations! You succeeded! But breaking into my apartment, and going through Sith knows how much of my stuff!" I raised a finger at him, "You're just lucky you're behind bars instead of standing right in front of me, Zekk."
Zekk sulked, rolling his eyes. "I know, I know, Jaina. I screwed up. Can you just get me out of here?"
Before I could tell him anything, the captain appeared with the translator. He huffed, as the translator handed him a data pad. "It turns out Zekk is innocent. The Vong, though closely resembles Zekk, is not Zekk. He's what is called a Shaper." The Captain stated.
"Captain, is it possible there are more shapers on Coruscant?" Jag asked, speaking up for the first time since we arrived at the station.
He shrugged, "My men will look into it. If there are Shapers anywhere on Coruscant, we'll find them before they can do anymore damage." The Captain nodded to the two security guards. They walked to the cell; one of them slid a data card through the lock and the cell opened. "And we all thought we were safe from those guys. Sorry again for the confusion."
I smiled, "You were only doing your job, Captain." He smiled back, leaving the detention area, followed by the two guards.
I turned back to Zekk; it looked like he was about to faint. He wavered a moment before passing out. I caught in my arms and dragged him over to the cell, sitting him down. I glanced back at Jag and Syal. Syal knelt down in front of Zekk, feeling his head. "He's burning up."
As she turned his neck over, I saw the red puncture marks and gazed sharply at Syal. I slung his right arm over my shoulder as Syal took the other, helping me drag Zekk from the station.
~~
I glanced back at Jag as Syal helped me Drag Zekk into my apartment. He hadn't said anything since we left the station. Surely, he realized what happened to Zekk was serious, especially since there was a possibility that some Vong maybe on Coruscant. Syal and I set him down on the couch; she sat with him while I contacted Uncle Luke. I glanced back at Jag again; he was still quiet. I huffed, looking back at the screen expecting to see Luke but Mara answered instead.
Something wrong, Jaina? She asked.
I nodded, "Zekk's been arrested, but he's here now with Zekk, Syal and I, in my apartment. He was arrested primarily because he was seen talking to a villip…"
Mara waved her hand, frowning, I know. Luke told me. I'll tell him you called. She smiled quaintly and switched off.
I scratched my head, looking back at Zekk. He was still unconscious. I rolled my eyes, walked over to the couch, kneeling before him. I raised my hand, feeling his head. He was warm, not hot, as before. I looked at Syal; she nodded and I stood up, walking back to talk to Jag.
I smiled hi, nodding we go into the other room to talk. I closed the door, turning back to him as he settled on the bed. Zekk hadn't made a big mess, just move things around; it looked like. And open my trunk. I quickly knelt down and closed it, gazing up at him.
He smiled back, "I'm not mad, Sticks, if that's what you're wandering. I knew you were stressed out and I didn't want to say anything to make matters worse. You wouldn't appreciate it."
I rose from the floor, sitting down beside him, smiling, "I'm glad you didn't and you're right, I wouldn't appreciate it. Thanks for not making a scene…back at the station and on the way here." I leaned over and kissed him softly. He held me, as I clung to his body. I let go slightly, smiling back at him, "Thanks. I needed that."
"What?"
I nodded, "The hug, you here. It wasn't long ago…" I paused, looking down, fidgeting, "…I almost lost you, twice."
He smirked, brushing my bangs, "I know. For a time, it seemed like fate wanted to destroy us." Jag paused, "I would have hated it if I died that early, leaving you alone. I could never give you that much grief."
I leaned over and our foreheads touched, "I love you. If you died today or some other time, I wouldn't love again. Ever. Know that, Jagged Fel." I mused.
He smirked again, blushing partly and I smiled. "I'm serious. I wouldn't love again. Or trust my heart to love. I couldn't stand the pain." My wandered up to his face, "Would you love again, if you lost me?"
Jag was quiet, obviously carefully thinking over his answer. Then he nodded, "I wouldn't love again. You're too important to me, Sticks."
We were like that for a couple minutes before Syal knocked and we separated. She smiled at both of us, leaning slightly on the door. "He's awake now, or at least conscious if you want to talk to him. And your Uncle is on his way, too."
~~
I scratched my head as Jag and I entered the main room. Zekk was conscious, but grumbling to himself. Once he saw me, Zekk rolled his eyes, glaring slightly at Jag. Jag ignored him and sat down quietly as I knelt down in front of Zekk.
"Feel any better?" I asked. He shrugged, still scratching the rash on his neck as I continued, "You shouldn't do that. It could get infected or worse."
Zekk lowered his hand, revealing the small rash now much bigger than it originally was. I leaned over, examining his neck. After looking at, I gestured Jag grab some medicine and some cloth. He laughed slightly as I looked at him again.
I scowled. "What's happening isn't funny, Zekk. First I told you to leave, something you didn't even do, then you got yourself arrested as Jag and I were looking for a suitable place for the wedding and then I find out, you're charged with treason." I huffed, "Should've just left in that cell. Let them charge and punish you, even if it wasn't you talking to that villip."
He only shrugged, "I'm not even sure leaving Coruscant is the best solution right now. They might see it as an escape from authority."
My scowl deepened, standing up, "Well, you're not staying in my apartment. You can just forget about that."
Jag returned with the medicine. He looked at me, and I shrugged, taking some cotton balls from him and dabbing them with the medicine. "I'd still like to know how the Vong were able to slip past security. Security's never been laxed before."
I glanced at Jag, "I'd like to know, too." As he started for the door, he winked back at me. I smiled briefly before returning my attention to Zekk...and Syal. She had been quiet the entire time. "Hey, you okay?"
She smiled, "I'm fine. I was just thinking...thinking about the lyrics for some songs at the wedding." She removed herself from her shadowy corner and left the apartment, humming to herself.
~~
Syal walked quietly into her quarters, ordering the computer to lower the lights to a dim as she sat herself in front of her piano and began to play. She played with a couple chords, still humming to herself. She grabbed a holopad and began to scribble down the lyrics.
Soontir shook his head, watching his wife hum to herself and scribble on her Holo pad. When she told him she would be writing a couple songs for the Solo-Fel wedding, he wasn't exactly sure she could do it. She hadn't written or song anything in years. But he knew, she had a good voice. The voice of an angel, he used to say.
She would sing to their sons and daughter when they were babies. Now the boys were older, they probably didn't even remember their mother's beautiful voice. Soontir leaned off the side door and walked towards the piano, sitting beside her. She smiled at him as she wrote down a line and began to work with the melody.
He kissed her cheek, "How did things go today?"
Syal shrugged, turning to him, "Everything was perfect up until Master Skywalker called and told us Zekk was arrested for treason."
"Treason?" he grunted. "Why? What did he do?"
"Apparently, there was a loose hole in security. A Shaper got passed and modeled him/herself after Zekk. Jaina's really angry with him. She had to pick him up, but if it were her choice, he would stay down there. And I wouldn't blame her."
Soontir huffed, "When's the wedding again?"
"Don't ask."
TBC
"Your Song"
By Obi's Girl
Disclaimer: Fallin' is by Alicia Keys, and whatever other songs I may use in the future development of the series, does not belong to me.
Author's Note: This is probably one of the longest chapters of the series. Enjoy!
I moaned, sleepily lifting my head from my counter. It was my counter, wasn't it? Never mind. I shrugged off the feeling, stretching my arms and legs. I groaned, looking around. It was my apartment. I expected to see Jag and Syal talking quietly on the couch or something, but they weren't there.
I smiled, having Syal Antilles, as my mother in law didn't seem so bad. Actually, I felt great relief. Had it been someone else, I would probably feel a little uncomfortable. At least with Syal, I feel some connection to her.
"Good morning, sweet heart." A voice called from my doorway. Jag stood, leaning against the frame with a grin on his face. I tilted my head, looking past him. Syal was standing behind him, almost like a shadow. I frowned slightly, but let it go as Jag entered and wrapped his arms around my waist, kissing my cheek, "Ready to go?"
I shrugged, my mind still not awake. "Ready to go where? Not another planning session, I hope."
He nodded, "No. From now on, we don't have to worry about it." Jag paused, allowing his mother to pass, "Actually, what we have to worry about now is far more important. Now, we have to look for the location."
My frown deepened and mentally, I felt like kicking myself.
~~
"So I guess we'll have to look for places on Coruscant first." I mused as drove us - to somewhere. To be honest, I didn't even know what he had in mind. I tried to get him to say something, but he refused. Probably his Chiss side.
He only smiled, "It's a surprise, Sticks. After you passed out last night, I checked around, asking a few favors about available spaces around Coruscant."
Favors? I shrugged, glancing back at Syal. She was looking at the buildings we passed, totally oblivious to what we were talking about. I looked back at Jag, lowering my voice, "Hey, is your mom okay? She's been quiet since you arrived this morning at my apartment."
Jag glanced back at his mom, and then looked at me, "It's been awhile since she's been on Coruscant, Sticks. The reunion with Wedge was hard; she hadn't seen him for most of her life."
I frowned, slouching, "I guess." I smiled again, snuggling the crook of his neck.
~~
Zekk wandered down the squadron hallway, passing several of quarters but stopped when he came upon my quarters. He glanced around before unlocking the door and stepping inside. He flipped on the lights using the Force and was surprised when he found there was nothing decorative about the place. It was normal, plain almost. A counter, small kitchen, a circular-like table in the main room, surrounded by three chairs and a small vase in the middle. A blue couch behind the table and beyond that, locked doors that he supposed to be my sleeping quarters.
Sleeping quarters. Zekk smiled, approaching the small door. It opened even without him coming it. Again, he glanced around, memorizing everything as it was. He sat down on the bed. The covers smelled of me. He grasped them, feeling the fabric. Opposite the bed was a closet and fresher. On the right side of the door was a dresser, lamp and a brown chest, in the corner.
The Jedi used the Force, pulling the chest so it was right in front of him. He flipped it open. Just what he thought - clothes, clothes, accessories and more clothes. He rolled his eyes, typical women but it was probably standard procedure in the military to carry as much clothes as possible. At least he believed it was.
He shrugged off the feeling.
"What are you doing here, Jedi?" an angry voice scolded from the doorframe of the bedroom.
Zekk bolted up from the bed, his hands lightly touching his lightsaber. The man stepped forward, holding a blaster in his right hand. It was set to stun but Zekk didn't feel he was a real threat. Only a security officer and he didn't look like he was Peace Brigade. As far as he knew, the Republic was against the Peace Brigade. "Can I help you, officer?"
He nodded, "I'm Captain Farrell, security, and you're under arrest, Jedi."
Zekk scowled, crossing his arms, "On what charges? I haven't done anything serious. Unless you consider being a Jedi a serious crime."
The officer's eyebrow's furrowed, removing some cuffs from his belt, "A smart-mouthed Jedi, huh?" He paused, huffing, "Breaking and entering, for one and two…conspiring against the Republic."
Conspiring? Before he could protest against the accusation, the officer placed handcuffs around his wrists and escorted him to security.
~~
I gazed up at the large building before me. Jag wasn't kidding when he said he called in a few favors. This place was huge! I glanced over at him. He only smirked, taking my hand, leading me towards the entrance as I continued to stare. Syal followed behind me, not really looking up. After sometime, I looked back at Jag. He shrugged, "The inside is smaller, I promise you. It just looks big on the outside."
I nodded okay as a short, chubby, nicely dressed blue alien walked up to us with a broad smile on his face. "Colonel Fel, welcome. Welcome!" He turned me, extending his hand, which was one of eight. Four arms on both sides. "And you must be Jaina Solo, the fiancée. Welcome. Welcome."
I looked back at Jag but he only nodded, as the alien gestured we sit down. Syal followed behind us for a time but stopped, staring at the black piano in the front of the church. Jag leaned over, nudging me. I smiled back, sitting down.
"My name is Tevron Ki, Coordinator and Booking. I am pleased our establishment is one of your many choices to hold your wedding. Have you selected a date, yet?"
We both shrugged, as I leaned forward, glancing at Syal, "Not really. We're just looking at places first. And possible off-planet."
Tevron smiled again, "Really? Any ideas where? I know a fabulous catering company. Just fabulous!"
Jag laughed, "We're leaving that up to our family. They seem to be planning this wedding more than we get to."
He frowned, snidely remarking, "You really should have say on what you want. They maybe your family, but that doesn't necessarily mean they know your tastes." Tevron froze, looking back at Syal as she seated herself on the piano chair. Jag and I looked back as she began to play.
Her fingers lightly touched the keys as if she wasn't even playing at all. I knew Syal was a singer before she married Jag's father and that she left the Republic, which hurt Wedge immensely but he pretty much kept his sister secret from everyone. I nodded watching Syal as she began to hum a tune, humming that soon became singing.
"I keeeeeeep on fallin' in and out of love with you. Sometimes I love ya; sometimes you make me feel blue. Sometimes I feel good; At times I feel used. I feel you darlin'
Makes me so confused…" She paused, looking back at us.
She smiled, quietly getting up from the piano sitting down on another chair, next to Jag. If Tevron weren't in the room, I'd probably get down on my knees and hug Syal. Her voice is unbelievable! Even if it was just part of a song, I already had a picture in my head of what my wedding would be like and it was a good picture.
Tevron cleared his throat, smiling at Syal. "You have a beautiful voice, Mrs. Antilles. You're Jag's mother, right? Wedge Antilles' sister?"
She nodded yes, extending her hand to the alien but frowned when she realized he had eight hands. He laughed, waving three hands. "Oh, don't worry about it. Most humans don't know how to react to an eight-armed blue alien."
"My mother's singing at the wedding. It's her wedding present to us." Jag added, smiling at her.
"Wonderful! Wonderful!" he cheered, turning his attention back to Jag and I, "I hope you consider our establishment for your wedding. And if you have questions, feel free to call my office." He stated, standing up.
I frowned, standing up as well, "You're leaving? What about the tour?"
He sighed, "I am greatly sorry. Greatly sorry but I have some clients to attend to. They just called at the last minute. They were supposed to come in earlier but they were busy and just rescheduled for this time slot."
I glanced at Jag, but he only shrugged, extending his hand to the alien, "Thank you again for your time."
After we left, I leaned over and whispered to Jag, "He was a bit rude. Chauffeuring us out before we even got the chance to look at the place. You think he did it because he recognized I was a Jedi?"
Jag nodded, "I don't think so. I believed him. He's a businessman, Sticks. They're all busy like that…but we have other places to look at it. Like you said, this place is only one of many choices."
I shrugged, looking back at Jag, "How many places?"
He only smiled, walking passed me and went inside the hover car as Syal followed behind him. I rolled my eyes, following her.
~~
Zekk huffed tiredly, squinting under the dim light of the interrogation room of the Coruscant Security headquarters. He had been at the headquarters for about three standard hours, answering all questions he possibly could but the captain refused to his questions and Zekk wasn't about to use the Force to pry the information out of him.
"I told you --- I'm not involved in some conspiracy against the Republic. True, I broke into Lieutenant Solo's quarters but she's an old friend of mine. But I swear, I'm not a traitor."
The captain grunted as another officer entered with a mug of caf. From the markings on his collar, the officer looked to be a lieutenant but Zekk could have been wrong. "Captain, the tape is ready."
The Captain nodded, grabbing hold of Zekk's arms, escorting him to another room. The lieutenant followed quietly, sipping his caf. A woman stood on the right of the Holovid, carrying a data pad. She smiled warmly at Zekk but he only scowled as the lieutenant pushed play on the Holovid.
Zekk relaxed a bit as he watched the Holovid. For a moment, he didn't even recognize who was talking to the villip but the camera in the room, zoomed in closer and he was shocked to discover it was he! Well, not really him but a clone or something. Of course, Zekk knew the Republic banned cloning centuries ago, but nevertheless, the man talking to the villip was him and in Vong. Vong language.
It couldn't be him. Zekk didn't know Vong. It had to be a shaper; it was the only explanation. The dark haired woman, standing next to the Holovid paused it and held the data pad close to her chest as she ordered the lights on.
"Our translator analyst. Were you able to figure out what he was telling the villip?" the Captain asked.
She smiled warmly, "Yes, I was. The Vong talking to the Warmaster was a scout. The scout was telling him that the best time to strike Coruscant would be during the wedding of Lieutenant Jaina Solo and Colonel Jagged Fel. However, since Solo and Fel have not selected a date yet, there's still time to warn them so they can up the security."
The captain nodded, "Have you contacted Colonel Fel and his fiancé, yet?"
The translator frowned, "No. But I left a message with the Solo family and the Rogue Squadron. Whenever they plan on returning, they'll be notified no matter what."
Zekk nodded, "THIS IS CRAZY! That's not me! I've been framed. I mean, what do proof do you have that the Vong spy was me, other than the fact that it's caught on tape? What about biological data, DNA testing?"
The captain hesitated, looking at the translator. She gasped, "I'll notify some people upstairs to run a full DNA analysis." The translator pushed play on the Holovid again, walking out of the office.
Zekk scowled, hiding his face as the Captain nodded to two officers to put him away until the people upstairs were ready.
As the two officers led Zekk through the station and towards the Cell holding area, the Jedi made a split decision against his better judgment, turned on the two. Several of the officers working at their desks, promptly rose from their seats. Pointing their guns in his direction.
"Don't make thing harder for yourself, Jedi." One of them stated.
Zekk nodded, his vision blurring. He looked to his right and saw an officer inject a sedative into his neck…
~~
Luke Skywalker calmly stood up from meditation, answering the Holovid call. Mara was in the other room sleeping, so he quickly rushed over. The Jedi Master glanced at the caller ID - Coruscant Security. His first thought was Fey'lya but he didn't think that was the case. He palmed the ID and the image of an officer appeared. "What can I do for you, Captain?"
"Finally, I was able to contact someone from your family. I guess you'll have to do. We're holding a rogue Jedi down here at the station, Master Skywalker. A Jedi by the name of Zekk, but according to our records, he may not be a Jedi at all."
Luke laughed, waving his hand, "Zekk's a Jedi, alright. He's been out of the loop for awhile, reckless but I assure you he is no criminal."
The Captain only grunted. Luke frowned, asking him the charges. "Breaking and entering an officer's quarters, but that's nothing compared to treason."
Treason? Now, Luke was definitely paying attention. "Treason? Do you have proof?"
"Partial proof. We have a video recording of Zekk, talking to a villip. The face on the villip was identified as the Vong Warmaster. As you can see Master Skywalker, these charges are very serious." The Captain stated.
Luke huffed, "Have you been able to contact my niece?"
He nodded, "We've tried. Her quarter's are the one he broke into."
Luke moaned. He knew I would probably kill him for that alone but treason? No Jedi had ever been accused of spying for the enemy. There had to be more to the story. "I'll call Jaina, then I'll get back to you, Captain."
~~
I glanced over at Jag as he suddenly pulled over. Syal sat forward, leaning on my chair as her son answered the COM. It was Luke. I would have smiled hello but I send he wasn't exactly making a social call. "Master Skywalker, what is it?" Jag asked, glancing at me.
He huffed, "Sorry, for interrupting you on your day off, Jaina, but something serious has happened. Zekk's been arrested."
I scowled, "And that's what you called to tell me? I'm not surprised. I would have placed a restraining order on him if he came near me again." I nodded, rolling my eyes, "What are the charges?"
"Breaking and entering --- into your quarters."
I laughed, crossing my arms, "See for that I'd kick his ass, and then turn him over to Coruscant Security."
Luke nodded, ignoring my sarcasm, "There's more. He's also been charged with treason. They have evidence, Jaina, though partial. Zekk was seen talking to a villip, specifically the Warmaster."
Zekk and the Vong? That really didn't sound right. He came back to fight against the Vong and to win me over. But the Zekk I was hearing about didn't match up to the Zekk I knew. But then again, I never really knew Zekk. He always pushed me away. "This has to be a mistake. Zekk would never…"
Luke pointed to himself, "I know he wouldn't; you know he wouldn't but there's strong evidence he is a traitor." He paused, "I know you and Zekk haven't exactly been getting along lately but someone needs to go down there and get him out of there."
"So, I'm stuck with the job to bail him out of this mess, huh?" I mumbled. Luke regretfully nodded as I slouched back, looking at Jag. "I'm really sorry sweetheart…"
Jag nodded, "Don't worry about it. I already know a location we'll both love."
I leaned over, kissed his cheek before switching Luke off without saying goodbye. Vaguely, I saw my Uncle Luke roll his eyes and smile to himself.
~~
Zekk wearily sat up, feeling his neck. He stood up, and walked over to a small mirror in the cell. A rash had already appeared around the puncture. He wasn't exactly sure where the puncture mark came from until he remembered his failed escape. After that, everything was a blank.
The Jedi looked up as an alternate security guard showed up. He whispered something to the other man, who in turn stood up and followed the younger man outside. Zekk wandered for a moment what was going on but pushed his thoughts aside as Jag, Syal and I entered, followed closely by the two officers. Zekk groaned.
I yelled, facing him. "How could you be so stupid?! If this is your way of getting attention, congratulations! You succeeded! But breaking into my apartment, and going through Sith knows how much of my stuff!" I raised a finger at him, "You're just lucky you're behind bars instead of standing right in front of me, Zekk."
Zekk sulked, rolling his eyes. "I know, I know, Jaina. I screwed up. Can you just get me out of here?"
Before I could tell him anything, the captain appeared with the translator. He huffed, as the translator handed him a data pad. "It turns out Zekk is innocent. The Vong, though closely resembles Zekk, is not Zekk. He's what is called a Shaper." The Captain stated.
"Captain, is it possible there are more shapers on Coruscant?" Jag asked, speaking up for the first time since we arrived at the station.
He shrugged, "My men will look into it. If there are Shapers anywhere on Coruscant, we'll find them before they can do anymore damage." The Captain nodded to the two security guards. They walked to the cell; one of them slid a data card through the lock and the cell opened. "And we all thought we were safe from those guys. Sorry again for the confusion."
I smiled, "You were only doing your job, Captain." He smiled back, leaving the detention area, followed by the two guards.
I turned back to Zekk; it looked like he was about to faint. He wavered a moment before passing out. I caught in my arms and dragged him over to the cell, sitting him down. I glanced back at Jag and Syal. Syal knelt down in front of Zekk, feeling his head. "He's burning up."
As she turned his neck over, I saw the red puncture marks and gazed sharply at Syal. I slung his right arm over my shoulder as Syal took the other, helping me drag Zekk from the station.
~~
I glanced back at Jag as Syal helped me Drag Zekk into my apartment. He hadn't said anything since we left the station. Surely, he realized what happened to Zekk was serious, especially since there was a possibility that some Vong maybe on Coruscant. Syal and I set him down on the couch; she sat with him while I contacted Uncle Luke. I glanced back at Jag again; he was still quiet. I huffed, looking back at the screen expecting to see Luke but Mara answered instead.
Something wrong, Jaina? She asked.
I nodded, "Zekk's been arrested, but he's here now with Zekk, Syal and I, in my apartment. He was arrested primarily because he was seen talking to a villip…"
Mara waved her hand, frowning, I know. Luke told me. I'll tell him you called. She smiled quaintly and switched off.
I scratched my head, looking back at Zekk. He was still unconscious. I rolled my eyes, walked over to the couch, kneeling before him. I raised my hand, feeling his head. He was warm, not hot, as before. I looked at Syal; she nodded and I stood up, walking back to talk to Jag.
I smiled hi, nodding we go into the other room to talk. I closed the door, turning back to him as he settled on the bed. Zekk hadn't made a big mess, just move things around; it looked like. And open my trunk. I quickly knelt down and closed it, gazing up at him.
He smiled back, "I'm not mad, Sticks, if that's what you're wandering. I knew you were stressed out and I didn't want to say anything to make matters worse. You wouldn't appreciate it."
I rose from the floor, sitting down beside him, smiling, "I'm glad you didn't and you're right, I wouldn't appreciate it. Thanks for not making a scene…back at the station and on the way here." I leaned over and kissed him softly. He held me, as I clung to his body. I let go slightly, smiling back at him, "Thanks. I needed that."
"What?"
I nodded, "The hug, you here. It wasn't long ago…" I paused, looking down, fidgeting, "…I almost lost you, twice."
He smirked, brushing my bangs, "I know. For a time, it seemed like fate wanted to destroy us." Jag paused, "I would have hated it if I died that early, leaving you alone. I could never give you that much grief."
I leaned over and our foreheads touched, "I love you. If you died today or some other time, I wouldn't love again. Ever. Know that, Jagged Fel." I mused.
He smirked again, blushing partly and I smiled. "I'm serious. I wouldn't love again. Or trust my heart to love. I couldn't stand the pain." My wandered up to his face, "Would you love again, if you lost me?"
Jag was quiet, obviously carefully thinking over his answer. Then he nodded, "I wouldn't love again. You're too important to me, Sticks."
We were like that for a couple minutes before Syal knocked and we separated. She smiled at both of us, leaning slightly on the door. "He's awake now, or at least conscious if you want to talk to him. And your Uncle is on his way, too."
~~
I scratched my head as Jag and I entered the main room. Zekk was conscious, but grumbling to himself. Once he saw me, Zekk rolled his eyes, glaring slightly at Jag. Jag ignored him and sat down quietly as I knelt down in front of Zekk.
"Feel any better?" I asked. He shrugged, still scratching the rash on his neck as I continued, "You shouldn't do that. It could get infected or worse."
Zekk lowered his hand, revealing the small rash now much bigger than it originally was. I leaned over, examining his neck. After looking at, I gestured Jag grab some medicine and some cloth. He laughed slightly as I looked at him again.
I scowled. "What's happening isn't funny, Zekk. First I told you to leave, something you didn't even do, then you got yourself arrested as Jag and I were looking for a suitable place for the wedding and then I find out, you're charged with treason." I huffed, "Should've just left in that cell. Let them charge and punish you, even if it wasn't you talking to that villip."
He only shrugged, "I'm not even sure leaving Coruscant is the best solution right now. They might see it as an escape from authority."
My scowl deepened, standing up, "Well, you're not staying in my apartment. You can just forget about that."
Jag returned with the medicine. He looked at me, and I shrugged, taking some cotton balls from him and dabbing them with the medicine. "I'd still like to know how the Vong were able to slip past security. Security's never been laxed before."
I glanced at Jag, "I'd like to know, too." As he started for the door, he winked back at me. I smiled briefly before returning my attention to Zekk...and Syal. She had been quiet the entire time. "Hey, you okay?"
She smiled, "I'm fine. I was just thinking...thinking about the lyrics for some songs at the wedding." She removed herself from her shadowy corner and left the apartment, humming to herself.
~~
Syal walked quietly into her quarters, ordering the computer to lower the lights to a dim as she sat herself in front of her piano and began to play. She played with a couple chords, still humming to herself. She grabbed a holopad and began to scribble down the lyrics.
Soontir shook his head, watching his wife hum to herself and scribble on her Holo pad. When she told him she would be writing a couple songs for the Solo-Fel wedding, he wasn't exactly sure she could do it. She hadn't written or song anything in years. But he knew, she had a good voice. The voice of an angel, he used to say.
She would sing to their sons and daughter when they were babies. Now the boys were older, they probably didn't even remember their mother's beautiful voice. Soontir leaned off the side door and walked towards the piano, sitting beside her. She smiled at him as she wrote down a line and began to work with the melody.
He kissed her cheek, "How did things go today?"
Syal shrugged, turning to him, "Everything was perfect up until Master Skywalker called and told us Zekk was arrested for treason."
"Treason?" he grunted. "Why? What did he do?"
"Apparently, there was a loose hole in security. A Shaper got passed and modeled him/herself after Zekk. Jaina's really angry with him. She had to pick him up, but if it were her choice, he would stay down there. And I wouldn't blame her."
Soontir huffed, "When's the wedding again?"
"Don't ask."
TBC