1 Jaina's Journal_Entry_23
2 "Guestbook"
By Obi's Girl
Note: I really want to wrap up Jaina's Journal soon, so in this chapter, I'm going to be skipping around, time-jumps.
Wedge Antilles rested his boots on his desk as he read over the several sims reports. It wasn't like him to work this late, but his office had become his second home. Jag knocked the door, clearing his throat. His Uncle glanced up, putting down the reports and gestured he come . Jag pulled up a chair and sat down, "You know about Zekk's arrest?"
The General bolted up, putting down his legs. "What arrest? When did this happen?"
He shrugged, "This afternoon. Zekk was arrested for breaking and entering into Sticks' quarters, but that's not even the worst part of the charges. Uncle, he's been charged with treason. Spying for the Vong. The station had a video of him talking to a villip."
Wedge nodded, "Leave it to Fey'lya to cause trouble."
"I don't think it's Fey`yla who's behind this. I think it's the Vong themselves. How they were able to penetrate security, I don't know. The captain called the Vong a Shaper, a changeling, but that still doesn't explain how they were able to get passed."
Antilles leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin, "You're right. It doesn't. We have a leak somewhere that much is clear. I'll report this to Gavin, start up an investigation." He smiled, putting down his hand, "On a happier note, how did things go today?"
He shrugged, "We didn't get far; the first guy I took Jaina to ushered us out quicker than a womp rat. Then we were interrupted but Master Skywalker. He's the one that made the call. But I have an idea; the perfect location and I don't think Sticks will have complaints. Yavin 4."
Wedge grinned, "She'll love it."
"Hey, am I interrupting anything? A voice asked.
Both men turned to face Corran. Wedge's jaw almost dropped to the table. Was it possible? He stood up from his desk, hugging his old friend. Corran smiled back, "It's been too long, Wedge."
"What are you doing here? Not, that I'm ungrateful." Wedge turned to Jag and the younger man stood up, "Corran, meet my nephew, Jagged Fel."
Jag nodded back. Corran extended his hand to Jag, "An honor to meet you Jag. You and Jaina set a date yet, booked a place for that matter?"
He shrugged, "Booking won't be a problem. I already have a place in mind." Jag turned to back to his Uncle, "I better go make that call now, make preparations," and he left with a wide grin on his face.
Corran laughed, sitting down, "What was that all about?"
"Just an idea where to hold the ceremony. How have you been? Mirax and the kids with you?"
Horn frowned, "No. They're back on Corellia," He smiled again, "but they'll come up for the wedding. I saw Luke and Mara. Ya know suddenly, I'm noticing a lot's been happening since I left. Jaina's engaged, Mara's pregnant, any other surprises?"
"One more. Zekk was arrested, but he was released. Where he's staying, I don't know but it's certainly not in Jaina's apartment. Jaina, Jag, and Syal had to go down to the station to pick him up and you can bet, Jaina wasn't exactly thrilled."
Corran scratched his chin, "The boy's always been trouble. Luke talk to him yet about his habits?"
"Zekk's just a minor part of the story. He broke into Jaina's quarters, but that's nothing compared to treason." Corran's eyes bolted up. "They think he's a Vong…" he stopped, waving his hand, "It's a complicated story. I'll fill you in later. Right now, I need to go down and talk to Gavin about starting up an investigation."
~~
I grumbled, tossing yet again in my sleep. This is totally unfair. Zekk can't do this to me! I need my beauty sleep. I pushed the covers off me, got dressed and left for the pilot's lounge. Why could he just have left when I told him, no demanded he leave? Men. Well, he never listens. I found Zekk in the pilot's lounge, staring at Coruscant's night sky. I huffed to myself, walking behind him and crossed my arms.
"Zekk, we need to talk."
He didn't even turn to me, which was perfectly fine. "You have to promise me something; at the wedding, you won't say anything when Jag and I have to exchange vows. Or even try to talk to me; you have to keep your distance. I can't risk loosing Jag again."
This time, he turned to me, frowning. His eyes were baggy and swollen. It almost seemed like he was going to faint but judging from his appearance and his emotions, I knew he had been crying. "Zekk, what is it?"
"I've decided; I'm leaving for good. I'm not ever coming back. It's easier I never come back. It will certainly be easier for you and Jag. I don't want to cause trouble, even though I already have, but most of all, I don't wish to cause you pain." He cried.
I scowled, "When did you make this decision?"
He shrugged, looking down, "A while ago. After I left your quarters…I walked around Coruscant, thinking. Thinking about you, about what we used to be and I realized something. I'm chasing a dream, Jaina, that isn't even real. You're completely out of reach to me. I'd pushed you away so many times, it's only natural you'd push back. I'm leaving."
Surprisingly, instead of making some snide remark, I hugged him, crying myself. He laughed and I immediately let go again. I didn't know what say for a time, until I smiled, "Thank you." I bit my lip, looking at him, though he seemed to be someplace else. "Where will you go?"
He shrugged again. "I don't know, but I can't stay here." Zekk stared back at me again, the tears subsiding. "I'll miss you."
I smiled weakly, "As crazy as it might sound, I'll miss you, too."
~~
Luke's eyes blinked open, hearing the chime on the door. It was late, very late and wandered who could possibly want to talk to him at this hour. He glanced at Mara, sleeping peacefully beside him. She didn't seem to be conscious or have felt the extra presence nearby. The Jedi Master stood up, grabbing a robe on the lounge chair, putting on some pants and answered the door.
"Jag, it's late. What is it?" Luke asked, squinting.
He shrugged, frowningly slightly, "I can come back later…" But Luke didn't say anything. "I need to talk to you, Master Skywalker, about Jaina and I. About our wedding."
Luke groaned, ushering him outside, "What about the wedding? You're not getting cold feet, are you?"
"No. It's not that. It's something else. I've decided on a location, but I need to run it by you first." He stated as Luke came to a halt, facing him. "I want the wedding to be on Yavin, in the Jedi Temple."
"Have you talked to Jaina about this?"
Jag nodded, "I haven't. Only Wedge and you, of course." Luke 'hmm'd, scratching his chin as Jag continued. "I just thought, since Jaina practically grew up there, maybe she would want to have her wedding here. And it wouldn't be costly. Nothing expensive."
Luke smiled, "Thinking economically now? I'm sure, wherever the wedding will be, Jaina will be happy."
"I want it to be more."
The Jedi Master sighed, smiling back at him. "I'll run it by Tionne and Kam." Luke nodded, walking back inside his quarters.
~~
A week later
Syal Antilles tapped her foot, tapping her pen as well, as she listened to another woman audition to be her back up. Initially, she wanted to the singing all by herself but after going through a couple chords, that were a bit too high for her voice, she opted to have a couple back up singers. She huffed again, stopping the music on the audio player. The young woman, Twi'lek, froze, blinking her eyes at Syal.
"Thank you for coming in. I'll call you."
The young Twi'lek nodded, walking out of the studio as Wedge and Corran walked inside. Syal hid her face in her arms, grinding her teeth. "Please, if you're here to audition, auditions are finished for today. You'll have to come back tomorrow."
"Auditions, that bad?" Wedge asked, and Syal held up her head. She smiled at her brother and Corran.
"I put out that flyer a week ago. Auditions for back-up singers, female but everyone who's come in, isn't good enough." She cried.
Wedge scratched his chin, "Or maybe they're not good by your standards. Syal, you have to give them a chance."
She nodded, "So, what are the two of you doing down here? How's the investigation going? Found anything new?"
Corran spoke this time. "The Vong have pretty much cleared out. Whoever was here, didn't leave much of a trail to track. Fey`yla's started up an investigation of his own, but nothing serious. He's investigating the leak in security."
Syal frowned, leaning back, "But that's what you're doing."
"Yes. We were. He relieved the Squadron." Wedge replied. "The investigation's dead, Syal. It's not going anywhere. If the Vong's planning something, we probably won't know about it until it's too late." She stood up abruptly, walking around the studio. "Syal, why don't you take a break? You've been working really hard."
She turned back to her brother, grabbing her coat, "Close up for me?" Both men nodded as she disappeared.
~~
"Yavin 4?" I questioned as Jag knelt down before me, with a wide grin on his face. "So what you're telling me is all this talk about looking for a place and you already had a clear idea what you wanted, but didn't bother to tell me?"
He shrugged, "I just thought of it a few days ago. If you think about it, it would be safer. We would be out of the public's eyes; away from politicians and scrutiny. And besides, Fey`yla would probably be very worried to have a lot of Jedi in one place and very close to home."
"Probably." I mused as he frowned slightly.
"You don't seem happy. What is it, Sticks?"
I shied away from him, hugging my middle, "Zekk left…this time permanently. I know I should probably be glad he's gone; he won't be a problem for us anymore but I don't know…Somehow, I feel guilty." I stared back at him, "He was my first love, Jag."
He nodded, smirking partly, "I know he was." I really didn't think he'd put it together, but somewhere along the way, he had. And he didn't seem angry about it. "I knew Zekk was special to you; no one could get under your skin like that if that person didn't mean anything to you and most of the time, it's usually our first loves' that drive us to do crazy things."
I leaned over, kissing his cheek, "Thank you."
"For what?"
I rolled my eyes, wrapping arms around his neck, "Thank you for understanding. Not many guys understand or even tolerate having an ex- boyfriend around their current fiancée."
Jag smiled, his hands snaking around my back. He leaned down, kissing my nose. "You're my girl, Sticks. As long as you wear that ring on your finger, you're my girl and no one change that. And soon, you'll be my wife."
"Hmm. Mrs. Jaina Fel-Solo. Has a nice ring to it? Do you think it should be hyphenated? What about the kids? Should their last names be Solo or Fel; or maybe if we have a boy, Fel and a girl, Solo. Or we could just…" Before I could ramble on more and more, Jag kissed me.
~~
A Year Later…
I'm getting married in 3 days! Jag and I arrived on Yavin, yesterday afternoon. I haven't been on Yavin for about 3 years now. I used to know the time of day by heart, but that doesn't matter because I will be Mrs. Jaina Solo Fel in 3 days! The wedding itself would be held inside the Temple, in the Grand Auditorium. The left would my side and the right, Jag's side, which included Wedge, of course.
And since I had not been on Yavin 4 for a while, I had to reacquaint myself with the new trainees that had recently been enrolled. There weren't many new young Jedi, but there was this one woman that caught my eye…Aiden Sule. Some people just shined so brightly in the Force; Jag was like when I met him but this woman…
"Master Skywalker --." Aiden asked, upon entering the room walking down the aisle. She's from an unknown planet in the Outer Rim, called Ceruse. She's about the same age as Luke, but she doesn't even look it. She looks like she could be in her thirties; black hair, one blue eye and one gray. In addition to her lightsaber, she carries a makeshift repulsor blaster. Of course, you would never see it. She always had a very stern expression on her face, even if she was in a good mood. And she always wore a black leather jump suit. It wasn't tradition to wear Jedi cloaks in the Temple but still…
"Syal Antilles, Soontir Fel and their children have just arrived."
I smirked, "My future brother-in-laws." I looked back at Aiden, "How many boys were there?"
She shrugged, "Only five." Aiden bowed before leaving abruptly.
Luke and Corran looked at me, shrugging and laughing. "We'll have to teach her to be more emotional." Luke stated as Corran laughed.
I rolled my eyes, "Not only that. Teach her how to be human. Hey, I have an idea! Set her up with someone at the wedding?!" They looked at me honestly and I shied away, "I know. I know. I'm overly-excited."
"There's no reason you shouldn't be. Aiden's just --- well, she's had a rough past."
I didn't want to pry, but it did explain why she wore black. Maybe she was still atoning for her sins…Whatever the case, it didn't matter. I only had three last days of being a Bachelorette. That was 72 hours before I would be married to my true love. 72 hours of freedom. Hmm? What to do?
"Jaina Solo." Another stern voice, only this time I knew it wasn't Aiden. I turned to Tenel Ka; I knew she was already in the Temple long before I had arrived. I just needed to make sure everything was set up okay.
I smiled at her, "Hey Tenel." I walked over and hugged her, though she was unemotional as usual. "When did you arrive?"
She shrugged, "Four days ago. My parents will be arriving tomorrow and…" She turned to Luke, "My cousin Xon will attending the wedding also, Master Skywalker."
"That's great!" I chimed, ushering her out of the auditorium so we could talk in private. "So, how are you?"
She glanced me, shrugging, "I am fine."
I bit my lip, fidgeting, "It's just – Jacen will be here tomorrow too with Danni…" She turned away abruptly. "I didn't say it to hurt you, Tenel. I was just wandering."
Tenel turned back to me, "Jacen is a dear friend to me, Jaina. Nothing else. Whatever could have been is long past." Before I could say another word, she left my side.
~~
My shoulders slumped as I walked back to the auditorium and I sat down on one of the available chairs, huffing. I gasped, watching Corran direct several of the trainees on where to place the chairs and my uncle Luke standing back amongst the shadows, watching everything. He nodded, walking over. He smiled at me, grabbing himself a chair. "Getting cold feet?"
"No. It's not that. I'm just worried. I talked to Tenel about Jacen…She seemed cold, angry."
Luke nodded, "She needs time. Speaking of Jacen, have you talked to him, or has he contacted you?"
I shrugged, slouching back, "Not really, which makes me wander. I trust Jacen, but when it comes to the opposite sex, well, HE'S A GUY!"
"I see. Want me call him to make sure he's on his way." Luke mused, as I worriedly nodded yes. He stood up, "Jaina, get some rest. You need it. We don't need you fainting as you exchange vows with Jag."
I huffed, stood up, smiling thanks. "Yeah. Definitely don't want that happening." Luke laughed, as I walked out of the auditorium.
~~
I rubbed my eyes as I walked down the hallway towards my quarters but stopped when I came upon Tenel's quarters. I knew it probably wasn't my place to say anything, but she was my friend and I knew she needed to talk. I gulped, pressing my thumb on the COM. I bit my lip, glancing up and down the hallway before Tenel answered. Yes, Jaina?
"I can come back later, if I'm bothering you but I, uh, I got the feeling you were angry and needed someone to talk to." I mused. I waited awhile, before she actually answered the door. Her eyes were baggy and she was sniffling. "Tenel…" I cried, as she quickly pulled me inside.
She sniffled again as she sat down on her bed, grabbing another tissue. I had never seen her cry before, or show any emotion for that matter. She was always emotionless; always straightforward but never like this… I bit my lip, looking down. "I'm sorry I mentioned his name. I didn't mean to cause you pain."
Tenel only waved her hand, looking up with her baggy eyes, "It wasn't your fault, Jedi Jaina. It's mine. I pushed him away so many times…I left before we could get close…" She trailed off again, crying as I sat down, hugging her. "I've lost him, Jaina! It's all my fault."
I nodded, "No, it isn't. I know I can't speak for him, but I know he holds a special place in his heart for you…"
She nodded defiantly, "Just GO, Jaina. I need to be alone. I'll see you at the wedding, or the afternoon before."
I huffed, stood up from the bed, walking quietly to the door. I glanced one last time at Tenel before leaving her alone.
TBC
2 "Guestbook"
By Obi's Girl
Note: I really want to wrap up Jaina's Journal soon, so in this chapter, I'm going to be skipping around, time-jumps.
Wedge Antilles rested his boots on his desk as he read over the several sims reports. It wasn't like him to work this late, but his office had become his second home. Jag knocked the door, clearing his throat. His Uncle glanced up, putting down the reports and gestured he come . Jag pulled up a chair and sat down, "You know about Zekk's arrest?"
The General bolted up, putting down his legs. "What arrest? When did this happen?"
He shrugged, "This afternoon. Zekk was arrested for breaking and entering into Sticks' quarters, but that's not even the worst part of the charges. Uncle, he's been charged with treason. Spying for the Vong. The station had a video of him talking to a villip."
Wedge nodded, "Leave it to Fey'lya to cause trouble."
"I don't think it's Fey`yla who's behind this. I think it's the Vong themselves. How they were able to penetrate security, I don't know. The captain called the Vong a Shaper, a changeling, but that still doesn't explain how they were able to get passed."
Antilles leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin, "You're right. It doesn't. We have a leak somewhere that much is clear. I'll report this to Gavin, start up an investigation." He smiled, putting down his hand, "On a happier note, how did things go today?"
He shrugged, "We didn't get far; the first guy I took Jaina to ushered us out quicker than a womp rat. Then we were interrupted but Master Skywalker. He's the one that made the call. But I have an idea; the perfect location and I don't think Sticks will have complaints. Yavin 4."
Wedge grinned, "She'll love it."
"Hey, am I interrupting anything? A voice asked.
Both men turned to face Corran. Wedge's jaw almost dropped to the table. Was it possible? He stood up from his desk, hugging his old friend. Corran smiled back, "It's been too long, Wedge."
"What are you doing here? Not, that I'm ungrateful." Wedge turned to Jag and the younger man stood up, "Corran, meet my nephew, Jagged Fel."
Jag nodded back. Corran extended his hand to Jag, "An honor to meet you Jag. You and Jaina set a date yet, booked a place for that matter?"
He shrugged, "Booking won't be a problem. I already have a place in mind." Jag turned to back to his Uncle, "I better go make that call now, make preparations," and he left with a wide grin on his face.
Corran laughed, sitting down, "What was that all about?"
"Just an idea where to hold the ceremony. How have you been? Mirax and the kids with you?"
Horn frowned, "No. They're back on Corellia," He smiled again, "but they'll come up for the wedding. I saw Luke and Mara. Ya know suddenly, I'm noticing a lot's been happening since I left. Jaina's engaged, Mara's pregnant, any other surprises?"
"One more. Zekk was arrested, but he was released. Where he's staying, I don't know but it's certainly not in Jaina's apartment. Jaina, Jag, and Syal had to go down to the station to pick him up and you can bet, Jaina wasn't exactly thrilled."
Corran scratched his chin, "The boy's always been trouble. Luke talk to him yet about his habits?"
"Zekk's just a minor part of the story. He broke into Jaina's quarters, but that's nothing compared to treason." Corran's eyes bolted up. "They think he's a Vong…" he stopped, waving his hand, "It's a complicated story. I'll fill you in later. Right now, I need to go down and talk to Gavin about starting up an investigation."
~~
I grumbled, tossing yet again in my sleep. This is totally unfair. Zekk can't do this to me! I need my beauty sleep. I pushed the covers off me, got dressed and left for the pilot's lounge. Why could he just have left when I told him, no demanded he leave? Men. Well, he never listens. I found Zekk in the pilot's lounge, staring at Coruscant's night sky. I huffed to myself, walking behind him and crossed my arms.
"Zekk, we need to talk."
He didn't even turn to me, which was perfectly fine. "You have to promise me something; at the wedding, you won't say anything when Jag and I have to exchange vows. Or even try to talk to me; you have to keep your distance. I can't risk loosing Jag again."
This time, he turned to me, frowning. His eyes were baggy and swollen. It almost seemed like he was going to faint but judging from his appearance and his emotions, I knew he had been crying. "Zekk, what is it?"
"I've decided; I'm leaving for good. I'm not ever coming back. It's easier I never come back. It will certainly be easier for you and Jag. I don't want to cause trouble, even though I already have, but most of all, I don't wish to cause you pain." He cried.
I scowled, "When did you make this decision?"
He shrugged, looking down, "A while ago. After I left your quarters…I walked around Coruscant, thinking. Thinking about you, about what we used to be and I realized something. I'm chasing a dream, Jaina, that isn't even real. You're completely out of reach to me. I'd pushed you away so many times, it's only natural you'd push back. I'm leaving."
Surprisingly, instead of making some snide remark, I hugged him, crying myself. He laughed and I immediately let go again. I didn't know what say for a time, until I smiled, "Thank you." I bit my lip, looking at him, though he seemed to be someplace else. "Where will you go?"
He shrugged again. "I don't know, but I can't stay here." Zekk stared back at me again, the tears subsiding. "I'll miss you."
I smiled weakly, "As crazy as it might sound, I'll miss you, too."
~~
Luke's eyes blinked open, hearing the chime on the door. It was late, very late and wandered who could possibly want to talk to him at this hour. He glanced at Mara, sleeping peacefully beside him. She didn't seem to be conscious or have felt the extra presence nearby. The Jedi Master stood up, grabbing a robe on the lounge chair, putting on some pants and answered the door.
"Jag, it's late. What is it?" Luke asked, squinting.
He shrugged, frowningly slightly, "I can come back later…" But Luke didn't say anything. "I need to talk to you, Master Skywalker, about Jaina and I. About our wedding."
Luke groaned, ushering him outside, "What about the wedding? You're not getting cold feet, are you?"
"No. It's not that. It's something else. I've decided on a location, but I need to run it by you first." He stated as Luke came to a halt, facing him. "I want the wedding to be on Yavin, in the Jedi Temple."
"Have you talked to Jaina about this?"
Jag nodded, "I haven't. Only Wedge and you, of course." Luke 'hmm'd, scratching his chin as Jag continued. "I just thought, since Jaina practically grew up there, maybe she would want to have her wedding here. And it wouldn't be costly. Nothing expensive."
Luke smiled, "Thinking economically now? I'm sure, wherever the wedding will be, Jaina will be happy."
"I want it to be more."
The Jedi Master sighed, smiling back at him. "I'll run it by Tionne and Kam." Luke nodded, walking back inside his quarters.
~~
A week later
Syal Antilles tapped her foot, tapping her pen as well, as she listened to another woman audition to be her back up. Initially, she wanted to the singing all by herself but after going through a couple chords, that were a bit too high for her voice, she opted to have a couple back up singers. She huffed again, stopping the music on the audio player. The young woman, Twi'lek, froze, blinking her eyes at Syal.
"Thank you for coming in. I'll call you."
The young Twi'lek nodded, walking out of the studio as Wedge and Corran walked inside. Syal hid her face in her arms, grinding her teeth. "Please, if you're here to audition, auditions are finished for today. You'll have to come back tomorrow."
"Auditions, that bad?" Wedge asked, and Syal held up her head. She smiled at her brother and Corran.
"I put out that flyer a week ago. Auditions for back-up singers, female but everyone who's come in, isn't good enough." She cried.
Wedge scratched his chin, "Or maybe they're not good by your standards. Syal, you have to give them a chance."
She nodded, "So, what are the two of you doing down here? How's the investigation going? Found anything new?"
Corran spoke this time. "The Vong have pretty much cleared out. Whoever was here, didn't leave much of a trail to track. Fey`yla's started up an investigation of his own, but nothing serious. He's investigating the leak in security."
Syal frowned, leaning back, "But that's what you're doing."
"Yes. We were. He relieved the Squadron." Wedge replied. "The investigation's dead, Syal. It's not going anywhere. If the Vong's planning something, we probably won't know about it until it's too late." She stood up abruptly, walking around the studio. "Syal, why don't you take a break? You've been working really hard."
She turned back to her brother, grabbing her coat, "Close up for me?" Both men nodded as she disappeared.
~~
"Yavin 4?" I questioned as Jag knelt down before me, with a wide grin on his face. "So what you're telling me is all this talk about looking for a place and you already had a clear idea what you wanted, but didn't bother to tell me?"
He shrugged, "I just thought of it a few days ago. If you think about it, it would be safer. We would be out of the public's eyes; away from politicians and scrutiny. And besides, Fey`yla would probably be very worried to have a lot of Jedi in one place and very close to home."
"Probably." I mused as he frowned slightly.
"You don't seem happy. What is it, Sticks?"
I shied away from him, hugging my middle, "Zekk left…this time permanently. I know I should probably be glad he's gone; he won't be a problem for us anymore but I don't know…Somehow, I feel guilty." I stared back at him, "He was my first love, Jag."
He nodded, smirking partly, "I know he was." I really didn't think he'd put it together, but somewhere along the way, he had. And he didn't seem angry about it. "I knew Zekk was special to you; no one could get under your skin like that if that person didn't mean anything to you and most of the time, it's usually our first loves' that drive us to do crazy things."
I leaned over, kissing his cheek, "Thank you."
"For what?"
I rolled my eyes, wrapping arms around his neck, "Thank you for understanding. Not many guys understand or even tolerate having an ex- boyfriend around their current fiancée."
Jag smiled, his hands snaking around my back. He leaned down, kissing my nose. "You're my girl, Sticks. As long as you wear that ring on your finger, you're my girl and no one change that. And soon, you'll be my wife."
"Hmm. Mrs. Jaina Fel-Solo. Has a nice ring to it? Do you think it should be hyphenated? What about the kids? Should their last names be Solo or Fel; or maybe if we have a boy, Fel and a girl, Solo. Or we could just…" Before I could ramble on more and more, Jag kissed me.
~~
A Year Later…
I'm getting married in 3 days! Jag and I arrived on Yavin, yesterday afternoon. I haven't been on Yavin for about 3 years now. I used to know the time of day by heart, but that doesn't matter because I will be Mrs. Jaina Solo Fel in 3 days! The wedding itself would be held inside the Temple, in the Grand Auditorium. The left would my side and the right, Jag's side, which included Wedge, of course.
And since I had not been on Yavin 4 for a while, I had to reacquaint myself with the new trainees that had recently been enrolled. There weren't many new young Jedi, but there was this one woman that caught my eye…Aiden Sule. Some people just shined so brightly in the Force; Jag was like when I met him but this woman…
"Master Skywalker --." Aiden asked, upon entering the room walking down the aisle. She's from an unknown planet in the Outer Rim, called Ceruse. She's about the same age as Luke, but she doesn't even look it. She looks like she could be in her thirties; black hair, one blue eye and one gray. In addition to her lightsaber, she carries a makeshift repulsor blaster. Of course, you would never see it. She always had a very stern expression on her face, even if she was in a good mood. And she always wore a black leather jump suit. It wasn't tradition to wear Jedi cloaks in the Temple but still…
"Syal Antilles, Soontir Fel and their children have just arrived."
I smirked, "My future brother-in-laws." I looked back at Aiden, "How many boys were there?"
She shrugged, "Only five." Aiden bowed before leaving abruptly.
Luke and Corran looked at me, shrugging and laughing. "We'll have to teach her to be more emotional." Luke stated as Corran laughed.
I rolled my eyes, "Not only that. Teach her how to be human. Hey, I have an idea! Set her up with someone at the wedding?!" They looked at me honestly and I shied away, "I know. I know. I'm overly-excited."
"There's no reason you shouldn't be. Aiden's just --- well, she's had a rough past."
I didn't want to pry, but it did explain why she wore black. Maybe she was still atoning for her sins…Whatever the case, it didn't matter. I only had three last days of being a Bachelorette. That was 72 hours before I would be married to my true love. 72 hours of freedom. Hmm? What to do?
"Jaina Solo." Another stern voice, only this time I knew it wasn't Aiden. I turned to Tenel Ka; I knew she was already in the Temple long before I had arrived. I just needed to make sure everything was set up okay.
I smiled at her, "Hey Tenel." I walked over and hugged her, though she was unemotional as usual. "When did you arrive?"
She shrugged, "Four days ago. My parents will be arriving tomorrow and…" She turned to Luke, "My cousin Xon will attending the wedding also, Master Skywalker."
"That's great!" I chimed, ushering her out of the auditorium so we could talk in private. "So, how are you?"
She glanced me, shrugging, "I am fine."
I bit my lip, fidgeting, "It's just – Jacen will be here tomorrow too with Danni…" She turned away abruptly. "I didn't say it to hurt you, Tenel. I was just wandering."
Tenel turned back to me, "Jacen is a dear friend to me, Jaina. Nothing else. Whatever could have been is long past." Before I could say another word, she left my side.
~~
My shoulders slumped as I walked back to the auditorium and I sat down on one of the available chairs, huffing. I gasped, watching Corran direct several of the trainees on where to place the chairs and my uncle Luke standing back amongst the shadows, watching everything. He nodded, walking over. He smiled at me, grabbing himself a chair. "Getting cold feet?"
"No. It's not that. I'm just worried. I talked to Tenel about Jacen…She seemed cold, angry."
Luke nodded, "She needs time. Speaking of Jacen, have you talked to him, or has he contacted you?"
I shrugged, slouching back, "Not really, which makes me wander. I trust Jacen, but when it comes to the opposite sex, well, HE'S A GUY!"
"I see. Want me call him to make sure he's on his way." Luke mused, as I worriedly nodded yes. He stood up, "Jaina, get some rest. You need it. We don't need you fainting as you exchange vows with Jag."
I huffed, stood up, smiling thanks. "Yeah. Definitely don't want that happening." Luke laughed, as I walked out of the auditorium.
~~
I rubbed my eyes as I walked down the hallway towards my quarters but stopped when I came upon Tenel's quarters. I knew it probably wasn't my place to say anything, but she was my friend and I knew she needed to talk. I gulped, pressing my thumb on the COM. I bit my lip, glancing up and down the hallway before Tenel answered. Yes, Jaina?
"I can come back later, if I'm bothering you but I, uh, I got the feeling you were angry and needed someone to talk to." I mused. I waited awhile, before she actually answered the door. Her eyes were baggy and she was sniffling. "Tenel…" I cried, as she quickly pulled me inside.
She sniffled again as she sat down on her bed, grabbing another tissue. I had never seen her cry before, or show any emotion for that matter. She was always emotionless; always straightforward but never like this… I bit my lip, looking down. "I'm sorry I mentioned his name. I didn't mean to cause you pain."
Tenel only waved her hand, looking up with her baggy eyes, "It wasn't your fault, Jedi Jaina. It's mine. I pushed him away so many times…I left before we could get close…" She trailed off again, crying as I sat down, hugging her. "I've lost him, Jaina! It's all my fault."
I nodded, "No, it isn't. I know I can't speak for him, but I know he holds a special place in his heart for you…"
She nodded defiantly, "Just GO, Jaina. I need to be alone. I'll see you at the wedding, or the afternoon before."
I huffed, stood up from the bed, walking quietly to the door. I glanced one last time at Tenel before leaving her alone.
TBC