Well, here it is.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Thirteen
Jaina piddled around her room, humming. She was waiting for Jag to come and take her on the date they had planned in her office while. er. not engaged in other activities. Just then, she sensed Jag approaching and quickly opened the door to find a very surprised Jag with his fist still raised to knock.
"You shouldn't look so surprised, Jag," Jaina said, giggling. "You should know by now there is no possible way to sneak up on a Jedi."
Jag shook his head. "One of these days," he said. "I'll finally get to prove you wrong."
Jaina simply laughed, then they both exited her room and walked down the corridor. "Jag, where are we going?"
"Oh, to the tapcaf on Blue Level," he responded. "I thought it'd be fun to, you know, mingle, for once?"
Jaina sniffed. "Mingle? A goddess does not mingle. 'A goddess graces poor inferior souls with her presence, but she does not mingle.' Section 132, paragraph B11, line 73 of How to be a Yuuzhan Vong Goddess." At the sight of Jag's dumbfounded face, Jaina burst out laughing and finished the thought. "Written by Sharr Latt and Voort saBriing."
Jag smiled, relieved. "Okay. That makes a whole lot of sense."
Just then, the reached the turbolift. Jag and Jaina stepped inside, and the door whooshed shut behind them. "You know," Jaina began slowly, "I know for a fact that there are no holocams installed in this turbolift."
"What's your point?" Jag was confused. Then realization dawned. "Ohhhhhh," he said softly, a predatory glint in his eye as he closed in on Jaina.
************************
Meanwhile, in a room across the base, a figure sat hunched over the output screen of the small holocam recently installed in the turbolift. His eyes sparkled with evil intent as he saw the goddess and the mortal clasp each other in a fiery embrace.
************************
The turbolift door opened and Jaina and Jag stepped out into the corridor, their faces flushed. Making their way to the tapcaf, Jag murmured, "Remind me to ride in a turbolift more often when you're with me."
Jaina flushed even more and lightly smacked Jag's arm. "Remind me never to ride in a turbolift with you again," she replied. "And don't forget," she added. "Act like we're here on squadron business."
Jag grinned at her then followed her into the tapcaf. There was a bar and a dance floor on one side, and private booths ranging along the other side. Jaina led the way to one of the booths towards the back secluded enough to allow them some privacy. Glancing around, she saw several pilots from various squadrons both at the bar and in other booths. All of a sudden, she saw Kyp was sitting in a private booth with a blond girl Jaina didn't recognize. From the way he was leaning across the table, she could tell Kyp had probably progressed past his impress-a-girl-with-my-wits-and-amazing- hotness stage and was at the try-and-get-her-to-sleep-with-me-based-on-my- wits-and-amazing-hotness stage. From the way the girl was leaning across the table as well, Jaina could tell that Kyp had probably succeeded. Striding over to their table, Jaina slapped Kyp across the face. "You bastard!!!" she cried. "How dare you just leave me and the kids and go gallivanting across the universe, picking up a new girl on every planet?"
Kyp stared at her as if she had gone crazy. "Jaina, what-"
Jaina cut him off. "What am I doing here? Saving some poor girl from sleeping with a married man, that's what I'm doing here!"
The girl abruptly got up and left after slapping Kyp herself. "Jaina, did I miss something? What's going on?" he asked, fingering the red mark on his face.
"Oh, I was just having a little fun with you," Jaina replied, waving a hand airily.
"Well, your 'little fun' cost me my date!" Kyp got up and angrily stormed off towards the bar.
Jag tapped her on the shoulder. "Seriously, Jaina, what was that all about?" he asked quietly, sitting down at the recently vacated table.
Jaina shrugged. "I just hate to see a guy hitting on a girl because he thinks she's hot, not because he cares about her soul or her mind. And I know how. well, intoxicating Kyp's presence can be. Consider it my good deed for the day."
Jag nodded in understanding, then waved the server droid over. "Two Correllian brandies," he said. "Whyren's Reserve, if you got any."
"Yes, good sir," the droid responded, then whirred off to get their drinks.
They sat in silence for a few minutes, then Jag looked up at her. "You wanna dance?" he asked.
Jaina blushed. "Ummm. well. I never really learned how," she mumbled, embarrassed.
Jag got up and pulled her to her feet. "It's easy," he said, leading her to the dance floor. "Just follow my lead." He placed one hand on Jaina's hip and brought her hand up to rest on his shoulder. He then clasped her other hand with his and swung her into the crowd of dancers.
Jaina marveled at Jag's dancing skill, effortlessly guiding her through the steps. They glided around the room, Jaina feeling as though they were dancing on air as she stared deep into Jag's emerald gaze. Closing her eyes, she brought her head down to rest on Jag's shoulder as she wrapped her arm around his torso. Sighing with pleasure, she burrowed her face into Jag's neck.
"What happened to looking like we were here on squadron business?" Jag murmured playfully.
"Squadron business can wait," Jaina murmured back. "And I don't care about the security issue anymore. My parents know, your uncle knows, and everyone else here is trustworthy, or else they wouldn't be on this planet. I think it's time just to stop this whole charade."
"That's fine with me," Jag chuckled as kissed the top of her head.
************************
Kyp watched Jag and Jaina from where he sat at the bar. Mixed in with his normal levelheaded calm were tinges of different feelings: wistfulness, longing, and... jealousy. Jealousy? Kyp thought. Where did that come from?
But he was jealous. Not of Jag for having Jaina so much as their both having someone to love. And they were in love. Every look they exchanged spoke volumes about their feelings for each other. Admit it, he said to himself. I want someone of my own. And now it's too late. To women, Kyp Durron is good for a one-night stand, but a lifelong commitment? That's a different story. No one could ever fall in love with me now. Women are attracted to me, but once they learn I'm Kyp Durron, Murderer of Billions, kaboom! It explodes in my face.
Kyp closed his eyes and motioned to the bartender to refill his glass. When he reopened them, he noticed a woman staring at him. "You're Kyp Durron, right?" Here it comes, he thought. "The guy that blew up Carida?" Boom.
"That's me," Kyp responded, draining his glass. "Murderer of Billions. Rogue Jedi."
The woman studied him a bit longer then stuck out her hand. "I'm Lisani Boros, one of the new pilots in the Goddess's squadron. I've been wondering something for a long time. Why'd you do it?"
Kyp stared at her in shock. He looked at her, really looked at her, for the first time. She looked to be in about her late twenties, rather petite with hazel eyes, her oval face surrounded by a cloud of dark hair. All in all, she was very pretty. "No one's ever asked me that before." He accepted her outstretched hand. "Well, you already know who I am." Lisani scooted closer and took the stool next to Kyp's. "Well, here's the story."
About ten minutes later, Kyp finished his narrative. "And there he was. I hadn't seen him in years, and then, suddenly, he was gone again. And it was all my fault. Master Skywalker says I was under the influence of Exar Kun, and that it wasn't really my fault, but he's wrong. It was. When they told me my brother was dead, the anger just built up in me until I couldn't stand it anymore. So, I used the Sun Crusher. Then he was there, really alive, and I killed him. I killed my brother. I've never been able to forgive myself, not even after twenty years." His voice broke, a solitary tear tracing a path down his cheek.
Lisani's eyes were full of pity. "I'm so sorry," she murmured, patting his arm. She paused and blinked tears from her eyes. "I know exactly how you must feel. I know because." she took a shuddery breath. "I killed my brother too. Daryn was, like most older brothers, not a little overbearing at times. One day, when we were out exploring on Agamar, we found an old speeder. I was extremely proficient with machines even back then, and I knew I could make the speeder work again. So, I did. But when I wanted to try it out, my brother wouldn't let me and claimed the first ride. So I said I wasn't quite done fixing it. I was young, I was stupid, but there is no excuse for what I did. I cross-wired the engine, just to get back at Daryn for not letting me ride first. I never meant for it to explode! I thought it would just not work! I can still see it. Daryn laughing with glee, then. the fireball, and his screams of agony as he burned to death.. I never meant to kill him!" Lisani cried, tears running down her cheeks. "It just happened!"
Kyp pulled her into an embrace and awkwardly wrapped his arms around her. "I won't say it'll be okay, and that you'll get over it, and all those mindless platitudes people offer. Because you won't. But eventually, you'll stop remembering your brother's death and instead remember him as he was in life. You'll remember all the time you spent together, and how much you loved him. The guilt will always be there, but the good memories will ultimately replace the image of his death."
Lisani sniffed and sat up, blushing. "I've never told anyone besides my parents about that," she said quietly. "And I didn't even tell them the whole story. Thank you for listening."
"Don't mention it," Kyp replied. They both sat in silence for a while. Then Kyp turned to her. "Do you want to dance?"
"I'd love to," Lisani replied, a blush creeping up her face. Kyp led her to the dance floor, then pulled her into his arms. At first, they self- consciously kept a distance between their bodies, but as the dance went on they found themselves relaxing and closing the distance. Remember to thank Jaina for interrupting me, he thought, looking down at Lisani.
************************
Jaina and Jag were still dancing, wrapped up in each other's arms. Suddenly, someone grabbed Jaina's shoulder and spun her around. She stiffened when she saw Cal before her swaying drunkenly, his clothes reeking of alcohol. "I thought you said it was forbidden for goddesses to mingle with mortals," he slurred. "So whatcha doin' with loverboy here?"
Jaina drew herself up. "Flight Officer Meristrome, you're drunk and not in your right mind. If you leave now, I'll forget this ever happened."
"Oh no you don't," Cal snarled. "No one turns me down, understand? No one! Especially not some shameless slut that's slept with half the squadron already!" He grabbed Jaina and planted a wet kiss on her lips.
Jaina wrenched away and punched Cal in the face. "Bitch!" Cal yelled, clutching his eye. Then, Jag let loose with a right hook that broke Cal's nose. Cal shrieked in pain as blood spurted all over his clothes. Jag punched him again and again, then grabbed his shirt.
"No one," Jag gritted, "No one calls Jaina a slut while I'm around. You talk to her, you so much as look at her again and I'll kill you, so help me!" He punched Cal one more time, a mighty roundhouse that laid Cal out on the dance floor.
Just then, Kyp came rushing up with Lisani on his arm. "What happened?" he asked, breathlessly.
Jag nursed his bruised knuckles and pointed to Cal, who was attempting to get up off the ground. "That Huttslime called Jaina a hussy that slept with half the squadron to get where she is now."
"What?!" Kyp turned and grabbed Cal, yanking him to his feet. "Son of a ." He punched Cal and once again he dropped to the floor. He tried to crawl away on his hands and knees, shielding his head. He didn't make it far, however. Kyp went after him and punched him again, this time knocking him out cold.
Jaina called security to come and take Cal away. They showed up shortly afterwards and hauled him to his feet, dragging him out of the tapcaf.
"Thanks for defending me, Kyp," Jaina said softly. "And I'm sorry I interrupted you earlier."
"That's what partners are for," Kyp responded. "And don't be sorry."
Following Kyp's sidelong glance to Lisani, Jaina turned to him in astonishment. "Kyp, I do believe that you've fallen for her."
"What? Are you kidding? We just met tonight!" Kyp protested. "We're just friends."
Jaina smiled knowingly. "There was a time when Jag and I were 'just friends' too," she said, giving him a wink. "Now look where we are."
"Okay, that's just not right! Lisani and I will never be like you and Jag are," Kyp said, shuddering.
Jaina simply chuckled, then turned back to Jag as Kyp walked back to Lisani. "Thank you too, Jag," Jaina said.
Jag looked at her in surprise. "Thanks for what? For beating up that lowlife? He's had it coming for a long time," he said. "There's no need to thank me. And besides, what kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn't defend you?"
Jaina smiled and brought Jag's skinned knuckles to her lips. "You want to get out of here?"
"Sure," Jag said. "But first." He captured Jaina's lips in a passionate kiss right there in the middle of the dance floor. The onlookers began to clap and cheer as the kiss stretched on and on. Finally they broke for breath, their eyes starry in the dim lighting. "I love you, Jaina," Jag said softly.
"And I love you too, Jag," Jaina responded.
"Let's blow this joint," Jag said, offering Jaina his arm. She took it, and they walked out of the tapcaf followed by the cheers of their fellow pilots.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hope you liked it! Tell me what you think! Oh.. and I got Remnant!!!!!! Woohoo!!!!!! *and there was much rejoicing.*
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Thirteen
Jaina piddled around her room, humming. She was waiting for Jag to come and take her on the date they had planned in her office while. er. not engaged in other activities. Just then, she sensed Jag approaching and quickly opened the door to find a very surprised Jag with his fist still raised to knock.
"You shouldn't look so surprised, Jag," Jaina said, giggling. "You should know by now there is no possible way to sneak up on a Jedi."
Jag shook his head. "One of these days," he said. "I'll finally get to prove you wrong."
Jaina simply laughed, then they both exited her room and walked down the corridor. "Jag, where are we going?"
"Oh, to the tapcaf on Blue Level," he responded. "I thought it'd be fun to, you know, mingle, for once?"
Jaina sniffed. "Mingle? A goddess does not mingle. 'A goddess graces poor inferior souls with her presence, but she does not mingle.' Section 132, paragraph B11, line 73 of How to be a Yuuzhan Vong Goddess." At the sight of Jag's dumbfounded face, Jaina burst out laughing and finished the thought. "Written by Sharr Latt and Voort saBriing."
Jag smiled, relieved. "Okay. That makes a whole lot of sense."
Just then, the reached the turbolift. Jag and Jaina stepped inside, and the door whooshed shut behind them. "You know," Jaina began slowly, "I know for a fact that there are no holocams installed in this turbolift."
"What's your point?" Jag was confused. Then realization dawned. "Ohhhhhh," he said softly, a predatory glint in his eye as he closed in on Jaina.
************************
Meanwhile, in a room across the base, a figure sat hunched over the output screen of the small holocam recently installed in the turbolift. His eyes sparkled with evil intent as he saw the goddess and the mortal clasp each other in a fiery embrace.
************************
The turbolift door opened and Jaina and Jag stepped out into the corridor, their faces flushed. Making their way to the tapcaf, Jag murmured, "Remind me to ride in a turbolift more often when you're with me."
Jaina flushed even more and lightly smacked Jag's arm. "Remind me never to ride in a turbolift with you again," she replied. "And don't forget," she added. "Act like we're here on squadron business."
Jag grinned at her then followed her into the tapcaf. There was a bar and a dance floor on one side, and private booths ranging along the other side. Jaina led the way to one of the booths towards the back secluded enough to allow them some privacy. Glancing around, she saw several pilots from various squadrons both at the bar and in other booths. All of a sudden, she saw Kyp was sitting in a private booth with a blond girl Jaina didn't recognize. From the way he was leaning across the table, she could tell Kyp had probably progressed past his impress-a-girl-with-my-wits-and-amazing- hotness stage and was at the try-and-get-her-to-sleep-with-me-based-on-my- wits-and-amazing-hotness stage. From the way the girl was leaning across the table as well, Jaina could tell that Kyp had probably succeeded. Striding over to their table, Jaina slapped Kyp across the face. "You bastard!!!" she cried. "How dare you just leave me and the kids and go gallivanting across the universe, picking up a new girl on every planet?"
Kyp stared at her as if she had gone crazy. "Jaina, what-"
Jaina cut him off. "What am I doing here? Saving some poor girl from sleeping with a married man, that's what I'm doing here!"
The girl abruptly got up and left after slapping Kyp herself. "Jaina, did I miss something? What's going on?" he asked, fingering the red mark on his face.
"Oh, I was just having a little fun with you," Jaina replied, waving a hand airily.
"Well, your 'little fun' cost me my date!" Kyp got up and angrily stormed off towards the bar.
Jag tapped her on the shoulder. "Seriously, Jaina, what was that all about?" he asked quietly, sitting down at the recently vacated table.
Jaina shrugged. "I just hate to see a guy hitting on a girl because he thinks she's hot, not because he cares about her soul or her mind. And I know how. well, intoxicating Kyp's presence can be. Consider it my good deed for the day."
Jag nodded in understanding, then waved the server droid over. "Two Correllian brandies," he said. "Whyren's Reserve, if you got any."
"Yes, good sir," the droid responded, then whirred off to get their drinks.
They sat in silence for a few minutes, then Jag looked up at her. "You wanna dance?" he asked.
Jaina blushed. "Ummm. well. I never really learned how," she mumbled, embarrassed.
Jag got up and pulled her to her feet. "It's easy," he said, leading her to the dance floor. "Just follow my lead." He placed one hand on Jaina's hip and brought her hand up to rest on his shoulder. He then clasped her other hand with his and swung her into the crowd of dancers.
Jaina marveled at Jag's dancing skill, effortlessly guiding her through the steps. They glided around the room, Jaina feeling as though they were dancing on air as she stared deep into Jag's emerald gaze. Closing her eyes, she brought her head down to rest on Jag's shoulder as she wrapped her arm around his torso. Sighing with pleasure, she burrowed her face into Jag's neck.
"What happened to looking like we were here on squadron business?" Jag murmured playfully.
"Squadron business can wait," Jaina murmured back. "And I don't care about the security issue anymore. My parents know, your uncle knows, and everyone else here is trustworthy, or else they wouldn't be on this planet. I think it's time just to stop this whole charade."
"That's fine with me," Jag chuckled as kissed the top of her head.
************************
Kyp watched Jag and Jaina from where he sat at the bar. Mixed in with his normal levelheaded calm were tinges of different feelings: wistfulness, longing, and... jealousy. Jealousy? Kyp thought. Where did that come from?
But he was jealous. Not of Jag for having Jaina so much as their both having someone to love. And they were in love. Every look they exchanged spoke volumes about their feelings for each other. Admit it, he said to himself. I want someone of my own. And now it's too late. To women, Kyp Durron is good for a one-night stand, but a lifelong commitment? That's a different story. No one could ever fall in love with me now. Women are attracted to me, but once they learn I'm Kyp Durron, Murderer of Billions, kaboom! It explodes in my face.
Kyp closed his eyes and motioned to the bartender to refill his glass. When he reopened them, he noticed a woman staring at him. "You're Kyp Durron, right?" Here it comes, he thought. "The guy that blew up Carida?" Boom.
"That's me," Kyp responded, draining his glass. "Murderer of Billions. Rogue Jedi."
The woman studied him a bit longer then stuck out her hand. "I'm Lisani Boros, one of the new pilots in the Goddess's squadron. I've been wondering something for a long time. Why'd you do it?"
Kyp stared at her in shock. He looked at her, really looked at her, for the first time. She looked to be in about her late twenties, rather petite with hazel eyes, her oval face surrounded by a cloud of dark hair. All in all, she was very pretty. "No one's ever asked me that before." He accepted her outstretched hand. "Well, you already know who I am." Lisani scooted closer and took the stool next to Kyp's. "Well, here's the story."
About ten minutes later, Kyp finished his narrative. "And there he was. I hadn't seen him in years, and then, suddenly, he was gone again. And it was all my fault. Master Skywalker says I was under the influence of Exar Kun, and that it wasn't really my fault, but he's wrong. It was. When they told me my brother was dead, the anger just built up in me until I couldn't stand it anymore. So, I used the Sun Crusher. Then he was there, really alive, and I killed him. I killed my brother. I've never been able to forgive myself, not even after twenty years." His voice broke, a solitary tear tracing a path down his cheek.
Lisani's eyes were full of pity. "I'm so sorry," she murmured, patting his arm. She paused and blinked tears from her eyes. "I know exactly how you must feel. I know because." she took a shuddery breath. "I killed my brother too. Daryn was, like most older brothers, not a little overbearing at times. One day, when we were out exploring on Agamar, we found an old speeder. I was extremely proficient with machines even back then, and I knew I could make the speeder work again. So, I did. But when I wanted to try it out, my brother wouldn't let me and claimed the first ride. So I said I wasn't quite done fixing it. I was young, I was stupid, but there is no excuse for what I did. I cross-wired the engine, just to get back at Daryn for not letting me ride first. I never meant for it to explode! I thought it would just not work! I can still see it. Daryn laughing with glee, then. the fireball, and his screams of agony as he burned to death.. I never meant to kill him!" Lisani cried, tears running down her cheeks. "It just happened!"
Kyp pulled her into an embrace and awkwardly wrapped his arms around her. "I won't say it'll be okay, and that you'll get over it, and all those mindless platitudes people offer. Because you won't. But eventually, you'll stop remembering your brother's death and instead remember him as he was in life. You'll remember all the time you spent together, and how much you loved him. The guilt will always be there, but the good memories will ultimately replace the image of his death."
Lisani sniffed and sat up, blushing. "I've never told anyone besides my parents about that," she said quietly. "And I didn't even tell them the whole story. Thank you for listening."
"Don't mention it," Kyp replied. They both sat in silence for a while. Then Kyp turned to her. "Do you want to dance?"
"I'd love to," Lisani replied, a blush creeping up her face. Kyp led her to the dance floor, then pulled her into his arms. At first, they self- consciously kept a distance between their bodies, but as the dance went on they found themselves relaxing and closing the distance. Remember to thank Jaina for interrupting me, he thought, looking down at Lisani.
************************
Jaina and Jag were still dancing, wrapped up in each other's arms. Suddenly, someone grabbed Jaina's shoulder and spun her around. She stiffened when she saw Cal before her swaying drunkenly, his clothes reeking of alcohol. "I thought you said it was forbidden for goddesses to mingle with mortals," he slurred. "So whatcha doin' with loverboy here?"
Jaina drew herself up. "Flight Officer Meristrome, you're drunk and not in your right mind. If you leave now, I'll forget this ever happened."
"Oh no you don't," Cal snarled. "No one turns me down, understand? No one! Especially not some shameless slut that's slept with half the squadron already!" He grabbed Jaina and planted a wet kiss on her lips.
Jaina wrenched away and punched Cal in the face. "Bitch!" Cal yelled, clutching his eye. Then, Jag let loose with a right hook that broke Cal's nose. Cal shrieked in pain as blood spurted all over his clothes. Jag punched him again and again, then grabbed his shirt.
"No one," Jag gritted, "No one calls Jaina a slut while I'm around. You talk to her, you so much as look at her again and I'll kill you, so help me!" He punched Cal one more time, a mighty roundhouse that laid Cal out on the dance floor.
Just then, Kyp came rushing up with Lisani on his arm. "What happened?" he asked, breathlessly.
Jag nursed his bruised knuckles and pointed to Cal, who was attempting to get up off the ground. "That Huttslime called Jaina a hussy that slept with half the squadron to get where she is now."
"What?!" Kyp turned and grabbed Cal, yanking him to his feet. "Son of a ." He punched Cal and once again he dropped to the floor. He tried to crawl away on his hands and knees, shielding his head. He didn't make it far, however. Kyp went after him and punched him again, this time knocking him out cold.
Jaina called security to come and take Cal away. They showed up shortly afterwards and hauled him to his feet, dragging him out of the tapcaf.
"Thanks for defending me, Kyp," Jaina said softly. "And I'm sorry I interrupted you earlier."
"That's what partners are for," Kyp responded. "And don't be sorry."
Following Kyp's sidelong glance to Lisani, Jaina turned to him in astonishment. "Kyp, I do believe that you've fallen for her."
"What? Are you kidding? We just met tonight!" Kyp protested. "We're just friends."
Jaina smiled knowingly. "There was a time when Jag and I were 'just friends' too," she said, giving him a wink. "Now look where we are."
"Okay, that's just not right! Lisani and I will never be like you and Jag are," Kyp said, shuddering.
Jaina simply chuckled, then turned back to Jag as Kyp walked back to Lisani. "Thank you too, Jag," Jaina said.
Jag looked at her in surprise. "Thanks for what? For beating up that lowlife? He's had it coming for a long time," he said. "There's no need to thank me. And besides, what kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn't defend you?"
Jaina smiled and brought Jag's skinned knuckles to her lips. "You want to get out of here?"
"Sure," Jag said. "But first." He captured Jaina's lips in a passionate kiss right there in the middle of the dance floor. The onlookers began to clap and cheer as the kiss stretched on and on. Finally they broke for breath, their eyes starry in the dim lighting. "I love you, Jaina," Jag said softly.
"And I love you too, Jag," Jaina responded.
"Let's blow this joint," Jag said, offering Jaina his arm. She took it, and they walked out of the tapcaf followed by the cheers of their fellow pilots.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hope you liked it! Tell me what you think! Oh.. and I got Remnant!!!!!! Woohoo!!!!!! *and there was much rejoicing.*