I'd Miss You Still
Chapter 6, Post 1
By obi's girl
Jaina Solo wanted to scream as she walked solemnly back to the apartment...How could she push Jag away after telling him she was going to give him another chance? It wasn't fair, but she was confused. She knew she loved Jag very much but she was scared to move on with him, and then there was Cherith to consider...
Cherith loved her father very much, and Jaina knew, if she had to make a decision regarding her relationship with Jag, it would affect Cherith too. Jaina walked faster, slamming her hand against the com as the door slid open. She stood there, leaning against the frame a minute, walked inside and looked up...
"Kyp!" she shouted, startling the Jedi Master. He jumped away from Cherith and looked timidly at Jaina. "What are you doing here?"
He shrugged, "I came to talk to Cherith," he glanced at his new apprentice and then at her mother, "Jaina, there's something we both need to tell you,"
"Mom," Cherith started, "I asked Kyp to be my Master and he came to tell he'd accepted my invitation,"
Jaina mumbled something in Corellian and walked drudgingly to the counter and sat down...This really wasn't what she needed. First, her date with Jag ended in disaster and now her daughter asked Kyp, whom her family despised, to be her mentor. She rubbed her forehead and called to her angel, I need you, Qui-Gon,
She turned back to Cherith and Kyp, "Honey, why not just ask your Uncle Luke or Aunt Mara? Why Kyp?"
Cherith shrugged, "Because...because we have this really strong connection with each other,"
Darling, you should have asked Luke or Mara, or your grandmother but NOT Kyp, Jaina sent her back and huffed.
She looked at Kyp, "Maybe I should have but I picked Kyp,"
You called for assistance, Jaina? Qui-Gon asked as he appeared behind her. Kyp looked curiously at the ghost. He knew he was a Jedi Master but he'd never seen him before.
Jaina waved her hand, "Master Kyp Durron, Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, my guardian angel," she mused and looked at Qui-Gon, "Sorry if I pulled you away but I need a little support,"
Things didn't go well with Jag? he sent.
I don't want to talk about it right now, Jaina reflected and nodded to her daughter, "You know your father won't approve of this arrangement..."
Cherith huffed and slouched back, crossing her arms, "I know but mom, we've already bonded,"
Jaina glanced at Qui-Gon and then at Kyp, her eyes narrowing, "I know we're friends, Kyp, but I don't trust you with my daughter and I don't approve either of this arrangement,"
Kyp shrugged, "That's it, then. This is finished, Cherith,"
"No!" she cried, nodding frantically, "Mama, please? Don't take this away from me...I'll talk to dad myself and tell him everything but please, I know this is right,"
You sure this isn't just a way to get closer to your crush? Jaina asked her daughter.
Cherith glanced at Kyp and then turned back to her mother and nodded, It's so much more than that, mom..
Jaina huffed again, stood up and moved from behind the counter and faced Kyp, "The only reason I'm concerned is because of your past, because of what you're capable of but I know, you've changed a lot since then so I'm trusting you to teach and guide Cherith, but if you ever cross the line, this relationship ends and I will choose Cherith's new Master,"
"I understand, Jaina and I promise, you'll never have to make that decision," Kyp whispered.
"Good," she finished and glanced at Qui-Gon, "Now get out, Kyp,"
Kyp glanced at Cherith again, "First practice will be tomorrow in the gym at 1000." Cherith nodded and smiled thanks as he left the cold apartment.
Cherith turned to her mom and yawned stretching her arms, "Well, I'm gonna take a little nap,"
"Cherith," Jaina started, "You said you wanted to tell your father everything, here's your chance. It's still early. You can drop by his apartment and tell him about this little arrangement and my view on things," The girl slumped her shoulders and left the apartment. Jaina glanced at Qui-Gon and laughed to herself, walking over to the couch and dropping onto its cushions. "Oh, what a wonderful day," she mused.
What happened with Jag?
She shrugged and looked at Qui-Gon, "He did everything perfect but what happened on that date was more of my fault than his. I told Jag I'd give him another chance but I'm just so scared to let him love me again."
Qui-Gon walked over and settled on the couch, You love Jag?
"Of course, I do."
If you love him very much then this shouldn't be a hard decision,
Jaina laughed, "That's exactly what he said,"
Qui-Gon shrugged, Jaina, I realize you've been hurt and you're playing it safe but you can't keep pushing the father of your child away...Yes, you do have a child together, which is probably the strongest bond between the both of you. You both love Cherith much and would do anything for her, but what about for yourselves?
"I'm just scared of what will happen if we get to close and we end up hurt in the end,"
Perhaps, but think about how you'll both feel if you don't get close in the end. You'll be hurting even more and it'll be because you didn't trust each other's feelings, he paused and gasped, Anakin and Padme were the same way before...
Jaina looked at him and sighed, "You've really watched over everyone in my family, haven't you? You watched Anakin and Padme fall apart, their children find each other again, watched over me and my brothers and now, you're my angel,"
I have and that's why I firmly believe, you and Jag will be very hurt if you don't take this chance to be together again.
tbc
Chapter 6, Post 2
By obi's girl
Jagged Fel lowered his head as he walked back into the bar and ordered a glass of Corellian ale and made it a double. The man beside him smiled and patted his back, but Jag didn't see who it was. "Bad day, son?"
He shrugged and took a sip of his drink, "It's not a good day, although it did start out that way,"
The man smiled, "Things get better; they always do,"
"I don't think so..." Jag mused and turned to the sound of the other man's voice, and smiled, hugging the other man, "Father, what are you doing here?"
Soontir smiled, "I heard you'd been through a lot lately, and I thought I'd stop by and see if there was anything I could do to help," he paused and looked down, "I also heard I have a granddaughter to meet and you named her after your sister,"
"You do, and I would love it if you could meet Cherith but I don't want to see her mother right now," Jag retorted and slumped again on his seat, "How's mother?"
"She's fine. She heard about what happened to your fiancé, word travels fast over the HoloNet," Soontir explained, "But now it looks like, your fiancé is alive and your daughter is too, so why aren't you happy son?"
Jag turned to him, "I should be happy they're alive. I am, in fact, but there are a lot of issues Jaina and I need to sort through first before we get back together," he reasoned and rolled his eyes, "Or she does, anyway."
"Women can be frustrating sometimes, I won't lie to you about that," Soontir laughed as he ordered himself a drink as well, "Jaina Solo, she's the daughter of Han and Leia Solo, isn't she?" Jag nodded, "That means she's a Jedi, and that Cherith has Jedi potential? Has she been tested?"
He shrugged, "Uncle Luke and Corran Horn came to me before and asked to talk me about it, but I left early to prepare for my date with Jaina, a date which ended very badly,"
"I used to be friends with Han, back when we went to the academy together..." the older Fel drifted off, "That family has been through a lot. Leia lost her two sons to this war and Jaina, but she got lucky there, I guess,"
Jag turned to his father, "You think maybe that's why she's protecting herself like this? She's afraid I'll die like her brothers?"
Soontir shrugged and leaned forward, bracing his hands together, "Maybe, but I don't think so. Jag, I know you love Jaina very much, you always talked about her a lot in your Holos, so what's the real reason for this distance between you and Solo?"
"It's complicated, dad," Jag mused, "You don't want to know,"
"You can't tell me that, Jagged. You're not a Jedi, you can't use a Jedi mind trick on me," he shot back.
Jag laughed and took another sip of his drink, "I wish I could, believe me," he paused and smiled, "What happened between me and Jaina, was my fault and I've accepted it was my fault..."
"You slept with another woman," Soontir cut in and shrugged, "It wasn't that hard to figure out, son."
Jag rolled his eyes, "The other woman is completely out of the picture now, so you don't have to worry about her ever showing up again,"
He grunted, "That's good to know, but what about you and Jaina? If she's given you another chance, why aren't you acting?"
"I have acted, father! I took her out on a picnic..."
Soontir laughed and grinned, "I didn't mean that. Son, you do realize who your father-in-law is, right?"
He shrugged, "Of course, Han Solo is legendary. Well, the entire family is legendary,"
"Jagged, he kidnapped Leia and took her to a planet with warlord Zsinj's territory..." he started.
"Wait a minute, you want me to kidnap my fiancé and steal her off to another world?" Jag questioned, as his father excitedly nodded yes, "I like it. Where should I take her?"
Soontir grinned and patted Jag's back, "We'll talk, but first call Wedge Antilles and order another drink. We have a lot to plan."
tbc
Chapter 6, Post 3 By obi's girl
"Antilles," Soontir greeted his brother-in-law as he moved into the secluded booth. Wedge glanced at his nephew and then at Soontir, "We have a lot to plan, take a seat Wedge,"
"What's this all about?"
"Jaina," Jag mused, fingering his drink, "The date didn't go well, it went horribly in fact,"
Soontir leaned forward, bracing his hands together, "That's why we need to act fast...Everyone's miserable watching the drama between my son and daughter-in-law. It's depressing to watch them pull farther and farther away from each other, especially since they have a teenage daughter,"
Wedge shrugged, "Cherith doesn't seem to be affected by any of this,"
"It doesn't look like she is," Jag started, "But it's better to act now rather than later,"
"What do you want to do?"
Jag glanced at his father and then at his Uncle, "I need a freighter; it doesn't have to be big one but a good one. I'm gonna take Jaina on a little excursion," he smiled and raised his glass, grinning.
Wedge laughed, "Wait a minute, you're going to kidnap your own fiancé? And you want me to help?" Both men nodded, as he continued, "I like. I can lend one to you, anything else you need?"
"I was wandering if you could recommend a nice planet for us?" Jag added.
"Do you have any preferences?"
Jag shrugged, "I don't know...Does it matter?"
Wedge laughed, "Does it matter? Jag, it matters a lot. Let's think about this. Most likely, you don't want a place that's well known, so the inner rim is out of the question. But if you want to go for an inner rim planet, you'll want to go low-key. No one can know your real names."
"Romantic," Soontir added, smiling, "...and magical. If you're stuck on a backwater planet like Tatoonie, you're both going to be miserable,"
"Tatoonie wouldn't even work since Jaina's Uncle is from there," Wedge nodded, "Romantic, magical and out of the way," he leaned back in his seat, "Also, wherever you go, the place obviously can't be occupied by Vong,"
Jag rolled his eyes, leaning back, "Obviously," he said as Soontir removed a small holo chart from his pocket, "You go everywhere with that thing, dad?"
Soontir shrugged and pulled up the chart, "As a pilot, it's very handy, especially if you're being track to know your potential hiding places," he mused and pointed a bright blue star, "How about there?"
"What's it name?" Jag asked.
"Naboo, it has all the qualities you want and it isn't occupied by the Vong," Soontir replied, "And it's about a 2-3 day trip from here,"
Wedge nodded and smiled, "Sounds good. Jag?"
He looked again at the planet and then at his Uncle and father, "I'll take her there," Jag concluded, "By the way, about Cherith. I was wandering if she could stay with you for awhile, maybe make up an excuse for Cherith to spend more time with her cousins," Soontir cleared his throat, "And for her to spend time with her grandfather, as well?"
"I don't think that'll be a problem." Wedge said.
"Good," Jag mused, looking again the planet before the schematic faded away. "To Naboo, my love."
tbc
Chapter 6, Post 4 by obi's girl
"Goddess," Kyp whispered, shocked Jaina made the effort to show up for morning sims. It had been only days ago Jaina Solo had returned from the land of the dead, or wherever she was --- No one really knew where she was. No one really knew about Cherith's existence either, except for Jag, Leia and Wedge.
She gasped, looking up at her squadron. Many had heard the rumors about her return, but many of them she felt were still uncertain. Jaina raised her chin and smiled, "You don't need to worry, I'm not going to disband the squadron," she fidgeted a little, "I came here today because I wanted to tell you the truth about what happened the day I died. Jag assumed the x- wing he'd seen shot down in front him was mine, but it wasn't. I did die, that part wasn't a lie, but what happened...Her name was Karia Ylena. She was a pilot in this squadron but she was also my shadow, my decoy."
"Months ago, I asked Karia a really big favor after sims. I asked her to become my decoy and I gave her a fake lightsaber with the same blade color as mine. It was probably very selfish of me to ask such a thing of her, but I felt I needed to at the time. Over the next couple months, Karia stuck my side and adapted many of my mannerisms. No one knew she was acting as my decoy, Colonel Fel didn't even know," she raised her chin and glanced at Kyp, "She died for me, she sacrificed her life for me and if I hadn't come back, no one would ever know about her sacrifice," Jaina choked back a sob, forcing herself to go on, "That's why in three days, we're going to say our final goodbyes to Karia and thank her for all that's she's done,"
Many of the pilots looked at each other, whispering as Jaina waved her hand, ordering them to go back to their work. Jaina stepped down from the podium, struggling again to remain composed but the strong emotions inside won, and Jaina dropped to the floor, crying as Kyp rushed to her side, supporting her. "It was my fault, Kyp. She died because of me, I killed her," she cried.
Kyp nodded, "You didn't, Jaina. You were scared, you panicked..." She looked at him as he continued, "You didn't kill her. Karia accepted your proposal because she wanted to,"
"I know I signed her death warrant when I asked her to be my decoy," Jaina muttered, "I was selfish, Kyp, I was selfish because I was scared and dreaded my own death, so I asked Karia to take up some of the burden," She wiped her eyes, "Jag, he thought he was cradling my body in his hands when I died, but in reality, I died alone and the last two people I ever saw before crossing over, were my brothers and they pleaded with me to let go and I did,"
"You're only human, Jaina," he mused and waved to the rest of the pilots, "Forget this 'Goddess' ruse, you're still human and you did what you thought was right,"
Jaina looked at him, "Was it right, Kyp? Did I have the right to take Karia's life like that? I didn't, but I asked her anyway and every moment for the rest of my life, her face will haunt my dreams."
tbc
Chapter 6, Post 5 by obi's girl
"Jaina?" a voice called.
She turned as Kyp helped her up from the floor and Jaina cleared her eyes some more. As Jag ran up to them, he glanced at Kyp and then at Jaina. "Um, can I speak to you alone, Goddess? There's something really important I need to talk to you about,"
Jaina turned to Kyp and waved him away. He glanced at Jag, bowed and left them alone. "Jag, what's this about?"
"Jaina, I can't wait forever for you...I need a decision now. It's either 'yes' we are back together or 'no' and I walk away, but I warn you, if you say 'no'...Cherith won't have father in her life,"
She shrugged and rolled her eyes, "How can you do this to me, Jag?" she cried, "It isn't fair,"
Jag raised an eyebrow, "Not fair? Well, it looks like the tables have turned."
"Stop that," Jaina hissed. "I just need time,"
"Jaina," he cried, taking her hands in his, "Please listen to me, I love you with all my being, I would do anything for you but you, I don't know, you don't seem to care,"
Jaina's eyes narrowed as she pulled her hands away from his, "I do care, Jag, I care a lot about you but getting back to us, it isn't easy," she yelled as the entire squadron stopped what they were doing and looked at her and Jag, "I'm sorry Jag, but you're just gonna have to wait for me,"
He nodded, "I won't accept that,"
"You'll just have to," she muttered and glanced at the pilots behind her, "You enjoy that little show? Get back to work!" she turned to Jag again and nodded to the office. Jag rolled his eyes and followed her. Once they were inside the office, Jag locked the door and turned to Jaina. "We've been through this before Jag. I need time, you can't expect me to change my mind overnight,"
Jag grunted, "Why not?"
She shrugged, and crossed her arms defensively, "Because I can't,"
He laughed, walking closer to her, "Jaina, I know you still love me...You even admitted it during the picnic," Jag stopped himself, bent down and kissed Jaina.
For a moment, Jaina wrapped her left arm around Jag's neck but quickly pulled away. "That shouldn't have happened,"
Jag frowned and turned away, "Then I don't have any other choice," he mumbled and reached for his empty blaster and pointed it to Jaina. "Come with me,"
"Jag, what are you doing?" Jaina cried.
"I want you to spend a week alone with me," he paused and thought for a minute if he should tell her where they were going, but decided against it, "If you don't fall in love with me by the end of the week, we're finished. I won't bother you anymore,"
Jaina glanced at her pilots and then at Jag, "I'll with go with you."
tbc
By obi's girl
Jaina Solo wanted to scream as she walked solemnly back to the apartment...How could she push Jag away after telling him she was going to give him another chance? It wasn't fair, but she was confused. She knew she loved Jag very much but she was scared to move on with him, and then there was Cherith to consider...
Cherith loved her father very much, and Jaina knew, if she had to make a decision regarding her relationship with Jag, it would affect Cherith too. Jaina walked faster, slamming her hand against the com as the door slid open. She stood there, leaning against the frame a minute, walked inside and looked up...
"Kyp!" she shouted, startling the Jedi Master. He jumped away from Cherith and looked timidly at Jaina. "What are you doing here?"
He shrugged, "I came to talk to Cherith," he glanced at his new apprentice and then at her mother, "Jaina, there's something we both need to tell you,"
"Mom," Cherith started, "I asked Kyp to be my Master and he came to tell he'd accepted my invitation,"
Jaina mumbled something in Corellian and walked drudgingly to the counter and sat down...This really wasn't what she needed. First, her date with Jag ended in disaster and now her daughter asked Kyp, whom her family despised, to be her mentor. She rubbed her forehead and called to her angel, I need you, Qui-Gon,
She turned back to Cherith and Kyp, "Honey, why not just ask your Uncle Luke or Aunt Mara? Why Kyp?"
Cherith shrugged, "Because...because we have this really strong connection with each other,"
Darling, you should have asked Luke or Mara, or your grandmother but NOT Kyp, Jaina sent her back and huffed.
She looked at Kyp, "Maybe I should have but I picked Kyp,"
You called for assistance, Jaina? Qui-Gon asked as he appeared behind her. Kyp looked curiously at the ghost. He knew he was a Jedi Master but he'd never seen him before.
Jaina waved her hand, "Master Kyp Durron, Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, my guardian angel," she mused and looked at Qui-Gon, "Sorry if I pulled you away but I need a little support,"
Things didn't go well with Jag? he sent.
I don't want to talk about it right now, Jaina reflected and nodded to her daughter, "You know your father won't approve of this arrangement..."
Cherith huffed and slouched back, crossing her arms, "I know but mom, we've already bonded,"
Jaina glanced at Qui-Gon and then at Kyp, her eyes narrowing, "I know we're friends, Kyp, but I don't trust you with my daughter and I don't approve either of this arrangement,"
Kyp shrugged, "That's it, then. This is finished, Cherith,"
"No!" she cried, nodding frantically, "Mama, please? Don't take this away from me...I'll talk to dad myself and tell him everything but please, I know this is right,"
You sure this isn't just a way to get closer to your crush? Jaina asked her daughter.
Cherith glanced at Kyp and then turned back to her mother and nodded, It's so much more than that, mom..
Jaina huffed again, stood up and moved from behind the counter and faced Kyp, "The only reason I'm concerned is because of your past, because of what you're capable of but I know, you've changed a lot since then so I'm trusting you to teach and guide Cherith, but if you ever cross the line, this relationship ends and I will choose Cherith's new Master,"
"I understand, Jaina and I promise, you'll never have to make that decision," Kyp whispered.
"Good," she finished and glanced at Qui-Gon, "Now get out, Kyp,"
Kyp glanced at Cherith again, "First practice will be tomorrow in the gym at 1000." Cherith nodded and smiled thanks as he left the cold apartment.
Cherith turned to her mom and yawned stretching her arms, "Well, I'm gonna take a little nap,"
"Cherith," Jaina started, "You said you wanted to tell your father everything, here's your chance. It's still early. You can drop by his apartment and tell him about this little arrangement and my view on things," The girl slumped her shoulders and left the apartment. Jaina glanced at Qui-Gon and laughed to herself, walking over to the couch and dropping onto its cushions. "Oh, what a wonderful day," she mused.
What happened with Jag?
She shrugged and looked at Qui-Gon, "He did everything perfect but what happened on that date was more of my fault than his. I told Jag I'd give him another chance but I'm just so scared to let him love me again."
Qui-Gon walked over and settled on the couch, You love Jag?
"Of course, I do."
If you love him very much then this shouldn't be a hard decision,
Jaina laughed, "That's exactly what he said,"
Qui-Gon shrugged, Jaina, I realize you've been hurt and you're playing it safe but you can't keep pushing the father of your child away...Yes, you do have a child together, which is probably the strongest bond between the both of you. You both love Cherith much and would do anything for her, but what about for yourselves?
"I'm just scared of what will happen if we get to close and we end up hurt in the end,"
Perhaps, but think about how you'll both feel if you don't get close in the end. You'll be hurting even more and it'll be because you didn't trust each other's feelings, he paused and gasped, Anakin and Padme were the same way before...
Jaina looked at him and sighed, "You've really watched over everyone in my family, haven't you? You watched Anakin and Padme fall apart, their children find each other again, watched over me and my brothers and now, you're my angel,"
I have and that's why I firmly believe, you and Jag will be very hurt if you don't take this chance to be together again.
tbc
Chapter 6, Post 2
By obi's girl
Jagged Fel lowered his head as he walked back into the bar and ordered a glass of Corellian ale and made it a double. The man beside him smiled and patted his back, but Jag didn't see who it was. "Bad day, son?"
He shrugged and took a sip of his drink, "It's not a good day, although it did start out that way,"
The man smiled, "Things get better; they always do,"
"I don't think so..." Jag mused and turned to the sound of the other man's voice, and smiled, hugging the other man, "Father, what are you doing here?"
Soontir smiled, "I heard you'd been through a lot lately, and I thought I'd stop by and see if there was anything I could do to help," he paused and looked down, "I also heard I have a granddaughter to meet and you named her after your sister,"
"You do, and I would love it if you could meet Cherith but I don't want to see her mother right now," Jag retorted and slumped again on his seat, "How's mother?"
"She's fine. She heard about what happened to your fiancé, word travels fast over the HoloNet," Soontir explained, "But now it looks like, your fiancé is alive and your daughter is too, so why aren't you happy son?"
Jag turned to him, "I should be happy they're alive. I am, in fact, but there are a lot of issues Jaina and I need to sort through first before we get back together," he reasoned and rolled his eyes, "Or she does, anyway."
"Women can be frustrating sometimes, I won't lie to you about that," Soontir laughed as he ordered himself a drink as well, "Jaina Solo, she's the daughter of Han and Leia Solo, isn't she?" Jag nodded, "That means she's a Jedi, and that Cherith has Jedi potential? Has she been tested?"
He shrugged, "Uncle Luke and Corran Horn came to me before and asked to talk me about it, but I left early to prepare for my date with Jaina, a date which ended very badly,"
"I used to be friends with Han, back when we went to the academy together..." the older Fel drifted off, "That family has been through a lot. Leia lost her two sons to this war and Jaina, but she got lucky there, I guess,"
Jag turned to his father, "You think maybe that's why she's protecting herself like this? She's afraid I'll die like her brothers?"
Soontir shrugged and leaned forward, bracing his hands together, "Maybe, but I don't think so. Jag, I know you love Jaina very much, you always talked about her a lot in your Holos, so what's the real reason for this distance between you and Solo?"
"It's complicated, dad," Jag mused, "You don't want to know,"
"You can't tell me that, Jagged. You're not a Jedi, you can't use a Jedi mind trick on me," he shot back.
Jag laughed and took another sip of his drink, "I wish I could, believe me," he paused and smiled, "What happened between me and Jaina, was my fault and I've accepted it was my fault..."
"You slept with another woman," Soontir cut in and shrugged, "It wasn't that hard to figure out, son."
Jag rolled his eyes, "The other woman is completely out of the picture now, so you don't have to worry about her ever showing up again,"
He grunted, "That's good to know, but what about you and Jaina? If she's given you another chance, why aren't you acting?"
"I have acted, father! I took her out on a picnic..."
Soontir laughed and grinned, "I didn't mean that. Son, you do realize who your father-in-law is, right?"
He shrugged, "Of course, Han Solo is legendary. Well, the entire family is legendary,"
"Jagged, he kidnapped Leia and took her to a planet with warlord Zsinj's territory..." he started.
"Wait a minute, you want me to kidnap my fiancé and steal her off to another world?" Jag questioned, as his father excitedly nodded yes, "I like it. Where should I take her?"
Soontir grinned and patted Jag's back, "We'll talk, but first call Wedge Antilles and order another drink. We have a lot to plan."
tbc
Chapter 6, Post 3 By obi's girl
"Antilles," Soontir greeted his brother-in-law as he moved into the secluded booth. Wedge glanced at his nephew and then at Soontir, "We have a lot to plan, take a seat Wedge,"
"What's this all about?"
"Jaina," Jag mused, fingering his drink, "The date didn't go well, it went horribly in fact,"
Soontir leaned forward, bracing his hands together, "That's why we need to act fast...Everyone's miserable watching the drama between my son and daughter-in-law. It's depressing to watch them pull farther and farther away from each other, especially since they have a teenage daughter,"
Wedge shrugged, "Cherith doesn't seem to be affected by any of this,"
"It doesn't look like she is," Jag started, "But it's better to act now rather than later,"
"What do you want to do?"
Jag glanced at his father and then at his Uncle, "I need a freighter; it doesn't have to be big one but a good one. I'm gonna take Jaina on a little excursion," he smiled and raised his glass, grinning.
Wedge laughed, "Wait a minute, you're going to kidnap your own fiancé? And you want me to help?" Both men nodded, as he continued, "I like. I can lend one to you, anything else you need?"
"I was wandering if you could recommend a nice planet for us?" Jag added.
"Do you have any preferences?"
Jag shrugged, "I don't know...Does it matter?"
Wedge laughed, "Does it matter? Jag, it matters a lot. Let's think about this. Most likely, you don't want a place that's well known, so the inner rim is out of the question. But if you want to go for an inner rim planet, you'll want to go low-key. No one can know your real names."
"Romantic," Soontir added, smiling, "...and magical. If you're stuck on a backwater planet like Tatoonie, you're both going to be miserable,"
"Tatoonie wouldn't even work since Jaina's Uncle is from there," Wedge nodded, "Romantic, magical and out of the way," he leaned back in his seat, "Also, wherever you go, the place obviously can't be occupied by Vong,"
Jag rolled his eyes, leaning back, "Obviously," he said as Soontir removed a small holo chart from his pocket, "You go everywhere with that thing, dad?"
Soontir shrugged and pulled up the chart, "As a pilot, it's very handy, especially if you're being track to know your potential hiding places," he mused and pointed a bright blue star, "How about there?"
"What's it name?" Jag asked.
"Naboo, it has all the qualities you want and it isn't occupied by the Vong," Soontir replied, "And it's about a 2-3 day trip from here,"
Wedge nodded and smiled, "Sounds good. Jag?"
He looked again at the planet and then at his Uncle and father, "I'll take her there," Jag concluded, "By the way, about Cherith. I was wandering if she could stay with you for awhile, maybe make up an excuse for Cherith to spend more time with her cousins," Soontir cleared his throat, "And for her to spend time with her grandfather, as well?"
"I don't think that'll be a problem." Wedge said.
"Good," Jag mused, looking again the planet before the schematic faded away. "To Naboo, my love."
tbc
Chapter 6, Post 4 by obi's girl
"Goddess," Kyp whispered, shocked Jaina made the effort to show up for morning sims. It had been only days ago Jaina Solo had returned from the land of the dead, or wherever she was --- No one really knew where she was. No one really knew about Cherith's existence either, except for Jag, Leia and Wedge.
She gasped, looking up at her squadron. Many had heard the rumors about her return, but many of them she felt were still uncertain. Jaina raised her chin and smiled, "You don't need to worry, I'm not going to disband the squadron," she fidgeted a little, "I came here today because I wanted to tell you the truth about what happened the day I died. Jag assumed the x- wing he'd seen shot down in front him was mine, but it wasn't. I did die, that part wasn't a lie, but what happened...Her name was Karia Ylena. She was a pilot in this squadron but she was also my shadow, my decoy."
"Months ago, I asked Karia a really big favor after sims. I asked her to become my decoy and I gave her a fake lightsaber with the same blade color as mine. It was probably very selfish of me to ask such a thing of her, but I felt I needed to at the time. Over the next couple months, Karia stuck my side and adapted many of my mannerisms. No one knew she was acting as my decoy, Colonel Fel didn't even know," she raised her chin and glanced at Kyp, "She died for me, she sacrificed her life for me and if I hadn't come back, no one would ever know about her sacrifice," Jaina choked back a sob, forcing herself to go on, "That's why in three days, we're going to say our final goodbyes to Karia and thank her for all that's she's done,"
Many of the pilots looked at each other, whispering as Jaina waved her hand, ordering them to go back to their work. Jaina stepped down from the podium, struggling again to remain composed but the strong emotions inside won, and Jaina dropped to the floor, crying as Kyp rushed to her side, supporting her. "It was my fault, Kyp. She died because of me, I killed her," she cried.
Kyp nodded, "You didn't, Jaina. You were scared, you panicked..." She looked at him as he continued, "You didn't kill her. Karia accepted your proposal because she wanted to,"
"I know I signed her death warrant when I asked her to be my decoy," Jaina muttered, "I was selfish, Kyp, I was selfish because I was scared and dreaded my own death, so I asked Karia to take up some of the burden," She wiped her eyes, "Jag, he thought he was cradling my body in his hands when I died, but in reality, I died alone and the last two people I ever saw before crossing over, were my brothers and they pleaded with me to let go and I did,"
"You're only human, Jaina," he mused and waved to the rest of the pilots, "Forget this 'Goddess' ruse, you're still human and you did what you thought was right,"
Jaina looked at him, "Was it right, Kyp? Did I have the right to take Karia's life like that? I didn't, but I asked her anyway and every moment for the rest of my life, her face will haunt my dreams."
tbc
Chapter 6, Post 5 by obi's girl
"Jaina?" a voice called.
She turned as Kyp helped her up from the floor and Jaina cleared her eyes some more. As Jag ran up to them, he glanced at Kyp and then at Jaina. "Um, can I speak to you alone, Goddess? There's something really important I need to talk to you about,"
Jaina turned to Kyp and waved him away. He glanced at Jag, bowed and left them alone. "Jag, what's this about?"
"Jaina, I can't wait forever for you...I need a decision now. It's either 'yes' we are back together or 'no' and I walk away, but I warn you, if you say 'no'...Cherith won't have father in her life,"
She shrugged and rolled her eyes, "How can you do this to me, Jag?" she cried, "It isn't fair,"
Jag raised an eyebrow, "Not fair? Well, it looks like the tables have turned."
"Stop that," Jaina hissed. "I just need time,"
"Jaina," he cried, taking her hands in his, "Please listen to me, I love you with all my being, I would do anything for you but you, I don't know, you don't seem to care,"
Jaina's eyes narrowed as she pulled her hands away from his, "I do care, Jag, I care a lot about you but getting back to us, it isn't easy," she yelled as the entire squadron stopped what they were doing and looked at her and Jag, "I'm sorry Jag, but you're just gonna have to wait for me,"
He nodded, "I won't accept that,"
"You'll just have to," she muttered and glanced at the pilots behind her, "You enjoy that little show? Get back to work!" she turned to Jag again and nodded to the office. Jag rolled his eyes and followed her. Once they were inside the office, Jag locked the door and turned to Jaina. "We've been through this before Jag. I need time, you can't expect me to change my mind overnight,"
Jag grunted, "Why not?"
She shrugged, and crossed her arms defensively, "Because I can't,"
He laughed, walking closer to her, "Jaina, I know you still love me...You even admitted it during the picnic," Jag stopped himself, bent down and kissed Jaina.
For a moment, Jaina wrapped her left arm around Jag's neck but quickly pulled away. "That shouldn't have happened,"
Jag frowned and turned away, "Then I don't have any other choice," he mumbled and reached for his empty blaster and pointed it to Jaina. "Come with me,"
"Jag, what are you doing?" Jaina cried.
"I want you to spend a week alone with me," he paused and thought for a minute if he should tell her where they were going, but decided against it, "If you don't fall in love with me by the end of the week, we're finished. I won't bother you anymore,"
Jaina glanced at her pilots and then at Jag, "I'll with go with you."
tbc
