Jaina massaged the caking scars on her wrists, the only part of her body that she could actually feel at the moment. Sighing she turned to the sound of the suction door opening. A warrior crouched down as he entered, he held in his hand a clothlike material that Jaina recognized from Jacen's collection after being imprisoned. He growled something in his tongue, throwing the cloth at her. Confused, Jaina held up her hands, indicating that she couldn't get dressed while she was bound. The Vong waved his hands, silencing the creatures, the slipped off her wrists and ankle, sliding into the wall like water. Jaina stared back at them for a moment, wondering if she would ever have to go through that again. The only reason she was still alive was through Jacen's bond with her. He had been teaching her how to deal with the pain, to eat it, instead of letting it eat you. If it wasn't for that bond…Jaina shuddered at the thought.

Willing her aching body to move she slid the robe over her shoulders, wincing as it touched her scars and bruises. As she stood on her newly healed legs, they had been broken yesterday, she kept a straight face, swallowing her outcries and hanging onto her bond with Jacen as a wounded prisoner hangs on to their savior.

The warrior led her out of the room. In amazement she took in her surroundings. She had trouble believing that this was her old home. Growths covering everything made the buildings hard to identify and Jaina gave in involuntary shudder as she looked back at the Embrace of Pain. She had no desire to ever go back again.

Her bond with Jacen flared and she felt his confusion. She couldn't tell what it was from. He and Jag were supposed to be trying to find her. But she could not tell how close they were to reaching their goal.

She felt Jacen's voice in her head.

You love him Jaya?

Surprised at his forwardness, Jaina stopped walking, unaware of the angry shouts from her Vong companion.

Love who?

Kyp Durron…Come on Jaya! Jag Fel!

Now is not the time Jacen…

Jaina! Yes or no!

Yes okay! YES!

Fine then…

The connection broke and Jaina felt her breath leave her. Not only did their conversation stop, but Jacen had pulled himself completely away from her presence. She was actually alone. But at least she knew they were somewhat close now. Jacen and her were able to use actual words to communicate.

She felt a tear slide down her cheek and she gave a desperate call to Jag before the Vong dragged her away again.



Jacen himself winced a little as he felt himself cut away from their bond, but he knew it was for the best. He couldn't afford any slip ups, not while they were this close. He crept up along side Jag, both of them analyzing the situation. The Embrace was only about 200 meters away.

Jacen heard Jag mumble some calculations. Jacen had to admire the young man. He was definitely skilled in battle techniques. Another reason why he and Jaina made such a good pair.

Jacen laid a hand on Jag's shoulder. The older man looked confused and turned towards Jacen.

"It's alright Jag," Jacen said through a half smile. "You can marry her."

Jag breathed a sigh of relief. "For a moment there," he said. "I thought you were gonna start beating me up."

Jacen chuckled. "Now Jag, you should have confidence that you could beat a younger man in a fist fight. What happened to that old Antillies spark that I saw there for a minute?"

Jag smiled, then turned to the sound of Han Solo's voice whispering over the next hill.

"Come on kids, I've already got one down!"

Jacen heard some more blaster fire and a few Corrilian curses. "He's gonna kill himself!" Jacen whispered through clenched teeth.

Indicating to Jag , they both got up and rushed over to help the old pirate.