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Author's note: I really appreciate all of the reviews I've been getting. I'm trying to post on a more regular basis, but I'll apologize in advance for when I don't. Thank you.
Kyp Durron was impressed at the professionalism Baron Soontir Fel was showing. The man had entered the control room, only moments after being told his son was dead, and demanded a report on the situation.
"Sir," the lieutenant from earlier, Selprin Nuruodo said, "A squadron was sent out to intercept the Yuuzhan Vong frigate. They put up little resistance, but two of them got out before it exploded. We're retrieving them now, Sir."
Kyp glanced at Fel and said softly, so that only he could hear, "The Vong don't surrender."
Baron Fel gave Kyp a half nod and then addressed the Lieutenant. "Tell them to take all precautions and secure them. I want to see them as soon as they get to the surface."
"Yes, Sir." The Chiss replied by rote. Kyp felt the man's surprised before he even spoke. "Sir, the beings that were in the Frigate appear to be...human."
Baron Fel's head snapped up, interest showing in his eyes, but he remained silent even as he walked over to the Chiss's console and watched the retrieval process.
Kyp stood patiently at the back of the room. He still felt the Baron's pain over the loss of Jag and his own over the loss of Jaina, but both were being buried under more pressing concerns. For Baron Fel it was the threat of a Vong incursion and for Kyp what that same incursion would mean to the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances.
Once it was only a matter of minutes until the two humans arrived on the surface, Baron Fel turned to face Kyp. "Would you like to join me, Master Durron? If these people are Peace Brigaders, your experience and you special skills might be useful."
Kyp strove to ignore the flash of Dark emotion the surged through him at the mention of the Peace Brigade. He had yet to run across any since the death of Jaina and he struggled to match the Baron's formal tone. "It would be my pleasure, Baron Fel."
Apparently he didn't fair as well as he had hoped at keeping his Dark emotions in check because he felt a brief flash of fear from a nearby Chiss. Together the two men stormed down the corridor towards the room where the two prisoners were being held. As he walked a burst of anger and frustration washed over him. Shocked at the familiarity of it, Kyp broke into a run, earning a confused look from Baron Fel.
As Kyp felt the Force gathered and manipulated, he burst into the room. It took a moment before he picked out the two human's in the sea of blue- skinned Chiss, but the moment he did he blurted in disbelief, "Jaina!"
At the same time a furious Jaina Solo whirled around turning away from the Chiss she was heatedly conversing with to face her sometimes partner and wingmate, "Kyp?"
* * * * * * *
Tenel Ka used her single arm to make the necessary changes on the pilot's console in front of her. As her personal vessel, the Rock Dragon II, soared through space, she focused on Tahiri and flying her ship, instead of Jacen who was sitting sullnely beside her in the copilot's seat.
She forced herself to figure out what Tahiri was saying. "Mara really wanted to come," Tahiri said, "I don't think she or any of the other Adults really wanted us to come by ourselves, but honestly if the Queen Mother of sixty-three worlds and two Jedi Knights can't take care of themselves, who can?" Tahiri chattered on almost seeming to temporarily revert to her younger more innocent self, oblivious to the growing tension between Tenel Ka and Jacen and the unnerving stare that he was fixing Tenel Ka with. "Well I think Mara would have come, but with Master Luke busy all of the time she didn't have anyone to watch Ben." Tahiri continued to talk idly for a few more moments, before Tenel Ka asked her to relay all of the little information they had about Jaina and Jag's possible whereabouts to her before she, Tahiri, excused herself to get some sleep.
Jacen and Tenel Ka sat in a heavy silence. Just when Tenel Ka had decided that Jacen wasn't going to talk to her for the rest of the trip and quite probably the rest of their lives, he spoke up softly. "Those robes suit you. They look even better on you than your armor."
Startled, Tenel Ka jerked her eyes up from her console. Unsure how to respond to Jacen's compliment, she simply nodded and tried not to let the warm happy feeling those words created in her appear on her face or spread through the force even as she savored it.
"Why are you doing this Tenel Ka?" He spoke again.
Once again she turned to him, anger combining with shock this time. "You have to ask that Friend Jacen," she demanded, "Do you think that I would do any less for one of my best friends." She shook her head in disgust. "No, Jacen, what I'm amazed at is you. You have good proof that Jaina is still alive and you did nothing. If she'd had half of that confirmation that you were alive, she would have gone after you in a heart beat."
His face hardened again. "Don't talk to me about my sister, Tenel Ka. I'm still not convinced she's alive. We're just heading to where the Force is guiding me."
"Well at least you're doing something." She said in exasperation. "I might not agree with the methods Jaina used after Myrk but at least she didn't give up."
She shook her head again. Tenel Ka knew she was loosing her temper with Jacen and she didn't want to. Without a backwards glance at Jacen she marched out of the cockpit and back towards the secondary cargo bay. Since her ship was equipped with plenty of supplies for just three people her second cargo bay wasn't needed. So, instead, it was set up as a Jedi training facility.
Tenel Ka threw herself into her workout forcefully, trying to exhaust her frustration with Jacen through physical exertion. As she went through her training regimen, however, she just couldn't quite focus. She ran up the wall in front of her in a move designed to allow her to flip over the head of the opponent and land behind them. However, it didn't quite work out as she had expected. As she ran up the wall she carelessly placed her foot on the wall. Her foot slipped, destroying her momentum with a speed that wouldn't even allow her Jedi talents to save her from a nasty fall.
She lay in a crumpled heap on the floor, more stunned than hurt. She hadn't been that clumsy since she was a small child.
"Tenel Ka," called a worried voice from the entrance of the cargo bay. "Are you okay?"
"No," Tenel Ka began sarcastically as Jacen helped her. One of his arms grasping hers, and the other around her waist. "I'm..." She trailed off as she found herself in Jacen's arms.
Jacen, likewise, found himself frozen, looking in to Tenel Ka's eyes. Without even realizing it, they drew closer to one another ending in a slow kiss. Tenel Ka pulled back slowly when they both needed air. The looked at one another calmly, silently, for a moment and then tentatively she reached her mind out through the force to touch his.
She felt his initial mental flinch and hesitating she started to withdraw from his mind, but stopped when she felt Jacen mentally reach back to touch her mind. The dormant connection between them flared to life. Images, emotions and memories flowed back and forth between the two intermingling, until they sank to the floor overwhelmed.
They sat silent together on the floor, Tenel Ka refusing to look at Jacen now that her feelings for him had been revealed. Jacen, for his part, was still shocked at Tenel Ka's feelings for him and the feelings he had never realized he had for her. The Yuuzhan Vong might have taught him much about pain and death and the Force, but none of that mattered when it came to Tenel Ka. He reached slowly up to brush a tear away from her cheek. They had both relived some of the most terrifying moments of their lives, yet Jacen was still amazed that she felt comfortable enough around him to relax her guard that much.
Gently he helped her to her feet and flashed her with the most lopsided and devastating version of the Solo grin that he could manage. "C'mon, let's get some sleep. The droid brains can take care of the ship until Tahiri wakes up and takes over. We'll talk in the morning."
Tenel Ka let Jacen gently propel her towards her small quarters. This time he was leading her as she walked along in a surreal fog.
* * * * * * * *
Baron Fel walked in to the frozen scene, shocked and confused to find his supposedly dead son alive and well. He looked around the room taking in the silent Chiss guards, the girl who stood furious, but frozen and the stunned Jedi Master.
He stopped when his gaze returned to his son. "Colonel, would you like to explain what's going on here? Master Durron told me you were dead."
Jag snapped to attention under the gaze of his father's-no, under the gaze of the Assitant Syndic of the Chiss Expansionary Defense Fleet and said, "Lieutenant Colonel Solo and I were captured by the Vong, when we ejected out of our fighters during a battle in the Hapes cluster. We got out of their custody and commandeered a Vong ship. When we arrived in system we had no way to communicate so we choose to abandon the Yuuzhan Vong ship on the chance that we would be retrieved as prisoners, Sir."
Baron Fel studied his son and the others in the room as he paced. Despite having grown up with Soontir Fel for a father, Jag couldn't read his expression. He was unsure of how his father would react. It was highly possible his father was upset with him for any number of reasons.
Jag had used his discretion and stayed with the New Republic forces instead of returning to Csilia. He had kept his squadron of Chiss pilots with him when the CEDF might need those resources. He had also used a plan worthy of the "Rebels" to return home and most importantly he was dating Jaina Solo, although he doubted that his father knew that...yet.
Abruptly his father stopped pacing. To Jag's surprise he announced easily, "It's good to have you back Jagged. Gentleman," He said to the Chiss guarding them, "You're dismissed."
He turned next to look at Jaina. "Colonel Solo, if your parents presume that you're dead, I'll believe you'll wish to contact them."
"Yes thank you." Jaina said formally, drawing a tiny grin from Jag, who was unused to seeing her more formal side.
"Very well," he continued, "You can send them a message from my flagship. Jagged, you'll be debriefed on the way to Csilia. The Council will want to see you and your mother wouldn't forgive me if I let you get this close to home without seeing her."
Jag was shocked at his Father's openness with Kyp and Jaina still present, but he supposed that it could be attributed to the fact that his father had recently thought him dead.
As they rode up to the ship waiting in orbit, Jaina chatted quickly and quietly with Kyp, filling him in on their encounter with the Supreme Overlord and all of the information they had deduced while they were aboard his ship.
Gradually Kyp turned the conversation to a more personal subject. "Don't ever do that to me again, Goddess."
Curiously Jaina looked at him. "Do what?" She asked perplexed.
"Die," he replied seriously.
Jaina chuckled but said seriously, "I'll try my best, Kyp."
She exchanged a glance with Jag who was sitting next to his father who was flying their shuttle. They hadn't spoken since they had entered the shuttle and Jaina had begun composing the message for her parents. Jag had asked her to let them know that he was alive, too, for his Uncle's sake.
Jaina couldn't stop herself from wondering what would happen next. They were among Jag's people now. The rules had changed and Jaina wasn't sure what they were or if they went different ways when Baron Fel left for Csilia, if or when she would ever see Jag again. He was sitting within feet of her, but at that moment Jag had never seemed so far away from her, not even when they had first met and she had written him off as just another cocky and handsome fighter pilot.
As the shuttle docked with the larger, waiting ship Jaina hung back with unusual silence letting Kyp answer any questions directed at them.
"Master Durron," Baron Fel asked, as they approached the bridge of his ship, "Do you and Colonel Solo need transportation back to Mon Calamari?"
"That would be very nice, Baron," Kyp said smoothly, "As you know an x-wing can get a bit cramped with one person, much less two."
Upset at being separated from Jag so soon after they had gotten back together, Jaina had to stifle the urge to curse, determined not to embarrass Jag with an out burst of emotion.
To her surprise, Jag spoke up quietly, "Father, it is unprecedented, but I think it might be beneficial if Colonel Solo accompanied us back to Csilia, if she doesn't mind that is." He directed a quick glance at Jaina pleading with her to understand what he was doing. "I believe she would be an invaluable source of information for the Council about the Vong."
The elder Fel glanced at her dubiously, noting Jaina suspected with a flash of irrational rage, her youth. She quickly distanced herself from the situation, slipping into the cold, calculating mind set she always adopted when she flew or fought.
To her surprise Baron Fel only objected feebly, "Will the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances permit one of their officers to share their intelligence so freely?"
"The Galactic Federation of Free Alliances is willing to share any information that will aid in the downfall of the Yuuzhan Vong and of course, I will not divulge any sensitive information." Jaina answered him smoothly.
"What would this information pertain, too?" Baron Fel questioned interested but undecided. Jaina Solo was not who he had expected.
"It would include information on new piloting tactics, although Jag could fill you in on those. I also have information on Vong culture, psychology and their most recent estimated statistics."
Baron Fel looked slightly impressed and Jaina almost sighed in relief. "In that case Colonel Solo, I would appreciate it if you joined us. Master Durron you are welcome to come with us as well."
Kyp paused for a second and exchanged a quick glance with Jaina. "Unfortunately Baron, I can't. I've been away from my position on the High Council for too long." He and Jaina shared another bemused glance before he continued. "I should also check on Great One's squadron for her as well."
Baron Fe nodded curtly in acknowledgment. "Your fighter has been examined by my mechanics and refueled. Feel free to examine it yourself."
"Thank you." Kyp said. Then he turned to Jaina. "Walk me to the docking bay?"
It was stated as a question, but was as close to a command as Kyp would ever give Jaina. She agreed and they fell in behind the young Chiss who was showing them to the docking bay. "Jaina," Kyp said seriously the moment they were out of the Fels' ear shot, "I don't like leaving you here by yourself. I know Jag's with you and he'll protect you from the Vong, but that's not what I'm worried about. These people had close ties with the Empire in the past and I'm not sure about this."
"I know," Jaina said surprising Kyp that she hadn't immediately taken offense at his statement. "But Kyp, I still think I have to do this. It's a gesture of trust, of good faith to the Chiss and I think it's a risk worth taking. They might have new tactics, new technology..." She trailed off.
Finally she said seriously, "Kyp, this feels right. Like it's the place I need to be now." She shrugged. "I can't explain it better than that."
Kyp nodded for once looking the part of the serious Jedi Master. "Okay. Just come back soon, Goddess. You're family won't like this."
Jaina smiled, "Thank you, Kyp. I'll try."
Please read and review. Reviews are great motivators!
Author's note: I really appreciate all of the reviews I've been getting. I'm trying to post on a more regular basis, but I'll apologize in advance for when I don't. Thank you.
Kyp Durron was impressed at the professionalism Baron Soontir Fel was showing. The man had entered the control room, only moments after being told his son was dead, and demanded a report on the situation.
"Sir," the lieutenant from earlier, Selprin Nuruodo said, "A squadron was sent out to intercept the Yuuzhan Vong frigate. They put up little resistance, but two of them got out before it exploded. We're retrieving them now, Sir."
Kyp glanced at Fel and said softly, so that only he could hear, "The Vong don't surrender."
Baron Fel gave Kyp a half nod and then addressed the Lieutenant. "Tell them to take all precautions and secure them. I want to see them as soon as they get to the surface."
"Yes, Sir." The Chiss replied by rote. Kyp felt the man's surprised before he even spoke. "Sir, the beings that were in the Frigate appear to be...human."
Baron Fel's head snapped up, interest showing in his eyes, but he remained silent even as he walked over to the Chiss's console and watched the retrieval process.
Kyp stood patiently at the back of the room. He still felt the Baron's pain over the loss of Jag and his own over the loss of Jaina, but both were being buried under more pressing concerns. For Baron Fel it was the threat of a Vong incursion and for Kyp what that same incursion would mean to the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances.
Once it was only a matter of minutes until the two humans arrived on the surface, Baron Fel turned to face Kyp. "Would you like to join me, Master Durron? If these people are Peace Brigaders, your experience and you special skills might be useful."
Kyp strove to ignore the flash of Dark emotion the surged through him at the mention of the Peace Brigade. He had yet to run across any since the death of Jaina and he struggled to match the Baron's formal tone. "It would be my pleasure, Baron Fel."
Apparently he didn't fair as well as he had hoped at keeping his Dark emotions in check because he felt a brief flash of fear from a nearby Chiss. Together the two men stormed down the corridor towards the room where the two prisoners were being held. As he walked a burst of anger and frustration washed over him. Shocked at the familiarity of it, Kyp broke into a run, earning a confused look from Baron Fel.
As Kyp felt the Force gathered and manipulated, he burst into the room. It took a moment before he picked out the two human's in the sea of blue- skinned Chiss, but the moment he did he blurted in disbelief, "Jaina!"
At the same time a furious Jaina Solo whirled around turning away from the Chiss she was heatedly conversing with to face her sometimes partner and wingmate, "Kyp?"
* * * * * * *
Tenel Ka used her single arm to make the necessary changes on the pilot's console in front of her. As her personal vessel, the Rock Dragon II, soared through space, she focused on Tahiri and flying her ship, instead of Jacen who was sitting sullnely beside her in the copilot's seat.
She forced herself to figure out what Tahiri was saying. "Mara really wanted to come," Tahiri said, "I don't think she or any of the other Adults really wanted us to come by ourselves, but honestly if the Queen Mother of sixty-three worlds and two Jedi Knights can't take care of themselves, who can?" Tahiri chattered on almost seeming to temporarily revert to her younger more innocent self, oblivious to the growing tension between Tenel Ka and Jacen and the unnerving stare that he was fixing Tenel Ka with. "Well I think Mara would have come, but with Master Luke busy all of the time she didn't have anyone to watch Ben." Tahiri continued to talk idly for a few more moments, before Tenel Ka asked her to relay all of the little information they had about Jaina and Jag's possible whereabouts to her before she, Tahiri, excused herself to get some sleep.
Jacen and Tenel Ka sat in a heavy silence. Just when Tenel Ka had decided that Jacen wasn't going to talk to her for the rest of the trip and quite probably the rest of their lives, he spoke up softly. "Those robes suit you. They look even better on you than your armor."
Startled, Tenel Ka jerked her eyes up from her console. Unsure how to respond to Jacen's compliment, she simply nodded and tried not to let the warm happy feeling those words created in her appear on her face or spread through the force even as she savored it.
"Why are you doing this Tenel Ka?" He spoke again.
Once again she turned to him, anger combining with shock this time. "You have to ask that Friend Jacen," she demanded, "Do you think that I would do any less for one of my best friends." She shook her head in disgust. "No, Jacen, what I'm amazed at is you. You have good proof that Jaina is still alive and you did nothing. If she'd had half of that confirmation that you were alive, she would have gone after you in a heart beat."
His face hardened again. "Don't talk to me about my sister, Tenel Ka. I'm still not convinced she's alive. We're just heading to where the Force is guiding me."
"Well at least you're doing something." She said in exasperation. "I might not agree with the methods Jaina used after Myrk but at least she didn't give up."
She shook her head again. Tenel Ka knew she was loosing her temper with Jacen and she didn't want to. Without a backwards glance at Jacen she marched out of the cockpit and back towards the secondary cargo bay. Since her ship was equipped with plenty of supplies for just three people her second cargo bay wasn't needed. So, instead, it was set up as a Jedi training facility.
Tenel Ka threw herself into her workout forcefully, trying to exhaust her frustration with Jacen through physical exertion. As she went through her training regimen, however, she just couldn't quite focus. She ran up the wall in front of her in a move designed to allow her to flip over the head of the opponent and land behind them. However, it didn't quite work out as she had expected. As she ran up the wall she carelessly placed her foot on the wall. Her foot slipped, destroying her momentum with a speed that wouldn't even allow her Jedi talents to save her from a nasty fall.
She lay in a crumpled heap on the floor, more stunned than hurt. She hadn't been that clumsy since she was a small child.
"Tenel Ka," called a worried voice from the entrance of the cargo bay. "Are you okay?"
"No," Tenel Ka began sarcastically as Jacen helped her. One of his arms grasping hers, and the other around her waist. "I'm..." She trailed off as she found herself in Jacen's arms.
Jacen, likewise, found himself frozen, looking in to Tenel Ka's eyes. Without even realizing it, they drew closer to one another ending in a slow kiss. Tenel Ka pulled back slowly when they both needed air. The looked at one another calmly, silently, for a moment and then tentatively she reached her mind out through the force to touch his.
She felt his initial mental flinch and hesitating she started to withdraw from his mind, but stopped when she felt Jacen mentally reach back to touch her mind. The dormant connection between them flared to life. Images, emotions and memories flowed back and forth between the two intermingling, until they sank to the floor overwhelmed.
They sat silent together on the floor, Tenel Ka refusing to look at Jacen now that her feelings for him had been revealed. Jacen, for his part, was still shocked at Tenel Ka's feelings for him and the feelings he had never realized he had for her. The Yuuzhan Vong might have taught him much about pain and death and the Force, but none of that mattered when it came to Tenel Ka. He reached slowly up to brush a tear away from her cheek. They had both relived some of the most terrifying moments of their lives, yet Jacen was still amazed that she felt comfortable enough around him to relax her guard that much.
Gently he helped her to her feet and flashed her with the most lopsided and devastating version of the Solo grin that he could manage. "C'mon, let's get some sleep. The droid brains can take care of the ship until Tahiri wakes up and takes over. We'll talk in the morning."
Tenel Ka let Jacen gently propel her towards her small quarters. This time he was leading her as she walked along in a surreal fog.
* * * * * * * *
Baron Fel walked in to the frozen scene, shocked and confused to find his supposedly dead son alive and well. He looked around the room taking in the silent Chiss guards, the girl who stood furious, but frozen and the stunned Jedi Master.
He stopped when his gaze returned to his son. "Colonel, would you like to explain what's going on here? Master Durron told me you were dead."
Jag snapped to attention under the gaze of his father's-no, under the gaze of the Assitant Syndic of the Chiss Expansionary Defense Fleet and said, "Lieutenant Colonel Solo and I were captured by the Vong, when we ejected out of our fighters during a battle in the Hapes cluster. We got out of their custody and commandeered a Vong ship. When we arrived in system we had no way to communicate so we choose to abandon the Yuuzhan Vong ship on the chance that we would be retrieved as prisoners, Sir."
Baron Fel studied his son and the others in the room as he paced. Despite having grown up with Soontir Fel for a father, Jag couldn't read his expression. He was unsure of how his father would react. It was highly possible his father was upset with him for any number of reasons.
Jag had used his discretion and stayed with the New Republic forces instead of returning to Csilia. He had kept his squadron of Chiss pilots with him when the CEDF might need those resources. He had also used a plan worthy of the "Rebels" to return home and most importantly he was dating Jaina Solo, although he doubted that his father knew that...yet.
Abruptly his father stopped pacing. To Jag's surprise he announced easily, "It's good to have you back Jagged. Gentleman," He said to the Chiss guarding them, "You're dismissed."
He turned next to look at Jaina. "Colonel Solo, if your parents presume that you're dead, I'll believe you'll wish to contact them."
"Yes thank you." Jaina said formally, drawing a tiny grin from Jag, who was unused to seeing her more formal side.
"Very well," he continued, "You can send them a message from my flagship. Jagged, you'll be debriefed on the way to Csilia. The Council will want to see you and your mother wouldn't forgive me if I let you get this close to home without seeing her."
Jag was shocked at his Father's openness with Kyp and Jaina still present, but he supposed that it could be attributed to the fact that his father had recently thought him dead.
As they rode up to the ship waiting in orbit, Jaina chatted quickly and quietly with Kyp, filling him in on their encounter with the Supreme Overlord and all of the information they had deduced while they were aboard his ship.
Gradually Kyp turned the conversation to a more personal subject. "Don't ever do that to me again, Goddess."
Curiously Jaina looked at him. "Do what?" She asked perplexed.
"Die," he replied seriously.
Jaina chuckled but said seriously, "I'll try my best, Kyp."
She exchanged a glance with Jag who was sitting next to his father who was flying their shuttle. They hadn't spoken since they had entered the shuttle and Jaina had begun composing the message for her parents. Jag had asked her to let them know that he was alive, too, for his Uncle's sake.
Jaina couldn't stop herself from wondering what would happen next. They were among Jag's people now. The rules had changed and Jaina wasn't sure what they were or if they went different ways when Baron Fel left for Csilia, if or when she would ever see Jag again. He was sitting within feet of her, but at that moment Jag had never seemed so far away from her, not even when they had first met and she had written him off as just another cocky and handsome fighter pilot.
As the shuttle docked with the larger, waiting ship Jaina hung back with unusual silence letting Kyp answer any questions directed at them.
"Master Durron," Baron Fel asked, as they approached the bridge of his ship, "Do you and Colonel Solo need transportation back to Mon Calamari?"
"That would be very nice, Baron," Kyp said smoothly, "As you know an x-wing can get a bit cramped with one person, much less two."
Upset at being separated from Jag so soon after they had gotten back together, Jaina had to stifle the urge to curse, determined not to embarrass Jag with an out burst of emotion.
To her surprise, Jag spoke up quietly, "Father, it is unprecedented, but I think it might be beneficial if Colonel Solo accompanied us back to Csilia, if she doesn't mind that is." He directed a quick glance at Jaina pleading with her to understand what he was doing. "I believe she would be an invaluable source of information for the Council about the Vong."
The elder Fel glanced at her dubiously, noting Jaina suspected with a flash of irrational rage, her youth. She quickly distanced herself from the situation, slipping into the cold, calculating mind set she always adopted when she flew or fought.
To her surprise Baron Fel only objected feebly, "Will the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances permit one of their officers to share their intelligence so freely?"
"The Galactic Federation of Free Alliances is willing to share any information that will aid in the downfall of the Yuuzhan Vong and of course, I will not divulge any sensitive information." Jaina answered him smoothly.
"What would this information pertain, too?" Baron Fel questioned interested but undecided. Jaina Solo was not who he had expected.
"It would include information on new piloting tactics, although Jag could fill you in on those. I also have information on Vong culture, psychology and their most recent estimated statistics."
Baron Fel looked slightly impressed and Jaina almost sighed in relief. "In that case Colonel Solo, I would appreciate it if you joined us. Master Durron you are welcome to come with us as well."
Kyp paused for a second and exchanged a quick glance with Jaina. "Unfortunately Baron, I can't. I've been away from my position on the High Council for too long." He and Jaina shared another bemused glance before he continued. "I should also check on Great One's squadron for her as well."
Baron Fe nodded curtly in acknowledgment. "Your fighter has been examined by my mechanics and refueled. Feel free to examine it yourself."
"Thank you." Kyp said. Then he turned to Jaina. "Walk me to the docking bay?"
It was stated as a question, but was as close to a command as Kyp would ever give Jaina. She agreed and they fell in behind the young Chiss who was showing them to the docking bay. "Jaina," Kyp said seriously the moment they were out of the Fels' ear shot, "I don't like leaving you here by yourself. I know Jag's with you and he'll protect you from the Vong, but that's not what I'm worried about. These people had close ties with the Empire in the past and I'm not sure about this."
"I know," Jaina said surprising Kyp that she hadn't immediately taken offense at his statement. "But Kyp, I still think I have to do this. It's a gesture of trust, of good faith to the Chiss and I think it's a risk worth taking. They might have new tactics, new technology..." She trailed off.
Finally she said seriously, "Kyp, this feels right. Like it's the place I need to be now." She shrugged. "I can't explain it better than that."
Kyp nodded for once looking the part of the serious Jedi Master. "Okay. Just come back soon, Goddess. You're family won't like this."
Jaina smiled, "Thank you, Kyp. I'll try."
Please read and review. Reviews are great motivators!