Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and
owned by Lucasfilm, Ltd. No money is being made and no infringement is
intended
Author's note: Sorry for the slight delay in posting this chapter, but I hope the fact that this is beta'ed will make up for it.
The silence in the ship was deafening. Tahiri wasn't really a fan of idle chatter-hadn't been for quite some time since she had grown more serious and withdrawn. However, the past few days were beginning to make her think about the joys of non-stop talking. She knew that something had happened to Jacen and Tenel Ka on the first day of their voyage, but as she observed them, she could see their reactions were a bit extreme. Jacen was no longer brooding; but still he was silent, even if he had regained some of his joy for life.
Tenel Ka, for her part, seemed moody; torn between happiness, uncertainty and abject misery-and she was, of course, silent. The emotions and not quite thoughts flowing around her through the Force were about to drive Tahiri crazy. She knew she shouldn't get involved in whatever was going on between the two of them, but this was getting to be too much.
Finally, she'd had enough. She stood abruptly, plopping her feet on the ground as she rose and looked furiously between the two of them. She crossed her arms over her chest and said impatiently, "Okay, what's going on with you two? You haven't spoken in days."
When both of them remained silent, she continued. "Tenel Ka, you're a Jedi Knight and the ruler of a large planetary consortium; and Jacen, you're a Jedi too. Will you two please stop acting like children and solve whatever you're fighting about? I don't care about whatever this is about-that's not important. This mission is about finding Jaina."
After a small silence, Tenel Ka stated firmly, "What Friend Tahiri said- that is a fact."
Jacen chuckled at her statement and was surprised when Tenel Ka let out a small giggle as well. They sat together laughing and enjoying one another's presence for a while as old friends do, before the awkwardness that had surrounded them for days suddenly returned.
Jacen was the first to break the quiet, though he struggled for words. "Tenel Ka, I-I'm not sure-I don't know what to say-"
Tenel Ka saw a flash of the sensitive, unsure young boy in the strong confident man sitting next to her. Still she could not stand to hear him reject her-have him tell her she was nothing more than a good friend.
So she spoke before he could continue. "I understand, Friend Jacen. When we find Jaina, I will return to Hapes. I'm sorry to have disturbed you the other night. I hope we can remain-friends."
Tenel Ka could feel her heart dying, shattering into a million pieces even as she spoke the words that would distance her from Jacen. She turned away from him to stare at the console in front of her, wishing that, for once, her hair was not in her usual functional braid, but hanging loose so that it could hide her from his penetrating gaze.
She flinched when Jacen took her single hand in his and then used his other hand to turn her chin, so that she was facing him. "Tenel Ka," he said, softly, and she steeled herself for his pity, "that's not what I meant." Her misery began to give way to a cautious hope as he continued to speak. "What I meant is that I love you. That I have loved you for years and I was the only one that didn't realize that. I meant that I'm sorry for what I've put you through."
She looked at him warily and Jacen began to get scared. "You love me?" She asked shakily, unsure of what to do or say.
He simply nodded. Hesitantly she reached up to touch his face and then kissed him. "I love you as well, dear Jacen."
When Tahiri returned to the cockpit hours later, she was shocked by the change in the two-shocked, but happy-and immediately realized the reason. As she hugged both Tenel Ka and Jacen, congratulating them-Tenel Ka especially-and teasing Jacen about his lack of intuitiveness, Tahiri felt a stab of pain go through her. She was happy for her friends yes, but she would never have that, again. Anakin was gone.
When she hugged Jacen he whispered softly, "He will always be with you, Tahiri. He will always be watching over you."
But soon even Tahiri was drawn into the couple's joy, forgetting her pain for a time as they flew towards Jaina.
* * * * * * *
Behind the grim demeanor that he usually projected when he was among the Chiss, Jagged Fel studied the girl he loved-yes, loved-, Jaina Solo. Aboard his father's flagship the journey to Csilia only took three days. It had been very interesting to watch Jaina interacting with the grim but efficient Chiss crew and his father. Though he knew she was unsure of how to act around Baron Fel, she was trying to tone down her usual irreverent approach to authority, knowing that it wouldn't be appreciated; yet at the same time, she was unwilling to obey anyone's orders or suggestions unthinkingly.
"Colonel," called a voice from in front of him, and he realized that Jaina was now talking to him. He looked up to face her.
"Yes, Colonel," he was quick to reply, "is there something I can do for you?" Besides kiss you, he added silently, knowing she would hear him.
It drew a broad but quickly stifled grin from Jaina, before she answered formally. "Yes, as a matter of fact, Colonel Fel, there is. Your father expressed an interest in seeing some of the new tactics we suggested in practice against the Vong. He suggested that we could use the simulators to demonstrate."
Her face remained perfectly casual and business-like, but Jag could see the smug smirk in her eyes. Since almost the first time she had seen a clawcraft fly in combat, she had been practically begging him to let her fly one, even a simulated one; and now somehow, she had wittingly talked his father into suggesting just that.
Though if he didn't know her any better, he would have suspected she had used a Jedi mind trick. He sighed, knowing she had him cornered this time. He gritted he teeth as he led the way towards the sims.
"Colonel Solo," He began reasonably, "Are you sure you with to do this? I don't believe you're familiar with clawcrafts."
This time Jaina did smirk. "I think I can figure it out, Colonel, and if not I'm sure, you'll prove a very good teacher."
Jag knew she was doing this to get to him, but by the Sith it was working. This, though, called for something he would never have thought of before his brief sojourn among the "Rebels" -revenge. The Tiefron Yellow Aces had been posted on the Errant Venture as well and Jag had learned much watching the practical jokes and tricks that Wes Janson had pulled on his many victims. Although, Jag had heard a rumor that Wes was no where near as skilled as his own uncle, Wedge Antilles. Jag had ideas of his own, however. This form of revenge would be special and it would also leave no physical evidence to get him in trouble.
"Very well, Goddess." Jag answered nonchalantly as they climbed into their individual simulators. "Let me know if you have any problems."
"Well J-Colonel Fel, what do you think we should show them first, then?"
Hours later they climbed out of the simulators. They had flown against each other; taking turns flying as Vong, and flown together to demonstrate precision tactics that worked the best against the enemy.
As they walked towards one another, Jaina's face was glowing from the thrill of successful flying even if it was just simulated and from the fun she'd had flying with Jag. Both were highly skilled pilots and could keep up with the other as few other pilots could. Her almost carefree demeanor turned dismal once more with startling speed, however, as she remembered she was aboard a Chiss ship-not a New Republic one, where such flying exhibitions were met with cheering and soon followed by tension releasing parties.
As Jag reached her side, they both stiffened when General Fel entered the room. Jag almost immediately saw the perfect opportunity for his revenge.
"Impressive flying Colonel," he said to Jaina. She nodded gracefully, reminding Jag, for the first time since he had known her, of her mother. However, it soon began to be a struggle for her to maintain her expression. Images and thoughts that Jag purposefully allowed to float to the top of his mind threatened to send her in to gales of totally inappropriate laughter even if the situation was a bit informal.
He had counted on the fact that Jaina, like most other Jedi, kept lightly attuned to their surroundings through the Force. The outrageous and uproarious thoughts Jag was concentrating on were hilarious enough to make even Darth Vader giggle. All in all, Jag mused, as Jaina struggled to maintain a straight face, it was the perfect revenge.
She struggled to concentrate as she replied, "That's quite a compliment coming from the former leader of the Imperial 181st-and a former member of Rogue Squadron."
To Jag's double shock, Jaina not only managed to keep from bursting in to laughter, but a cocky grin also flickered across his father's face as he looked speculatively at her.
Finally Jag relented, deciding not to embarrass her and that his desire for revenge had been fulfilled-or at least put off for another time.
"I believe you were a member of Rogue Squadron as well, Colonel Solo," Baron Fel remarked.
"I was honored by being a member of Rogue Squadron several years ago General, but unfortunately my duties as a Jedi, to my family and as a Yuuzhan Vong Goddess pulled me away from it."
"Ah yes," Baron Fel said in a sympathetic tone. "I understand well about the call of duty. If only everyone carried out their duties with similar dedication."
His gaze flicked towards Jag and he flinched, all of his previous teasing playfulness draining out of him, under his father's pointed rebuke. Jag hadn't told Jaina that he should have reported back to Chiss space months ago or that she was the reason he hadn't; and he wondered how Jaina would take his father's statement.
"I agree, General, however," Jaina replied quickly, surprising him with her perception, "I think sometimes people care too much about duty. They grow so devoted to duty that they forget to enjoy life and take time to be with the people they care about."
Jaina and the Baron locked eyes for a moment, and Jag suddenly realized that Jaina had much more insight into the situation than he had credited her with. She and his father stood silently, held into a stand off, which was finally broken by Jag.
"Father, was there a reason for you to come deliver your congratulations in person?"
Baron Fel looked away from Jaina at last and replied, "Yes, as a matter of fact. As you know, Jagged, it's traditional for a fighter squadron to accompany ships to the surface. I thought you and the Colonel might wish to be part of the escort squadron."
He turned back to address Jaina. "Not only do you get to fly a real clawcraft, but the view is excellent."
"Thank you, General," Jaina said, going from serious to cheerful in seconds. "I would love that."
"Excellent." The Baron clasped his hands behind his back and strode towards the door. He paused briefly at the door and added, "Oh, and Jagged, I left it up to you to find temporary accommodations for the Colonel. You, after all, know her the best."
"Of course, Father," Jag replied, and watched his father stride away, wondering it that was merely a casual comment on his father's part or if there was more to it than that.
* * * * * * *
Jaina sat in the unfamiliar cockpit, reveling in the clawcraft's superior technology and the comforting peace and silence of space, in the absence of battle. The flight down to the planet's surface really wasn't all that tricky. All she had to do was follow Jag down.
"Jaina," called a voice over a private frequency.
"Yeah, Jag?" She responded questioningly.
Out of habit she looked over at Jag flying in the clawcraft next to her, although she really couldn't see anything but an indistinct figure.
"Jaina," he said again, and this time Jaina could hear his uncertainty. "I- I haven't told my parents about us yet." He said hesitantly waiting for his reaction.
"Okay," Jaina replied blandly, "I can understand that."
It wasn't the volatile reaction that Jag had expected, and somehow that upset him more. He didn't know what Jaina was feeling and thinking now.
"It's not that I don't want to tell them," he added, sounding earnest and not at all like his usual controlled self. "I do, but I don't know how they'll react. I want you stay with us on my parent's estate and I want them to like you." He continued quickly.
"It's okay Jag," Jaina said again. "I can understand that you don't want to tell your parents that you're dating Han Solo's daughter." She laughed lightly. "I don't think my parents are crazy about us either." She paused again, took an audible breath and then added, "I'll admit I'd rather stay with you and your parents, but if you don't want to tell them, it's really okay."
Jag sighed and they flew on in silence for a few more minutes. Then he stated with a quiet confidence. "We'll tell my parents when we get down there. If they have a problem, well we'll just stay until we talk to the council and then leave."
"Jag," Jaina whispered quietly, whishing she could be next to him in person. "You don't have to do this for me. I don't want to separate you from your home and your parents."
"I know, Jaina," he replied softly, so faintly she almost couldn't hear him, "I know."
--
Please review.
Author's note: Sorry for the slight delay in posting this chapter, but I hope the fact that this is beta'ed will make up for it.
The silence in the ship was deafening. Tahiri wasn't really a fan of idle chatter-hadn't been for quite some time since she had grown more serious and withdrawn. However, the past few days were beginning to make her think about the joys of non-stop talking. She knew that something had happened to Jacen and Tenel Ka on the first day of their voyage, but as she observed them, she could see their reactions were a bit extreme. Jacen was no longer brooding; but still he was silent, even if he had regained some of his joy for life.
Tenel Ka, for her part, seemed moody; torn between happiness, uncertainty and abject misery-and she was, of course, silent. The emotions and not quite thoughts flowing around her through the Force were about to drive Tahiri crazy. She knew she shouldn't get involved in whatever was going on between the two of them, but this was getting to be too much.
Finally, she'd had enough. She stood abruptly, plopping her feet on the ground as she rose and looked furiously between the two of them. She crossed her arms over her chest and said impatiently, "Okay, what's going on with you two? You haven't spoken in days."
When both of them remained silent, she continued. "Tenel Ka, you're a Jedi Knight and the ruler of a large planetary consortium; and Jacen, you're a Jedi too. Will you two please stop acting like children and solve whatever you're fighting about? I don't care about whatever this is about-that's not important. This mission is about finding Jaina."
After a small silence, Tenel Ka stated firmly, "What Friend Tahiri said- that is a fact."
Jacen chuckled at her statement and was surprised when Tenel Ka let out a small giggle as well. They sat together laughing and enjoying one another's presence for a while as old friends do, before the awkwardness that had surrounded them for days suddenly returned.
Jacen was the first to break the quiet, though he struggled for words. "Tenel Ka, I-I'm not sure-I don't know what to say-"
Tenel Ka saw a flash of the sensitive, unsure young boy in the strong confident man sitting next to her. Still she could not stand to hear him reject her-have him tell her she was nothing more than a good friend.
So she spoke before he could continue. "I understand, Friend Jacen. When we find Jaina, I will return to Hapes. I'm sorry to have disturbed you the other night. I hope we can remain-friends."
Tenel Ka could feel her heart dying, shattering into a million pieces even as she spoke the words that would distance her from Jacen. She turned away from him to stare at the console in front of her, wishing that, for once, her hair was not in her usual functional braid, but hanging loose so that it could hide her from his penetrating gaze.
She flinched when Jacen took her single hand in his and then used his other hand to turn her chin, so that she was facing him. "Tenel Ka," he said, softly, and she steeled herself for his pity, "that's not what I meant." Her misery began to give way to a cautious hope as he continued to speak. "What I meant is that I love you. That I have loved you for years and I was the only one that didn't realize that. I meant that I'm sorry for what I've put you through."
She looked at him warily and Jacen began to get scared. "You love me?" She asked shakily, unsure of what to do or say.
He simply nodded. Hesitantly she reached up to touch his face and then kissed him. "I love you as well, dear Jacen."
When Tahiri returned to the cockpit hours later, she was shocked by the change in the two-shocked, but happy-and immediately realized the reason. As she hugged both Tenel Ka and Jacen, congratulating them-Tenel Ka especially-and teasing Jacen about his lack of intuitiveness, Tahiri felt a stab of pain go through her. She was happy for her friends yes, but she would never have that, again. Anakin was gone.
When she hugged Jacen he whispered softly, "He will always be with you, Tahiri. He will always be watching over you."
But soon even Tahiri was drawn into the couple's joy, forgetting her pain for a time as they flew towards Jaina.
* * * * * * *
Behind the grim demeanor that he usually projected when he was among the Chiss, Jagged Fel studied the girl he loved-yes, loved-, Jaina Solo. Aboard his father's flagship the journey to Csilia only took three days. It had been very interesting to watch Jaina interacting with the grim but efficient Chiss crew and his father. Though he knew she was unsure of how to act around Baron Fel, she was trying to tone down her usual irreverent approach to authority, knowing that it wouldn't be appreciated; yet at the same time, she was unwilling to obey anyone's orders or suggestions unthinkingly.
"Colonel," called a voice from in front of him, and he realized that Jaina was now talking to him. He looked up to face her.
"Yes, Colonel," he was quick to reply, "is there something I can do for you?" Besides kiss you, he added silently, knowing she would hear him.
It drew a broad but quickly stifled grin from Jaina, before she answered formally. "Yes, as a matter of fact, Colonel Fel, there is. Your father expressed an interest in seeing some of the new tactics we suggested in practice against the Vong. He suggested that we could use the simulators to demonstrate."
Her face remained perfectly casual and business-like, but Jag could see the smug smirk in her eyes. Since almost the first time she had seen a clawcraft fly in combat, she had been practically begging him to let her fly one, even a simulated one; and now somehow, she had wittingly talked his father into suggesting just that.
Though if he didn't know her any better, he would have suspected she had used a Jedi mind trick. He sighed, knowing she had him cornered this time. He gritted he teeth as he led the way towards the sims.
"Colonel Solo," He began reasonably, "Are you sure you with to do this? I don't believe you're familiar with clawcrafts."
This time Jaina did smirk. "I think I can figure it out, Colonel, and if not I'm sure, you'll prove a very good teacher."
Jag knew she was doing this to get to him, but by the Sith it was working. This, though, called for something he would never have thought of before his brief sojourn among the "Rebels" -revenge. The Tiefron Yellow Aces had been posted on the Errant Venture as well and Jag had learned much watching the practical jokes and tricks that Wes Janson had pulled on his many victims. Although, Jag had heard a rumor that Wes was no where near as skilled as his own uncle, Wedge Antilles. Jag had ideas of his own, however. This form of revenge would be special and it would also leave no physical evidence to get him in trouble.
"Very well, Goddess." Jag answered nonchalantly as they climbed into their individual simulators. "Let me know if you have any problems."
"Well J-Colonel Fel, what do you think we should show them first, then?"
Hours later they climbed out of the simulators. They had flown against each other; taking turns flying as Vong, and flown together to demonstrate precision tactics that worked the best against the enemy.
As they walked towards one another, Jaina's face was glowing from the thrill of successful flying even if it was just simulated and from the fun she'd had flying with Jag. Both were highly skilled pilots and could keep up with the other as few other pilots could. Her almost carefree demeanor turned dismal once more with startling speed, however, as she remembered she was aboard a Chiss ship-not a New Republic one, where such flying exhibitions were met with cheering and soon followed by tension releasing parties.
As Jag reached her side, they both stiffened when General Fel entered the room. Jag almost immediately saw the perfect opportunity for his revenge.
"Impressive flying Colonel," he said to Jaina. She nodded gracefully, reminding Jag, for the first time since he had known her, of her mother. However, it soon began to be a struggle for her to maintain her expression. Images and thoughts that Jag purposefully allowed to float to the top of his mind threatened to send her in to gales of totally inappropriate laughter even if the situation was a bit informal.
He had counted on the fact that Jaina, like most other Jedi, kept lightly attuned to their surroundings through the Force. The outrageous and uproarious thoughts Jag was concentrating on were hilarious enough to make even Darth Vader giggle. All in all, Jag mused, as Jaina struggled to maintain a straight face, it was the perfect revenge.
She struggled to concentrate as she replied, "That's quite a compliment coming from the former leader of the Imperial 181st-and a former member of Rogue Squadron."
To Jag's double shock, Jaina not only managed to keep from bursting in to laughter, but a cocky grin also flickered across his father's face as he looked speculatively at her.
Finally Jag relented, deciding not to embarrass her and that his desire for revenge had been fulfilled-or at least put off for another time.
"I believe you were a member of Rogue Squadron as well, Colonel Solo," Baron Fel remarked.
"I was honored by being a member of Rogue Squadron several years ago General, but unfortunately my duties as a Jedi, to my family and as a Yuuzhan Vong Goddess pulled me away from it."
"Ah yes," Baron Fel said in a sympathetic tone. "I understand well about the call of duty. If only everyone carried out their duties with similar dedication."
His gaze flicked towards Jag and he flinched, all of his previous teasing playfulness draining out of him, under his father's pointed rebuke. Jag hadn't told Jaina that he should have reported back to Chiss space months ago or that she was the reason he hadn't; and he wondered how Jaina would take his father's statement.
"I agree, General, however," Jaina replied quickly, surprising him with her perception, "I think sometimes people care too much about duty. They grow so devoted to duty that they forget to enjoy life and take time to be with the people they care about."
Jaina and the Baron locked eyes for a moment, and Jag suddenly realized that Jaina had much more insight into the situation than he had credited her with. She and his father stood silently, held into a stand off, which was finally broken by Jag.
"Father, was there a reason for you to come deliver your congratulations in person?"
Baron Fel looked away from Jaina at last and replied, "Yes, as a matter of fact. As you know, Jagged, it's traditional for a fighter squadron to accompany ships to the surface. I thought you and the Colonel might wish to be part of the escort squadron."
He turned back to address Jaina. "Not only do you get to fly a real clawcraft, but the view is excellent."
"Thank you, General," Jaina said, going from serious to cheerful in seconds. "I would love that."
"Excellent." The Baron clasped his hands behind his back and strode towards the door. He paused briefly at the door and added, "Oh, and Jagged, I left it up to you to find temporary accommodations for the Colonel. You, after all, know her the best."
"Of course, Father," Jag replied, and watched his father stride away, wondering it that was merely a casual comment on his father's part or if there was more to it than that.
* * * * * * *
Jaina sat in the unfamiliar cockpit, reveling in the clawcraft's superior technology and the comforting peace and silence of space, in the absence of battle. The flight down to the planet's surface really wasn't all that tricky. All she had to do was follow Jag down.
"Jaina," called a voice over a private frequency.
"Yeah, Jag?" She responded questioningly.
Out of habit she looked over at Jag flying in the clawcraft next to her, although she really couldn't see anything but an indistinct figure.
"Jaina," he said again, and this time Jaina could hear his uncertainty. "I- I haven't told my parents about us yet." He said hesitantly waiting for his reaction.
"Okay," Jaina replied blandly, "I can understand that."
It wasn't the volatile reaction that Jag had expected, and somehow that upset him more. He didn't know what Jaina was feeling and thinking now.
"It's not that I don't want to tell them," he added, sounding earnest and not at all like his usual controlled self. "I do, but I don't know how they'll react. I want you stay with us on my parent's estate and I want them to like you." He continued quickly.
"It's okay Jag," Jaina said again. "I can understand that you don't want to tell your parents that you're dating Han Solo's daughter." She laughed lightly. "I don't think my parents are crazy about us either." She paused again, took an audible breath and then added, "I'll admit I'd rather stay with you and your parents, but if you don't want to tell them, it's really okay."
Jag sighed and they flew on in silence for a few more minutes. Then he stated with a quiet confidence. "We'll tell my parents when we get down there. If they have a problem, well we'll just stay until we talk to the council and then leave."
"Jag," Jaina whispered quietly, whishing she could be next to him in person. "You don't have to do this for me. I don't want to separate you from your home and your parents."
"I know, Jaina," he replied softly, so faintly she almost couldn't hear him, "I know."
--
Please review.