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: Okay, I'm back author ducks variety of objects being thrown at her. Sorry it's taken me so long to post, but real life has been intruding. I don't know how much I'll be able to post finals are coming up, but I'll try to post better after finals are over. Sorry about the double post of chapter eight, I didn't realize I had done that. And last but not least, thank you to everyone who suggested names for the Fel sister, I appreciated it and it helped me out a lot. Now on to the story.
________________________________________________________________________
Jaina sighed. This was wrong, all wrong and she didn't need anyone to tell her that. For a moment, Jaina wished she were back among the Vong. Things were so much simpler, then. Kill or be killed, life and death. This was so much worse and so terribly important. This was her boyfriend's family.
In the silence that had followed Syal's question-THE QUESTION- Jag and Soontir had walked back in. A few moments after that Jag's sister, Zena and Aurora had come home triggering a somewhat chaotic family reunion. Jaina had enjoyed meeting Jag's siblings, both were interesting in their own rights and watching Jag interact with them and his parents was intriguing. However, a dark cloud had hung over her since Syal had asked her question, putting a damper on her enjoyment of the evening, despite the fact that it was the closest thing to a normal family evening that she had been present for in years, even if it wasn't her own family. Her thoughts had been in turmoil though, constantly turning over the question, thinking about the answer and shying away from it in turns.
In truth, Jaina knew the answer, instinctively, wholly and without a doubt, but the rational part of her mind, the part that told her that she couldn't afford a distraction like being in love with Jag, wouldn't allow her to admit it; for fear that it would be true. For fear that being distracted by her feelings at a critical moment could kill her or even worse kill Jag.
Lost in thought, Jaina didn't notice Jag come up behind her. To the chagrin of Jedi everywhere, Jaina jumped when Jag lightly touched her shoulder.
"It's just me," Jag said gently, surprised that she was that distracted, not that she didn't have good reason, conceded Jag, thinking about some of the things the Vong had done to them while they were in their custody. "You want to get out of here for a while," Jag asked quietly, knowing that Jaina might find this family gathering a bit overwhelming.
"Sure," Jaina said, but Jag knew her well enough to sense that something wasn't right. Glancing around to make sure no one was staring at them; Jag grabbed her hand and gently led her through the labyrinthine corridors of the house. They walked in silence, each locked into their own private thoughts until they reached their destination.
"Close your eyes," Jag said softly.
Jaina obeyed without enthusiasm or resistance, too caught up in her own thoughts to puzzle out whatever Jag was trying to surprise her with. Holding her hands gently in his, Jag began to lead her forward, guiding her safely to their destination.
When they stopped he said gently, "Don't open your eyes, yet." He let go of one of Jaina's hands and went to stand next to her, wrapping an arm about her waist, instead. "Okay you can open them now."
Jag stilled with anticipation as Jaina opened her eyes and looked out over the view that spread beyond their balcony. "Jag," gasped Jaina so stunned by the breathtaking view that she momentarily forgot her confusion over her feelings for him. "This is amazing," she added, continuing to drink in the scene before her as she watched the sun set over the rocky, icy features of the Csilian landscape.
"I thought you would like it," Jag admitted. "I used to come out here and sit for hours when I wanted to be alone or when I needed to think. You looked like you could use some time to think, tonight, too," added Jag carefully. He felt Jaina stiffen in his arms and he waited for an explosion or for her icy denial.
Jaina, for her part was frozen with indecision. It had been less than a month ago when she and Jag had been fighting and not speaking with one another much less in a relationship, and now here they were standing together locked in an embrace on his homeworld. Suddenly Jaina had, had enough. She was tired of how she had been acting. Sure it was polite to differ to your host's culture, but it was enough.
The Jaina Solo that had joined Rogue Squadron at sixteen, had commanded her own squadron, been made a Jedi Knight and ruled as a Goddess at nineteen, didn't fear or bow to anything. She was strong and confident. Nothing could stop her..except for Jag Fel. The galaxy had been spinning in reverse for her since she first met him on Ithor. If that wasn't love, Jaina didn't know what was.
"You were right," Jaina admitted, turning to face him, suddenly filled with certainty, a certainty that had to be right, that couldn't be wrong, "I did need to think."
"Oh," said Jag vaguely, surprised at her sudden change in mood, but delighted by the unpredictability that made her so unlike the Chiss. "What were you thinking about?" Jag asked carefully not sure where Jaina was going with this conversation.
"I was thinking about a question your mother asked me and what my answer was."
Jag was confused now, but he did know that for some reason this question and its answer were suddenly very important.
"I didn't answer her," Jaina admitted, "because I was scared." She continued hardly even noticing the disbelieving look on Jag's face. "I was scared because I didn't want to admit it even to myself." She paused her rant for a second and looked him in they eye, brown locking onto green. "Jagged Fel, I love you."
* * * * * *
Soontir Fel noticed the absence of his son and Jaina Solo almost immediately. Without thinking he got up from where he was sitting next to his wife and slipped out of the room. He was concerned about his son. Jag had been acting very strangely lately. He hadn't reported in when he was expected too and Soontir suspected if it wasn't for their navigational error, Jag wouldn't even be on Csilia. Soontir had a suspicion that Jaina Solo was a part of what was making his son act so oddly. They seemed to have some sort of attachment to one another. He just hoped that Jag wouldn't allow the girl to have a permanent affect on his career or his life. He supposed he should have a talk about it with his son.
Now would probably be as good of a time as any, he thought. His wife and daughter were occupied for the time being and Jag had probably just been escorting Solo to her room. Soontir paused as his thought were interrupted by the sound of hushed conversation coming from a near by balcony. Finding his curiosity peaked, despite the fact that he despised eavesdropping, he approached the balcony. He froze in shock-and not much managed to shock Soontir Fel- as he head Jaina Solo say, "Jagged Fel I love you."
As he stood there too stunned to speak or move or well do anything, the nasty voice in the back of his mind, the one that he had been suppressing since his days as a member of Rogue Squadron, added nastily that Jag was possibly a bit more than attached to Jaina Solo. Once Soontir managed to get his jaw up off of the floor he realized that he had just seen. While he was preoccupied with his denial he just watched his son confess his love to Jaina Solo.
"What?" demanded Soontir before his head could catch up with he had just blurted out. Soontir was almost pleased, or at least as pleased as he could get at the moment, that despite their distraction with one another, both had already whirled to face him, weapons drawn.
"Sith," cursed Jaina with disgust.
Jag, however, was once again the one that surprised him. The expression on the face of his usually icy calm son was one of passionate fury. "Did you need something, Father," he demanded trying to remain polite, but failing miserably.
Soontir tried to remain calm, but he too, didn't succeed. "As a matter of fact, I do. What were you thinking, Jagged? I mean she's a Solo for Thrawn's sake."
"I'll take that as a compliment," interjected Jaina with what to Soontir's fury seemed to be amusement. "Although," she added, "I'm sure it wasn't meant it that way."
His expression only grew more furious and he began spluttering an incoherent reply which they were sure wasn't kind or flattering in the least. Soontir's enraged and horrified rantings were interrupted by his puzzled wife.
"What is going on up here? Soontir..what?" Syal was at a loss for words. The last time she had seen her husband this agitated was when he found out the women he was dating, the women he loved was the sister of his Rebel counterpart and arch nemesis Wedge Antilles.
Jaina stifled a groan and the urge to bury her head in Jag's chest and hide. She had been shocked by Syal's questions about her feelings for Jag and terrified to even think about telling Jag she loved him. Now it was becoming a family activity.
Jag, probably sensing her despair, moved a little closer to her, wrapped a comforting arm around her waist and said coldly, "I believe the good General here," he sneered his father's title, using it as a weapon rather than a sign of respect, "was about to tell you why it's wrong for me to love Jaina, Mother."
Syal gasped but Jaina could feel the abrupt change in the woman. Syal, ignoring her husband as he prepared to furiously respond to his son, swept towards Jaina and Jag and embraced them warmly. "I'm so happy for both of you." Exchanging a knowing look with Jaina, she added, "And, I'm glad you told him, Dear. You'll never regret it."
Smiling at the woman's sincerity, Jaina relaxed lightly. "I think I'm already glad," she said as she focused on Jag.
But, before he could reply, they were interrupted by the chirp of two comm. links. Jag and Soontir both answered their comms. However, at the end of their conversations both looked expectantly at Jaina.
"I have good news," Jag said just as Soontir said, "I have bad news."
Under any other circumstances Jaina would have laughed, but as the years had gone by it seemed as if the bad news in Jaina's life had gotten progressively worse. She simply had too much to lose. Nodding at them to get it over with, Jaina was surprised when Soontir deferred to his son.
"Your brother, Queen Mother Tenel Ka, and Jedi Knight Veila were trying to rescue us. They're waiting in a ship in orbit right now."
The non-expression that had fallen on Jaina's face the moment she had heard the phrase "bad news" flickered for a moment into a smile. A smile that nonetheless disappeared the moment Soontir began speaking.
"Your parents are on Mon Calamari. They're demanding that you and your brother return immediately. They say it's a serious matter."
* * * * *
One hour earlier
Tenel Ka sat stunned, the question Jacen had just asked echoing in her mind.
"Will you marry me?"
As she sat silent, she saw a frightened expression begin to slide over Jacen's features that snapped her out of her shock. A goofy grin that would have scared anyone who knew her and made them think she was a Vong imposter spread across her face.
"Are you serious, dear Jacen" she asked, hoping he was, knowing he was, but knowing that she had to offer him a way out if it had only been a passing impulse.
He gulped audibly and said, "Of course, I'm serious."
"Then yes, my answer is yes." But Tenel Ka still stopped him. "Jacen you know this is even more dangerous. You will be my husband," she paused to smile at the thought and then continued, "this will make you even more of a target. Your safety cannot be guaranteed."
"I'm starting to think you don't want to marry me, Tenel Ka." Jacen quipped, trying to lighten the mood, but he failed to mask the quaver in his voice.
"I just had to make sure you understood," Tenel Ka whispered as she leaned in to kiss him. They were startled out of their fourth-or was it fifth- kiss as the ship snapped back to realspace on autopilot.
They jumped apart hasitly as Tahiri rushed into the cockpit. All three blushed as they quickly took their stations.
"Where are we," asked Tahiri, not really expecting an answer, but hoping for one anyway.
"I don't know." It was Jacen that gave the expected reply.
"I'm scanning the comm. chanels," Tenel Ka contributed, just as Tahiri added, "Well at least planetary defense forces aren't firing at us..yet."
Suddenly a dull voice filled blared over the comm. system. "Unidentified vessel please stand down and state the nature of your business you have violated Chiss space."
* * * * * * *
Jaina stood next to Jag filled with a sense of awkward impatience. The last time she had seen her twin, she and Jag had been at best, feuding. She had been hurt and confused by Jag's actions and her feelings had quickly turned into anger. Now she was about to see Jacen again and he had no clue about the change in or depth of her feelings for Jag. She hoped Jacen wouldn't make a fool of himself trying to "protect" his twin from Jag. All Baron Fel needed was another reason to hate the Solos.
Jacen, however, had his own worries. It was one thing to be open about his feelings for Tenel Ka, when only Tahiri was around. She was so quiet these days it was almost possible to forget she was there and besides she had been the one that had started the course that allowed them to admit their feelings for one another. It was different with Jaina. Sure she had been friends with Tenel Ka as long as he had and Jaina had probably known about Tenel Ka's feelings for him and vice-versa, maybe even before he did, but still. She was his twin sister. That made all the difference in the galaxy. Slowly he, Tenel Ka and Tahiri walked down the ramp towards his sister and ...Jagged Fel?
Jacen was so shocked when he saw them together that he didn't even notice the Chiss or his surrounding. "Jaina," he said weakly, allowing it to sink in that his sister really wasn't dead. His sister reached forward and they embraced warmly. "I thought you were dead, Jaya." He whispered.
Jaina hugged him tighter and soothed him through their twin bond. "I'm so sorry Jasa," she answered, "but," she added in a louder voice, "I'm glad you're all here."
Stepping back from her brother, she motioned to Jag. "I'm sure you remember my boyfriend, Jag. Jag you know Tenel Ka, but I'm not sure if you ever met Tahiri Veila." She continued, not letting Jacen get a word in.
After Jaina had completed the introductions, they stood there all awkward for their own reasons. Despite their many experiences and their extensive training, no one seemingly knew what to do. Finally Tenel Ka, always the pragmatic one, despite her new found preoccupation with Jacen spoke up. "Friend Jaina we know that you and Colonel Fel have only been here for a short time, but I need to return to the Hapes Cluster as soon as possible."
"I know, Tenel Ka. I'm sorry we dragged you out here. I need to get back too." She shifted her glance to her brother. "Mom sent an urgent message for us to return to Mon Calamari."
Jacen was immediately tense. "Did she say what it was about?"
"No," Jaina admitted, "but I did reach out to her through the force. She was fine, but of course, I was to far away to get a sense of her emotions or what was going on."
Jacen sighed, "We need to get back."
"I know. Jag," Jaina asked turning to face him, "How long do you think it will take to get Tenel Ka's ship restocked and clearance to leave."
"In minutes," he said curtly. He nodded at the ship in front of them. "I already have a crew of mechanics working on it."
Jaina smiled at him. It was a real smile, noted Jacen, something that was more rare and more precious than a Corusca gem these days, especially on Jaina.
"Thank you," Jaina said softly to Jag, "Do you need more time to say good bye to your parents or are you staying here?"
This was getting more and more interesting, Jacen thought, because despite the guarded expression that she now wore all the time, she had rushed the last part out as if she didn't want to think about it. Something-he wasn't sure what yet-but something was going on between Jaina and Jag. He wasn't sure if he wanted to find out, but he knew he would eventually. Jaina had always been his twin sister and although as they had grown older they had become more of individuals than a unit, he wasn't sure if he was ready to share his sister with someone else yet.
He was drawn out of his thoughts as he felt his sister mentally tense up, through their mental connection. Jacen looked up to see a dark haired man of average height approaching. With the exception of his eye patch, the man wasn't physically exceptional. Instead it was his sense of a larger than life presence that people like his father and Wedge Antilles brought with them that made the man stand out. The man seemed to fill the whole room and like Jag he shown brilliantly through the force. He could be none other, Jacen concluded, than Baron Soontir Fel.
"Jagged, Colonel Solo," the Baron acknowledged politely. He ignored the others, but not out of malice. He simply had no business with them. "Have you decided what you're doing, Jagged?"
So, Jacen thought, that was it. Jag had a choice to stay or go and Jaina wasn't sure what he would choose.
"General," Jag replied tightly, "I am first and foremost a pilot who chooses to serve the good of the galaxy. I believe that my skills can best be used by the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances, at this time. Of course, I will continue to send back intelligence reports on the Vong."
By the stiff look that transformed, Soontir Fel's face Jacen realize that, that answer was not the one that Soontir wanted to hear. "Colonel Fel," he addressed his son, "you are aware that the Chiss and myself would prefer you not go back and stay here to accept another assignment, are you not?"
"I am," Jag replied with the solemnity of a soldier speaking to his superior, not a son speaking to his father.
"And your final choice is, Colonel," prompted Soontir.
"I have already made my final choice, Sir."
Without even acknowledging his son, not an angry good bye much less an, "I love you, Son. Come back safe," Soontir stalked away.
"Jag," Jacen heard his sister ask tentatively and he could feel his sister's pain on Jag's behalf.
"Not now, Jaina," Jag said dismissively and to Jacen's shock his sister didn't explode or seethe with anger. Instead she simply said, "Okay."
For a second, it seemed like she was about to reach out and touch the icy Colonel, but then she stopped herself. "Okay," she said again, "but I'll be here, whenever," she added so softly that only Jacen's sharply attuned senses and a gentle breeze allowed him to hear the words.
Now Jacen knew it was time to have a talk with his sister. Unfortunately that talk would have to wait, they had to get to Mon Calamari and soon.
Author's note: Okay, I'm back author ducks variety of objects being thrown at her. Sorry it's taken me so long to post, but real life has been intruding. I don't know how much I'll be able to post finals are coming up, but I'll try to post better after finals are over. Sorry about the double post of chapter eight, I didn't realize I had done that. And last but not least, thank you to everyone who suggested names for the Fel sister, I appreciated it and it helped me out a lot. Now on to the story.
________________________________________________________________________
Jaina sighed. This was wrong, all wrong and she didn't need anyone to tell her that. For a moment, Jaina wished she were back among the Vong. Things were so much simpler, then. Kill or be killed, life and death. This was so much worse and so terribly important. This was her boyfriend's family.
In the silence that had followed Syal's question-THE QUESTION- Jag and Soontir had walked back in. A few moments after that Jag's sister, Zena and Aurora had come home triggering a somewhat chaotic family reunion. Jaina had enjoyed meeting Jag's siblings, both were interesting in their own rights and watching Jag interact with them and his parents was intriguing. However, a dark cloud had hung over her since Syal had asked her question, putting a damper on her enjoyment of the evening, despite the fact that it was the closest thing to a normal family evening that she had been present for in years, even if it wasn't her own family. Her thoughts had been in turmoil though, constantly turning over the question, thinking about the answer and shying away from it in turns.
In truth, Jaina knew the answer, instinctively, wholly and without a doubt, but the rational part of her mind, the part that told her that she couldn't afford a distraction like being in love with Jag, wouldn't allow her to admit it; for fear that it would be true. For fear that being distracted by her feelings at a critical moment could kill her or even worse kill Jag.
Lost in thought, Jaina didn't notice Jag come up behind her. To the chagrin of Jedi everywhere, Jaina jumped when Jag lightly touched her shoulder.
"It's just me," Jag said gently, surprised that she was that distracted, not that she didn't have good reason, conceded Jag, thinking about some of the things the Vong had done to them while they were in their custody. "You want to get out of here for a while," Jag asked quietly, knowing that Jaina might find this family gathering a bit overwhelming.
"Sure," Jaina said, but Jag knew her well enough to sense that something wasn't right. Glancing around to make sure no one was staring at them; Jag grabbed her hand and gently led her through the labyrinthine corridors of the house. They walked in silence, each locked into their own private thoughts until they reached their destination.
"Close your eyes," Jag said softly.
Jaina obeyed without enthusiasm or resistance, too caught up in her own thoughts to puzzle out whatever Jag was trying to surprise her with. Holding her hands gently in his, Jag began to lead her forward, guiding her safely to their destination.
When they stopped he said gently, "Don't open your eyes, yet." He let go of one of Jaina's hands and went to stand next to her, wrapping an arm about her waist, instead. "Okay you can open them now."
Jag stilled with anticipation as Jaina opened her eyes and looked out over the view that spread beyond their balcony. "Jag," gasped Jaina so stunned by the breathtaking view that she momentarily forgot her confusion over her feelings for him. "This is amazing," she added, continuing to drink in the scene before her as she watched the sun set over the rocky, icy features of the Csilian landscape.
"I thought you would like it," Jag admitted. "I used to come out here and sit for hours when I wanted to be alone or when I needed to think. You looked like you could use some time to think, tonight, too," added Jag carefully. He felt Jaina stiffen in his arms and he waited for an explosion or for her icy denial.
Jaina, for her part was frozen with indecision. It had been less than a month ago when she and Jag had been fighting and not speaking with one another much less in a relationship, and now here they were standing together locked in an embrace on his homeworld. Suddenly Jaina had, had enough. She was tired of how she had been acting. Sure it was polite to differ to your host's culture, but it was enough.
The Jaina Solo that had joined Rogue Squadron at sixteen, had commanded her own squadron, been made a Jedi Knight and ruled as a Goddess at nineteen, didn't fear or bow to anything. She was strong and confident. Nothing could stop her..except for Jag Fel. The galaxy had been spinning in reverse for her since she first met him on Ithor. If that wasn't love, Jaina didn't know what was.
"You were right," Jaina admitted, turning to face him, suddenly filled with certainty, a certainty that had to be right, that couldn't be wrong, "I did need to think."
"Oh," said Jag vaguely, surprised at her sudden change in mood, but delighted by the unpredictability that made her so unlike the Chiss. "What were you thinking about?" Jag asked carefully not sure where Jaina was going with this conversation.
"I was thinking about a question your mother asked me and what my answer was."
Jag was confused now, but he did know that for some reason this question and its answer were suddenly very important.
"I didn't answer her," Jaina admitted, "because I was scared." She continued hardly even noticing the disbelieving look on Jag's face. "I was scared because I didn't want to admit it even to myself." She paused her rant for a second and looked him in they eye, brown locking onto green. "Jagged Fel, I love you."
* * * * * *
Soontir Fel noticed the absence of his son and Jaina Solo almost immediately. Without thinking he got up from where he was sitting next to his wife and slipped out of the room. He was concerned about his son. Jag had been acting very strangely lately. He hadn't reported in when he was expected too and Soontir suspected if it wasn't for their navigational error, Jag wouldn't even be on Csilia. Soontir had a suspicion that Jaina Solo was a part of what was making his son act so oddly. They seemed to have some sort of attachment to one another. He just hoped that Jag wouldn't allow the girl to have a permanent affect on his career or his life. He supposed he should have a talk about it with his son.
Now would probably be as good of a time as any, he thought. His wife and daughter were occupied for the time being and Jag had probably just been escorting Solo to her room. Soontir paused as his thought were interrupted by the sound of hushed conversation coming from a near by balcony. Finding his curiosity peaked, despite the fact that he despised eavesdropping, he approached the balcony. He froze in shock-and not much managed to shock Soontir Fel- as he head Jaina Solo say, "Jagged Fel I love you."
As he stood there too stunned to speak or move or well do anything, the nasty voice in the back of his mind, the one that he had been suppressing since his days as a member of Rogue Squadron, added nastily that Jag was possibly a bit more than attached to Jaina Solo. Once Soontir managed to get his jaw up off of the floor he realized that he had just seen. While he was preoccupied with his denial he just watched his son confess his love to Jaina Solo.
"What?" demanded Soontir before his head could catch up with he had just blurted out. Soontir was almost pleased, or at least as pleased as he could get at the moment, that despite their distraction with one another, both had already whirled to face him, weapons drawn.
"Sith," cursed Jaina with disgust.
Jag, however, was once again the one that surprised him. The expression on the face of his usually icy calm son was one of passionate fury. "Did you need something, Father," he demanded trying to remain polite, but failing miserably.
Soontir tried to remain calm, but he too, didn't succeed. "As a matter of fact, I do. What were you thinking, Jagged? I mean she's a Solo for Thrawn's sake."
"I'll take that as a compliment," interjected Jaina with what to Soontir's fury seemed to be amusement. "Although," she added, "I'm sure it wasn't meant it that way."
His expression only grew more furious and he began spluttering an incoherent reply which they were sure wasn't kind or flattering in the least. Soontir's enraged and horrified rantings were interrupted by his puzzled wife.
"What is going on up here? Soontir..what?" Syal was at a loss for words. The last time she had seen her husband this agitated was when he found out the women he was dating, the women he loved was the sister of his Rebel counterpart and arch nemesis Wedge Antilles.
Jaina stifled a groan and the urge to bury her head in Jag's chest and hide. She had been shocked by Syal's questions about her feelings for Jag and terrified to even think about telling Jag she loved him. Now it was becoming a family activity.
Jag, probably sensing her despair, moved a little closer to her, wrapped a comforting arm around her waist and said coldly, "I believe the good General here," he sneered his father's title, using it as a weapon rather than a sign of respect, "was about to tell you why it's wrong for me to love Jaina, Mother."
Syal gasped but Jaina could feel the abrupt change in the woman. Syal, ignoring her husband as he prepared to furiously respond to his son, swept towards Jaina and Jag and embraced them warmly. "I'm so happy for both of you." Exchanging a knowing look with Jaina, she added, "And, I'm glad you told him, Dear. You'll never regret it."
Smiling at the woman's sincerity, Jaina relaxed lightly. "I think I'm already glad," she said as she focused on Jag.
But, before he could reply, they were interrupted by the chirp of two comm. links. Jag and Soontir both answered their comms. However, at the end of their conversations both looked expectantly at Jaina.
"I have good news," Jag said just as Soontir said, "I have bad news."
Under any other circumstances Jaina would have laughed, but as the years had gone by it seemed as if the bad news in Jaina's life had gotten progressively worse. She simply had too much to lose. Nodding at them to get it over with, Jaina was surprised when Soontir deferred to his son.
"Your brother, Queen Mother Tenel Ka, and Jedi Knight Veila were trying to rescue us. They're waiting in a ship in orbit right now."
The non-expression that had fallen on Jaina's face the moment she had heard the phrase "bad news" flickered for a moment into a smile. A smile that nonetheless disappeared the moment Soontir began speaking.
"Your parents are on Mon Calamari. They're demanding that you and your brother return immediately. They say it's a serious matter."
* * * * *
One hour earlier
Tenel Ka sat stunned, the question Jacen had just asked echoing in her mind.
"Will you marry me?"
As she sat silent, she saw a frightened expression begin to slide over Jacen's features that snapped her out of her shock. A goofy grin that would have scared anyone who knew her and made them think she was a Vong imposter spread across her face.
"Are you serious, dear Jacen" she asked, hoping he was, knowing he was, but knowing that she had to offer him a way out if it had only been a passing impulse.
He gulped audibly and said, "Of course, I'm serious."
"Then yes, my answer is yes." But Tenel Ka still stopped him. "Jacen you know this is even more dangerous. You will be my husband," she paused to smile at the thought and then continued, "this will make you even more of a target. Your safety cannot be guaranteed."
"I'm starting to think you don't want to marry me, Tenel Ka." Jacen quipped, trying to lighten the mood, but he failed to mask the quaver in his voice.
"I just had to make sure you understood," Tenel Ka whispered as she leaned in to kiss him. They were startled out of their fourth-or was it fifth- kiss as the ship snapped back to realspace on autopilot.
They jumped apart hasitly as Tahiri rushed into the cockpit. All three blushed as they quickly took their stations.
"Where are we," asked Tahiri, not really expecting an answer, but hoping for one anyway.
"I don't know." It was Jacen that gave the expected reply.
"I'm scanning the comm. chanels," Tenel Ka contributed, just as Tahiri added, "Well at least planetary defense forces aren't firing at us..yet."
Suddenly a dull voice filled blared over the comm. system. "Unidentified vessel please stand down and state the nature of your business you have violated Chiss space."
* * * * * * *
Jaina stood next to Jag filled with a sense of awkward impatience. The last time she had seen her twin, she and Jag had been at best, feuding. She had been hurt and confused by Jag's actions and her feelings had quickly turned into anger. Now she was about to see Jacen again and he had no clue about the change in or depth of her feelings for Jag. She hoped Jacen wouldn't make a fool of himself trying to "protect" his twin from Jag. All Baron Fel needed was another reason to hate the Solos.
Jacen, however, had his own worries. It was one thing to be open about his feelings for Tenel Ka, when only Tahiri was around. She was so quiet these days it was almost possible to forget she was there and besides she had been the one that had started the course that allowed them to admit their feelings for one another. It was different with Jaina. Sure she had been friends with Tenel Ka as long as he had and Jaina had probably known about Tenel Ka's feelings for him and vice-versa, maybe even before he did, but still. She was his twin sister. That made all the difference in the galaxy. Slowly he, Tenel Ka and Tahiri walked down the ramp towards his sister and ...Jagged Fel?
Jacen was so shocked when he saw them together that he didn't even notice the Chiss or his surrounding. "Jaina," he said weakly, allowing it to sink in that his sister really wasn't dead. His sister reached forward and they embraced warmly. "I thought you were dead, Jaya." He whispered.
Jaina hugged him tighter and soothed him through their twin bond. "I'm so sorry Jasa," she answered, "but," she added in a louder voice, "I'm glad you're all here."
Stepping back from her brother, she motioned to Jag. "I'm sure you remember my boyfriend, Jag. Jag you know Tenel Ka, but I'm not sure if you ever met Tahiri Veila." She continued, not letting Jacen get a word in.
After Jaina had completed the introductions, they stood there all awkward for their own reasons. Despite their many experiences and their extensive training, no one seemingly knew what to do. Finally Tenel Ka, always the pragmatic one, despite her new found preoccupation with Jacen spoke up. "Friend Jaina we know that you and Colonel Fel have only been here for a short time, but I need to return to the Hapes Cluster as soon as possible."
"I know, Tenel Ka. I'm sorry we dragged you out here. I need to get back too." She shifted her glance to her brother. "Mom sent an urgent message for us to return to Mon Calamari."
Jacen was immediately tense. "Did she say what it was about?"
"No," Jaina admitted, "but I did reach out to her through the force. She was fine, but of course, I was to far away to get a sense of her emotions or what was going on."
Jacen sighed, "We need to get back."
"I know. Jag," Jaina asked turning to face him, "How long do you think it will take to get Tenel Ka's ship restocked and clearance to leave."
"In minutes," he said curtly. He nodded at the ship in front of them. "I already have a crew of mechanics working on it."
Jaina smiled at him. It was a real smile, noted Jacen, something that was more rare and more precious than a Corusca gem these days, especially on Jaina.
"Thank you," Jaina said softly to Jag, "Do you need more time to say good bye to your parents or are you staying here?"
This was getting more and more interesting, Jacen thought, because despite the guarded expression that she now wore all the time, she had rushed the last part out as if she didn't want to think about it. Something-he wasn't sure what yet-but something was going on between Jaina and Jag. He wasn't sure if he wanted to find out, but he knew he would eventually. Jaina had always been his twin sister and although as they had grown older they had become more of individuals than a unit, he wasn't sure if he was ready to share his sister with someone else yet.
He was drawn out of his thoughts as he felt his sister mentally tense up, through their mental connection. Jacen looked up to see a dark haired man of average height approaching. With the exception of his eye patch, the man wasn't physically exceptional. Instead it was his sense of a larger than life presence that people like his father and Wedge Antilles brought with them that made the man stand out. The man seemed to fill the whole room and like Jag he shown brilliantly through the force. He could be none other, Jacen concluded, than Baron Soontir Fel.
"Jagged, Colonel Solo," the Baron acknowledged politely. He ignored the others, but not out of malice. He simply had no business with them. "Have you decided what you're doing, Jagged?"
So, Jacen thought, that was it. Jag had a choice to stay or go and Jaina wasn't sure what he would choose.
"General," Jag replied tightly, "I am first and foremost a pilot who chooses to serve the good of the galaxy. I believe that my skills can best be used by the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances, at this time. Of course, I will continue to send back intelligence reports on the Vong."
By the stiff look that transformed, Soontir Fel's face Jacen realize that, that answer was not the one that Soontir wanted to hear. "Colonel Fel," he addressed his son, "you are aware that the Chiss and myself would prefer you not go back and stay here to accept another assignment, are you not?"
"I am," Jag replied with the solemnity of a soldier speaking to his superior, not a son speaking to his father.
"And your final choice is, Colonel," prompted Soontir.
"I have already made my final choice, Sir."
Without even acknowledging his son, not an angry good bye much less an, "I love you, Son. Come back safe," Soontir stalked away.
"Jag," Jacen heard his sister ask tentatively and he could feel his sister's pain on Jag's behalf.
"Not now, Jaina," Jag said dismissively and to Jacen's shock his sister didn't explode or seethe with anger. Instead she simply said, "Okay."
For a second, it seemed like she was about to reach out and touch the icy Colonel, but then she stopped herself. "Okay," she said again, "but I'll be here, whenever," she added so softly that only Jacen's sharply attuned senses and a gentle breeze allowed him to hear the words.
Now Jacen knew it was time to have a talk with his sister. Unfortunately that talk would have to wait, they had to get to Mon Calamari and soon.