Disclaimer: Yeah as if I would be writing fan fiction if owned this. Also
the idea for the purple ewok belongs to Vader_Incarnate over at
theforce.net. She's the goddess of humor folks, you should really check
out her fic, where Darth Vader babysits Mara.
Author's notes: !SEVENTY REVIEWS! You guys are awesome! Well this chapter pretty much set the rest of the story up. I hope you guys liked it and I'm sorry it took me so long to get it out. I'll try not to take so long next time.
Lady Leila: I'm glad you like it so much and your wish is finally grant, sorry about the delay.
Sora Kairi: Just the reaction I was hoping for. Jenna was not a name I like at least not for this child I wish just looking for reactions, and thanks for the suggestion, I'll consider it.
Movielover03: I hadn't considered that when I chose the name, but that's true. I promise I won't use it and I'll try to keep the shocks coming.
Mara.Jade: Don't worry I won't be using Hannah either, I really stuck that in their as a joke. Kids get stuck with some horrible names and personally I think it would be horrible to get named Hannah if your father was Han Solo.
Jedimaster-jaina-solo: I'm glad you liked the twist. I wasn't sure how ya'll would react to it. I even thought I might get a few flames off of it.
Trickster: Oh yes they are, one kid at a time. Well hopefully, with those twins who knows?
Firey: I hope you continue to enjoy this. Now on to the story.
Jaina smiled warmly as she watched the proceedings. It wasn't like her to smile like this, but she really couldn't help it. This day was going perfectly so far and it had been a long time since her entire family had gathered together like this without the threat of imminent danger. Her gaze drifted around the large room where the guests were seated to wait for the bride and groom until it fell on her parents.
Leia, resplendent in the flowing white robes she had made famous was now obviously pregnant as she sat beside Han who looked equally brilliant in his dress uniform. Next to Han sat Luke Skywalker, who was for once not wearing Jedi blacks. His son, in a smaller replica of his father's outfit sat tucked in between his parents with mischevious gleam in his eyes that Jaina recognized all too well. She and her brothers had invented it, after all. She made a quick mental note to find out what he was up to after the ceremony. Not to stop him, but to help him, after all if you couldn't count on family who could you count on.
She grimaced as she thought about that. Anakin sure hadn't been able to count on her on Myrk. He was dead because she couldn't take care of herself or her little brother. Jacen had been thinking of Anakin today, too, she knew. He would have no best man standing with him. As he had said to everyone earlier, "Without Anakin standing there no one stands there."
She bit her lips and felt her torn fingernails biting into her palms as tears threatened to spill down onto her face. She flinched when she felt a hand touch her shoulder. She didn't turn around immediately as she began to realize that the only people who would be familiar enough with her to touch her were already seated, or in Jacen's case standing, down below her.
Carefully, not wanting to break contact, she turned around. "Anakin," she whispered the tears now freely flowing down her face as she saw her brother looking as healthy as he had before he was injured.
"Hello, Jaina," he said displaying the eerie calm that had always been his trademark. Now though, it comforted Jaina instead of throwing her off balance.
"I'm so sorry," she whispered wanting to say a thousand other things, but unable to say them.
"It's okay, Jaya," he said, "I'm not here to bring you regret. I'm here to bring you comfort and company on our brother's wedding day and to bring you a message."
"I love you, Anakin. We all miss you," she added not quite sure what to say to him, but wanting above all else to make sure he knew that.
"I know, Jaya," he said using her childhood nickname, "I love you, too. I don't have much time though and my message is important. You already know about your role as the Sword of the Jedi." He smiled almost sadly down at his sister, "The years won't always be kind, sister, but you are essential to the future of the galaxy. The task ahead of you is terrible and a heavy burden, but without you it will all fail. Peace and pain always come together. There must be balance in everything, not just the force. Let the love you feel balance the pain. Find solace in your beloved companion." His smile changed and for an instant he wasn't the serious Jedi, but her goofy little brother. "Tease Jacen for me about Tenel Ka and tell him I love him. Tell Uncle Luke I don't blame him and Aunt Mara thank you for everything. Tell Ben I'm sorry I left him one cousin short and that names don't define a person. Make sure Mom and Dad know I love them."
"What about Tahiri," she asked hoarsely as she cried silently.
"I'll talk to her myself," he said gently, "Now go, Jaina," he whispered. "You'll be fine and so will Jacen. Don't let my sister forget me. I love you."
And with that he faded out of sight. Jaina wasn't quite sure how she managed to make her way down to where she was standing as part of the ceremony. It all went by in a beautiful blur. She just hoped people thought her tears were tears of joy, she didn't want to ruin this for Jacen and Tenel Ka. She was grateful that when the ceremony was over, Jag immediately appeared at her side. As always he seemed to know exactly what she needed. He didn't ask her what was the matter, although he definitely knew something was wrong.
He simply stood there offering silent support. She smiled sadly, what was that Anakin had said, "find comfort in your beloved companion." Well he certainly pegged that one right. Jaina plastered a happy smile on her face as Jacen and Tenel Ka approached. The two couples chatted easily for a while and gently the despair and misery started lifting off of her. She would always miss her youngest brother, but she could remember the happy times, too. He wouldn't hate her for her happiness, especially on days like this one.
She had just finished throwing a few playful verbal jabs at Jacen about Tenel Ka as Anakin had requested when, Jaina felt something in the room change. She looked around the room sureptiously, searching..searching for something...Blonde hair in a corner of the room caught her eye, Tahiri.
Immediately she excused herself from the conversation and made her way over to the young woman. "How are you doing," she asked softly as she stood next to her.
Tahiri looked as paralyzed by grief and misery as she had felt moments ago. "He's really dead, Jaina," she said quietly as if drained of any energy, as if talking was simply too much effort.
"I know," Jaina said, "I know," that was all she could say, nothing could make it better, nothing could change that. A person could either give themselves over to the inevitable death or they could live to the best of their ability. That's all there was to it.
Both women jumped, startled from their private reveries as little Ben Skywalker bounded up to them. At six years old Ben was a cute bundle of mischievous energy. His red-blonde hair was perpetually tousled and his blue-grey eyes glittered with mischief as he grabbed Tahiri's hand. He pulled her down to his level and both girls had to smile at his enthusiasm despite their sorrow.
"Tahiri, Tahiri, look, look." He pointed emphatically and both women exchanged a wary glance. They watched expectantly as Ben practically jumped up and down with excitement.
A pompous senator from an outlying rim world was standing to make his speech. However, the words that blared out over the sound system and the holo that appeared were definitely not what the man was saying.
It was instead a famous if annoying cartoon about a giant purple ewok that Ben just happened to be a major fan of despite the fact that every adult being in the galaxy hated it. As it spun and danced through it's environment, proclaiming in song it's love for other beings, and other beings love for it, Tahiri and Jaina tried to stifle their laughter as they watched everyone in the audience try to hold in their laughter at the senator's expense. Han, Jacen and Wes Janson were turning blue! Jaina didn't care though, all that mattered right then was that Ben had managed to make Tahiri laugh and take her mind off of Anakin for a little while.
Still laughing she grabbed the little boy up into a hug. "Thank you, Ben," she whispered in his ear and she felt more than saw his smile of pride. He practically idealized his cousins. As Jaina looked back out into the amused crowd she forced herself not to flinch or attract attention to them as she saw Mara surveying the room. Evidently she had recognized her son's handiwork.
"Uh, oh," Jaina murmured mostly to herself. Mara on the warpath was not a good thing. "Split and run," she whispered to Tahiri as she gestured to a hallway leading back to the main room. Seeing Mara, the Jedi immediately understood and with a laugh and nod, disappeared down it.
Scooping Ben up in her arms and grimacing at his squeal of delight, Jaina started casually walking away. "Mama's coming," the boy whispered his delight suddenly deflated. Under other circumstances Jaina would have found that amusing too, but there was no telling what kind of mood Mara was in.
"I know," Jaina replied and then sighed. "Next time we have a chance, Ben, remind me to give you a few lessons." She smiled crookedly at her cousin. "The idea was hilarious, but you should have picked a different cartoon. It was like a signature."
Ben nodded his little face, deep in thought as if seriously considering what she had said. The studious look almost made her burst into laughter all over again. However, she stopped laughing and dead in her tracks when Mara appeared in front of them, arms folded across her chest.
"Aunt Mara," exclaimed Jaina, but made sure it didn't sound like nervous surprise at seeing her.
"Mama," Ben exclaimed as he stuck his arms out to his mother, suddenly looking angelic and innocent. He definitely had talent, Jaina mused.
"Don't even think about trying that with me, Ben Skywalker. I know you did that."
"Oh c'mon, Aunt Mara. This is nothing compared to some of the things Jacen and I have done." She hoped desperately that Ben would have the sense not to repeat what she had said about his stunt.
"Jaina," Mara practically growled at her niece.
They were saved when Jag, with Tahiri behind him walked up to them. "Jaina, Master Jade Skywalker, General Antillles has requested an inside meeting." It was code for an urgent Insider's meeting. In mid sentence Mara stopped.
"We will discuss this later, young man," she said sternly to her son. "Lady Winter volunteered to watch Ben during this meeting, Master Mara," added Tahiri.
Mara shook her head at her son's antics and then fixed him with a stern glare. "Be good for Winter. No pranks and no levitation." Ben nodded with appropriate solemnity and walked off down the corridor.
As Mara walked away, most likely to find Luke for the meeting, Jaina turned back to Jag and Tahiri. "Thanks," she said lightly to Tahiri, "I didn't think we were going to get out of that one."
"No problem," Tahiri bantered back, "Sorry it took so long, but I had to get back up." She gestured to Jag. "I didn't think she'd believe me by myself, but Jag has a clean record and it was a good legit excuse.'
"So there really is a meeting," Jaina asked suddenly serious, now that the war was intruding again.
"Yes," answered Jag, "Uncle Wedge has received some new intell. He called together the Insiders because he doesn't want it spread across the galaxy."
________________________________________________________________
Five minutes later, the Insiders all sat in a deserted conference room. Wedge Antilles was as usual leading the proceedings. He glanced around the room nodding and speaking to long time friends and acquaintances.
"Okay," he said at last, addressing the assembly, "I have some news. As you all know, over the past five or six years the Insiders have made steady and significant progress against the Vong. However, the intell we just received has informed us that the priests have given the Supreme Overlord and the Warmaster the gods blessing on their next campaign. The bad news: This push is all out and massive. The sheer numbers and firepower is overwhelming. All the best tactical minds are behind this and they are desperate." He looked out at the faces of the people around him and he was proud to see the determined looks on their faces.
None of them were so foolhardy and naïve as to think they could all come out of this or even succeed against this, but they were all determined to do whatever was necessary to resist. "The good news," he continued his tone of voice not one bit lighter "is that the Vong are investing nearly all of their resources in this, holding nothing back. If they fail, they have nothing left in reserve and we can use the failure to cause internal strife between the politicians, priests and various sects. We know about this in advance, people. We have a chance to subtly prepare and influence their plans to suit us."
He paused and let everyone have a moment to allow it to sink in before he said, "Questions?"
"What's the time frame on this," Jaina asked.
It was nothing less than he would expect of her. She was a cold and calculating tactical planner who still managed to hang on to the creativity and flexibility necessary for a good strategist.
"About four months," he replied, "from what our contacts have told us, the preliminary stages will start in three months and the final stages of their offensive will take place in the fourth."
"Have we developed a plan to counter theirs? Do we have the numbers and weapons to counter this? Will our allies be a part of this fight?"
The questions and their answers were tossed back and forth for hours, as they struggled to save what they had worked so hard for, desperately hoping that all of their efforts to save the cultures and lifestyles they had worked so hard to preserve would not be in vain.
Author's notes: !SEVENTY REVIEWS! You guys are awesome! Well this chapter pretty much set the rest of the story up. I hope you guys liked it and I'm sorry it took me so long to get it out. I'll try not to take so long next time.
Lady Leila: I'm glad you like it so much and your wish is finally grant, sorry about the delay.
Sora Kairi: Just the reaction I was hoping for. Jenna was not a name I like at least not for this child I wish just looking for reactions, and thanks for the suggestion, I'll consider it.
Movielover03: I hadn't considered that when I chose the name, but that's true. I promise I won't use it and I'll try to keep the shocks coming.
Mara.Jade: Don't worry I won't be using Hannah either, I really stuck that in their as a joke. Kids get stuck with some horrible names and personally I think it would be horrible to get named Hannah if your father was Han Solo.
Jedimaster-jaina-solo: I'm glad you liked the twist. I wasn't sure how ya'll would react to it. I even thought I might get a few flames off of it.
Trickster: Oh yes they are, one kid at a time. Well hopefully, with those twins who knows?
Firey: I hope you continue to enjoy this. Now on to the story.
Jaina smiled warmly as she watched the proceedings. It wasn't like her to smile like this, but she really couldn't help it. This day was going perfectly so far and it had been a long time since her entire family had gathered together like this without the threat of imminent danger. Her gaze drifted around the large room where the guests were seated to wait for the bride and groom until it fell on her parents.
Leia, resplendent in the flowing white robes she had made famous was now obviously pregnant as she sat beside Han who looked equally brilliant in his dress uniform. Next to Han sat Luke Skywalker, who was for once not wearing Jedi blacks. His son, in a smaller replica of his father's outfit sat tucked in between his parents with mischevious gleam in his eyes that Jaina recognized all too well. She and her brothers had invented it, after all. She made a quick mental note to find out what he was up to after the ceremony. Not to stop him, but to help him, after all if you couldn't count on family who could you count on.
She grimaced as she thought about that. Anakin sure hadn't been able to count on her on Myrk. He was dead because she couldn't take care of herself or her little brother. Jacen had been thinking of Anakin today, too, she knew. He would have no best man standing with him. As he had said to everyone earlier, "Without Anakin standing there no one stands there."
She bit her lips and felt her torn fingernails biting into her palms as tears threatened to spill down onto her face. She flinched when she felt a hand touch her shoulder. She didn't turn around immediately as she began to realize that the only people who would be familiar enough with her to touch her were already seated, or in Jacen's case standing, down below her.
Carefully, not wanting to break contact, she turned around. "Anakin," she whispered the tears now freely flowing down her face as she saw her brother looking as healthy as he had before he was injured.
"Hello, Jaina," he said displaying the eerie calm that had always been his trademark. Now though, it comforted Jaina instead of throwing her off balance.
"I'm so sorry," she whispered wanting to say a thousand other things, but unable to say them.
"It's okay, Jaya," he said, "I'm not here to bring you regret. I'm here to bring you comfort and company on our brother's wedding day and to bring you a message."
"I love you, Anakin. We all miss you," she added not quite sure what to say to him, but wanting above all else to make sure he knew that.
"I know, Jaya," he said using her childhood nickname, "I love you, too. I don't have much time though and my message is important. You already know about your role as the Sword of the Jedi." He smiled almost sadly down at his sister, "The years won't always be kind, sister, but you are essential to the future of the galaxy. The task ahead of you is terrible and a heavy burden, but without you it will all fail. Peace and pain always come together. There must be balance in everything, not just the force. Let the love you feel balance the pain. Find solace in your beloved companion." His smile changed and for an instant he wasn't the serious Jedi, but her goofy little brother. "Tease Jacen for me about Tenel Ka and tell him I love him. Tell Uncle Luke I don't blame him and Aunt Mara thank you for everything. Tell Ben I'm sorry I left him one cousin short and that names don't define a person. Make sure Mom and Dad know I love them."
"What about Tahiri," she asked hoarsely as she cried silently.
"I'll talk to her myself," he said gently, "Now go, Jaina," he whispered. "You'll be fine and so will Jacen. Don't let my sister forget me. I love you."
And with that he faded out of sight. Jaina wasn't quite sure how she managed to make her way down to where she was standing as part of the ceremony. It all went by in a beautiful blur. She just hoped people thought her tears were tears of joy, she didn't want to ruin this for Jacen and Tenel Ka. She was grateful that when the ceremony was over, Jag immediately appeared at her side. As always he seemed to know exactly what she needed. He didn't ask her what was the matter, although he definitely knew something was wrong.
He simply stood there offering silent support. She smiled sadly, what was that Anakin had said, "find comfort in your beloved companion." Well he certainly pegged that one right. Jaina plastered a happy smile on her face as Jacen and Tenel Ka approached. The two couples chatted easily for a while and gently the despair and misery started lifting off of her. She would always miss her youngest brother, but she could remember the happy times, too. He wouldn't hate her for her happiness, especially on days like this one.
She had just finished throwing a few playful verbal jabs at Jacen about Tenel Ka as Anakin had requested when, Jaina felt something in the room change. She looked around the room sureptiously, searching..searching for something...Blonde hair in a corner of the room caught her eye, Tahiri.
Immediately she excused herself from the conversation and made her way over to the young woman. "How are you doing," she asked softly as she stood next to her.
Tahiri looked as paralyzed by grief and misery as she had felt moments ago. "He's really dead, Jaina," she said quietly as if drained of any energy, as if talking was simply too much effort.
"I know," Jaina said, "I know," that was all she could say, nothing could make it better, nothing could change that. A person could either give themselves over to the inevitable death or they could live to the best of their ability. That's all there was to it.
Both women jumped, startled from their private reveries as little Ben Skywalker bounded up to them. At six years old Ben was a cute bundle of mischievous energy. His red-blonde hair was perpetually tousled and his blue-grey eyes glittered with mischief as he grabbed Tahiri's hand. He pulled her down to his level and both girls had to smile at his enthusiasm despite their sorrow.
"Tahiri, Tahiri, look, look." He pointed emphatically and both women exchanged a wary glance. They watched expectantly as Ben practically jumped up and down with excitement.
A pompous senator from an outlying rim world was standing to make his speech. However, the words that blared out over the sound system and the holo that appeared were definitely not what the man was saying.
It was instead a famous if annoying cartoon about a giant purple ewok that Ben just happened to be a major fan of despite the fact that every adult being in the galaxy hated it. As it spun and danced through it's environment, proclaiming in song it's love for other beings, and other beings love for it, Tahiri and Jaina tried to stifle their laughter as they watched everyone in the audience try to hold in their laughter at the senator's expense. Han, Jacen and Wes Janson were turning blue! Jaina didn't care though, all that mattered right then was that Ben had managed to make Tahiri laugh and take her mind off of Anakin for a little while.
Still laughing she grabbed the little boy up into a hug. "Thank you, Ben," she whispered in his ear and she felt more than saw his smile of pride. He practically idealized his cousins. As Jaina looked back out into the amused crowd she forced herself not to flinch or attract attention to them as she saw Mara surveying the room. Evidently she had recognized her son's handiwork.
"Uh, oh," Jaina murmured mostly to herself. Mara on the warpath was not a good thing. "Split and run," she whispered to Tahiri as she gestured to a hallway leading back to the main room. Seeing Mara, the Jedi immediately understood and with a laugh and nod, disappeared down it.
Scooping Ben up in her arms and grimacing at his squeal of delight, Jaina started casually walking away. "Mama's coming," the boy whispered his delight suddenly deflated. Under other circumstances Jaina would have found that amusing too, but there was no telling what kind of mood Mara was in.
"I know," Jaina replied and then sighed. "Next time we have a chance, Ben, remind me to give you a few lessons." She smiled crookedly at her cousin. "The idea was hilarious, but you should have picked a different cartoon. It was like a signature."
Ben nodded his little face, deep in thought as if seriously considering what she had said. The studious look almost made her burst into laughter all over again. However, she stopped laughing and dead in her tracks when Mara appeared in front of them, arms folded across her chest.
"Aunt Mara," exclaimed Jaina, but made sure it didn't sound like nervous surprise at seeing her.
"Mama," Ben exclaimed as he stuck his arms out to his mother, suddenly looking angelic and innocent. He definitely had talent, Jaina mused.
"Don't even think about trying that with me, Ben Skywalker. I know you did that."
"Oh c'mon, Aunt Mara. This is nothing compared to some of the things Jacen and I have done." She hoped desperately that Ben would have the sense not to repeat what she had said about his stunt.
"Jaina," Mara practically growled at her niece.
They were saved when Jag, with Tahiri behind him walked up to them. "Jaina, Master Jade Skywalker, General Antillles has requested an inside meeting." It was code for an urgent Insider's meeting. In mid sentence Mara stopped.
"We will discuss this later, young man," she said sternly to her son. "Lady Winter volunteered to watch Ben during this meeting, Master Mara," added Tahiri.
Mara shook her head at her son's antics and then fixed him with a stern glare. "Be good for Winter. No pranks and no levitation." Ben nodded with appropriate solemnity and walked off down the corridor.
As Mara walked away, most likely to find Luke for the meeting, Jaina turned back to Jag and Tahiri. "Thanks," she said lightly to Tahiri, "I didn't think we were going to get out of that one."
"No problem," Tahiri bantered back, "Sorry it took so long, but I had to get back up." She gestured to Jag. "I didn't think she'd believe me by myself, but Jag has a clean record and it was a good legit excuse.'
"So there really is a meeting," Jaina asked suddenly serious, now that the war was intruding again.
"Yes," answered Jag, "Uncle Wedge has received some new intell. He called together the Insiders because he doesn't want it spread across the galaxy."
________________________________________________________________
Five minutes later, the Insiders all sat in a deserted conference room. Wedge Antilles was as usual leading the proceedings. He glanced around the room nodding and speaking to long time friends and acquaintances.
"Okay," he said at last, addressing the assembly, "I have some news. As you all know, over the past five or six years the Insiders have made steady and significant progress against the Vong. However, the intell we just received has informed us that the priests have given the Supreme Overlord and the Warmaster the gods blessing on their next campaign. The bad news: This push is all out and massive. The sheer numbers and firepower is overwhelming. All the best tactical minds are behind this and they are desperate." He looked out at the faces of the people around him and he was proud to see the determined looks on their faces.
None of them were so foolhardy and naïve as to think they could all come out of this or even succeed against this, but they were all determined to do whatever was necessary to resist. "The good news," he continued his tone of voice not one bit lighter "is that the Vong are investing nearly all of their resources in this, holding nothing back. If they fail, they have nothing left in reserve and we can use the failure to cause internal strife between the politicians, priests and various sects. We know about this in advance, people. We have a chance to subtly prepare and influence their plans to suit us."
He paused and let everyone have a moment to allow it to sink in before he said, "Questions?"
"What's the time frame on this," Jaina asked.
It was nothing less than he would expect of her. She was a cold and calculating tactical planner who still managed to hang on to the creativity and flexibility necessary for a good strategist.
"About four months," he replied, "from what our contacts have told us, the preliminary stages will start in three months and the final stages of their offensive will take place in the fourth."
"Have we developed a plan to counter theirs? Do we have the numbers and weapons to counter this? Will our allies be a part of this fight?"
The questions and their answers were tossed back and forth for hours, as they struggled to save what they had worked so hard for, desperately hoping that all of their efforts to save the cultures and lifestyles they had worked so hard to preserve would not be in vain.