A/N - Hmm, I've decided that I suck at writing summaries. I tried to write a new one and I think I failed miserably. Maybe I should just stick with writing the story and one day when I am rich and famous (if that ever happens) I can hire someone else to write the summaries for my books. My chapters also seem rather short, as observed by someone I know in the real world. Oh well, one section of the story at a time, be it short or long. Anyway, there is a random thought for you and here is some more of Keilana's story. Watch as the plot thickens and things happens. *rolls eyes* How eloquent. Anywho, here is more. Read [please].
Oh yes, here is a quick disclaimer as well. is owned by Creed and not me. Their lyrics, not mine.
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Beautiful
Standing at the front of a room full of Jedi, it was Luke Skywalker who first voiced the question on most everybody's mind, Where is my nephew Jacen Solo?
The room broke out into soft murmurs as the question was finally asked and everybody seemed to have a different thought on where the young Jedi might have been.
He could be asleep
No, he wouldn't do that
In the shower
He could be meditating
Joy riding
It took Luke several minutes to quite the room down and, folding his hands together behind his back, he looked out over the room with those piercing blue eyes of his. Seriously, does anybody actually know where Jacen is?
With an indignant snort, Jaina rose and looked up at her uncle. I have an idea.
Go ahead.
He's with your new and precious student, Uncle. Or, at least he was last time I checked. Jaina's voice reached the corners of the room and it was obvious to all that she was not happy in the least bit. She came to his room earlier today and whisked him off under the now obvious lie that you said he would accompany her.
More murmurs started the moment Jaina paused and new theories started to circulate through the room. Most of the ideas escaping the lips of Jacen's young, and male, comrades were of the indecent sort and a mild chuckling started from many. Jaina rose her brow as the nearest young man voiced one of these thoughts before realising she was near. However, she did not move to stop the conversation of the two young men just in front of her. Rather, Jaina started to eavesdrop slightly as Luke attempted to regain order.
You've seen Key, haven't you, Zekk? Jaina recognized the voice, and face, as Raynar Thul's.
Damn straight I have, Zekk replied with a slight laugh. And if I were Jacen, I'd disappear with her too. Quite a piece of eye candy, that one is.
Jaina could almost sense the grin that spread across Raynar's face as strongly as she saw it with her eyes. Eye candy? Shit, I'd say she's a bit more than that.
I know what you mean. Zekk began to laugh and Jaina did not quite understand the implication. However, after thinking it through for half a moment, she was not quite sure she actually wanted to know what they were talking about.
I hear Ganner's the real lucky one, though, Zekk continued.
Oh? How so?
You know when he saved her, correct?
Raynar's eyebrows shot up as he leaned a bit closer to Zekk.
Word is she was wearing a ripped up white outfit.
He found her in her shower, dumbass. Zekk smacked Rayner on the side of the head a bit harder than he meant to.
Raynar's grin and eyes widened as Luke was finally able to gain order once again. Turning to Jaina he gestured with his hand for her to continue.
Nodding her thanks, and kicking Zekk's chair to show she had heard what he had said, Jaina continued.
I know many of you think that there are other reason's behind his disappearance, she paused to glare at Zekk and Rayner, who both blushed slightly, before continuing. But it is hard to believe Jacen would give in to that sort of a thing. Like I said earlier, she showed up with a request and false permission that he could accompany her.
Accompany her where, Jaina? Luke raised his brow.
To her ship to get her clothes. This provoked several more chuckles from the young men before a glare from the older Jedi could silence them. She said that she would tell you that he was available to go and then disappeared down the hall. She supposedly went off to tell you that Jacen agreed to go along with her. Jaina did all she could to not sneer in disgust. I haven't seen either of them since he left me in his room.
The Jedi Master nodded slowly.
Yes, I did see her and she said she was going to make a quick run to her ship. I didn't see any fault in it so I let her go, though her continuous disappearances are starting to become slightly peculiar. He paused. When she ran into me, Key did not say a thing about bringing Jacen along, however. Pausing for a moment longer to look at Jaina, Luke continued. I would have liked someone to go with Key to at least watch over her, but I did not voice my opinion. It's almost seems as if she anticipated a request I never actually made, which is quite odd indeed.
So you did see her? Jaina rose her brow slightly. And she never mentioned a thing about bringing my brother along? Well, at least she is smart enough to not lie to you, Uncle.
Did she actually, openly lie to you? Luke pushed slightly and Jaina could not believe her ears. Was her uncle actually standing up for Keilana? Jaina pursed her lips as she attempted to control her anger and disbelief.
She did, Uncle Luke.
And Jacen followed her?
Without a second thought.
This came from Ganner Rhysode who was located on the opposite side of the room. The Jedi between the handsome man and Jaina parted as Ganner started to walk forward, his black robes swirling around his feet as he moved. With one hand stroking the stubble on his chin, the older Jedi looked down at Jaina with a slightly raised brow. Because it doesn't sound like a thing she would do.
'Doesn't sound like a thing she would do'? Both of Jaina's eyebrows rose as did her voice. You don't know who, or what, that woman is, Ganner. You found her in a bar for the god's sake. For all you know she could be a whore or even an assassin here to collect a bounty on one of us. The Jedi have many enemies, Ganner, and I'm sure the Peace Brigade would be very happy to turn us over to the Yuuzhan Vong.
A stern look from her uncle quieted Jaina down but her disgust rolled off of her in a single, heavy wave before she could get control over her emotions. Ganner did not have any words to counter those of Jaina, for her knew them to be true. However, not wanting to lose, Ganner continued.
Yes, she could be those things, Jaina, but what has she done to make us think her untrustworthy? Nothing. Ganner let the words hang in the air for a moment before continuing. Several other Jedi nodded even though they had never met Keilana. Luke's face remained stoic as he watched on and Jaina was in absolute disbelief over the actions of her Uncle. When he did continue, Ganner leaned very close to Jaina so only she could hear his next words. I sense jealousy in you, Jaina. You do not want to lose your brother to a woman you do not know or trust. He is taken by her, that much is clear just in the way you speak of them both. You cannot hold on to your brother forever, Jaina.
But I can protect him from scum, Jaina snarled back, her voice just as low as Ganner's. And it is obvious that somebody else is taken by Key as well.
Ganner continued as if he had not heard what Jaina had said about him. He is a big boy now, Jaina, and you cannot keep him on a leash forever.
Before Jaina could respond, Luke held up a hand and began to speak. That still does not answer the question.
You want an answer, Uncle? Jaina turned to Luke. Pressing her lips together for a moment, Jaina sighed. I don't know where he is except that he is with her.
Hey, Kid, take the controls for a moment, will ya? Keilana looked over at Jacen and ducked beneath the speeder in front of them. Tearing his eyes from the passing buildings, Jacen gave Keilana a wide-eyed stare.
Excuse me?
Like I said, take the controls for a moment, Keilana said as she lifted her hands from the twin sticks. Jacen reached across her quickly as the speeder started into a nose dive and steadied them out.
With a wide smile across her face, Keilana reached into the one of many pockets on her left sleeve and pulled forth a piece of string. Jacen could not turn to watch her and did not truly realize how close they actually were until she rose her arms behind her head and started to pull her hair back. Something soft hit Jacen in the back of the head and it took him a moment to realize what it was. Once he did, however, his cheeks and ears turned a deep red as he bit down on his lower lip. Laughing, Keilana looked down at him as she started to tie most of her short hair into a tail high on the back of her skull.
Don't get very close to women, do we, Solo?
No, not usually, Jacen said, his cheeks still red, as Keilana took the controls once more. Risking a quick glance at Keilana, his stomach tightened once again and he forced himself to look away. If Keilana noticed the new wide-eyed stare, she did not say a thing about it.
After several moments of silence, Keilana pulled out of the main traffic flow and started to slow down as she approached a tall and glimmering building. Jacen glanced at Keilana as if asking her what she was doing. However, he did not have to verbalize his question because she quickly stopped and parked in a tiny parking lot outside a tiny business about fifty stories up. A small sign in the window identified the business as Typhera's Caf Bar.
Jacen leapt out of the speeder and caught up to Keilana as she entered the nearly overcrowded bar. He did not notice, at first, how people seemed to move out of Keilana's way as she walked toward the front of the bar. Not able to sense any use of the Force from Keilana, Jacen looked after her with interest. Even the small Chadra-Fan behind the counter seemed to slightly cower from Keilana.
What can I get you, Ma'am? The Chadra-Fan's nose twittered about as Keilana leaned forward. The leather jacket Keilana wore settled around her calf muscles and Jacen watched the others in the bar. As far as he could tell, Keilana visited this place often enough to cause these people to recognize her. It was also obvious that she was a person they had come to fear slightly, if not more.
This made Jacen think, and he did so very quietly.
I'll have a large caf with chocolate, cream, and four shots. Keilana said as she pulled out a few credits from some hidden pouch. Jacen noticed a sign on the counter that warned customers that they could not order more than three shots in a single drink. However, the small alien behind the counter quickly started to make Keilana's drink exactly as requested, four shots and all.
More questions rose to Jacen's mind, but they were quickly chased away when Keilana looked back at him with her large, dark eyes.
Would you like anything, Jacen? My treat.
His voice hit a falsetto and Keilana chuckled. Blushing once again, Jacen cleared his throat and shook his head. No. Thank you.
Are you sure? Keilana seemed to be pleading Jacen, which he found odd.
Yes, I'm sure.
Okay, your choice, Keilana shrugged as she turned back to the server. Pointing at a case full of different pastries and breads, Keilana said something to the Chadra-Fan that Jacen could not catch. The small alien nodded and pulled out two sugary rolls and a muffin. Smiling, Keilana paid for her food. The Chadra-Fan tried to give Keilana her change, which was a considerable amount of money, but Keilana just shook her head and told her to keep it. With a wide and gracious smile, the small female pocketed the money and turned to the next in line.
How much did you give her? Jacen asked as Keilana flanked him.
Keilana looked at the taller young man over the top of her cup. Oh, twenty credits or so.
Twenty? Why give her so much? Jacen opened the door for Keilana who nodded her thanks and walked directly to the speeder.
Keilana opened the door and climbed in before answering Jacen and it almost seemed as if she were trying to think of an appropriate answer. After another moment, Keilana looked up at Jacen, who was still standing outside the speeder and she shrugged. I've got plenty of money and she did me a favor.
You mean by giving you an extra shot?
So you noticed? Keilana put the bag of food next to her as she strapped herself in. Jacen nodded as he climbed in next to her and fastened his own crash webbing.
Yeah, I did. Jacen looked at Keilana. Four shots?
What's it to you? Keilana's cheek twitched as she looked behind her to pull the speeder away from the building.
Isn't it a little much?
Not really. It just gives an extra little jolt to the drink, Keilana paused as she accelerated to join the flow of traffic once again. But the reason it's illegal is because people believe more than three shots give off an effect much like certain drugs.
Jacen's question was drowned out as music suddenly blared out of the speakers. Keilana pulled back her hand from the button and looked at Jacen and furrowed her brow in question.
Shaking his head, Jacen looked forward and crossed his arms across his chest. He did not like how Keilana was acting for it started to raise suspicions in his mind. However, he quickly chased the thoughts away because they just did not seem to make any sense.
It's not like she's a hardened criminal, Jacen, he told himself. You'd be able to sense that in her if she was. Then again, she could be very good at disguising who she is
Jacen's thought were cut off as Keilana suddenly turned up the music to nearly ear splitting levels. Surprised once again, and cursing himself for possibly thinking too loud, Jacen turned to look at Keilana. A large grin appeared on her face and it was obvious she liked the song.
She wears a coat of color
Loved by some, feared by others
She's immortalized in young man's eyes.
Lust she breeds in the eyes of brothers...
Keilana was moving her head in time with the music that seemed to speed up her pace with the speeder. Jacen put one hand over his left ear and turned to look out over the city they were quickly passing through. Despite his attempt to block out the music, the shear level of it continued to pound the lyrics into his head.
In your mind she's your companion
Vile instincts often candid
Your regret is all that's left.
As the song ended, Jacen noticed Keilana turn the music down a few notches. He breathed a quick sigh of relief to be able to hear again, despite the ringing in his ears. Keilana, on the other hand, was all grins as she glanced over at Jacen.
Not your preference of music, I take it? Keilana laughed as she pulled out of the traffic and toward the Jedi Temple.
No, not really. Jacen replied. He did not quite understand how people could listen to music that assaulted the ears as much as that song had his.
Ahh, c'mon, Jacen. That song wasn't that bad. It was actually mild compared to some of the music I listen too. Keilana looked at Jacen with raised brows.
Yeah, mild, Keilana nodded once as she parked the speeder in the Temple's hanger. Well, we're back and Holy shit.
Jacen looked at Keilana, only slightly surprised with her language and then to where her gaze was locked. At the door of the hanger stood Luke Skywalker, Jaina Solo, and Ganner Rhysode. Jaina was obviously upset about something and the other two seemed to have impartial looks on their faces. It took Jacen a moment to figure out why Keilana seemed so uncomfortable.
Turning back to the woman, Jacen poised his mouth to say something but never got the chance for Keilana brushed right past him. He looked after her in slight disbelief and stared for a moment longer than he intended. Was she intentionally jutting her hips this way and that? Jacen blinked and shook his head as he started after the bounty hunter.
Good day, Master Skywalker, Ganner, Keilana turned to Jaina and rose her brow slightly.
Jaina scowled back and gave Keilana a leery expression. She opened her mouth to say something, as her brother had, but Keilana was quicker.
For what reason do I have the pleasure of this greeting party? Keilana turned her gaze to the scarred and undeniably handsome Jedi. Ganner motioned with his head to Luke and Keilana instantly looked that way.
Because you lied, Jaina got in before her uncle could start talking. Because you told my brother and me that you were going to talk to Uncle Luke, and that you got his permission, about bringing Jacen along with you.
Keilana pursed her lips and shot a laser bolt glance at Jaina. Opening her mouth to put Jaina in her place, Keilana changed her mind at the last moment and turned to the Jedi Master.
I am sorry if you find me at fault, Master Skywalker. Keilana batted her eyes for a moment even though she knew it would not get her anywhere with the Rebellion hero. But I figured that if I got my own clothes I could stop using your wife's clothing. In fact, Keilana paused for a moment and turned to look at the speeder. In fact, I was going to present one of my own outfits, along with enough credits to buy more clothes, to your wife as an apology for ruining one of her outfits.
That doesn't explain the lie you used, Luke said as soon as Keilana stopped talking.
Oh, the lie, that's right, Keilana laughed. Yes, the lie. I knew you wouldn't let me out of the Temple without an escort, seeing as there are obviously people after me. I also wanted to get my clothes and more credits from the ship for a present and apology for Mara Jade. However, I guess I can no longer surprise everybody because I was forced to explain myself.
But why lie, Key? Ganner piped in. Keilana widened her eyes in annoyance as she turned to the handsome young Knight.
Did I not just explain myself, Ganner? I wanted to show a token of my good faith to a woman who so kindly let me borrow her clothes which I ended up ruining. I'm also sorry if I wanted to keep it a secret, kinda like a surprise party, ya know? Keilana's voice slipped into a slight accent which caused her to shut her mouth instantly. Only Jaina seemed to notice the change of her pronunciation, or at least, Jaina was the only one who cared enough to noticeably react. Ganner nodded slowly, his brow slightly raised nonetheless.
Jacen started.
Besides, at least one good thing came out of this, Keilana said, instantly changing the subject. Jacen appeared annoyed by being cut off and was about to start again when Keilana happened to continue talking. Guess who Jacen found out is still alive?
All eyes turned to Jacen and he was forced to answer. Boba Fett.
Boba Fett is still alive? He must be ancient by now, Jaina's mind was completely cleared by the thought of the famous bounty hunter being alive. She did not recognize the smile that blossomed on Keilana's face as the fatal sort of delight at her manipulation, just as the other three did not. Luke gave her a momentary look of wariness, but it too quickly vanished at the thought of his one time foe still breathing and hunting.
Not really, Keilana found herself saying before she could stop herself. All eyes turned to her in shock. Biting the inside of her lower lip, Keilana continued. I mean, if he's too old than he wouldn't be hunting, I'm sure. Just think about it logically. Besides, as I hear it, bounty hunting can be quite a wealth making career Despite it's horridness.
That makes sense, Ganner nodded slowly and Keilana was able to let go of the breath she did not realized she had been holding. Was he hunting, Jacen?
I don't know. The boy shrugged. I just saw him stalk out of the same docking business Key's ship is in.
All eyes turned to Keilana once again and she shrugged. I didn't see him. I was gathering things from my ship. Besides, it's a big docking bay and who knows if he is still flying the same ship I hear he was back during the Empire. Well, she knew.
No, I didn't expect you to know, Luke nodded slowly. It's just interesting.
Very. I personally thought he was dead. The old bastard. But with the Yuuzhan Vong around, people tend to forget the old enemies and menaces.
And what do you mean by that? Jaina shot a hard glance at Keilana. The woman caught it and chose to ignore it.
Not only your family has been effected by bounties and bounty hunters, Jaina. Keilana hardened her voice and forced the emotion of pain to roll off her body. She did not know if the Jedi in front of her could pick apart these forced emotions, but she could hope not.
Jaina said, seeming to believe the forced emotion. She quickly regained herself and stood up a bit straighter. She was shorter than Keilana, so she was forced to tip her chin to look the woman in the eye. I know my family is not the only one to be effected by such things.
You should sympathize with her, Jaina, Ganner said, putting one large hand on Jaina's shoulder. She glared at him for a moment before turning to her uncle.
Uncle Luke, I just remembered some business I have to see to. Sorry about leaving so abruptly. Jaina turned to leave without another word and the remaining four watched after her for until she disappeared. As soon as Jaina was out of sight, Luke said that he had to leave as well and Jacen followed close after him, leaving just Keilana and Ganner in the hanger.
Slowly, Ganner turned to Keilana and caught her gaze. It seems as if you've had a hard day.
You can say that again, Keilana muttered. She held Ganner's blue eyed gaze for a moment longer before turning to back to the speeder and crossing the floor. Reaching inside, Keilana grabbed her clothes bag and the bag of food in one hand and the cup of caf in the other. Sipping the still steaming drink, Keilana walked back to Ganner and dropped her clothes.
Would you like a sticky bun? Keilana asked suddenly, offering the bag to Ganner.
A sticky bun. You know, bread with berries and coated in sugar. Keilana held the bag a bit higher and rose her brow. She sipped her caf again and start to drop her hand, taking the hint that Ganner did not want anything. However, before she could move to far, Ganner reached up and into the bag, pulling forth one of the two buns. Ah, so you are hungry.
More like in the mood for a snack, Ganner corrected as he held up the bun. It's going to go directly to my thighs, he joked, but I'll eat it anyway.
Keilana giggled as she picked up her bag of clothes and started into the Temple proper. With your workout schedule, it's going no where. As for me, the other bun and the muffin are going to go to my thighs.
Not with the training schedule you will pick up in the next couple of weeks, Ganner said as he flanked Keilana. Her only response was a nod that did not involve eye contact.
Later that night, Keilana entered her small room and walked directly to the window. She ached from the first lessons Luke had put her through after her return to the Temple. He had wanted to test her skills and agility before starting her into the basic training.
First things first, he had told her. You must learn to be patient with your learning's for they won't always come as quickly as you might hope. And, with learning patience in your learning, you will, in turn, learn to be patient with life and those around you.
The rest of the day had been spent in lectures from Luke with minor interjections from other Jedi who passed by. She had learned methods of basic meditation and things such as that. Throughout the rest of the day, Keilana had become more aware with those around her and was even able to pick up on feelings of uneasiness from Luke Skywalker. She could also feel the cockiness that rolled from Ganner and the leeriness in each glance from Jaina.
Though she wanted Luke to trust her completely, his reaction to her had been the most pleasing. It had shown that she would have to work to gain his trust and therefore he proved a worthy target.
And a worthy target meant a great deal of money from her employer.
Pushing aside the thick curtain, Keilana looked out at the planet that teemed with life and light. Her room also held a view of the buildings that once been the center of the Old Republic's government.
Of all the rooms I could possibly get, she snorted softly, it had to be one looking directly down Old Politician Row.
Despite the observation, Keilana did not pull back from the window. She wondered where in the city her father had gone off to and if he was thinking about her. He had obviously been torn up about her death. So, what were his thoughts now that Keilana had apparently come back to life? Was he shocked? she wondered. Was he grateful? Or, was he his old, stubborn self who did not seem to give a thought to his only child.
Keilana shook her head free of the whirlwind of thoughts and walked slowly to the fresher. She baulked at the door, images of her wound and the pain coming back to her. Standing in the door for several minutes, it took her that long to force herself inside.
Dammit. Don't go growing soft now. Keilana muttered to herself as she took off the long leather jacket. After hanging it up, she bent to remove the boots from her feet. You have to concentrate and find a way to bring down the all-powerful' Luke Skywalker. She quickly peeled of the cat suit and let her hair down before turning the water in the shower on. Again, Keilana halted. The shower brought back even greater memories of pain. Taking in a deep breath and pushing the fear away, Keilana stepped into the steaming water and proceeded to wash all of the sweat and grime from her lean, fit body.
