Author's note-more reviews would be very very nice. The last 2 chapts, had 108 and 70 hits respectively, but only…… 2 reviews and 1. The first chapter had 1336 hits, some of which are mine, but only 9 reviews?!?! I review 99% of the fics I read, even if 25% of you review that will be nice. Very nice. Later in this chapter the characters say stuff, that many would say is how shall I word this…. Out of character. But there is reasoning behind it. If you really wish to know, ask, and I will tell you. You may not like the lines, but hey, it is only a couple lines.
I am in shock. I have just written about 25 pages. I am not going to put it in one chapter, yes I am. Nevermind. It will end a bit abruptly, but hey guess what just wait until the next posting. Which, I am warning you, will go back to my school year length. (Most probably) of 4-5 pgs a chapter. PLEASE REVIEW!!!! It isn't that much to ask. Take max. 30 seconds. Even just say: I liked. I hated.
Happy Anniversary to this story. 8/23/02. Yes, this story has been up for a year now. And only 66 reviews? (the most reviews I have on any story.) But still.
Thank you to all those of you who do review. I appreciate it.
Jaina smiled wistfully. Her family was fine, in fact, when she got back her family life would be even better. "This audience is dismissed." Jonathan said regally.
As if on cue Thayet started to rise along with Jonathan, then all the courtiers followed suit.
"That was an eventful day." Geoffrey commented.
"Too eventful." Jaina said, sourly.
Geoffrey laughed. "Get some sleep, Squire."
"Aye aye." She said, saluting.
"Get some sleep Squire." He repeated.
Jaina went to her room and fell asleep almost immediately. Sparring really wears you out, she thought wryly.
The next morning she noticed that everyone, especially the servants, were avoiding her. She sighed noisily. "This is going to be a long week." She said to herself.
Geoffrey had given her the morning off because there was another King's council meeting. She met her friends at the practice courts. "Jaina, you were awesome yesterday." Owen said. "It was a jolly fight."
Jaina made a face. "Anyone want to practice." She asked, tying back her long brown hair again.
Roald came forward. "Ready." He said.
"I would've been so much better if I had more training." She said to her friends. "But nooo, they must send me into combat before I have even trained in the weapon for more then one full year." She ranted.
She noticed everyone staring at her. "What?" Jaina asked. "Don't you guys start it to."
"Start what?" Owen asked.
"Looking at me weirdly. Or like I am something special. You guys should know that I am not, best of all."
"You are special." Roald said.
Jaina rolled her eyes. "If I am so special, why am I such a disappointment." She mumbled.
"What?" Owen asked.
"Never mind." Jaina said. She tried to wipe the expression that came over her face away.
Kel caught it before it did, though. She knew this wasn't the time to talk about it. Later, when they were taking a water break, she went up to Jaina. "Spill." She commanded.
"I have no idea what you are talking about."
"Yeah, and I am a Lady of the Court."
"I don't want to talk about it." Jaina said, slowly, so Kel would understand then she walked away.
Kel looked up at the Sky. "Mithros help me."
Jaina walked around the palace, calmed herself and came back. To her relief all of her friends were still practicing.
"You started without me." She whined. Then gave her friends a smile they had dubbed the Jaina smile.
Kel smiled at her. "I am leaving tomorrow." Kel said.
"What?" Everyone else yelped.
"Scanra." She said simply.
The groaned. That evening, after all of their respective lessons they met for a tear-jerking goodbye session.
The next day at the morning meal it was just Neal, Roald Jaina, Seaver, Merric, and Owen. "Neal, can you believe we will be Knights in just one year? Roald, you will be a knight in 6 months!" Jaina said.
"Just?" Neal drawled. "I feel like I have been in training for an eternity."
" 6 months will pass too quickly for me." Roald said.
"You are crazy." Neal said.
"Not all of us feel ready to be Knights, Neal." Roald said.
"Yes, but this crazy madhouse that they call training is worse then going out onto the field unprepared. Lady Alanna makes me research everything, three times over. Practice everything, 20 times over." Neal said.
"Change of topic." Jaina said, seeing that this was getting to be a straining conversation.
"Cleon definitely… has a thing for Kel." Neal said, smirking.
"What gave you that idea?" Jaina said, innocently, not letting on that she suspected the same.
They discussed it, and what do about it for awhile. They reached the conclusion Jaina had, to let the love grow on its on, and just support their friends if they needed it.
Jaina rushed back to her rooms. She almost missed the fact that other people were in Geoffrey's rooms. (The connecting door was generally left open.)
When she noticed she walked in with decorum and grace. She waited right outside the connecting door. "Jaina." He greeted her, when he saw her. "Listen, will you go get the liquor service?"
Jaina bowed. "With pleasure." She murmured.
She quickly went and served out the liquor. She then bowed and went to her room to wait for Geoffrey to call her. She quietly studied.
Geoffrey called for her half a bell later. "Shall we study?" He asked, grinning.
Later, Geoffrey and Jaina were assigned to ride around Tortall, doing random and general checks of villages. They had been given many Royal Writs that basically entitled them to legally work with their intuition and check into what ever they needed to.
Three months later- Geoffrey came riding back to the little camp they had made. "Well, we are going to be seeing the 3rd Company today."
"What?" Jaina asked, knowing Geoffrey didn't mind being asked questions.
"Well, Jon just told me that Raoul was in the area. Then I contacted Raoul and he said that we both should take the day off, so we can meet and our squires can too. The rest of the 3rd Company, under Captain Flyndan will do our rounds for the day. Our first real day off in three months, how does that sound?"
"It sounds wonderful." Jaina said, putting their meal on the 'table'.
"You say that with so much emotion." Geoffrey said.
"It sounds wonderful." Jaina said, animatedly.
Geoffrey laughed. "Much better."
Jaina and Kel exchanged hugs once they were alone. "You are going to laugh, but…." Kel said, later blushing slightly.
"What?" Jaina said, a suspicion beginning to form in her mind.
"Cleon and I… are together."
Jaina smiled, score, she thought. "Congratulations." She said. "I don't like saying this too often, but I will say it this once. TOLD YA SO."
Kel laughed. "That you did."
"How does it feel?" Jaina asked.
"Like I am walking on water, floating in the air." Kel said. "Wonderful. But-"
Jaina had been smiling through it, the 'but' brought her to reality.
"But what?"
Kel sighed. "There are so many obstacles
in our way."
"Like there weren't in Roald and
mine? We are from different gala… I mean worlds, shouldn't that be the biggest
obstacle of them all?" Jaina said.
"Alanna told me something that really helped. 'There are obstacles in life, but that doesn't make us stop living, does it? Well, when we don't stop living because of obstacles, why should we stop loving?'" (AN-Yes, it is a quote from Mohabbattein, I thought it expressed the idea exceptionally well.)
Kel laughed. "How are things with you are Roald?"
Jaina shrugged. "Knight's training is really annoying in that I haven't been able to talk with him for awhile. We have been communicating by letter whenever possible. That is hard because the checks are supposed to be surprise and random, and if a letter comes in for me before I arrive… well, the check won't be a surprise anymore. But whenever we are going to be in a town for more then one day he writes back. I am glad we are going to be here for a couple of days, hopefully I will get a letter."
Jaina and Kel talked about love for awhile, then Geoffrey and Raoul came in. "Do you two plan to eat any time this year?" Raoul asked.
"Sorry." Kel and Jaina said together.
"Where are you going?" Geoffrey asked as they went into the wood.
"Going to get wood to cook on." Jaina said, confused.
"We took care of that." Geoffrey said.
"But that is our responsibility." Jaina said, dismayed.
"So we did it for one meal." Geoffrey said, waving his hand dismissively.
Jaina and Kel insisted on picking up after the meal, though. It went pretty quickly between the two of them. Geoffrey and Raoul gave them communication necklaces. "We had some spares." Raoul mentioned. "This way you guys can wander."
"Just remember." Geoffrey cautioned. "Call us at the first sign of trouble, even if you think you will be able to handle it."
"Sure." Jaina and Kel said.
"Swear it." Geoffrey said.
They did and they wandered around the area, it truly was beautiful.
The next day. Jaina and Geoffrey went patrolling, Myles had found out that some gangsters and bandits had their headquarters here.
It is sad, Jaina thought, that such a beautiful place could be the headquarters of such crime.
The patrol was uneventful, though, and when they got back Kel was waiting, package in hand for Jaina. "A letter." She said, a trace of mischief showing through on her face.
She tucked it in her belt, and opened it only after she finished her evening chores. When she had, she sat alone by the river (she had a horn with her in case of trouble, and of course her Force sense.) and opened the package. She found a wrapped bundle, which she put aside while she ripped open the letter. She squealed with joy, the letter was pretty long. Dearest Jaina,
I miss you so. The date for the ordeal nears too quickly. I find myself shaking at nights. The day I take the ordeal is the day I either die, or take the mantle of adulthood and accept the full responsibility of the Royal Heir. I am not sure I am ready for this yet. I am still inexperienced. Father has taught me a lot, but I fear that even that isn't enough. I am so scared, Jaina…the beginning of the paragraph read. He ended the paragraph with. You are always able to lighten this burden, to placate my fears. You are my strength, please say you will be back before I take my Ordeal. Please.
"Of course I will." Jaina whispered, wishing she could reach out and stroke his cheek and stroke away his fears.
Things in Corus are going pretty well. One miracle has happened, because of the trial and the fine Duke Turomount gave them, the Stone Mountains have been quiet. Which means Father has been able to work on a lot of legislation… father and mother are still working on the Kidnapping law…the next page began. The letter ended with.
I love you, Jaina, now and forever, I am yours.
Love, love, love, love, and even more love,
Roald.
She let the warm glow of the letter envelope her for a few minutes before she snapped back to reality. She looked around her and realized how late it was. She decided to unwrap the package, and start a reply the next day. Since they were staying here until they weeded out the gangsters she would most probably have some free time soon. (3rd Company was staying as well, because Myles had discovered that the group was pretty big.)
The next day was uneventful, as well. It looked like this was going to be a long operation, the Gangsters were lying low in hopes that Jaina, Geoffrey, and the 3rd Company, or at least the 3rd Company would get impatient and leave. This meant that Jaina had time to unwrap the package. It was a beautiful headband, but on inspection she noticed that it was also was a lock-picking device. A note attached said – I saw this at the market and I just had to get it. I know you have always wanted one of these, and it could (I hope not, but it probably will) come in handy. –R.
Jaina started her reply to Roald.
She dipped her pen in ink. Dearest Roald,
Don't be afraid you are the best. You will succeed at whatever you do because you do it wholeheartedly. I will always be there for you. The ordeal is nothing but something to induce fear. Remember, all there is to fear is fear itself (AN-thanks FDR). She began.
She was so intent on writing her letter that she didn't notice when Kel came and sat by her and she jumped a mile when Kel said "hi."
"Hi." Jaina said, calming her racing heart. Boy Solo, are you slipping. What if she had been a darksider, or even just a regular 'bad guy' you would've been a dead girl then.
"This is so sweet." Kel said, teasing Jaina.
Jaina slapped the paper from Kel's hand, and was dismayed as it got a tear in it. I forgot this…Paper… isn't as strong as our datapad.
Jaina packed away the letter in mock anger. "I guess I will have to finish this later, away from prying eyes." She said, keeping the act up.
"I guess you will." Kel said, teasingly. "No seriously," Kel said, seriously, "how is Roald doing?"
"He is doing well." Jaina said, fudging the truth. "Just trying to get ready for the Ordeal."
"Ah." Kel said.
A week later they drew one of the organizations out and arrested the ringleaders after a semi-bloody battle. After that all the gangsters either tried to run or came out to fight. "I can't believe only one of the groups surrendered." Jaina growled, "How can people be so dumb?"
Before Kel could say anything Jaina answered her own question, with a slight roll of her eyes. "Because we as humans are programmed to fight until the end even in insurmountable odds." Jaina said, unconsciously repeating what her father had said.
"Quite true." Kel said. "But stop the musing, it can't do anything for you except give you a headache."
Jaina grinned. "Uncle Luke would disagree."
Kel said. "Well, he and Myles would have fun then."
"Definitely." Jaina hoped that they would get a chance to have a heart-to-heart. They would have so much fun; Jaina suspected Uncle Chewie would have to help drag them apart.
Jaina and Kel talked for awhile, but then they decided to go to bed. It had been a long day and the next day both Jaina and Kel were riding their respective ways
Jaina and Geoffrey reached the palace a little before Midwinter. "Jaina, you go start washing up. I will go see what Jon wants to do."
Jaina had been around politics enough to know that he meant, how Jon wants to conduct the debriefing.
An hour later Jon, Geoffrey, Myles, Alanna, and Raoul were talking about what they encountered on their trip. The debriefing went well into the night. When it was finally over Jon said. "I don't want any of you waking up until the midday bell. That is a royal command." He grinned. (AN-The make-up w/ Alanna lightened him up to how he was before. "Seriously, you all did awesome work for me. And that is my way of expressing thanks."
"Ok, you all I guess we will have to sleep in. We don't want to be in trouble for disobeying a royal command." Raoul said grinning.
"Oh, disobeying a royal command is easy." Alanna grinned. "You know that as well as I do."
"Oh ya?" Jon asked playfully.
"Yeah." Alanna challenged. "Whatcha going to do about it?"
Jon and Alanna mock fought each other. Geoffrey nudged Jaina. "It is going to be a long day if you don't move." He whispered.
As she moved out of the room, she noticed that everyone else was doing the same. "Let's go see if the kitchens have any food left." Geoffrey said.
Jaina knew that was a subtle cue. She moved fast, even though she was exhausted to the core. She brought back some hot drinks and pastries. "Thanks." The Knights all said, as they lounged in Myles' room.
An hour later they bid each other Goddess bless and went to sleep. "You heard the King, no need to get up early."
And Jaina didn't. She slept far into the morning. She only woke up when she sensed someone waiting for her to get up. It was Roald. She pulled a gown from the chest next to her bed quickly. (They are the quickest things to wear.) (AN-by gown I am mean dress)
He was waiting in the hall outside her room, apparently Geoffrey was still asleep. She opened the door. She ushered him in. (Geoffrey had given her permission, after seeing that the two of them were trustworthy, to be in the same room with the door closed, provided there was a reason the connecting door couldn't be open.)
"I missed you." They said together looking in each other's eyes.
"How was riding the kingdom on Patrols?" Roald asked.
"More fun then people give it credit for."
"Really?" Roald asked.
"Yes." Jaina said. "Riding is a lot of fun, and this is one of the least stressful things to do because all you have to do is keep your eyes open. Yes, at times it got stressful, lonely, and annoying, but then doesn't everything."
Roald shrugged. "I guess so."
"How has life at the Palace been?"
"Nerve racking." Roald said. "I can't stop thinking about the ordeal… the shame it would cause the Conte family line, Lord Imrah, Tortall, and just… everyone."
"Roald, you won't fail." Jaina said, firmly.
Roald gave Jaina a hug. "Thanks for your faith in me. I hope it isn't misplaced."
"It isn't." Jaina said.
Jaina let Roald talk about his fears about the Ordeal for a while, seeing that he needed to talk about it. Then the bell rang and Roald had to go to his classes. "Take care." Jaina said. "Try not to think about it too much."
"I will try." Roald said. "Thanks for listening."
"It wasn't a problem. Thanks for listening."
For both Jaina and Roald, the night of his ordeal came to quickly. "Jaina, drink this." Kel said, pressing a drink into her hand.
"And breathe." Neal added. "Like you have been telling Roald for so long, he will be fine. Lord Imrah is a great teacher, Roald is very strong."
Kel drew Neal from the room. "We need to get her mind off of Roald's ordeal, not put it on it."
"How are we supposed to do that?" Neal said.
An idea struck Kel. "I have got it." She said. "I will be right back."
She raced off and brought back a glaive. "Hey, Jaina, you have been pestering me to teach you how to use one of these. Now is your turn."
Neal watched as that drew Jaina a bit out of her worries and muttered something suspiciously like. "Warrior Stoics."
Kel kept Jaina occupied with the glaive all night, but a bell before dawn all three of them went to hold a vigil outside Roald's door. He appeared soon, weary, and a bit frightened but otherwise fine. Jaina gave him a huge hug. "See, you made it. I am so proud of you… Sir Roald." Jaina said.
Jonathan and Thayet were right behind her. After Kel, Neal, Owen, Seaver, Merric, and Cleon had congratulated him they wrapped a blanket around Roald and took him to the Royal Suites.
That evening Jaina dressed up, and put her best uniform and made sure it was ironed neatly.
She proudly sat by Geoffrey and watched as Roald was Knighted. "I know dub thee Sir Roald." Jonathan said, touching Roald's shoulders with the ceremonial sword.
Thayet came forward with a shield. It is beautiful, Jaina thought, all covered with the Conte crest and colorful.
He put it on his arm and turned around. Everyone, including… especially Jaina stood up and cheered.
Later, Jaina, Kel, Neal, Thayet, Jon, Kally, and Alanna were in the Royal Suites with Roald. "I can't believe I did it." He said, amazed.
"Told you so." Jaina said, emphasizing each word.
Everyone laughed. They all hung out for a while, celebrating Roald's Knighthood, but then like all good things it had to end. "We have to get to bed." Jaina said.
"Yeah, not all of us are done with this mad house yet." Neal said.
"Only 6 more months." Kel said.
"You aren't enjoying yourself?" Alanna, Neal's Knight'master' said, her tone mellifluous. (AN-Can you tell someone is trying to study for their SAT?)
Neal pretended to have not heard the question as everyone else laughed. Jaina said her goodbyes and they left. She tried not to notice the look Kel gave Jon; it was a look of confusion. She still couldn't figure him out.
Raoul had something wise to Jaina, he had told her that Kel should work out her dislike of Jon on her own otherwise she'd always have lingering doubts.
It was very hard for Jaina, though, to not say anything to her. Jonathan was a nice man, but like any ruler he had had to make compromises so that the entire country could run efficiently. It was almost impossible for a ruler to be able to be efficient and affect moral change at the same time without compromising. Unfortunately one of the compromises Jon had had to make was at Kel's expense.
"Come on." Jaina said, gently after a moment, putting her arm around Kel's shoulder. "We need to get to bed. It is going to be a long 6 months. We all love our Knightmasters dearly, but still it is going to be very hard to try and wait for Knighthood." Jaina didn't add that she thought that once she passed that hurdle it would be a lot easier for her to get home. She had a feeling the Force wanted her to be Knighted in both galaxies.
Kel let Jaina lead her away. Jaina was right, the next 6 months almost felt like an eternity.
Every spare minute they had was spent honing their skills. Poor Roald often was unwittingly the recipient of the cold shoulder, because he had already taken his ordeal so many times his friends had little patience for him and his problems. Even Jaina, who had been trained in patience by the best, Luke Skywalker, and loved Jaina found herself blowing him off at times.
The ordeal order was picked out of a lottery. Neal was first, Jaina was in the middle, and Kel was last. "Good." Neal mumbled. "I will get this over and done with."
"I AM LAST." Kel said, nerves making her voice raw.
"I am in the middle a nice place to be." Jaina said.
Kel, Cleon, Roald, and Jaina were awake all night of Neal's vigil. They hung out in Roald's new quarters in the Royal wing. "The pressure is too much." Cleon said.
"We made it." Roald said. "Neal will too."
"I just hope he will come out okay." Jaina said. "People get seriously injured in the Chamber."
Cleon gave Jaina a withering look. "That isn't helping."
"She was just saying what was on her mind." Roald said, coming to her defense.
"You two stop it." Jaina and Kel said together.
"All of us are very touchy. One of our friends has gone into the chamber. This will happen 3 more times. We can not blow up every time." Jaina said. "When I am in the chamber, I only want to worry about myself, not that my friends' can't control themselves. So behave, is that understood?" Jaina said, again slipping into her mother's tones.
Everyone knew to listen to Jaina when she spoke like this; besides, it was comforting to have someone take charge.
The rest of the night passed with almost no incident. They all went and waited by the chamber's doors at dawn. Roald and Jaina nodded at Alanna who was waiting for her, now former, Squire to come out. Everyone breathed a deep sigh of relief when he finally did come out. Alanna let him hug his friends, then wrapped a blanket firmly around his shoulders and took him away to rest.
That evening Jaina, Roald, Kel, and their other friends cheered loudly as Neal got his shield.
Jaina felt the sweat climb on her more and more as the day approached. It finally arrived. This is it. She said as she went into the ceremonial bath for her instruction. I will either succeed at my mission, (because I can't do anymore on it if I am not a Knight.) or I will fail.
She barely heard her instruction, at the hands of Lord Raul and Lord Imrah. Then she went into the chamber of ordeal.
Well, what do we have here. A Jedi trainee. Hmmm. The granddaughter of Anakin Skywalker…….. otherwise known as Darth Vader, the trainee of the great vaunted Luke Skywalker, hero of the Rebellion and Republic. The daughter of Leia Organa Solo, chief of state, Hero of the Rebellion and Republic, Princess and Heir apparent of Alderaan, Imperial Senator and Han Solo, accomplished Smuggler, former General hero of rebellion and Republic. Who are you? Why are you worthy of the honor of being Knight. Your family has always done better.
She saw a vision of both her brothers being Knighted, Jacen becoming Chief of State, and she herself was a low paid smuggler.
For a moment this defeated her, but then she stood up straight. "So what if I am only a low paid smuggler." She said to herself. "I will be the best smuggler. I will do the best that I can. Besides, the Future is always in motion. I still have time to change it."
Then the vision changed. A person in a stentotarian mask walked forward. It was her. The darksider cackled evilly. "See, now we have fully demonstrated that the dark side is stronger. It is too sad that the FORMER chief of State Organa Solo and her Jedi Master brother decided not to cooperate. Their death was necessary."
I KILL MY MOTHER AND UNCLE!!!!!!!! Wait…… how can I be a lowpaid smuggler, AND a darksider? Unless… being a lowpaid smuggler makes me angry and I turn. Jaina shook her head. Far fetched. A moment of realization dawned on her. You make us face our biggest fears. This way we have already dealt with them, and we can move on with our lives and actually help others.
A voice appeared. "You will do well. Yet you are destined for other things then being simply a Knight of the Realm of Tortall. But as you yourself said, there is free will. You already know your mission in Tortall. I daresay you are far along in accomplishing it. So I will not tell you that again. May Mithros Bless, Sir Jaina Knight of the Realm of Tortall."
With that parting advice she was back on the pavement and the doors to the room of the Ordeal. The door swung open, and she saw Roald, Geoffrey, Kel, Neal, Raoul, Owen, Cleon, Jonathan, Thayet, and others waiting. She greeted all of her friends and let Geoffrey and Roald wrap a blanket around her. She was grateful that they didn't really expect her to make conversation, and were leading her to where she was supposed to go.
They took her back to her room. Roald held Jaina tightly. He smiled at her. He knew from experience that talking wasn't high on the list of things you wanted to do after your ordeal. "Get some sleep." He said dropping a kiss on her forehead.
Kel hugged Jaina, then everyone but Jaina left to go get some sleep. That night Jaina put on her best dress uniform. She walked forward with such grace and regality that would've done her mother proud, she thought. Jonathan gave Jaina a broad smile. He tapped both of her shoulders hard with the flat of her sword, then lightly tapped her head. "I dub thee Sir Jaina Solo, Knight of the Realm of Tortall."
All of Jaina's friends cheered. She was also shocked to see many of the other nobles cheering. A testament to how well your mission is going. A voice came into her head.
She almost forgot she was in public and spoke aloud. "But I haven't done anything spectacular, I have just been mediocre." Jaina said in her brain.
You have been hard working, an excellent fighter, and excellent listener, an excellent student, but best of all is the fact that you aren't amazingly good at everything, though you are amazingly good at a lot of stuff. Does that make sense?
"No." She said frankly.
Lady Alanna should be able to explain this you better then I can. But see, when all the girls, and the entire Realm see you they see someone who is great, but her level of work is attainable. They see openly that a lot of your skill comes from practice. Both you and Kel are REAL.
It still didn't make complete sense to Jaina, and she said so. You will understand.
She rolled her eyes in her head.
But then she noticed that Roald was poking her. He presented her with a shield. It was a lightsaber and sword crossed. She bit her lip so she wouldn't cry. "Thank you, soo much."
Roald just smiled and turned her around so everyone could see her shield.
A cheer went up again.
That evening everyone met in Roald's rooms to celebrate Jaina's Knighting. An hour later a quiet knock came on the door. "Come in." Roald called.
"Jaina, may I speak with you for a moment." Jonathan asked.
"Of course." Jaina said getting up. She excused herself to her friends and stepped out.
"Jaina, I have allotted you rooms in the Royal Wing."
Jaina curtsied. A.k.a move your stuff there now. "May I ask why there."
"Your overriding status is of a Foreign Royal, Princess to be exact. The concept of democracy is a controversial one." Jonathan said.
Jaina gave Jon a smile. "All right. If you point me to it I will take my stuff there."
"The thing about the Royal Wing," Jon whispered conspiratorially, "is that the servants are paid to do everything. And generally they trip over themselves doing things for you. Take my advice, get a servant to move your stuff."
"I have my own strategy." Jaina said, returning the conspiratorial smile. "Thanks for the advice though, it is stored." She tapped her head.
Jaina went to her rooms, bid Geoffrey farewell and started to move her stuff to the room that had Jaina written on it. At least it doesn't say Princess Jaina. But right as she reached the Royal Wing, a servant saw her carrying the stuff and gasped, as if she was scandalous. "Milady no." The man said. "This is our job. Please leave it."
She grudgingly put her stuff down. "Is there any other stuff?" He asked.
"Very little, it is in the room adjoining Sir Geoffrey's."
She went back to Roald's room. "What took you so long?" Neal asked.
"I was told that I was to move to a room in the Royal Wing."
"Ooo Roald." Neal teased.
Roald and Jaina blushed a deep red. "It wasn't me, it was Father." Roald said.
"Sure." Kel said, grinning at the two of them who decidedly were looking at everyone and think except each other.
"What really rankles me is all of you are done, except for me."
"And us." Owen said, indicating himself, Seaver, and Merric.
"Yes, but you are a year younger." Kel said. "All of my friends in my year are done."
"It will be over soon." Jaina said, comfortingly.
And it was, before anyone knew it, it was time for Kel's ordeal and they were all sitting in the same fashion in Roald's room again. "Relax." Roald said to Cleon, Jaina, and Neal (Owen, Merric, et al. had to serve at the Midwinter ball.) "We made it, she will too."
"That does not make it any easier." Cleon snapped, and he continued to pace.
For a moment Jaina considered using Jedi powers to calm Cleon down, but then she decided against it. She decided that Cleon would probably be upset if she did so, and it would be betraying their friendship to do it without his knowledge.
But the night passed and soon it was dawn. They all went and waited for Kel outside the chamber doors.
Kel came out exhausted but unharmed. They let Cleon give her the first hug. Then they all went around her and hugged her excitedly, now all the people in their year were Knights.
That evening Kel was presented with a shield that had the Distaff border on it, the symbol of Lady Knights. Jaina heard Queen Thayet say. "Wear it in good health. Now show the lovely people."
Jaina looked around as she cheered, almost all of the room was standing and cheering as well. She beamed, happy for her friend.
She hugged Kel as Kel walked to her room, to put her shield away before she joined the group in Jaina's room. (They had decided to meet afterwards in Jaina's room instead of Roald's.)
"So, how does it feel?" Jaina asked, Kel.
"Awesome." Kel said. "All my years of work…"
Jaina smiled ruefully, thinking of her own mission. How am I supposed to judge when it is over?
She knew what her Uncle would say. The force will guide you. You will know.
They all chitchatted for a while. But soon everyone left, except for Jaina and Roald. Jaina smiled shyly and Roald smiled back. He took her hand gently. "Did I ever tell you, I love you, Jaina?"
Jaina smiled, she knew he had used her name purposely. "I am always ready to hear it again." She bantered.
"I love you."
Jaina smiled. "I love you too, Roald."
Roald smiled. "How much time do you have to stay up and talk."
"All the time in the world."
Two months later on the way to the Eastern border. "I can't believe they assigned us on border patrol together." Kel said to Jaina.
"I wonder what Alanna is up to."
"What does Lady Alanna have to do with this?"
"I saw her talking to Jon right before we were assigned, and she was smiling rather… enigmatically when I told her about our assignment."
The mission was extremely fun and enlightening. It showed both of them that they had really helped females believe they could be good fighters. All along their journey they saw girls practicing self-defense and fighting techniques. There were people who were skeptical, especially many of the men in army positions. But many of them changed their opinion once they saw how competently Jaina and Kel fought.
Two noble girls even told them they wanted to be Knights, and asked for their advice.
On the way back 6 months later. "That was great." Jaina confided in Kel.
"I know." Kel said.
"All those years of work seem to have paid off." Jaina said. "Obi-Wan was right."
"Obi-Wan? Who and what is he or she."
"Obi-Wan is the Jedi Master who came to me in my dream and told me about my mission." She said, deciding to be honest. "He came to me the day I was Knighted and told me I had completed a huge part of my mission. I didn't believe him, I said I was too ordinary. He said, that that was our biggest asset. I see what he means now."
"That's what Lady Alanna said as well. I didn't believe it when she said it either, but…"
"This mission helped us see it, see how all the girls were inspired. How it was easier for the men to accept us, because we were real, down-to-the ground."
"Jain, one thing, I know you hold back when it comes to physical strength and endurance." Kel said.
Jaina cursed silently. She hadn't wanted anyone to pick that up. "Well, don't forget, Jedi start training a lot earlier then you start here in Tortal. We basically start almost whenever, for now at least. And because my Uncle is the training master…"
"So, if the weapons were the same you would be a lot better then us all, because you have had years and years of practice. But why hide it?"
"I wanted to keep a lower profile. Now, it seems like a blessing, because how could I seem ordinary and my levels achievable if I showed my physical endurance and strength. Which by the way is one of the first things we work on at the Academy."
"Who else knows?"
"Roald."
"That figures."
"Hey! I bet you there are things Cleon knows that we don't."
"I got on your nerve." Kel singsonged.
Jaina tried to calm herself down, this didn't befit a Jedi Knight. "Sorry." She apologized.
"Don't. I was trying to rile you, so I should apologize."
Jaina and Kel shared a warm hug as best they could on horseback.
They got back in good time and the day after they got back they went to see Alanna. "Thank you." They both said.
"For what?" She asked, playing innocent.
"You sent us there so we could see what we had accomplished. We really needed that." Jaina said.
"Thank you guys." Alanna said, seriously. "You have accomplished my dream of seeing Tortall filled with Lady Knights."
"It isn't yet." Kel pointed out.
"But you have set the ball rolling. He won't admit it, but I am sure even Lord Wyldon will let Lady Knights train now."
Jaina and Kel exchanged looks, "You think so." They asked, hopefully.
"Definitely."
*********************************************************************
In the laboratory of Project expansion- "I think we have it!" One of the junior scientists yelled.
Everyone ran over. But alas, in just 10 minutes a bug was noted. "Remember, this thing is going to transport sentient beings. There can be no bugs, because otherwise someone will be stranded. Chances are that someone will be a member of the Powers-that-be on Coruscant. We don't want any repercussions from the Government if someone is lost in the Universe because of us." The head scientist said. "I can tell we are close, though."
"Which is good." His immediate subordinate said. "Now, finally, we can report something to the Council."
"That is good news." The head scientist said. "At the last meeting, I almost felt like they were going to cut our funding. Can you believe that? It has only been about 10 months since we started. Bureaucrats. Can't they understand that sometimes it takes years and years? Just because we have the notes of the Old Republic scientists who had come close they think it should take us maybe six months." (AN- The scientists had left their papers in Carbon freeze on a remote planet, and they had been unearthed about a week before Jaina had disappeared.) He looked around and saw the scientists had stopped working and were looking at him. "Get back to work." He said.
***********************************************************************
The next 5.5 months passed pretty quickly for Jaina. The next mission was Kel, Jaina, Neal, and some other Knights she didn't know so well. It was a pretty relaxing mission, because though they saw fighting it really was only skirmishes, especially compared to their last mission.
************************************************************************
The Jedi temple, on Yavin. "Madame Chief of State and honored Councilors. We of the project expansion would like to make a report, with your permission." The head scientist said.
Leia had to use all of her diplomatic skill to hide her anxiousness. She looked around at the council. She dipped her head. "You have it, sir."
"We have every reason to believe we have figured out a way to transport people to different galaxies."
Leia felt tears of joy come to her eyes. But his next words stopped them. "The only thing that worries us is the calibration. There is no way, currently, that we can properly calibrate the machines because we don't know where the other galaxies are. We were hoping a Jedi could help with that by calibrating it through the force. Jedi lore says that Jedi are able to let the force guide them to correct calibrations. Rumor has it, that Madame, your son Anakin, was able to calibrate a planetary repulsor."
Leia nodded, knowing he didn't mean anything by it. "I will talk to m-Master Skywalker. Well, I know Jaina was sent to another galaxy by will of the force. Hopefully the force will help us calibrate the machine."
Leia nodded at Gno, the head of the scientific development committee who asked a few questions.
"I would like to motion that we call Master Skywalker in here immediately so that we can know if Project Expansion can currently be continued, or does the project need to be scrapped." Garm Bel Iblis motioned.
"I second." Gno said.
"The motion is passed." Chief of State said. She called a messenger droid. "Please deliver an official summons from the Inner Council to Master Skywalker. Ask him to come immediately."
Luke was there within 15 minutes. He bowed slightly. "How may I be of service?"
Gno laid it out for him. "Force willing, that should work."
The relief in the room was palpable. Especially Leia's. "When would you be willing to come and calibrate it?" The head scientist asked.
"I have a class to teach, then a tutoring session… I would be ready in 4 hours." Luke said, then he smiled slightly. "Of course, only if I have the permission of this august body."
Leia looked around. "You do. Head Scientist, is there any other thing you wish to share?"
"No Madame, my report is done."
"Master Skywalker?"
"Nothing."
"Any other councilor have any pertaining motions or comments."
"No."
"Then this session is closed. Councilors we shall reconvene in 1 standard hour." Leia said.
"Luke." Leia called, 10 minutes later.
Luke turned around and took his sister in his arms. "I was so scared for a moment there."
Luke smiled slightly. "Trust in the force."
"It is my daughter out there."
"I know."
"Han is going to be so excited, and Jacen! Anakin, Chewie are going to jump for joy."
"And you and I?"
Leia leaned back. "Are all ready excited." She frowned. "Though it is hard to see it through your 'Jedi' control."
"I am excited, and you know that. Jaina is my niece and student."
"I do know Luke, and thanks." Leia said. "Make sure you calibrate the machine properly."
"Force willing, I will."
"I am going to go now, we have only half an hour. I need to tell Han!" Leia said, racing away.
"Here it is Master Skywalker." The head scientist said.
Luke took a deep breath. He reached out and let himself feel the machine. He turned a few dials, and adjusted a few wires. "It is calibrated." He said.
"Thank you master Skywalker."
"No problem. Please, feel free to call me if there is anything else."
"I will." The man said, shaking Luke's hand profusely.
"Thank you." He said softly
Then he left.
Project Expansion three days later- "Keep testing it. Make sure you flush out all the bugs. The council was elated when I told them." The head scientist said. "I told them, Force willing, we can test this in two days."
"Which would make it exactly one year since Jaina Solo has disappeared." A humanoid scientist said, shaking her head. "Our subconscious really has a sense of humor."
"That would a be a great 'anniversary' for General Solo and the Chief of State and their entire family." Another scientist said.
"So we should keep working, so they get this anniversary." The head scientist said.
They started working again.
**********************************************************************
Then when they got back, they basically got to relax and take evening patrols. Then Jaina started to get weird signals from the Force. At the morning meal. "Did you not get any sleep last night either?" Roald asked, concerned.
Jaina shook her head. "It was really weird. I kept felt doors opening and closing, and opening and closing."
"Through your… gift." Kel asked.
"Through the force." Jaina clarified.
"Can't you just… turn it off?" Neal asked. "You do on certain things."
"That's the weird part. This has to be happening on a galactic scale-"
"What does galactic mean?" Neal interrupted.
Jaina struggled for a term to describe it. "World scale… big, monumental." She said.
"Ah." Neal said. "Continue."
"I can't shut that off. I am pretty sure it means someone is trying an experiment."
Jaina winced.
"Are you okay?" Roald asked.
"It just started up again." Jaina said.
"You should talk to Numair."
"Numair has no expertise on force matters." Jaina said. "Besides, it would worry people and probably make them doubt us again, and the rumors of magic would come up."
"Numair will keep it quiet."
"But the servants will start to talk…" Jaina said.
"Okay." Roald sighed.
After the meal was done and everyone started to get up Jaina grabbed Roald's hand. "We need to talk." She said.
Roald let Jaina take him to the courtyard. "Roald… are you planning to let our relationship 'go public'."
Roald looked relieved, he had been waiting for Jaina to bring it up. "I would like that." He said "That would be the most honest thing."
"If it is okay with you." He hastily added.
"I would also like that." Jaina said.
"So the question is how to do it gracefully." Roald said.
"Why not just act like nothing is wrong or different and start 'showing' that we are together in public." Jaina said.
When Roald looked confused she said. "Like, coming to meals holding hands. Talking to each other, whispering, dancing with each other at events, etc."
"Good idea." Roald said. "It beats mine. This way, it seems like everyone else should've known, and we weren't hiding anything."
"What about repercussions though?" Roald asked.
Jaina knew what he was talking about. "I think I have proved I am worthy already. Besides, we can handle what ever comes our way."
Roald leaned over and kissed Jaina.
"We will start this tomorrow." Roald said.
Before Jaina could say anything a messenger found him. "His Majesty has requested your presence in the court." He said formally.
Roald sighed. "Please excuse me." He said formally to Jaina.
Jaina dipped her head.
Two weeks later. "It is getting worse." She said at breakfast. "Gosh, if this continues my head is going to burst."
"We need to see Numair!" Roald said, upset.
Jaina shook her head. "Neal, you see if you can too anything!" Roald pleaded.
Numair reached out with his healing gift. "Is it happening now?"
"Yes." Jaina said.
"I am sorry. I can't sense that anything is even wrong."
"Jedi are supposed to be able to control pain, and this just proves I am not one." Jaina said, gritting her teeth.
"Because you are still in training." Roald put in.
***************************************************************
"Chief of State Organa Solo," Colonel Bremen said. "As the head of your security I must oppose this plan vehemently."
"I haven't seen my daughter in a year, Colonel. What am I supposed to do not go just because it hasn't been tested." Leia said.
Colonel Bremen gulped. "Perhaps I can suggest a compromise?"
"Go on."
"Why doesn't Master Skywalker go first, he is a Jedi he will be able to stop a wayward portal the best. If it works he can call you and General Solo, and your kids." Colonel said.
"Fine except I am going with Luke." Han said. "Lei, it is a good idea."
Leia bit her lip. She could tell even Luke was in agreement with Colonel Bremen. "I am fighting a loosing battle. But right as it works you call me over. You will need my diplomacy skills to calm the situation down. We will call the kids over once the diplomacy is smoothed at least to the point we can get ourselves safe passage."
Han and Luke exchanged a look. "Done." They said.
Leia spent the rest of the day setting the 'trip' up. Leia's minister of State Garm Bel Iblis was going to hand pick a delegation in the eventuality that it became a visit of state.
Leia was going to pack light, and pack for the entire family. She knew the diplomatic situation was going to be… tight at best.
Once that was done they were ready to go. "I can't believe this." Leia said, holding her family's hands tightly.
"I hope we can get to her safely." Jacen said.
"We will." Han said, kissing his son's forehead.
"Are you ready?" The head scientist asked.
Han and Luke took deep breaths. Han kissed Leia. "Yes." They said.
The scientist flicked a button and opened a door. Han and Luke walked in.
They walked through what looked like they were walking through clouds. A minute later they landed in a grassy field. "Where are we?" Han asked, drawing his blaster.
"I don't know." Luke said. He reached out with his Force sense. "Jaina is here though."
"What?" Han asked, the look on his face breaking Luke's heart. Jaina and Han had been close, and the look on his face showed how much he hoped that he'd see Jaina soon.
"She will be with us again." Luke said, patting his brother-in-law's arm.