Chapter 3, Post #1
The world ship will be ready to attack in less than a week, m'lord, The Dark One's words echoed in Sera's head as she made her way away from the rebel's hideout. She had to admit, the first time she saw the mother ship in the lair, she was taken aback. As a Jedi, she'd never heard of a resistance leader that would go as far as the Dark One to beat the Vong. Then there was what he thought before she left, that left her baffled.
She knew the Dark One was the leader of the resistance, Colonel Darklighter told her that much before she left but who was the 'm'lord' he was thinking of. Sera dreaded the answer the more she thought about it. What if the resistance wasn't entirely forthcoming about their goals? What if the current Dark One was a spy for the Vong...
No, I need to stop thinking that way, unless he was a decoy for the real Dark One. Sera stopped in her tracks. Decoy. She wouldn't be that surprised. After all, Jaina herself had a decoy. Sera smirked and dipped her hood lower over her face as she turned and walked back to the lair.
~~
Cherith frowned, twirling her light purple lightsabre around. It was really a borrowed lightsabre, from a spare pile. She hoped to have made one of her own by now but she knew she wasn't ready for that yet. But that wasn't the reason for her frown.
She could feel Kyp's pain and worry about Sera. In fact, normally, Kyp would block Cherith's every blow very easily but today, he was careless and unfocused. Finally, Cherith shut off her lightsabre and grabbed a towel, smiling at her Master. "Why don't we take a break?" she suggested.
Kyp shrugged, "I was that horrible, huh? I'm sorry, Cherith. I'm just really worried about Sera. I want her to come back safely, from Coruscant or Yuuzhan'tar."
"You have every reason to be worried, Master," she said and sat down on the bench next to him, "You love her."
"I asked her to fly with me one time. There was an empty spot in the Dozen and I asked her if she wanted it. Besides being a wonderful linguist and a Jedi, she's an incredible pilot," Kyp smiled, "For a while, I thought she was going to accept the offer but then she changed her mind at the last minute. I believe, she had every intention in taking that spot but she chose not to. Maybe it was because of me." Cherith looked at him incredulously, "What? You don't think her feelings for me ran back that far and that deep?"
Cherith smiled, "I believe they do...Maybe she had a prior engagement,"
He nodded, "She did. Wurth Skidder. They'd just broken up. She never told me why she didn't accept the spot, but now I suspect it was because of my bad timing. I asked her to become a part of my squadron, while she was struggling with her feelings for Wurth and me."
"You think you're more focused now so you can block my blows, or do you want to call it quits for today?" Cherith asked. Kyp shrugged, ready to grab his lightsabre again but Cherith felt he was too distracted and stopped him. "We'll pick it up tomorrow,"
Kyp smiled, "Thanks, Cherith," he mused and stood up, grabbing his black cape and left the training room. Once he was gone, Cherith left her stuff on the bench and walked over to Valin.
"Hey, do you need someone to spar with?" Cherith asked him.
"Not really. I'm about ready to leave. Where did your Master go?"
Cherith swayed her head, "I was beating him badly over there," she started, "The lightsabre practice...He was distracted,"
Valin smiled, "You are getting good with that...Wanna go one round?"
"I'd love too," Cherith smiled and removed her lightsabre, igniting its purple blade.
~~
Jaina Solo clenched her teeth as she stormed into hers and Jag's apartment. She felt like screaming and crying...She'd missed Tyria's memorial and blamed herself for her death and now, Sera, a woman she looked up to as an older sister was sacrificing her life for Jaina and her daughter. How much more blood could Jaina take? How many more people had to die because of her?
Finally, Jaina let out that scream and fell onto the bed, crying into a pillow. As she laid there crying, she felt Jag reach out to her through their bond and comfort her. But it didn't help.
Jaina, what is it? Why are you so upset, love? he asked.
Jaina nodded and sobbed, Because...so many people are sacrificing everything they love for me...Jag, I don't want people to die. Sera, she doesn't deserve...
Jag was quiet for a minute and then he whispered back, I'll be right there...
No, stay where you are. I just want to be alone right now, but thanks for the offer, love,
Jaina, I'm your husband. We made a promise to each other on Naboo to always be there for each other...I'm coming over and you can't say anything to stop me, Jag concluded.
She smiled partially and then sobbed some more, hugging the pillow tighter against her chest. First Tyria and now Sera...It wasn't right.
tbc
Chapter 3, Post #2
Kyp Durron sighed, walking into his dark apartment and falling onto his bed, face-first into his pillow. He then turned over, staring at the wall. This is what's it's like to be deeply in love and worry about that person, he thought, I think I was better off before becoming romantically involved.
He reached out with the Force...Sera was too far too reach so he opted to spy on his apprentice instead. He saw Cherith smile, sweat across her brow, firmly holding her purple lightsaber. She was sparring? Who was she sparring with?
As he panned the room, he caught a glimpse of Valin Horn, the same sweat and smile pursing his lips. Kyp rolled his eyes and closed off the connection. He'd told Cherith time and again to take things slowly with him, but obviously, she hadn't listened to a word he'd said.
"Typical Solo," he grunted, "At least she doesn't have to worry about him leaving anytime soon on a potentially dangerous mission,"
Kyp stood up from the bed. It was too early to turn in, he figured, maybe the bar is still open. The Jedi Master smirked and promptly left the apartment.
~~~
Valin huffed as he slammed back against the blue mat and rolled his eyes when he saw the triumphant grin on Cherith's face. He waved his hand and jumped up, regaining his balance. "Now, that wasn't fair..You tripped me?"
"Me trip you? Are you sure? Because I think you fell on your own, or maybe you misjudged my moves..." Cherith ranted and then squirmed when Valin came at her and pinned her onto the mat. "Okay, now that was very unfair...I wasn't prepared,"
He shrugged and smirked, "You were rambling. I had to do something to get you shut-up,"
Cherith's eyes narrowed and she burst out laughing, "You could have just said so,"
"Could have but I caught you off guard and it was the perfect way to get you back for tripping me,"
Again, Cherith was shocked she was being accused of tripping him but it was only playful banter. Cherith noticed how close their bodies were and cleared her throat. Valin mumbled an apology and stood up. Cherith bit her lip and hooked her lightsaber back onto her belt. "Um, it's getting late. Maybe we should call it quits?"
Valin smiled again, "Cherith Fel quitting? What's the matter, are you scared I might beat you?"
Cherith rolled her eyes and nodded, "Ya see, there's that stubborn Horn ego. No male ego. I can beat you. Just because I'm younger than you doesn't mean I can't. I'm a Solo and hello, look at who my grand uncle is..."
"Fine Fel, bring it on," Valin challenged and ignited his lightsaber again.
"Just bring it on, Horn," Cherith countered and ignited her lightsaber. "You wanna make a bet?"
He shrugged, "You're not going to win, Cherith..."
"Loser has to buy the winner's dinner, well, that is if I win," she grinned.
"If I win, you buy me dinner and..." Valin's grin widened, "A date. A dinner would be considered as a date, wouldn't it?"
Cherith's smile disappeared as she lowered her arm and disengaged her lightsaber. "A date? Are you serious? Valin, I was..." Before she could say anything else, Valin kissed her.
Half of the Jedi in the room saw the display and whistled. Cherith and Valin moaned and backed away from each other, forgetting they weren't the only ones in the gym room. Cherith looked at Valin again and smiled, "How about just dinner that's not a date?"
"Not a date? Fine, but I'm still going to beat you..."
Cherith was fired up now and re-ignited her lightsaber, "Enough small talk. Let's get this over with so I can crush your male ego,"
~~~
Sera lowered her hood as she returned to the rebel's lair. A guard wasn't there to escort her in, so she bypassed security walked straight into the lair. As usual, they were all rushing about, working on plans or something. Sera gazed around the interior and then smiled once she saw the Dark One talking to a young woman, a lieutenant. She waved him over. The woman saw her and she left the Dark One's side and met Sera.
"Yes? How may I help you?"
Sera looked down at the small woman and then at the Dark One, "I want to ask the Dark One some more questions. I was here before, I'm Sera Fey`lina," The woman glanced back at the Dark One and he shrugged and joined them, smiling at Sera again and was bound to say hello too but Sera cut him off. "I have more questions. There was just this thing you said about choosing leaders by lottery. As I left, I read your mind..."
The Dark One's eyes shot up and he looked worriedly at the small woman beside him. Sera caught the exchange but didn't comment about it. "You referred to someone else, a higher power...which was strange considering you're the leader of this group. Why would you need to answer to another power?"
He cleared his throat and gestured they leave the main area and walked into a small corridor. Once he was sure, no one else was listening, he turned and looked at Sera, "I'm not the Dark One," he whispered.
"Not?" Sera echoed, "But you said before...Your guard directed me to you...How could you not be?"
"I am," the woman beside him replied and smiled, "I'm the Dark One. Sorry for the deception, Sera Fey`lina but it was necessary. We don't allow very many visitors down here, and well, there's the Vong to worry about. Their spies are everywhere,"
Sera looked at the petite woman and then at the man she presumed was the Dark One. "You? Who are you then?"
"Maintenance. Head team leader for the world ship team," he said, "La -- The Dark One asked me to chauffeur you around and answer all questions you had,"
"Leave us now, Derek," the real Dark One said and waved her hand, dismissing him, "Again, I'm sorry for the deception, Sera. I probably should have figured it would be pointless to lie to a Jedi Knight,"
Sera smiled, "Yes, well, to be honest, I haven't been a Jedi Knight in a long time. My job is to gather information and deliver it to the proper people,"
The Dark One laughed as they moved along the corridor, "About your friends, Jaina Solo and Cherith Fel, the Vong do have some suspicion Jaina is alive but they do not know about Cherith,"
"I was afraid of that answer," Sera murmured, "I've been friends with Jaina for a long time..."
"We've all made sacrifices in this war, Sera," the Dark One interrupted, "Sorry, I can't stay long. I have a lot of work to get back to,"
Sera smiled, "Thank you again, Dark One for the Intel," The Dark One returned her smile and then walked back to the group, hanging around Derek again as his assistant. Clever girl, she thought. No one knew who the Dark One was, except for Derek and the real Dark One. "Very clever girl," she commented.
~~
Cherith couldn't stop grinning as she pulled Valin towards the bar. She won the duel and now her best friend had no choice but to buy her dinner...Hmm, that definitely sounded like a date, Cherith mused, but it's not. We're just too friends who hang out, nothing more. Nothing more. Valin shrugged her hand off his as they finally met the bartender.
"What would ya like, son?" he asked.
Valin looked at his grinning friend as she leaned over the counter, "Two steaks please, medium rare and mashed potatoes...Corellian style dressing please, and two drinks,"
The man raised his eyebrow and smiled, "You're both underage? Blue milk be fine?"
"Blue milk is fine," Cherith mused and then walked over to a booth.
Valin rolled his eyes and lowered his voice, "How much will that be?"
"20 credits," the bartender replied as Valin counted out 20 and gave them to him. The man smiled and winked at him, "Enjoy your date, son,"
"Um, it's not a date. I lost a bet," Valin murmured before sulking over to the booth where Cherith was at. Cherith's grin lessoned, but Valin could feel she was still very proud of herself that she kicked his butt at sparring. "Next time princess, next time you'll buy me dinner,"
"Is that a challenge, Valin Horn?"
He nodded, "I should have won that sparring match easily...Besides, I let you win,"
"No, I won," Cherith mused and smiled as the bartender brought over a large tray with their food.
He smiled and winked at Valin, "Enjoy your food...and your date," he said. Once the food was set, he took the tray away and grinned again, leaving the two of them alone.
tbc
Chapter 3, Post #3
Jaina Solo willed herself not to cry another tear, but her will wasn't that strong as Jag finally arrived. She didn't turn to him as he settled on the bed and wrapped his arms around her waist. Jaina turned to him and smiled and then cried some more. "I hope I didn't take you away from anything important,"
He nodded and smiled, "I was just talking to Uncle Wedge, nothing important...What I'm worried about is you. The last time I saw you, were happy and now, you're in tears,"
"It's just too much death, Jag. I know people die in wars all the time, but I can't take it anymore. I mean, is this the type of universe you want to bring our twins into?"
Jag shrugged, "No. I would have liked to have waited until the war was over, actually,"
"Exactly my point, Jag," Jaina cried, "Tyria and now, Sera..what will happen if one of us dies? I know I'm less likely to die since I've already been dead, but it's still risky,"
Jag nodded and grasped her hands, "Life is risky, Jaina. Life is dangerous, but that can't stop you from living and wanting to grow," he smiled and rested his hand on Jaina's stomach, "I am more than happy I get to be a father again and this time, get the chance to see watch both of them grow up and hold their little hands,"
Jaina smiled and touched Jag's left cheek with her hand, rubbing it, "I know you'll be a great father. I love you, Jagged Fel,"
"I know," he smiled and blushed, "I love you, Mrs. Fel,"
"Mrs. Fel, Mrs. Jaina Solo Fel," Jaina mused and hugged Jag, "If you're not too busy right now, could you stay with me for awhile?"
"As long as you wish, my love," he whispered.
~~
Kyp Durron walked idly into the lounge and grabbed himself a place at the bar, ordering a glass of Corellian ale. As he turned around to survey the room of pilots, he frowned when he saw Cherith and Valin alone in a booth. His mouth nearly dropped as he stared at them. They weren't kissing but Valin had left his place and sat next to her and they were talking, well, Cherith was talking more than Valin.
The Jedi Master debated whether he should walk over and say something or not say anything at all. Was it really his right as her Master to say something, or did those rights belong to her parents? Kyp grunted, stood up, straightened his cloak and started to walk towards the booth and then stopped.
No, keep walking, Durron, he commanded himself. They're both too young to be in a relationship.
Yes, another voice said, but they have a special bond and they're young. Let them live their lives.
Where did you come from? The first voice demanded, Continue your walk, Durron and give them a lecture,
Not to be the third voice, but I think the second echo is right, Kyp interrupted himself. They are just friends. Cherith told me as much and I believed her.
What do you know, Durron? The first voice retorted.
I trust both Valin and Cherith, he replied, So, I'm just going to walk over and say hello. No lectures, period. End of discussion!
He heard the second voice laugh at the first voice but Kyp didn't bother to say anything else to his self and simply walked over the booth. Cherith saw him and began to breathe faster. Valin on the other hand simply grinned and said hi. "Hey Cherith, I hope I'm not interrupting. I just wanted to say thanks for cutting our sparring session short today,"
Cherith looked at Valin and smiled, "No problem, Master Durron...Um, was there something else you wanted?"
Kyp shrugged, "Nothing else. You two enjoy your dinner," he grinned and left the two teens alone. Cherith looked at him curiously as he left and sat down again at the bar, thanking the bartender.
"Okay, that was weird," she mused, "I almost got the impression he came over to lecture us,"
"Don't worry about it, Cherith," Valin smiled and from under the table, grasped her hand in his.
~~
Jag backed away a little as Jaina's sobs subsided and she smiled through her tears. He'd seen her cry once before their first kiss. She was so vulnerable, so innocent and her eyes...To see her brown eyes turn cold like that with fear and to see it again, stung his heart. Jag brushed away some of her tears with his hand and kissed her forehead.
"Are you feeling any better?" he whispered, hugging her tightly.
Jaina nodded, "A little, thanks for staying with me, Jag,"
"I'll always be here for you, Jaina. Always. We made a promise to each other, remember?" He grinned and kissed her cheek, this time brushing away her bangs.
Jaina smiled and snuggled closer to her husband as he wrapped his arms around her waist and held her. She realized people die in wars, but for her, the death was hitting too close to home. Before the war started, she was young and so innocent, only 16 years old. She was with her brothers then, Anakin and Jacen. Jaina never really needed to be protected then because she took care of herself, but then Jacen and Anakin died, she was alone and forced to deal with her pain. To live life without them by her side. "I miss them," she whispered, "I miss my brothers...I'm pregnant with twins, their nieces or nephews and they'll never get the chance to know them or Cherith,"
Jag rubbed her cheek lovingly, smiled and then frowned, "I know the feeling. I wish Davin and Cherith were here too to meet their niece."
"The pain, it never goes away, does it? It's always there?" Jaina questioned, not really expecting an answer from him.
"I wish it did, but it never does," Jag replied as he stroked her brown hair and kissed her temple. "This may sound corny, but they're always watching you. How else would they know to come to you when you were dying? They knew and they wanted to ease your pain, because they didn't want to see you in pain,"
Jaina nodded and smiled a little, "I guess they were watching me those last days,"
Jag smiled and kissed her cheek, "Of course, they were watching you," he whispered and kissed her temple again. Jaina turned to him and smiled again. For the first time, she noticed how loving he was...Well, yes she knew he loved her but the feeling, sensing the warmth and love within, made her blush and her breath quicken as Jag kissed her. For one moment, she forgot all her sadness and only felt the love of her husband.
tbc
The world ship will be ready to attack in less than a week, m'lord, The Dark One's words echoed in Sera's head as she made her way away from the rebel's hideout. She had to admit, the first time she saw the mother ship in the lair, she was taken aback. As a Jedi, she'd never heard of a resistance leader that would go as far as the Dark One to beat the Vong. Then there was what he thought before she left, that left her baffled.
She knew the Dark One was the leader of the resistance, Colonel Darklighter told her that much before she left but who was the 'm'lord' he was thinking of. Sera dreaded the answer the more she thought about it. What if the resistance wasn't entirely forthcoming about their goals? What if the current Dark One was a spy for the Vong...
No, I need to stop thinking that way, unless he was a decoy for the real Dark One. Sera stopped in her tracks. Decoy. She wouldn't be that surprised. After all, Jaina herself had a decoy. Sera smirked and dipped her hood lower over her face as she turned and walked back to the lair.
~~
Cherith frowned, twirling her light purple lightsabre around. It was really a borrowed lightsabre, from a spare pile. She hoped to have made one of her own by now but she knew she wasn't ready for that yet. But that wasn't the reason for her frown.
She could feel Kyp's pain and worry about Sera. In fact, normally, Kyp would block Cherith's every blow very easily but today, he was careless and unfocused. Finally, Cherith shut off her lightsabre and grabbed a towel, smiling at her Master. "Why don't we take a break?" she suggested.
Kyp shrugged, "I was that horrible, huh? I'm sorry, Cherith. I'm just really worried about Sera. I want her to come back safely, from Coruscant or Yuuzhan'tar."
"You have every reason to be worried, Master," she said and sat down on the bench next to him, "You love her."
"I asked her to fly with me one time. There was an empty spot in the Dozen and I asked her if she wanted it. Besides being a wonderful linguist and a Jedi, she's an incredible pilot," Kyp smiled, "For a while, I thought she was going to accept the offer but then she changed her mind at the last minute. I believe, she had every intention in taking that spot but she chose not to. Maybe it was because of me." Cherith looked at him incredulously, "What? You don't think her feelings for me ran back that far and that deep?"
Cherith smiled, "I believe they do...Maybe she had a prior engagement,"
He nodded, "She did. Wurth Skidder. They'd just broken up. She never told me why she didn't accept the spot, but now I suspect it was because of my bad timing. I asked her to become a part of my squadron, while she was struggling with her feelings for Wurth and me."
"You think you're more focused now so you can block my blows, or do you want to call it quits for today?" Cherith asked. Kyp shrugged, ready to grab his lightsabre again but Cherith felt he was too distracted and stopped him. "We'll pick it up tomorrow,"
Kyp smiled, "Thanks, Cherith," he mused and stood up, grabbing his black cape and left the training room. Once he was gone, Cherith left her stuff on the bench and walked over to Valin.
"Hey, do you need someone to spar with?" Cherith asked him.
"Not really. I'm about ready to leave. Where did your Master go?"
Cherith swayed her head, "I was beating him badly over there," she started, "The lightsabre practice...He was distracted,"
Valin smiled, "You are getting good with that...Wanna go one round?"
"I'd love too," Cherith smiled and removed her lightsabre, igniting its purple blade.
~~
Jaina Solo clenched her teeth as she stormed into hers and Jag's apartment. She felt like screaming and crying...She'd missed Tyria's memorial and blamed herself for her death and now, Sera, a woman she looked up to as an older sister was sacrificing her life for Jaina and her daughter. How much more blood could Jaina take? How many more people had to die because of her?
Finally, Jaina let out that scream and fell onto the bed, crying into a pillow. As she laid there crying, she felt Jag reach out to her through their bond and comfort her. But it didn't help.
Jaina, what is it? Why are you so upset, love? he asked.
Jaina nodded and sobbed, Because...so many people are sacrificing everything they love for me...Jag, I don't want people to die. Sera, she doesn't deserve...
Jag was quiet for a minute and then he whispered back, I'll be right there...
No, stay where you are. I just want to be alone right now, but thanks for the offer, love,
Jaina, I'm your husband. We made a promise to each other on Naboo to always be there for each other...I'm coming over and you can't say anything to stop me, Jag concluded.
She smiled partially and then sobbed some more, hugging the pillow tighter against her chest. First Tyria and now Sera...It wasn't right.
tbc
Chapter 3, Post #2
Kyp Durron sighed, walking into his dark apartment and falling onto his bed, face-first into his pillow. He then turned over, staring at the wall. This is what's it's like to be deeply in love and worry about that person, he thought, I think I was better off before becoming romantically involved.
He reached out with the Force...Sera was too far too reach so he opted to spy on his apprentice instead. He saw Cherith smile, sweat across her brow, firmly holding her purple lightsaber. She was sparring? Who was she sparring with?
As he panned the room, he caught a glimpse of Valin Horn, the same sweat and smile pursing his lips. Kyp rolled his eyes and closed off the connection. He'd told Cherith time and again to take things slowly with him, but obviously, she hadn't listened to a word he'd said.
"Typical Solo," he grunted, "At least she doesn't have to worry about him leaving anytime soon on a potentially dangerous mission,"
Kyp stood up from the bed. It was too early to turn in, he figured, maybe the bar is still open. The Jedi Master smirked and promptly left the apartment.
~~~
Valin huffed as he slammed back against the blue mat and rolled his eyes when he saw the triumphant grin on Cherith's face. He waved his hand and jumped up, regaining his balance. "Now, that wasn't fair..You tripped me?"
"Me trip you? Are you sure? Because I think you fell on your own, or maybe you misjudged my moves..." Cherith ranted and then squirmed when Valin came at her and pinned her onto the mat. "Okay, now that was very unfair...I wasn't prepared,"
He shrugged and smirked, "You were rambling. I had to do something to get you shut-up,"
Cherith's eyes narrowed and she burst out laughing, "You could have just said so,"
"Could have but I caught you off guard and it was the perfect way to get you back for tripping me,"
Again, Cherith was shocked she was being accused of tripping him but it was only playful banter. Cherith noticed how close their bodies were and cleared her throat. Valin mumbled an apology and stood up. Cherith bit her lip and hooked her lightsaber back onto her belt. "Um, it's getting late. Maybe we should call it quits?"
Valin smiled again, "Cherith Fel quitting? What's the matter, are you scared I might beat you?"
Cherith rolled her eyes and nodded, "Ya see, there's that stubborn Horn ego. No male ego. I can beat you. Just because I'm younger than you doesn't mean I can't. I'm a Solo and hello, look at who my grand uncle is..."
"Fine Fel, bring it on," Valin challenged and ignited his lightsaber again.
"Just bring it on, Horn," Cherith countered and ignited her lightsaber. "You wanna make a bet?"
He shrugged, "You're not going to win, Cherith..."
"Loser has to buy the winner's dinner, well, that is if I win," she grinned.
"If I win, you buy me dinner and..." Valin's grin widened, "A date. A dinner would be considered as a date, wouldn't it?"
Cherith's smile disappeared as she lowered her arm and disengaged her lightsaber. "A date? Are you serious? Valin, I was..." Before she could say anything else, Valin kissed her.
Half of the Jedi in the room saw the display and whistled. Cherith and Valin moaned and backed away from each other, forgetting they weren't the only ones in the gym room. Cherith looked at Valin again and smiled, "How about just dinner that's not a date?"
"Not a date? Fine, but I'm still going to beat you..."
Cherith was fired up now and re-ignited her lightsaber, "Enough small talk. Let's get this over with so I can crush your male ego,"
~~~
Sera lowered her hood as she returned to the rebel's lair. A guard wasn't there to escort her in, so she bypassed security walked straight into the lair. As usual, they were all rushing about, working on plans or something. Sera gazed around the interior and then smiled once she saw the Dark One talking to a young woman, a lieutenant. She waved him over. The woman saw her and she left the Dark One's side and met Sera.
"Yes? How may I help you?"
Sera looked down at the small woman and then at the Dark One, "I want to ask the Dark One some more questions. I was here before, I'm Sera Fey`lina," The woman glanced back at the Dark One and he shrugged and joined them, smiling at Sera again and was bound to say hello too but Sera cut him off. "I have more questions. There was just this thing you said about choosing leaders by lottery. As I left, I read your mind..."
The Dark One's eyes shot up and he looked worriedly at the small woman beside him. Sera caught the exchange but didn't comment about it. "You referred to someone else, a higher power...which was strange considering you're the leader of this group. Why would you need to answer to another power?"
He cleared his throat and gestured they leave the main area and walked into a small corridor. Once he was sure, no one else was listening, he turned and looked at Sera, "I'm not the Dark One," he whispered.
"Not?" Sera echoed, "But you said before...Your guard directed me to you...How could you not be?"
"I am," the woman beside him replied and smiled, "I'm the Dark One. Sorry for the deception, Sera Fey`lina but it was necessary. We don't allow very many visitors down here, and well, there's the Vong to worry about. Their spies are everywhere,"
Sera looked at the petite woman and then at the man she presumed was the Dark One. "You? Who are you then?"
"Maintenance. Head team leader for the world ship team," he said, "La -- The Dark One asked me to chauffeur you around and answer all questions you had,"
"Leave us now, Derek," the real Dark One said and waved her hand, dismissing him, "Again, I'm sorry for the deception, Sera. I probably should have figured it would be pointless to lie to a Jedi Knight,"
Sera smiled, "Yes, well, to be honest, I haven't been a Jedi Knight in a long time. My job is to gather information and deliver it to the proper people,"
The Dark One laughed as they moved along the corridor, "About your friends, Jaina Solo and Cherith Fel, the Vong do have some suspicion Jaina is alive but they do not know about Cherith,"
"I was afraid of that answer," Sera murmured, "I've been friends with Jaina for a long time..."
"We've all made sacrifices in this war, Sera," the Dark One interrupted, "Sorry, I can't stay long. I have a lot of work to get back to,"
Sera smiled, "Thank you again, Dark One for the Intel," The Dark One returned her smile and then walked back to the group, hanging around Derek again as his assistant. Clever girl, she thought. No one knew who the Dark One was, except for Derek and the real Dark One. "Very clever girl," she commented.
~~
Cherith couldn't stop grinning as she pulled Valin towards the bar. She won the duel and now her best friend had no choice but to buy her dinner...Hmm, that definitely sounded like a date, Cherith mused, but it's not. We're just too friends who hang out, nothing more. Nothing more. Valin shrugged her hand off his as they finally met the bartender.
"What would ya like, son?" he asked.
Valin looked at his grinning friend as she leaned over the counter, "Two steaks please, medium rare and mashed potatoes...Corellian style dressing please, and two drinks,"
The man raised his eyebrow and smiled, "You're both underage? Blue milk be fine?"
"Blue milk is fine," Cherith mused and then walked over to a booth.
Valin rolled his eyes and lowered his voice, "How much will that be?"
"20 credits," the bartender replied as Valin counted out 20 and gave them to him. The man smiled and winked at him, "Enjoy your date, son,"
"Um, it's not a date. I lost a bet," Valin murmured before sulking over to the booth where Cherith was at. Cherith's grin lessoned, but Valin could feel she was still very proud of herself that she kicked his butt at sparring. "Next time princess, next time you'll buy me dinner,"
"Is that a challenge, Valin Horn?"
He nodded, "I should have won that sparring match easily...Besides, I let you win,"
"No, I won," Cherith mused and smiled as the bartender brought over a large tray with their food.
He smiled and winked at Valin, "Enjoy your food...and your date," he said. Once the food was set, he took the tray away and grinned again, leaving the two of them alone.
tbc
Chapter 3, Post #3
Jaina Solo willed herself not to cry another tear, but her will wasn't that strong as Jag finally arrived. She didn't turn to him as he settled on the bed and wrapped his arms around her waist. Jaina turned to him and smiled and then cried some more. "I hope I didn't take you away from anything important,"
He nodded and smiled, "I was just talking to Uncle Wedge, nothing important...What I'm worried about is you. The last time I saw you, were happy and now, you're in tears,"
"It's just too much death, Jag. I know people die in wars all the time, but I can't take it anymore. I mean, is this the type of universe you want to bring our twins into?"
Jag shrugged, "No. I would have liked to have waited until the war was over, actually,"
"Exactly my point, Jag," Jaina cried, "Tyria and now, Sera..what will happen if one of us dies? I know I'm less likely to die since I've already been dead, but it's still risky,"
Jag nodded and grasped her hands, "Life is risky, Jaina. Life is dangerous, but that can't stop you from living and wanting to grow," he smiled and rested his hand on Jaina's stomach, "I am more than happy I get to be a father again and this time, get the chance to see watch both of them grow up and hold their little hands,"
Jaina smiled and touched Jag's left cheek with her hand, rubbing it, "I know you'll be a great father. I love you, Jagged Fel,"
"I know," he smiled and blushed, "I love you, Mrs. Fel,"
"Mrs. Fel, Mrs. Jaina Solo Fel," Jaina mused and hugged Jag, "If you're not too busy right now, could you stay with me for awhile?"
"As long as you wish, my love," he whispered.
~~
Kyp Durron walked idly into the lounge and grabbed himself a place at the bar, ordering a glass of Corellian ale. As he turned around to survey the room of pilots, he frowned when he saw Cherith and Valin alone in a booth. His mouth nearly dropped as he stared at them. They weren't kissing but Valin had left his place and sat next to her and they were talking, well, Cherith was talking more than Valin.
The Jedi Master debated whether he should walk over and say something or not say anything at all. Was it really his right as her Master to say something, or did those rights belong to her parents? Kyp grunted, stood up, straightened his cloak and started to walk towards the booth and then stopped.
No, keep walking, Durron, he commanded himself. They're both too young to be in a relationship.
Yes, another voice said, but they have a special bond and they're young. Let them live their lives.
Where did you come from? The first voice demanded, Continue your walk, Durron and give them a lecture,
Not to be the third voice, but I think the second echo is right, Kyp interrupted himself. They are just friends. Cherith told me as much and I believed her.
What do you know, Durron? The first voice retorted.
I trust both Valin and Cherith, he replied, So, I'm just going to walk over and say hello. No lectures, period. End of discussion!
He heard the second voice laugh at the first voice but Kyp didn't bother to say anything else to his self and simply walked over the booth. Cherith saw him and began to breathe faster. Valin on the other hand simply grinned and said hi. "Hey Cherith, I hope I'm not interrupting. I just wanted to say thanks for cutting our sparring session short today,"
Cherith looked at Valin and smiled, "No problem, Master Durron...Um, was there something else you wanted?"
Kyp shrugged, "Nothing else. You two enjoy your dinner," he grinned and left the two teens alone. Cherith looked at him curiously as he left and sat down again at the bar, thanking the bartender.
"Okay, that was weird," she mused, "I almost got the impression he came over to lecture us,"
"Don't worry about it, Cherith," Valin smiled and from under the table, grasped her hand in his.
~~
Jag backed away a little as Jaina's sobs subsided and she smiled through her tears. He'd seen her cry once before their first kiss. She was so vulnerable, so innocent and her eyes...To see her brown eyes turn cold like that with fear and to see it again, stung his heart. Jag brushed away some of her tears with his hand and kissed her forehead.
"Are you feeling any better?" he whispered, hugging her tightly.
Jaina nodded, "A little, thanks for staying with me, Jag,"
"I'll always be here for you, Jaina. Always. We made a promise to each other, remember?" He grinned and kissed her cheek, this time brushing away her bangs.
Jaina smiled and snuggled closer to her husband as he wrapped his arms around her waist and held her. She realized people die in wars, but for her, the death was hitting too close to home. Before the war started, she was young and so innocent, only 16 years old. She was with her brothers then, Anakin and Jacen. Jaina never really needed to be protected then because she took care of herself, but then Jacen and Anakin died, she was alone and forced to deal with her pain. To live life without them by her side. "I miss them," she whispered, "I miss my brothers...I'm pregnant with twins, their nieces or nephews and they'll never get the chance to know them or Cherith,"
Jag rubbed her cheek lovingly, smiled and then frowned, "I know the feeling. I wish Davin and Cherith were here too to meet their niece."
"The pain, it never goes away, does it? It's always there?" Jaina questioned, not really expecting an answer from him.
"I wish it did, but it never does," Jag replied as he stroked her brown hair and kissed her temple. "This may sound corny, but they're always watching you. How else would they know to come to you when you were dying? They knew and they wanted to ease your pain, because they didn't want to see you in pain,"
Jaina nodded and smiled a little, "I guess they were watching me those last days,"
Jag smiled and kissed her cheek, "Of course, they were watching you," he whispered and kissed her temple again. Jaina turned to him and smiled again. For the first time, she noticed how loving he was...Well, yes she knew he loved her but the feeling, sensing the warmth and love within, made her blush and her breath quicken as Jag kissed her. For one moment, she forgot all her sadness and only felt the love of her husband.
tbc