From Scratch
Chapter 3


Jacen paused at the main door of the medical lab to get his bearings before stepping out into the damp air. He frowned. Tenel Ka was somewhere near his Uncle Luke. Why would she go see him first? At least he knew where she was.

"Jacen!"

He paused, turning to see Tahiri and Anakin walking towards him. Their hands were linked and Tahiri's face was flushed, her eyes sparkling brilliantly. Anakin was slightly shorter than he'd been before, thinner and less muscular, but his aura was no less powerful. Jacen shied away from touching Anakin's Force signature. It was so powerful it was almost overwhelming in nature. It would take some getting used to, he figured.

He waited patiently, tracking Tenel Ka's signature as it began to move, a little puzzled by the underlying turmoil he could detect. What was wrong with her? "Anakin. I'm glad to see you're up and around already."

Tahiri's smile was brilliant. "Isn't it wonderful?"

Jacen nodded, "Miraculous. How're you feeling, little brother?"

"Strange." Tarc's voice was subtly changed, deeper and more intense than Jacen had ever heard it. It sounded more like Anakin's, which made Jacen smile.

"I suppose that's to be expected. You realize you're now younger than Tahiri?"

Anakin blinked, glancing down at the 17 year old who came up to his chin. Her eyes sparkled as she winked at him. "Jacen is right, I'm now older than you are."

Anakin shrugged. "Older or not, you're still mine."

Jacen chuckled. "You two need something?"

Tahiri's gaze came back to Jacen. "Well, your parents are in their quarters and with Anakin back we weren't sure how they'd react so would you... could you..."

"You want me to soften the blow? Mom and dad will be thrilled, Tahiri, I wouldn't worry too much."

Anakin gently squeezed Tahiri's hand. "Jacen has another, more pressing matter to attend to I think." He met Jacen's gaze, a knowing gleam in the blue depths of his eyes.

Jacen nodded, not at all embarrassed. "Tenel Ka is on the planet."

Anakin waved him away. "I think Tahiri and I can handle mom and dad. And Jacen?"

Jacen arched an eyebrow and gave his brother a half smile. "I know... I will. And your welcome, Anakin, it's good to have you back."

Anakin stepped forward and pulled Jacen into a hug. "I couldn't have done it without you."

Jacen returned the hug, amused to find Tahiri's hand had slipped to Anakin's shoulder. She couldn't seem to stop touching him. Ah well, it was better that way, he supposed. He pulled back, and turned to leave. Stepping out into the damp air, he searched for Tenel Ka again, frowning slightly. She was headed for the wharfs. Walking quickly, he turned in that direction and headed off. He glanced back only once to look at the young couple, only to find Anakin's head descending and Tahiri's angled back to receive his kiss. He smiled and turned around again, increasing his pace. Tenel Ka wasn't moving very fast, but she was far enough away it'd take him some time to find her.

He ducked through alleyways, trying to cut down his transit time, heading unerringly towards the beach. He felt Tenel Ka trying to work through several important matters in her mind, her carefully shielded emotions calling out to him, as if searching for an outlet. He could feel himself nearing her location almost a half-hour later, his heart beating painfully against his ribs. He hadn't seen her in two years, what was he going to say? He skidded to a halt next to the entrance of the wharves. That was a very good question what [i]was[/i] he going to say?

He felt her sudden awareness of his presence, of knowing he was nearby, and felt her go very still. She was just as nervous as he was, he realized. Taking a deep breath, Jacen stepped onto the wharves and looked around.

"Jacen."

He glanced down to see her standing on the beach below, her cape flying out behind her, the slight breeze tossing loose tendrils of her hair gently about her face. She wasn't smiling and her gray eyes were serious. Not that he was surprised. Tenel Ka rarely smiled. He sat on the edge of the wharf and slipped between the railings, dropping to the sand. "It's good to see you, Tenel Ka."

She looked at him, her gray eyes taking in the loose Jedi robes covering his black trousers. He thought he saw a hint of fire in her eyes as her gaze slid over his naked chest. He still had a habit of going without a shirt, rank or no rank. On Calamari, during his private time, he wouldn't let that protocol dictate his style of dress. Her gaze traveled upwards to his face and her eyes widened fractionally. He smiled at her. "Do you like my new look?"

"New?"

Her voice filled him with a longing he hadn't felt in a very long time. He nodded. "The fleet regulations say I can't have a beard. I figure when I give up the position at the celebration tomorrow I can start growing it back."

She arched an eyebrow fractionally. "You do not like this look?"

Jacen shrugged, "It's alright, it's not exactly me anymore though."

"You are nervous."

"So're you," he returned, flashing her a grin. "Would it be improper of me to ask the Queen Mother for a hug?"

"Most assuredly. However, we are feeling gracious today." She stepped forward and into his arms, slipping her arm about his waist and resting her head on his chest.

Jacen enfolded her gratefully. "I've missed you."

She said nothing, closing her eyes and relishing the feeling of his arms about her again. His hand gently stroked her hair as he inhaled her scent. She could hear his heart beating quickly under her ear and almost smiled. So this was the effect she had on him. It was nice to know she wasn't the only one so affected. She lifted her head, trying to find the words to express herself and couldn't.

Jacen looked down at her, lifting his hand to gently cup her face. "Want to hear a joke, Tenel Ka?"

A smile slowly stretched across her lips, her gray eyes lighting up with delight. "You remembered." She said softly, amazed.

"I couldn't forget." He searched her face in wonderment, "Every time I see you smile, I wonder what I did to be so blessed. You are incredibly beautiful."

She blushed softly, "Do not say such things."

"Why? It's only the truth."

"It is not proper."

He chuckled softly. "Proper? Since where were you ever concerned with what was proper? You're a Hapan Queen who's a Jedi Knight. Talk about a paradox. My compliments aren't given lightly, Tenel Ka, trust me, they're sincere."

"I do not doubt your sincerity, Jacen. I just thought we had agreed to start over."

"Is that really possible?" he asked, searching her gaze. "Is it? Every time I've watched one of your replies to my letters, I've felt more complete than before. I feel at peace, able to go on and accomplish my goals. Don't you feel the same?"

"I do, but there is more to a relationship."

"I agree." He pulled away, letting his hands drop reluctantly from her. "Tenel Ka, if I were to ask for permission to be your escort to the Celebration tomorrow, would you accept?"

"You need not ask."

"Oh?"

She nodded, her face becoming impassive once again. "I would be flattered to have such a handsome escort. I fear your attention would be improperly interpreted and I cannot accept."

"How...?" he looked at her confused. "How could being your escort be misconstrued? We're old friend, more than that I hope, does it really matter what other people think?"

"Jacen, I am a public figure. By escorting me, you will be proclaiming an interest." She searched his face, "Do you wish to be bombarded by the press demanding to know of our intentions?"

"Well no, but what does that matter? I deal with them daily as it is."

She shook her head once. "No. This would be different. Fact. You would be seen as a possible interest for the currently unfilled position as my consort."

He blinked. "As your consort. Right."

She stepped back, her hand on her hip. "You think that is funny?"

"What? Oh, no, I don't, I just... I thought we'd discussed this already."

She blinked, mimicking his surprise. "How so?"

Jacen shrugged, half-smiling. "I did explain in my last letter that my feelings for you haven't changed. Neither have my intentions. When I feel we're ready, I was going to ask you to marry me."

"You cannot."

"Obviously."

"You misunderstand. For me to marry, I must approach the parents of whomever I am interested in. For them to refuse..." she trailed off.

He grabbed her hand, "Come on then, you can approach my parents."

She tugged her hand free. "Jacen!"

He chuckled. "Sorry, over eager I suppose. You want to start over, we did when you accepted what had happened to me on Yuuzhan'tar. We're connected, Tenel Ka, by bonds that aren't visible to the eye. I've seen you, your strengths and your weaknesses."

"But you have not seen me as a Queen."

"True, I haven't had that opportunity."

"Tomorrow you will. I will accompany you during the celebration, but I will arrive alone."

He frowned. "I don't mind being considered as a 'to be' consort."

She shook her head. "No. I do not wish our relationship to be public."

"Me either, but we're both public figures, we're bound to be found out eventually."

"Fact."

He grinned. "Until then, may I escort you back to my parent's place? There's someone waiting for us that you might remember."

She nodded. "I would like that."

"Good. Shall we?" he offered her his arm.

She inclined her head and took it, her bearing as regal as the royalty she was. With a smile, Jacen led her down the beach towards the stairs leading up. She'd come around to his way of thinking and when she did, he had every intention of never letting her go.



Tenel Ka strode through the door to the Solo residence at Jacen's side, and stopped as the young couple on the couch looked up. Han Solo and Leia were standing off to the side, their expression shocked.

Jacen looked from one to the other. "Uh, I take it this isn't a good time?" He looked at Anakin and Tahiri and knew they'd just dropped their bombshell.

Han snapped out of his shock first, his eyes wet with tears. "No no, this is a great time. Your brother is apparently back."

Anakin stood and looked from Jacen to his parents. "Jacen helped bring me back, mom and dad. I'm sorry for just dropping the bomb on you like we did."

Leia stepped away from Han and reached a trembling hand out to Anakin. He grasped it, and Jacen could feel the connection mending, the life sense between his mother and his brother regaining its solidity. Leia gasped, tears of joy mixed with sorrow sliding down her cheeks. "Tarc let you come back."

"No, mom. Tarc insisted. He didn't let me, he told me I had to. For Tahiri, if no one else. He made me understand that I couldn't be selfish in this," his gaze went back to the blonde who's hands were folded in her lap, her eyes on him. "He wanted to let go, but didn't feel he could if his body could be put to good use."

Leia sobbed once and pulled him into her arms, cradling her baby close to her heart. "Anakin! Welcome home."

Anakin hugged her back as Han joined the hug.

Jacen looked at Tenel Ka, noting the way her face had returned to its normal impassive expression. Her eyes were glimmering suspiciously with moisture. He reached out and gently squeezed her hand, feeling her reach out with the Force to confirm 'Tarc' was actually Anakin. He could feel the sudden tension in her body as she encountered the blazing Force presence, leaving no doubt to the boy's identity. She nodded once. "Anakin."

Leia, Han and Anakin looked over at the sound of her voice, as if realizing that she was in the room for the first time. Leia reluctantly let go of her son as he stepped away, Han squeezing his shoulder a final time before his hands dropped around Leia's shoulders. She leaned against him as Tahiri rose from the couch to grab Anakin's hand again. He pulled her close, his gaze meeting Tenel Ka's. "I see Jacen found you, Tenel Ka."

She nodded once. "We are glad you have returned, Anakin Solo."

Anakin smiled roguishly, reminiscent of his old self. "I hear you're the Queen Mother now. That's a nice royal 'we'."

She said nothing, simply looked at him and he groaned. "Jacen, she needs to learn to laugh."

"I'm working on it, little brother."

Anakin rolled his eyes and settled back on the couch, Tahiri curling up in his lap and placing a gently kiss on his lips before resting her head on his shoulder.

Jacen looked away, a bit embarrassed at her display, though Anakin didn't seem to mind. After more than two years of separation, Jacen figured they deserved some time alone, even though they seemed intent on reestablishing the ties Anakin had lost when he died. Tenel Ka pulled her hand from his and inclined her head to his parents. "Princess, General. It is a pleasure to see you again."

Leia laughed softly. "Tenel Ka, please, no titles, we've known you far too long to resort to them now."

Jacen chuckled. "She's Royalty, mom, titles are a part of daily life."

Leia smiled. "I remember that well. Welcome, Queen Mother of Hapes, it's a pleasure to have you in our home after such a long absence."

Han and Leia both smiled at Tenel Ka, Han motioning for her to take a seat. She did, Jacen remaining standing behind her chair. "Mom, Dad, I wanted to ask you about this celebration they're planning tomorrow. Do either of you know much about it?"

His parents exchanged an amused look. "I'm on the planning committee, Jacen."

"I figured you would be, mom. Should I be scared?"

"Only if you're not giving up your rank as General."

He laughed, "I never wanted it in the first place. I'm too much like dad."

Han grinned. "A chip off the old block. Are you going to be escorting anyone in particular?" he looked at Tenel Ka, as if expecting something.

Tenel Ka shook her head once. "No. We are not arriving together."

"You're going to be dancing together," Anakin commented, tongue in cheek, "and probably monopolize one another all evening. Why not?"

Tenel Ka glanced up at Jacen, who shrugged. She met Anakin's gaze, her own serious. "I do not wish his attention to be viewed as something beyond friendship."

Anakin looked puzzled as Han and Leia left the room and headed for the kitchen. Leia was almost bursting as she left, Han only going with her to celebrate in private. They'd regained their baby, it was something that deserved a drink.

"Why wouldn't you want his attention to be viewed beyond friendship?" Tahiri asked softly, uncertain. "I thought you two..."

Jacen chuckled. "It's complicated, Tahiri. Trust me, you don't want to know."

She shrugged, settling comfortably in Anakin's arms. "If you say so. I take it this is a formal occasion tomorrow?"

Jacen nodded. "Yeah, that's all the information I got from my command chain. I guess that means I have to decide if I'm wearing my dress uniform or my Jedi Robes."

"I do not have a choice."

Jacen looked down at Tenel Ka. "You have to dress for your station. I suppose I should do the same. I wonder what a dress uniform will look like with my lightsaber..."

Tahiri laughed. "Bring a holo-cam, I want a keepsake."

Anakin hugged her. "Should I attend, or maybe make my return in a less public fashion?"

Tahiri looked up at him, frowning. "I have to go, so you're coming too. I am not going to go on my own!"

"Well..."

"Come on, little brother," Jacen grinned, winking at him. "We'll bring Jaina and Uncle Luke here, get them reacquainted with you, and then bring you back as a Force miracle tomorrow. The press will love you."

He made a face. "Thanks, Jacen," he replied dryly, "I can always count on you to make me as uncomfortable as possible. I'll go, but on the condition that Tahiri wears shoes."

"What?!"

They laughed at her indignant shout, Tenel Ka simply cocking her head and lifting an eyebrow. "Yup, those are my terms. If I have to be uncomfortable with the Press and the well-wishers who're going to want to talk to me, you've gotta wear shoes."

She stuck her tongue out at him, only to melt when he gently clucked her under the chin. "Alright, I'll do it. But you're not dancing with anyone but me!"

"I might be-"

"No. I won't let you."

Anakin rolled his eyes, looking to his brother for help.

Tenel Ka unexpectedly came to his rescue. "I would request your permission in advance to borrow him for a dance, Knight Velia."

Tahiri blinked. "Call me Tahiri, anything else is just wasted. But..." she looked at Anakin and sighed. "Alright, but only if I can steal Jacen for one."

Tenel Ka inclined her head seriously. "You have our permission."

Tahiri grinned. "Alright then. I figure you have to dance with a whole bunch of dignitaries, so it's the least I can do."

"Fact."

Jacen chuckled. "If I have anything to say about it, she'll be spending little time with anyone else."

"Shouldn't we go see Jaina?"

Jacen met Tahiri's gaze. "Getting all set up for her surprised expression?"

She nodded. "Once everyone knows he's back, the sooner everyone knows he's back, I can have him to myself again."

Anakin chuckled. "You're certainly clingy," he teased.

She pouted. "I missed you."

Jacen looked down at Tenel Ka as Anakin hugged her gently, wiping the tears from her eyes. Tenel Ka's gaze moved to the door and Jacen took the hint. "Tell you what, I'm going to take Tenel Ka back to her ship, or her room or whatever, and you guys can go pry Jaina away from Jag."

Tahiri smiled. "It was good to see you again Tenel Ka."

"We are pleased as well, Tahiri. Anakin."

Anakin smiled at her. "Good to see you too, Tenel Ka. Loosen up a bit, smile, things aren't as bad as they seem."

"No, they are often worse." She stood and inclined her head to them before turning to leave.

"Tell mom and dad we'll see them later," Jacen told his brother as they left.

Anakin lifted a hand in farewell before sitting back to cuddle with Tahiri. The door closed as they closed their eyes and Jacen turned back to Tenel Ka. "So where are you staying?"

"My ship. I can find my way myself."

He stopped as they were entering the turbo lift, feeling as if he'd been slapped. "You don't want me to walk you back?"

"I do not need you too."

"That's not the same," he told her, hitting the button for the main floor. "I asked if you wanted me too."

"I do not have that luxury, Jacen."

"The hell with luxury," he turned on her and grabbed her by the shoulders, looking into her steely eyes. "I want to spend time with you, even if it means simply walking you back to wherever. Why do you have such a problem with it?"

"I have explained my reasons."

"Because people will see me as a possible consort. I understand that, and I accept it, Tenel Ka."

"You do not know what the position means, Jacen. You do not understand what you are asking for."

"Then explain it to me." He pleaded.

She shrugged off his hands, regretting the necessity. "Perhaps. Not now. Tomorrow, after my meeting with the Chief of State, we will sit and talk. For now, let us enjoy our company."

Jacen sighed, accepting her words. "Alright, I'll wait until tomorrow. I don't like it, but I will. May I have the honor of escorting you back to your ship, Queen Mother?"

She inclined her head as the turbo lift opened, "You may. It pleases us."

He chuckled as she accepted his arm, her stride easily matching his. They exchanged little by the way of conversation as they walked, simply enjoying each other's company. All too soon, they stopped outside the docking bay and she stepped away from him. "Thank you, Jacen, it is always a pleasure to spend time with you."

He bowed unexpectedly, grasping her hand and placing a gentle kiss on the back of her knuckles. "The pleasure is all mine, Tenel Ka. I look forward to tomorrow."

"As do I."

He smiled, releasing her hand and spun on his heel, walking swiftly away. If he didn't, he was afraid he might grab her and kiss her. And, as interesting as that would be on the holo-cams surrounding the docking bay, it wasn't the way he wanted his intentions to become known. He would be patient and wait. When the time finally came, the reward would be worth it.



"Was that Jacen Solo?"

Tenel Ka looked up at Jana as she stopped on the boarding ramp to the shuttle. She closed her mind, suddenly wishing her aid to the far reaches of the galaxy. She didn't want to deal with her when the emotions and comments Jacen had sent spinning through her were still so fresh. "General Solo is an old friend. Do not concern yourself, Jana."

Jana arched an eyebrow at her monarch. "A friend? He's kissing the back of your hand for the security holo-cams to see and he's a friend? He's very handsome."

Tenel Ka brushed past the aid and into the main room where the security personnel, fewer than she remembered, were playing sabbac. They greeted her with nods and smiles but she quickly left the room with barely an acknowledgement. She didn't need this right now. She stepped into her cabin and locked the door, keeping Jana on the other side as she closed her eyes and leaned against it. How else could she explain Jacen's presence? Why, oh why had he gone courtly on her at the door? She knocked her head against the door once before stepping away from it. She looked around the cramped cabin, searching for some means of escape. She didn't want to be here, to be where Jana's knowing, searching gaze would be searching for answers.

She paused. She didn't owe the aid an explanation; she was the Queen Mother for Force sakes! Determinedly, she unlocked the door but didn't open it as she unclasped the cloak from around her neck. It slid to the floor and she kicked it aside as she settled onto the bed, tugging her boots off.

A knock sounded at the door before Jana stepped in without asking. "Your highness, I'm sorry to interrupt, but the Chief of State asked if it would be possible to meet with you this evening for dinner instead of tomorrow for lunch. He has another appointment tomorrow."

Tenel Ka dropped one boot to the floor before beginning to work on the other. She'd never had uses for slaves and there had been several changes to the house staff when she'd become Queen. Among them, no one was allowed to help her change unless she asked for it. Jana waited patiently by the door as Tenel Ka mulled over the thoughts in her mind. She nodded once. "Yes. That is acceptable to us."

"Excellent, I'll inform him immediately. The Jedi Council sent a message saying they would not need to speak with you."

"We spoke with Master Skywalker. It is not necessary."

Jana nodded, clicking something off on the datapad. "I took the liberty of clearing your schedule for most of the time here, your highness, to leave you time to search for a consort."

Tenel Ka froze for a moment before turning on Jana, her eyes cold. "That is not your concern."

"I beg to differ, your highness, it's all of Hapes' concern. We need an heir now that the war is over in case something should happen to you. It's essential."

"I will find a consort in my own time."

Jana sighed. "Very well. Tomorrow there is a celebration to honor of the end of the war, we've been issued an invitation and you can't get out of it. To refuse would be a tremendous insult."

"I have no intention of refusing."

Jana blinked. "Pardon? You're going to go? And without a fight?"

"Fact."

"Uh, if you don't mind me asking, but why? You've avoided this type of function like the plague, your Highness, why the change of heart."

"I cannot avoid this without being rude," Tenel Ka told her easily, reaching for the ties on her shirt and beginning to tug them free. "Many of my friends will be attending, that is reason enough."

"But, your friends are bene-"

Tenel Ka spun sharply on the aid, her eyes narrowing fractionally, but dangerously. Not other movement of her features betrayed her sudden annoyance, but Jana didn't continue. "Status matters not to us, Jana. Your position proves that. Do not presume to tell us... to tell ME whom I may be friends with."

Jana swallowed hard, backing up a step in the face of the Queen Mother's restrained fury. In many ways, Tenel Ka's controlled comments were more frightening than if she'd yelled them. The Queen Mother was so calm all the time, so collected, Jana had never seen her lose control. She wondered if she wanted to be anywhere in the vicinity if it ever happened... if it was even possible. "M-my apologies, Queen Mother, I meant no disrespect."

"You lie. Do not do so in my presence."

"I-I'm sorry."

Tenel Ka pulled her tunic over her head and threw it to the side before collecting her robe and slipping into it. "Leave. I wish to be alone."

Jana bowed and scurried away, the door shutting quickly behind her. Tenel Ka rubbed her forehead, allowing her annoyance at her aid's derogatory opinion of her long time friends fade. What did she care if Jana didn't approve of her friends? Her hand dropped. She didn't. Jana could think them little better than slime, and Tenel Ka wouldn't care. Shrugging it away, Tenel Ka slid out of her pants and tossed them to fall on her discarded shirt. She lay back on the ulitarian bunk and stretched out, staring at the ceiling. Sliding her hand behind her head, she let her thoughts wander back to her encounter with Jacen. He'd made it clear he was more than willing to fill the position of her consort, even though he knew nothing about it.

She grimaced, a rare show of emotion that no one ever saw. He'd probably run screaming when she finally explained everything tomorrow. How could she explain something that was bound to be little better than slavery to her best and oldest friend? She sighed. She had a couple hours until she had to get ready for dinner with the Chief of State. Maybe, just maybe, she could come up with a way of explaining the situation that wouldn't scare him off for good.