[b] For the end of the post its important to read the summary of The Emperor's Plague. This post fills in a few weeks gap that the book skips over. Also…Make sure you read the note at the bottom… [/b]
Post 12
Hawk-bat Station
After all the battles, all the deaths and all the painful memories, after the quick adrenaline drain after such progressive intensity, the empty hanger bay, devoid of workmen, pilots and mechanics was oddly comforting. Perhaps it was the silence; the absence of violence with a window out into the stars that helped ground an individual.
For Wes Janson, it was much more than that.
The empty hanger bay gave him a time to think, a place where he didn't need to perform, to plan and perhaps in some very deep place within his psyche, a place where he did not have to amuse.
It had been about a day since the Hawk-bat's had returned from the battle against the Diversity Alliance, and things were already breaking up. As usual there would be a contingent of New Republic servicemen standing guard here, but once again the pirates of Halamad would be retreating.
Hanging here, upside down from one of his S-foils, gripping a wrench between his neck and chin while working at some carbon scoring with a screwdriver, Wes was at home. His hands already slightly greasy from some joint re-oiling shoved the screwdriver into the hanging pouch next to him, then reached up to grip the wrench that was starting to hurt his chin. All of a sudden and he wasn't sure how it happened, the wrench slipped from his grip--inelegantly spinning to the ground below. Reaching for it, Wes found himself losing balance and had to struggle for a moment to stay latched on. He let out a short laugh, muttering to himself, "Well, that was dignified."
Surprisingly, someone answered. "I bet it was fun though--there was once a Lieutenant I knew who swore up and down that you can't have fun if you're looking dignified. Probably the best advice I have ever been given."
Wes, still upside down, twisted around in an attempt to glance at the speaker. "Yea I wonder who that idiot was." In a more smooth fashion then his tool he extracted himself from his fighter, brushing off his coveralls as his legs absorbed the impact.
His mysterious companion grinned. "Not sure, actually. But if you see him, will you let him know I owe that certain idiot an apology--and perhaps a chance to explain?"
Curious, Wes glanced at Donos. "He's listening."
The Lieutenant pursed his lips before he started, rushing to get everything out at once. "I was scared. Its only been less then a year since we took our vows, and it was hard enough trying to keep things quiet within Rogue Squadron, I knew it would be harder once we came here, among my former, our former, squadron mates. The only people who I think got the chance to see her for what she was, who she wanted to be. It was all I could do to not come out and tell everyone." Myn sighed, "I apologize for trying to trick you."
Wes grinned, despite himself. "Donos, you are a fool."
He looked up, confusion evident on his face. "Excuse me?"
"Myn, I understand. You don't need to tell me. I just want to know what made you think you couldn't trust me."
"Huh?"
"Would you depend on me in a firefight?" Wes began pacing as if he was lecturing to a student.
"Yes."
"So then trust is not the issue here."
"I suppose not, but…its not as if…"
Wes stopped in front of his squadron mate and held up his hand to silence him. "Bear with me. How did the others find out?"
"What others?"
"Dia, Shalla, Mara…Bhindi."
"Bindhi knows?" Myn grimaced, and struggled to maintain some semblance of dignity.
"I'm fairly sure all the women know."
Myn ran his fingers through his hair. "But…how? I know Dia knew--and I guess I assumed she would tell Shalla. I told Mara because she figured it out…but Bindhi? I guess it's a good thing I'm no longer permanently in intelligence!"
Wes groaned, and hung his head as if he was a teacher about to scold a pupil. "Myn, Myn--that's not it at all. I think subconsciously you wanted everyone to know. What you crave is security and justice, both of which, for Lara, began with Wraith Squadron. Trust was not the issue, your lack of ability in keeping secrets was not the issue; rather it was your fear of where your life is going, of isolation--having experienced some of that before. You were afraid for Lara--"
"Kirney," Donos supplied.
"Kirney." Wes paused for a second to run his nail through some carbon scoring on his hull, and then leaned down to pick up the fallen wrench before continuing. The way he supplied the name, freely...I wonder. Instead of finishing his earlier thought, he changed directions. "Well, what changed?"
Unaffected by Wes' tangent, but unsure how to begin Myn was silent. He started pacing, mirroring Wes' earlier path. "You know my history, you helped me, this squadron helped me to put Talon Squadron's death behind me. I came to you then because I needed advice. I didn't need advice now. " He stopped pacing, inhaled some recycled air and started lightly tapping his fingers in a small nervous twitch against his flight suit.
"You're right. I needed security, security that Kirney and I would be happy. Security, that my wife and I would be able to live without regrets. Security I wasn't going to get until we made some choices. The first was that we wanted to be together, the only question was where. It was obvious that her movements were limited, and in Corellia we were lying less, hiding less. "
"I should have realized that I would be more nervous around the Wraiths, and it is clear that the Rogues suspected something as well, but there wasn't a winning situation. I could either be here with the Rogues, and the New Republic--or with her. " He stopped and looked his friend in the eye.
"Life's a risk Wes. I didn't want to find myself years from now alone, even if friends surrounded me. So I plunged in, made a decision, and while I know I made the right one, I can't help but think about missing all of this--Kirney and I weren't kidding ourselves when we made the decision that I would resign and work with the Corellian Planetary Forces. We couldn't predict how I would keep in contact with anyone--" Myn shrugged, blinked a few times and finally tore his gaze from the stoic face of Wes Janson to look outside the hanger bay, finding himself suddenly at a loss of words.
Wes' expressionless features broke and he sighed, looking for a moment like Hobbie. "You just took the fun right out of it. I was going to rag on you, make it a bit more entertaining, but here you are, telling me everything. Why?--What changed?"
As with the first time, Myn knew what Wes was asking about, so he unstrapped the thigh pocket of his flightsuit and handed over the datapad. "Here"
Scanning the headline, Janson whistled, his mournful look changing into a bright grin. "I knew there was someone up there who knew! It was Wedge right? OOOOH you don't have to tell me…" He sucked in some air, and started bouncing from foot to foot. "Did you tell her yet?"
The younger pilot shook his head, "No…." Watching Janson was like watching a very wise child, a child who'd been given too many cookies and sweets and was now driving his parents crazy. It was contagious, and for the billionth time since he found out, Myn Donos imagined his wife's reaction. As another thought struck him, Donos broke out into a grin that mirrored the hyper man in front of him.
"There's one more thing Wes."
"More?" Wes rubbed hands together expectantly.
"Yes, If you thought not telling anyone about Kirney, Lara, was hard--what I'm about to tell you had to be just as rough." Pulling his identpacket out of his pocket, he pulled open a double enforced Corellian ID card, behind which, neatly hidden from view, was a small photograph. He passed it to Janson who was inching forward with curiosity. "His name is Kolot."
Wes took one look and shoved the picture back at Myn. "No Way. It's fake. I'm not falling for this one." He had a mock-horrified look on his face, and Myn couldn't help but start shaking with silent laughter. Wes looked at him angrily. "This is not funny. Stop laughing. Where's Wedge?" He whipped around and ran around his fighter then started towards a pile of crates on the other end of the bay. "Antilles…where are you!"
"He's not here, Wes" Myn wheezed. "It's not a joke either. It's your creation, come true. He's from the Moort Project." Realizing Wedge really wasn't around and that Myn was probably telling the truth; Wes bounded back towards him, his expression changing into one of manic glee.
"My creation come true? Emperor's black bones. I cannot wait until I get back to Coruscant. Please, tell me he doesn't know." Wes began to fall on his knees in a begging stance. "Pretty please?"
Donos managed a "He doesn't." in between his bouts of amusement.
Wes' laughter intermingled with his squadronmate's and filled the cavernous docking bay in tune with the dancing, twinkling stars. Coming back to his feet, he grasped Myn's hands and pumped them repeatedly. "This day just keeps getting better and better, all I need is to get Jade and I will be the happiest man in the galaxy."
Calming down, and pursing his lips, Myn frowned for a moment. "We-eelllll, Everyone else is getting ready for Piggy and Runt's welcome back party in the mess. And I do mean…Everyone."
Wes, who had begun cleaning up around his fighter so that he could leave, dropped his multitool with a crash. He whirled around and whispered. "Myn Donos, I could just, oh--kiss you right now, but I'm in a hurry--so… " He dropped the rest of his tools into the box, grabbed a mysterious bag next to the plane and simultaneously winked his eye while slapping the prone man on the back, "I'm just going to go now. "
Donos stood watching the retreating form, and smiled as Wes did a little jig on his way out. Turning slowly from the starry tableaux, He turned towards the mess, and began whistling. Wes was going to hate him later, but it was all worth it.
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Mara's commlink twittered. "Jade here."
"Mission accomplished."
"So you're sure he'll be busy in my room for a few minutes?"
"Based on the bulk of that bag, at least a half an hour. Is everything set?"
"Yes, " Mara glanced at her chrono, making note of the time.
"Hey, Mara, aren't you afraid he'll use his time in your place to actually accomplish something?"
"Don't you worry about that, Myn, I'm not devious for nothing. I've got it covered. Any trap he puts in my room for me will be taken down and noted by a seemingly powered down M32 mouse droid."
For a moment there was silence, then with a small bit of awe. "Oh."
She grinned, an almost evil glint in her eye. "Ok, I'm out. Thanks again." Mara clicked off the comm, and took a moment to glance around the room.
Preparations for a party were in full swing. Lanterns and crepe paper dangled from the ceiling as glowing tutatera crystals littered the green painted floor. Upon arrival back at Hawk-bat base, there was notice that both Piggy and Runt would be arriving to head back to Coruscant with the squadron now that their missions were over. Standing with her arms crossed, she watched everyone work--Bindhi stringing together electronics for a show, and Shalla in plain coveralls putting the finishing touches on a large banner by the bar.
The men fiddled with the lighting fixtures and the food; while Elassar said a good luck chant to bless the gathering. Already the rest of the crew was starting to arrive. A small beep on her watch caught her attention, and Mara made her way to the corridor, sprinting past her own room and in front of the quarters that belonged to Wes Janson.
Entering the sliced access codes she had gotten from Bindhi, she let the door slide silently open. Taking care not to enter more then half a foot into the room, Mara slid part of her right arm, up and over to plug in the concealed holocam above the door. Checking to make sure the light switch and the rest of the room appeared untouched, she stepped back through the door.
Right before she hit the switch on the door, her hand darted to her belt unlatching a very sleek, very expensive, multitool. After pondering the task for a moment, she set her stance, cocked her elbow and with a small Force push she watched with satisfaction as the multitool slid across Wes' garish carpeting to the edge of the bed. Re-locking the door, Mara simultaneously punched in a comm code by rote, and spoke into it.
"Shalla, Go."
All of this took less then a minute and a half, and as a leaf falling off a tree she made it around the corner, barely in time--as the door to her room swooshed open.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
BZZZ BZZZ
Janson snatched up his commlink and muted it, returning his hands to the project in progress. "Wes, you are a genius." He muttered, getting to his feet.
BZZZZ BZZZ
Of all the…"Who in sith is this."
"Shalla you big oaf."
"Look, I can't talk right now." He hissed. For all I know she could have voice activation safeguards or something.
He remembered his earlier muttering. Oh. Too Late.
"Sure you can, look I think I dropped my multitool in your room when we came by to pick up the decorations earlier. Can you check and run it over when you come to help us set up?"
"Yea, Yea, sure--" he shut it off and took a step back, his lips twitching. He spent a few more minutes finishing up, and almost tripped over an ancient mouse droid. Must have belonged to Castin.
As he stepped out of the room, his subconscious barely registered the flash of red in his periphery as he made his way back to his door. Tapping in his codes he let the door open, his eyes squinting in the din as the only halo of light illuminated the horrible carpeting he had scrounged from his mothers place on Tanaab. Glancing in, he saw right at the edge of the ray of light, the silver glint of Shalla's multitool. He played back the events of the evening in his head trying to remember if she had the tool when she left the room. After a few minutes of that, he gave up and stepped through the doorway.
He had barely settled his weight down when he realized he had forgotten to turn off his failsafe, or rather to even check it. Stepping out of the room quickly he pulled out a small penlight and flashed for lasers, smiling in triumph a moment later. All four were there, unbroken. Janson One. Everyone else Zero.
Not bothering to turn on the lights, he strode in, confidant that he was still the master. As he began leaning forward to pick up the multitool, he heard approximately thirty small twang's…
"ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Mara slapped the controls on the mess doors and stepped through the crowded hall sending a quick nod towards Bindhi. "We're set."
Bindhi fired up the projector she had been messing with earlier, bringing a seemingly dark room into focus.
A voice to her left caught her attention. "Mara Jade-Skywalker. I am surprised with you."
"Hello Face, " She turned keeping one eye on the screen, and her senses open. "You admitted to yourself that I'm frightening. This shows you how devious I can be." Her lips turned to a smile as she acknowledged the two figures beside him.
Face began introductions. "Jedi Master Mara Jade-Skywalker may I introduce you to Hohass Ekwash and Voort SaBinring, otherwise known as Runt and Piggy. Piggy, Runt-Master Jade-Skywalker."
Mara bowed slightly then glanced back at the screen. Where was he? She shrugged her shoulders and turned back. "I apologize--"
Face grinned, "Mara here is about to teach our friend Wes a lesson."
Runt bared his teeth. "Ahh, Ahh. I understand."
The Gamorrean looked at her and grunted appreciatively "Its good to be back, and to be understood."
Mara looked at him questioningly.
He supplied an explanation. "My mission involved me being without my voice modulator." Pausing for a moment, he inclined his head a few steps away. "Excuse us for a moment Runt, Sir."
Curious, they nodded.
Mara followed Piggy's squat form. He began. "Master Skywalker, I had a chance to speak with your husband."
Mara opened her mouth but stayed silent. He was on Ryloth. "Go on."
"He found out that I was to regroup with my former squadron and I believe on the off chance I would see you, I was given a message." Piggy let out a low grunt, and then spoke from rote. "I'll see you on Coruscant, Take care…Its your turn to rescue me."
She let out a short laugh. Farmboy, Its always my turn to rescue you. She blushed slightly, realizing that both Runt and Face were watching. "Thank You Piggy." Her head snapped to the projector as Bindhi's voice caught her attention.
"Mara!" The young woman was gesturing urgently, her yell was loud enough that even the casual onlookers began to watch the unfolding events.
"Excuse me," Getting up she wove her way through the crowd to where she could see the screen. Under her breath she whispered. "Come on, Wes."
"Come On WES! Don't fall for it!" Hobbie yelled. Without looking at Mara he could tell she was glaring daggers at him and quickly shut up.
The audience watched at the cleared live feed on the screen. There was a black and white image of Wes' now darkened room, where moments before he had entered the periphery of the camera. His distorted shadow appeared on the floor where the door had let in light. For moments he didn't move, and then he stepped quickly through the door.
Mara held her breath, realizing just how juvenile all of this was--then released it as he stepped back out of the room again. "Shavit." He must have figured something out.
Standing next to her, Myn patted her shoulder sympathetically. "You tried." Then blinked as they realized Wes was just checking the lasers he had installed.
"Yes!" Mara hissed, catching Cubber Daine's eye, across the room. If it weren't for him, they wouldn't have known that Wedge had procured some laser parts from Squeaky.
Bindhi hooted, "Excellent!"
On the screen, the tiny reflective beam snapped off, and was followed by the more substantial form of Janson striding into the room. He bent down, and it seemed like he sensed something was going to happen before he was suddenly hit by a hundred of paint filled darts mounted on automatic firing sequences around his room.
The sound kicked in. "ARGGHHHHHHHHHHH, Get them off, Get them off! Off!." Mara's lips twitched at the comical display. None of the darts would hurt him, but each of the projectiles had tiny baubles of paint that upon impact were absorbed by his skin and clothes. They watched as he ran out, still screaming.
The hall broke out into laughter, then, as planned, quickly banished all evidence of their viewing.
Nearly Fifteen minutes later, his face red from scrubbing, Wes strode into the hall, looking more confident then he felt. "Hello ladies and gentleman."
No one looked at him. In a sense of déjà vu, from years ago--Janson surveyed the crowd. The music was hopping, and just under the table of food he spotted a dangling extension chord. He frowned.
Next, he looked at the faces. Most were passive, unnaturally engrossed in what they were doing, as if they were trying to not look up. Mara Jade was the only one looking straight at him. Nearly a perfect Sabbac face, she was letting through the slightest hint of smug satisfaction. And she's supposed to be a Jedi Knight. I wonder if Skywalker gave her pointers…Skywalker…hmm… He snorted as an idea occurred to him.
"Hello! Anyone here?" He found Shalla, who was talking to Myn near the punch bowl. She was shaking, and when he caught site of her face, it was just in time to catch her eye.
"OH MY--" She shrieked. And leaned against the table as she started laughing. Almost simultaneously, as if part of a Verpine hive mind the rest of the hall turned towards where the subject of all their inattention was.
Wes Janson, pilot, master of hand weapons, survivor of the rebellion, Bakura and Force knows how many missions, was purple.
Correction, he was covered in violent purple, seemingly permanent polka dots. Polka dots, which were clashing with his freshly, scrubbed bright red face.
He looked, hideous.
In the shocked silence, Mara walked towards him and handed him a cardboard box, inside which were the remains of his Wes Janson Jedi Knight dolls complete with a imitation lightsaber handle cobbled together from spare parts. Rather, all that was left of his earlier time spent in her room. How did she…Mara placed it at his feet and shrugged in apology. "Sorry Wes. Nothing happened."
In a perfect imitation of his voice--it could only be Face--a small reenactment followed, ending with "Get them off! Get them off!"
Taking it all in, chagrined, Wes bowed twice--first to the audience and then in deference of Mara. "I will get each and everyone of you back…when you least expect it." There was a twinkle in his eye.
Kell, the tallest amongst them clapped to get everyone's attention. "Ladies and Gentleman, Wes Janson! The greatest sport of them all."
Amidst the applause that followed, Wes leaned towards Mara. "All right Jade, give me the solvent."
Mara solemnly handed him a card. Paint and supplies provided by Inyri Forge and Wedge Antilles. In what could only be his girlfriend's lovely handwriting was written--
Wes, can't wait to see you on Coruscant. The solvent and I shall be waiting.
Straight faced, in a dead pan voice Shalla delivered the closing blow. "Also enclosed is an order form for volume one and today's filmed volume two of the Wes Janson body expression series. They shall be availablefor purchase immediately. Complimentary copies shall be provided to our sponsors."
Wes waited a beat, then grinned. "Cool. Can I buy one?"
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hours later, as the party was winding down. Face raised his glass. "Before we all turn in to get ready for parts unknown, I would like to say goodbye to a friend, a former squadron mate, and a man I am proud to have served with. We are sad to see you go, but look forward to hearing about how he's the best sniper in the Corellian Security Force."
Myn felt a slight flush rise to his neck at the attention, and nodded appreciatively to Dia, who squeezed his arm softly in support.
"To Myn Donos!" A the applause died down and more people left, he took a final swig of his brandy. Turning towards Face to say goodbye he didn't notice that the only individuals left in the room were members or former members of Wraith Squadron.
Shalla, who had been standing near the door, glanced at Dia and hauled herself onto the bar at the center of the room.
"Myn--before you go--I'd like to propose one more toast." She reached behind her and grabbed the long neck of a bottle, and tossed it to Wes. He immediately began filling up glasses.
Shalla took a deep breath, "We've all tasted the betrayal. When someone who you trusted becomes someone you don't understand, you're angry at first, but then become resigned to the loss. But sometimes individuals can surprise you. Earlier today, we all received some important news from Captain Loran. The New Republic honors their dead, and today, on the day of her death nearly two decades ago, her memory is clear. For who she was, became and who she shall be, I would like to propose a toast to Lara Notsil--who shall, in my eyes, forever be a member of Wraith Squadron.
To Lara, in death and life."
In unison, the squadron raised their glass and looked at Myn who was standing pensively next to Face. "To Lara, a Wraith in death and life."
Whispering softly, Myn raised his glass--"To Lara. " To Kirney. Things were going to be all right.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Valdet
The smoke above the capital city on Valdet matched the ones on subsidiary cities across the rest of the planet and Danshitie. The smell of sulfur and blood would not be long removed from anyone's senses.
Sian hesitated at the entrance to the garden, and glanced down at the message he was carrying.
Meeting
6:30pm
Old Palatial Gardens
Alone. Unarmed.
While at first glance the gardens appeared to be uninhabited, it never hurt, especially with the events of the last few weeks, to be careful. Amidst dying branches and yellowed ginse blossoms known for their pale rose-colored petals, he waited. Minutes later, from his new vantage point, he watched as another figure ducked through the narrow archway. Their gait was almost like gliding, statuesque, but elegant with strong, stoic face.
Her eyes met his and narrowed instantaneously. "I knew it." Koi Esperenza sneered and made as if to turn away.
"Leaving your own little meeting?" The green Fl'intil warbled. "Was this just another way for you to jerk around your puppets?"
"I'm sorry," She turned back around staring at the Valdet native with uninterested malice. "You're the one who's been taking us all for a ride. Killing Iker, when we all could have been happy? Was this worth it?"
"You tell me, I'm sure your goons know what Iker's last words were--he had complete faith in me." He drew himself up to his full height, towering over the six foot five inch Esperenza by at least two inches.
She scoffed. "That's right, I forgot. You're still denying the act, and using it as justification. "
Click, Click.
Both assailants stared down at each other's blaster sights.
"What will each of you gain with the other's death?"
Simultaneously, they turned both their blasters facing the newest occupant of the garden.
The figure took on the same tone as Koi's, a moment ago. "Thirty-two seconds. Must be a new record."
"Who is this?" the Fl'ntil whispered.
Coming completely out of the shadow the figure, removed his cape and watched with amusement as the two figures visibly relaxed. Obviously they did not consider him a threat. Little did they know if he wanted, they would both be dead, but as much as that would please him--they were needed.
Koi deliberated between being snide and just walking away or actually asking what was going on. She settled on the latter. "Nestor Alluvia, I presume you know why we're all gathered."
"Yes, I called this meeting. Do you know why?"
"No--" Sian kept his blaster steady.
"Well, I was planning on doing this the civilized way, but its clear that we've lost that moment. So, I apologize for this, but you were told to come unarmed."
In a flash of an eye, and neither individual was quite sure how it happened, they awoke to find themselves tied up to opposite columns, with both their blasters far from their reach.
Based on the now twinkling stars, it was clear some time had passed. Pacing patiently in between the two of them was Nestor. "Sorry about that again, but I knew once I began talking I would no longer have been standing, and I frankly like to be in control of situations that involve shooting."
"Let me tell you a story. " Nestor, licked his lips and realized that he didn't have the urge to play this out the way he had intended to. Instead he found the pocket of anger that had been settling in him for the week past the sighting of Iker Rafagr, alive and well at the CR platform.
He growled, in frustration. "Forget it. You know the story. There are two people who cared more about the well being of this system than anyone else. In fact, had it come to a peaceful, demonstrative vote, they would have allowed both planets to rule themselves, without interference, as long as they were sure the people's interest was at heart. Instead, while one was dying from a mysterious degenerative disease; you chose to let your petty grievances against their families," He looked directly at Koi. "Not to mention your need for power and vengeance, which I know can be harnessed in a better way, " he glanced at the Fl'intil, "but was used to cause more suffering to our peoples."
"Let me tell you something that I'm sure you don't know. Elbereth Dono Morodin Romani died in the attacks. In fact, while there may have been time for her to die, peacefully in her bed, she died after tons of concrete from her new home forced her into a self-preserving coma. Let me tell you--there had to be pain. There had to be."
"You took the easy way out. Fine. Now Fix it."
He turned and began to walk away, leaving them tied up.
Koi's voice was cautious, but promising. "Why should we care. Why should we fix any of this. Tristan and Elbereth made their choices, they knew this could happen. I cannot wallow in what if's. We made our choices, they made theirs."
Nestor snorted, "Choices? You think any of us made choices? Did Elbereth choose to get her disease? Did she choose to lose her child?
I think not. Likewise, you did not choose to fight. We were all manipulated."
"That's preposterous. I knew what I was doing. " Sian argued.
"You did, right." The bodyguard was aware his voice dripped with sarcasm. "What was it you were about to come to blows about? Oh! Yes. The death of Iker Rafagr; the savior, who died mysteriously in an accident that neither side is willing to claim.
" Why not say 'hey we did it'? I'll tell you why.
Because no one wanted a war. You wanted separation, isolation, and anonymity. Free to be in charge of your own countries without the old families. Something that Elbereth and Tristan were willing to give.
If you had only asked."
So he was stretching. Alluvia wasn't sure what the monarchs would have decided, but he knew that Tristan wanted nothing to do with Valdet--they had lost faith in him and Nestor was confident that at this juncture, if the people thought it would bring them peace he would gladly formerly step down. He paused, then finished his thoughts, hitting the nail on the head, confident of both of the Citizen Representative's trust in him.
"By the way, Iker is alive. I saw him, with my own eyes, getting on a shuttle two weeks ago. I know you both trust me enough to sense that I would not lie about this. Exhume the body, check the information again--could he be an imposter?"
Koi and Sian stared at each other, and Nestor could almost sense their minds churning. Could he have--no..he could have..but why? He was a native of Danshitie, but he wanted what we wanted. Right? The way he turned on the monarchs, his alien gestures. Could he be still alive?
Sian coughed, then straightened as much as his bonds would allow. "He came to me. He told me that Koi was amassing an army, that he was afraid for his life. He trusted me to carry out the mission."
Koi snarled, "You're wrong. He came to me-- I saw him leaving CR Arran's office and he told me that Sian had just threatened his life. "
Nestor raised his eyebrows. "Are both of you lying? One, or the other? Or was Iker. Lets look at the facts. He is junior assistant to a Citizen Representative from Danshitie, one who dies in an accident. Then, with the support of the Monarchs, he is elected as an interim representative--no references, no full background check until later.
Time passes, and he turns on two people who would support him no matter what, and then he is the lynchpin in an underground organization to overthrow the monarchy.
And then, conveniently, he sets both of you up as leaders, then dies--leaving you as his pawns to finish the job."
Finally, Sian spoke, hesitantly while trying to stand, forgetting that he was still tied up. "First of all, why are you telling us this? What do you want?"
"And why isn't His Majesty Romani here?" Koi said, surprising herself by using the royal title.
"He is merely Tristan Romani now, Koi. He grieves both for Valdet and Dashitie, as well as the death of Elbereth. " Nestor removed a sheaf of documents from inside his worn cloak. "That being said, here is evidence that Tristan Romani is the legal and rightful ruler of both planets. He can, with loyalists bring you down,"
He saw the anger flash again--"but he won't. You have your second chance. Retrace your steps, reevaluate your decisions. Why the bitterness? Koi, with Elbereth dead, the core of the Morodin are gone. Sian let go of your anger, and do what's best for Valdet, and you will find yourself basking in the best power out there--the gratitude and love of our peoples."
"All we ask is that you stand down, and allow civilian traffic to flow. Tristan and I will be leaving the system as soon as the danger has passed. If you need us, we will come, but until then he leaves Danshitie and Valdet in your capable hands.
Reduce yourselves to what you want for the people. Act without attachment to your reward, and you will receive much in return.
All that remains is for you to act." Nestor turned, spent, and began to walk away.
Stunned, Koi yelled after him. "Nestor. Untie us!"
"You were never secured, If you had acted, without waiting to see what was in the conversation for you, you would have realized that." With a quick smile and one last thought, "For my part, I hope this was enough." Nestor Alluvia stepped through the archway and melted into the night.
In the future, the history of the system would label that night the Nida de A'ccord, or the day that the Night of the Accord was signed. Omitted from the record were the blasters, the rope, and Nestor Alluvia, but it was a step--one in a long journey of healing with many fights before it.
It was enough.
Enough.
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The next day to my surprise, the fighters landed, with no one noticing a single ship slipped out as the curtain of defense was shattered in favor of a tentative peace. How it happened I would not learn until years later.
Would it last? Only time could tell, and more changes were waiting on the horizon. Hunting, stalking, and waiting for the best time to strike its prey.
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Coruscant
Fog was thick on the descent down to one of the orbital platforms near the imperial palace, but it wasn't anything that couldn't be easily dealt with. There was a comfort in routine, in the noise and the never-ending drone of activity that befell the city planet. For those who had lived there for years, it was more then just skyscrapers and underground levels; it was a comfort zone, a way to never be without the solid presence of sentient life.
Often, for those who had just arrived, it was masses of faces lost in crowds of nothingness; Coruscant was the city of strangers, a city of the nameless, brown eyes, blue, purple, speckled orbs, stalks, orange and white eyes--all always in a rush, trying to find a final destination
Mara was going home.
Mara had lived on Coruscant for most of her life. As a child, the Imperial City was her playground, with the palace being home. With all those people around her she never remembered feeling alone, even when she came back to her cold empty apartment. The Emperor was always with her; there were always people moving around performing the tasks necessary to do his bidding.
Endor.
Mara could have gone back to Imperial Center, but she would have known, would have felt his absence, felt her self-loathing, heard his final words being repeated over and over and over and over and over…until she could no longer stand it. Imperial City had become that sea, where no one knew her, no one cared, and no one wanted to help. She had become nameless, faceless, and worthless.
The Last Command was her only home, and once again it flew with her. With Talon Karrde. It kept her warm and sane on those nights when she found herself grasping at threads to keep herself going. But she knew, that day when she led the Wild Karrde to that crippled fighter, that she would not be worthless anymore.
Mara Jade was going home.
Mount Tantiss.
She found herself floundering, found herself caring. There were friends, coworkers, people who cared. There was a farmboy, with blue eyes that glinted innocently and irked her so much that she wanted to smack him every time she saw him, even though there were rare moments where she could admit that he wasn't half bad. She had the Fire, her wits, and herself. No matter what she did, where she went--as long as the Fire was at the dock--
--she was going home.
Nirauan.
The transport settled upon the landing platform, and without waiting for the disembarkation announcement she unhooked her crash webbing, pulled on her tailored green jacket, and hauled her bag over her shoulder. In the middle of that last motion, a flutter went through her chest.
Startled, Mara put her hand over her heart and inhaled sharply. The motion was sudden enough that Wes Janson, still polka dotted, glanced over in concern. Her hands waved him off, while her brow furrowed in concentration. Feeling a little funny, she was still distracted as she said goodbye to the rest of the squadron and made her way down the ramp.
Stepping onto solid ground felt good, but her spirits fell as she glanced around the reception area. Jade, she chastised herself he might not have been able to make it. Something might have come up. Then, in the middle of the step, she found him, and was whole.
Hey Jade.
Hey Skywalker.
For a moment they stared, and Mara grinned as she noticed he had come out of his standard Jedi uniform. Instead he wore slacks, with a white tunic, over which was a gold jacket with piping. His hair had grown since she last saw him providing her with visions of a younger less disciplined Luke.
Ignoring some of the attention they were getting, she broke their reverie first--crossing over the final hundred yards stopping just close enough that he could lean his forehead on hers.
Luke.
Mara. Luke leaned over and kissed her softly on the lips, then snagged her bag from her shoulder, simultaneously grasping her hand in his.
Lets go.
Mara Jade Skywalker was home.
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A Few Weeks Later
Leia watched the Rock Dragon take off to join the Coruscant airways and lifted her arm in a final gesture of farewell to her children as they made their way back to Yavin IV.
She turned to her sister-in-law. "So, what are your plans? Did Cracken convince you to keep working for him?"
Mara smirked, "That sadistic bastard couldn't convince me to do anything ever again." She paused and shook her head ruefully. "While it was a rather interesting change in routine, I don't think Luke and I are planning any more long separations for the near future. Although…" she trailed off.
Leia glanced at her curiously. "Although?"
Her green eyes flickered to the other end of the docking bay, where Luke and Han finished loading up the last of their supplies into the Jade Sabre. "I may have to go out to the Outer Rim. To Valdet and Danshitie."
"Anything I need to know about?"
Mara laughed, "Relax, Madame Chief of State, I doubt you can do anything about it because both planets remain non-signatories of the New Republic."
"Last I heard they were. What happened?"
"I'm not sure, based on Cracken has the impression that separatists backlogged some trade rider that would make their statutes of regulation unable to assimilate with the New Republic entry requirements. Anyway, right before that firefight above the Emperor's little shop of horrors, I had a vision, and from what I understand I am not to leave until after the temple's completion."
"That's interesting, actually getting a timetable for once."
"I agree, I haven't had time to discuss it with Luke, but we'll be able to sit down on the ship and talk for a while."
Her sister-in-law's eyes arched innocently. "What, you didn't have a chance to talk here on Coruscant?"
Mara turned to the petite woman beside her, not sure whether the comment demanded an answer. Her lips twitched, "Well, between helping welcome diplomats with you, spending time with Karrde, being debriefed and trying to prepare for the reopening of the Jedi Temple; Luke and I felt our free time was better occupied…in other ways."
Leia's eyes widened for a moment. "Mara!"
Mara winked, then glanced at her ship again, frowning slightly. She had just felt a flicker of disquiet from her husband. "I wonder what that's about?" She started to walk a few steps to her ship.
"What?" Following her, Leia turned to the Sabre. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, Han and Luke were standing with their backs turned, and it looked like Luke was talking into his commlink. Was Han shaking? "He's laughing."
Green eyes narrowed. "There's nothing funny about those crates."
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Luke sensed her approach. "I have to go. I know, Rogue's stick together, but you still owe me one." Without waiting for an answer Luke snapped off the comm and slipped it back into the pocket of the loose slacks he wore.
He glanced at Han whose eyes remained mirthful and gave him a stern look. "Han, she'll suspect something. Stop laughing."
"Kid, you are going to be in so much trouble." He turned around to face his approaching wife and sister-in-law. "Hello, ladies."
"Stop charming me, Solo. Skywalker, what's going on." Leia noticed Mara's question was directed towards Luke.
He looked at her his blue eyes glinting with mischief. "Nothing, Jade. Nothing at all. I was just telling Han one of Jacen's latest jokes. You know, the one about the Bantha and the Bar."
"Have you heard that one before Leia?" Han jumped in, "It's actually one of his better ones. You see, a Bantha walks into a bar on Tatooine…"
Leia tuned him out, and leaned towards Mara whispering, "All right, something is definitely going on. Any ideas?"
"None, whatsoever, Luke's shielding."
"Uh oh, that can't be good. He never shields. Unless he's…"
"Scared, "
"Hiding something."
"Or being just plain stupid."
They tuned Han back in, "Right so the bartender hands him the drink and says…"
Simultaneously, Luke and Han delivered the punch line. "We don't serve your kind here"
Conversationally, and loud enough to have both of them hear, Mara mused "You know who they remind me of right now? "
"Wes Janson?" Leia's reply deadpan.
"Yup." They turned back to their husbands, neither one cracking a smile.
Shavit, Shavit Shavit Shavit.
I can hear you Farmboy.
Shavit. He chose to ignore her, instead he took a step forward and hugged his sister goodbye, shook Han's hand receiving a slap on the back in return and offered his arm to Mara. "Shall we?"
Still frowning, Mara accepted it and dropped all pretenses. "Ok now you're acting like Lando. What's going on farmboy."
"I told you. Nothing, now say goodbye."
Mara glared at him and said good bye to Han and Leia. "See you at the dedication."
"Take care of yourself"
Luke nudged Mara with his elbow. "Start her up captain, I'll pull up the boarding ramp."
As she disappeared from view, Luke saw Han's face plastered with a broad grin. He grinned back and watched as Leia turned to Han, asking him the obvious question. Locking down the ramp, he hit the ships comm system. "All right, Mara. Ramps up."
Up in the cockpit, Mara hit a few buttons on the console, aware that her voice still exhibited signs of annoyance, "Beginning pressurization." Looking outside the viewpoint, she watched as Leia spoke a few words to Han, who quickly replied. At his words, she turned and looked at the Sabre with what appeared to be a shocked expression on her face. Curious, Mara watched as she elbowed Han in the stomach, and then waved hesitantly goodbye to the ship. Mara waved then drew her attention back to Luke who came up behind her.
He nuzzled her neck. "Hmm, you me, alone…"
Mara let out a sharp laugh. Obvious distraction. "Skywalker, you aren't doing well right now." She pulled the ship up off the docking bay, and brought them smoothly into the line for breaking atmosphere.
"How about now?" She turned towards him expecting for him to continue with his failing seduction. Instead, he was holding a box out towards her.
"What's this?"
"Something small,"
Frowning, Mara opened up the box, and then looked at Luke suspiciously. "A new blaster?"
"For your arm holster. I noticed the grip on the old one had been sliding, thought this one would do nicely. There are some spare power packs in there as well."
For a moment Mara hesitated. Maybe she had been harassing him over nothing, but why was Leia so shocked--and the laughing was definitely not over one of Jacen's jokes….
The comm behind her crackled to life. "Revenge, do you copy?"She sighed and fiddled with the frequency, they were obviously experiencing bounce back from the ship in front of them. Her connection to Luke still felt off. Why was he just standing there? "Luke. What is going on?" Fine, I'll try it your way.
Luke Skywalker knew he had lost the minute Mara's expression changed. The blaster had been his last ditch distraction attempt, but he knew that look, the one that always crumbled his resolve. He watched as her beautiful green eyes narrowed, her hand covering his, intertwining their fingers--
And the comm crackled to life. "Janson's Revenge, this is Coruscant Traffic control. Are you experiencing comm problems?"
The color drained from Mara's face and a horrified look came upon her face. She whirled around and pushed down the transmit button. "Excuse me?"
"Are you experiencing comm problems?"
"No, this is Mara Jade Skywalker in the Jade Sabre. I think you have the wrong ship." No, No, No No. Mara had a sinking feeling going through her stomach.
"No, Master Skywalker. The profile of your ship and registry numbers match one Janson's Revenge out of Endor. Leased out to a Lieutenant Kettch."
As the words filtered through her mind for her to process, Mara felt Luke finally give up. Almost immediately he sunk into the co-pilot's seat, and started shaking silently with laughter. Until he caught her eye. He watched as Mara with her cat-like grace answered the traffic control representative.
"I'm sorry, I believe we are having trouble with our identification transponder. This is Master Jade-Skywalker in the Jade Sabre, I'm transmitting our clearance codes-we'll clear this up when we get to our destination."
There was an awkward pause as the rep received her transmission. "Codes accepted. Have a good trip."
"Jade out." Silently, Mara pulled the lever to lightspeed and sank back into her seat.
Through the ensuing silence Luke held his breath. A minute passed, then two, three. After five minutes of nothing, without so much as a backward glance at her husband, Mara stood up and made her way to the engine room, all the while hoping that this was all just some elaborate hoax. As she approached where the transponder was installed, she groaned and leaned down to pick up an additional present. Tied up to the electrical piping was a miniature Ewok toy upon which was a Wraith Squadron unit patch, and a small card with a miniature holo.
A half an hour later when he thought it was safe enough for him to follow; Luke found her in the same position, with an odd expression on her face.
Cautiously, he approached. "Mara?" She wouldn't look at him. "Mara, are you all right?" Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all. "Its not permanent, look you know we can change it back."
Without turning toward him she growled, trying to be angry, but with Luke's mental shields now down, with his thoughts now flowing to her in their special relationship she couldn't. He was worried! Serves him right. She intended to sound furious when she turned and pointed her finger in his face, but instead she strangled out an outraged "You...you...you…let him on my ship!" Her eyes narrowed, "I can't believe...that...." There was really more she wanted to say, to torture him to make him think she was really mad, but the minute she spotted the second Ewok in his hand; the one dressed in a Jedi robe sporting a plastic lightsaber, there was no way she was ever going to pull it off. Silently she handed Luke the card and holo, and realized she was shaking.
Luke tried not to flinch when she pointed her finger at him, and was only partially successful. He could tell through the Force that Mara was mildly irritated, but he wasn't sensing the same anger he usually got when Mara was not happy. His lips twitched when she started shaking and handed him Janson's message.
Yub Yub Jedi. Jade 1 Janson 1. The holo was an image of Janson, still polka-dotted, standing beside the open boarding ramp to the Sabre.
Then she curled up on the floor at his feet. Quickly leaning over, he reached to turn her over, but she swatted his hand away sitting herself up against the bulkhead a moment later. When he could see her face again, he saw the tears streaming down her cheeks with her formerly narrowed eyes twinkling with brightness. She was laughing, not just a short guffaw, but throwing her hands up in the air, laughing. And it was incredibly infectious.
At first he grinned, a smile that he tried to hide behind his glove, but it quickly turned into a chuckle of his own. Briefly calming herself down, Mara wiped the tears off of her face and pulled Luke's face forward from where he was kneeling to kiss him, and for a long moment they were silent. Luke released her for air, and then bent his head to kiss her again but the minute their eyes met she started to giggle, not a young childlike sound, but a throaty, amused giggle; something Luke had never heard from her before. It was beautiful, almost iridescent, and he never wanted it to end; so they stayed that way, holding onto each other, together, laughing.
In between fits Mara managed to get out two sentences.
"Skywalker, I'm changing the codes to my ship. Start watching your back--
And if you don't mind. I'm going to kill Wes Janson."
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Corellia
"This is Coronet City Central's automated system. The outbound shuttle for Coruscant and Mon Calamari by way of Drall shall be departing from gates 43-57 in fifteen minutes. Now boarding all passengers, boarding all passengers. "
To any wayward traveler the Coronet City Central port authority was no different then any other port authority on any other world. Similar earthworn tiles augmented by dyed porcelain detail work, mass-produced in ages past, marked the décor on many worlds that had been run or formerly controlled by Imperials. The robotic and monotonous tone of the announcer was, for passengers using Central as a gateway to the galaxy or the city at large, dry and sterile, marking Central as a mere transition zone between lives.
For Myn Donos, it was a breath of life, something indescribable to anyone not native to the system. What allowed Central to depart from the mundane was the tantalizing aromas of rhyshcate and undiluted spices whirling through like a sweet symphony, the chime of the timeclock in the corridor every half hour, Mr. Zorgin's tapcafe, and the worn neon signs that pointed towards the shipping corridor; all signs that proclaimed with unmitigated fanfare that he was home. With an easy gait the former New Republic pilot began the practiced trek against the flow of traffic. He skirted two Selonian females and a pack of Drall to reach a comm station, quickly glancing at the holonet news for the pardon information and then within moments found himself right where he had longed to be all through this last deployment.
For a moment he just stared.
There was a glinting sign, sparkling with its fresh orange, honey-dewed paint with a name, both nostalgic but familiar enough to allow them to gain business and remember without reservations. As he glanced through the transpirasteel window he saw no signs of life, which was not abnormal for midmorning as Kolot and Tonin took the opportunity of slow traffic to service the shuttle, while Kirney spent her time in the inner office to negotiate contracts.
As if reading his mind she walked into the main foyer and his heart skipped a beat. Her red hair was shorter then he remembered, but her profile was enough to make him grin from ear to ear. Unwilling to wait any longer he walked purposefully through the door dimly hearing the announcement tone which was quickly followed by a non-directional--
"I'll be right with you" from his wife whose back remained towards him. Shaking his head ruefully he listened as Kirney interrupted the being on the phone.
"No--I told you, if you want to lower your tariff costs going into Ithorian airspace I can handle that. All it will require though is an extra shipment of Augwa mettle to offset the loss, and you will come off, in the long run, with more money in your pocket. Listen, think about it and I'll send the contract over in a few hours. Sign it or don't sign it its up to you."
Kirney closed the commlink and took a deep breath to let go of her annoyance before turning to face her customer. "Hello-how can I--" She broke off as she met the bemused expression of her husband.
"Hello Kirney."
Not letting him say another word, Kirney reached over and pulled Myn by the lapels towards her and kissed him deeply. It was her anchor, the way she was sure he was there in person rather than in spirit.
As they pulled away, he tried to start again. "Kirney."
"Shhh…" She shook her head at him, refusing to allow words to sully the moment and came around to the front of the counter, and pulled him towards her kissing him on the mouth again, willing him to respond in kind.
Myn wanted to stay where he was, but he knew that the news was too important not to share right away, and ever so gently he pulled her away from him--"Kirney--Read this." He slid the data pad that General Solo had given him and slid it towards her. "It's on the holonet now--Lara--Kirney, love, we're free. "
He called me Lara. Shocked, and not knowing what to think, Kirney silently took the datapad from his hand. She nearly dropped it moments later as the heading of the file caught her eye, her other hand slipping to her mouth. Without hesitating she typed in a name, one that she had been unable to mention without cringing, and let out a small gasp of disbelief. Her eyes scanned the words over and over trying to find some sort of logical connection between the name and her own soul which felt like the final piece of the puzzle had just dropped into place making her complete. Phrases popped out at her,
Gara Petothel daughter of …..we hereby pardon for her crimes because of..service..greater value ..New Republic, Chief of State Leia Organa Solo.
She didn't know how it happened but Myn had led her to the couch in the Foyer and was kneeling before her, urging her to breathe.
Her tear filled eyes met his, and for a moment her disbelief changed to suspicion, a personality trait that she tried through her own therapeutic means to dispel, "Why would they do this? Why? What did I ever do for them?"
"Love, you saved us. Without you Zinj would have hurt thousands of more people--you showed that you could change." He hesitated.
Her voice small, she whispered..."There's more?"
"More laughter, no more tears Kirney. The squadron knows, they figured it out, and Wedge and General Solo--they're the one's who put this through, because they believe in second chances. Even if you ever chose to go out in the world again as Lara, to meet our old friends, you could. No more hiding, no more lying. This was our missing piece."
Things were finally making sense, and she repeated his words like a mantra. "Our missing piece."
"Our missing piece." She smiled at him and without warning grabbed him again to rain kisses on his face hovering moment above his lips--"I love you Myn Donos."
"I love you Kirney Slain." It was a long time before they reopened for business.
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On a small planet without a name, far out in the barely charted sector of the Outer Rim, Arabia built a burial cairn for Nolaa Tarkona.
She worked alone--she was the only being on this entire world--to find large rocks on the crumbling ridge where she had made their base camp. Using her strong Wookiee fingers, she pried up stones and piled them higher where she had buried the Twi'lek leader.
Nolaa Tarkona had died of the plague the day before….Raaba had been sure she would follow Nolaa Tarkona in a lingering death. But her strong constitution had ultimately defeated the plague. She recovered just about the time that Nolaa ha died, but even now, she knew she might still carry the disease organism; she might still infect others….Raaba had to quarantine herself here, at least for a while. After seeing Nolaa's long and suffering death, Raaba wanted no part in spreading such a scourge throughout the galaxy.
She would wait here, for as long as it took.
She piled boulder after boulder atop the place where she had interred the leader of the Diversity Alliance. Finally, she had an impressive monument, a marker to commemorate all the dreams and dedication Nolaa Tarkona had stood for. Her need for equality and reparations had been valid, but her tactics had taken her beyond the reach of reason.
"Rest in Peace, Nolaa Tarkona." She said looking across the burial mound to the distant horizon.
The world was empty, but peaceful and quiet. A good place to think, a good place to heal. Someday she would come back to the galaxy; someday she would find Lowbacca. But only when she was ready.
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All the attendees of the Jedi academy, along with Han and Leia, Anakin, old Peckhum, dozens of New Republic engineers, and a multitude of dignitaries all gathered to celebrate the newly completed reconstruction of the Great Temple. After a ceremony involving several speeches, awards and commendations in the grand audience chamber, the entire assembly moved outdoors for a celebratory festival.
During the festivities, the young Jedi Knights, both old and new, withdrew to their favorite place by the wide river that flowed past the Great Temple. They waded into the water and spent hours talking and splashing and enjoying the feeling of wholeness that came from being together again.
…After hours spent in pleasant pursuits, the friends gathered on the shore and talked until the sky began to grow dark….In the wake of one long silence, Jaina said, "I wonder what's next for us. Do you suppose all Jedi trainees go through the sorts of adventures we've had before they become full Jedi Knights?"
"After all we've been through together," Jacen replied, "I'm not sure anything in the future could surprise me."
"Ah," Tenel Ka said, turning to him. "Aha." Then she kissed Jacen firmly on the mouth.
"So…were you surprised, friend Jacen?" she asked with a twinkle in her granite-gray eyes.
Lowie gave a bark of laughter at Jacen's attainted expression.
Zekk chuckled and put an arm around Jaina. "I don't know what the future will bring, either. But I'm looking forward to it--and I'm pretty sure it won't be boring."
Almost as one, the other young Jedi Knights replied, "This is a fact."
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Life changes--the Diversity Alliance was replaced by the Cooperative Council of Independent Planetary Governments, the CCIPGI, another acronym, another bureaucratic entity for the sake of galactic peace.
An enemy buried her mentor--alone, but confident. Was her journey worth it? Would she survive? Sometimes the unknown, the insulation of quarantine can be a boon. Sometimes, uncertainty can be the only ending provided.
The Young Jedi Knights made their own excitement and Jacen Solo took his first steps to becoming the man he would try to deny. A simple kiss from a friend, an illustration, proved that having a strong conviction does not always mean it is the right one.
As for me, Tristan Romani? I left my home with no plans to return, looking forward toward a single shadow in a galaxy of shade. With Nestor I could survive the changing of the guard, but only I could take the step to finally set things right.
Credit: In the conversation between Myn and West Janson I allude to a conversation that was written by Aaron Allston in the X-wing Wraith Squadron Novels.
Most important thing. The final two sections of the story, involving Raaba and the scene on Yavin IV are excerpts from YJK… not the passages in their entirety, but enough to tie up that story line to show you where KJA and RM ended the story. (besides I think the TK/Jacen kiss is cute. The first section is from page 203-205 in The Emperor's Plague and the second is from 206-209. Everything else was mine (obviously, Kirney, Myn Tonin and Kolot are Aaron Allston's creation.)
Heads up for the Epilogue, and the sequel is well on its way to being ready…