Title: This Is My Life

Author: AggressiveNegotiations01

Characters: Jaina Solo, Jacen Solo, Anakin Solo, Leia Organa Solo, Han Solo, Jagged Fel, Soontir and Syal Fel, Tenel Ka, Luke and Mara Skywalker, Benny Mitchell, Jerry Jorganos, Marissa Seramir.

Summary: Jaina Solo is fifteen, struggling to be normal and frustrated with life. Everyone doesn't seem to care, and she's considered a loner, someone not to be approached because of her status. Jacen gets her a dog, some strange animal from another planet and she forms a deep connection with it. She's studying military tactics and flight studies and is trying to cope with also being a Jedi. She then forms a strange friendship with Jagged Fel which develops into something slightly more complicated. Her parents leave for a few months and her brothers have lives of their own. She is alone and falls deeper into depression. The only thing that can drag her back from the brink is someone unexpected and someone who is the only one who has stuck with her through thick and thin, but it's a rocky road, is the road from depression...

And peace- such as the sea-gull knows through the bartering blue

Of ocean for the sallow grey of river anchorage

Eyeing imperturbably oil-slick, floating orange peal,

This is what I wish for you.

Bruce Dawe, excerpt from Free-will Offering

CHAPTER ONE: Something Unexpected Isn't Necessarily Bad

Luke Skywalker wandered down the hallways of the apartment building, not really knowing where he was going. He found himself at the door of his niece Jaina's quarters. He tapped cautiously on the door. "Jaina?" he called. He heard a low growling, "Calm down, Hunter," he heard his niece say, "Stay!" She opened the door. "Oh, hi, Uncle Luke," she said brightly, "Come in." He entered the room cautiously. Jaina was holding the collar of some strange, small animal as it tried valiantly to jump on him. "Quick, he's really strong," she said. Luke shut the door behind him and Jaina released the thing. "What is that?" he asked curiously. It had four legs, a tail, pointed ears, a longish snout and it was covered with golden and dark brown fur. "It's a dog, Jacen got it for me," she said, folding her long legs under her as she sat on a chair, "He said it's called an Alsatian." Luke looked at it closely, "It's not very big," he observed, "Yet," Jaina warned, "He's only a month old." Luke laughed, "Trust Jacen to give you a monster," he said. Jaina smiled, "Nah, he's absolutely gorgeous," she said, ruffling the fur on its head, "Aren't you?" Luke laughed again, "Can I pet him?" he asked. "Sure," Jaina replied. "Go attack Uncle Luke," she said to the dog, "Go on." The dog bounded over to him and pounced on his lap. Luke struggled to hold him down from licking his face. Jaina leant back against her chair and laughed softly. "What did you say his name was?" Luke asked. "Hunter," Jaina replied promptly. "Hunter, down!" Luke commanded. The dog immediately settled into his lap and rested his head on his knee, drooling all over his pants. "Well trained," Luke commented, "Good job, Jaina." Jaina grinned, "Can't have him pouncing on everyone who comes over," she said wryly, "Not that many people do anymore," she added ruefully as the dog jumped off Luke and settled into her lap. "He'll scare off your suitors," Luke said. "Don't have any," Jaina said softly. Luke winked at her, "I hear things," he said mysteriously. Jaina perked up a little, Hunter starting as she moved. Luke smiled, "Apparently, well, according to your father anyway, he had to chase off several young men yesterday after you came to train with Mara." Jaina snorted, "Oh. That. I should have known Dad would have told everyone," her eyes were flashing, "I was walking down the ramp near the Senate building with Dad and a gang of guys wolf-whistled, we turned around and I realized my jumpsuit was all sweaty so it was clinging in all the wrong places, my bum, my hips, my thighs and when I turned around, my chest. Dad noticed them and went over, he told them all, well, I'm not gonna say what he said but he told them to go focus their pheromones somewhere other than me, I was so embarrassed, it was horrible, obviously they didn't know who I was or they didn't realize I was with Dad." Luke laughed, "Well, they count as suitors," he said. Jaina stroked Hunter's back, "I don't like growing up, not one little bit," she said. Luke smiled and rose, patting her on the shoulder. "I have to go, Aunt Mara wants a sparring match," he said, "Try and cope with your hormones and set that dog on anyone who tries to give you unwanted attention," the protective uncle in him came out for a second. Jaina watched him go sadly. Hunter licked her face and she looked down at him, scratching behind his ears for a minute, "I hope you won't leave me," she said softly. Hunter licked her again, his golden eyes seemingly human. She hugged him tightly and carried him to the lounge. She sat down, Hunter in her lap and flicked the holo-projector on. Holo-dramas, holo-documentaries, holo-news, boring stuff. She flicked it off again. "Wanna play?" she asked Hunter, "Wanna play a game?" The dog bounded off her lap and bounced around at the sound of the word 'game'. She laughed and grabbed his ball, throwing it against the wall. Hunter

lunged after it and came back, holding it triumphantly between his teeth. She wrestled it from his mouth and clapped her hands. It rose slowly, floating around Hunter's head. The small dog yapped and jumped up, trying to catch it. She lowered it a little and made it zoom past him. He barked excitedly and chased after it. Jaina laughed and launched it down the hall. She jumped off the lounge and ran after Hunter as he darted down the hall. She dropped the ball and slid along the floor after him. Hunter barked and leapt onto her flat stomach. She giggled and rolled from side to side, Hunter swaying on her belly. His tongue lolled lazily and she wiped dribble from her neck, "Yucky!" she said, lifting him in her hands and rolling onto her stomach. They rolled around some more.

Leia entered Jaina's quarters silently. She heard laughter and barking from the hall. She approached carefully. She leant against the doorframe and watched her fifteen year old daughter roll around the floor with her dog. Jaina looked up after a few moments, "Hey, Mom," she said, rising in a swift motion, not using her hands. Leia smiled, "Having fun?" she asked. Hunter jumped up at Jaina, trying to climb up one of her legs. "Yeah," Jaina replied, smiling back and picking Hunter up off the ground. Hunter cocked his head at Leia and when he didn't recognize her started growling. "Shh," Jaina admonished him, "Don't growl at everyone." Leia laughed, "He's grown a bit since you got him," she commented. The dog looked at Jaina shamefully and she smiled, "Here, see? She won't hurt you," she handed Hunter to Leia and the little animal looked at her apologetically. She laughed and cuddled it, "Just protecting your mistress, aren't you?" Leia cooed. A corner of Jaina's lips lifted into a small smile, "So, what's up, Mom?" she asked. Leia looked up from the dog. "Oh, I came to ask if you want to come to a diplomatic function tonight. Soontir and Syal Fel are here for some reason and they brought their sixteen year old son, Jagged, I thought you and your brothers could try and show the boy a good time." Jaina shrugged, "Okay, I'll have to arrange for someone to look after Hunter though, he still needs to be looked after if he's by himself for more than half an hour," she said. Leia grinned and handed Hunter back to Jaina, "Well, it's 1750 now and the function is at 1900 so you'd better start getting ready, please try and dress up a little," Leia advised, "Jagged is apparently very formal and a bit reserved, hopefully you and your brothers can give the kid a good time." Jaina grinned wryly, "A pair of clean pants and nice top?" she said hopefully. Leia sighed in mock-frustration, "Well," Jaina defended, "We're supposed to be showing this Fel kid a good time, we have to be a little casual!" "Okay, how about you wear a dress for the dinner part but bring pants for the good time part?" Leia compromised. "Okay," Jaina agreed. "Honey? Wear a nice dress, please!" Leia called as she left. Jaina ruffled Hunter's fur as she entered her bedroom. She swung open her closet. "Hmm," she mused, "Brown jumpsuit, training jumpsuit, flightsuit, orange flightsuit, dark blue jumpsuit from Aunt Mara, aha! A dress!" She pulled out a black, low-cut in back and front and hemmed from the middle of her thigh to just below her knee. She sighed. "Darn, this is the only one that fits me," she said. Jaina pulled the dress on. It showed off her slender figure and long legs. She took it off slowly. "Hair curly or straight?" she asked Hunter. The dog barked. "Big fat curls it is," she decided and went into her bathroom. She washed her hair and put curlers in, applied the foundation for her makeup and then pulled the dress back on. "Does it make me look fat?" she wondered aloud, staring into the mirror and fiddling with the shoulder straps. No, it doesn't make you look fat, Jacen said through their twin bond. She spun around to find Jacen in the doorway, holding Hunter and smiling at her. She gasped in relief; "You scared me!" she admonished and kept fiddling with the straps. Jacen tied them neatly for her. "Thanks," she said gratefully. "Did Mom suck you in to show this Fel guy a good time too?" he asked. Jaina nodded, "I need to get out for a little while," she said, "She did the same to me and Anakin," Jacen said wryly. She began to take the curlers out. She ran her fingers through the soft curls and brushed them down her back. Jacen watched as she brushed a light cream coloured powder over her eyelids and ran a soft pastel lip gloss over her lips. She shoved a pair of black track pants and a red t-shirt in a bag and threw it onto her bed. She rummaged for a pair of shoes and came up with a pair of small-heeled silver ones. She slipped them onto her feet and added a pair of sneakers and some socks to her bag. "Do you know anyone who can look after Hunter?" she asked Jacen. "Wes Janson could, he'd have some fun," Jacen suggested, a sly glint in his eyes. Jaina caught on, "Okay, you tell him I'll pay him thirty credits for the whole night," she said. Jacen commed Janson and the pilot was more than willing. Jaina and Jacen dropped him off on the way to get Anakin. The pilot's smile faded as Hunter growled at him. "Try and be nice to Wes, Hunter," Jaina said and hugged the dog before handing him to Wes. "Take good care of him or no pay," she said and let Jacen lead her towards Anakin's quarters. They picked up the youngest Solo and then went to the function room. Leia greeted them. "Good girl, Jaina, you look nice," she approved. Jacen rolled his eyes at Anakin. "You boys look handsome too," Leia added, "Come through, the Fels have already arrived." Jaina followed her mother, her brothers following her. All eyes turned as they entered the room and Jaina felt herself blush but she kept her head high and seated herself next to her father. "Miss Solo?" a droid attendant said metallically, she turned. "Your seat is over here," the droid grabbed her arm and escorted her over to a young man who politely pulled out the seat next to him. She glared daggers at her mother who smiled apologetically then turned and smiled politely at the young man. She noticed how handsome he was. He had eyes of the palest green and jet black hair. His facial features were well defined and he had an air of formality about him. She turned away, not wanting him to think she was staring.

Jag watched as the most beautiful girl he had ever seen entered to room and made to sit next to Han Solo. A droid took her arm and led her around to near him. He held his breath as the droid stopped at the seat next to his. He put on a polite face and pulled out her seat for her. She made a face at someone at the end of the room and then smiled at him as she sat down. He looked away from her. He turned after a minute or so and studied her. She had curly, dark brown hair and a creamy complexion. Her eyes were like liquid, golden brown, just like the finest Corellian brandy. Her face was delicate, with slight eyebrows and high cheekbones. She was wearing a black dress, one that was low cut in back and front and drew attention to her long legs and slender figure. She was extremely beautiful. She fidgeted a little, as though she felt his eyes on her. His father was studying her appraisingly from his seat next to Jag and his mother was gazing at her, lost in thought. She didn't turn though and Jag got the impression she was embarrassed, but why someone as beautiful as her was embarrassed was lost to him. Chief of State Leia Organa Solo came up and put a hand on the girl's shoulder. "Baron and Baroness Fel, Jagged," she said, "I would like you to meet my daughter, Jaina." Jag's eyes almost popped from their sockets. She turned and realization dawned in her eyes. "Glad to meet you," Jaina said in a voice as sweet and warm as honey, extending a hand. Jag made to bring it to his lips, as was proper but Jaina flinched slightly. She didn't pull away as he pressed his lips to her knuckle but her hand was shaking. He let her hand go reluctantly. Leia smiled slightly, "Jagged, we've made arrangements for Jaina and her brothers, Jacen and Anakin, to take you out into the city tonight after the formal dinner, they plan to show you a good time." Jag smiled a little, "Thank you, Princess Leia, I'm sure I'll enjoy it," he responded. Leia smiled and whispered something to Jaina as she left.

"He's quite a hunk," Leia whispered in Jaina's ear as she left. Jaina sent the equivalent of a slap on the arm through the Force and she could hear her mother laughing in her mind as she went back to her seat. She smiled at Jag again, "So, uh..." she faltered, "Jagged, how was your trip here?" she managed to say. "Please, call me Jag, and thank you, it was fairly uneventful," he replied. Jaina smiled a little and her eyes went distant for a moment. "Sorry, just checking up on my dog," she apologized a minute later, "Wes Janson's babysitting him and I keep getting a bit worried." "Wes Janson..." Jag wondered aloud, "He's the one who carries that stuffed Ewok around?" Jaina giggled, "Yep, that's Janson." Jag looked at her curiously, "Does everyone here call people by their last names?" he asked. "Oh, it's just familiarity," Jaina said quickly, "Wedge and Wes always used to baby sit me or my twin brother, right up until we were twelve, and he always used to take me to the simulators," her eyes drifted off as she remembered, "The first time I beat him was when I was five, and Wedge never let him live it down." Jag laughed a little, "Being beaten by a five year-old has to be pretty embarrassing," he said, "Especially if you're a flight commander." Jaina laughed with him, "I still beat him." Jag grinned at her, not used to having this freedom of conversation with anyone else. The meals came and Jaina looked up to the end at her mother. Leia sliced a delicate sliver of her meat and brought it to her mouth. Jaina waited until she had swallowed then cut a small piece of her own meat. Jag followed suit. Soon, the meal was finished and Jaina rose from the table, grabbing a bag she had slung under there without him noticing. A tall boy who looked rather like Jaina came up and grabbed her arm, "Jace, this is Jag," Jaina introduced him, "Jag, this is my brother Jacen." Another boy came up, he was just slightly shorter than Jaina but he didn't look like her. He had mussed hair and sparkling blue eyes. "Anakin, this is Jag, Jag, this is my little brother Anakin," Jaina said impatiently, "Let's go, these shoes are killing my feet!" Jacen rolled his eyes. Jag looked to his father who nodded that he should go. He followed the Solo kids out. Jaina immediately ran into a small room off the main hall and got changed. Jacen tapped his foot impatiently. Jaina burst out a minute later in a pair of loose black pants and a red shirt. She breathed a sigh of relief. "So, Jace, where are we going?" she asked, pulling her pants up a little bit. "The lower levels," Jacen said slyly. Jaina grinned, "Hope you like adventure, Jag!" Jaina exclaimed, her eyes sparkling, "Did you bring your blaster?" Jag nodded, "Of course I did, I never go anywhere without it," he replied. Jaina reached into her bag and withdrew her lightsaber, Jacen and Anakin grabbed theirs. "Get ready for some action," Jaina murmured and they left the building. They were in the lower levels in a few minutes, Jaina leading them down the ramps and through the crowds with self-assured confidence. Jacen thumbed his lightsaber on and Anakin did the same. Jaina extended a hand and dragged a hawkbat from the shadows with the Force. "Want some target practice?" she offered Jag. Jag was filled with a sudden desire to impress Jaina and he severed the hawkbat's head from its body with a carefully placed shot. Jaina nodded in approval, "Good shot," she said. Jaina spun around and tiptoed around the corner they'd just turned. "Run!" she shouted as pounding footsteps came after her. The three boys ran for their lives, Jaina hot on their heels. Jacen grabbed Jag by the arm and all three Jedi levitated themselves into the air, Jag dragged along by Jacen. They landed on a balcony 10 meters off the ground. "Woah, that was close," Anakin panted. Jaina burst out laughing, "But how quick did he creep up on us? He's bloody good." "But you're better!" Anakin shot back. "Do you do this often?" Jag asked, speaking up for the first time. "Yeah," Jaina replied, "Whenever we get the chance, it's a blast." "Jaina's our spotter, she's lighter and makes less noise when she runs," Anakin added, "So then it's easier for us to escape." Jag brushed himself off, "Why are we down here again?" he asked. "To have some fun and find things," Jaina chimed in. "Let's go back down, it's kinda boring above the action," Jacen said and dropped over the side. Anakin dropped after him. "You coming?" they called up. Jaina extended a hand to Jag, "Come on, it's a lot more fun going down than up," she said mischievously. Jag took her hand and looked down dubiously, "There's a ramp down there," he said cautiously. "And ramps are made for sliding," Jaina pointed out and dragged Jag over the edge. They landed on a fortunately placed piece of foam, Jaina landing mostly in Jag's lap, "Sorry!" she yelled as they slid down the slope. Jag made no move to push her off but when they reached the bottom she leapt lightly to her feet. She helped him up, "Did you like that?" she asked. Jag looked into her eyes, "It was- quite thrilling," he said quietly. Jaina blushed a little as they ran up to where her brothers were waiting. "Took you long enough!" Jacen commented. Jaina slapped him lightly; "You were the one who decided to jump over and leave us there!" she shot back. They continued down another ramp. "Shh," Jaina whispered suddenly, turning around and palming the thigh blaster in her leg holster, one Jag hadn't noticed her put on. "No lightsabers unless absolutely necessary," she warned her brothers quietly, "Get your blasters out, this guy's dangerous." The three boys held their blasters at the ready. Jaina slowly went back the way they'd come, disappearing into the shadows. They couldn't hear Jaina moving but Jacen's face was scrunched up in concentration as he tracked her through the Force. They heard Jaina shout in alarm and Jacen felt a sharp pain shoot down his right leg. "She's hurt," he whispered. "RUN!" they heard Jaina scream and the sound of sizzling flesh echoed through the stillness of the under levels at night. The sound of pounding feet echoed in Jag's ears as he sprinted, blindly following Jacen and Anakin. They stopped at least a kilometre away from the place where they'd last seen Jaina. Jacen's face was slightly panicked as he stretched out with the Force to find his sister. "Jaina!" Jag called and Anakin clapped a hand over his mouth, "Don't!" he hissed, "Unless you want more targets than your blaster power pack can handle!" Jag wisely kept his mouth shut after that. They heard light footsteps and labored breathing coming closer to them. "Jaina?" Anakin called softly. Jaina collapsed next to Jacen, "He packed a vibroblade tonight," she said, having difficulty speaking. Jacen hugged her gently, "Good job keeping him off our tail," he said. Jaina half-smiled, "Well, I had a little adrenaline rush back there," she said. "Having fun?" she asked Jag. "If you count adrenaline rushes and physical activity fun," he said, "And a lot of fear, then yes, I've had a blast." Jaina laughed. She pulled the leg of her pants up over her knee and well up her thigh. A long gash marred the pale skin of her leg. "Ouch," Anakin commented. "Jace? A little help?" she asked. Jacen rested his hand along the gash and a glow surrounded his hand. Jaina sighed in relief after a few moments and got up. "So," she said, dusting her hands, "Hand up whoever's ready for some more action?" Jacen and Anakin raised their hands and Jaina looked at Jag. "Or do you want to go back?" she asked. He shook his head, "You people never give up, do you?" he asked. "We haven't heard you laugh yet," she retorted, "And we haven't shown you a good enough time yet, until you laugh until you can laugh no more."

Jag looked at the gash on Jaina's leg. As Jacen rested his hand on it, Jag wished suddenly that it was him doing that instead of Jacen. He wanted to feel Jaina's skin under his fingers. He quickly banished such thoughts from his mind and stood up. "Okay, well, obviously I can't pass up a challenge, so off we go!" he said. Jacen looked at him; he'd caught a trace of a thought from Jag that was quite unexpected, concerning his sister...

Jaina looked at Jag, her eyes drinking him in, but to anyone watching it would have seemed like she was merely sizing him up. "Jace? D'you reckon he can take the tunnels?" Jacen looked Jag up and down, "Depends, he's taller than Anakin and Anakin can take them, but he's not a Jedi." He looked at Jaina, "Tell you what," he said, "If you can beat my sister in hand to hand, or even just give her a little run, I reckon you could make it through 'em." Jag looked at Jaina; she was so slender and small compared to him! "I'll go easy on you," she said and winked. She assumed a fighting stance, dropping to a low crouch, one leg stretched out behind her and both hands on the ground. "No Force assistance, Jaya," Jacen warned and stood back. Jag looked at her again then lunged. She leapt easily over his flamboyant attack, landing on her feet behind him. He spun around and aimed a low kick at her ankles. "Nice try," she said and vaulted over him again. "Aren't you using the Force to do that?" he asked, circling her. "Nope," she answered, her eyes locked on his. He went for her and high-kicked towards her face. She spun away from his blow and caught his ankle. He drove down with his foot and she let go, "Almost," she said encouragingly. He felt another overwhelming desire to impress her but forced it back.

Jaina lashed at Jag with her right leg but he caught her foot and made to use it to flip her onto her back. She flipped over in midair, her legs up straight, and landed on her hands. She wrenched her legs away from him and landed again, in her fighting crouch. "You're damn near impossible to beat," Jag muttered darkly. "Jacen, when was the last time you beat her?" Anakin asked, loud enough for Jag to hear, "Last week, but only because we were using lightsabers and some kid came into the gym and used the Force to try and pull her top up," Jacen replied loudly. Jaina blushed and Jag looked startled. She took that opportunity to run at him, he turned at the last possible instant and jumped aside. She caught the top of his tunic and used it to whirl him around. He felt slightly dizzy as his surroundings whirled by in a flash. She slammed him down onto the floor, aiming it so he landed on a piece of foam. Her hands were on his chest, her knees either side of his legs and she held him down. He shivered at having her so close to him, at touching her. He relaxed as she rolled off him and rose smoothly, without using her hands, he noticed, rather bemusedly. "That's the price you pay for becoming distracted," she said. "Good try, Jag," Jacen said, clapping. "I reckon you could take the tunnels, and whatever else is in there," Jaina approved, "Not at all bad for someone so tall, I thought you'd be rather clumsy." Jag blushed lightly, a tinge starting on his neck. They started in a different direction.

Leia reached out to check on the kids. Jaina, she said through the Force, noticing the slight stinging in her daughter's leg, What happened? Fell over, she replied nonchalantly. Is Jagged okay? Are your brothers behaving? Jaina's unflappable calmness soothed her, Yes, we're all fine, just mucking around, having a good time like you said, Jag's a nice guy, he's having fun. Leia left them alone, reassured. "Syal, Soontir," she said, approaching them. "Oh, hello, Ambassador," Syal said brightly. "Do you know exactly where our son is?" Soontir asked. "Not exactly,"Leia admitted, "But I just checked in with Jaina and she says they're all fine, having a good time, doing whatever it is that teenagers do these days, she says Jagged is having fun." Syal sighed in relief, "You looked rather worried for a moment over there, did something happen?" she asked suddenly. "Oh, Jaina hurt her leg, but she says it's fine, she just fell over," Leia said quickly. She moved away quickly, they were quite paranoid.

"Just Mom, checking up on us," Jaina said as they hurried down another ramp. "Did she say anything about my parents?" Jag asked, rather anxiously. "No," Jaina said gently, "I'm sure they know you're fine, Jag, after all," she grinned the crooked Solo grin at him; "You're with us!" He shook his head, "You Solos are very confident," he commented. "Why shouldn't we be?" Anakin asked, "We have Luke Skywalker for an uncle, Mara Jade for an aunt, Leia Organa Solo for a mother and Han Solo for a father, not to mention Anakin Skywalker for a grandfather and Padme Naberrie for a grandmother." Jag cocked his head, "They say that important traits sometimes skip a generation..." he muttered slyly, "Like modesty." Jacen laughed and slapped him on the back, "You're okay, dude, you're okay!" he said. Jag felt slightly more comfortable now that he knew for sure the Solo kids liked him and would watch out for him. "Remember last visit here?" Jaina said, her voice low, "That bounty hunter almost got us?" "Almost got you, you mean," Jacen shot back, keeping his voice down, "He liked the look of you." Jaina blushed, "No, I'm smaller, but he underestimated me," she said, "He wasn't even that strong, just really big!" "Oh, really?" a voice challenged from above her. Jaina looked up and pushed Jag aside just as a masked, large man leapt upon her. His hands went around her neck and tried to crush her windpipe. Jag fired several rapid shots at the man, as did Jacen and Anakin. The man avoided every single shot. Jaina was going pale; the man was much larger than her and laying atop her. Jag fired another shot, right at the man's head. He moved but it grazed his shoulder and he rolled off Jaina with a yelp. Jacen's hands moved faster than the human eye could see, setting his blaster to stun and firing a blast at the injured man.

Jaina lay still, gasping for air. Jag and Jacen crouched down beside her, Anakin keeping an eye out for other possible threats. "Are you okay?" Jacen asked, brushing a lock of hair away from his sister's face. "That hurt," Jaina said, her voice rough, "A lot." Jacen let a smile appear on his lips before he worked an arm under Jaina's back, propping her up against him. "Thanks for getting me away from him," Jag said, his eyes focusing on her face. "That's okay," Jaina said, the difficulty it took to speak displaying itself in the tight lines of her mouth, "After all, we can't have you going home bloody and bruised." Jag smiled a little then looked at Jacen.

Leia felt her daughter again, her lungs burning and a dull aching around her neck. She grabbed Han's comlink from his belt and dialed in Jaina's frequency.

Jaina's comlink beeped and Jacen nodded to Jag to answer it. Jag answered it, it was Leia. "Jagged, is Jaina okay? She's hurt herself, hasn't she?" Leia babbled. Jacen shook his head and tried not to laugh, "Here, I'll hand you over to Jacen," Jag said and shoved the comlink into Jacen's hands. Jaina grinned weakly, "I'm fine, Mom!" she called. Leia heard her, "Jacen Solo! What happened to your sister?" she demanded. "Mom, she's fine, we'll talk to you when we get home, we're on a mission, remember?" he said. "Alright, but make sure you don't do anything silly, like going down into the lower levels," she said reluctantly, "It's very dangerous down there." She hung up. The Solo kids all burst into laughter and Jag laughed with them.

"Honestly, she thinks we're all so well-behaved!" Anakin gasped, his face red. "And 'Don't go down to the lower levels, they're very dangerous!' That's a classic!" Jacen added, his eyes full of mirth. "Then there's 'Make sure you don't do anything silly'" Jag chimed in, his own daring amazing him, "Like we're doing anything within the bounds of mental sanity anyway!" This sent all four teenagers into fresh gales of laughter. Jag and Jacen helped Jaina up once she'd caught her breath, "Being strangled sure ain't the way to impress anyone, Jaya," Jacen whispered in his sister's ear. Jaina's cheeks flamed, "Brother dear, when you tried to impress Tenel you got yourself into all sorts of trouble, a lot of people involved," she retorted, "Anyway, I'm not trying to impress him."

Jag didn't hear what was being said between the twins but Jacen shot him a sly glance and wink. "So, Jag," Jacen said conversationally, "Having fun yet?" "Oh, yes," Jag said, his tone dead serious, "I'm having a great time watching people jump from the sides and attack us, and having your mother call, telling us not to be stupid, this is the most fun I've ever had in my life." Jacen quirked an eyebrow and Jaina cocked her head thoughtfully, "Maybe we should go and have a game of pool at Nine Volt," Anakin said. "We have to go through the tunnels to get there anyway, may as well make a time of it and have some fun," Jaina countermanded him. Jacen and Jag agreed with Jaina, "Why stop at only having your life threatened twice?" Jacen asked, "Let's see if we can get our combined near-death experiences of this evening up to about four each, then this can be classed as a good time." Jag shook his head wearily, "This is your idea of fun?" he asked, "Almost getting killed?" Jaina shrugged, "We've lived with it for most of our lives," she said, "You get used to it." He laughed. 'Wow," Anakin said to his brother through the Force, 'He's loosened up already!' Jacen looked at Jag thoughtfully, 'Jaya has that effect on people,' he finally replied, 'He likes her, and I reckon she has a thing for him too.' 'No way!' Anakin sent, 'On second thoughts, maybe he does, he sure didn't object when she landed in his lap!'

"Tunnel time!" Jaina announced, catching her brothers' mental conversation, and trying to stop them from talking about her. "This way," Jacen said, motioning towards a dark alleyway. Jaina started for it and Anakin followed her. "Jag, over here for a minute," Jacen said. Jag went over to Jacen slowly, "Yes?" he said. "I've noticed something since we've been out," Jacen said, leaning against the wall. "And what's that?" Jag asked, slightly nervous. He knew Jacen was a Jedi, maybe he'd read his mind and picked something up that had bothered him. Most likely how attractive he found Jaina... "You've been rather careless with what you've been thinking," Jacen went on, "I'm not a seasoned Jedi, and nor is Jaina or Anakin. But Anakin and I have picked up on something rather curious that seems to have slipped straight past our dear sister." Jag gulped, now he was nervous. "No need to be nervous, we won't hurt you," Jacen said, Jag was astounded with the ease Jacen knew what he was thinking. "Unless," Jacen went on, "You take advantage of the effect you have on my sister." "I- I have an effect on your sister?" Jag sputtered. Jacen nodded, "And if you do anything whatsoever to hurt her, even the tiniest little thing, this," he indicated his lightsaber, "Will do away with your family jewels." Jag winced, "But she fancies you too, so don't stuff up," Jacen said, "She's a tough catch, my sister, so watch your back or my dad'll have something to do with it too." They caught up to Jaina and Anakin quickly, Jag a little terrified of Jaina's brothers. Jaina looked at him curiously, he was white and shaking. Jacen, what did you do to the poor guy? Nothing! Just had a little chat? Yeah, a little chat. About what, might I ask? You. What about me? How he'd better not look at your ass anymore while me and Anakin are watching, or Dad for that matter. How do you know he was looking at my ass? His eyes were round as plates, Jaya, he wants you bad. Shut up, nerf-herder. I know you want him too... I said shut up! He wants you bad! I'm ignoring you now. Jaina started whistling and Jacen was grinning at her like a lunatic. Jag wondered what it was like to be able to use the Force. "I can't imagine not being able to use it," Jaina said, catching his thought. "I can't imagine living in a house where levitation is used on a regular basis," Jag replied, "Or lightsaber sparring is a pastime." Jaina grinned sheepishly, "You ever seen a real lightsaber fight?" Anakin asked. Jag shook his head, "I can imagine it would be quite thrilling," he replied, catching her eye. She didn't tear her glance away and he stared deeper. "Jaya?" Jacen asked, waving a hand in her face. Jaina started and looked away, "Sorry," she said, her voice low, "I just spaced out for a minute there." Jacen looked suspiciously at Jag then turned away. They were near the tunnels and the entrance loomed, dark and forbidding. Jag unwittingly moved closer to Jacen, the sight of the lightsaber hanging from his belt somewhat reassuring. "Okay," Jacen said, "We'll split into pairs, we'll scavenge some stuff, I think Jaya brought some transport disks?" Jaina nodded and produced them from her pocket, handing one to Jacen. "If anyone gets into trouble, use the comlinks, I have mine and Jaya has hers. Jag's the oldest, and Jaina's the second so I say Jaya goes with him, even if me and Anakin are younger, we're both Jedi, so the two oldest, one Jedi, and two younger, two Jedi," he explained. Jag shrugged, "I'm not fussed, so long as I'm not by myself," he said nonchalantly. Jacen grinned, "We'll meet back here in two standard hours, or whenever if we use the comlinks and someone needs help." Jaina nodded, "Jag and I will go this way," she pointed down a tunnel to her left, "Jace and Anakin can go down that one," she pointed to one behind her, "They all connect so we shouldn't be too far away from each other if anyone needs help." Jag followed Jaina.

"We should find more stuff down this way," Jaina whispered to him as they got far enough away from her brothers, "I found a good photon trap down here a few weeks ago, and a droid shell. After that I found some stuff from the droid's internal mechanisms, we've got a good chance of scoring some worthwhile stuff." Jag nodded, "Sounds good," he replied. A hawkbat flew at Jag from the shadows and Jaina's lightsaber was out in a second, cutting it down. "Watch yourself," she warned quietly, "There's a lot worse than hawkbats further in, and I'd hate to have to take you back to your parents in pieces, you're a promising Rebel." Jag grinned once she turned her head. Jag stumbled over something a few minutes later, "Look, Jaina!" he hissed, holding up a dented comlink. Jaina grinned, her white teeth flashing in the dimness, "Good spotting, we'll fix it up later for you," she said and handed him her transport disk. He programmed it in and then handed it back to Jaina. She slipped the disk into her pocket and then started moving forward again. They walked in silence for another fifteen minutes, taking several turns, when she stopped suddenly. "Okay, we have to be really vigilant now," she said softly, "There's a gang up ahead, they've always had it in for me and my brothers, they want us to join them." Jag nodded and put a hand on her shoulder. A spark passed through his hand and she jumped as though she'd been electrocuted, his touch was like electricity. "Sorry," he whispered. "That's okay," she replied quietly, "It's just a little shock, I'm fine." Jag sighed thankfully, and they continued forward. There was a small fire ahead and a gang of scruffy looking teenagers crowded around it. "They're the Black Raiders," Jaina informed him, stretching up on tiptoe to whisper in his ear, "They hate me, be ready to run if the escape tunnel up ahead is blocked." Jag tensed, his leg muscles stretched, ready to bolt. He felt Jaina tense beside him and her fingers brush his. He flinched as another spark passed through him. Jaina pushed on a cut away section of the wall but it was blocked. "Dammit," she cursed, her voice low. "I'll squeeze your hand as soon as we need to run," she said, slipping her hand into his. She peered around the corner. She nudged one of the guys with the Force and put the thought that it was her, in the tunnel across the room. "That Solo girl, Jaina, she's here!" they heard one of them shout and run toward a tunnel on the other side. Jaina squeezed Jag's hand tightly, "Now!" she hissed and they ran. The gang spun around as they heard the footsteps. They sprinted after Jaina and Jag. Jaina spun around, dropping Jag's hand which she was still clutching and ran backwards, not facing the direction she was running and firing her blaster repeatedly. Several of the gang members fell with shots to the legs and they screamed death threats at Jaina. "Run faster!" she shouted at Jag, speeding her pace up while managing not to trip over anything in front of her that she couldn't see. Jag sprinted, his longer legs carrying him further with each step than the gang members. Soon, they disappeared from sight. Jaina breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Jag. His cheeks were flushed and his eyes were bright. He was panting badly and leant down, his hands on his knees and breathed deeply. "What a blast!" he exclaimed, laughing. "That was awesome!" Jaina smiled at him and sat down, leaning against the wall. Jag sat next to her and they exchanged glances. "I didn't think you'd loosen up this much," Jaina confessed, "Mom said you were really reserved and formal." "I am, normally, anyway," he said thoughtfully, "I feel really comfortable with you guys though, I feel like I can open up." Jaina grinned a crooked Solo grin at him, "Even me?" she asked, raising a slender eyebrow. Jag nodded, "Especially you," he said then blushed, not knowing what had possessed him to say that. Jaina's eyes widened and she turned away, her cheeks pink. She really liked Jag already, and she hadn't even known him a day.

Jag looked at Jaina admiringly, he already really liked her, and he hadn't even known her for a day yet! Jaina rose easily and held out a hand to help Jag up. She was blushing like crazy; she'd just caught Jag's thought about already really liking her. She was surprised, Jag could have any girl he wanted, and he liked her! Jag's foot scuffed something hard as he got up. Jaina knelt down and brushed away all the dust and debris and picked up a blaster battery pack. "Score!" she exclaimed quietly, keeping her voice down. She programmed it into the disk and then slipped the disk back into her pocket. "Which way do you want to go?" she asked, "Left or right?" Jag looked at each of the tunnels, "Right one," he decided, "It looks more dangerous," he added. Jaina grinned, "I have an adrenaline junkie on my hands," she muttered mock-sardonically, "Just great." Jag laughed, "It's better than having a square," he retorted. Jaina shrugged, "Suppose so," she agreed. They crept down the tunnel Jag had chosen and soon encountered a choice. Face another gang, or they had to separate, the tunnel was only big enough for Jaina to fit, Jag would get stuck. The only other way was through the huge opening which Jaina knew from past experience housed another gang, even more dangerous than the first one. "I don't want to split up," Jag said, "I'd never forgive myself if you made me take the comlink and something happened to you because I had the comlink." Jaina smiled slightly, "I'd never forgive myself if you got hurt either, Jag," she said shyly. Jag touched her cheek, "We'll stick together," he said softly. She nuzzled her cheek against his hand then quickly pulled away when she realized what she'd done, a horrified expression on her face.

"He's falling for her, fast," Anakin said, touching Jag through the Force, "And Jaya's not much better; she's apparently just showed affection towards him." Jacen shook his head wearily. "This is strange," he said, "I've never known Jaina to fall for someone so hard or so quick." Anakin grinned, "You have to admit," he said, "They do make a cute couple." "Quit being so sentimental, brother," Jacen said, "If he hurts her... I'll do something to him I'd rather not express in words." Anakin gulped, then grinned, "Sounds kinda like what you threatened that guy with the other day," he said, "The one who wouldn't stop following Jaya?" Jacen scowled, "I have every right to do that," he said gruffly, "Jaina might be older than me but she's our only sister, we have to watch out for her." Anakin nodded, "Yeah, I know what you mean," he agreed, "She's so susceptible to being hurt by guys, because she's so trusting."

Jag looked at her, astounded. "I'm so sorry," she apologized, "I overstepped myself there, I'm really sorry!" Jag allowed a smile to creep onto his face, "No, don't be sorry," he said softly, "I rather liked it." Jaina's eyes widened, "Oh..." she faltered and blushed. "You look so pretty when you're nervous," Jag blurted then backed away, surprised at himself. Jaina looked surprised too, "You really think so?" she asked shyly. "You're beautiful all the time," he said solemnly. Jaina smiled, a genuine smile that made her eyes shine.

"Yuck, they've gone all mushy," Jacen complained as they walked down a tunnel, "He's gushing to her and she's falling for it." Anakin laughed, "What's he saying to her?" Jacen concentrated, "He just told her she's beautiful and she's gone all gaga," he replied, "It's making me sick." "You go gaga with Tenel too," Anakin reasoned. "Yeah, I'm entitled to that!" Jacen protested, "We've been going out for two years!" "And Jag Fel wants our sister so bad," Anakin retorted. Jacen's eyes flashed, "He touches her indecently, and I'll have his head," he said shortly.

Jaina smiled at Jag, "Come on," she said, "We'd better get going, gotta scavenge more than my brothers' get." She grabbed his hand and peered around the entrance. The gang in there was bigger than she remembered, and they had blasters. "Jag," she said softly, "We can't run past them, they'll shoot us down, and anyway, they've always wanted to kill one of the people who live in the upper levels, it's a dream of theirs." Jag looked surprised, "Well, what do I have to do?" Jaina looked at him, "Nothing, Jag," she ordered, "You stay here, with the comlink, while I distract them. When they've followed me, you call Jacen and Anakin, their frequency is on the back of the comlink and they'll come get you, I'll catch up with you later." Jag shook his head firmly, "This is exactly what I don't want to happen," he said, "I'll never forgive myself if you get hurt again just so I can get rescued." Jaina laughed suddenly. "We've known each other all of a night," she said, when she noticed Jag looking at her incredulously, "And we're both arguing so the other one stays safe! I find that funny!" Jag started to laugh too. "Okay," Jaina said, "How about this? I lead them away, you stay here and call Jacen and Anakin then I turn around and come back here and we both escape with my brothers?" Jag agreed reluctantly. "Lightsaber use is necessary," she said, "So if you hear me screaming, it's probably a battle cry because these guys don't know I'm a Jedi, they think I'm just some girl who lives in the upper levels and has a fetish for danger." Jag nodded. "Okay, but hurry back," he said. She smiled then tentatively gave him a hug. He hugged her back briefly then let her go, "Hurry back," he repeated and watched her run out into the centre of the huge cavern. There was a hungry expression in the eyes of the gang members as they rounded on Jaina, feasting their eyes on her body. Her eyes sparkled with the imminent rush of adrenaline and she bolted across the cavern and ran through another door. Jag grabbed he comlink she'd left him and dialed Jacen's frequency. "Yeah?" the younger boy answered. "Quick, we're in the north tunnel adjacent to the really big cavern, the one the big gang is in," Jag said quickly. "Where's Jaina?" Jacen asked. "She's distracted them, but she's coming back, she's trapped them in the cavern about fifteen hundred yards from where we are, she promised she'd circle back," Jag replied. "We'll be there in a few minutes, make sure Jaina doesn't get hurt," Jacen said, his voice low. "They've got blasters, Jacen; she took her lightsaber and said if I heard her screaming she was probably just shouting a challenge!" Jag cried, "Hurry, I'll try and find her!" "No!" Jacen said, his voice harsh, "You stay there. Anakin and I will help Jaina. Stay put." He disconnected. He heard Jaina scream something incomprehensible and began to panic. He heard Jacen and Anakin's voices added to the racket. Soon, all fell gradually silent.

He rose and looked out into the cavern cautiously. He heard laughter and the sound of Jaina gasping for breath. He jogged into the next cavern and saw Jaina on her knees, laughing, Jacen trying to haul her up and Anakin roaring with laughter on the side of them. "Did- did you see his face!" Jaina gasped, "He looked so comical, then WHOOSH!" she laughed again, "In come you guys and BANG! Ha! It was funny!" Jacen collapsed next to her, laughing. Anakin beckoned him over and they plopped on the floor next to the laughing twins. "Have you gone crazy?" Jag asked cautiously, "You just had to fight for your lives and you're laughing?" Jaina hiccupped, "That's what happens when you have to do this on a regular basis," she explained, blinking, "It gets quite fun and then you go crazy." "Ah. Aha," Jag said, backing away slightly. Jaina laughed at him then slapped his arm, "You'll soon learn it's better to be crazy than serious," Jacen said, hiccupping too. Jag and Anakin helped them up. "Let's go," Anakin said, "I think we need some bed rest, especially you two nutcases, maybe you'll wake up saner..." Jag leant over and said in a loud stage whisper, "No chance, unless they have some kind of brain transplant." Anakin laughed, "Good idea, maybe we'll see what it's like to be them," he said thoughtfully, "I'll take Jacen's brain, you can have Jaya's, then you'll see what it's like to be a girl, I live with her so I've had enough." Jag laughed. Jaina grabbed his arm as she almost fell over again. "Whoops," she giggled, "My knees are about to give in, I ran a bit hard." "Okay," Jag said, hauling Jaina up and putting an arm around her shoulders to keep her up, "Let me get this straight. You laugh when you're happy?" Jaina and Jacen nodded. Anakin shook his head, "They laugh at everything." "And you laugh when you hurt yourself?" Jaina and her brother nodded, "I don't like crying," Jaina said, "It's too girly, I only cry if something really bad or sad happens, like someone dies or we watch a holodrama or a friend has a really bad breakup, then I'll cry with them." Jag didn't understand and gave up. Jaina and Jacen calmed down enough to walk on their own a few minutes later. They managed to get out of the tunnels and onto the mid levels in fifteen minutes. They arrived at the Solo quarters about twenty minutes later. Jaina palmed the control panel and they all burst into the living room. Syal and Soontir were there and Leia and Han with Luke and Mara. Syal and Leia leapt up and immediately went to their children. "Jaina! You're all dirty!" Leia exclaimed, "So are you boys! What did you get up to?" Syal fussed over Jag, straightening his jacket and smoothing his mussed hair. Jag allowed Syal to finish fussing. "We had an awesome time," he said, throwing a glance at Jaina, Jacen and Anakin. Jaina winked at him, "Yeah, we all had fun," she chimed in. "We went to Astraglo Coffee House then to Nine Volt for some games of pool, then we played hide and go seek around the Senate building." Han rolled his eyes, "Hide and go seek?" he asked, "Will you ever stop playing that game? I swear, letting Wes babysit you when you were a kid is turning out to have some serious side effects." Jaina grinned, "But Daddy," she said innocently, "It's such a fun game!" The adults laughed. "Well, you kids go do whatever you do in the other lounge," Leia said, "We're having a discussion, we'll call you when Jagged's going." "Please, Ambassador, call me Jag, only Mom calls me Jagged," Jag said. Leia looked startled and watched as the kids as they darted into the other room. "Well," Soontir said, surprised, "'Hanging out', as they call it, with your children has certainly loosened him up, he was very uptight when we first got here, and when we told him we'd decided to move here indefinitely he was quite upset. He's made a few friends from the Academy who he talks to and hangs out with but I daresay he'll be happier with that arrangement now." Leia smiled, "Jaina could use a good friend, she's not too social with anyone apart from the Jedi that live here," she said.

Jaina collapsed onto the soft sofa and grinned. "Did you have a fine time, Jagged?" she teased. "Why, yes, it was fabulous, thank you, Princess," he replied pompously. Anakin snickered, "Ha! He called you princess, Jaya!" Jacen teased. Jag looked confused, "But technically you are, aren't you?" Jaina grinned, "Technically, but I'm definitely not a real princess," she assured him. Jag raised an eyebrow but remained quiet. "I have to go get Hunter!" she exclaimed, leaping up, "My poor baby! He's been stuck with Wes for hours!" She ran out the front door. "Where's she gone?" Leia called. "Gone to rescue Hunter from Wes!" Jacen yelled back. "Who is Hunter?" Jag asked. "Her dog, I got him for her," Jacen replied, "Wes dog-sat for him while Jaina came tonight, the poor creature's probably pining for Jaina, he's attached to her like you wouldn't believe." Jaina came back in the room a few moments later, a small, furred creature in her arms. "Wes was glad to get rid of him!" she said as she walked in, "He said Hunter was a bit naughty, apparently he wouldn't stop barking at him and ran around like a mad thing, destroying everything in his path, I gave him forty credits instead, he has to replace his bedside table." Jacen laughed and clapped his hands. Hunter looked at him then at Jaina. Jaina put him down and he ran to Jacen, bounding into the young man's lap. Jacen laughed as the dog licked his face. The dog then jumped off Jacen and trotted over to Jag. The little animal cocked his head at Jag then sprung onto his legs. Jag recoiled and Jaina laughed. "He likes you!" she assured Jag, "He's not gonna hurt you! He just wants to jump all over you!" Jag tried to force the little thing away from his face but the dog's tongue slipped between his hands and slobbered all over his cheek. "Yuck," he commented as the dog ran to Jaina who scooped him up into her arms and held him close, nuzzling her face in his fur. "My precious baby," she cooed, cuddling him. Jacen rolled his eyes and Jag laughed. "What?" she said indignantly, "He is!" "Nothing," Jag assured her, "I think it's really cute." Jacen made googly eyes and Anakin laughed at him. Jaina shot them a glare and sat down, Hunter's back legs in her lap and his forelegs on her chest, nestling his head in her hair. She stroked the dog, her fingers splaying out to run though his closely cropped fur. They sat there in silence for a few minutes before Jaina rose. "I have to get home," she said, "Got some studying to do." Jag looked startled and a little upset but masked it quickly. "See you later, Jaya," Jacen said, rising to hug her. "Have fun studying," Anakin said mischievously, hugging her and patting Hunter on the head. "Goodnight, Jaina," Jag said, "Thanks for tonight, I had a blast." Jaina smiled at him, "We'll no doubtedly see you soon," she said, "'Night." She went and said goodbye to her parents and the Fels then left quickly. She collapsed on her bed and watched as Hunter promptly went to his little bed and curled up. "Goodnight, Hunter," she said softly and the dog yapped before falling asleep. She picked up her books and carried them to her desk. She pulled out several sheets of flimsiplast paper and a pen. She flipped open to the page she was up to and skim-read it, taking neat notes. She managed to do at least twenty pages before she yawned. She glanced at the chrono on her wall, it was 0245. She undressed to her underclothes and slid between the cool covers of her bed. A moment later Hunter came in and snuggled in beside her. She put her arm round him and pulled the little animal closer, his fur comforting against her bare stomach. She fell asleep a little while later.

Meanwhile, Jag was still with Anakin and Jacen and his parents were still talking with Leia and Han. "We should be getting home," Soontir said, rising and stretching his legs. Syal followed his lead. "Well, we'll have to catch up again soon," Han said, "The kids seemed to have fun and we can talk some more about ships." Soontir nodded, "Sounds okay to me, and I'm sure Jag will like to have another night out with your children." "Jag!" Syal called, "We're going!" Jag jumped up, hiding his eagerness to leave since Jaina had gone. "Well, we'll have to hang out again soon," Jacen commented, "Maybe we'll have a few games at Nine Volt, you can bring those friends of yours from the Academy, I'll bring a couple of friends too." Jag nodded, "Sure, sounds good," he agreed, "See you guys later." He left with his parents.

Jag fell onto his bed and stared at the ceiling, his hands behind his head. He was confused; he knew he felt something for Jaina, but exactly what he felt he wasn't sure. And he was pretty sure she felt something for him too, which he found rather strange. She was beautiful, intelligent, brave, talented, and she liked him! He couldn't wait to tell Benny, Jerry and Marissa...

Jaina woke early the next morning, to Hunter licking her face. "Morning to you too!" she laughed and pushed him off the bed. The dog landed on his feet and jumped at her legs as she got up. "Let me shower in peace!" she said and slipped into the 'fresher. She stepped out a little while later, wrapped in a towel. Hunter was sitting patiently at the door, waiting. "Oooh, you're so cute!" she cooed and sat down on her bed. She dressed quickly and looked at the chrono. "Training with Aunt Mara in fifteen minutes!" she announced and tied her wet hair back from her face. Hunter's face drooped. "I'll be back in a few hours, don't worry," she promised her pet and kissed his snout. Hunter licked her face and she breezed out the door with a laugh. Jacen came in a few minutes later and Hunter barked joyfully when he recognized him. "Hey you," Jacen said, ruffling Hunter's fur affectionately. "Where's Jaya? Where's Jaya?" Hunter ran into Jaina's bedroom and jumped up on her desk, nosing aside papers until he found what he was looking for. He trotted back into the lounge room with a flimsiplast note in his mouth. Jacen took it and read it quickly.

-Jaina,

Training at 0745 tomorrow morning, be there 0745 sharp.

-Aunt Mara

"They're pushing her way too hard," Jacen sighed and let the note flutter to the floor. "Guess you'd better come with me so you don't destroy the apartment," he said to Hunter, scooping him up and leaving Jaina's apartment.

Jaina blocked Mara's lightsaber with her own as the woman drove her ice blue blade down in a harsh down-sweep. "Harder, Jaina!" Mara ordered, "Fight harder!" Jaina disengaged the two lightsabers with a quick flick of her wrist and lashed out at Mara. It was close range but the Jedi Master managed to block the blow and force Jaina back. Jaina lunged again, slashing through the air with a hiss and bringing her own white blade down onto Mara's. The strength that the blow took almost tore Jaina's arm from her socket but she kept pushing down. Mara's lightsaber clattered to the floor and Jaina's was humming at her throat in an instant. "Well done, Jaina," Mara praised as her niece as she turned her lightsaber off. A clapping sound came from the sidelines and Jaina saw Jag standing there, leaning against the wall and applauding her. She blushed furiously. Mara looked at Jag appraisingly, "Who's the hottie?" she asked Jaina quietly. "Syal and Soontir Fel's son, Jag," Jaina replied, banishing her blush quickly. She hurried over to him. "What brings you here?" she asked. "I was looking for you," Jag answered simply, "Anakin said you'd most likely be here or your apartment. No-one was home so I came here." "Ah," Jaina said, "So, you found me, what's the matter?" "I just wanted to talk." "I'll come back later, Aunt Mara," Jaina called. Mara winked at her, "Sure, I'll be here till 1130, see you later," she called. Go get 'em, tiger! She sent to her niece through the Force. Jaina grinned and followed Jag out.