This Is My Life

by AgressiveNegotiations01

Jaina Solo is fifteen and is sick of being different. She just wants to be normal and have normal friends. She wants stability, but her family isn't like that. She makes an unlikely friend and things develop and get slightly difficult...

3. Political Problems Can Cause War

CHAPTER THREE: Political Problems Can Cause War

"Dinner time, kids!" Leia called. "Can I please come and sit at the table?" Jaina yelled back, closing her eyes and crossing her fingers desperately. "No!" came Leia's predictable reply. "You're back on the couch and the boys can eat around the coffee table so you're not alone." Jaina made a face and got up from Jacen's bed and reluctantly laid back down on the couch in the lounge. Leia brought in four plates, supporting three with the Force. She sent the three floating to her children and handed the other one to Jag. "Enjoy," she said and went back into the kitchen.

"We really should inform the military about this," Jacen said through a mouthful of scalloped potato. "They wouldn't be inclined to believe a bunch of teenagers about something as serious as this," Jaina countered. "We're better off gathering intel until we have enough proof." Anakin looked nervous. "I heard something suspicious when I was at school," he began tentatively. "What, Ani?" Jaina asked, swallowing her mouthful. "Apparently there's some kind of secret agency that's been in the news a few times and they've been stealing data from databanks all over Coruscant. No one's been able to trace anything and the data's been gone every time they've went back over it. There's no audit trails or anything. I think they know about you."

Jaina looked mildly concerned. "Did they say anything about the political mainframe?" Anakin shook his head. "They must not know the files from there are missing," Jag responded. "If there's no trace, maybe they thought one of their allies removed the files. I imagine they'd be password protected and coded." Jaina chewed thoughtfully. "They are, but I know for a fact that Fey'lya thinks Shesh has hidden them and has stopped worrying. Shesh knows Fey'lya's not sharp enough to take them and hide them somewhere. Pwoe's a brainless mynock and she knows she hasn't taken them. That only leaves a few other high ranking senators and none of them had access to the passwords. If she knows someone's stealing the files she's smart enough to keep it quiet. The idea of someone stealing confidential files from the Senate mainframe would send the whole planet into panic."

Jacen and Anakin grinned again. "We have to up the security," Jag said immediately. "I met Viqi Shesh and she gives me the shivers." "Try sensing her through the Force," Anakin commented. "If she were a Jedi, Uncle Luke would have killed her by now." Jacen's eyes opened wider. "We can get the younger generation of Jedi!" he said quietly. "We can put together a full scale operation from Yavin!" "But I'm not a Jedi," Jag said despairingly. The three Solos felt a pang of anguish from Jag and with it… a trickle of Force power. Jaina's grin was wide. "Get Uncle Luke, Anakin," she said eagerly. Anakin beamed at Jag as he ran into the kitchen. "What?" Jag asked, confused. "You're Force-Sensitive!" Jaina squealed and Jacen grinned. "What?"

Jag was confused. "Do me a favor," Jacen said. "Concentrate on that potato on your plate. Imagine it floating up towards your mouth." Jag still didn't understand completely but he did as he was asked. His surroundings disappeared. He couldn't even feel his fork in his hand. All he could see was the potato. He envisioned it rising towards his mouth. To his surprise, he heard Jaina and Jacen gasp. He opened his eyes and found the potato suspended centimetres from the tip of his nose. He was startled and lost concentration. The vegetable dropped. Jaina applauded and Jacen was laughing. "Hell, dude," he said appreciatively. "You are coming to the Academy!"

A bubble of elation was rising in Jag. He was going to be a Jedi? But no one in his family was Force-Sensitive… Luke Skywalker burst in a moment later. He asked Jaina how she was feeling. "Fine," she said impatiently. "But Jag! He's Force-Sensitive! He just made the bloody potato levitate!" Luke turned to Jag and Jag wanted to look away under the Jedi Master's piercing blue gaze. But he stared back. "Give me your hand, Jag," he ordered. Jag complied quickly.

Luke felt a stirring of considerable power in the young man in front of him and had no doubt. He was taking this boy to the Academy. "Jag, do you understand what has just happened?" he asked. The bewildered young man shook his head. "You've just taken the first step towards becoming a Jedi," Luke said gently. His niece leapt off the couch and hugged Jag tightly. "I knew!" she said, her voice shaky. "Somehow, I always knew!" Jag hugged her back warily.

"Does this mean I have to go to the Academy on Yavin IV?" he asked. "Only if you want to," Leia said from the doorway. A mad grin spread over Jag's face. "Of course I want to!" he all but shouted. "What kid doesn't dream of being a Jedi? I used to have imaginary lightsaber fights with imaginary friends and now you're telling me I could be doing the kind of stuff I dreamed about for years? Of course I want to!"

Jaina was laughing at him. "We're leaving for Yavin in close to two weeks, Jag," Luke said, smiling himself. "I'll talk with your parents." Leia and Luke went into the kitchen and Anakin slapped Jag on the back. "Welcome to the ranks of the Force-Users, Jag!" he congratulated. Jag was still smiling. "This is surreal," he said wonderingly. Jaina slipped an arm around his waist. "But it's real," she said, winking at him.

Syal and Soontir took it better than Luke expected them to. "How long do they stay there for?" Syal asked, her voice wavering slightly. "They can earn the rank of Master by the age of twenty one at the earliest," Luke explained. "A Knight can elect to leave after the age of twenty one and train alone. We let the students go home for six week vacations every four to six months. Jag will be a Jedi Knight in a matter of two years and I'm sure, with my niece and nephews as peers; will catch up exceedingly quickly."

"Does he want to go?" Soontir asked awkwardly. "I have asked him, and he seemed extremely eager," Luke replied. "I can't deprive him of a chance to become something he's always dreamed of being," Syal said, wiping her eyes of a few tears. "He can go." Luke cheered silently. That young man had so much potential. "Send him home when he finishes with the Solo kids," Soontir said, his voice softening. Luke left.

"That makes this an all Jedi operation, Jag," Jacen said quietly. Jag grinned. "I have no objection to being a part of a Jedi operation," he said. Jaina clapped her hands. "You're coming to Yavin with us!" she said excitedly. "And Jade's a Jedi as well! You'll meet her and Tenel tomorrow. And all our other friends at the Academy!" Jag felt swept along by her enthusiasm. Luke came back in the door. "Welcome to the student community of Yavin IV Jedi Academy," he said. Jag hugged Jaina fiercely. "Yes!" he cheered. Luke waited until the congratulatory period had passed. "If you're finished here, your parents would like you at home." Jag let go of Jaina. "Okay," he said. "I'll be around tomorrow," he said and left with a smile at his friends and Jedi Master.

Cherith, Davin, Matt, Lucy and his parents were waiting in the lounge for him when he got home. "What happened over there, Jag?" Soontir asked immediately. "They said something about going back to Yavin," Jag half-lied. "I got this sudden feeling and I said I was going to miss them a lot. Then Jaina started babbling something about me being Force-Sensitive and Jacen told me to concentrate on a potato on my plate and imagine it levitating. I did and it felt like I wasn't there anymore. When I opened my eyes I was staring at a potato, hovering about three centimetres from my nose." "You levitated something?" Cherith asked incredulously. Jag shrugged. "I must have," he said. "Show us something," Davin said, not believing his younger brother was going to be a Jedi. Jag looked around. "Make that comlink levitate," Syal suggested.

Jag concentrated and closed his eyes. He imagined it floating above the frequency directory. He heard hushed breaths being drawn but kept his eyes closed. When he opened them, he was looking at Cherith's gaping face. "It floated!" she all but shrieked. "It all but floated and Jag made it do it!" Jag felt her astonishment in waves and flinched involuntarily. "It's as strange to me as it is to you, okay?" he shot back defensively. "Jag, it's amazing," Syal said softly. "You're going to be a great Jedi." He took a deep breath. "I'm going to bed," he managed to say. "I'll see you in the morning."

Jaina could feel Jag use the Force. His parents must have wanted to see something… Poor guy, he must be so confused… She pushed her half eaten dinner away. "I'm going to bed," she announced. Leia let her and turned to Luke. "Can you feel the attraction between those two?" she demanded. "Please, tell me I'm not just imagining it. It's so strong and they can't even realize it themselves!" Luke smiled. "Jag's been blindly infatuated from time he first saw her, Leia," he said. "He's so blinded by her he can't see anything and Jaina's harder to read, because she's so good at shielding, but I know she's just as keen."

Jacen and Anakin watched their mother and uncle converse in low voices. "I can't believe we didn't realise it earlier!" Anakin exclaimed. Jacen nodded. "I reckon the idea of being the only non-Jedi in the whole thing kinda scared him so that's what pushed it out." They grabbed the folders off Jacen's bed and shoved them under his desk. "We'll probably learn more about this whole thing tomorrow," Jacen said as they stared at the ceiling blankly. Anakin nodded. "I sure hope so, 'cause it's kinda scary," he muttered. "Jaina, Jade and Tenel probably know more about what's in the bloody mainframe than the techs they have there from the amount of files she showed us," Jacen said reassuringly.

Jaina fell into sleep easily, her blanket half on and half off.

Jag commed Marissa. "Help me!" he said when she answered. "What's wrong?' she asked immediately. "I've just been told I'm Force-Sensitive and I'm going to the Yavin Academy in two weeks," he said weakly. Marissa's squeal was so loud Jag held the comlink away from his ear for a moment until it passed. "You're gonna be a Jedi? That's awesome!" "I know, but I'm scared," Jag confessed. "I'm going to be the same age as most of the other Jedi but they're all going to be so much more experienced than me!"

"You? Scared of that? Get out," Marissa scoffed. "You'll catch up soon enough, especially with the Solos' help!" Jag felt his worry eased slightly. "I suppose you're right. Can you tell Jerry and Benny?" "You bet!" she replied. "We'll come see you tomorrow morning!" "Actually," Jag said. "Tomorrow's kinda booked out for me but can I come see you when I'm done?" Marissa sounded suspicious. "Sure," she said. "Thanks, I'll see you tomorrow sometime!" Jag hung up and lay back on his bed, thinking.

The next morning, Jaina was up early and dressed haphazardly. She grabbed a hairbrush and dragged it through her hair, her thoughts all muddled up in her head. Jacen and Anakin woke next. Jaina grabbed her comlink and dialed Jade Drover's frequency.

"Hawkbat Two," came the brisk reply. "Hawkbat One requires the presence of Hawkbat Two at Hawkbat Base in half an hour," Jaina said, grinning. "Hawkbat Two will be there," was the neutral answer. "Two out."

Jaina dialed Tenel Ka's comlink next.

"Hawkbat Three here," came her best friend's voice. "Hawkbat One requires Hawkbat Three's presence at Hawkbat Base in half an hour," Jaina said, keeping her voice low. "Hawkbat Three will be there," was the reply. "Three out."

She rose from her dressing table and knocked on her brothers' bedroom door. "Can I come in?" "Kay," Anakin shouted after a minute. Jaina flopped on Jacen's messily made bed. "Your new code names are Hawkbat Four and Hawkbat Five," she said. "Cool, but who is Four and who is Five?" Anakin asked. "Jace is Four, you're Five and Jag's Six." Jaina's reply was predictable.

"Now," she said after a few minutes of silence. "I need you to persuade Mom to let you take me out for most of the day." Jacen grinned. "Always up for a challenge," he said jovially. An argument which Leia lost and a lot of pleading later, Jag had arrived and the four were allowed out.

"Four, Five and Six," Jaina said when they stopped in front of a run-down office front. "Welcome to Hawkbat Base." She tapped on the door in a rhythmic sequence and it flung open a few seconds later. She watched the street for a moment then ducked in, the three boys following her.

Jade and Tenel were by an auxiliary screen on a desk, watching intently. All the other walls were lined with desks and computers. Jaina peered over their shoulders. "Hawks, meet our newest recruits," she said proudly. Tenel leapt up and hugged Jacen and Jade studied Jag appraisingly. "This is the new Jedi Master Skywalker was so ecstatic about last night," she commented. Jaina nodded. "Two, Three, meet Jag Fel, Hawkbat Six."

Jade shook his hand. "Welcome to the Rebellion," she said, winking. "Get a load of this, Six, Five," Jacen said in wonder from the table. The boys were watching a message appear on the screen from Viqi Shesh to a man called Vincent. "That one's hooked up to Shesh's personal monitor," Tenel explained, watching them while Jaina and Jade conversed at length about something to do with an earlier message. "She's been having an illicit affair with Vincent for months now." "New plan is coming in!" Jade announced and all six watched the screen she was working with.

Borsk Fey'lya was telling Pwoe that the invaders wanted to go ahead with the invasion in twenty four months time, rather than thirty six. That only gave them two years to get the galaxy in enough of a jumble for the invasion to work! Borsk was arguing. "Another year less we have," Jacen murmured. "Hell yes," Jade said. "But also less time for them to figure out that we have a new Rebellion made up of Jedi Knights."

Jag shrugged. "I say we start sabotaging the stupid politicians now," he muttered. "Six, we already have," Tenel explained. "We've been sabotaging them for ages." "Just not in ways that are considered sabotage," Jade took over where Tenel had left off. "One and Three here managed to cause a revolt in the lower levels, saying the Senate was like the Empire. That got front slot news and caused a hell of a lot of trouble. Three and I sent a copy of Viqi Shesh's messages to her husband and they had a huge row. One and I managed to create this program, which is the most important thing in our operation."

"Have you considered literally sabotaging them?" Anakin said. "Like, not through the computers, but actual sabotage?" "He means actually disabling computers physically," Jacen added. "Destroying things, listening bugs, infiltration…" Jaina pointed a finger at Tenel. "Jade and I have been thinking that for ages!" she said. "But Three, 'the pacifist', thought we should stick with the techno side of things until we had a bigger group." "I think a fresh approach is needed," Jade approved. Jaina heard a beeping from a monitor on a small desk. She sat before it and keyed her access code. Words scrolled down the screen;

The Nightsisters and Dark Jedi from the Shadow Academy led by Tamith Kai are in preparation for the climatic assault on Earth, Senator Shesh. The Northern Hemisphere of that planet is the place that will be most sorely affected. That planet has no knowledge of our existence so expectation for the attack is near impossible. Our only threat remains the Jedi. If this planet is attacked soon, within the quarter year, we can catch them unaware as no suspicions have been voiced.

This attack will be seen as a work of nature rather than an actual assault. The polar icecaps will be melted, raising the water levels. Physics will do the rest. It will cause uproar in the political parties and the Jedi will be the only ones who sense it so when they say that it was deliberately pulled off by politicians, it will drive a further wedge between the Jedi and the New Republic.

Jaina stopped reading and made a sound of utter disgust. "They're going to annihilate the northern part of an innocent, unaware planet," she muttered. "They can't get any lower in my eyes." "That's a reason to hate the idiots," Jag said. "We're going to tell The Jade Shadow," Jaina said, finality in her voice. "And we're going to save that planet."

Mara found it difficult to believe her niece, nephews, Jade, Jag and Tenel. "You're telling me a group of Senators want to start galactic war and are calling in intruders from another galaxy and they're planning to destroy the northern region of a planet that thinks it's alone in the galaxy?" she asked incredulously. The six teenagers nodded. "It sounds crazy enough to be passable," she replied thoughtfully. "Can I see your intel setup?" Jade nodded. "Come with us, Master Jade," she said and the seven of them entered Hawkbat Base again.

They gave Jaina's aunt the access codes and let her search. "I'm impressed," she commented. "This program will be a lot of help." She found the message to Shesh and her face turned stony as she read it. "We'll tell your mother and let her address the Senate," she said, her voice icy with hatred. "In the meantime, you six are coming with me and Luke to this 'Earth'. We are going to address the main command structure and warn them. We'll supervise an evacuation to the southern hemisphere." The six teens nodded and told Mara about their resistance operation. "I'm not going to tell anyone about the invader war until you have solid proof, such as comm conversations and handwritten acknowledgement of the plot," Mara reassured them. "But for now, I'm Hawkbat Seven. Your operation has a veteran."

Jaina's thoughts wandered far and wide as she half-listened to her friends tell her aunt about their operation in more depth. She thought about how Jag's hands would feel on her hips. How his lips would feel on hers… What it would be like to feel loved by someone outside her family circle… Oh, she wanted so much for him to tell her he felt the same way!

Leia was appalled when she heard about it and addressed Pwoe, Shesh and Fey'lya immediately. The three politicians predictably denied it. She was reluctant to let her children go to this unknown planet but relented after Luke assured her of their safety. Tenel and Jade had no problems; Luke and Mara were their legal custodians. Syal was quick to let Jag help save the planet.

Jaina packed a travel case neatly, wondering about what the motive was behind this attack. Her thoughts strayed to Jag. She didn't know whether she actually had real feelings or just a schoolgirl crush. One thing she knew, however, was that she was having trouble not telling him how she actually felt. That was kind of curious as she wasn't sure if she even knew how she actually felt. She kissed Hunter's nose lightly and ruffled his fur. "Be good!" she warned. She hauled the case into the lounge where her family was waiting. "Be careful," Leia warned. Jaina smiled lightly. "When are we not?" she said. "We'll miss you," Han said. "Don't do anything rash, like heroics of any kind." Jacen grinned. "We're your blood and flesh, Dad," he said wryly. "Can you expect anything less?" Han managed a small smile. "Love you guys heaps," Jaina said, hugging her parents tightly. Jacen and Anakin did the same before they followed Jaina towards the docking bay.

Jag's goodbye to his family was more emotional, he'd be going straight to Yavin to begin training after they evacuated Earth's northern population. Syal hugged him fiercely, sobbing hard. Soontir clapped his son on the shoulder. "I know you'll make us proud, son," he said softly. Cherith and Davin hugged him briefly and his sister kissed his cheek. Zera and Geran were hugging his legs. "Don't go, Jaggie!" they were pleading. He knelt down and grabbed them both in a bear hug. "I'll be back in a few months for a visit, I promise," he said. He left, waving back at his family.

Jaina was waiting for him and her face was concerned when she saw the longing in his eyes. "I'm gonna miss them," he said ruefully and Jaina hugged him impulsively. "You'll be okay," she said softly. "I'll make sure of it." He brightened a little. He glanced at her sideways. "Is that a promise or a threat?" he asked wryly. Jaina's smile was sly. "Whatever works," was her reply and she jogged towards her aunt's ship. Jag followed, all his thoughts tumbling. "You have to learn how to shield, dude!" Jacen admonished as Jag settled into his seat. "Your face is impassable, but your thoughts have all the subtlety of a vengeful Hutt." Jag had the grace to blush. He'd spoken to Jerry, Benny and Marissa and they'd said the opposite; that his feelings were written all over his face. He'd told them where he was going and that he'd contact them when he got to Yavin.

"You've got to imagine your mind as a maze, Jag," Luke said, sitting beside him. "And the maze has durasteel walls surrounding it. The walls are your shields. The strength of the shields depends on your ability to reinforce them." "Yes, Master," Jag said. He tried to do as Luke said and imagine a maze. When he'd envisioned it, he erected walls around it. "I've done it," he said, keeping his eyes shut and holding the vision. "Now Jacen's going to try and break down your shield," Luke's voice told him. He tried to envision the walls getting thicker but it didn't seem to be working. All of a sudden, great lasers shot at his walls and they rattled.

He tried to hold on and strengthen the shield but another burst from the lasers demolished them. He opened his eyes and shot a glare at Jacen. "Show-off," he said accusingly. "You had to make lasers." Jacen grinned. "Special effects," he said innocently. "Try again, Jag," Luke said. "Jacen, lower the power a little and just probe. See if you can get a few secrets." He winked at Jag and sauntered into the cockpit. Jacen's grin was gleeful. Jag closed his eyes again. The maze came easily but the walls took a little longer. He had them up but he could feel that they were flimsy. He imagined them thickening and becoming more solid. They seemed a little thicker.

"Okay," he said, holding the vision in his mind. He felt something push at the walls gently. Felt it as clearly as if it had pushed against his leg. He felt cracks appear in the walls and Jacen's head appeared. It disappeared into the maze that was his mind and emerged holding a picture of Jaina between his teeth. His head disappeared. Jag opened his eyes. "You're weird, Jacen," he remarked. He shrugged. "Jaina's my big sister, what do you expect?" he said jokingly. He mimed opening an envelope. "And the thought I managed to grab was…" His grin was manic. Jag heard Jacen's voice ring out in his head.

You think Jaya has a cute ass! He sighed in frustration. He only hoped he would be able to do things like that to Jacen soon. "Don't count on it, Fel," Jacen was saying sympathetically. "Tenel already knows I think her ass is cute." He couldn't help but laugh. "Are all the Jedi on Yavin like Jacen, Master Jade?" he called. "No!" came the instant reply from the cockpit. "Thank the Force." Jag grinned at Jacen and the other boy stuck his tongue out.

Jag was just about to reply similarly when Jaina and Tenel entered the cabin. "What's been going on?" Tenel asked, sensing Jacen's barely held in urge to laugh. Jaina looked curious too. "Uncle Luke and I are trying to teach Jag how to put up mental shields," Jacen said, stifling his laughter. Jag shot him a glare and smiled at Jaina and Tenel. "Please, sit down," he said courteously. "And save me from this madman," he added quietly. Jaina laughed. "We'll help teach as well," she offered. "Please do," Jag pleaded. "Save me."

Tenel sat on Jacen's lap and he linked his hands around her waist. Jaina settled into a seat beside Jag. "Okay," Tenel directed. "You have to imagine what will happen if anyone drags out your thoughts and tells everyone." Jag could just imagine Jaina learning how he really felt and he could imagine the rejection. It stung. "Now use those feelings to reinforce your shields," she went on. "And they'll feed off the strength of them. The strength of your reaction to having your personal thoughts and feelings shoved out for everyone to see should make the shields stronger."

Jag did as he was told to and felt the shields strengthening with his resolve not to let Jacen in and tell Jaina how he felt. He himself would do that when the time came. He could feel Jacen's probe and tried to make the shield stronger. He wasn't going to let Jacen in, not this time. "Resistance," he heard the younger boy say appreciatively. "Much better." The strength of the pushing increased and Jag felt the walls starting to buckle. He somehow sensed someone reinforcing the wall for him and he managed to keep it solid.

It was Jaina. She'd helped him. Why? he thought. Why did she help me? His mind took over where her strength had helped instinctively and felt her mind withdraw from his swiftly. He could feel the sharp pain left behind. Jacen's probe was more insistent, more forceful and he kept probing for weak spots. It was exhausting and he could feel his strength wavering. "I can't hold it up much longer," he said, keeping his eyes shut.

"Don't worry," he heard Tenel say. "You did well for someone's third attempt at it." He let the vision fade and opened his eyes lethargically. "That's tiring," he remarked. He could feel Jaina's eyes on him. Hidden in her eyes as he turned to face her, he saw hurt and surprise and maybe, just maybe a little bit of… fear. She stood abruptly. "I'm going to go and brief Aunt Mara on the situation a little more," she said and spun on her heel.

Jacen stared at the door she'd gone through for a few long moments after she'd left. "What the heck did she sense when she helped you, Fel?" he demanded. Jag reeled as if he'd been struck. "Me? I… I wasn't thinking anything," he said lamely. Jacen's gaze was hard. "You're blind, Fel," he said, shaking his head in disgust. "You have no idea how lucky you are. She's not going to wait for you forever and when you finally realise it's time, it may just be too late." He gently moved his girlfriend from his lap and strode off towards the back cabin.

Tenel smiled sympathetically at him. "Jaina's nuts for you," she said simply. "We know you're crazy for her too but why can't you just admit it out loud? She might just come to the conclusion one day that you don't love her enough. And then she'll be gone. Just like a puff of wind. She's not one to stick around if she doesn't feel wanted, Jag." He considered that. "But I've only known her a few weeks," he said finally. "I'm scared that I won't always feel how I feel now and I won't be able to give her what she deserves." "Well, make the most of it now," Tenel said helpfully. "Give it to her while you can." "But I don't want her to reject me," Jag confessed. "Her bark is far worse than her bite," Tenel said jokingly. Then she added in a more serious tone; "She won't reject you, Jag."

Jacen knocked cautiously on the door of the small hold. "Leave me alone, Jacen!" Jaina shouted, furiously wiping away her tears. Jacen threw the door open and went over to his twin. He held her in a tight hug. "What happened?" he asked, brushing a stray lock of hair away from her face. She looked up at him, her lower lip trembling.

"He pushed me away, Jacen," she sobbed quietly. "I- I tried to help… to tell him how I felt… and he pushed me away…" Jacen held her tighter. "He didn't want to push you away, I'm sure," he soothed her. "He's still not used to using the Force and the fact you used it as second nature probably unnerved him a little." She looked up at him with teary, dark eyes. "You think so?" she asked, her low voice filled with hope. He hugged her. "I'm positive."

Jacen let Jaina stay in the hold a little longer, allowing her time to compose herself before he dragged her back out into the main room. Jag tried hard not to notice the tearstains marring her cheeks and the fading redness of her eyes. "Does anyone feel like a sparring session with the remote?" Anakin piped up tentatively. Jaina's head came up instantly. "Sure," she said, smiling a little. She followed her little brother into the main hold, a large, bare room, ideal for lightsaber training. Anakin flicked the remote onto two person mode and raised his lightsaber. Jaina's movements mirrored his own. Laser bursts began screaming towards Jaina and Anakin. The brother and sister duo moved simultaneously, lightsabers flashing into life and deflecting the bursts.

"Go watch them," Jacen told Tenel and Jade. "I have to talk with Jag for a minute." Jade threw a glance at Tenel and the two went into the main hold. "You hurt her," Jacen said warningly. "I didn't mean to push her out!" Jag said desperately, trying to explain. "I didn't even realise I'd taken over where she was a second before. It just happened." Jacen's eyes were flashing. "She was about to tell you how she feels about you, numbskull," he said, something slightly scathing in his tone. "You pushed her away and now not even the Force knows when she'll be ready to open up like that again. Like I said, she won't wait forever and someone else will snatch her away from you before you know what's happened if you don't act soon." Jacen turned and left abruptly.

Jade watched appreciatively as her best friend and Anakin deflected bolts that screamed their way towards them. Their movements were fluidly graceful and uncannily accurate. She could imagine how the people on Earth would react if they ever saw a Jedi lightsaber sparring session. They'd die of shock. She and Tenel watched for close to half an hour before the remote abruptly stopped firing and shut down. Jaina turned towards them, sweat dripping from her forehead. "I'm going to go have a shower and a nap," she mumbled. "I feel dead." Anakin stared intently after her. "Fel's gonna get grilled from Jace," he said, grinning. "And Aunt Mara if she managed to catch any of that exchange."

Jaina let the warm water pound on her bare skin and upturned face. She washed her hair. Jag had said he'd liked her. But he'd pushed her away as soon as she'd even tried to get closer. He didn't want her any closer than a safe distance away. That meant he'd lied to her. He hadn't felt anything. But she couldn't stop her own feelings. She got tingly whenever she was near him or their skin made contact. She couldn't stop imagining what it would feel like to kiss him. She couldn't help but feel the way she did. She towelled herself dry and towelled her hair. It fell in damp curls to just below her shoulder blades. She pulled a light-coloured tank top on and a pair of knee-length shorts. She curled up beneath the blanket of a bunk and let the tears roll down her face as she tried vainly to sleep.

Jag watched from the doorway across the hall as Jaina curled beneath the blanket of a bunk. He could faintly hear soft sobbing. He saw the door close and wondered if Jaina knew he was watching her.

She managed to fall into a restless sleep, tossing and turning. All she dreamt of was of a dark street, and a lone figure wreathed in shadows. Tall, forbidding gates loomed tall above the slender figure and abandoned skyscrapers soared high above it, boarded up windows spotting the shadows with patches of pure darkness. A haunting passage of song rose from the silence and assailed her ears;

I walk a lonely road

The only one that I have ever known

Don't know where it goes

But it's only me and I walk alone

I walk this empty street

On the boulevard of broken dreams

Where the city sleeps

And I'm the only one

And I walk alone

The shadows moved to swallow Jaina in their grasp and she could no longer see. She swallowed back the urge to scream and bit her lip, groping blindly for her surroundings. Another passage of haunting song swept through her like wind;

My shadow's the only one who walks beside me

My shadow's heart's the only thing that's beating

Sometimes I wish someone out there would find me

Till then I walk alone

I'm walkin' down the line

That divides me somewhere in my mind

On the borderline

Of the edge

And where I walk alone

Read between the lines

What's fucked up?

And everything's alright

Check my vital signs and know I'm still alive

And I walk alone

She could feel a wall beneath her hand and she traced the brick with long, thin fingers. Something struck the figure on the back of the head but the person uttered no sound, just folded in half and slumped to the ground. Jaina felt a blinding pain in the back of her own head and felt herself drift back into consciousness. She sat up abruptly and found herself staring into Tenel's concerned face. "You have a nightmare?" she asked worriedly. Jaina shook her head, focusing. "No," she reassured her friend. "Just a strange dream." "We're going to be coming out of hyperspace in sixteen hours," Tenel said drearily. "I thought I'd share that wonderful piece of news with you." Jaina managed a smile. "Thanks," she said, forcing a bright tone.

"You're about to cry," Tenel said and wrapped her arms around Jaina. "What happened?" "It was horrible," Jaina sobbed. "There was this person standing in the street, all these scary gates and boarded up skyscrapers everywhere and I was all alone. Then someone started singing…" "What did they sing?" Tenel asked gently. Jaina could still hear the haunting voice and music and the words ran through her head. She sang the two verses softly.

"I walk a lonely road, the only one that I have ever known. Don't know where it goes, but it's only me and I walk alone. I walk this empty street on the boulevard of broken dreams. Where the city sleeps and I'm the only one and I walk alone. My shadow's the only one who walks beside me. My shadow's heart's the only thing that's beating. Sometimes I wish someone out there would find me. Till then I walk alone. I'm walkin' down the line, that divides me somewhere in my mind. On the borderline of the edge and where I walk alone. Read between the lines. What's fucked up? And everything's alright. Check my vital signs and know I'm still alive and I walk alone."

Tenel had tears in her eyes. "You're not alone, Jaya," she whispered softly. "Never alone." Jaina looked up at her friend. "I hope you're right," she said. "I hope you're right, Tenel." She stayed in her friend's warm embrace for a long time. "You need to talk to Jag," Tenel said after a while. "I think Jacen partially tore his head off when you left." A small giggle escaped Jaina's lips. "I don't want to talk to Jag," she said quietly. "He doesn't want me near him."

"Whatever!" Tenel scoffed. "He'd kill for a chance to be near you, Jaina!" "He pushed me away as soon as I tried to get closer, tried to tell him," Jaina said distantly. "Instinctive reaction," Tenel declared. "He's still new to Force usage. Compared to the things we use the Force for, he's an infant. His experience of maybe not quite two days to our – maybe fourteen or fifteen years? It's a wonder he had enough control not to give a Force shove physically rather than mentally." Jaina's grin was slight. "I'm not surprised," she said. "I'm gonna keep my distance for a while." Tenel shook her head. "Nutcase," she muttered sarcastically. Jaina gave her a light Force shove. "I am not a nutcase," she said aloofly. "Maybe just a little screwed up." Tenel laughed.

Jag heard the sound of soft singing about two hours later through the closed door, startling him from his reverie. He couldn't hear the words but the voice was beautiful. It was low, sad. Haunting was the word to describe it, he concluded. It stopped and he reached out with a hand longingly, not realizing what he was doing. His hand dropped into his lap. He opened the door slightly and glimpsed Tenel leaving the room where he'd last seen Jaina. He saw her, sitting up on the bunk. "Jaina!" he called suddenly.

Jaina heard her name being called and pushed the door open with the Force. She peered put the door and saw Jag in the room across the hall. She cringed inwardly. "Yes?" she called back, her voice steady. "Can we talk for a minute?" His request was tentative. Some of the ice around her heart melted. "I'll just be a minute," she replied. She pulled her hair into a ponytail and tied it back. She entered the room cautiously. Jag was sitting calmly on a bunk, his face impassive.

Jag watched as Jaina entered the room. He wanted to blurt it out then and there. Tell her he loved her. Wait a second. Did he, Jagged Fel, just say he was in love with Jaina Solo? Did he just think that or was his mind throwing him for a loop? No. He did say that. He did love her. Ever since he'd discovered he could use the Force he had no idea what was real and what wasn't. "I'm really sorry about before," he began and Jaina smiled slightly. "No," she cut him off. "I'm sorry. I overreacted. It wasn't your fault."

Jag's face split into a smile. "I'm glad you didn't take offence," he said lightly. "I'm kind of new to all this stuff and did it without even realizing I had." Jaina smiled again. "I can relate to that," she said. "I just wanted to tell you," Jag said awkwardly after a few minutes of silence. "Tell me what?" Jaina asked.

"That I think you're perfect," he blurted, the words pouring forth from his mouth uncontrollably. "You're beautiful, brilliant, kind, strong and I've been in love with you ever since the banquet night." Jaina reeled back in surprise. "Jag, I - I don't know what to say," she stuttered. "Just tell me I didn't blurt all that for nothing," Jag said pleadingly. "Not for nothing, Jag," Jaina assured him, bemused. "I'm just a little startled."

"Please, tell me I didn't just say what I thought I did," Jag said, his voice suddenly changed. "Please tell me I didn't." "Uh," Jaina faltered, at a loss for words. "I did." Jag put his face in his hands as he said it. "Don't hate me, please," he begged. A soft smile spread across Jaina's face. "I don't hate you, Jag," she said, her voice low. Jag reached out tentatively and covered her hand with his. Their gazes locked. Their faces were so close that their foreheads and noses touched. "Quite the contrary," Jaina murmured, losing herself in Jag's emerald eyes.

"Uh," the voice came from the doorway. "Sorry to interrupt the moment, but Master Jade needs Jaina out in the X-Wing. We've been pulled out by an interdictor." Jade's voice was apologetic. Jaina rose swiftly. "What is it?" "Pirates," Jade explained hurriedly. "The interdictor ran as soon as we were pulled and hid behind the planet we're near. The pirates are closing in, fast. Master Skywalker would go out in the X-Wing, but Master Jade said he could do more damage with the laser cannons here and wanted you to have a field test." Jaina flashed a smile at Jag as she ran from the room, Jade hot on her heels. He followed the two girls out and watched as Jaina leapt into the cockpit of the fighter stored in the hold and began the startup procedures.

Jaina pulled the helmet over her head and gave the thumbs up to Jade. "Open the hold!" she heard Jade bellow to her aunt in the cockpit. The doors split apart and Jaina directed the nose of the fighter out and flashed into the darkness of space. She counted twenty five small fighters and three frigates. A handful and a half, she thought wryly. She hung stationary in space until the fighters were within firing range. Two were coming at her from converging angles. She waited until they fired their lasers and then dove down, coming up behind them. She fired two shots at the undersides of the ships and then barrel-rolled the fighter sharply to port.

Jag watched as the snubfighter baited two small ships and then dove down and scored hits on the undersides. The snubfighter rose higher and waited for the ships to turn and face it. Then Jaina nosed down to meet them and chased the fighters, lasers blazing. He watched as a laser scorched across the front of the pirate ship and it exploded. Jaina raked the other ship with laser fire, stitching lines across its hull. Luke and Jacen in the turrets had already killed three between them by the time the second one that Jaina had hit exploded. Ten of the twenty remaining pirate fighters sped towards Jaina. She rolled the fighter away and led them in a dizzying dance upwards. Jade's Shadow rocked sharply as Mara deftly spun the ship away from an incoming frigate.

Jaina fishtailed the fighter around in a brutal 360 and screamed towards the horde of pirate ships at near light-speed. They scattered immediately. She chased after them in a high-speed game of chicken. Six more were torn apart by concentrated laser fire by the time a frigate came within firing range. Luke let loose with two proton torpedoes preceded by burst of laser fire, distracting the shields. The frigate burst into flame as a result of the well-placed shot.

Jacen shot at two fighters that dared to get too close to the X-Wing while it was distracted. One was hit directly in the cockpit and exploded. The other limped away, listing to one side. Jaina finished it off with a burst of laser fire. Jacen followed the path of the other two fighters tailing the Jade Shadow with lethal red lasers and finally caught them in the converging area between his and the other turret's lasers.

Jaina destroyed the fighters tailing her calmly and methodically. She then set her gaze on one of the two frigates. A cloud of six fighters were following her. She zoomed forward and sling-shotted around it, letting the fire directed at her from the pirate fighters tear into the frigate. She directed the flight of a pair of proton torpedoes into the ammunition hold of the frigate and fled as the ship exploded, taking the six fighters with it.

Jacen and her uncle had taken care of the last two fighters and by the looks of it, the last frigate had fled. She landed the fighter in the hold and set it into shut-down mode. She hopped down from the cockpit. "That was quite a display," her aunt said appreciatively over the intership comm. "If I was a certified teacher, I reckon that deserved an A." Jaina laughed.

"And here I am thinking you're more like your mother than your father," Jag said, appearing from the shadows. A slow smile spread over her face. "A common mistake," she replied as Anakin came running in. "Wow!" he exclaimed breathlessly. "That was brilliant!" "Thanks," Jaina said softly and hugged him. He did a little dance on the spot. "We're gonna be there in three hours now!" he said excitedly. "The interdictor pulled us way off course and Uncle Luke discovered a shortcut." "That's good; I'm getting a bit sick of being stuck in here," Jaina remarked. Anakin ran out again. Jaina walked towards Jag. He offered his arm in an exaggerated act of chivalry. Jaina giggled and took it. "Hungry?" Jag asked, leading her towards Jade Shadow's mess hold. "I'm famished," she replied. He made sure she sat down and then deftly set out two sandwiches.

She's so perfect, Jag thought dreamily, stealing a glance at Jaina. He took the sandwiches over to the table and gave her one. They ate in companionable silence. Jaina rose and whisked the plates over to the dishwasher. "Do you want to see if we can improve your telekinetic skills?" she asked after a moment. "We could have a group kind of lesson." Jag rose as well. "Sure," he replied. "Anything to help me catch up to you guys can't be all bad." Jaina called the others and they gathered in the training room.

"You have to imagine what you're trying to do until it comes naturally," Tenel began. "So if you want to flip over someone, imagine yourself doing it. Jaina will demonstrate." Jaina got to her feet and Jacen stood up about a meter away from her. She bent her knees and sprung towards Jacen.

Jag watched as she flipped over Jacen in midair at an impossible height for a human to reach unaided and landed easily on the other side of the room. "Like so," Tenel said, grinning. "You won't be able to do things to that extent for a while, but you should be able to use the Force to jump higher and lengthen your leaps and things like that." "What's your best distance for long jump?" Anakin asked, grinning. "Coz I'll bet I can beat it." "Anakin!" Jaina scolded. "He's only just started using the Force! You've been using it for years!"

"No," Jag cut in. "I'll take him on." He turned to Anakin. "Four point six meters. You?" Anakin's grin faltered a little. "Six point eight." "Not too much difference," Jade said approvingly. "Let's have a long jump competition," Jacen declared, jumping up. Jaina was right behind him. "No Force use," she said challengingly. "Ooh," Tenel cackled. "This should be interesting." Jade marked a place on the floor with a piece of chalk. "Take-off point," she explained. "Youngest to oldest," Jacen ordered. Anakin stood at the line, Jade behind him, Jacen, Jaina, Tenel and then Jag. They all moved back. Anakin ran forward and leapt. Jade grabbed a tape measure and started at the line. "Five point three," she announced.

She went to the back of the room and sprinted up to the line, throwing herself into a flying leap. "Six meters on the dot," Jaina said, measuring the distance. Jacen bolted for the line and leapt. "Six point two!" he crowed, glancing at the measuring tape.

"My turn!" Jaina said tauntingly as she passed him on her way back to the wall. She tore up to the line and threw herself forward. She was propelled forward by her momentum and landed on her feet, meters away. "Seven point four," Jade said dejectedly.

"Show-off," Jacen teased. "Not my fault," Jaina said airily. Tenel jumped. "Six point seven," Jacen said, glancing at the tape. Jag went next. Five point six meters. "A big jump from four point six," Jaina said appreciatively. "Seven point four wins, with six point seven close behind," Jacen announced. "The Jedi princesses win, yet again."

Tenel and Jaina smirked and slapped each other a high-five. "Now we have to help Jag with telekinetic stuff," Jade said, sitting down and crossing her legs. "He made a potato levitate the other night," Anakin offered. "A potato?" Tenel asked incredulously. "Interesting. Now watch my hand, Jag." Tenel stretched her hand out towards Anakin and closed her eyes. His lightsaber flew from his belt and slapped into her palm.

Anakin reached out his hand and it flew into his hands. "Mine," he said. Tenel opened her eyes and reached out again. It was back in her hands. It kept going until it suddenly flew into Jacen's hands. "Stop," he said, holding back laughter. "It's Jag's turn. Concentrate on the lightsaber moving from my hands into yours and stretch out your hand."

Jag stretched his hand out and imagined the silver pommel flying into his hand. He saw it struggle from Jacen's hand and half-heartedly float towards him. It clattered to the ground half-way between him and Jacen. "Almost," Jaina said encouragingly. Try as he might, Jag could not get the pommel to float into his hands.

"Try something else," Jaina offered, sending the lightsaber flying into Anakin's hands with a flick of her wrist. "Like what?" he asked. "Uh, hand to hand?" Jacen suggested. "I am not going against your sister," Jag said hurriedly, backing away with his hands stretched out in front of him in a gesture of peace. Jaina was slightly hurt. "Only because she's already beaten me and it's rather scary," he added and she laughed.

"Jaina and me." Jade's words were slightly mocking. Jaina spun around and landed in a fighting crouch. Jade squared off against her. The two circled for a while before Jade lunged, striking hard at Jaina's face. Jaina dodged the strike and flipped backwards, landing lightly. Jade kicked at her stomach and Jaina used her position and propelled herself upwards, kicking at Jade's foot and landing in a crouched position again. Jade spun away, using Jaina's momentum to give her the extra distance and the two squared off again. "It's like a bizarre battle dance," Jag commented. "Sweetie," Jade called. "Battle dance is too tame a name."

Jaina giggled and Jag saw her foot lash out at Jade with incredible speed. Jade was about to fall into the same trap he had. Jade caught it and made to flip Jaina onto her back. Jaina flipped up and landed on her hands. She transferred her angular momentum to Jade via her chest and Jade hurtled back a few meters and crashed to the floor. "We're here!" Mara shouted over the comm. Jaina helped Jade up and the six of them jogged into the cockpit.

"Strap yourselves down, kids," Luke ordered. The six obeyed as the planet Earth came into view. A swirling mass of green, white and blue and occasional brown was the surface. Without so much as a shudder, the Jade's Shadow entered the atmosphere. "We're planning to use a mind-meld Force shield to hide the ship from view," Luke explained. "That way we can land on the outskirts of a place called New York. That's where your mission starts. You're to round up as many people as you can and convince them a natural phenomenon is going to happen. They must evacuate to as far south as possible. Tell them that Mexico is safe. All the northern states must be as far south as possible by the time the Nightsisters execute their attack. Whoever doesn't listen to you, don't use the Force to convince them, just tell them you're more than willing to let them stay there to die. I know it will be hard not to use the Force," he grinned. "But try to only use it in defense situations. You can lightsaber spar if you want, but no mass murders, please."

Jaina, Tenel and Jade shared a conspiratorial glance. Luke sighed, grinning. "Master Jade and I will be in a place called Washington, convincing the President that he must evacuate. Now. If things get out of hand, gather as many survivors as you can. If the storms and things come early, hole up with as many people as possible. Use your common sense. If you think that something bad will happen if you lead them across the city into Mexico, don't go. Stay holed up."

Jaina, Jade, Jacen, Tenel, Anakin and Jag saluted. "Yes, Master Skywalker," they chorused. Luke grinned. "Be careful," he warned. "Things may get ugly." He gave Jag a lightsaber. Jag was amazed and hooked it onto his belt with pride. Jaina gave her uncle and aunt a hug as they got off the ship, heavy packs on their backs.

They were in a place that looked like the slummier lower levels of Coruscant. Jaina was self-conscious in the curve-hugging jumpsuit she'd pulled on before the training session and felt quite out of place. Jade and Tenel were having similar feelings. The boys were fine, in normal shorts and t-shirts.

Jag touched Jaina's hand nervously as they walked past a gang of rough-looking, burly men wearing leather. "I feel a little intimidated," he murmured, leaning down to speak into her ear. "Not too many people are intimidating when you're standing over them with a lightsaber hanging from your belt, Jag," Jaina replied equally as quietly. "One to you," he agreed, grinning. "You have a lightsaber now, Jag," Jaina said through closed lips. "You should be intimidating them. Not the other way around." "Oh," he said.

Jaina suppressed a laugh at Jag's expression. Their lightsabers were on their belts and the bikers were looking at them curiously. "Hey!" one yelled. "Jedi wannabes!" Jaina spun around. "Yes?" she inquired politely, her voice steely. "Interested in some death-stick?" he joked sardonically.

"Rack off," Jaina said dismissively. The biker looked outraged. "You wanna come say that to my face?" he asked, making offensive gestures with his hands. "Jaina," Jacen warned. Jaina walked straight up to him, all five foot six of her. To six foot four of him. "I said 'Rack off'," Jaina said firmly. "Do you not understand Basic?"

The biker towered over her. "Nobody tells me to rack off, little bird," he said dangerously. "I'm not a nobody and I just did," Jaina shot back. "There's a first time for everything." "Do you wanna go?" the biker said angrily, assuming a fighting stance. "Only if you want to," Jaina retorted. She dropped into a crouch. The fourth time Jag had seen it.

The man let loose with a right hook that would have broken Jaina's neck. Had she been where he was throwing the punch, that is. She evaded his blows with lightning fast dodges. The man was getting frustrated. Finally, Jaina caught his huge fist in both her hands and held it still. The man was enraged and kept trying to throw her off.

She kept his fist still easily, ducking under the blows from his other fist, a calm expression on her face. "Witch!" the man screamed and tried to wrench himself free. "Servant of Satan!" Jaina let go of him and watched with satisfaction as he ran off, his gang following like scared puppies.

"Interested in some kick-butt action?" Jade called after them. Jaina linked arms with Jade and Tenel. "Bantha hides." Jacen's tone was disgusted. "Picking fights with teenage girls." Jaina shrugged. "I showed him not to mess with me," she said neutrally. "I know whenever he sees someone who looks like me he's gonna go running away, screaming 'Witch! Servant of Satan!' Poor little mynock." They laughed.

Jag watched Jaina, enthralled, as they walked on. The three girls drew many an appraising stare. She made everything he'd learnt about women evaporate in the first few, short hours since he'd met her. The giggling girly girls he'd normally had experiences with meant absolutely nothing now.

"Have you actually realised that we're supposed to be talking to people?" Anakin said after a while and many more strange looks. "Not bashing them up. Jaina." Jacen sniggered. "It's the animal instinct she's picked up from Hunter," he muttered, grinning. "She's always been slightly feral but it's increased since I got her the dog." Jaina shot him a dirty look.

"Hunter is an impeccably behaved pet," she said reproachfully. "It's you who has been the bad influence." Jade giggled into her hand.

By now, they seemed to be in a more respectful area, clean streets and un-smashed windows. Tenel's face went thoughtful for a moment. "I can feel something," she mused. "Someone… maybe more than one person."

The others soon felt the strange presence too. "I can't sense more than one person," Jade said. "But they clearly aren't trained because I can sense everything they're thinking." She suppressed a smirk. Jaina slapped at her playfully.

Jessica felt something make contact. Something tapped into her awareness. A safe, serene presence…

She reached out yearningly, desperate to experience that serenity.

Jade jolted as the mind reached back. Anakin caught her instinctively. "She's aware." Jade's voice was wobbly. "Find her," Jaina demanded, sensing the knowledge hanging over the presence. She grabbed Jag's hand and pulled him down an alleyway.

Jade sprinted in the opposite direction, Anakin on her heels.

Jacen raced back the way they'd come, dragging Tenel with him.

Jessica could feel the projected emotions radiating off the six people she could sense. It was mainly panic but one in particular had an aura that spoke of sadness. Pain.

Fear tinged her own presence when she felt the power those six presences wielded.