Al'than'erudo walked down the marble tiled hallway toward the Council Chamber with measured steps. They had restored most of the Royal Palace in Theed, and it was just sufficient to house the Council's different departments and the planet's elected government. After war's end former queen and senator Padmé Naberrie had put out a call for all Nubians and Alderaani scattered throughout the galaxy to come to Naboo and live there in peace under the Council's direct protection. Supported by her daughter, adopted princess of Alderaan, she had gained great feedback, and over the years the population had grown enough to populate Theed and a few other cities again.

The Council of Naboo, with Padmé Naberrie heading it originally, had assumed a neutral position, as well as the planet Naboo. Neutrality in this case, though, did not mean that the Council kept out of foreign affairs, on the contrary. The Council was heavily involved almost everywhere. As giant operation it commanded the networks of both Talon Karrde and Yana Dar, which had merged under Karrde's leadership. Additionally, an impressive number of bounty-hunters contracted with the Council, so it could enforce its rulings, and, of course, third parties could contract bounty-hunters over the Council and be certain that their quarry would be found more easily. That way the Council of Naboo had imposed self-regulation on information brokerage and bounty-hunting as well as the businesses dependent on both.

With excellent connections to governmental and economic leaders all over the galaxy, the Council also had a significant voice in the political arena and was either requested to mediate or acted independently, if necessary. Always very subtle and discreet, of course. It worked, Althan'erudo thought, and that was the positive news. The problem was, though, to keep it a flexible organization. For that they had the Seeker, and the Council itself. Originally it had consisted of Padmé Naberrie as Head, himself representing the Chiss Empire, Lord Anto Andorwyn for the Confederate Zone, Franzis Sarreti for the Sith Empire, and Nolyane for the Star Alliance, with General Seelac representing the New Republic. Now Mon Mothma had replaced Seelac, Syndic Mith'raw'noruodo sat for the Chiss, Tomas Piett for the Confederate Zone, Bred Antham for the Sith Empire and Ishare Luvo for the Star Alliance.

Those changes were significant. Where Padmé Naberrie always had been a politician Al'than'erudo had been trained as a warrior and a Sith. General Seelac from the New Republic had been replaced by the seasoned political veteran Mon Mothma and Franzis Sarreti, the shrewd negotiator of the Sith Empire, had found a successor in former navy commander Bred Antham, whose only political experience had been the short interregnum on Ryloth that he had conducted. Nolyane, the peaceful leader of the Star People, had deemed Ishare Luvo her successor, while Al'than'erudo had been succeeded by the former Grand Admiral Syndic Mith'raw'noruodo. Last but not least the dangerous and scheming representative of the Confederate Zone, Lord Andorwyn, had retired to make room for Tomas Piett.

Times were changing, then. What did it mean if people like Mon Mothma or Ishare Luvo were elected to the Council? Al'than'erudo knew for certain that Tomas Piett had originally chosen Anto Andorwyn because he did not trust the Kuati fully and had wanted him watched by the other Council members. So in past times the set-up of the Council had reflected the respective nations' leaders and attitudes, as well as the Head of the Council had represented the Council's mission statement. The Chiss sighed ever so slightly. If the New Republic sent Mon Mothma to the Council that meant that her government believed a mediator was needed to see their interests through, while they kept their military commanders at home, but when the Star Alliance and the Chiss Empire sent warlords like Ishare Luvo and former Grand Admiral Mith'raw'noruodo, that meant that both nations were enjoying peaceful times, and that they suspected the rest of the galaxy to assume a military stance soon.

And Yana Dar had sent Bred Antham. True, Franzis Sarreti had retired ealier than the others, mainly because he had had to assist his wife in building a home for the Empire's new citizens, the Yuuzhan Vong, and that had cost him almost all of his strength and attention. The presence of a military commander as the Sith Empire's representative was therefore more disturbing than the presence of the former Grand Admiral, especially since that commander was not known for his experience. The reason for that significant difference was, that the New Republic feared the Sith Empire more than the Chiss, because they regarded the aging Emperor Ja'an'mandana as civilized, whereas Empress Yana Dar not only had a background as a fringe type, but was also the late Emperor Palpatine's daughter. Her sending Bred Antham therefore sent a message she probably was not even aware of. But Franzis Sarreti should have known what signals he was giving by that. If he knew, why then had he made that choice?

By rule the Council was neutral in accepting the elected representatives, and there was no reason for not taking Antham on. He was a reasonable, quiet participator, and while he was not as experienced as most of the other members of the Council, he gave good advice and good arguments. All of the representatives were sworn to secrecy concerning the Council's decisions, and none of them would report back to their governments, while they would certainly report on the proceedings of their governments. It was an arrangement that required a lot of trust from the nations, but so far the Council had never ever broken that trust. And yet, Al'than'erudo had a feeling that that time would come someday. How would they handle that?

Rounding a corner he nodded at the guards stationed in front of the chamber doors, and they drew the doors open in a prescribed ceremony. The Council was already assembled, but to not make the Head of the Council appear like a supplicant the small assembly rose to honor his authority. In the beginning it had made the Chiss slightly uncomfortable to be shown such respect by people like Mon Mothma or, more important, Mith'raw'noruodo. But over time he had accepted the fact that he had been elected to a post that did not require a grand past as politician or a brilliant military record. As Head of the Council he had to be neither to remain neutral himself. Al'than'erudo strode toward his place behind the grand desk at the window and seated himself. The others followed his lead, and he gave each one of them a cool smile.

"Good news," he announced, "Andarack clan Rim'kai and Her Royal Highness Luzaya Dan have left Byss without difficulties and will be joining us in about five days." His smile turned grim. "We all know why Empress Yana Dar sends her daughter to join us. Traitorous forces threaten to break the peace of the Sith Empire and have already tried to murder the royal consort twice. Andarack clan Rim'kai has also transmitted a request posed by the Cor'dan, Naas Deron, and I for one would ask you to decide how to respond to that request."

He handed a stack of datacards to an aide and left her to distribute them to each Council member. Wordlessly, each one activated the data reader set within their chairs and read the message in silence. As Al'than'erudo had expected, Syndic Mith'raw'noruodo was the first to finish his reading, and his face retained the cool mask he always wore. Bred Antham, in stark contrast, could not suppress throwing a surprised look at the document displayed before him. Mon Mothma, not surprisingly, gave a grunt of outrage, wheras Tomas Piett merely leaned back in his seat, seemingly thoughtful. Ishare Luvo, by contrast to every one else, was smiling openly, and was the first to comment.

"A strange request," the Lappa mused aloud. His grasp on the Basic language had improved significantly. "And a telling one. If he expects things to turn so bad I wonder why he does not request more assistance than this. If we follow this proposal we will be acting too late."

Mon Mothma turned her head to look at the warlord. "That is hardly the question," she said. "This request does not require a direct response to the request itself, what it should prompt us to do is to act at once, and eliminate this threat. I do not think we should allow him to even consider such an option," she added fiercely.

Mith'raw'noruodo and Tomas Piett shared a questioning glance, then the human nodded at the Chiss to voice their common thought aloud. "First," the former Grand Admiral said, "we should not act on something that might not even come to pass. And yes," he continued quickly, just as Mon Mothma moved to reply, "I do know what the Seeker predicts on said happenings in Sith space. So, second, we do not know whether his suggestion has merit at all. What if this is exactly what is needed to end the conflict?"

For a long moment there was silence, as each Council member digested this, and Al'than'erudo sat staring at the message again himself.

Councillors,

news of the recent events on Byss have reached you too, as Andarack clan Rim'kai assures me. Yet the consequences of those acts will elude you, since you are not as close to the proceedings as I am. Fact is, that a conspiracy threatens to drive the Empire into chaos again, and I will not allow that chaos to turn into a destructive storm. For safety reasons I have convinced Empress Yana Dar to send the princess to Naboo. She is not safe here, and she is not safe anywhere else but on Naboo. Animosities against the Sith Empire are traditionally strong within the New Republic, and I do not expect that to change now. But events may force me to adopt a harsher stance toward the Empire, and I do not doubt that the response will be equally harsh. The dangers of such a conflict are clear to everyone, I believe, and I would request the Council to name a guardian to ensure that collateral damage does not result from that sort of battle. Again: should it come to my having to take such drastic measures I will not be able to guarantee for the safety of our citizens.

I do not expect an answer to this request, but action.

Naas Deron

"So, what you are saying, Syndic, is that he might be turning Darkside voluntarily, and that we may have no choice but to let him? When even he claims that he cannot make guaranties then?" It was Bred Antham who broke the silence, and it was all the more curious to have that question coming from him of all people. "I for one," the representative of the Sith Empire continued, "certainly will not have this Council stand by. I suggest we follow his request and name a guardian. My vote goes to Lord Skywalker."

"No," Al'than'erudo said, not realizing that he had spoken aloud, but then he noticed the surprised glances directed his way. His eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "Not Lord Skywalker. Not anyone connected to the Sith Empire. Which means that Chi'in clan Rim'kai does not qualify either."

"Your reasoning?" Mon Mothma asked sternly. "This is a somewhat strange conclusion, considering how powerful the Cor'dan can be, if it is required."

The Chiss smiled thinly, then rose from his seat, hands crossed on his back as he turned toward the window. "The Seeker made it clear that at the end of the war a new Sith Empire would rise, and as far as I recall Padmé Naberrie reasoned correctly that such an event would spark distrust and discomfort especially within the New Republic. She saw it as justification to establish this Council, which was derived from her husband's dreams of a system of checks and balances that would encompass the entire galaxy." He turned back to face them again and just caught Mith'raw'noruodo nodding in approval. "The rise of the Sith would require a balancing power to ensure peace, but that is not this Council's task. It needs light to balance dark, even if either is just a matter of perspective. We need the Jedi," he concluded. "In short, the only guardian we can appoint without appearing to be taking sides is Luke Skywalker."

Ishare Luvo barked a short laugh, and his voice had a hissing quality to it when he said: "Pardon me, but Luke Skywalker has neither the power nor the insight to stand up to the Cor'dan."

"The Cor'dan," Al'than'erudo lectured him, "is as much tool as he is weapon. I do not believe that he would be allowed to go rampant and destroy everything that was achieved by his predecessors twenty years ago."

Again they digested this, and each one, as he could tell by their faces, realized that he was right. There was no other choice, not if they wanted to risk intensifying the building conflict further. One by one, they nodded at last.

"Then the vote is unanimous," he declared, satisfied. "We will be sending a messager presently to inform Luke Skywalker of his new mission. Meanwhile, I suggest we discuss Bakura's request on mediation."

"Your turn!" Amerie squealed, dashing out from underneath Padmé's arms just as the former queen and senator bent down to make a grab for her granddaughter, who had just condemned her to another round of chasing her through the house. Something went 'pop' in her back, and she gave a cough at the painful prick in her spine.

"I am too old for this," she announced as she straightened up, one hand pressed against the small of her back. Her face twisted in discomfort, she sighed and turned to face her husband. "Do you want to stand in for me?"

Anakin, seated in his favourite chair, was grinning at her. "I guess I'll give you a massage first. Come here."

With a smile, Padmé walked over to him and dropped into his lap. Of course, he had no such problems, being five years younger and additionally 'blessed' with reinforced bones and artificial limbs. Not that she envied him for those. His hands, working along her spine gently, did wonders for her aching back, and she gradually relaxed again, feeling not at all guilty over leaving her granddaughter to wait for her. As it was, Amerie realized that no one was chasing her far sooner than Padmé had hoped. The girl came around the corner at a dead run and stopped in front of her grandparents, her golden eyes flashing with outrage.

"Hey!" she demanded, her high child's voice taking on an annoying, screeching tone. "You promised!"

"Amerie, your grandmother has hurt herself," Anakin told her calmly, and immediately the girl's face fell and she suddenly looked very worried.

Chastised, she ambled over to lay a hand on Padmé's thigh. "Grandma, does it hurt much? Is it my fault?"

She really did look beautiful, with her light cinnamon skin, lush, black hair and large golden eyes. Amerie's face was not as feline and predatory as that of her mother, or her brother's, for that matter. She took more after her father, Padmé found. Tousling the girl's hair she smiled. "It is not so bad. Your grandfather is making it good again. And of course it is not your fault. But we will suspend this game for today, all right?"

"All right." Amerie's features lit up again. "Can we go swimming?"

"Why don't you ask your cousins if they want to go?" Anakin suggested, and Padmé gave an approving nod. "I am sure they would love to take you along," he added.

Clapping her hands in delight, the girl laughed. "Yes! I will go and ask them," she exclaimed, breathless with excitement, then took off again.

"She has so much energy," Padmé sighed. "I wish I were that young again." When Anakin did not answer she turned her head to look at him. "What's up?"

"Hm?" Momentarily distracted, he gave her a questioning glance.

"You seem so thoughtful. What's going through your head?"

Anakin gave a light shrug. "I was just thinking, that she's so different from Jaina and Jacen when they were her age. In a sense she seems more earnest, not as playful."

"What! Not as playful? Who's been chasing me all over the compound all morning?" Padmé protested.

He gave her an amused look. "Still, I have a feeling that she understands far better what is going on around her than they did. She is more perceptive."

"Perhaps." Padmé pursed her lips thoughtfully. "I blame it on Han," she said, sincere, and made Anakin laugh out loud.

"What makes you think it doesn't come from Leia's side? Perhaps she and Luke were just like that too."


"Perhaps," she answered through gritted teeth. "But we will never know, will we?"

Anakin gazed at her glumly, then drew her into his arms more closely. It was something they had found out over the years as their grandchildren grew up, something that weighed on both their hearts. Disregarding the fact that they had both been delirious with the prospect of having an entire bunch of little children to take care of, they had soon realized that it also reminded them most acutely of what they had missed with their own children. They might imagine that they would have had as much fun with their twins as they had had with Leia's, but it was not the same. Anakin and Padmé loved the children dearly, but watching them grow up was a painful reminder of the fact that they would share more of a past with their grandchildren than with their own offspring. And it was far too late to begin establishing a tighter bond to either Luke or Leia. The two of them were grown up, had their own families and problems.

Nevertheless, family time was precious and sacred within the Skywalker clan. And Naboo was their common retreat, where there was always a place for the children to stay, for their parents to rest. And Pamé found that she really enjoyed having all of them close , being able to care for them. Secretly she suspected that it was a compensation for the loss of her political responsibilities. But then, she had always set others' well-being above her own. Even though the reasons for that might have been selfish. She was being selfish with her own family too, she knew, but she would not want to miss a single moment of the time she spent with them. Padmé exhaled slowly, snuggling up to her husband.

"Never mind," she whispered. "It is a good life. Very good." Turning her face up to look into those blue eyes that she loved so much she smiled warmly. "And I can't wait for Leia to come visit too."

"Hold still."

Khameir Sarin-Skywalker smiled at the elderly woman seated behind a large canvas that had been inexpertedly propped up against a table as she squinted at him from her cross-legged seat on the floor. She scrutinized his face and posture so fiercely, that he almost laughed out loud, but only almost. Raisa Tobyn was too good a friend to laugh at. Since his mother's parents had died a long time ago, he had adopted Raisa Tobyn and her husband, Tomas Piett, as replacement, and both were delighted over the devotion both he and his little sister showed them, since they had no children of their own. And his parents were always glad to have someone they could leave their children with, if they had a mission to conduct that was too dangerous for even their fourteen-year-old son. Luke Skywalker and Nuron Sarin-Skywalker operated mostly inside the Confederate Zone and space bordering it. Which meant that they had to content with mediating between the Corporate Sector, the New Republic and both the Chiss and the Sith Empire. Right in the middle of the melting pot.

Bilbringi, as capital of the Confederate Zone and largest trade post in the region, bustled with the most colorful species, Chiss, Lappa, even Yuuzhan Vong. It was a great place to be, and Khameir made the most of it, especially when his parents left him alone with Raisa and Tomas. He would sneak away and seek adventures he knew he was not supposed to have, but his adopted grand-parents never told him off to his stern mother. That was another thing he loved them for. Of late, though, Raisa seemed to keep a closer eye on him. Especially today. She had managed to always corner him just as he prepared to go out. And now he was stuck with sitting for a portray. Well. Tomas had been called off to Naboo for a special session of the Council, where he represented the Confederate Zone. It was only polite to keep Raisa company, both as guest and devoted 'grandson', while her husband was off world.

She finished the portray with a grand flourish of her brush and nodded sharply at Khameir. "Now you can have a look." Beaming proudly, she slid back on the wooden floor to allow him a better view.

He rose gratefully from his seat with a tiny sigh that she requitted with a laugh. Then, walking around the table, he stood, hands propped on his hips, to look at himself on the canvas. The first thing he noticed was his eyes, because Raisa had chosen an excellent lighting for his face that set off the blue spectacularly, making his eyes sparkle and at the same time remain strangely mysterious. Set into a smooth, feline face they were probably the most prominent feature, apart from the full lips, which he thought made him almost look like a girl. Black, curly hair and a light cinnamon teint were inheritances from his mother's side, whereas the shoulders, he could see, resembled more his father's built. The portray, Khameir noticed, was an excellent study of light and shadow, and he gave an approving nod.

"It is good," he said.

Raisa started to rise and he hurried to help her with a steadying hand. "Thank you," she breathed, and pushed a strand of graying black hair out of her face. "I know it is good," she added. "It captures your character."

"Does it?" Khameir was unconvinced. "I look so young."

"You are young, Khameir!" she laughed. "And turning heads with your looks, of course."

He gave her a sharp glance that softened somewhat as he smiled. "Is that why you won't let me go out today?"

Raisa's jaw dropped, but then she rallied again magnificently fast. "You are too clever for me."

This time it was his turn to laugh. "Me? I am not so clever! I am just perceptive."

"Which is almost the same," she added warmly. "You like the portray?"

"Yes, of course. I like everything you paint."

"You are such a polite boy," Raisa teased him. "Would you care for a round of patha?" she asked lightly, and the mere mention of that sweet delicacy made his mouth water.

"Yes, please!"

Following her, Khameir mused about how lucky he was. Raisa and Tomas were spoiling him, he knew, and did it happily. He considered it a rite of passage each of his friends had to go through, just as he and his sister had to. And yet, at the same time he longed for the day when they would see him as an adult, just as they saw his cousins, Jacen and Jaina, who had both turned eighteen this past year. Khameir wistfully thought of the message they had sent him in return for his congratulations, a message from Tatooine, another exotic place he had never seen. They were allowed to travel on their own and have adventures, he mused somewhat enviously. Would he have to wait another four years before his parents allowed him to go his own way? Not to mention his grandparents. A grin stole upon his face. Of course, his father's father and mother were very different from Raisa and Tomas, and this time his little sister had been the lucky one, being allowed to spend a few weeks on Naboo with them.

Another source for childish envy. But Khameir was very conscious of what traditions he was being raised on, as heir to his father's legacy as a Jedi Knight and his mother's teachings of the Iridonian warrior caste. He had been named for his uncle, after all, who had been a great warrior in his time. And a Sith Lord. He was not certain what position the future held for him, but he could see that they all were being driven in certain directions by their parents. Jacen Solo took more after his mother than did his sister, who had inherited her father's love for reckless adventures. Jacen was more cautious, and Khameir thought him very mature. Which reminded him that he had seen neither twin in quite some time. They would have real fun baby-sitting his sister on Naboo, he believed. And he would also much rather have spent time there, no matter how much he liked Raisa and Tomas. Naboo was the heart of the galaxy, where schemes were being laid out and history made.

Oh well. Since he had no way of changing his given situation he might as well practise patience and enjoy the rest of the day.

Lying flat on his stomach on the flower-strewn meadows surrounding Varykino, his family's lake retreat, was one of the most relaxing past-times Jacen Solo could think of. Bent over a holonovel, he shared the cozy spot by the lake shore with both his sister and his father. Han Solo though had opted for a more comfortable chair than joining his children on the hard ground. Peaceful silence enveloped the secluded lake and the surrounding mountains, and Jacen was really looking forward to his mother's late arrival for their family vacation on Naboo. Life certainly felt good here. Suddenly an elbow nudged his ribs and he threw a sharp glance at his twin sister. Jaian was grinning broadly, but not at him.

"Look who's coming," she stage-whispered, and nodded in the direction of the lodge, which lay to Jacen's left. He looked around and squinted into the glare of the morning sun to make out just who his sister was referring to. Then he was grinning too, and sat up, putting the novel aside.

"Amerie!" he called out and spread his arms for a hug.

His little cousin launched herself at him with a delighted squeal, and suddenly the peaceful morning had taken on an excited atmosphere, but in a good sense. The three Solos were all grinning at the girl in foolish joy, but none of them thought the other ridiculous for it. Amerie simply was the cutest child, and her older brother had been much more introvert at her age, sadly enough. Her wavy black hair was perfect for tousling, and Jacen was doing just that as he held her in a short embrace.

"Hey, have you finished playing with Grandma and come to torture us now?" Jaina challenegd the girl and Amerie smiled shyly, pointing at the glittering lake.

"Will you come swim with me?" she asked.

The twins shared a look and a smile, "Sure," Jacen announced, standing up. "I've got to get my gear first, I guess."

At age eighteen the times were long past that he had thought nothing of running around naked in summer, no matter who was looking. Back then he and Jaina had swum races across the lake to the small island just off the shore and played unconcernedly in the wilderness bordering the compound. Now both took more pleasure in baby-sitting their youngest cousin, and Jacen really did not want to find out what that might mean. That he was growing up, probably, and taking on adult responsibilities. But, truth to tell, his sole motive for playing with Amerie was a selfish one. With her, he could be a child again too. Well, almost.

The little girl was trailing him persistently, as he made his way toward the lodge, but he stopped short when he sensed a presence approaching along the garden path. Looking up, he saw Al'than'erudo walk through the shadows toward him. The Chiss councillor was taller than Jacen, and his face was still young. His glowing red eyes unreadable, he offered a reassuring smile as he came up to join the younger Solo. He spared a glance at Amerie, who had vanished behind her cousin, peeking at the blue-skinned alien from behind the safety of Jacen's legs.

"Sir," Jacen began with a formal, yet polite nod. "Can I help you?"

The Chiss, even though being Head of the Council and having been a Council member for the past fifteen years, had always remained a stranger to the Solo children, just as the former Grand Admiral, Mit'thraw'noruodo. Perhaps it was something of a custom among their people to be so distant, but even though they kept good relations to both Jacen's parents and grand-parents, those seemed to be mere politeness, not friendship. Al'than'erudo had already directed his gaze over Jacen's shoulder, having dismissed the youth.

"Your father," he answered. "I need to talk to him."

Jacen, who was well aware of the fact that the Chiss was Force-sensitive, made an inviting gesture toward the lake shore, then took the lead. Al'than'erudo followed, with Amerie keeping close to her cousin. She seemed afraid of the tall alien for some reason, and the boy understood that she was not used to anyone displaying such a cool demeanor toward her. He felt sorry for her then, but he had other things he worried about. What did the Head of the Council want of his father? The trio rounded a copse of short trees and then the lake lay before them. Han Solo had noticed their arrival and had risen from his seat. Jaina, in contrast had remained on the grass, and Jacen almost grinned at her when she brushed a strand of dark hair self-consciously from her brow and tried far too hard to appear aloof. But just as he ignored Jacen, Al'than'erudo also ignored his twin sister and zeroed in on their father.

"Captain Solo, I have a request."

"Council business?" Father asked suspiciously, and directed a questioning glance at his children. Jacen understood that they might be asked to leave, but to his surprise the Chiss shook his head and soothed them:

"No need. They can stay."

Since there was only one chair the two adults remained standing, and Jacen did too, feeling somewhat foolish.

"So, what can I do for you?" Father shrugged.

Al'than'erudo's face darkened. "I have a mission for your brother-in-law, one I cannot afford to announce over any channel. I would like you to fly the Falcon out there and give this to him." He handed the older Solo an datacard. "Confidential, of course."

"Of course. I suppose this has utmost priority and I will have to leave right away."

"Exactly."

"My wife was expecting to meet us here in three days."

"Yes, I know. I am sorry having to cut your vacation short, but this cannot wait."

Jaina put an arm around Amerie as the girl ambled up to her, and hugged her close, but she never let the newcomer out of sight. There was no denying that she was falling for the Chiss' looks, his bearing, his voice most of all. And she hated it that Jacen threw her a number of knowing smiles as he stood quite awkwardly behind Al'than'erudo, seemingly undecided what to do while the older men talked. Finally he joined her, but just as he had sat down beside the two girls, Father was looking directly at them.

"What do you say?"

Jaina frowned, embarrassed. "What? Sorry, I haven't been listening," she confessed, ignoring the snigger coming from Jacen.

"Councillor Al'than'erudo just proposed for you two to join the Freedom on her assignment at Bakura."

Jacen got to his feet instantly. "Bakura?" he exclaimed. "Us?"

Slowly, Jaina gathered her cousin in her arms and stood too, squinting at the Chiss suspiciously. "Yes," she said. "Why us?"

"The New Republic has sent a military contingent to Bakura at our request," Al'than'erudo explained patiently. "The planet seems to be experiencing trouble with saboteurs, possibly terrorists. We have not yet been able to identify the exact situation and we need a couple of neutral observers to support the military. The two of you are liaised to the New Republic more than to the Council. That's why."

"So you hope to keep the Council's involvement secret," Jaina reasoned. "But Jacen and I have no clue about this sort of thing."

"It is about time you did," the Chiss admonished her sternly, and she blushed furiously, remembering that in his society children learned to take responsibility far earlier than among most human cultures. "I do not doubt that your parents and your uncle have prepared you sufficiently to be self-reliant," Al'than'erudo continued somewhat less harshly. "This is where you begin to set what you have learned into practise. This is as good a beginning as any, and both of you have helped your mother and your uncle on diverse projects and missions. I suppose you will be all right. Besides, the Freedom's commander will help you, if you need support."

"Who is it?" Jacen asked, suspicious.

"Vice-admiral Teer Shikay. He served as Admiral Needa's second aboard the Eisenhart." The Chiss threw Father a cool gaze, and only now did Jaina notice the anguished look in the older man's eyes.

"I leave this decision to you," Father pressed out, "but I will not lie to you. I would much rather have you stay here."

"And I would not ask you to go without thorough preparation," Al'than'erduo injected. "Vice-admiral Shikay will be arriving at Bakura today, local time. He will begin to conduct the investigations. I had planned for the two of you to leave Naboo in about six days' time. Just to make certain you understand exactly what is required."

Father gave a reluctant nod, but Jaina could sense easily that he was very concerned. He did not want to let them go, but he did not want to stand in their way either. Seeking reassurance and counsel from her brother, she turned her head to find that pair of eyes so similar to her own. She was was silently begging Jacen to say yes. This would be so grand! The two of them on their first real mission!

"Well," Al'than'erduo said, interrupting the quiet discussion going on between the twins. "You have some time to decide. But I would like your answer tomorrow. No later," he added sternly, then left with a last nod at Father.

The three Solos gazed at one another, and it was Jacen who broke the silence first. "He is right," he said. "We have indeed been on a number of missions, but none of them was like this one will be. Terrorists?" He gave his sister a wide-eyed glance. "I'm not sure if we can handle this."

A small, relieved smiled tugged at the corners of Father's mouth, but Jaina was not going to concede to the male half of the family. She'd had enough of boring missions. Shaking her head she sent her dark brown tresses flying. "While I agree on that, I also agree with Al'than'erudo that it is time for us to move on. Besides, I suspect he has other motives than our 'expertise' to send us of all people. Why didn't he turn to Jix and Mara? They don't have an assignment right now, and who better to deal with suspected terrorists?"

"Been hanging around your grandparents too long, haven't you," Father muttered. "But you may be right." He gave his twins a hard glare. "We should tell the two of them and ask their advice. And your mother's, for that matter."

The older twin nodded vehemently, but Jacen seemed doubtful. "I don't kow. I think you're too suspicious."

"Hold on, hold on, Jacen, she really has a point." Father turned to face his son coolly. "Al'than'erudo practically said that he wanted the Council's involvement to stay hidden. So it makes sense for him to send the two of you, as distraction, while he sends someone else to do the real work." He frowned darkly. "No way we're playing this his way. Let's go inside."

TBC