CHAPTER 8 – Battle Tactics

Jaina was not sure where her feet were taking her, so she just walked and walked. For some reason, she did not want to go to her room, but she could not think of any other options either. Finally, Jaina found herself outside her parents' apartment. Jaina paused at the door, before deciding it was best to leave. Just then the door whisked open.

"Jaina, I thought that was you out here."

"I'm sorry. I don't want to bother you." Jaina began to back away.

Leia, sensing her daughter's turmoil, reached out and took Jaina's hand. "Come in. It's so seldom I get to spend time with you."

Jaina let her mother lead her into the main living area. Leia sat in one of the chairs, motioning for Jaina to do the same. Jaina's eyes glanced around the room before settling on her mother.

"How's the research on Grandmother going?" Jaina knew that talking about Padmé would redirect her mother's attention.

"There is so much information. I suppose we will have to get together as a family and share it all."

"Did you find out what happened to Naboo?"

"It looks like Darth Vader not only destroyed the planet in his rage, he wiped it out of all public records." Even though Leia knew Darth Vader was her father, she refused in her heart to acknowledge that Anakin Skywalker could do such horrible things. "This gives us a starting point to find clues to the planet's history."

"Maybe after the war, you and Uncle Luke can go there."

Leia did not fail to notice that Jaina spoke about the war ending, noting a possible future. This was a positive change in her attitude from the months prior. "I would like that. So bad day at the office?"

Jaina shifted in her chair, somewhat uncomfortable. "That is an understatement."

"You want to talk about it."

Jaina thought about dismissing it to squadron problems, but then realized her mother was probably her best ally and biggest supporter. Jaina needed her mother's love and guidance more than ever. Leia waited patiently for her daughter to come to a decision. Jaina looked in her mother's eyes and the tale spilled out of her as easily as the tears. Jaina told her mother about everything: her love for Jag, the conversation between Wedge and Soontir that she had overheard, the loss of the refugee ship and the fight in the hangar bay.

Leia listened quietly, absorbing it all. When Jaina finished, Leia took a moment before speaking. "Well, I knew you and Colonel Fel had some sort of antagonistic relationship, but I had no idea it had progressed this far. Your father is even more in the dark than I was. Probably better."

Jaina, relieved the burden was off her chest, flopped back in her chair. "What am I going to do?"

"I think you should go to dinner at the Antilles tonight."

Jaina shot back up in her seat. "Are you crazy Mom?"

"No. Try to look at your dealings with General Fel as a diplomat rather than a fighter pilot." Leia looked at her daughter, and they both laughed.

"You realize who you are talking to, right?"

"If Jag means as much as you say he does, you should try."

"I am listening."

"A woman in a pretty dress at a social gathering, nothing is more disarming. A gentleman would not dare offend a woman in such a situation, no matter what his opinions of her are. Baron Soontir Fel is a true Corellian nobleman. The balance of power is in your favor at least for one night. Being a military man, maybe he can find some basic respect for you simply in the fact that you had the courage to face him after today. Besides I have never known you not to fight for what you believe in Jaina, why stop now?"

Everything her mother said made perfect sense. "You're right, I should fight for this, even if it's not in the manner I am accustomed to. Sounds like battle tactics worthy of Admiral Ackbar. Remind me not to go up against you in a fight."

Leia stood up and held her hand out to Jaina. "We have got some work to do before going to war, young lady. First we have to start with your battle dress, and I have just the one in mind."

Two hours later Jaina Solo left her mother's apartment dressed to kill.

**********

When Soontir and Syal arrived at the Antilles apartment, Jag was already there discussing fleet tactics with Wedge. Iella was in the kitchen putting the final touches on dinner. Both Jag and Wedge rose to welcome the couple and offered their hello's.

Syal glanced around the apartment. She could see Iella through the open kitchen door. Syal addressed her son. "Jag, will Jaina be joining us tonight?"

Jag shot his father a stern look and then looked back to his mother. If not for his mother's sake and some sound advice from Wedge and Iella, Jag would have declined dinner just like Jaina. "Jaina chose not to come to dinner. For some reason she felt unwelcome." He looked back at Soontir, wanting the satisfaction of watching his father squirm under the microscope his mother held over them all. "You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you father?"

Syal looked at her husband as he fidgeted in his seat. "How about a drink, Wedge? Maybe some of that Whyren's Reserve you have stashed away."

Wedge rose from his chair to leave for the kitchen, hurrying so as to not miss too much.

After Wedge left the room, Syal questioned her husband. "Soontir, did something happen today that I should know about?"

"Wedge and I were discussing some of Lieutenant Colonel Solo's merits as a squadron leader. I believe Jaina listened in on some of the conversation."

Wedge was returning with a drink in his hand. "I wouldn't call it listening in when you were expressing your opinions loud enough to be heard in the next star system."

Soontir Fel glared at his brother-in-law. "I attempted to apologize in the hangar this afternoon, but the Lieutenant Colonel was hesitant to accept, instead she became confrontational. It is probably best she took some time to cool off. The young woman has quite a temper."

Wedge slammed the drink into Soontir's hand. "You call that an apology. You practically goaded her into the confrontation."

"I did no such thing."

Jag watched the whole scene, a growing disgust building in his mind. There were no words to describe his feelings toward his father at that moment. Jag looked down at his clenched fists. Syal reached over and took one of them in her hands, trying to offer him silent support. The sight of his personal turmoil troubled her deeply.

"You have no right to judge Jaina," Jag declared

Both generals turned to Jag, who was still looking down.

"Excuse me?" the father barked at his son.

Jag stared straight into his father's black eyes. "You have no right to judge Jaina. You don't even know her, who she is, or where she is from."

"A person's actions are the truest definition of character, son."

"You chose to judge her on a limited number of actions, most of which you were never party to. Yes, a person's actions define character, but character is also defined by so much more. You cannot judge Jaina like she were a Chiss or an Imperial raised in a stable environment by a conventional family."

"So I suppose having Han Solo as a father excuses all her rebellious tendencies. She is also the daughter of a princess. Does that hold no weight?"

Jag stood up so he was towering over his father. His usually calm expression was awash with unbridled fury.

"Enough father. You will not win this battle. Jaina was raised by people whose destiny put the needs of others before their own needs. Jaina and her brothers spent more time hidden from the galaxy, from those who would do her and her family harm through no fault of her own. All the while, she, Jacen and Anakin trained to become Jedi to protect these same people who would wish them harm. Her whole family has been declared outlaws by the government simply for being Jedi, all the while fighting the very enemy that threatened to destroy that same government.

"She lost the only place she could call home. She lost one brother and nearly lost her twin in the same suicidal mission. Jaina has never had the security of a normal life our family was blessed with. Every time she goes into battle, the whole Vong fleet is gunning for her, and she would not have it any other way. Maybe her ways are not conventional, but Jaina has never known normal. Therefore you cannot judge her by your standards. I will not permit it."

Soontir Fel stood to be face to face with his son, looking as angered as Jag. Before he could speak, Syal Fel stepped between the two men, addressing her husband in a firm but even tone. "Soontir, your son is right. I think other issues are clouding your judgment. I have no wish to spend my entire time here caught in the middle of this battle."

Soontir spit back at his wife. "Talk to your son then. He is the one lacking any sense. I think he has been spending too much time with your brother."

"Hey, what does that mean?' Wedge jumped up to defend himself.

Before he could continue, Syal silenced him with a hand thrust his direction. Her voice did not raise, but the power of her words did not escape anyone in the room. "Soontir Fel, I tire of this battle between you and my brother. Enough is enough. I will not tolerate any more from you."

Wedge grinned as his brother-in-law was scolded, but his pleasure was short-lived as Syal turned her ire on him. "And you, brother, are just as guilty as he is. The same holds true for you."

Syal turned back to her husband. "Jaina Solo is no longer part of your vendetta against Wedge or your insecurities about losing another child. I trust that our son would only find love with someone as exceptional as he is. This matter is closed. You will give the Lieutenant Colonel the respect she deserves and hold your tongue until you have something positive to say. Do you understand this Soontir?"

Soontir Fel was a formidable man, but he paled in comparison to the strength exhibited by his wife when she chose to express an opinion. Being a soldier, Soontir understood an unconditional surrender was his only option for surviving the evening. He dipped his head to accept his wife's terms.

Syal smiled and returned to her seat on the couch, beckoning her husband and son to do the same. "Now let's have a nice evening, shall we?"

Jag not entirely satisfied, but willing to concede for his mother's sake, returned to his chair. The door comm's chimes filled the awkward silence. Iella, who had stayed out of the main room for the entire argument, stepped out of the kitchen, heading for the door.

"I'll get the door."

The others watched as Iella keyed the door open, and a figure in a black hooded cape stepped into the apartment. The figure reached up to pull back the hood, facing Iella. Jag shot out of his chair as soon as he recognized the figure standing in the doorway.

"Jaina!"

The young woman turned to face the gathering and smiled at Jag. Wedge stood and walked over to his guest duly impressed with the young woman's strength for coming. "Jaina, we thought you weren't going to make it."

Jaina faced her host. "I am sorry Wedge, didn't Iella tell you I had called and reconsidered my earlier decision after talking with my mother. She told me not to rush. I hope I am not too late."

Wedge grinned at his wife mischievously. "No, she did not, and no, you are not." He was sure his wife secretly hoped the Fel family would resolve their differences before Jaina arrived.

Jag had by now come across the room to join them. Jaina politely addressed her hostess first. "Thank you for inviting me Iella."

"I am glad you could make it Jaina. May we take your cover?"

Jaina undid the clasp to the cape and removed it. As Wedge took the cape, Jag felt his heart skip a beat at the sight before him. Jaina's hair cascaded in loose auburn curls around her face, falling past her shoulders. She had emphasized her eyes with blue eye shadow, and her lips were highlighted with a subdued pink hue.

The light flowing material of her dress caressed her figure, usually hidden behind a flight suit. The dress was a simple sheath design with the color building from white to sapphire blue as it went down. Matching blue lengths of material attached wide at the back of the sheath, came over her shoulders, crossing over her chest, and wrapping her torso several times, before ending in a bow at the small of her back. Not even at the ball on Hapes had Jaina looked this beautiful or this feminine.

Jaina watched Jag's eyes rake over her, pleased with the results. The young Colonel wrapped his fingers around her fingers pulling them up to his chest. "You look stunning." He kissed the knuckles of her right hand.

"Thank you Jagged."

Jag's hands left hers, the right one going to her cheek, the left one to her waist. He leaned over and placed his lips tenderly on hers. Jaina felt all the love from Jag searing through their touch. His tongue gently probed between her lips before he broke the kiss. His mouth traveled to her right ear.

"Thank you for coming."

Jag pulled back, and Jaina smiled up at him, love sparkling in her own eyes. "I always say we never get to spend enough time together."

Wedge had walked back over. "She must be desperate to see you if she is willing to brave the rancor pit for you."

Iella punched her husband in the arm. "Please come in and have a seat."

Jag led Jaina by the hand across the room. "Mother, Father. Jaina decided to join us this evening. Isn't that wonderful?"

Syal released her husband's hand and reached out for Jaina, wrapping her in a warm embrace, marveling at the young lady's courage for coming. Syal hoped Jaina could feel the warmth in her heart, and that it would erase some of the pain inflicted by her husband earlier that day. Warmth from the knowledge that her son had found happiness in her. Syal released Jaina and watched her son take Jaina back into his protective hold, his arm encircling her waist. Syal recognized the defensive posture as her son anticipated his father's actions.

"We are so glad you could make it Jaina. I have to say, the two of you make a striking couple. Don't they Soontir dear?"

Soontir's face did not betray the pain inflicted by his wife's nails digging into his palm. Syal had offered her husband an easy complement he could not deny. "Yes, they do." He tipped his head to Jaina, mostly out of respect for her courage to face him again after the events of the day.

Jaina recalled her mother's instructions and offered her most sincere smile. "Thank you Mrs. Fel, General."

"Please Syal and Soontir. We are all family here."

Wedge and Iella had joined the gathering. "Please sit. Can I get you anything to drink Jaina?"

The Fel couple sat on the couch. Jaina sat in the chair across from them, Jag sat on the arm of the chair next to her, refusing to leave her side. "Just water Iella. Technically Twin Suns is still on alert. I keep expecting my comm to go off at any moment. I guess I would be a sight rushing to the hangar in this."

Everyone chuckled at the thought. Iella left for the kitchen as Wedge sat on the couch next to his sister.

Syal opened the conversation, hoping she was avoiding dangerous subject matter. "So Jaina, tell us how you and Jagged met?"

Jaina quieted her pounding heart with the help of the Force, before recalling her mother's advice to keep the conversation light and pleasant. She refused to exude the same overwhelmed holodrama fan facade that had overtaken her when first meeting Syal Fel. She is just Jag's mother, she reminded herself.

"We sort of met at Garqi. Over the comm that is. Spike Squadron assisted Rogue Squadron in a furball with the Yuuzhan Vong," Jaina offered.

"Spike Squadron saved the Rogues, if I remember correctly." Jag squeezed Jaina's shoulder playfully.

"Oh yeah, we were saved by the best combat pilots in the galaxy. Isn't that what you said that day?" Jaina donned a serious face and did her best Jag impersonation. "We are a Chiss House phalanx, on loan to the New Republic by my father." Everyone had a laugh at Jag's expense.

Wedge felt compelled to defend his former squadron, while Jaina was occupied accepting a drink from Iella. "Rogues don't ever need rescuing, isn't that right Soontir?"

"That is what I remember."

Syal decided it was best to interject before Soontir could go further. "I didn't know you were a Rogue, Jaina. You must be an exceptional pilot."

"I can hold my own. I'm not as good as Jag though." Jaina reached for Jag's hand, still on her shoulder. "After Garqi, Rogues simmed with the Chiss for a while at Ithor, but we never actually got to meet. I think Wedge and Tycho killed him once, but the rest of the time we all spent with Jag in our aft scope."

"Jaina is an amazing pilot, I believe she has more kills than Wedge or Tycho at the same age. We didn't meet face to face until a diplomatic reception on Ithor. I felt compelled to introduce myself to Jaina. She was after all a difficult kill." The couple snickered at the memory of their first encounter on Tafanda Bay.

Their obvious love was infectious. Wedge smiled at his wife. Syal basked in the glow of her son's happiness. Even Soontir Fel warmed up to the couple. "High praise among the Chiss."

Jaina addressed Jag's father in her sweetest tone. "That's what I have been told."

Soontir could see some of what attracted his son to this young woman in the loveliness of her face. "Jagged returned home after Ithor, so you two met up again where?" Soontir silently recalled a conversation with his son about the loss of one of the Solo children. At the time it had seemed odd that Jag had been so interested in which one it was that was killed.

"On Hapes," Jag decided not to elaborate for Jaina's sake.

"Is that when you started seeing each other?" Syal asked curiously.

"No, I spent most of the time torturing Jag and everyone else for that matter. I am surprised he ever decided to come to Borleias after Hapes." Jaina confided more than she would have thought, but Syal was the type of person you could pour your heart out to without fear of judgment.

Jag interjected, "It was just a difficult time for you after Anakin's death and Jacen's abduction. Your frustration was more than justified. Besides I almost lost any chance with Jaina; she came quite close to becoming the Queen Mother of Hapes I believe."

Jaina rolled her eyes; everyone else expressed an interest. "You know very well I never had any intention of marrying Prince Isolder."

"That is what Kyp says, but you have to admit it was quite an honor to be considered for the title."

Iella asked, "How did your mother feel about her former fiancé proposing to her daughter?"

Jag chuckled. "It wasn't her mother they had to worry about; it was her father who didn't take too kindly to it." Everyone else pondered the thought of Han Solo being asked for his daughter's hand in marriage by the same man who had almost stolen his wife. The thought was quite amusing to all.

Guilty for being entertained at her father's expense, Jaina spoke next. "My friend, Tenel Ka, is a deserving Queen Mother. She serves her people well."

Syal still interested in the development of the relationship probed a little further. "So you both ended up at Borleias after Hapes then?"

"Yes, Jag was kind enough to fly with me in Twin Suns. His knowledge was indispensable; although I was not sure I liked him at first." Jaina leaned over to Syal, like she was sharing a secret. "He can be kind of grim."

Syal smiled back at the young woman, knowing full well she spoke the truth. "My son. I cannot imagine where he learned that from."

The two women exchanged grins at their own private joke. Syal reached over and squeezed her husband's hand. Soontir shoulders bobbed in a silent chuckle; his wife had scolded him for being too serious on many occasions. Iella and Wedge, thankful that Soontir seemed to be enjoying himself somewhat, laughed out loud.

Syal beamed at her son. "I don't know Jaina; Jag doesn't seem so grim anymore. I haven't seen him smile this much in a long time. You must be a good influence."

Iella was inclined to agree, recalling the dark shadow that had consumed the young woman for some time after the Jedi mission to Myrkyr. "I think they have been a good influence on each other. I haven't seen Jaina this happy in a long time either." Iella rose from her chair. "I believe dinner is about ready. Would everyone like to come to the table for dinner?"

Jag offered Jaina his hand and helped her out of her seat. He guided her across the room, his left hand resting in the small of her back. They passed the kitchen, ending up at the dining table along the window overlooking the ocean. Jaina sat in the chair Iella indicated, allowing Jag to adjust her seat before sitting to her right. Jag reached over and took her hand in his, holding it under the table. Jaina faced him, gazing into his eyes. His love wrapped around her, and for a moment, despite all that had happened previously, they were the happiest two people in the universe.

**********

The evening had gone better than Jaina expected, her mother's predictions all coming true. The food was delicious, flavorful and savory, so unlike the mess hall food. The conversation was pleasant; even the Baron's mood was light. He had been cordial, too, but Jaina was sure it would still be a long road to convince him that she was an acceptable companion for his son. Amazingly, they had avoided any potentially volatile subjects.

Syal, on the other hand, was an astonishing woman. She never displayed any of the airs one would expect from a person so beautiful and famous, yet she possessed a quiet confidence, so like Jag, which demanded respect and attention. What Jaina noted most was her enormous capacity to love, as was apparent in everything she said and did concerning her family. Syal was somewhat like her brother in that regard. Jaina could see where Jag's tender side, the part of him he saved only for her, had been fostered.

As the meal was winding down, during the middle of a discussion about the new government, Jaina felt a light touch from her uncle in the Force, almost like a questioning. She opened herself up to the Force, sending an acknowledgement back. The image he returned was the two of them speaking. Jaina jolted out of her semi-trance by a touch on her forearm.

"Jaina, is everything okay?" Jag's whispered in her ear.

Jaina smiled at Jag, not surprised he had noticed. She whispered back, "Everything is fine. Uncle Luke was just looking for me." In a louder voice she addressed her host. "Wedge, do you mind if I use your comm station?"

"Sure, it's in the study, off the main living area. Is there a problem?"

"Uncle Luke calls." She pointed to her head playfully.

Syal, unaccustomed to being around Jedi, was somewhat bewildered. "You can speak to other Jedi through your mind?"

Jaina addressed Syal across the table. "Not so much as speak, but rather send ideas. The level of communication depends on how close the bond is and the strength of each individual. Uncle Luke is a Jedi Master; he can pretty much get across any point if he wants to. If you will excuse me."

Jaina began to rise from the table. Jag beat Jaina up, helping her out of the seat. She touched him on the arm as a gesture of gratitude. "I'll be right back."

Jaina walked to the room, wondering what could be so important. She keyed the comm station to the Skywalker apartment and waited for a response. A few seconds later, her uncle appeared on the screen.

"Jaina. I am glad you called. I need to speak to you as soon as possible. Can we meet somewhere?"

"Is it that important?" Jaina knew better than to ask, but was disappointed she may have to leave the Antilles' earlier than she had expected.

"Yes."

"Where do you want to meet?"

"I was just about to call Wedge and Iella Antilles. I think they should hear what I have to say as well."

Jaina started to comprehend the urgency her uncle was trying to hide. "The Force must be in your favor today. I am at the Antilles' apartment right now."

"I'll be right there."

Before Jaina could respond, Luke's image was gone. Jaina leaned back in the chair in front of the comm station and rubbed her temples. It was looking like the social part of the evening was coming to an abrupt end. She feared an already long, tension filled day was about to get much longer.

"Trouble?' Jag had come to check on Jaina and could see her obviously disconcerted. He crossed the room to stand behind her.

Jaina leaned her head back into him, drawing the warmth of his concern to her. Jag was the only person in the world, other than Jacen, that she felt like she could lean on for support, without feeling like she was disappointing her own personal expectations. "Uncle Luke has some important business to discuss with Wedge, Iella and me."

Jag kneaded Jaina's shoulders, willing the tension out of them. Jaina could feel chills of pleasure spread up her neck and release in her head. "Is he coming here?"

Jaina nodded against him, enjoying the sensation of the massage. "Well, at least dinner went well up to now. I'm sorry Jag."

Jag knelt down beside Jaina, pulling her chin so she was gazing in his eyes. "Don't you be sorry. You coming here at all was more than I could have expected after what my father did today. I should be the one apologizing."

Jaina put her fingers across Jag's lips. She could see the pain in his eyes, unable to take back his father's hateful words. "You have no control over you father's feelings. I came for you. I came to fight and prove him wrong, to show him how much I love you."

Jag grabbed the back of Jaina's head, swiftly pulling her toward him. His lips pressed firmly against her mouth. Unlike his kiss earlier, this one was demanding and forceful. He tilted his head, forcing his tongue into her mouth. Jag explored all the recesses there. His tongue circled hers, drawing it back to his mouth. A moan of pleasure escaped him.

Jag tilted his head the other way. Their lips came apart and together over and over again, tasting the pleasure of each other. Their kisses became slower and softer until Jag finally pulled away. "I love you Jaina Solo."

Jaina's eyes sparkled as the Solo half grin curved her mouth. "I know." As the passion of the moment passed, Jaina recalled that her uncle was on his way to the Antilles apartment. "We better get back out there. I have to tell your uncle that my uncle is crashing dinner."

Jaina rose pulling Jag up with her and led him out to the living area, where the rest of the party had returned. A protocol droid cleared the dining table at the back of the apartment. "I apologize about that."

Wedge motioned for Jaina to sit. She complied, returning to her earlier seat. Jag stood behind Jaina. "Did you take care of business with your uncle?"

"Not quite. Apparently he needs to speak to me as soon as…" Jaina stopped in mid-sentence and spun her head toward the door. The door comm chimed a second later, "…possible." She looked back at Wedge and Iella. "Which would be about now." Jaina raised her eyebrow and bit her lower lip. "Sorry."

Wedge rose to get the door, while Iella consoled Jaina. "It's quite alright. I'm sure Luke would not come unless it was very important." Iella rose to greet Luke as he entered the apartment. "Please come in Luke. Could I offer you a drink or some food? We just finished dinner."

Luke glanced around at the guests and suddenly felt uncomfortable. "I am sorry Wedge and Iella. I did not realize I was disturbing dinner with your family." Luke took in the room, immediately recognizing Soontir Fel and his wife, Wedge's sister. Luke was startled to see Jagged Fel standing behind his niece with his hands resting comfortably on her shoulders. Luke did not fail to notice how astonishingly beautiful his niece appeared. Luke faced the Fel couple and bowed to them.

"General Fel, it's been a long time."

The Baron bowed his head in return. "You look well, Master Skywalker. I trust your wife is, too."

"Yes, thank you."

"You will keep her away from my fleet for the sake of Chiss-Galactic Alliance relations, and for the survival of us all here."

"I think we can arrange that."

Soontir put his arm around Syal's waist. "May I introduce my wife, Syal Fel. Syal, this is Master Luke Skywalker, Jaina's uncle."

"It is a pleasure, Master Skywalker. We have been enjoying your niece's company this evening. She is quite a remarkable young woman."

Luke nodded to Syal. "The pleasure is mine." Luke smiled at his niece, whose cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Jaina, you look lovely. Hello, Colonel Fel." Jag nodded in return. Luke turned to Iella. "I will just take a minute of your time." He turned back to eye the guests, debating whether he would offend anyone by asking to speak in private.

Wedge motioned for Luke to come in the living area sensing his indecision. "It's alright, Luke. We're asking the Chiss for their assistance, it is only fair we share what we know."

Luke paused for a moment and then seated himself in the chair next to Jaina and across from the couch. Iella took the open space on the couch, across from Luke, while Wedge used the chair he had brought over from the dining table. Luke gathered his thoughts before addressing Iella.

"You are aware of the refugee ship Twin Suns aided today."

Iella nodded. "Yes, I have people up at the ship, debriefing the captain and crew."

"There were two Jedi aboard that ship, Zekk and Alema Rar. On orders of the Jedi Council, they were investigating the disappearance of an increasing number of refugee ships in the last couple of months. That refugee ship was attacked by the Peace Brigade and taken to Bimmisaari. It appears the Peace Brigade is trading refugees to the Yuuzhan Vong in alarming numbers. Zekk reported over one hundred refugee ships in orbit, as I am sure your agents will hear from the crew. All those refugees are being taken to the planet. Alema and Zekk overheard the Peace Brigade troops talking about new Vong slave implants."

Iella's face became long. "This concurs with some intelligence that led us to believe the Vong are using slaves to bolster their own dwindling numbers. We just did not know where until now."

Jaina's curiosity forced her to interrupt. "Did Zekk and Alema help the ship escape?"

"Yes, they freed the crew of their ship after overthrowing the Peace Brigade boarding party. There were two Jedi on the second ship that was lost as well. They had coordinated their actions with Zekk. When both ships were secure, they jumped to hyperspace trying to make a run for it."

Wedge furrowed his brow. "The Peace Brigade followed those ships and tried to destroy them so word of this slave operation would not get out."

Jaina, bristling at the thought that two more Jedi were lost to the Peace Brigade, took several calming breaths, trying to regain her focus. She was thankful for Jag's reassuring touch on her shoulder. None of this was unnoticed by Soontir or Syal. When Jaina felt her control return she spoke. "Who?"

Everyone looked at her, but Luke understood what she was asking. "It was Campur and his apprentice, Palu."

Jaina did not know the apprentice and had only met Campur on a few occasions, but felt the loss of the Jedi no less. She felt a twinge of guilt for being thankful that Zekk and Alema were the ones who had survived.

Wedge knew the Jedi would take the loss hard; their numbers had been diminishing very quickly with this war. "I am sorry Luke for your loss."

"I appreciate that Wedge."

Jaina, now anxious to know the rest, broke the sullen moment. "Sorry to cut to the power cable, but what does all this have to do with me? Are we going on a mission after the slave traders?"

Luke grinned at his niece, so like her father, but then his face turned serious again as he formed his thoughts into words. "Zekk overheard the Peace Brigade troops discussing you, Jaina. Apparently the Yuuzhan Vong declared some sort of holy war - a Yunchavral – I believe the word was. The Yuuzhan Vong have offered a great reward to the clan that brings you in."

Jaina could feel Jag's hand tighten on her shoulder as she strained to keep her own tension from seeping into her body. Luke continued. "The offer has been extended to the Peace Brigade as well. Their alleged reward is their own world and unlimited supplies and ships."

Jaina absorbed what had been said, recognizing the concern flowing around the room. She brushed it off with a Solo smile. "Wow, I guess I have outdone Jacen and Dad on bounties, huh?"

Luke's face took on the look Jaina remembered from her childhood when she, Jacen and Anakin were reprimanded for one escapade or another. She suddenly felt guilty for the remark. "Jaina, every Peace Brigader and Yuuzhan Vong will be gunning for you now."

Wedge leaned forward in his chair. "That's it. We are calling off the whole Trickster charade."

Panic surged in Jaina, she desperately searched for words to change Wedge's mind. "No, we can't. It's too important. Especially now." The whole Trickster deception was Jaina's grasp at ending the war, her small semblance of control in the nightmare. Jaina could not and would not let them take it away.

Wedge shook his head in dismay. "I don't see how we can justify the danger to you personally."

Jaina found an unexpected ally in Soontir. "Because it dictates your enemy's response, makes them predictable."

Wedge frowned as Jaina offered the Baron a grateful smile. "Exactly. We can use this Yunchavral to our advantage, possibly to deal the final blow. We have come so far..." Jaina felt like adding, I have given up so much. "…to turn back now. It's my neck on the line, how am I any different than Campur or Anakin?"

Wedge reclined in his chair, running his right hand through his hair. "This is different. It's like putting yourself in the path of a planet's orbit and hoping it doesn't hit you."

Jaina looked to her uncle, her eyes pleading for his support. "This is it, Uncle Luke. This is what Grandmother told me about. Don't you feel it in the Force? Don't you feel the rightness of this path?"

Luke's shoulders sagged with the weight of her words; there were workings in the Force he could not deny, not even for his family's sake. "Yes, I do feel it." Luke rotated in his seat to face Wedge. "I am afraid my niece is correct, and I fear she will fight you on this. Even if it means going out on her own."

Luke had voiced Wedge's own fears, after witnessing the desperation in Jaina. Wedge frowned. "What do you propose?"

"I suggest that another Jedi fly in Twin Suns and act as extra protection for Jaina."

Jaina, refusing to acknowledge she needed protection, protested. "I don't need a bodyguard. Besides, who would you get to agree? The only person I can think of is Jacen. He's not good enough to fly with Twin Suns."

Jag interjected. "Kyp. He is good enough, and he is a Master."

Jaina glared at her dinner companion. "Kyp would never leave his squadron again. No, you're crazy."

Luke addressed his niece. "I am afraid Jag is exactly right. Kyp has already agreed. As long as Wedge approves, it's a done deal."

Jaina protested further, angered that her uncle had conspired behind her back with Kyp.
"But we can't afford to lose such a good squadron."

"Oh, we're not. Kyp has a successor already picked out."

Wedge's curiosity was piqued. "Who would that be?"

Luke grinned at Wedge. "How does Jade's Dozen sound? Mara really should be commanding anyway, not flying under me."

Wedge chuckled. "You've got it all figured out." He turned to Jaina. "Do you agree to this Jaina?"

Jaina looked from her commanding officer to her uncle, both formidable men, and realized there was no use fighting. She nodded her consent. Jaina was shocked to feel Jag's relief spill from him as she did so.

Luke had still more to add to the strategic plans. "The Jedi Council is planning to increase patrols of the base and surrounding areas. We can't be too careful regarding a possible infiltration. It will mean more work for the Jedi, but I feel it necessary." He did not add the rest he was thinking, for Jaina's safety.

Wedge nodded in agreement.

Iella, who had been quietly considering the situation decided to add her thoughts. "Wedge, I think we should move Jaina into the commander's barracks. Security there is already stepped up as a whole compared to the other barracks. It would not seem abnormal if we took additional precautions there."

Jaina protested again, fearing total loss of control, "I want to stay with my squadron…"

Wedge interrupted, "No, I think Iella is right in this case. Jag and Gavin and all the other commanders are assigned to those barracks."

"But they are all colonels or higher."

"Yes, but you are a Goddess; you outrank us all," Wedge countered.

Luke added a thought. "Kyp has to go with her. I want him near her at all times."

"Uncle Luke!"

Luke suddenly became Luke Skywalker, Jedi Master, the most powerful man in the universe. "Jaina Solo, do not fight me on this. I do not want to accept responsibility for telling my sister and best friend that they have lost another child to a mission I approved again. You will do as I say, and you will listen to Kyp. You will take every precaution necessary. Do you understand?"

Jaina shrunk in her seat. The rest of the room cowered as well from the strength of his words. "I understand."

Luke returned to his serene Jedi state, rose and crossed to his niece. He leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. "You are a brave young lady. You make me proud to be your uncle. Enjoy the rest of your evening, you deserve it." Luke exchanged a glance with Jag as he straightened up. In that glance, he saw the true nature of the young colonel's feelings for his niece reflected in the pain in his eyes. Luke new that pain all too well, being married to Mara, and felt for the man.

Luke placed a hand on Jaina's shoulder. "I assume you are not armed this evening."

Jaina looked in his eyes, and Luke knew the answer.

"Then call Kyp when you are done."

Jaina returned the touch, placing her hand on his. "Thank you Uncle."

"I will take my leave." Luke nodded to the room and motioned for the hosts to remain seated. He swept out of the room, his Jedi robe billowing behind him, leaving the others to return to their festivities.

**********
End of Chapter 8
TL/jj