CHAPTER 10 – Daddy's Girl

Jaina ran her fingers along the rim of her dress uniform collar. After an hour of politely meeting Chiss and Alliance dignitaries, the stiff material was beginning to bother her neck. She would always be more comfortable dressed in a tank and grease stained coveralls than uniforms and all the trimmings, no matter how good people thought she looked in one. To add to Jaina's discomfort, her mother had inflicted her with tight braids intricately wound into a bun that made her scalp itch.

"Bet you wish you had worn your Jedi robes instead."

Jaina scowled at Kyp, who had not left her side all evening despite their earlier agreement. "Don't you have somewhere to be, Durron?"

Jaina peered past Kyp and saw Syal Fel approaching. It was the first time all evening she had seen any of Jag's family other than in the receiving line, where General Fel had curtly greeted her. Jaina wondered if they had conspired to purposely avoid her for fear of repercussions from the Baron.

"Good evening, Lieutenant Colonel Solo. I trust you have enjoyed your evening so far."

Jaina bowed her head to Jag's mother, offering only a polite smile, afraid to reveal too much to casual observers. "Good evening, Mrs. Fel. The Chiss have been gracious hosts."

Syal motioned to Kyp. "Will you introduce me to your companion?"

Jaina glanced at Kyp, before addressing Syal. "Mrs. Fel, this is Master Kyp Durron."

Kyp performed his most extravagant bow. "It is an honor to meet the famed Wynissa Starflare." Jaina envied the grace Kyp exhibited meeting such a famous woman, so unlike her initial blundering.

The older woman's eyes twinkled with amusement. She looked past her two guests, spying her younger son and daughter talking to a Chiss pilot. Syal brought her gaze back to Jaina, before leaning closer to the young woman.

"Jaina, do you think you could do me a favor? Briaun, over there, has been following poor Rane around all night. She might be more inclined to leave his side if you spoke with her. I am sure you understand how mothers have the ability to embarrass their children when they are around others."

Jaina nodded, recalling how she hated her mother's interference at that age. "It would be my pleasure."

"If you could just send her back over here, I would appreciate it."

Jaina turned to collect her charge. Before Kyp could follow, Syal touched his arm politely. "Master Durron, may I have a word with you." Kyp watched Jaina leave, before facing Syal and giving the woman his attention.

Jaina weaved across the room. She could see Jag speaking with some Chiss officers, past him was General Fel deep in conversation with Shawnkyr Nuruodo. On the other side of the room, Jaina spied her mother and father mingling with several Chiss dignitaries. She could sense her father's usual uneasiness with such functions blaring loudly in the Force.

Both Rane and his fellow Chiss pilot popped to attention as Jaina approached. "Hello, Lieutenant Fel. I came to steal away your sister." Jaina flashed her classic Solo grin at Briaun, trying to befriend Jag's little sister.

Jag's brother appeared grateful for the rescue. Briaun's face lit up as she turned toward Jaina's voice. Despite her initial fears, it appeared Jaina had another ally in the Fel family, possibly even two more. "Jaina, how nice to see you."

Rane reprimanded his sister. "Briaun, address Lieutenant Colonel Solo with due respect."

Jaina held a hand up to restrain Rane. "It's perfectly fine. Briaun isn't in the military yet. Jaina is quite acceptable." She turned to Briaun. "Lieutenant Colonel Solo is such a mouthful anyway." Jaina addressed Rane and his companion again. "Would you Lieutenants be so kind to excuse us, please?"

Jaina motioned for the youngest Fel to follow her. Briaun obliged. Jaina walked until they were out of earshot of the two pilots, then faced the girl. Jaina noted how much she looked like Jag, the same black hair and emerald green eyes.

Briaun spoke first. "So Mom sent you to rescue Rane from his pesky little sister I take it."

Jaina immediately took note that the girl was much like her brother in ways other than looks. Jaina thought about fibbing but decided the truth was the best course. "Yes, but who wants to listen to boring pilot talk all day?"

"Isn't that what you do?"

"Well it's my job, so it's different I suppose."

"I want to be a pilot just like you and lead my own squadron someday."

"Why not just like Jag or Rane?"

"Jag's too rigid, and Rane isn't as good as either of you. Besides you have a flare about you, and you are a woman. That's what I want. I bet you aren't afraid of anything."

Jaina laughed. "That is the farthest from the truth. I'm afraid of a lot of things."

"I find that hard to believe. I mean look what you've done, challenging the Vong directly. It takes a lot of courage to do something like that."

"I suppose it does, but it's not what I always want to do. Sometimes I would just like to be a normal girl doing normal things girls my age do. This is what I do because I have to."

"Oh." Briaun was surprised by the revelation.

Jaina looked beyond the girl to Syal, who was looking their way. The former actress still had Kyp's undivided attention. It must be an interesting conversation, Jaina thought. Syal almost appeared to have a mischievous air to her as she glanced their way. Jaina looked down at Briaun.

"I think your mother wants you."

The corners of Briaun's mouth turned down in a pout. "She is such a fun killer."

Jaina held her hands up in front of her chest in a defensive posture. "Hey, don't kill the messenger." Out of the corner of her eye, Jaina could see Jag watching the whole scene. Although he did not show it, she could tell he was quite amused at the interaction.

"It's okay. Better you than her. Well I better get over there before she does come embarrass me. Bye, Jaina."

Jaina waved to the girl before hurrying back to where Rane had been. Both Rane and his Chiss counterpart were leaving for other parts of the reception. She called to Jag's brother as she moved after him through the crowd. "Lieutenant Fel, may I have a word with you."

The Chiss pilot acknowledged Rane's obligation and continued on his way. "Certainly, Lieutenant Colonel Solo."

Jaina pulled Rane over to a discreet corner. "I won't keep you. I just hoped I could ask a favor in return for freeing you from your shadow."

Rane raised an eyebrow in curiosity; Jaina noted how Jag had the same peculiar habit. "Anything for you, Lieutenant Colonel."

Jaina held out her hand to the lieutenant. In her palm rested a small folded paper. Jaina had prepared the note earlier, waiting for the opportune moment to deliver it. "Could you pass this on to your brother as soon as possible?"

Rane discreetly accepted the paper, slipping it into his pants' pocket. The grin on his face was as subtle as Jag's, but his eagerness to assist her was evident in the Force. "It will be done directly."

"Thank you, Rane." Jaina nodded as Rane executed a formal bow before about-facing, heading in Jag's direction. Jaina glanced across the room and spied Kyp being entertained by both Fel women now. She dampened herself in the Force as she made a dash for the exit, praying Kyp would not notice her disappearance before she accomplished her task.

Jag watched Jaina flee the room as he headed to the side where his brother had wordlessly summoned him. Rane slipped his brother the note from Jaina.

"I think the Lieutenant Colonel wanted you to have this."

Rane eyed his brother as he scanned the paper. The grin on Jag's face was evident.

Don't keep the Goddess waiting. Meet me at the Falcon in ten minutes.

JS

Jag closed the note and stuffed it in his pocket before looking around the room for a fitting escape vector.

"I've been summoned."

"Then by all means, don't disappoint her."

The Millennium Falcon sat amid an assortment of spacecraft flown to the Talion by various Alliance dignitaries attending the reception. Jag Fel, dressed in his black dress uniform adorned with red blood stripes, strode across the hangar toward the famous ship. After checking to be sure he was not seen, Jag ducked his head to avoid striking it on the ship as he proceeded up the boarding ramp.

When he arrived at the top of the ramp, a hand reached out of the adjoining corridor and yanked Jag out of the bay's line of sight. His shoulders hit the wall hard. Jag started to protest, but Jaina's hands came up around his neck, pulling him down to her. Elevated on her toes, she pressed her lips into his. Jag let out a small moan in surprise. He then started kissing her back, his hands coming up to grasp her tiny waist.

Jaina pulled away momentarily. "You're late," she panted between kisses.

"I got away as soon as I could," he breathed back, quieting her by sucking on her lower lip. Jaina pulled away and then returned her lips to his mouth. As abruptly as the kiss began, it ended with Jaina pulling back.

"Stang!" Jaina swore as she ran for the ramp controls. Jaina activated the ramp and punched a locking code into the keypad.

Jag watched curiously. "Problems?"

"Kyp's looking for me. I can't believe it took him this long to realize I was gone." Jaina's comlink began to beep.

"I think my mother has been entertaining him. They were still speaking when I snuck out. I have come to realize here in the Known Regions she tends to have that effect on men." The comlink became insistent. "Are you going to get that?"

Jaina pulled it out of her pocket and flipped it on. "Solo here," she said indignantly.

"Jaina, if the Vong don't kill you I may have to. Head back this way. I will meet you halfway." Jaina could feel Kyp's perturbed presence growing closer.

"Negative. Enjoy the party. I just need a few minutes alone. Besides I thought we had a deal." Jaina grabbed Jag's hand pulling him along the corridor.

"The deal was you were to do what I say. Remember? If I have to come all the way to you, I am going to be cranky." Kyp sounded annoyed.

Jaina had pulled Jag into the same room where he remembered having dinner with her parents on the Hydian Way. "Kyp please, I'm on the Falcon. It's locked up tight, and Meewalh is prowling around outside. Oh yeah, I told her to kill any Jedi Masters trying to break into Dad's ship." Jaina could feel Kyp's emotions fluctuate and his movement slow.

"Why do you need to be alone? Have I driven you crazy already?"

Jag took the comlink. "Fifteen minutes, Durron. I promise to take good care of the Goddess."

There was a pause. Jaina felt Kyp stop, and she smiled, sensing victory. "Fel, you owe me. If anything happens, remember I will kill you first."

Jag grinned with victory. "Understood." He handed Jaina back her comlink after switching it off. "So to what do I owe this honor?" He grabbed Jaina by the waist, pulling her to him in one swift motion.

Jaina wrapped her arms around Jag's neck. "I just wanted to say thank you."

Jag grinned down at her. "I take it from the kiss a minute ago, you liked it."

Jaina nodded as she stepped away. She began undoing the buttons on her dress uniform jacket. Jag's eyes lit up. "I love it," Jaina beamed as she peeled off the jacket. She stepped away to throw it over the gaming table. Jaina turned back to face Jag; he was shocked to see her unbuttoning the collar of her dress shirt. Jaina walked back toward him, all the while releasing buttons.

Jag reached out and touched her hand, stopping her. "We only have fifteen minutes. Do you really think this wise?"

Jaina flashed a wicked glare at her suitor. "Why Jag Fel, did you think one bauble would merit my unbridled passion? Jaina took her hand from where he stopped it at the button just below her collarbone and reached inside her shirt. She pulled out the charm in the shape of a clawcraft for him to see. Jag's face flooded with joy as he saw it there in her hand.

Jaina looked from the charm to Jag. "It will never leave me so you will always be close to my heart."

Jag was so happy he could not think of words to express his emotion. Instead, he bent over to kiss her. Jaina opened her mouth, inviting him in. Jag savored the taste of her like a refreshing drink. He left her lips for a moment and stepped back. Behind him was the seat to the datastation. Jag sat down, dragging Jaina with him. He scooped her up by the waist and eased her slight form onto his lap, her legs straddling his.

Jag kissed her neck as his arms went under hers and encircled her back, pulling her closer still. Jaina's hands brushed his shoulders before landing in his hair. The sensation of her fingertips caressing his scalp radiated like ice water down his spine. One hand freed another button and then brushed aside the shirt, exposing her shoulder. His hand stroked the smoothness of her skin. Jag's lips dropped lower to brush her collarbone, captivated by the sweet taste beneath his lips. The fresh scent of her skin filled his mind, drowning his thoughts.

"Any further, Colonel, and you'll be a dead man." Jag jolted out of his reverie by the fierce growl from behind him, standing in one swift motion. Jag lifted Jaina as he went; she landed gently on her feet as he supported her waist. Jag spun around and came face to face with Han Solo. Few things intimidated Jag, but the sight before him surely was one of them. He did not need Jedi senses to feel the fury emanating from the man.

Han's eyes drilled into the man who had been romantically entangled with his daughter a few moments ago. Jag had sense enough to not look away. "Fel, when I talked about having children, I wasn't suggesting that you have them with my daughter."

Jaina, who had been frantically fastening her shirt buttons behind Jag, emerged from behind her shield, stepping between the two men. "Dad, stop it. It wasn't that bad."

Han's eyes darted from Jag to Jaina. She actually fell back from his glare, leaning into Jag, who naturally put his hand to her waist to support her. The touch further incensed the older Corellian. "In the Falcon, Jaina Solo. With a Fel no less."

Han grabbed Jaina by the wrist, jerking her away from Jag. "I want an explanation right now. What is going on with..." Han stopped in mid-sentence as his eye caught the flash of a ruby red gem encased in a small pendant in the shape of a clawcraft dangling over her shirt. He cradled it in his free hand. "You've got to be kidding. Don't tell me you are serious with this flyboy, young lady." He squeezed her wrist even harder.

Jaina winced. "Yes." She swallowed. "Very."

Han spun away from them both, throwing his hands in the air. "Great, my daughter has the hots for a Corellian pilot. I guess it's fitting, isn't it? Paybacks from some horrible misdeed I performed in my youth." Han spun back to the couple and flew in Jag's face, pointing a finger into his chest. "I don't like this one bit, Fel, not my daughter and a pilot. You don't deserve her."

Jag stood his ground. "You are absolutely correct, sir. I don't deserve her."

The admission caught Han off-guard; he lowered his threatening hand to his side. In a slightly milder tone he said, "What are your intentions, Colonel?"

"I love Jaina. I have only her best interest at heart."

Han's eyes squinted as he blew back up, his fist clenching. "It didn't look like her best interest you were sucking on a minute ago."

Jaina could feel her father teetering on the blade's edge of control. "Dad!"

Han shot Jaina the Solo-kid-you-are-in-big-trouble look. "What?"

Jaina positioned a hand on her father's chest and started to push him back to place herself between the two men. It was at that moment, the pain hit her, flaring behind her eyes. Jaina grabbed at her temples as she doubled over. "Not now," she begged.

It took both men a second to realize something was wrong. Jag reached for Jaina as her father came to her other side. Together, both men guided her to the seat.

The tall man stood with his legs spread apart and hands clasped behind his back on the balcony overlooking a vast lake. Towering cliffs jutted out of the water surrounding the lake. Padmé approached Anakin silently, not wanting to disturb him. She watched him enjoy the peace of the morning for a minute, before turning to leave.

It was then that he spoke. "Don't go."

"I didn't want to interrupt your meditation."

"I wasn't meditating, just thinking."

Padmé walked up next to his side, looking at the same view he was admiring.

"What were you thinking about, Ani?"

"About you." Anakin reached for Padmé with his real hand, leaving his lifeless attachment behind his back.

Padmé gazed at his hand enveloping hers. "What about me?"

Anakin looked away from her, taking in the beauty all around them. He realized that this was the perfect moment he had waited so long for. Anakin returned his eyes to the beautiful woman beside him, so much more breathtaking than the sights all around. He pulled Padmé around so she was facing him. His angel gazed up. "Padmé."

"Yes, Ani."

"You are the only thing perfect in my life, my one true happiness, my peace." Anakin stopped to gather his thoughts. She waited silently for him to continue. "Padmé, I want you to be my wife. Will you marry me?"

Padmé held her breath, her mind reeling with the unexpected question. The events of the past month had forced her to admit her true feelings for Anakin. There had been little time since then to sort through the myriad of questions that had surfaced since. Marriage had not been one of the thoughts that had been granted time.

"Anakin, you can't give up the Jedi Order now. They need you more than ever with the prospect of this war."

Anakin looked at Padmé, wanting her to understand what he had to say. "No, I don't think either of us can give up our lives. They are our gifts to be used for the good of all, but that shouldn't mean we have to deny ourselves one small bit of happiness. You are all I have left in this life, and without you I cannot go on."

"Can't we just know in our hearts that we love each other. Isn't that enough?"

Anakin abruptly turned away, releasing her hand. "No, it's not enough. I need you. Without Mother I have no one left who understands me, who loves me, except you. Why don't you understand?"

Padmé heard the frustration and anger well up in his voice. It was the side of him she feared, but could control with just a touch. Padmé placed her hand on Anakin's shoulder. "Anakin, this is so sudden. I'm sorry you just caught me unprepared. Will you allow me a day to consider it?"

Anakin turned back to Padmé, hope filling his face. "I cannot ask for more. I will leave you to your thoughts." He leaned over and placed his lips on her forehead.

The vision seemed to take minutes to Jaina, but only seconds passed for Jag and Han. As Jaina returned to the conscious plane the pain in her head reignited, and she let out a small moan.

Jag's concerned voice came through first. "Jaina, what's wrong?"

Still clutching her head, Jaina answered. "It's nothing. I'll be fine in a minute."

Her father's voice echoed in Jaina's head. "Nothing? It sure didn't look like nothing to me."

Jaina sat back up and brushed off the event with a wave of her hand. "I have been having some headaches since the crash. I already have an appointment with Cilghal for tomorrow to clear this all up."

Jaina knew that the best thing would be to get up and shake the whole thing off, showing them she was fine. She went to rise shakily, both men put out their hands to offer support. Jaina instinctively reached for Jag. Han was surprised to see his daughter take the other man's assistance. All her life, Jaina had fiercely defended her independence. It was an awakening for the elder Solo.

Jaina squeezed Jag's hand then let go to cross the room using the Force to steady herself. She scooped up her dress uniform jacket and threw it over her arm. As she turned back to the two men, Jaina forced a smile and finished buttoning the collar of her shirt. She had no desire to continue with the confrontation between Jag and her father. Seizing the opportunity, she decided to cut it off at the pass. "See, all better. We had best get back to the reception before anyone suspects something."

Jag took that as a cue from Jaina to make his exit. "If you are sure you are okay," Jag traversed the room, stopping in front of her, "...I will leave." He gently took her hands, one in each of his. "But first, I want you to promise me that you will make your appointment tomorrow."

Jaina squeezed his hands, looking down at them. She lifted her head to gaze in the green pools that were his eyes. "I promise."

Jag bent down and kissed her forehead. "Bye, my love. I know you are in the best of hands," he whispered. He faced Han, who had been observing the whole exchange as if it were a surreal event. "Good evening, sir."

"I'll be seeing you later, son," Han muttered.

Jag made a hasty exit, never looking back. As Jaina followed Jag with her eyes, she put on her jacket, one arm at a time. After Jag was gone, Jaina swiveled to face her father.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Han asked, concern awash in his face; the anger of a few minutes ago forgotten.

"Fine, they pass quickly. Kyp couldn't sense anything untoward."

"All right young lady, so when did this happen?"

Jaina flashed her father the same innocent face that had saved her many times before as she finished buttoning her jacket. "What happen, Daddy?"

"You know what I mean." Han threw his finger at his daughter. "You and Fel."

"Oh, that. Well, it's been a while."

Han flopped down at the gaming table. He ran his hand through his graying hair. "A while, huh. Does your mother know about this?"

Jaina nodded.

Han was visibly disturbed that he had been kept in the dark. Jaina tried to sooth his emotions. "She just found out. We have been trying to keep it a secret with the whole Goddess façade. It's not because I didn't want you to know."

Han shot Jaina a look of disbelief.

"Okay, so I was worried you might overreact and roast Jag or worse. Then everyone would know. Besides if General Fel's reaction is any indication, nothing good could be expected from you. All Corellians are so alike."

Han's body bristled at the implication that the Baron found fault with his only daughter. "What did Fel do?"

"Let's just say he is not my biggest fan. I think being a Jedi is not to my advantage in this situation."

Han chuckled. "You can thank Mara for that. She single-handedly blew up his entire fleet years ago on Nirauan. Can't fault the guy for being insecure about his son being tangled up with a female Jedi after that."

"Dad, you're not siding with him, are you?

"No. Me and Fel on the same side - impossible."

It had all become a bit much for Han. He had learned to deal with and even accept his daughter being a fighter pilot and a Jedi, but being a woman that was more than he was prepared for. "Are you happy? I mean you seem happier."

Han suddenly realized nothing else mattered. The only thing that mattered was his daughter, who had been floundering on the brink of hopelessness, seemed to have found a peace in the last couple of months. It all became so clear.

"Yes, I am happy."

Han reached up and pulled Jaina down on his lap, crushing her in his tight embrace. "Okay, then I am, too. I'll leave Fel alone. Any trouble though, and he answers to me."

Jaina hugged her father back. That went better than I could have hoped, she thought to herself.

It was in this quiet moment between father and daughter that had become so rare that they felt the Falcon shake beneath them. Jaina's danger sense recognized the heightened anxiety all around and an increase of activity throughout the Chiss flagship. The comm beeped; Jaina knew who was calling.

"Kyp, what is it?" Jaina called as she ran for the cockpit. Han was right on her heels.
"Looks like a Vong attack. They couldn't have picked a better time. I've got your mom. We're on our way."

Jaina threw down the comlink to free her hands to work the cockpit controls. She had flown with her father enough to know what needed to be done. Han worked hurriedly beside her.

"Sithspit. All the other squadron commanders up here have their ships. I need to get back down to the base with Kyp."

"Don't worry, honey. We'll get you planetside, even if we have to blast our way through."

Out of the cockpit window, fighters could be seen scrambling out of the hangar, some individual Alliance craft making a dash for their squadrons, other complete Chiss squads already in attack formation. Jaina tapped on one of the indicator lights that was shining red on the control panel. "Dad, that starboard maneuvering thruster is acting up again."

"Keep going here. It will take me just a second to fix it." Han dashed out of the cockpit.

Jaina could hear him mutter, "I hope," as he left. She sat down in the pilot's seat and put on the headset to monitor the comm chatter. Leia and Kyp could be seen running across the chaotic hangar through the transparisteel. Past them a familiar clawcraft was lifting on its repulsors.

Jaina keyed the comm to Jag's private frequency. "Be safe," was all she said. The only reply was a comm click as his craft flew out of the bay. He knew she would be able read his shared sentiments through the Force.

The Falcon rocked every so often with the force of a concussion rolling through the Star Destroyer. Jaina felt Kyp and her mother arrive on the ship. She hollered at her father. "Dad, is it fixed?"

From down the corridor she could hear him bellow, "Almost."

Leia and Kyp came into the cockpit. Leia took the co-pilot's chair and assisted Jaina with the startup procedure. Suddenly, the maneuvering thruster light turned from red to green. Jaina did not hesitate to initiate the repulsors and turn the ship toward the hangar door. All the while she called for clearance from the Talion control. A clearance order came through immediately. Without a thought, Jaina slammed the ship forward, exiting the hangar at breakneck speed. Kyp was using the Force to stay upright, while her mother clutched the control panel.

Han could be heard yelling, "Hold on a minute, yoouuung laa...," followed by the crashing of tools. "Dammit, Jaina." Jaina heard him, but did not have time to bother; ahead was a sea of coral. She immediately threw the freighter into a starboard roll, threading between two skips.

Han appeared in the door to the cockpit, clutching the frame as the Falcon performed a dive under a flurry of skips. "Okay, I see you've got it under control." Flashes from the ventral quad ion cannon tore through a crossing coral skipper. "I guess I'll just go help Meewalh in the top turret."

Although there were skips everywhere, Jaina observed none of them appeared to be targeting the Falcon. Instead all the Yuuzhan Vong firepower was concentrated on the Chiss vessels. Shots were now tearing out of both ion cannons, but they were hardly necessary as the Falcon broke out of the battle after a minute of dodging coral and raced for the planet. Further away in geosynchronous orbit above the Mon Calamari capital, the Alliance fleet headed by the Mon Adapyne, General Farlander in command, was fighting back an assault as well.

Kyp was the first to comment on the scene. "Kind of a weak looking attack if they are going after the capital."

Jaina nodded as she listened to the comm. "No landing forces either."

Han returned to the cockpit, no longer needing to work the ion cannon. Jaina slid out of the pilot's seat. "She's all yours."

Han swapped places with her. "Nice flying."

"Thanks," she mumbled, distracted by a thought. Jaina began unbuttoning her jacket, as she stared out the window at the battle raging above them. "Dad, stop and turn around."

Han gawked at her. "I thought you wanted to get back now?"

"Just do it, Dad. I want to see the attack on the Chiss fleet."

Han did as she asked making a sweeping turn about. Everyone studied the battle around the Chiss fleet intently. Jaina was the first to make an observation. "See, they are slowly drawing them further from the Alliance fleet." She traced the path with her finger across the window. Everyone else looked for what Jaina illustrated.

Kyp saw it first. "Yeah, but to what end."

"It reminds me of something. I can't quite place it..." Then it hit her.

She and Kyp spoke the words at the same time. "Borleias."

"Dad, get us down to the planet now."

Jaina grabbed a headset and worked the comm unit as the Falcon streaked for the planet. She tuned it to the command frequency. "Control, this is Twin Suns Lead on board the Millennium Falcon. I need to speak to General Antilles."

A control officer responded after a brief pause. "Twin Suns Lead, General Antilles is still onboard the Talion assisting the Chiss commander."

Jaina did not even acknowledge the controller, switching immediately to the Chiss frequency. "Chiss Control, this is Twin Suns Lead, requesting to speak to General Antilles."

The stilted accent of a Chiss responded. "Hold for General Antilles."

Moments later a familiar voice answered. "Antilles here."

"General, Twin Suns Lead. I'm heading planetside on the Falcon. From our perspective, I suspect some action similar to the Goddess jump that occurred at Borleias.

"How so?"

"The Alliance fleet is just being kept busy with a weak attack force between the two fleets while the Chiss forces are being force-fed easy kills. The targets of opportunity are pulling the Chiss fleet away from ours."

There was no immediate reply, probably while Wedge conferred with General Fel. "Twin Suns Lead, Chiss command feels risk is negligible."

The Falcon was now approaching the hangar, empty except two lone Twin Suns X-wings. "But General, respectfully, they don't have experience against the Vong. It shouldn't be that easy, no matter how good they are."

The voice of General Fel boomed in the headset. "Twins Suns Lead, I suggest you get up there and help your fleet rather than worrying about ours. Fel out." His reply had been condescending and dismissive at best.

Jaina threw down her headset. "Arrogant nerfherder. Kyp let's go."

As the two pilots ripped out of the cockpit, Leia called from behind. "Be careful, honey."

The two remaining Twin Suns X-wings blasted out of the atmosphere, heading to meet their squadron. Jaina monitored the comm chatter as well as probed the Force. Twin Suns appeared to be faring well. They were all still flying; Lowie had done an admirable job leading them to this point.

Something kept prodding Jaina in the back of her mind, a tickle of foreboding. She sunk into the Force trying to clear her mind. Kyp's voice interrupted her thought, the signal routed through her astromech droid.

"Jaina, where the Sith are you going?"

Jaina checked her heading and realized that in her few seconds of contemplation, she had veered toward the Chiss fleet. "Uh, don't know why that happened." She started to correct her course when it happened. Her target board began flashing with threats all arriving between the Chiss and Alliance fleets.

Kyp commented first. "Looks like you can tell General Fel I told you so."

Jaina watched the Chiss fleet fast becoming overwhelmed. "A trap, except this time the target is the whole Chiss fleet. I hate that I can almost think like those sick scarheads now. They want to destroy the Chiss fleet before they even get in the fight. I have to do something to stop them."

Kyp's anxiety flared through their bond. "Not you. The Alliance fleet has to stop them. Let's get back to our squadron."

Jaina held her course, contemplating her next move. A light came on for Jaina in her mind, illuminating a path. She switched over to the command frequency. "Control, tell the Chiss fleet the Goddess is coming."

Kyp's voice boomed in her headset; his conviction thrust at her through their bond. "Oh no Jaina, don't even think about it."

"Don't you see Kyp, it's Borleias all over again. We can do this; we have to do this. Our fleet will never get there in time. Besides they have problems of their own. The Chiss fleet will be defeated before our forces can get there."

Kyp knew Jaina was right. He also knew the last time he and Jaina made a crazy run like this it almost cost them their lives. Kyp was sure he was getting too old for this. Before he could argue, Jaina had begun a wide sweep, not directly at the Chiss fleet, but across it. A move that was not at all what he expected.

"Where are you going?"

"Around. I'm going make a run straight through and lead them to our fleet. If the Goddess is what they want, then the Goddess is what they'll get."

General Antilles' voice blared in her comm. "Lieutenant Colonel Solo, I don't know what you're planning, but you are requested to return to your squadron."

"I have a plan. Please stand by." Jaina dictated an order to her droid, "Trick, transfer all power to shields and engines. We won't be needing lasers for this ride," before pressing the comm button again. "General, I can draw the Vong off the Chiss and lead them to our fleet. As General Fel pointed out before, we can dictate their response and use it to our advantage."

"Twin Suns Lead, it's too risky."

"Respectfully sir, I don't see any other way to salvage the position of the Chiss fleet. They are completely blocked in, and our fleet is tied up. The Goddess deems it a necessary risk."

Wedge's started to sound annoyed. "Jaina Solo, turn your butt around and get back to base, you're off line as of now."

"Sorry General..." Jaina rubbed her glove over the comm so it would fade in and out. A tactic she knew Wedge had employed many times before in his younger days. "...I'm having diffi...ty with the ...iss ...ignal band." She clicked off the comm button. "Trick, filter out any unnecessary comm chatter for me."

Trick bleeped at her inquisitively.

"I don't know, anything that isn't going to save our necks. I am going to have to concentrate for a while." Jaina commented to the emptiness of her cockpit. "General, you'll just have to court-martial me after I save some Chiss butts."

Kyp and Jaina were now halfway around the Chiss fleet. He stared out of the cockpit at the sight. Being a Jedi Kyp was not afraid to die. He was more scared for Jaina. They would not kill her, not yet; they would capture her and do unthinkable things before killing her. There is no death, only the Force.

In the back of his mind Kyp could still hear the occasional calls from Wedge on his comm. He had turned down the volume, so he could still hear vital information, but not be distracted by the General's demands. Jaina's voice, routed through the astromech droid, drowned out Wedge's calls.

"Stop thinking like that. I have too much to do still. Look, it's just like Lando's Folly, huh? Just a sea of rock. We can do this, you and me. Don't you see?" Jaina opened herself up to him; she blazed true in the Force. A newfound strength had taken a foothold in her soul. It practically drowned him. His courage renewed and strengthened, Kyp held onto her presence.

As they started their run toward the heart of the battle, Jaina activated the special villip communicator Danni Quee had designed to speak to the Yuuzhan Vong commander. A tattooed face sneered back at her with a stunned expression. "Jeedai Solo, I see you have chosen to join us."

"Tell your fleet Yun-Harla is back. She comes to bring death to your warriors."

The Yuuzhan Vong commander laughed at her. "So the infidel is ready for the sacrifice. You will bring great honor to my clan."

"It is your sacrifice I will witness. Come get me, you tattooed scum." Jaina smashed her hand on the device, silencing it.

Jaina let her anger go with the destruction of the device and drenched herself in the Force, grabbing Kyp as she did. It took only a second for the union to happen; Jaina and Kyp became one as they entered the firestorm of skips.

Side by side, Jaina and Kyp wound through the maze. They did not see the openings nor did they see targets. They simply felt the flow, like a stream knows its path. Their appearance had the desired effect. The entire Yuuzhan Vong fleet reacted to the pair of X-wings, completely abandoning their previous objective. The two ships looked like a comet with a tail of coral speeding through space in an insane flight.

Wedge and Soontir watched from the bridge of the Talion. Soontir was sure he had never seen anything so astonishing or foolhardy. So far the two Jedi had flowed through the assault without a scratch, but it surely could not last forever. To Jaina's credit, the entire Yuuzhan Vong fleet had changed their objective from conquering the Chiss fleet to pursuing the suicidal X-wings. Never would a Chiss or Imperial pilot be so bold in their tactics, defying orders and challenging such insurmountable odds.

It became apparent that the skips were not trying to destroy the X-wings, but rather herd them toward one of the larger Vong frigates in an attempt to capture them. The two craft found a way around every net put in their way. Soontir was sure it would be short-lived; no one could defeat such odds, not even a Corellian.

Wedge broke out of his trance as he saw the two X-wings break past the flagship. He had been silently willing them on; now he felt a glimmer of hope. Jaina truly was a Rogue Squadron alumni – making the impossible possible. Wedge was going to give her every chance to succeed.

"Fel, get those squadrons attacking that trail of skips." He turned to the comm officer. "Notify my fleet to expect visitors and tell them I need Danni Quee on the horn now."

The bridge came alive with activity. Even the Chiss were duly impressed. Everyone willed the two kamikaze pilots to make it one twist or turn further.

Wedge whispered under his breath. "Come on, girl. Give me a chance to bust you back to ensign."

Jaina and Kyp flowed in the Force. There was no emotion, just peace. There was no else in the universe, just Jaina and Kyp. Before either of them realized it through the timeless blur, they were past the Chiss and heading to their own fleet. Skips were falling off the threat board as Chiss pilots made easy targets of them.

Jacen's bond came alive in her mind. He was safe on the Mon Adapyne now, helping coordinate the fight. Jaina sensed her comrades Lowie and Tesar lending their strength and then Luke, Mara and her mother, even Zekk was there. Through the connection with Jacen, Jaina knew Twin Suns was coming as well as the entire Alliance fleet. They were chasing the Yuuzhan Vong heading out from that battle to intercept the infidel twin from the opposite direction.

Trick filtered through a message from General Antilles. "Twin Suns Lead, are you ready for some help?"

Jaina clicked a response, signaling she was too busy to talk, but could listen.

"I'll make this quick. Danni is prepared to activate a variation of your multiple goddess technique. When she gives you the signal, switch your gravitic transponder to an alternate signal."

Jaina smiled to herself and silently thanked the Force. So that was the way out. She clicked her comm twice to acknowledge the order. Suddenly, the opposing attack was upon them. It quickly became a frenzied affair with skips coming from every direction.

In unison, Jaina and Kyp broke into a steep climb away from the planet, spiraling around each other, pulling their pursuers up like a rising vortex. Jaina sensed a skip closing on her tail and yanked the yoke starboard, twisting the X-wing in a perpendicular route out of the funnel, standing the ship on its S-foils. Kyp's ship never left her side, like it was slaved to Jaina's stick.

One skip managed to stay with the pair; Kyp fell back to cover Jaina. A clawcraft, the only ship capable of bettering the Jedi's maneuvers, blasted through the skip that had negated the shielding effect of its dovin basals to enhance maneuverability and keep up with the X-wings. The clawcraft wiggled as it blew past the two slower snubfighters.

Kyp spoke for the first time since entering the battle. "Remind me to tell Jag we're even now."

As the duo got lost in the fray again, Danni touched Jaina in the Force meld supplied by Jacen, her signal. Jaina thankfully switched her transponder, suggesting to Kyp to do the same through the Force. The Goddess ship appeared on the other side of the battle, and then another and another.

On board the Yuuzhan Vong command ship, multiple villips lit up, all with the face of Jaina Solo. The skips, that pursued targets based on yammosk commands, not sight, became disoriented. All around, coral was roasting in the inferno of laser fire from every direction.

Both Jaina and Kyp were suddenly exhausted. Their journey had taken its toll. A feeling came to them both. It was Luke telling them their work was done, to return to Mon Calamari. For once Jaina did not argue. The two X-wings swept out of the battle aiming for the planet's surface. Their presence would not make a difference from this point on; victory was certain.

End of Chapter 10
TKL/jj