CHAPTER 12 – Beyond Expectations

The morning alarm reverberated in Jaina's head like a Gamorrean death drum chorus. She batted the alarm keys and knocked the whole device to the ground in the process. The crashing noise bounced through the room and hit Jaina right behind the eyes. Jaina rolled over in the bed, pulling the covers over her head as she went. The silence in the air was a glorious thing.

Jaina stayed that way for several minutes, when the door comm chimed. She rolled on her back, throwing the covers off and laid sprawled on the bed. Jaina tried to use a Jedi pain technique to usher the pounding from her head to no avail.

The door comm buzzed again. Jaina sat up in the bed and threw her legs over the side in a huff. As she started pulling on her flight suit Jaina muttered to herself, "Blasted Kyp. I still have five minutes."

The door chimed again like an insistent demand. Jaina, barefoot, padded out of the bedroom and into the main room, not bothering to raise the illumination level. As Jaina keyed the door to open, she attempted to wipe the sleep out of her eyes. "Kyp, can't you give me a break?"

The voice that responded startled Jaina out of her tiredness. "I suppose you would have to ask Master Durron."

Jaina snapped awake, taking her hands from her eyes. She followed the form of the black boots before her, up the figure's black uniform, ending at the unmistakable face of General Soontir Fel, marked with the distinctive imposing eye patch. Jaina stood dumbfounded for a moment, her senses still dulled by the alcohol she had consumed the previous night. She regrouped mentally and pulled herself up as tall as she could.

"General Fel. I apologize. I thought you were Kyp. Is there something I can do for you?"

A subtle smile crept across the Baron's lips, the same smile Jag displayed when he was privately amused at something she did. "I would like a moment of your time, Lieutenant Colonel, if you have a minute to spare?"

Jaina's curiosity was instantly piqued, but so was her instinct to defend herself. Whatever General Fel wanted, Jaina was sure there was no good that could come out of it. "I have an appointment to make, I suppose we could talk on the way."

Soontir tipped his head. "That would be acceptable."

Jaina looked down at her appearance. "I need a minute to get ready." Jaina secretly hoped she would not have to invite the Baron into her room. She was positive it was not up to the Fel family's standards.

"I will wait at the entrance to the barracks then."

Jaina released her breath in relief. Soontir bowed before striding away. Jaina watched him disappear down the hall, wondering what would bring Jag's father to her apartment at this hour of the morning. She fled back into her room.

As Jaina rushed about getting ready, she pondered the possibilities. Every possible scenario she devised was horrific at best. Jaina's heart began to pound and beat like a drum in her sensitized head. Satisfied she was presentable, Jaina stopped at the door to Kyp's room and opened it.

Kyp sat cross-legged on his bed, his face serene in apparent meditation. He opened one eye as Jaina stuck her head in his room. "Having fun over there?"

An infamous Jaina Solo Force slap connected to the back of Kyp's head.

"OW! That hurt Jaina!"

"You were watching."

Kyp rubbed the back of his head. "Yes, that is what I do. So what is it that the Baron wants?"

"I suppose to finish the task the Vong started yesterday."

"So much for gratitude.

Jaina's face became serious. "He wants to talk. Would you mind hanging back and meeting me at the medcenter after I'm done?"

Kyp could sense the nervous edge creeping into Jaina, and he could sympathize with her.

"Certainly, the Vong are no match for Fel anyway. I'll keep watch from here while I meditate and meet you there when Cilghal is done with her exam."

Jaina offered him a small smile, though not a particularly happy one. "Thanks." She started to back out of the door.

"Jaina…"

Jaina returned. "Yes, Kyp."

"It'll be alright." He grinned at her and folded her spirit in a warm embrace.

Jaina held onto that warm feeling as she closed the door to his room and made her way out of the apartment. She pushed all the negative thoughts out of her mind and concentrated on the warm sensation Kyp still sent her. By the time Jaina reached the entrance to the barracks, she was finally somewhat centered.

General Fel was waiting outside the door, his back to the building. His stance was as relaxed as Jaina could imagine a Fel could be, with his feet apart and hands resting behind his back. Jaina thought at that moment, she could see Jag in his father.

Jaina drew up beside him and waited for the General to make a move, not wanting to disturb his reflection. He looked down at the young woman beside him to acknowledge her arrival. "Lead the way Lieutenant Colonel Solo." He motioned her forward with a slight hand gesture.

Jaina headed in the direction of the medcenter. It was a five-minute walk; five minutes Jaina dreaded. She waited for Soontir to initiate the conversation.

"I assume you are curious as to my intentions." The Baron looked down at her with his one good eye as he continued walking. Jaina kept her eyes forward. "That would be a correct assumption, sir." She focused on the strange rhythm of his stride accentuated by the subtle limp.

"Would you care to venture a guess?"

"No sir, I would prefer not to. My imaginings lead me to many possibilities all of which are not necessarily to my liking." Jaina could feel a tickle of amusement from the man. So he going to enjoy torturing me, she thought.

"I suppose that is expected based on past experience, but I hope to disappoint you Jaina." The use of her first name caught the young woman off guard. Jaina looked up at the elder Fel, searching his face for a hint of what was to come. Unfortunately, Soontir could be as blank a slate as his son. Soontir took a deep breath and began.

"I believe I owe you an apology young lady." Jaina was floored by the admission, but in praise of her Jedi training, she kept her face neutral. "Yesterday, you flew your tail off in an amazing display of skill, the likes of which I am sure I will never see again. Your actions turned the tide on a certain defeat for our fleet - a loss that would have resulted from my own hubris. My own pride kept me from accepting help from you, and my own actions were far more grievous than I have accused you of in the past. For that I am truly sorry.

"I believe my own insecurities concerning my son, along with some harsh judgment on the part of Major Nuruodo and my past experience with some Jedi, led me to draw incorrect conclusions before I even met you. For her part, Major Nuruodo has since backed down from her earlier analysis of your actions, and I have reevaluated certain situations at the behest of many others, including my wife, Wedge and Tycho." It was then that he stopped and faced Jaina, who did likewise.

Jaina could not believe what she was hearing. Jaina knew Jag had been disappointed with some of Shawnkyr's reports. He told her that he suspected they were partly the reason his father had come to such harsh conclusions, but Jaina was surprised to hear they had been taken with such weight. She was also surprised to hear of the others involved.

"Major Nuruodo, as do I, believes your actions need to be considered in light of your unique situation. You are your father's daughter Lieutenant Colonel Solo. Unwaveringly brave and driven, he must be very proud."

"I was under the impression you and my father did not see eye to eye."

Soontir reflected on that thought. Han Solo had chosen a path much different from his own once they left the academy, one Soontir could never have imagined for himself. Soontir had flown for the Empire, using his skills to keep as many people safe as he could. Ultimately though he had fled the Empire to protect the ones he loved most. Han Solo had fled the Empire for the sake of a Wookie, but when the chips were down he had been the one to help save the Rebellion. He, too, had chosen to protect the ones he loved most. One thing was sure though, his choices had been no less honorable.

"Not on most things you can be sure, but I have always respected your father for what he has achieved."

"Oh, I see."

Soontir motioned for Jaina to resume her previous course. "Jaina, I need you to understand, my biggest fear is losing another child. I initially perceived you as a rogue Jedi who would lead Jagged to his death on some crazy crusade he could not possibly survive, not being Force-sensitive like you."

Jaina protested, "I know you have not had the best experience with Jedi, but I would never do anything to harm Jag intentionally. You must know that is why I insist on keeping our relationship a secret."

Soontir held his hand up to silence her. "And I appreciate that. But what I witnessed yesterday proved that you value the lives of others above your own. You shamed me yesterday. Even after Major Nuruodo had spoken to me I could not admit you might be right and blindly led my fleet into an ambush. You already shamed me nights ago by showing up at Wedge's for dinner. That is why I could not face you yesterday. Your commanding officer gave me earful the whole way down from the Talion. He might as well been dressing down a green recruit by the time he finished with me."

"We – General Antilles did that?" Jaina stopped at the entrance to the medcenter.

"Yes, he did. Wedge is your biggest supporter, but not the only one. There are many people who have pointed out the error of my ways. I had plenty of opportunity to chew on my actions last night while reviewing your file that Tycho kindly thrust upon me the other day. Syal was as formidable as her brother in your defense as well. Jaina, I have no desire to drive a wedge in the relationship with my son. I have lost too many children already to risk losing one over my own selfish insecurities. After careful consideration I have come to a conclusion. What I would like Jaina is the chance to start over, to start fresh - to see you as Jagged sees you. Are you willing to give me that chance?"

Joy spread through Jaina like a wildfire. One small prayer answered; one small victory in her battlefield called life. Jaina could not contain her emotion. She leapt forward and wrapped her arms around General Soontir Fel. The man stood ramrod stiff for a moment before acquiescing and returning the embrace. Jaina stayed there for just a moment before backing away, allowing the General to maintain his dignity.

"I'll take that as a yes."

Jaina nodded unable to speak still.

"Is this your stop?" He looked up at the medcenter entrance, realizing where they were.

"Yes, it is."

"Is everything alright?"

Jaina glanced at the medcenter sign, surprised to feel the concern from Soontir. She brushed off his concern with a smile. "Oh, yes. Just some follow up tests from my crash last week."

"Good to hear it. I won't keep you further. Thank you for your time Jaina.

"Thank you General."

Soontir bowed before about-facing and heading back toward the command center. Jaina watched him still amazed with the events of the last five minutes. After a minute, Jaina turned and entered the medcenter with a slight bounce to her step.

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Jag released the hatch to the simulator and allowed the cover to rise. He stepped into the brightly lit room that housed the Imperial Z27 simulators aboard the Talion. His brother Rane and another Chiss pilot were waiting for him there.

"I thought I had you Jag. You were there, and then the next thing I know you were behind me with a laser lock. You'll have to teach me that move some time."

Jag smiled at his younger brother, remembering how Davin had put the same move on him. He recalled what Davin had said to him years ago. "Review the recordings, it's the best way to learn – from your own mistakes."

The Chiss pilot, pleased to have the opportunity to learn from the famed commander of Spike and Vanguard squadrons, expressed his own excitement. "We will do that Colonel. Thank you for your insight into our deficiencies as pilots."

Jag noted the difference between the Chiss pilots and pilots here in the Known Regions in the lieutenants words. The latter would be jumping at a chance to get back in the simulator to prove themselves. The former were willing to acknowledge their weakness as a way to self-improvement.

Another voice interrupted the gathering. "I hope your time with Colonel Fel proved insightful." Both junior pilots jumped to attention as their commanding officer, Major Shawnkyr Nuruodo, entered the room. "At ease, lieutenants."

Both men relaxed slightly, parting their legs but remaining ramrod straight. Rane replied, "Yes, Colonel Fel was kind enough to point out our shortcomings as pilots for the benefit of Spike Squadron."

Jag had avoided Shawnkyr to this point, unable to deal with the feelings of betrayal he felt toward the person he had regarded as a best friend. Now that Jag had come face to face with her, his only desire was to be somewhere else - an unusual reaction for a man who prided himself in confronting issues head on.

"Major Nuruodo, it's good to see you well." Jag started to pick up the pilot's bag he had brought with him onboard the Talion.

Shawnkyr tried to delay Jag's attempt at a sudden departure. "Won't you allow me the opportunity to restore the honor of Spike Squadron in a one-on-one match."

The two lieutenants watched Jag for his reaction in eager anticipation. "I'm sorry. I have several matters to take care of while I am onboard. I simmed with Rane and Mithraw as a favor to my brother. I really don't have time to spare."

His words stung Shawnkyr, but she hid any reaction behind her fiery Chiss eyes. Jagged Fel, her friend, had never passed up a request to sim with her before. The major knew that steps had to be taken to repair the obvious rift in their friendship. She turned to her charges. "Lieutenants, may I have a word with Colonel Fel please?"

Jag stiffened visibly at the request. Mithraw responded first, "Certainly."

Rane addressed his brother. "Thank you Jag. I will see you later."

Rane and Mithraw saluted the two commanders before exiting the room. The door shutting behind them was the only noise left in the silence between the estranged friends. Shawnkyr sat in a chair outside a simulator and motioned for Jag to do the same. "I would like to clear the air Colonel."

Jag claimed a seat reluctantly. "Concerning what Major Nuruodo?"

His formal tone was not unnoticed by the Chiss female. "I sense you have been trying to avoid me since I returned and have been doing an exceptional job at it, I might add. If I were to venture a guess, your reluctance to see me involves some reports filed by me to your father. Would that be a correct assessment?"

Jag shifted uncomfortably before answering. "It would."

"And the particulars of the report concern Lieutenant Colonel Solo?"

"Yes, that is correct." Jag limited his answers, fearing his tongue would betray his true feelings.

Shawnkyr nodded in thought, deliberating what direction to take. "I apologize for the offense on my part Colonel. I meant no harm to you; I believed I was acting in your best interest."

"Your apology should be directed to Jaina. And how does rendering such harsh judgments of my girlfriend act in my best interest?" A harsh edge entered his voice.

Now Shawnkyr adjusted her position in the chair, an unusual mannerism for any Chiss. Jag determined the major had a truly uncomfortable confession hidden. "That is where I erred in my judgment Colonel. I perceived Jaina Solo as a hindrance in your already stellar career in the Chiss military – a minor distraction. I hoped by detailing flaws in the Lieutenant Colonel's performance, I could sway your father into recalling you home. Thereby, helping you return to your previous glorious rise in the Phalanx."

Shawnkyr's revelation fueled the betrayal simmering in Jag's stomach. "You mean to say you thought of Jaina as only a misstep in my career?"

"An error on my part, sir. You have lived among the Chiss and outperformed most in every facet causing me to believe you would behave in all matters like a Chiss." There was a pregnant pause and Shawnkyr looked away from Jag. "I envisioned that some day we might have made a great alliance in the House of Nuruodo. The uniting of our families would have been a powerful one. And it would have pleased me to do so with a friend and colleague such as yourself." She added hastily, "Others had foreseen it, too."

The reality of Shawnkyr's admission struck Jag in several ways. First, Shawnkyr considered Jag an equal among the Chiss and a powerful member of their society, an honor he never expected but had struggled to obtain throughout his life. It was not that the Chiss treated him any less, but he still was just a human and had worked harder to achieve his status. Secondly, although Chiss did not see marriages like humans, as a bonding of souls but rather a gathering of power, he was stunned to hear her admit to desiring a union with him. Jag was both honored and disappointed.

"I am honored, Shawnkyr, you think me worthy of such consideration. I had no idea, but my relationship with Jaina is not a passing fancy."

Shawnkyr returned Jag's gaze. "I have come to appreciate that. In talking with your brother, I have learned you have reached some degree of happiness that has eluded you since the loss of your siblings. Rane believes this is in part due to Jaina Solo. I would be inclined to concur. That fact was becoming apparent before I left Borleias. I erred in assuming you would act as a Chiss in every way; you are still human with human desires and needs. It was wrong of me to assume otherwise."

"I see." Jag's tone softened.

"I have already spoken with your father concerning my reports and my hidden intentions. I believe I convinced him to reevaluate his opinion of Jaina Solo in light of my admission. I hope this meets with your approval."

The Chiss female studied Jag's face for any sign of forgiveness. His response was not what she had hoped for. "So you one-eightied on your evaluation of Jaina just like that, and I am supposed to accept that everything is all better?"

"No, as I explained to your father, I still find some difficulty accepting all of Jaina's actions as befitting a squadron commander, but I appreciate her skills as a pilot. Every commander must choose the path that is right for him or her. No squadron commander is above making mistakes either. She is doing an admirable job not having the benefit of attending a formal academy like we did."

The forgiveness Shawnkyr hoped for finally settled in Jag's heart. "That is an acceptable evaluation. Jaina does plenty of things I disagree with." A small smile crept to his face. "I appreciate your honesty Shawnkyr. It took a great deal of resolve to confront me."

"I have considered you my best friend Jag. I hope not to lose our friendship in light of my admissions."

Jag reached across to pat the Chiss pilot on the shoulder, a completely human reaction. "If you had not been honest with me, I'm afraid you would have lost a friend indeed. I think I can see past this and honor our friendship."

A small light ignited in Shawnkyr's red eyes. "Thank you Jag for your understanding. I will make amends with Lieutenant Colonel Solo at the earliest opportunity."

Jag rose from his chair, preparing to leave. "May be you should leave the explaining to me. I want you to keep your head."

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"Mon Calamari Control, this is Twin Suns Lead requesting clearance to pass through the defense shield."

Twin Suns was returning from an uneventful patrol to the Coreward side of the system. The lack of action was welcome after the events of the previous day. Jaina reflected that overall the day had been exceptional and was not sure it could get much better.

A voice of a controller came back in her earpiece. "Transmit clearance code, Twin Suns Lead."

"Trick can you take care of that."

The droid chirped enthusiastically.

"Transmitting now, Control."

The comm squawked back, "Clearance granted for Twin Suns Squadron. Twin Suns Lead and Two are requested to proceed to Chiss vessel Talion and await further instructions."

Jaina paused for a moment, puzzled by the orders. She clicked the comm to respond. "Understood Control. Twin Suns Lead out."

Jaina switched to her squadron frequency. "Twin Suns proceed to base. Two, you're with me."

Ten comm clicks responded. Jaina rolled her X-wing on its port wings to initiate a wide loop heading back for the Chiss fleet they had just passed. Kyp followed instinctively. Jaina felt no surprise or concern from him like she would have expected.

As they approached the Talion, a stilted Chiss voice broke through. "Twin Suns Lead, proceed to main hangar bay. Talion Control out." The orders were concise and direct, leaving much to the imagination.

Jaina broadcast to Kyp. "I guess we are paying a visit to the Chiss today."

Kyp responded, "Maybe they decided to say thank you."

Jaina smiled to herself. There had not been time in the day for Jaina to tell Kyp about her exchange with Soontir Fel. She was sure Kyp would be intrigued.

The two X-wings landed as instructed in the Star Destroyer's hangar bay. Both pilots removed their helmets as the canopies opened to their cockpits. Kyp beat Jaina to the ground, running his hand through his hair to smooth it out. Jaina did not even give her hair a second thought. She had become accustomed to putting it in a braid and forgetting about it. There were more important things to concern her usually.

Kyp was smiling past Jaina at an approaching visitor. Jaina pivoted to see who their host was. She smiled at the unexpected sight of Syal Fel coming toward them.

"Jaina, Kyp. I am so glad you are here." Syal handed Jaina a datacard. "Here are your orders from General Antilles for a 24-hour furlough aboard the Talion."

Jaina glanced quizzically from the card to Syal. "Furlough," she asked.

"Yes, Wedge agreed you would not take a break on base so he conspired to send you to visit us for some much needed rest. The advantage to having an Imperial-class Star Destroyer is that they were equipped with wonderful staterooms. The Empire spared no expense for the comfort of the higher ups."

Jaina started to feel agitation at being forced into doing anything, but was quickly overtaken by the intense desire to take a much deserved break.

Syal motioned for the two pilots to come with her. "I have arranged for the two of you to have some of our finest accommodations. The personal items Kyp arranged are already there."

Jaina spun to gape at Kyp. "You knew about this."

Kyp shrugged sheepishly. "Everyone agreed you should take a break, even if it is for just a day. You won't do any good if you collapse from exhaustion. Cilghal just accelerated the process a bit. She asked General Antilles to enforce the rest she suggested to you earlier today in your exam."

Jaina shot him an evil eye. "So it's a conspiracy then."

Syal intervened on Kyp's behalf. "Master Durron was only acting on behest of other concerned parties. For my own part, I had asked Wedge if I could spend some time with you. I am not sure how much longer Soontir will allow Briaun and me to stay after yesterday."

Jaina savored the thought of spending more time with Jag's mother.

"Why don't you two get some rest, and we will all have a nice family meal later this evening." Syal winked over the top of Jaina's head at Kyp who grinned back, a partner in crime. "How does that sound?"

"I think it sounds wonderful." The sound of a nap and a delicious dinner were like music to her ears. So things could get better after all, she thought to herself.

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End of Chapter 12
TKL/jj