CHAPTER 19 – Sum of Its Parts

The air cooler in Jaina's room must have been working overtime. Jaina shivered as she reached up to pull the extra blanket from the end of the bed. It was still dark outside, but Jaina had woken from a dream. Every night, she relived another moment of Padmé's life. They were dreams now, not painful visions accosting her senses. Jaina had decided to record her memories to share later with her mother and uncle. This morning, she determined it could wait.

Jag folded his arms around her as Jaina laid back down against the sheets. She nestled against him and pulled the blanket around her shoulders. "It's freezing in here. Did I wake you?"

Jag pulled his arms tighter. "No, I need to get up soon."

Jaina rolled in his arms so she was facing him. She laid a trail of slow kisses across his firm chest. Jag's skin tingled with the sensuous sensation elicited by the touch of her lips. He loosed a shiver and then assaulted Jaina with a series of tickles. He achieved the desired effect as she writhed in his arms, kicking and giggling.

"Jag, stop!"

He stopped abruptly as she landed an open handed smack on his chest. "Ow!"

"Shh. You'll wake the whole barracks, you big baby."

"Baby, you're the one hollering like a bantha calf."

Jaina rolled on top of Jag, pinning his arms with her legs that straddled his chest. Her face was hidden in a sea of brown hair as she spoke. "And whose fault is that?"

Jag feigned innocence. "I was just defending myself."

Jaina flipped her hair out of her face with one hand. "Defending yourself?"

Jag used the momentary loss of her arm for balance to reverse their positions. "From your temptress ways."

Jaina grinned up at him. "Whose on top of whom?"

Jag did not answer, but closed the distance between them. He sucked her earlobe into his mouth and was rewarded with moans of pleasure escaping Jaina's lips. His mouth tempted a path down her neck as Jaina's hands thread through his hair. Then, he moved to her lips, lightly teasing her mouth. Jaina's hands journeyed to his back where her nails dug crescents into his skin as he began to pull away. She tried to rise up with him, but Jag was off the bed before Jaina could catch up. She flopped her head on the pillow and stuck out her lower lip in a practiced pout.

Jag spoke as he slipped on his uniform pants. "Go back to sleep. The briefing isn't until 0900."

Jaina stretched under the blanket. "No, I think I'll get up and record my dream while it's fresh in my head."

Jag buttoned his jacket. "Anything good?"

"It's all good, remembering I mean, but sometimes they are sad."

Jag sat down on the bed and took her hand off the blanket. "So, was this one sad or happy?"

"Happy. Grandmother finally returned to Coruscant, so she got to see Grandfather again."

Jag rubbed his thumb on the back of her hand. "Why do you look sad then?"

"Because it's sad to see my grandfather slowly fall. She knew, but no matter how hard Grandmother tried, she couldn't stop it."

Jag pulled her hand to his lips. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"Thank you for sharing that with me."

Jaina smiled. "You're welcome."

"Doesn't that feel better?"

Jaina rolled her eyes around like she was pondering something serious, finishing back at his green-eyed gaze. "Yes, I think it does."

Jag leaned over and kissed Jaina's forehead. "I am going now, but I need you to work your Jedi magic first."

Jaina shut her eyes and scanned the building. She opened them to talk. "Not a soul stirring. Only you and the cleaning droids actually rise at this hour, Jagged."

Jag rose and strode over to the door before turning around. Jaina blew him a kiss, which he received with a smile, before stepping out the bedroom door. Moments later he could be heard exiting through the front door.

Jaina crawled out from under the warm covers and made her way to the front room. Once there, she sat down at her desk and started recording her dream, adding it to the file she had already started. After finishing the recording, Jaina went over some squadron business, including maintenance schedules and pilot reviews.

By the time she completed the last bit of business, the sun was climbing over the horizon, warming the sky. Jaina knew Kyp would be awake by now, doing his usual morning meditations. She decided to join him like she often did. The meditation would help calm her nerves so she could be centered when she broke the news to him. Jaina really needed for Kyp to accept her decision. Until that moment, she did not realize how much.

Jaina activated the door. It slid open, and Jaina was looking down as she walked into the room. Bringing her eyes up, Jaina stopped in her tracks. Her mouth dropped open, and she stammered out an unintelligible sentence.

"Oh…um…I…Kyp…oh my."

Drue Glentaw was sitting on Kyp's bed, clad only in one of his tunics and underwear, her uniform pants in her hands. Drue offered a polite smile at the shocked Jedi. "Hello, Jaina. Kyp's in the refresher, if you need him."

Drue did not harbor any ill feelings toward Jaina. In fact, she seemed exceptionally cheery. The tall woman stood, and Jaina's discomfiture grew to a blush. Drue was the type of woman who possessed the physical characteristics most every other woman desired. She was endowed with shapely legs that seemed to never end and plenty of voluptuous curves. Luxurious blonde hair framed her chiseled face. Jaina forced herself to look in the woman's icy blue eyes.

"I'm sorry. I didn't realize." She paused, taking a big swallow, and pointed over her shoulder. "I'll just go."

Just then the refresher door opened, and Kyp stepped out, dressed only in the pants that belonged to the tunic Drue was wearing. He was rubbing a towel through his hair, but he pulled his hand down, towel and all, at the sight of Jaina.

"Jaina." The Jedi partners stood locked in an uncomfortable exchange of shocked looks.

Drue interrupted the empty sound in the air. "I think I'll get going."

Kyp turned to address Drue, who was putting on the rest of her uniform. He managed to croak out a response. "Okay."

Jaina's eyes never left Kyp. Drue picked up her boots and strode over to Kyp. She planted a kiss on his lips, which he half-heartedly returned as she placed one hand possessively on his chest. She pulled back and smiled, standing almost eye to eye with the silver-maned Jedi. "Thanks for last night. I'll see you later."

Kyp nodded. "Later."

Drue strutted past Jaina and scooped up the rest of her belongings. "Bye, Jaina."

Jaina forced herself to look at the other woman. "Bye."

Jaina's eyes followed the woman out the door. Unlike Jag, Drue had no reason to hide her exit from Kyp's room. On the contrary, she almost seemed proud of it, as she could be heard greeting another pilot in the hall. The door shut, and the room fell eerily quiet again.

Jaina faced Kyp. "I'm sorry, Kyp. I guess I should have been more considerate and knocked, or something."

Kyp threw the towel back into the refresher and crossed to his closet. "I could have locked the door. It was stupid of me." For a moment, Kyp pondered the reason he had not, but found no answer to his liking. He pulled a tunic off the hangar and slipped it on.

"Maybe I should go."

The Jedi Master turned. "No, you need to talk to me."

"How did you know?"

Kyp's mouth curled in a rueful smile. "Just did."

Kyp walked over to Jaina and dropped into a cross-legged sitting position. He grabbed Jaina's hands and pulled her down so she was mimicking his position. Kyp shut his eyes and began channeling the Force, taking slow deep breaths. Jaina joined him; soon both were deeply immersed in a meditation trance.

Kyp marveled at the ease with which they could join their spirits. Jaina was completely open to him, brimming with love and excited energy bolstered by hope. Kyp, in turn, opened himself to her, every part except that secret flame of unrequited love he swore to carry as his silent burden.

Together, they traveled through the threads of the Force, devoid of the limitations of time and space. Kyp could equate the sensation to flying without the restrictions of a spacecraft. Soon, the two Jedi were extended beyond the bounds of Mon Calamari and soaring past the edges of the star system. Images of stars and planets sped past at a dizzying pace.

Then the images slowed, and a green and blue sphere accented with white zoomed into view. The planet spun slowly before them, and Kyp felt a warm rush from Jaina. It was then he recognized the planet where he had led the Dozen to aid in Jaina's rescue. The planet Naboo began to blaze bright with a fiery glow. The glow intensified until silver white beams shot out from the planet in every direction.

Two such beams pierced Jaina and Kyp, burning them with the pure power of the Force. Kyp and Jaina realized they were not alone; many other Jedi were joined in the tendrils of the Force. The power multiplied until it poured out in a blinding flood. The blistering white diffused slowly back to the streaks of stars flying by, slowing as the Mon Calamari system was recognizable.

The blue ocean planet loomed ahead, and then they were falling down through the clouds, approaching the floating city, homing in on the base and finally the barracks. Jaina and Kyp opened their eyes in a start, back in the confines of Kyp's room.

They sat silently, staring at each other. Jaina spoke first. "Wow."

"I second that. A sign I suppose, but to what I don't know."

"Did you sense the others?"

Kyp's face was serious. "There isn't a thing you sense that I don't when we join like that. The connection is like a perfect window to your soul."

"It's wonderful what we share."

The corner of Kyp's mouth turned up momentarily. "Yes, it is."

Jaina took a deep breath, and Kyp braced himself for what he knew was coming. "Kyp, I know it's been rough these last few days, and we haven't had a chance to talk, but I need to share some things with you."

Kyp nodded.

"I am sure you figured out Jag and I have become more intimate, and I don't want it to be awkward between us. I know you have struggled with your feelings before, and I want you to know how important your friendship is to me."

"Jaina, I respect your relationship with Jag more than you know. I have resolved my feelings for you. You shouldn't concern yourself with that. I value our friendship above all else. What you and Jag have is undeniable and very special. I am happy for you… both." None of what he said was a lie. Then why do I feel like I am dying inside?

Jaina smiled. "Thanks, that means a lot to me and Jag, too. Maybe you found someone special, too?" A mischievous grin crossed her face.

"Drue's a great person. We have been friends for a long time."

"Close friends, it appears. Friendship can turn into love." Jaina was truly happy for Kyp, hoping he could find the same joy she felt.

I will only ever love you Jaina, and I selfishly used a friend to burn the vision of you with Jag from my mind. "I don't think Drue expects that from me." Jaina's face turned blank so he added, "Sometimes people just need comfort amidst so much pain and suffering."

Jaina pondered the idea of sharing such an intimate exchange purely for comfort and not love, and the thought must have troubled her. Finally, unable to wield judgment on her protector and friend, she took his hand. "As long as you're happy, but I hope you do find love eventually. You deserve it."

I found it, but I will never deserve it. "I have all I need."

Jaina furrowed her brows, momentarily puzzled. "If you say so." She paused. "There's something else I need to tell you."

Kyp willed his body to not betray the painful knot in his heart as Jaina gathered her thoughts.

"Jag asked me to marry him, and I said yes." The knot tightened like two banthas were pulling at either end. Jaina continued when the Jedi Master was silent. "We are going to ask Wedge to marry us tonight. Jag and I want you to be there." A sadness washed over her face. "We aren't going to tell anyone, not even Jacen or Mom or Dad. It's just something we need to do. Does that make sense?"

Jaina fell silent and anxiously awaited a response. Kyp's heart was screaming to be heard. It will never make sense. So sudden. Not so sudden. He slammed the door on it and forced his mouth to form the words she needed to hear.

"I can understand why you would want to grab onto something that wonderful in this awful war and turn it into something real. As your friend, I will support you in any way you need. I am honored that you and Jag are trusting me with this."

Jaina leapt into his arms. "Thanks, Kyp. You don't know how much that means to me, especially since we can't share our happiness with others."

Kyp hugged her tight, enjoying the feel of her in his arms. He thought about why the couple had chosen to hide something so important. He put himself in Jag's shoes, which was not a difficult stretch. "Jag's trying to control the flow of information, afraid someone may use him like they used Tahiri."

Jaina fell back to sit across from Kyp again, his arms ached at the absence of her body. "Too many people know about our relationship as it is. If someone were to find out, they may use it or not. A marriage would be a sure ticket to trouble."

Kyp thanked the Force Jag had the sense to keep this marriage from endangering Jaina any further. He was certain it was for Jaina's sake, and not the other way around. "I think you are doing the right thing."

Jaina let out a sharp breath. "You do?"

Kyp's head fell so his eyes avoided hers. "Yes, I do." He met her gaze again. "I know it's hard to not tell your family, but you limit any slips. You never know who could get captured and persuaded to talk. It's for the best."

Kyp decided the mood had gotten all too serious. No matter what, he wished for Jaina to be happy on this day. "You will protect me from your father and uncle when they learn I participated in this deception of yours?"

Jaina giggled, and the strains of her face diminished. That's better. "I'll do my best, but I may be running interference for Jag first. You're a Jedi Master; you should be able to take care of yourself. Well maybe – you'll hold your own with Uncle Luke, but Dad may be a problem."

Kyp hopped to his feet in one swift move. He held his hands out for Jaina, which she accepted. Kyp tugged her up to stand beside him.

"We have a briefing to go to, and you have a big day today. So we better get to it."

Jaina squeezed his hands. "Thanks again, Kyp. You're the best friend I could ever hope for. I love you so much."

Kyp smiled back. "I love you, too, Jaina."

As usual Jag arrived early to the briefing room. The large room had a series of semi-circular rows, each a little higher than the next, all facing down at a large holodisplay unit used for presenting tactical data. Other than the techs working on the terminal linked to the holodisplay, the room was empty.

Jag suspected, by the choice of briefing room, that a major action was about to take place. He climbed up to one of the upper rows and then traversed the aisle to a seat far enough down to provide an unobstructed view of the door. Once seated, he pulled out a datapad and reviewed his action list. It suddenly looked like the day was going to become very busy, in his estimation.

Jag looked up as his peripheral vision caught sight of a person entering the room. An older brown-haired pilot dressed in a yellow and black flight suit strutted into the room sporting an impish grin. Jag returned his attention to the action list, adding new items and deleting those he deemed unimportant or complete.

A serious voice interrupted Jag's train of thought. "Is this seat taken?"

Jag brought his eyes up to greet the yellow and black clad squadron commander. Jag's face did not reflect the amusement obvious in the older man's handsome features. "It appears not."

The older man flopped down on the seat next to Jag and stuck his hand out. "Colonel Fel, right?" Jag tipped his head in acknowledgement before taking the man's hand. "Wes Janson, Yellow Aces."

"You flew with my uncle. He's mentioned you."

"Only good things, I hope."

Jag kept his face expressionless. "I think you came up in the same sentence as headaches and heartburn."

Wes laughed, and his face lit up like that of a much younger man. "So, the infamous Jagged Fel does have a sense of humor."

Jag broke a hint of a smile. "It's a well-guarded secret. Let's keep it between us."

Other participants began trickling into the room; most were squadron commanders, a few were Jedi, others were a mix of higher-ups in Starfighter and Fleet Command. Wes commented.

"Looks like something big."

"I would be inclined to agree."

Jag's eyes followed Han and Leia Solo into the room. The couple took seats in the front by the door. Luke Skywalker, Wedge Antilles and Tycho Celchu came in next. His uncle took a moment to speak to Han and Leia.

Wes leaned over and whispered to Jag. "It's starting to look like they found another Death Star."

Jag started to respond, but was interrupted by the low whistle Wes emitted as he eyed the door. Jag fought the smile forming on his lips at the sight of Jaina parading into the room in true Goddess fashion, flanked by Kyp and Mara like some honorary guard.

"If only I was twenty years younger," Wes remarked. "Han better lock her away; that girl is quite a looker. Gets the old ticker going, if you know what I mean?"

Jaina's gaze stopped at Jag for less than a second, before she turned to greet her parents. Jag turned to face Wes, his face a blank slate.

"I believe Lieutenant Colonel Solo should be admired for her fine piloting skills and achievements as a Jedi Knight rather than her looks." Jag replied, as he marveled at the depth of emotion shared by Jaina and her parents. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched as both parents showered all their love on her, without hesitation or concern for appearances.

Jag envied the exchange and secretly wished for the day he, too, could do the same. The current situation of secrecy was not entirely a struggle for Jag because his nature was not to be openly affectionate in front of others. He mentally noted that he would not let those leanings affect him when he was finally able to share their relationship with others. Everyone would come to know how much Jaina meant to him.

Wes's grin grew even more wicked. "Fel, you must have some of that blue Chiss blood coursing through your veins if you can't appreciate a beauty like that. There are plenty of exceptional pilots in Starfighter Command but not enough pretty exceptional pilots. As a matter of fact, I think I should talk to your uncle about making it a priority. Think of what it would do for recruiting if all squadron commanders looked like her."

Jag leaned back in his chair. "I suppose it might aid the cause since most pilots in the Galactic Alliance possess little more brain power than a monkey lizard. They are not capable of reacting beyond their basic animal instincts. On the other hand, the Yuuzhan Vong don't respect beauty at all; they despise it. So in that regard, beauty is not necessarily an asset."

Wes chuckled. "I get it, the whole Trickster Goddess act is like a huge practical joke on the Vong. Flaunt the prettiest pilot we can find in front of the scarheads and tell them she is their goddess. Jaina Solo is my type of girl." Wes snapped his fingers. "Too bad she didn't except my proposal back on Borleais. Of course, back then I didn't realize who I was flirting with over the comm. I sure made a nerfherder's behind out of myself the day we shipped in. Wedge and Tycho had a good laugh at my expense."

Jag's eyebrow arched as he recalled the incident. "That's right. I was in Twin Suns then. I remember she shot you down."

Wes laughed. "More like full torpedoes. Actually it probably was an act of mercy. I pity the man who has to wrestle that tusk cat into marriage. It seems to bode of ample opportunities for bodily harm. I hear she sleeps with her lightsaber. No thank you. I'd like to keep my precious commodities, if you know what I mean."

Wes was surprised when Jag actually laughed out loud, not just a quick laugh even, but rather clutching his sides funny. Then, Wes silently congratulated himself on being the funniest man alive to have accomplished such a feat.

Jaina's step was light as she entered the briefing room with her aunt and Kyp at her side. Even the imminent battle could not dampen her mood. She scanned the room for Jag and caught sight of him on the opposite side of the room, sitting with Wes Janson of the Yellow Aces. She brushed past him with her gaze, feeling the touch of his emotions before settling her eyes on her parents.

Jaina walked straight into the open arms of her father. Han Solo picked his daughter up in a big hug. "It's good to see you healthy again. Before we left, you had us both worried. You were looking a little like I felt when your mom freed me from the carbonite."

She wriggled from his embrace as she protested. "Dad, I'm fine."

"You know your mother and I are proud of what you did for Tahiri. We didn't get to tell you that before we left for Naboo, but we wanted you to know."

"Thanks, Dad."

Leia pushed past and greeted Jaina with an embrace, not as energetic as her husband's, but no less loving.

"Hey, Mom." The two women held each other for a moment before separating. "How was Naboo?"

Leia's face lit up. "It's so beautiful. We found where you crashed, then backtracked to the city Colonel Fel gave us the coordinates to. Artoo just took charge once we found the city. There was a lot of destruction, but much of the infrastructure still remains. We found an old data terminal in the palace, which your dad got powered up so we could access it.

"There was so much information to go over, we finally had to download as much as we could and bring it back with us. From what we could determine, the Imperial bombardment must have caused some sort of permanent night, killing off all surviving life. Now the plant life has returned, and the ecosystem appears to be on the mend. I can't wait to go back." Leia ran her hand along Jaina's hair, then cupped her cheek. "Enough about that, how are you doing?"

"Great, never better."

"You sure? I worry about you after the events of the last couple of weeks."

Jaina put her hand over her mother's hand and squeezed it. "Yes."

"Well you seem, how would you put it, brighter than I remember in a long time. I'm happy for you."

"Me, too."

Jaina turned her attention to the group gathered past her mother - consisting of Mara, Luke, Wedge and Kyp - as her two former Masters, in unison, voiced a resounding, "No!"

Jaina addressed the two objectors as Leia joined the conversation as well. "Problems?"

Wedge spoke before the others had a chance. "We might as well go to the source. I just asked your uncle who might be a suitable Jedi candidate to add as a pilot for the shuttle to be attached to Twin Suns on this mission, and he suggested Zekk. Apparently Mara and Kyp both oppose the idea. Do you have an opinion, one way or another?"

Jaina eyed Mara and Kyp for a moment. As far as Jaina was concerned, Zekk had proven to her on the rescue mission that he was willing to remain friends as well as respect her decision. Jaina could not fathom why Mara and Kyp would be opposed, so she dismissed their unsaid concerns. "Zekk has more experience with flying shuttles into a tight situation than most other Jedi. I don't have any issues with him, so it's fine by me."

Mara looked at Kyp and shrugged. Both Jedi held their tongues. Luke watched the whole exchange with some concern, deciding to quiz Mara about it at a more suitable time.

Everyone's attention was distracted from the tense moment by the unusual sounds of guffaws emanating from the back of the room. The gathering stole a glance at the usually somber Jag Fel clutching his stomach in a fit of laughter. It took everything in Jaina's power to stifle the smile looming on her lips.

Wedge chuckled as the group turned back to business. "Well, that's settled then. I need to get ready."

Before anything else could be said about the matter, Jaina steered the conversation in a different direction. "Did anyone else experience a vision this morning?"

Luke replied, "It seems most of the Jedi I have spoken to so far had more or less a similar experience. What did you see?"

"It was Naboo."

Luke nodded. "I believe so. I have some ideas about what it means, and I've brought them to the attention of some of the Council members. I'd like your input as well, Kyp."

Before anyone could add an opinion, Tycho Celchu was calling the room to order. Everyone moved to a seat as the din of conversation faded away to silence. Wedge made his way to the podium at the front of the room. All eyes were fixed on the decorated pilot, awaiting his words.

Wedge assessed the room with a silent gaze before speaking. "Welcome. Those of you gathered have been brought here to lend your assistance in a variety of methods to the impending operation: code name, Trickster's Scar."

Wedge's eyes stopped at Jaina seated in the front row. A smile flashed to her face. He raised his eyes to avoid the piercing glare of Han Solo situated a few seats over from his daughter. "Lieutenant Colonel Solo obtained vital information concerning the slave traffic on Bimmisaari while captured by the Peace Brigade.

"This information points to a significant transfer of kidnapped refugees to the Yuuzhan Vong two days from now. We plan on intercepting those transport ships, before they leave Bimmisaari, and destroying the Peace Brigade base at the same time. This will provide a one-two punch - one, putting a dent in the Yuuzhan Vong practice of bolstering their ranks with our own people forced into slavery, and two, putting a dent in the Peace Brigade's operation."

There was some whispering in the room to accompany the growing excitement. Wedge waited for it to subside. "Unfortunately, there is a strong suspicion that a Peace Brigade operative is in the midst of the Defense Force ranks. So mission specifics are limited to those in this room. We do not wish to tip our hand and lose this opportunity.

"Trickster's Scar will commence at twenty four hundred with all fighters scrambled. Squadron commanders will supply jump coordinates on secure channels once clear of the Mon Calamari gravitational well. Each commander will be given his or her specific assignment at the end of the briefing."

Wedge nodded to a tech, and a holo of Bimmisaari surrounded by a fleet of ships appeared. "Long range scans indicate the Peace Brigade is massing a fleet of ships to move the refugees to the exchange location in the Yoka System. Most of you will be providing cover for boarding parties, in charge of taking over the various Peace Brigade transports already in orbit."

Wedge turned his attention to Jaina as the holo morphed to a close up of the Peace Brigade base. "Twin Suns, lead by the Trickster herself, will be asked to perform the dubious task of going to ground and specifically eliminating the Peace Brigade operation center and refugee processing compound.

"Twin Suns currently has four Jedi plus several members remaining that showed skill during the ground assault at Ebaq 9. The balance of your squad with no ground experience will be temporarily assigned to other squadrons, with your permission, so we may provide you with mission specialists who have skills particular to this operation."

Jaina, silently tickled at Wedge's obvious enjoyment in the whole Goddess ruse, interrupted with a question posed in her haughtiest voice. "Do you think it wise to break up my squadron this close to a major offensive?"

Wedge grinned. "Oh, these fellows come highly recommended, worthy of a Goddess, no less. They have been doing this sort of thing since before you were born. I am sure you will manage. Besides a couple of them have already flown with Twin Suns."

Jaina spun in her seat and surveyed the room. Her eyes stopped at Piggy and Sharr, who were waving eagerly at her. On either side of them sat the imposing Kell Tainer and the strikingly handsome Face Loran, equally pleased with themselves. Jaina turned back to face Wedge, forcing her jaw from dropping.

"You expect me to command a bunch of Wraiths. Are you kidding?"

No, just giving you a taste of your own medicine. "If you would prefer others, I will gladly oblige." Snickers erupted from the room.

Jaina waved the remark off with a casual sweep of her hand. "They'll do."

Wedge regrouped and continued, all business again. "Twin Suns, accompanied by an assault shuttle with mission specialists Danni Quee and Tahiri Veila and Zekk…"

Hoots erupted from the Wraiths. "Auntie Tahiri! Woohoo!"

Wedge eyed them before finishing, "…will have two objectives on the ground. First, Danni's team will infiltrate the lab and obtain any Yuuzhan Vong slave implant technology, for lack of a better word, that can be found. Second, Twin Suns will identify the targets of opportunity for our precision air strike team. We don't want to lose any refugees by randomly bombing the compound. Kell and Face will have a little side mission, but you will learn about the specifics in an Intel briefing for the ground assault personnel immediately following this."

Jaina actually felt some agitation boil off Jag as the mission specifics were discussed. She furrowed her brows as she suspected Jag was returning to his overprotective nature that had plagued their relationship. She probed him further in the Force, still concentrating on the briefing, and found that Jag's concerns did not seem to lie specifically with Jaina but somewhere else. She made a mental note to question him later.

"Vanguard and Spike Squadrons will support Twin Suns on their initial approach, providing cover as well as performing the bombing runs at targets identified by Twin Suns." Jag's agitation dissipated. "The Chiss squadrons were chosen for their accuracy, precise hits are prudent to this operation. We wouldn't want to damage the Goddess in the process."

There was a lot of throat clearing from the other squadron commanders suggesting offense to their own skills. Wedge chose to ignore them. "Once the transports have been secured, they will then be escorted out of the system, in theory, before the Yuuzhan Vong can send reinforcements."

Wedge eyed Leia. "That's were you come in, Leia. We are going to have to negotiate some drops of refugees, possibly jumping from system to system. It's too risky to forewarn governments that we will be showing up with a huge number of refugees. If you can identify governments that will accept these refugees on short notice, it will be helpful, and then act as an intermediary, making this process slightly easier than I fear it will be."

Leia glanced over at her twin, and the pair shared a non-verbal conversation before Leia turned to address Wedge. "I think I can do you one better."

Wedge expressed interest with the cock of an eyebrow.

"How about a whole planet without a government to negotiate with?"

Wedge's face mirrored the confused murmurs circulating the room. Luke continued for his twin. "I think what Leia is suggesting is that we take the refugees to Naboo. I would like a chance to meet with the Jedi Council before we solidify anything, but it could prove to be a viable option. The planet has some intact infrastructure and plenty of natural resources available.

"I met with some of the members of the Jedi Council this morning briefly, and we had discussed using Naboo for the new Jedi base. I don't think, however, we can overlook the needs of the refugees. The Jedi we move there could be used to provide protection for the refugees."

Wedge bobbed his head in agreement; he looked as if a huge burden had been lifted from his shoulders. "I'll expect to hear something definitive as soon as possible. All right, that's it. Any questions?" Wedge paused and spared a glance around the room. "Very well then. Get your mission specifics from Tycho on the way out, and may the Force be with you."

The room's inhabitants rose in unison and began filtering out. Jag watched as one after another stopped at Tycho to get his or her datacard with specific mission parameters. He waited until Iella led Jaina out of the room, presumably to the Intel briefing, before heading down to the podium.

The room was almost empty when Jag reached his uncle. Wedge spared a friendly glance at Jag, but it changed to concern when Jag stopped before him with an all too serious expression. "May I speak to you privately, Uncle?"

Wedge gathered up his flimsiplasts and datapad. "If it concerns the mission, can Tycho handle it?

"No, it's a family matter."

Wedge looked back from his task and tried to discern the reason. Jag rarely called upon Wedge or his family for support; he was not about to turn the young man away when he finally chose to reach out for help. "Come with me, then."

Jag followed Wedge out of the room, taking a moment to accept a datacard from Tycho. The two men walked silently down the hall to Wedge's office. Once inside, Wedge dropped his belongings on the desk and turned to half-sit on the edge. Jag stood uncomfortably still before him, only the flexing of a jaw muscle evident.

Wedge suddenly became concerned that Jag was going to use their relationship to try to alter the mission assignments. "Look Jag, if this is about Jaina leading the ground assault…"

Jag held up his hand as he interrupted. "No, Jaina is the best one for the job. I would concur with your decision. This is strictly family business."

Somewhat relieved, Wedge secured his seat on the desk. "I apologize, then, for the misunderstanding. I'm listening."

"I am not sure how to say this, so I will just cut to the power cables, as Jaina likes to say. I asked Jaina to marry me, and she has agreed." The tension in Jag's body eased the moment the words left his lips. Somehow, hearing them made their meaning ring true.

Wedge leapt up and slapped Jag on the arm. "That's great. You two will have something to look forward to when the war ends – a big wedding celebration."

"Jaina and I would like to ask you to marry us."

Wedge took back his hand and ran it through his hair. "I'd be honored, but I am sure the details can be worked out…"

"Today."

Wedge's hand fell to his side, and it took him a moment to realize his mouth was hanging wide open. "I thought you were going to keep this off the record for now?"

"We are, we don't plan on telling anyone. Only you and Kyp will know. I know this is sudden, but Jaina and I feel this is right for us. I had hoped you would understand; that is why I came to you."

Wedge cocked a half-grin. "Ah, what it is to be young and in love. Everything seems possible. It took me years to find that with Iella, and then I wanted to have her all to myself, as quickly as possible. Yes Jag, I do understand. You feel this is what you must do?"

"Yes."

"And the two of you discussed all of the ramifications, including your future together?"

"Yes."

"And you understand there will be hell to pay when Han Solo and Soontir Fel realize what the two of you have done?"

"Yes."

Wedge stood in a silent reflective posture before returning his eyes to meet his nephew's intense focus. "Then I am glad I was the one you chose to trust with this."

Jag's shoulders dropped as the tension fled his body. "You will marry us?"

"Just name the time and place, I'll make room in my schedule."

The storage hold of the Millennium Falcon was like a bank of memories. Mementos and pieces of the Solo family history were stacked one on top of another, each with a tale to tell. Jaina moved the storage boxes around searching for one in particular that, as of yet, had eluded her.

Jaina began to lift one box aside when it caught her attention. She lifted the lid and inside rested several holos her parents had saved as they fled Coruscant. Jaina picked up each in turn. The first was taken on Yavin 4. It showed the young, innocent faces of Jaina and her twin, Jacen, just after joining the Jedi Academy. The next holo was an image of Jacen and Anakin, taken before leaving for Myrkr. Jaina had snapped the image in a moment of sibling camaraderie that had become so rare at that stage. Jacen's arm was locked around Anakin's neck in a playful stranglehold.

Jaina set the holo aside, deciding it would suit her room just fine. Anakin's death was no longer an open wound, and the image would help remind her of all she still had. She was reaching for the next holo when a tingling in her gut prodded Jaina to look to the open door to the storage hold. The light was not sufficient in the hold, so she had let the door stay open to allow the illumination from the corridor to filter in.

Jaina probed the Force for whatever it was she felt. She could not get a sense of anything in particular, so Jaina rose and eased toward the door. "Hello, is anyone there?"

Jaina poked her head out the door. The hall was empty, and the sensation in her gut faded away. Jaina contemplated going back to the ramp and raising it, then dismissed the idea with a shake of the head. Kyp was sitting in the cockpit, trying to stay out of the way. He would have sensed if something was amiss.

Jaina returned to the box of holos and put the lid on her trip down memory lane. She shuffled around some crates, revealing her objective, a large ornate trunk made of Alderaanian balderwood. Jaina dusted off the top as she knelt in front of it. She held her breath as she pried open the lid. The air escaped her lungs as her face lit up in a smile.

Sitting on top, just like she remembered, was her mother's wedding dress. Jaina pulled out the delicate dress of antique Alderaanian lace and held it at arm's length. After a few moments, Jaina folded the dress over and gently placed it in her pilot's bag. As she zipped the bag shut, a voice echoed down the hall.

"Jaina, are you back here?"

Jaina dropped the lid on the chest and buried it under some crates hurriedly as she called back. "Yes, Mom. I'm in the storage hold."

By the time Leia entered the compartment, Jaina was far from the chest, the bag slung over her shoulder. Leia smiled warmly. "Hello. What are you up to?"

Jaina picked the holo of Anakin and Jacen up as she answered. "I was looking for this."

Leia's smile for Jaina faded to a wistful glance and then returned. "Something to brighten your room?"

"Just trying to keep Anakin's memory alive. Sometimes, it is hard to see his face."

Leia came over and put her arm around Jaina. "I think he would like that."

Jaina motioned to the door, and the two women made their way out of the hold. "Were you looking for me, Mom?"

"Yes, I wanted to wish you luck tomorrow and tell you to be careful."

Jaina grinned down at the ground, her mother's arm still draped around her as they walked side by side. Losing Anakin made moments like this seem all the more special. "Thanks, Mom. I will."

Jaina stopped in her tracks by the top of the ramp, and Leia followed her lead. Leia probed Jaina quickly with the Force. She felt excitement mixed with a twinge of regret, not related to the upcoming battle. "Is everything all right?"

Jaina flashed her mother a famous Solo grin, reminding Leia that Jaina was her father's daughter. "I get to spend the whole day blowing up the Peace Brigade. What more could a nineteen-year-old girl hope for?"

Leia admonished her daughter. "A life without war, a life without hiding her true love, a life that is somewhat normal."

"Where's the fun in that?"

Leia wrestled her daughter by the shoulders so they were face to face. "Jaina, someday this will all be over, and I hope you know the happiness I have found loving a wonderful man, raising perfect children and growing old gracefully. Until that time, I will be here for you, no matter what it is you need."

"Thanks, that means a lot."

"Don't forget it then."

"I won't."

The two women started down the ramp when Jaina slapped her palm against her forehead. Leia questioned her. "What is it, honey?"

"I almost forgot Kyp."

Jaina reached for her comlink when Kyp's voice sounded from the top of the ramp. "Nothing new, she's always trying to shake me."

Jaina cast a sheepish grin up at her Jedi partner. The two women split apart, and each held an arm out to welcome Kyp between them. The smile on Leia's face told Kyp that his debt had all but been repaid to the Solo family as far as she was concerned. He returned the sentiment, striding down the ramp to meet them. Kyp wrapped one arm around each of the women, and the three strode down the ramp together.

The dark figure stood high above the empty Ackbar Water Gardens on a nearby building's balcony and watched as two hooded figures wound around the meandering paths followed by a white domed R2 unit. The pair disappeared into the entrance to the famous Oceanview Outcropping. The dark figure paced forward along the balcony until his eyes reached the sphere of the Outcropping.

There, mostly hidden in the moonlight, stood two men in dress uniform, looking in the direction of the tunnel that opened to the unobstructed view of the sphere. A tense hand gripped the balcony railing in anticipation. A minute later, the shape of a petite woman dressed in a flowing white gown on the arm of a robed man emerged in the sphere. The robed man stepped back as the woman shifted gracefully to the arm of the taller man.

The balcony buckled under the strength of the dark figure's grip. Clouds brewed in the sky overhead covering the moon, and the Outcropping was lost in the darkness. The robe spiraled around the mysterious figure as he spun to storm off the balcony. After his departure the clouds abated, and the moonlight shone back down on the unsuspecting gathering below.

Halfway down the dimly lit tunnel into the Oceanview Outcropping, Jaina faced Kyp. The hood on her Jedi robe concealed her down-turned face. Kyp sensed the myriad of emotions swirling around her.

Jaina reached up and lowered her hood, slowly raising her eyes to meet his. Her hair was pulled up off her face and cascaded down in an array of curls dancing off her shoulders and back. Kyp could not remember a time she looked more beautiful. The beauty was not just external; it radiated from the peace and love burning in her heart.

Jaina undid the clasp to her robe and slid it off her shoulders. Kyp could not help himself when his breath noticeably caught in his throat. "Oh Jaina, you look beautiful."

Jaina looked down at herself. "It was my mother's. I wish she could see me in it." Jaina looked at Trick as he whistled mournfully. "Yes, that's what you're here for. Thank you, Trick."

Jaina wiped a tear away as she turned back to Kyp. He caught her hand by her cheek. "Are you sure about this?"

Jaina nodded. "As sure as the sun will rise tomorrow. This is the right path. I know it in my heart."

Kyp forced a smile despite his breaking heart. He took the robe from her and threw it over his arm and extended the other arm for her to take. As Jaina looped her arm through his, he spoke. "Let's do this then."

Jaina stayed Kyp with a tug when he would have proceeded forward. He glanced back down at her. "Thanks, Kyp."

He managed a wink, then the pair started down the tunnel. At the entrance to the sphere Kyp felt Jaina pause. In that moment, the brief exchange between Jaina and Jag spoke volumes. Jag, standing in his dress uniform, had no way of preparing himself for the sight of his bride-to-be. A sense of wonder poured off the man like electric sparks. At least he appreciates how lucky he is, Kyp thought ruefully.

Jag found his bearings and walked over. His eyes never left Jaina. He let out a sigh. "You made it."

"Did you doubt I would?"

"No, I am just sure no man deserves this much happiness. I was afraid I would wake from a dream."

Jaina released Kyp's arm and gravitated to Jag, like two planetary bodies unable to fight the attraction. Jag navigated Jaina around the bench in the center of the room, where he had proposed less than a day before and stopped before Wedge, waiting with his back to the transparisteel barrier. The moonlight behind him drenched the room in a soft light, making the room seem part of the sea and skies.

Wedge offered the couple a warm smile. "You look stunning, Jaina. Jag's a lucky man."

Jaina tore her eyes from Jag and flashed a grin at her commanding officer. "Why thank you, Uncle Wedge."

The words smacked Wedge with the reality of the deed he was about to perform. Wedge stifled a chuckle and assumed a more suitable expression for an official presiding over such a momentous event. "Shall we begin?"

Jag and Jaina exchanged a brief look, and then both tipped their heads at Wedge. Wedge acknowledged Kyp with a nod while he composed his thoughts. As an officer in the military, he had performed countless marriage ceremonies, but this one seemed so much more meaningful than any of the others, probably because he had such an emotional stake in the couple, one his hold-daughter, the other his nephew.

Wedge just hoped when the truth came to light, his friends and family would forgive him for this deception. As if a window to his thoughts, the moonlight dimmed behind a storm cloud and then gradually renewed itself as he observed the joy reflected in the couple's eyes. Wedge took a deep breath and began.

"We have come together this evening to share in the union of Jagged Fel to Jaina Solo as they embark on a new path in their life. I, for one, do not know of two people more suited to each other, and I pray that you will be able to share your love for years to come. I look forward to the day everyone can experience the love I see before me tonight. It is my understanding you wish to exchange some personal vows."

Both Jaina and Jag nodded. Wedge tipped his head to Jag as a sign to begin. Jag faced Jaina and picked up the hand he was not already clutching. Jaina felt a slight tremor in his hand and squeezed it tighter as she beamed up at him. Jag licked his upper lip nervously before stating his declaration of love.

"All my life, I have lived outside my emotions, careful to conceal my innermost self. The day I found you, a whole new life opened up before me. In this galaxy torn apart by the ravages of war, you are many things to me: the still in my heart, the fire burning with my soul's desire, the air I breath, the reason for my survival. All I am in the world is shining in your eyes.

"I have waited a lifetime to say this to you. Jaina, I cannot imagine a life without your love. Here and now, I give you my love unconditionally. I give you my heart and soul. I will be there to catch you when you fall. I want you to know I will always be the one."

A single tear escaped Jaina's liquid eyes. Before she could wipe it away, Jag's thumb was there brushing it from her cheek, all while fighting back tears of his own. Jaina took back Jag's hand as she inhaled deeply, trying to center her focus. Jag, equally overcome by a flood of emotions, was anchored in the Force, balancing her unsteady constitution until she was able to find her voice and bring her feelings to words. Her voice started weakly and gained confidence with every syllable.

"After my darkest hour I still awaited the end of my time. My every hope had seemed to die, and I was deliberately breaking all my emotional ties. I even believed you, out of everyone, would hardly notice when I was finally gone. But in one moment, that all turned upside down. That was the moment when I almost lost a love I had not known I had found. You took me in your arms and surrounded me with your love. I had lost my faith and you gave it back to me in that one kiss. You are the only love I have ever known. Your strength pulls me through when all else fails. You are my faith, my hope, my power; you are my hero." Jag's smile deepened as she recited his hope from the night before to her.

"As warriors, this is one battle we have truly won. I give you my heart with the Force as witness to a love that will endure forever. Jag, until the day my life is through, I promise all my love to you."

The room fell silent as the two lovers completed their intimate confessions. Wedge almost felt guilty for intruding on the moment, but rejoiced at the same time that he was able to share it. He glanced past the couple and saw the same sentiment reflected in Kyp's eyes.

Jaina and Jag looked to Wedge in unison, startling him out of his reverie. He grinned sheepishly at the couple, embarrassed by his momentary lack of composure. Wedge let the gold rope he had balled in his fist fall out until he held one end only. He spoke to Jaina as she eyed it curiously.

"Since you don't have rings to exchange, Jag asked me to substitute part of the Chiss union ceremony. Hopefully, I get this right."

Jag, facing Jaina again, guided her hands until he held the one diagonal to each of his, their hands stacked one on top of the other. Wedge began winding the rope around their hands in an intricate pattern as he spoke.

"Do you, Jagged, promise your heart, soul, body and mind freely to Jaina in a union that is bigger than the sum of its parts, inseparable and without end?"

Jag's eyes never left Jaina. "I promise."

"Do you, Jaina, promise your heart, soul, body and mind freely to Jagged in a union that is bigger than the sum of its parts, inseparable and without end?"

Jaina's eyes never left Jag. "I promise."

By the time they had finished their vows, Wedge had completed the Chiss knot of unification, binding their hands in a symbol of the joining of their lives. "The union is complete. With the power given to me, I pronounce you husband and wife in the eyes of the Galactic Alliance, two hearts joined as one." Wedge paused, then addressed his nephew. "Jagged, you may kiss your bride."

Jag stole a mischievous glance for his uncle before leaning over and feathering a kiss on Jaina's lips. Jaina rose up on her toes begging for more. Jag obliged and pressed the tip of his tongue between her teeth, staying there only a moment before retreating. His departure from her lips was slower still. As he pulled away Jaina realized their hands were still locked in the knot. The couple looked down together and laughed.

"Is this how you plan to keep me forever, Jag?"

He chuckled. "Whatever works."

Without releasing her hands he fingered one end of the rope and gestured for Jaina to do the same with the other end. They tugged simultaneously, and the knot fell away with their hands still joined. Jag teased Wedge.

"You would make an acceptable Chiss, Uncle. Thank you for learning that on short notice."

"You're welcome." Wedge faced Jaina. "Welcome to the family, Jaina." Jaina released Jag's hands and wrapped her arms around Wedge's neck. She planted a wet kiss on his cheek and then whispered into his ear. "Thank you."

Wedge held her for a minute; still not believing this woman was his daughter's age not more than a few years before. He pulled away from Jaina and offered a hand to his nephew. Jag shook it before he tugged his uncle into an uncharacteristic embrace. The two men patted each other on the back. After pulling away, Wedge put a hand on both Jaina and Jag.

"I should regret this, but seeing you two together, I don't. I'll leave you alone to enjoy your first few minutes as husband and wife before the reality of this war comes crashing back down."

Jaina spun in Jag's arms as Wedge eased around them, heading for the exit. He acknowledged Kyp on the way out and patted Trick, who was still busy recording, on the top of the dome. Kyp, apparently feeling out of place, could not bring himself to offer more than a practiced smile and a tip of his head before following Wedge out the tunnel.

Jag hugged Jaina from behind; glad to be alone with the moon and the stars as their only witness. He gently guided Jaina around so she faced him once again.

"I love you, Mrs. Fel."

Jaina cocked a Solo grin. "I know, Mr. Solo."

Jaina would have laughed at her own joke but the press of Jag's lips silenced any chance of that happening. Jaina snaked her arms around Jag's neck, glad to be free of the unification knot as Jag used his arms to blend their bodies into one.

End of Chapter 19
TKL/zr