CHAPTER 25 – In His Arms

Jag blinked his eyes slowly, rousing from his slumber. It took a few seconds for him to recognize his odd sleeping position, propped awkwardly in a chair beside the bed in Jaina's room. A noise from the refresher caught his attention. Jag checked the bed, illuminated solely by the light filtering out of the open refresher door and found only the shadowy depression in the sheets.

He pushed out of the chair, glancing at the backlit face of the wall chrono – 0200. Arriving at the refresher door, he spied Jaina hunched over the toilet. Jag stepped into the small space, then knelt down behind her. Her hands clutched the toilet in a white-knuckled grip. He reached over and gently pulled her hair out of the way. He sat silently as her body expelled the remains of her dinner. The heaving of her sides subsided, and Jag simply placed a comforting palm on Jaina's back.

There was so much he wanted to tell her, so many reasons to ask for her forgiveness. As Jaina finished spitting out the bitter remains of her stomach, Jag tasted the bile of his own self-loathing, shame for forgetting to be the man who had pledged his undying love only weeks before.

Jag was thankful when Jaina accepted his assistance as she struggled to rise. If she had shunned him, the pain in his heart would have been unbearable. He guided her to the sink and quietly offered assistance as she brushed her teeth.

Then Jaina met his gaze in the reflection of the mirror, and Jag thought his heart actually did break. Staring into the sadness of her eyes, Jag was sure he heard the cracking of it over the pounding of the blood in his ears. Jag wanted to express the regret he felt, to beg for forgiveness, but no words would escape his lips. As if she knew the pain in his heart was consuming him, Jaina offered the most generous of acts. The corner of her mouth twisted up, just barely, but it was enough for him to know what she meant.

Jaina had felt the gentle hands brush her hair back as her stomach finally decided to finish the job it had been threatening for the past several minutes. When all that remained were a few dry heaves, a comforting palm splayed across the back of her tank. Jaina, confident the worst was over, spit the last bit of foul taste out of her mouth in disgust.

She braced her arms, but before she could push up, two strong arms helped her stand. Jaina shuffled to the sink; the arms were never far away, always offering a comforting, supportive touch. She picked up her toothbrush, and one hand stayed on her waist, the other offered an application of toothpaste. She brushed her teeth and found a cup of water held out for her as she straightened up from spitting out the bubbles.

Taking the cup, Jaina looked into the mirror to find the reflection of her husband. Instead of the terrible fury that had burned in his eyes earlier, there was an overwhelming sorrow, coupled with uninhibited love. Jaina tried to smile at his reflection, but her overtaxed body and angry stomach made the effort nearly impossible. She raised the cup to her lips and drank. Then she broke the eye contact to spit out the water.

A hand took the cup to set it away and before Jaina could think of what to do next, Jag scooped her in his arms, maneuvering out of the refresher and back to the dimness of the bedroom. Nestled in his strong arms, her head and hand rested against the taut skin of his bare chest. She could feel the heartbeat beneath his muscles. The sound spoke of his love.

This was the moment she had waited for over the last few weeks. She had held onto the knowledge Jag would come back, and all would be right in his arms. All Jaina needed was his love and comfort to go on. Jag was offering it to her now freely and willingly in their bond, accompanied by a request for forgiveness.

Jag sat down on the edge of the bed, maneuvering around so he could deposit Jaina back in the position she had slept in, her back to him as she curled on her side. Jaina felt the bed rise as Jag started to stand. She caught his hand still on her shoulder and pulled, guiding him back to the bed until he was lying beside her. Jag cupped her body with his. He brought his arm around and started to splay his hand across her stomach as he always did to pull her closer.

Jag hesitated and started to pull his hand away. Jaina wrapped her fingers around his hand. She gently returned it to the skin of her abdomen, resting her hand over his. She felt the warmth of his breath on the back of her neck. The rhythm was steady and sure, like Jag was for her. A gentle kiss caressed her nape just as Jaina's eyes drifted close. Her family was whole.

Sunlight warmed her face, inviting Jaina to open her weary eyes. She blinked once, shutting her lids against the brightness of the rays filtering through the window. The height of the sun left an impression on her retina, which caused her to slam open her eyes with a start. Jaina shot up in the bed as she muttered a curse. She started to scoot to the edge of the bed, when a commanding voice halted her.

"Don't move a muscle, Lieutenant Colonel. That's an order."

Jaina turned to see Jag coming through the door. "I'm going to be late for my patrol." She threw her legs over the side of the bed as she talked. "Why didn't Kyp come get me?"

"Because Twin Suns is on liberty today. My fighter is still out of commission. So you are all mine for a day."

Jag was beside her as she rose. He held out a robe so she could slip one arm in at a time. As she tied it closed, he wrapped an arm around her and before she could protest Jaina rested in both his arms. He carried Jaina to the main room as she questioned him. "When did all this happen?"

"Kyp and I made some plans while you were resting this morning."

"Well, I feel fine, so you can put me down."

He stopped by the small table. "Not today."

"I'm pregnant, not an invalid."

Jag deposited her gently on the chair. "We'll discuss that later." He left her to go to the kitchenette. An assortment of breakfast pastries and fruit was set out on a plate. He brought it over to the table and set it down in front of Jaina. "In case you are hungry."

Her stomach grumbled. Jaina picked at a muffin, peeling off a few small bites with her fingers. It did not take long for the hunger to warp into an all-consuming desire to vomit. Just then the door to Kyp's adjoining room slid open. He addressed Jag.

"I see the sleeping beauty has arisen." It seemed to Jaina the two men in her life had conspired against her and were quite pleased with themselves about it. Kyp turned to Jaina. "Not hungry? It took a lot of mind-warping to wrangle all that food out of the miserly quartermaster in the mess."

Jaina frowned at Kyp. "No matter how hard I try, I can't find any technique to stop the nausea."

Kyp sat down beside Jaina, taking her hand. "Let me try." Kyp's face washed with concentration. Very quickly Jaina was sure the Jedi Master turned a shade of green to match his eyes. She felt no better when he met her gaze. "Sorry, but that is beyond the realm of a Master even." Kyp rose unsteadily. "Now I think I am going to be sick."

Jag stepped over, taking Kyp's seat. "If you can't manage, you need another nutrient shot."

Jaina thought for a moment. "What I really want is bowl of fizz pudding."

The two men exchanged looks. Kyp shrugged. "Whatever works. All right, I'll be back in a few then." Kyp disappeared back into his room.

Jag rose again. "I will be right back."

He walked into the bedroom, returning with the hypospray gun. Jag placed a new vial in the socket as he returned to Jaina's side. She twisted her lips as Jag took her arm to pull the sleeve up on the robe. Jaina looked away before Jag placed the gun against the skin of her arm. He pressed the trigger then placed the device back down on the table.

As Jag settled back into the chair, Jaina sensed a somber tone fill the air. He picked Jaina's closest hand up, cradling it in both of his. Jag looked up from her hands to gaze into her brown eyes.

"Jaina, I have to say…"

"Jag, don't. There's nothing to say."

A fierce determination shone in his eyes; he was not going to be denied. "No, you are wrong. Last night was the first time I have ever been truly terrified. Even in the worst dogfight, I have my own training and experience to draw from. This is uncharted territory for me."

"That's understandable. I can't say I dealt with it much better initially. I have had longer to adjust. It was wrong to think you would just carry on as normal in this circumstance."

"That's beside the point. I was mad because I was afraid, and I turned on you. That was unforgivable on my part."

Jaina brought her other hand over to rest on Jag's hands. "You already said all this last night, and I already forgave you."

Jag stared at Jaina with an odd expression; then his face broke into a smile. "I guess I did." He pushed his chair back, letting go of her hand as he did. "Let's get you settled on the couch so you can rest."

Jag whisked her into his arms and traveled across the room. "Jag really, I can manage."

He settled Jaina down on the couch, then knelt beside her to drape a blanket over her outstretched legs. "Yes, about that. You are pregnant and sick. I emphasize the and. I don't doubt you could handle either one on your own. Both are another matter."

Jaina opened her mouth to speak when Jag placed two fingers across her lips. "However, I am willing to withhold judgment until we speak to Cilghal. She is coming over after lunch to examine you. Then we will all sit down and discuss it. I would like Kyp to be there, too. I think he needs to know what we are up against."

She grinned. "All right. You obviously have this all planned out."

Jag smiled back. "Not quite, but I am working on it."

She cupped his cheek with her hand, the smoothness of her cool palm was soft against the stubble of his day old beard. "I'm glad you got to go home and see your parents, but I am happier you are back. Now, I feel like, no matter what, everything will be okay."

Jag peeled the hand off his cheek and kissed the knuckles. "First of all, Mrs. Fel. Home is where you are, nowhere else. Second, everything will be okay. I am not going to let anything happen to you…" He let go of Jaina's hand and placed his own on her bare stomach, exposed where her robe had fallen open. "…or my child."

Jaina felt a tear form and trickle down her cheek as a river of love flowed from her husband to her and then the baby. She knew his words to be true. To the degree Jag had control, he would never let anything harm either of them. She emitted a slight gasp as she felt her child recognize the Force presence of her father. Jaina's hand covered his.

"Your daughter."

Jag's green eyes sparkled like a pair of emeraudes. "My daughter." He corrected himself. "Our daughter. Are you sure? I mean, you know it is a girl."

"I'm positive."

"And she is Force sensitive?"

Jaina grinned. "Just like her mom."

Jag pulled Jaina over so he was supporting her back, and she was nestled against him. "I bet she will be as pretty as her mother, too."

He pressed his lips against hers, branding her with his love. Jaina accepted the gesture enthusiastically. "I bet she'll have you wrapped around her finger in no time. You'll be powerless against her."

Jaina kissed Jag back, not satisfied with the initial taste he had granted her. She opened her lips and beckoned him in. Their tongue's danced in each other's mouths until both were quite sated. Jag deposited Jaina back on the couch, helping her settle into a prone position.

"I am already powerless against you. I guess I am doomed."

He pulled the blanket so it covered Jaina from neck to toe. "Now get some rest. Cilghal won't be her for a couple of hours."

Jaina opened her mouth to protest, and Jag raised a wary eyebrow so she shut it without uttering a word. Her hands wrapped around the blanket, pulling it up to her chin, as she snuggled into a comfortable position. Jaina felt warm and comforted all over. It was a wonderful feeling.

Kyp weaved through the marketplace toting a bag containing a tub of fizz pudding. It had only taken him three tries to find a food stuff store that carried the luxury food item, and then he practically had to Force manipulate the mind of an elderly Kuati woman to get the right flavor, the last one in cold storage. He had cried foul at the exorbitant price while the owner shrugged it off as a fault of the war.

Kyp could not imagine anyone ever wanting to eat the sweet gooey substance for breakfast as it was a dessert staple in many households, but then again, he would never have imagined himself in this position either. Here he was, a Master Jedi dispatched to conquer a craving ravaging the woman he loved who was carrying the child of another man. On top of that, she had contracted a possibly deadly disease that would have gone unchecked if it were not for said child. The baby was a gift from the Force for certain. It all seemed quite surreal.

"Kyp!" A voice called from behind him.

Kyp pivoted to greet the voice's owner. Drue was wading along a sea of shoppers heading in his direction. Her height made her easy to spot among the hordes. Kyp flashed her a grin. Drue smiled back, and he realized how truly beautiful she was. With her looks and charming personality, any man, except himself apparently, would be head over heels in love. He waited for her to reach him before offering a greeting.

"Hey, Drue."

Drue leaned into him and planted a tender kiss on his lips. "Hello. Did everything work out last night?"

"Yeah. Just some Jedi duties. Sorry about that."

"That's your job." Drue motioned in the direction Kyp had been walking. "Are you heading back to your barracks?"

Kyp nodded.

"I'll walk with you. They bumped up the Dozen's patrol time. So I need to get back."

He chuckled. "You can thank Twin Suns for that."

The pair started walking side by side. "You guys got today off?"

"One day of liberty. Wish I could enjoy it." He instantly regretted the last remark.

Drue eyed Kyp. "Is everything okay? I mean, does this have to do with your problem yesterday?"

Kyp masterfully concealed any thoughts from bleeding to his face as he brushed off the questions, offering half an answer. "Just a bunch of overworked pilots."

Drue was silent for a minute, matching him stride for stride. Something in her demeanor told Kyp she was not convinced. As they passed through the base gates, Drue faced him, raising a suspicious eyebrow.

"What's in the bag?"

Kyp never looked at her as he answered. "Food."

"What kind of food?"

"Just food."

Kyp sensed her swipe of the hand a second before Drue struck out at the bag. He whipped the bag away as she exclaimed, "Let me see!"

Kyp laughed, tickled the woman was so absolutely smitten with him that she desired to know everything about him. He backed away defending the bag vigorously as she tried over and over to grasp it.

"Not fair using your Force skills, Jedi." She was laughing as she spoke.

Kyp teased her, leaving the objective within reach just long enough to make it seem achievable. Drue made one more swipe before Kyp whisked it away. She was off-balance and stumbled. Kyp wrapped his free arm around Drue's curvy body, tugging her securely against his own.

She leaned breathlessly against him, her sides heaving from their silly dance. Her face was flushed, and the beauty of her struck Kyp at that moment. What jolted him the most was his reflection in her eyes. Sparkling deep in their azure sea, Kyp found something there unexpected. Druin Glentaw not only wanted him; she loved him.

At that moment, Kyp's heart softened a little. After all the heartache over the last few weeks, all the unrequited love, here was someone capable of truly loving him, regardless of his flaws and past. Maybe this was a new chapter in his life. Maybe he deserved some happiness. Kyp would never be able to thank Drue in words so he pulled her closer and kissed her.

Jaina was sure by the time her husband finished grilling Cilghal about all aspects of pregnancy he would know more about the subject than most medical professionals. He seemed to be attacking the whole pregnancy and disease like an impending tactical engagement. For Jag, in strategy making, knowledge was key.

Kyp, on the other hand, had remained quiet for most of the exam and discussion. Only adding a brief comment here or there, usually when he was addressed. It surprised everyone in the room when the Jedi Master changed the subject abruptly, bringing the impending excitement over the baby to a screeching halt.

"Cilghal, what can you tell us about the nano-organism." Jag's excited focus took the most serious turn; his mood suddenly became somber. The healer set out a small holo display unit on the table, keying it to bring up a holo of Jaina's blood.

"As you can see here," Cilghal pointed a slender finger to an odd lumpy organism nestled among the red and white blood cells, "we have identified a Yuuzhan Vong bioweapon delivered to Jaina through a neck wound. As of yet, neither Danni nor I have been able to find a method to combat the invasive organisms other than the repairs made directly to the affected organs. What we do know is that they are completely Yuuzhan Vong, shaped to be undetectable by a Jedi host."

Everyone remained quiet, digesting the healer's words. "These nano-organisms appear to be able to find weaknesses and attack them. It looks as if they gain a foothold in any part of the body, and they are able to multiply rapidly, using the cellular breakdown as a springboard for their own reproduction. So we know it is important to stay ahead of them. If Jaina had not detected them when she did," Cilghal paused and looked Jaina in the eyes before addressing both men, "she would probably be dead today."

The severity of the words made both men blanch. Jaina instinctively reached out and wrapped her hand around Jag's clenched fist. Cilghal continued after the initial shock subsided.

"The organisms are designed to have totally ravaged the body, weakening it beyond repair, before the host realizes something is really wrong. As a doctor, I probably would have been presented with the disease when it was too late under normal circumstances. Initially, we missed the organism because it is designed to self-destruct outside the body, making it difficult to find in blood tests.

Jaina broke in. "The good news is that the baby, somehow, is able to detect these organisms in the Force. Through our connection I can detect and fight them."

Jag addressed Cilghal directly. "If not for the baby, Jaina would be dead."

Cilghal nodded her bulbous head as Jag turned his hand over and clutched Jaina back. Jaina gazed into Jag's eyes as he turned to face her, absorbing the sobering news still. "She's our blessing, Jag."

"Yes, she is."

Kyp, excited by the possibilities presented by the revelation interrupted the tender moment. "Jaina, can you detect the Vong now?"

Jaina turned to Kyp. "I can find the nano-organisms using my bond with the baby. It's as if they are on a different wavelength of the Force, kind of like how we can't see some forms of light. I feel like I am wearing infrared goggles. If I took them off, I am not sure I could sense them on my own."

Kyp leaned forward, his eyes blazing. "This could change everything. You need to try."

Jag interceded on his wife's behalf. "I don't think it is a matter of trying."

Jaina squeezed his hand. "It's all right. There is no try, just do or do not. I plan to do; I am just not sure how yet."

Kyp offered Jaina a warm smile, guilty that he had been so harsh with her. "We'll figure it out."

Jag turned back to Cilghal. "Master, what is the outlook from here on out?"

"Jaina has successfully held back the nano-organisms so far, and the baby is healthy. I worry after her trouble the last couple of days, that I will need to report this to Starfighter Command."

Before Jaina could speak, Jag surprisingly came to her defense. "But you said that was all due to low blood sugar from the morning sickness, not from her illness."

"Yes."

"And you said we can control that with the nutrient injections, until the nausea passes."

Cilghal tipped her oversized amphibious head.

"Kyp and I can make sure she doesn't get overtaxed and gets enough…"

Kyp jumped from his chair unexpectedly. "You don't mean to suggest that she keep fighting?"

"If that is what she wants, and she is healthy enough to do so, yes."

"That's your wife you are talking about." Jag remained seated next to Jaina as Kyp towered over him.

The colonel's voice was no less forceful. "It is her body."

"It's your child."

Jag finally rose and rested a hand on Kyp's shoulder. "Yes, it is, but you fail to see the bigger picture, my friend. If we do not end this war, I will eventually lose my wife and child. I do not need the Force to foresee that fact. While we have a chance, Jaina should be given the opportunity to end it. We all know the big one is coming. It is inevitable."

Kyp remained frozen, mulling over the truth of the words, turning them around to examine them in every direction. Finally, he tipped his head, not happy with the truth but willing to accept it for what it was.

Jag removed his arm and faced Cilghal. The doubt the healer had reserved vanished in the eloquence of Jag's words. She blinked her large eyelids slowly, and Jag found his second ally. He sat back down next to Jaina, taking her hands in his. He willed her took look into his eyes, and she did his bidding.

"I have no desire to raise our child," he smiled, "in a war torn galaxy. As long as you can, without endangering yourself or the baby, I will support your desire to keep flying. You are still our best hope to putting an end to this madness."

Jaina relaxed visibly, but his next words warned her. "But that means leaning on me, and Kyp as well, whenever you can. I don't care if that means I write every one of your reports and program your sims. Whatever it takes. It is your body, Jaina, but you are my wife and that is my child. As long as Cilghal says you can go on, I will support you. All I ask is that when the time comes, and we suggest that you step back, you listen."

Jaina threw herself into his arms, reminded of why she loved this man so much. The Force had blessed her not once, but twice in her life. Hopefully, those blessings would allow the Sword of the Jedi to complete her task. Jaina smiled, recognizing everyone in the room was of the same mind.

Jaina was downing her third bowl of fizz pudding for the day. It was the one thing her stomach tolerated to any degree. Jaina, seated on the couch with her legs propped up, looked from her bowl to cast a glance at Jag, who was working at the datastation quietly. He must have sensed the attention because he turned around to face her and smiled his almost imperceptible smile she had grown to cherish.

"What are you working on?"

Jag swiveled in his chair so he was facing her completely. "Designing some new tactics utilizing the cloaked fighters."

Jaina finished the last mouthful and dropped the spoon in the bowl. "Can I help?"

Jag rose and walked over to the couch. "Not today." He picked the bowl off her lap before heading for the kitchenette. "Maybe you can work on another healing trance while I go check on Rane. He's supposed to get out of the medward tomorrow, but I am sure he would like word from our family."

About that time, the door comm chimed. Jaina sat up from her lounging position. "It's Valin."

Jag eyed the door as Kyp stepped into the room from his apartment. "Do you want me to chase him away?"

Jaina pushed off the couch to stand. Her legs felt wobbly from lack of use. Suddenly, all the resting seemed like a bad choice. "No, I promised we would train today. I can't blow him off. He's my responsibility now."

Both men eyed Jaina as she made her way to the door. Jaina avoided Jag's stare, certain he was now miffed about the idea of her expanding her responsibilities to include Valin in the midst of all this turmoil. She pressed the comm button. "Just a minute, Valin."

Jaina disappeared into the bedroom, and Jag followed. "It is Twin Suns day off."

She pulled on a pair of her Jedi fighting pants. "Jedi don't get a day off. He's my apprentice. My duty is to give him the skills to survive this as well. I know you think it an unnecessary undertaking, but Valin is the future of the Jedi. He will train our children one day."

Jag eyed her tunic as she pulled it out of the closet. "You're not planning on sparring are you?"

Jaina placed one arm, then the other, into the sleeves. She walked over to the door fastening the belt loosely around her waist "Kyp, can you let Valin in?" Then she shut the bedroom door. "I thought you were on my side here."

"I am; I am not sure sparring is a good idea. You are always coming home with one injury or another. I know it is not intentional, but still, it is a risk."

Jaina walked over to Jag. "I have been careful. I may still have to fight before this thing is over. I need to keep my body in shape, more so now."

Jag fiddled with her tunic's collar while he thought. "I don't like it, being in the confines of a cockpit is one thing. It is too unpredictable when you spar."

An idea sprang to her mind, evident in the sparkle of her eyes. "I'll only spar with Kyp; he will be careful."

Jag's hand fell from the collar to her shoulder. "Only Kyp then." Jaina grinned. "But not today."

"Agreed." Jaina grabbed Jag's hand. "Ready to meet my apprentice?"

Jag nodded. Jaina activated the door and led him out into the front room. Valin rose from the couch to greet her. He was surprised to see Jag accompanying his Master.

"Hello, Valin. I would like you to meet Colonel Jagged Fel."

Jag released Jaina's hand and offered it to the young man. "You can call me Jag."

Valin accepted his hand, but fumbled for words. "Uh, nice to meet you, sir." The two men parted, and Valin turned to Jaina, his face still reflecting the confusion in his mind.

Jaina grinned at Valin. "Shocked?"

"Well, yes, I was under the impression you were unattached."

"First lesson of the day - never let it show. A Jedi's strength is in his or her ability to be unreadable. Second lesson – always tell your Master the truth."

Valin tried to maintain a neutral face, pretending he did not comprehend her meaning. Jaina raised an eyebrow. Finally, Valin confessed. "All right, I don't picture you with him."

Jaina snickered. "That's the idea. No one knows. Got it?"

"I understand." Valin looked impressed Jaina was entrusting him with the information.

"Are you ready to get to work?"

Valin stepped toward the door. "I'm always ready to spar."

Jag eyed Jaina, who was already opening her mouth to speak. "Not today, my young apprentice." Valin stopped to face her. "Today we work on healing trances…" Valin's face grew long, "…and maintaining a neutral face, no matter how you feel about the task your master assigns."

When Jag entered his brother's room in the medward, the welcoming faces of Wedge and Iella greeted him. They were standing one on either side of Rane's bed. Jag approached the gathering, returning the affectionate look.

"I leave for Csilla; my brother is in the medward. I come back; he is in the medward. Is there something wrong with this picture?"

Rane grinned. "I was trying to even the score with Jaina, now I just owe Tahiri instead."

Iella admonished the younger brother. "Next time try not to take on a Jedi."

"If he had stuck around, I think I could have taken him."

Wedge eyed Jag as he responded. "I think your brother took care of that."

Rane addressed his brother. "So I heard. Is everything all right with you?"

Jag furrowed his brows. "Fine, except they cannot be positive Zekk is dead. Although I cannot imagine anyone could survive that crash."

Wedge added, "Except a Jedi."

Jag repeated, "Except a Jedi."

Wedge glanced over at his wife. "We had better get going."

Iella nodded before grabbing Rane's arm in a motherly fashion. "We are glad you're out of the bacta tank and feeling better Rane. Now try to stay out of trouble for your uncle's sake. He's taking this family thing really hard."

Rane smiled at his aunt. "I'll try."

The couple made their way toward the door, when Wedge halted by Jag. "Is everything better with Jaina?"

Jag tipped his head. "Yes, the break was much needed. Jaina is rundown. Last night brought it all to a head."

Iella came to their side. "Is she feeling better?"

"Yes, one hundred percent. We spent all day lounging around, quite a new experience for me, but I think I could get used to it."

Wedge patted Jag on the back. "Good to hear. I feel better knowing at least one of my top squadrons is well-rested going into the next few weeks." Wedge grasped his wife's hand as he addressed Jag and his brother. "See you two later."

Jag watched his aunt and uncle depart. Then he pulled up a chair in order to sit beside his brother. Jag's face had grown serious. "Thanks for keeping your promise. I didn't think it would quite turn out like this."

"Don't mention it."

"I do not relish the thought of having to tell Mother you were back in a bacta tank so soon."

Rane grimaced. "I take it she didn't receive the news well about my crash?"

Jag shook his head side to side. "She did a good job of putting up a brave front."

Rane grinned knowingly. "The actress face, huh? What role this time?"

It was a family joke that Syal Fel would assume one of her numerous roles when she needed to deal with a troubling situation. "Eva in Trasker's Fire."

Rane pursed his lips. "That bad?" Jag nodded. "How is Father?"

"He is Father."

"And Briaun?"

"She was at the Academy most of the time, but she came home for a weekend. Every other word out of her mouth was about Jaina. Apparently we have been replaced as her idol."

Rane chuckled. "How can she idolize you when you idolize Jaina?"

"Point taken. Really, I think it is great for Briaun; she misses having a big sister to look up to." Jag recognized his slip just as Rane pounced on it.

"Big sister? Is there something you are not telling me?"

The room fell silent. Jag pondered the possibility of simply confessing the truth. With everything that happened over the last day, he was desperate to confide in his brother. Then he realized Jaina was probably in the same predicament and had held true to their pact.

Rane studied his brother as a series of thoughts raced behind his green eyes. He noted the drawn appearance of his features accented by the serious turn his expression had taken. Rane knew his brother always took a lot upon his shoulders, but today he looked like he was carrying the weight of an entire world. At twenty-two, none of his boyish qualities remained. At some point Jag had completed the transformation to manhood.

"Jag, is everything all right?"

Jag fell back into his chair, comfortable enough to let his guard down. "I have been better."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

One corner of Jag's mouth curled up. "No."

Rane did not press the matter. Instead he found a subject he knew would take his brother's mind off his worries, at least for a spell.

"So tell me about those new secret cloaked fighters Uncle Wedge mentioned."