CHAPTER 34 - The Crash

Syal slipped into Jag's bedroom quietly. She glanced around the room that had belonged to a young man just coming into his own until her eyes came to rest on her son, now truly a man in his own right. She decided the room was entirely unfit for the room of a married couple or for even a sick room. As soon as possible, Syal would institute some changes in the room's decor, for the better.

Jag stirred from the restless sleep in a chair parked by the bed. He acknowledged his mother for a moment before turning his attention to Jaina. Syal eased over gracefully to place the tray of food she carried on the bedstand.

"I brought some food for you and for Jaina when she wakes."

Jag stared up at Syal, his eyes were rimmed with black circles. "Thank you, I will eat later."

"You should bring up that comfortable chair from the family room so you can get some rest."

Jag shook his head once. "No, this chair is fine. I don't want to fall asleep for too long at a time, and you know once Father gets in that chair he doesn't come out until you rouse him out of a sound sleep."

Syal lovingly rubbed the strained muscles along Jag's back. "Some sleep would do you some good, and that goes for all of you for that matter. Jacen and Danni still have not returned with your brother from the research facility. It won't do any good for every one of you to take ill with exhaustion."

Jag leaned back in his chair wearily. "There will be time to sleep after Jaina is better."

Syal nudged her son, gently at first. "Well, I am ordering you out of this room for at least an hour." Jag resisted, and Syal persisted. "Jagged Fel, go get yourself cleaned up and stretch your legs while I get a chance to spend some quality time with my new daughter-in-law."

Jag's resistance softened. "Are you disappointed in me?"

The question was unexpected. Syal eased across and settled on the bed, taking care not to disturb Jaina. "Never. I knew the moment I first saw you with Jaina, she was the love of your life. After you left Csilla the last time, your father said you were a fair-haired fool if you did not ask Jaina to marry you." She smiled ruefully. "Well. I guess we were fooled. I can't deny I am disappointed I was not there for the wedding, but that is my own selfishness talking. At least Wedge was there, that offers me some degree of comfort. Don't ever regret what has come to pass. Jaina is the best kind of woman, I expected nothing less for you."

Jag jumped to his feet and planted a kiss on his mother's cheek. "I love you, Mother." He glanced over her shoulder at Jaina's sleeping face.

Syal shooed him with a flick of a wrist. "Go. Use our refresher to take a shower." Jag started out of the room. "And eat something before you come back."

Jag nodded and exited the room as quietly as Syal had entered. Syal rose and smoothed the sheets where she had been sitting. She disappeared into the refresher for moment and returned with a damp cloth. Returning to the bed, Syal worked carefully at wiping down Jaina's forehead, face and neck. Careful inspection revealed the ravages the disease had worked on Jaina. Her eyes were sunken into their sockets. Her skin was translucent, showing every vein underneath. Despite the pregnancy, Jaina looked emaciated.

Syal paused her ministrations to tenderly cup Jaina's cheek with her palm. As if sensing the attention, Jaina's eyes fluttered open. Syal removed her hand.

"Good morning." Jaina's eyes scanned the room before ending her search and meeting Syal's gaze. She was obviously disoriented but found comfort in a familiar face. Syal continued. "You are home now."

"Home?" Jaina's voice was barely a whisper.

"Yes, this is our home, Jag's home. It is your home too, now that you are part of the family. I want you to know how happy I am that you are officially a part of Jag's life."

Jaina began to orient herself. "Where's Jag?"

"I sent him out to get cleaned up. No young bride deserves a husband in day old clothes."

Syal kept her tone light. She mustered all her acting skill to hide the fear that reared up just before Jaina had opened her eyes. A sudden terror had seized Syal deep down in her gut. She was not prepared to become a grandmother so early, but Syal found she was even less prepared to lose a grandchild or Jaina. Losing Davin and Cherith had been a terrible ordeal as a mother. Having to watch Jag go through losing either would be unbearable.

Syal turned her focus to something productive. "Are you hungry?" Jaina did not answer immediately, so Syal pressed further. "Some good food would be wonderful for the baby, much better than the nutrient shots you have been getting."

Jaina nodded. Syal switched off the thermal regulator from the food tray and pulled out a bowl of Endwa stew. She set it back down for a moment and analyzed Jaina's situation. The young woman was already struggling to sit up. Syal lent a helping hand and seconds later Jaina was situated in an upright position with two pillows plumped up behind her.

Syal brought over the bowl, setting it on Jaina's lap. The young woman moved her right hand to the spoon; her left hand cupped the bowl. Syal noticed the tremors immediately; Jaina appeared to regard her trembling hand with some disdain. Neither woman spoke of it. Jaina scooped a spoonful of stew and moved it to her mouth. Half the food made its mark; the rest fell back to the bowl. One drop hit the sheets.

Syal noted the look of determination and independence harden Jaina's face. Careful not to tread where she was unwelcome, Syal ignored the mishap. Jaina proceeded in the same fashion, making her moves slower and more deliberate. The result was decidedly less spillage.

After several spoonfuls, Syal offered Jaina a cup of fresh juice. Liquid, unfortunately, was not as cooperative or forgiving as the stew, vibrations resonating from the tremors. Undaunted Jaina lifted the cup to her lips. Syal, unable to stop herself after seeing the frustration well in Jaina's brown eyes, placed two steadying fingers on the bottom of the cup as Jaina tipped it to drink. The young woman offered a small smile of gratitude as she lowered the cup. Syal relieved Jaina's hands of the cup immediately.

"Mother, I know my hour is not up, but I think I should give Jaina a nutrient…" Jag strode into the room, fastening a shirt button as he went. His voice trailed off as he lifted his head and caught sight of the two women he loved most staring back at him. A smile bigger than Syal knew possible formed on Jag's lips. "Hey, beautiful. I see Mother is already shoving her Corellian food at you."

Jaina simply smiled. Syal responded. "There is plenty for you as well."

Jag shook his head, water droplets glistening in his freshly washed hair. "No, thank you. I will have some later. That growing daughter of mine needs it more than I." He drifted closer to the bed. "Eat up."

Jaina held up a spoonful. "It's good. Have one bite."

If Jag noticed the tremors, it was not apparent. "Okay, but just one, and only if you promise to eat the rest of that bowl."

Jaina held the spoon higher. Jag leaned over, using his own hand to steady hers. He accepted the bite. Syal watched as some strange silent conversation took place between their eyes. It was an amazing sight to witness two steely wills bend for the sake of the other – no love was greater.

Jag smiled and stepped away, moving across the room to fumble through their luggage. Jaina talked to him between bites of stew. "Can I have a tour when I am done?"

Jag stepped away from the luggage, a robe in his hand. "I thought you would never ask. Finish your food first. I figure you will see enough of this room. I also thought you might like to watch the holovid or write a letter home. I sent a dispatch out telling your family we arrived safely, but I am sure they would rather hear from you."

By the time Jag finished, Jaina revealed an empty bowl. She grinned and patted her growing belly. "We were hungry." She turned to Syal. "Thank you. It was delicious. It makes me feel like I am home."

Syal tipped her head graciously as she accepted the bowl. "You are very welcome. I want you to think of this as your home."

"I do." Jaina paused and looked at Jag, hesitating with a question on the tip of her tongue. "Has your father been this accepting? He was great when we first got here, but I think I checked out before the fireworks may have started. I am sorry I wasn't there for you."

Jag settled on the bed. "It went better than I could have hoped. Mother and Father have been great."

Jaina released her breath in a hiss. "Thank the Force." She pursed her lips. "Well, I guess my father looks like a real heel now."

Syal placed a comforting hand on Jaina's. "Of course he doesn't. If the shoe had been on the other foot, and something like this had happened to Briaun, Soontir would have acted just as outrageous. It has something to do with fathers and their little girls. Soontir and I knew Jag loved you. Everything happens for a reason, both of you made the best of a horrible situation. War is always a desperate time. It would be unfair to criticize you simply because of our own selfish motives, mainly that we missed a chance to see your wedding. Soontir and I will do whatever it takes to support you."

Jaina spun her hand so she could lace her fingers into Syal's own. "I knew there was a reason Jag was so perfect. It has to be his mother."

Syal turned her eyes up to her son and harrumphed once. "Perfect. Well I could tell you stories, but I don't want to scare you off before I get to see my beautiful granddaughter. Are you sure you don't want to eat more?"

"I'll have some more later. Right now there is a young lady who is anxious to do something other than lie around all day." Jaina straightened away from the pillows and eased her legs out from under the covers to Syal's side of the bed; her back was to Jag. "I think I developed an adrenaline junky. This baby is happiest pulling g's in the cockpit. Ohhh!" Jaina's hand flew to her abdomen.

Jag climbed across the bed and was at her side immediately. "Is something wrong?"

"She's going to have a mean sidekick." When Syal looked into Jag's green eyes, she saw confusion.

She grinned at her son. "The baby is kicking." She spoke to Jaina. "Jag was a spinner; Davin kicked."

Jaina took Jag's hand and placed it on top of the growing swell. She laced her fingers into his. Several heartbeats later, the baby complied with a sharp kick. Jag grinned, first at Jaina, then at his mother. Jaina giggled when she realized he was speechless. She turned to Syal.

"He just realized that he is really going to be a father and I wasn't just covering for an overactive appetite."

"I can hardly believe I am going to be a grandmother."

Jaina motioned to where Jag's hand was firmly planted. "Would you like to feel?"

Syal's eyes flashed with excitement, but she kept her face reserved. "Are you sure? I know how touchy pregnant women can be about their stomachs."

Jaina smiled. "It is more than fine. No one knew I was pregnant until a few days ago, so I have not had the usual barrage of belly-patters as my mother so fondly calls them. It used to drive her crazy when people would reach over a rub her belly, especially when she was pregnant with Jacen and me."

Jag moved his hand over, still hoping for another opportunity to experience his baby firsthand. Syal gently placed her hand next to his. Neither had to wait long, a series of kicks were quick to come. Syal withdrew her hand quickly afterward.

"She is a feisty one."

Without waiting for Jag to move his hand, Jaina shifted her weight forward and shoved off the bed. Her hands went out for balance as the blood rushed from her head. Jag steadied her. Syal cast her son a look of concern, but he shook her off before Jaina regained her senses. Jaina quipped casually.

"Now if this baby's mother can summon an equal amount of spunk." Jag chose not to respond, chalking the remark up to frustration. Coddling her would only succeed in making Jaina mad. "Can I have that robe now? It's freezing. I feel like I am back on Hoth."

Jaina held her arms out one at a time for Jag to ease on the robe. "I always did prefer the heat of the jungle on Yavin 4 or even Borleias. So when is winter over?"

Both Jag and Syal laughed before Jag's mother responded. "The cold storm season is still a couple months away."

Jaina frowned as she stepped toward the door. "Silly of me to ask." Halfway to the door Jaina stopped in her tracks. "Someone is coming."

Syal appeared unfazed by the strange announcement. "It must be Rane bringing Jacen and Danni home. I have to say I am relieved. Those three have been gone far too long."

Jaina shook her head. "No, it's not Jacen."

"Then it has to be Soontir." Syal eyed Jag. "It looks like your record is in danger of being broken."

Jag chuckled. "Shattered is more like it." Jaina glanced from Syal to Jag, her curiosity hinted by the arch of her eyebrow. "Just an old family joke. Everyone wants to be fastest to get anywhere. I am sure you will be shattering all our records in no time." Jag moved to her side and began guiding her out of the bedroom. "Come on let's go welcome my father home."

Jag kept a steadying hand on Jaina's elbow as she slowly walked to the top of the stairs. She paused, considering her options. Jag stepped around her and down a step. He was about to pick her up when the silence of the house was broken as the front door opened and a flurry of arms and legs burst in the front foyer.

"Jag!" Briaun, still dressed in her academy uniform, flew up the stairs at the sight of her older brother. Jag stepped down the stairs to greet his sister just as his father entered through the front door. The siblings joined in a loving embrace, Jag picking Briaun right off the step as he squeezed for all he was worth.

"I can't believe you are home." Briaun slid down until her feet were on the step below him. Being at a height disadvantage, she had to strain her neck to stare up at Jag. "Dad said you had a surprise."

Jag sidestepped so Jaina came into Briaun's line of sight. His sister stood dumbfounded for a moment before shock gave way to excitement. "Blaster bolts, you brought Jaina home!"

"I did. That's not all either."

"What?" Briaun looked like she was going to jump out of her skin.

"Jaina and I are married, so you have a new sister to bug."

"You are kidding, right?"

"And on top of that, you are going to be an aunt." There was something about Briaun's excitement that infected Jag, making him forget the awful truth threatening all his happiness. It must have been the innocence of youth, unable to fathom death and suffering to the degree he already knew.

Before Jag could stop her, Briaun had blasted past him. To everyone's relief, she must have recognized Jaina's frailty because she took extra precaution as she wrapped Jaina in a hug. "I am so glad you are here." Her voice had lost some of its exuberance.

Briaun eyed her mother beyond Jaina, noting the grim expression haunting her features. Suddenly, some of the excitement drained from the youngest Fel. Briaun may still have been a child in everyone's eyes, but she was old enough to understand her parents had taken her out of the Academy indefinitely because things were terribly wrong.

Her father's voice was a welcome distraction. He had climbed the stairs and now stood behind his daughter. "How about letting your father have an opportunity to welcome his daughter-in-law to the Fel family properly. With all the excitement yesterday, I never got a chance to do it right." Briaun stepped aside, her mother pulling the girl into her arms.

Soontir limped up the last step. Jag watched from below as the huge block of a man engulfed Jaina in the tenderest of hugs. "Everything is going to be all right. We are going to see that no harm comes to you or your baby, not ever."

Jag strolled into the kitchen, running a handful of fingers through his hair, which had gotten long enough that it could not stay in place on its own. Jacen stepped away from the food storage cooler with a bowl in hand. The two men exchanged weary smiles. Jacen spoke first.

"So tell me now that he is gone, what did Doctor Tarado have to say?"

Jag eased over to the pantry and began rummaging through it. "Sorry about the doctor not speaking Basic. He has been our family doctor since Davin was born, but he is adamant about speaking in Chiss. If he went to Naboo, he would speak in perfect Basic. He is funny that way."

"I understand. I am actually picking up some of the lingo. Did I get it right when I heard he wanted to come everyday instead of every other day like he has been?"

Jag emerged from the pantry with a handful of crackers. "Yes."

"So he is not happy with her progress either?"

"It has been two weeks, and the tremors are getting worse every day." Jag flopped into a chair by the kitchen table. "Sometimes I wonder if I did the right thing bringing her here. Maybe the trip set her back. Maybe if there were more Jedi around to help…"

Jacen pulled a chair over and straddled it. He appeared as calm as a pond on a windless day. "Maybe's won't get you where you need to be."

Jag shook his head like he was trying to dispel his negative thoughts. "I know. I am sorry. I realize everyone is doing their best for Jaina, but I am scared it will not be enough. I am so afraid of losing her, of losing them both."

Jacen leaned over and placed a hand on Jag's shoulder. "Trust in the Force, it brought you two this far."

Jag simply tipped his head, then pushed back his chair. He eyed the contents of the bowl in Jacen's hand. "Is that fizz pudding for Jaina?"

"Actually, I have taken up late night snacking as a hobby. Jaina turned me on to the stuff." Jag studied Jacen, unsure whether to take him seriously. Then Jacen grinned. "Really, I can't stand the stuff. It's too sweet for my taste."

"I know what you mean." Jag held out a hand. "I will take it up if it is alright with you."

"Are you sure? It's not a problem."

Jag stood. "Get some rest. You need your strength. Besides I will be gone most of the day tomorrow, so I want to spend some quality time alone with her tonight. Do you have any suggestions of ways to lift her spirits? She has been so…" Jag paused to think of a word. "…off. She usually is such a fighter, but in the last couple of days she fights everyone but this illness."

Jacen rose, too. "It has got to be tough for her. Jaina was always the independent one. She never needed anybody, now she can't even feed herself. Don't take it personally."

"I don't. I just hate seeing her like this. She could call me every name in the book if it would keep her fighting spirit alive and aimed in the right direction."

"Be careful what you wish for. As you so astutely put it, she is my father's daughter, and that goes for his vocabulary as well. She knows a few expressions that would make a space pirate blush." Jag smirked at the thought. Jacen, satisfied he brought a little relief to Jag's sorrow, took the opportunity to steer the conversation in a different direction. "So where are you off to tomorrow, lighting a fire under those scientists of yours?"

"Something like that. I will check on Danni first thing, see if there is anything she needs, then I need to check on Vanguards and run a couple of errands. I hate to be away but it is unavoidable."

"We'll take good care of her. I am off to meditate then. Goodnight, Jag."

"Goodnight, Jacen."

Briaun stabbed a couple of beans onto the fork, then bent over to ease the utensil into Jaina's mouth. The tremors had gotten bad enough to prevent Jaina from feeding herself. Briaun was more than willing to assist and thankfully to all, immune to her new sister-in-law's biting mood swings. Today, Jaina, frustrated by her helpless condition, had hit a new low. She accepted the bite and chewed angrily. Jaina swallowed, all the while eyeing Briaun.

"If you handle the stick of your ship with the same finesse, it's a wonder you haven't crashed more than the two times you are so proud of."

Briaun shoved a new forkful into Jaina's mouth before she could offer any more smart remarks. Jaina's glare would have reduced others to mush. Briaun ignored the icy stare, no one, not even Jaina, could beat her father in that department, and replied calmly.

"The Chiss believe you have not learned the limits of your flying abilities until you have pushed them to failure."

"It's a wonder the Chiss aren't all dead. Maybe you should go back to the Academy and work on those limits. Try not to push at them so hard; your poor mother doesn't need to bury another child so soon."

Briaun grinned. "If you are trying to run me off with your cutting words, you'll have to try harder than that, Jaina Fel. I had four brothers and sisters growing up; I excel at sticking like glue where I am clearly unwanted."

Jaina snorted, then clutched her side as if the act had caused some pain. "It's Solo. I haven't decided to change my name yet."

Briaun popped some Endwa into Jaina's mouth. "Why ever not? You did marry my brother didn't you? Or is there a big scandal brewing and this is all a ruse? No, I don't suspect Jag would do anything as scandalous as knocking you up and not marrying you. Don't you love him enough to give up your name?" Jaina chewed savagely, glaring at the youngest Fel. "If I married someone as wonderful as my brother, I would be happy to take his name."

"You wouldn't understand. I have made a name for myself. I will forever be a Solo; history won't let me forget that. I think Jag understands that. Talk to me about it when you are ready to get married and already have a career and reputation staked out as Briaun Fel."

"I think that no matter what you call yourself; you will always be remembered for everything you have done – either as a Solo or a Fel."

"Well, seeing that my husband, your brother, and Jacen have decided to abandon me today and leave me with your clinging personality, I am not going to stress over what I call myself. It may just be a moot issue."

"Now you are feeling sorry for yourself, Jaina Solo Fel!" Briaun shoveled a scoop of mounder rice into Jaina's mouth angrily. "Jacen has been by your side all day and night, working on your healing. He only left to have a short run outside. You should understand more than anyone what it feels like to locked up day after day." Another helping of rice made its way to Jaina's mouth before she could utter a sound. "And you know full well, Jag would never have left your side if it could have been avoided. It nearly broke his heart to leave you this morning. You were in a healing trance, but I saw the look in his eyes. You should be ashamed of yourself, maligning their efforts on your behalf."

Jaina finished her mouthful, but Briaun was on a roll now. "And as far as thoughts of dying, I do not want to hear another word about such nonsense. You have a wonderful family and life waiting for you to get over this awful sickness. Jag says they are very close to finding a cure; Danni works tirelessly on your behalf. Why? I don't know. All you can do is focus on how awful you feel, and direct your anger at anyone who happens to be in spitting range."

"You sure do know how to get your opinion across." Jaina sounded somewhat penitent from her previous words to Briaun.

Jag's sister felt a twinge of guilt. During the course of her tirade, Jaina appeared to have lost more color, even though five minutes before she would have sworn it impossible. "Like I said, I had four older siblings, who all had very distinct opinions. I learned early that I had to speak with conviction to get a word in edgewise."

Jaina grinned. "I think we are going to get along fabulously. I look forward to years of exchanging opinions with you, Briaun."

Jag's sister smiled. "As do I."

Jaina's face fell slightly, her eyes clouded ever so slightly. "I am sorry. I just feel awful today. I mean really terrible."

Briaun frowned as she stacked the now empty dishes. "I figured as much. Your appetite is good though."

Jaina patted her bulging stomach. The one thing Jaina had managed to keep healthy was her growing baby. Over the past two weeks, her waist had shown significant expansion while the rest of her body withered away with disease and disuse. "You can thank the wee one for that."

"Would you like some fizz pudding?" Jaina sat motionless for a moment. Briaun watched her with some concern. Jaina appeared to have gone to another place and left her body in place. "Jaina?"

Jaina snapped back to the moment. "Huh? Oh yes, I would love some fizz pudding."

Briaun picked up the dishes as she rose from her chair. Her attention drifted to the pair of doors opening out to the balcony outside the bedroom. A force field kept the warmth of the house inside and the cold at bay, allowing the room's occupants to enjoy the view of the back of the estate.

"It looks like your brother will be back shortly. You can verbally abuse him for awhile."

As Briaun slipped from the room, Jaina craned her neck to the side so she could see out the open doors. Jacen could be seen running along the glacier top in the direction of the estate. Jaina closed her eyes and reached out in the Force, seeking a connection with her twin.

It was easy to touch Jacen. He was absorbed in the Force, enjoying the flow of life's energy all around him. Jaina could feel the exaggerated beating of his heart, the increased circulation, the glorious strain on his lungs. It was the most alive she had felt in as long as she could remember.

Jaina extended her senses further into the Force. She found Jag easily; he was bristling with excitement and nearby. Jaina smiled. She felt others, too. There was Briaun downstairs eternally cheerful and bubbling with the energy of youth. She envied Briaun's liveliness. Jaina suddenly felt old and weary. She continued searching for others and found Syal out in her garden. Her thoughts were troubled, but the flowers she tended seemed to bring some peace to her thoughts.

Syal's thoughts revolved around her family, namely Jaina and Jag and the future. The bond Syal already acknowledged with her new daughter-in-law made Jaina miss her own parents even more. The vast expanse of space was not a barrier when you had the Force. Jaina reached further out, stretching to her limits, wanting to touch her mother and father, if only for a brief encounter.

What did touch Jaina jolted her to the core. Instead of the warmth of her family, Jaina was immediately drawn to a vivid image of Tahiri, but her friend was not herself. She wore the disguise of Jaina's own face. An intense feeling of dread spread out from Jaina's core, sending shivers coursing through her extremities.

The image expanded. Jaina stood at the end of the Palace Promenade on Naboo, looking down at herself - no not herself, but rather Tahiri disguised as Jaina. Jaina recognized her presence easily, the same familiar bond of friendship and camaraderie. Her friend was walking toward her purposefully, but Jaina's eyes were drawn away. She saw him coming, the source of all her pain and suffering, closing in on her friend. Tahiri had no idea what danger lay in her midst.

Jaina screamed, but no sound came from her mouth. Jaina tried again, but her voiceless cries went unheard. She waved her hands as she rose from her seat, trying to catch Tahiri's attention. Nothing mattered. She was too far away to be of any help.

Jaina watched helplessly as fate would crush another friend, deliver another terrible fate, all for Jaina's sake. Before the terrible scene could unfold into the horrible chaos Jaina feared, a piercing pain shot from Jaina's head down through her spine. The pain was so intense, her body tensed and convulsed of its own accord.

The image of Tahiri disappeared in a blinding light that scorched the back of her eyes like a lightsaber poking into them. The light was all encompassing; it was pure pain. Jaina barely registered her body crashing to the floor, sending furniture flying in her wake.

Tahiri checked her wrist chrono for the third time. Kyp was late. He was supposed to escort her to the treaty signing. Today would be the last time she would have to wear the horrific ooglith masquer and pretend to be Jaina. I would be a long day in that masquer though, between the treaty signing and her trip to Csilla afterward. If it had been anyone else other than Jaina, Tahiri was not sure she could have withstood the agony of donning the Yuuzhan Vong device day after day.

As it was, Tahiri felt claustrophobic hidden behind the masquer. It hurt to put on and hurt worse to take off. Every time she wore it, images of her shaping haunted her, vivid reminders of who she was and what they had done to her. To make matters worse, she had to sit at a table all day, pretending to willingly deal with the creatures that had tried to turn her into their own weapon of destruction.

Today would be the last time she would have to endure the torture, and Kyp was late. Tired of waiting, she stepped out of the room, where she had disappeared in the bowels of the Palace to change into her disguise. She drew her shoulders back and projected a mental image of Jaina - her walk, her mannerisms, her demeanor. Tahiri slipped down a hallway fully expecting to run into Kyp any second. She started to worry when she reached the Palace Promenade.

Tahiri slapped on her comlink and queued Kyp's frequency. Moments later his voice crackled over the comm.

"Durron, here."

"Kyp, where are you?"

"It's thirteen hundred. I still have an hour."

"Wrong. Check again. It's fourteen hundred, and we're late. You better get hopping before you anger the Goddess." Tahiri grinned to herself. The voice modulator altered her voice to sound like Jaina, allowing the same degree of freedom to be as loose with her words as her friend Jaina was known for. Tahiri would never speak so boldly to a Jedi Master on her own, even if the said Master was Kyp Durron.

"Kriff! My chrono must have malfunctioned. I'll meet you at the rendezvous point in five minutes."

"Negative. I am already heading out; I'll meet you there."

"You're becoming as willful and headstrong as … Well, you get the picture. Don't get into trouble until I get there."

The comlink clicked off. Tahiri shoved it in her Jedi tunic and continued along the Promenade. A sudden chill ran up her spine. Initially, Tahiri thought it was from the stiff wind whipping down the long breezeway, but the feeling only grew stronger. Her danger sense blared into high alert. Tahiri reached out in the Force. A familiar voice broke into her thoughts.

"Tahiri, look out!"

Tahiri spun, her lightsaber blazing to life. A Yuuzhan Vong was closing on her. Tahiri recognized him immediately from the Battle of Naboo. He was the one who had gotten away, the reason she was hidden in this horrible disguise, the reason for Jaina's personal hell. Before her was Nom Anor.

He held no weapon but his left eye bulged and came to life – a creature of deadly intent. Tahiri was not sure her lightsaber was going to help.

Jag whipped the speeder around the hairpin, signifying the last climb leading to the estate resting on the mountainside, overlooking the glacier plain. Until that moment, he had been oblivious to the drive back from Far'kra City. He immediately chided himself for his lack of focus, but the events of the day had left him more excited than he had been in a long time.

After returning to the base and conferring with Hiza, Jag found that all details concerning his squadron had been seen to by either his father or his second-in-command. His mind was somewhat eased of one burden. The welfare of Vanguard was ultimately his responsibility, but for the time being they would survive.

Jag quickly had run through his checklist of errands, deciding it best to use the day away from the estate to his advantage. He had missed Jaina terribly, but letting life slide by was like admitting there was nothing left for him and Jaina except the next couple of weeks. It was admitting the disease would win.

His last stop had been to the lab to visit Danni. The young woman had practically blindsided Jag with the stunning revelation within seconds of his arrival. The group of scientists believed they had determined a method to destroy the nano-organisms. Unbeknownst to most, the Chiss had already developed several methods to kill Yuuzhan Vong based life forms. It only had required minor adjustments to come up with a cure.

Danni was in the process of running the serum through a series of computer simulations designed to determine any possible side effects. The program had required some alterations to account for Jaina being human and not Chiss. Danni had insisted they simulate effects to the fetus as well.

Jag was relieved for her thoroughness. Jag had to admit the blonde scientist was within her element working among the Chiss scientists. They actually appeared to respect Danni for her accomplishments and her contributions to the project. If all went well, Danni would be delivering a serum to Dr. Tarado to administer to Jaina within the week.

Jag was practically delirious with excitement. So delirious he forgot to pay attention to where he was driving. Jag renewed his focus; reminding himself that flying over a cliff would not help Jaina's recovery in the least. Despite his determination to concentrate on the task at hand, Jag found his thoughts coming back to the moment he would deliver the good news. He did not intend to get her hopes up too high, but Jag also knew Jaina desperately needed a lift. Her mood was sullied with severe bouts of depression riddled with periods of frustration and anger. Jag understood, but it still hurt to see her lashing out at everyone around. Sometimes he felt like she was pushing everyone away in preparation for her own death. Today's news would give her a new hope.

The speeder topped the ridge. The road into the estate looped around, providing a great view of the backside of the estate house including his own room. Sweeping around the outskirts of the estate, Jag caught sight of Jacen jogging across the glacier. He was nearing the main house from the opposite direction. Jag chuckled as Jacen picked up speed, as if he planned to beat the speeder back.

Jag was game for a race, albeit an unfair one. He kicked the throttle up a notch, plumes of snow rose behind the speeder like a white tail. Jag beat Jacen to the front driveway and skid the speeder to a stop. As he powered down the speeder, Jag expected Jacen to come up and offer a smart remark about an unfair race. Instead, the male Jedi never broke stride, bolting up the steps taking three at a time. Instantly, Jag knew something was wrong.

Nom Anor still was not used to the freedom to walk about the city of Theed without an ooglith masquer, but it made his task easier. Since the beginning of the treaty negotiations, the Yuuzhan Vong had access to some sections of the city. It had taken little effort on his part to find one of his own kind that made an easy target. Killing the fool and stealing his personal effects had given Nom Anor great pleasure, but he derived the most pleasure in walking right past the naïve guards flaunting an ident card that bore a face with little resemblance to his own. The simple-minded fools had no idea how to distinguish one tattooed face from the next.

A limp marred his gait; a result of the treacherous plunge he had endured the day of the Yuuzhan Vong's shameful surrender. Nom Anor growled to himself as he recalled the events of that day. He had ensured his return to glory at the side of the Supreme Overlord. He had found a way to bend Shimrra's ear, offering him assurance of Jaina Solo's imminent demise from the bioweapon he had injected her with.

The hope of her weakness had spurred the Overlord to face the Jedi brat. Her death would prove her mortality and show her to be a blasphemer that she was. Shimrra had learned the truth when he had speared her with the iglyn implant in his arm. The connection formed at that moment had proven Nom Anor spoke the truth. All the Overlord had to do was finish her off, but somehow Jaina Solo and her Jedi comrades had prevailed.

Nom Anor had fled the Great Hall, only to be pursued by Jacen Solo and Kyp Durron. In his haste, Nom Anor had misjudged a turn, looking behind him, fearing the Jedi were too close, and fallen over the veranda railing bordering the Palace along the Theed River. The drop was several stories and Nom Anor had bounced off rock after rock until he plunged into the swift current.

Somehow, the fall and the river spared the former executor from an untimely demise. It had taken days for him to recover on the side of the riverbank and days longer to scout the situation in the city once he made the long trek back to Theed. Now, Nom Anor had a few scores to settle before he found a way off this miserable rock full of infidels. He had spent countless hours in the huge square abutting the Palace structure, one of the few spots open to Yuuzhan Vong. Today was the last day of the treaty negotiations; today was one of his last and best chances to get a parting shot at Jaina Solo.

As if the perfect scenario sprung up before him, Nom Anor spied a lone, petite female moving along the promenade skirting the palace. He moved closer quickly, using the shadows as cover. The hideous face of Jaina Solo came into focus forcing a hiss to escape his mouth. The sight of her spurred him into action.

Nom Anor leapt as high as his wounded leg would allow, grasping the railing in his hand. His upper body strength, which had not failed him, allowed him to easily swing over the rail. He ended in an alcove mere feet from where Jaina Solo should be. His stealth skills allowed his landing to be silent.

Ready to spring into action in a heartbeat, Nom Anor prepared the plaeryin bol in his left eye. This time Jaina Solo would die a swift and painful death. He had infected her with the bioweapon so she would die in front of the Jedi and instill fear in their hearts. Now she would simply die, and it would happen quickly without hope of recovery.

Footfalls approached, Nom Anor judged their distance by the sound and intensity, a skill developed from years of infiltration and spying. He calmed his urge to jump, knowing one more step would bring her to him, then stepped out. He ended mere feet from the source of all his heartache and suffering. Surprise was a beautiful sight on her face, but Nom Anor was too eager to see suffering and death in those eyes. He urged the implant to send forth its poison.

In that moment, a brilliant white energy, hot and excruciatingly painful, blasted into him. Nom Anor felt himself flying. He soared over the railing, then fell and fell, but he knew none of this, all he knew was pain.

Jag bolted into the house, a broken bowl of fizz pudding laid at the bottom of the stairs, shattered into a dozen pieces. Screams pierced the air from the top of the stairs, desperate cries for help. Jag spotted Jacen topping the stairs, heading for Jaina's room. At the same time, Syal burst out of the kitchen, fear in her eyes. Jag turned from her and bounded up the stairs.

The cries had stopped; they had come from his sister. He rounded the landing and covered the distance to his bedroom. Briaun kneeled by Jacen, babbling, her voice full of panic. Jag entered the room to find Jaina sprawled on the floor, the bedstand and lamp toppled over beside her.

Jacen had not moved her. Instead, he was scanning her body, running his hands along its length. Jag moved toward the scene. Briaun stood to approach him, tears streaking down her face. She was still babbling, nothing she said made sense.

Jag stopped in front of his sister. "What happened? You were supposed to be watching her." His voice was surprisingly cold.

"I…She…I went to get her some fizz pudding. I only left for a minute. When I came out of the kitchen, I could hear her screaming. She…She was screaming something, a name I think. Ta...Tahi something."

Jacen looked up from his probing. "Tahiri?"

Briaun nodded.

Jacen returned his attention to Jaina, but Jag was not through with his sister. "You weren't supposed to leave her alone. I gave you explicit instructions…"

"Jag." Jacen was standing with Jaina in his arms; she was rolling her head and moaning. He eased Jaina onto the bed.

Jag forgot all about his anger at his sister and moved to Jaina's side. Her eyes fluttered open, then widened in horror. "Tahiri."

Suddenly, her body went rigid. The stillness lasted only for a second before her eyes rolled back and her body started convulsing. It took Jacen and Jag to restrain her bucking body and prevent her from causing bodily harm. Jacen gritted a question through his teeth.

"Can you manage?"

Jag nodded. Instantly, another pair of hands appeared from the opposite side of the bed. Syal added her strength. Briaun had at some point climbed on the bed and straddled Jaina's legs, pinning them still. Between the three Fels they managed to wrestle Jaina into compliance.

Jacen moved to his sister's head and splayed his hands on either side. It took several tense heartbeats before Jaina's body went slack. The others eased up the pressure on her limbs; Jacen stayed as he was, his eyes now closed in concentration. Jag watched with bated breath. Syal eased over and comforted Briaun as she slid off the bed.

Finally, Jacen opened his eyes. He looked like a broken man. "She's lost control; she can't even protect the baby anymore."

Panic filtered into Jag's voice. "Can't you do something? Danni is testing the serum as we speak, but it could be a week."

"A week will be too late. I can hold it off for a day at most, but somehow the nano-organisms have multiplied in staggering numbers just in the couple of hours I was gone. I am sorry. I shouldn't have left her. I don't know what is happening…"

Jag stared at Jacen in disbelief. He was sure he must be hearing wrong. Minutes before Jag was eagerly anticipating her return to health, now he was being told Jaina and the baby were going to die. Jag eyed Jacen, and forced his next thought out.

"If you concentrated on Jaina only, would it make a difference?"

Jacen swallowed. "It might. I am dividing my energy as it is."

Everyone in the room stood in silence. The tremendous weight of the momentous decision crushed the air out of the room so the hollowness was like a vacuum. Jacen stared at Jag; Jag stared at Jaina. He knew what his decision had to be with a hard examination of his conscience.

The mood was broken as Jag stepped forward and scooped Jaina off the bed. He spoke in a confident tone as he did so. "Briaun, Mother, grab Jaina's travel case. It's already prepared. Jacen, get anything you need and meet me at the speeder."

Jag turned to leave the room. His mother's voice stopped him. "Where are you taking her, Jag?"

"To Far'kra City. I have nothing to lose in trying that serum, tested or not."

End of Chapter 34
TKL/h94