CHAPTER 36
Tahiri inhaled sharply as her mind arrived back in the conscious plane. The harsh light of the room caused her to blink rapidly. Seconds later, the sound of Jacen next to her, experiencing a similar revival filtered into the silent air. Tahiri and Jacen ignored the startled actions of those gathered in the room at the sight of both Jedi coming to life. Their only concern was for Jaina. The return had been somewhat unsettling and had required a tremendous draw on the Force. For Jaina, who was weak, the journey home would be the fight of her life.
Beep.
Everyone's eyes went to the monitor. The second Jacen had released his bond with Jaina her heart had slowed. No one breathed or uttered a sound in anxious anticipation.
Beep.
Jacen immediately focused his energy on Jaina; he clutched her hand in his own as he sat back from the bed. Rane had placed a chair behind Jacen, which he accepted gladly, his body weary from the efforts of the past day. Tahiri climbed off the bed so she was standing next to Jacen. She covered his hand with her own, both sending their strength to his sister.
Beep.
Jag had watched the pair of Jedi with bated breath from across the medbunk. Jacen met his green eyes, blazing with fear. "She's trying, Jag. You can help her."
Jag clutched Jaina's other hand just as he had through it all, his knuckles stretched through his white skin. "How?"
"Let her know how much you need her. Give her a reason to come home."
Beep.
Jacen and Tahiri gave Jag support with the encouraging light in their eyes. Jag whole life hung in front of him in this final act, his hopes and dreams pinned on this one moment. The enormity of his actions was beyond anything Jag had ever experienced or imagined, but he had no intention of failing.
Jag leaned up out of his seat and drew closer to his wife. He pulled their intertwined hands around so the back of Jaina's hand touched his cheek. "Jaina, I am waiting. We are waiting, your daughter and I. You are all I have ever wanted. You are my life. Come back to me…"
Beep.
His words trailed off as he realized they were not sufficient to express his love. Jag had never been a man of words; he was a man of action. Rising from his chair, he released Jaina's hand. Jag placed one hand on the mattress beside Jaina to support his weight and the other hand went to her cheek. Then Jag placed his lips on hers, sending all the love in his heart through the kiss.
Beep.
Jag's eyes were shut, his focus honed on one intention, letting Jaina know everything he felt in one simple deed. Suddenly, he could feel the slight breeze of her breath running across his skin. There was life left in her still. That small hope caused a small tear to form and trickle down his face, spilling onto Jaina's cheek.
Jag felt his tear run into one thumb resting on Jaina's skin. He felt something else as well, the slightest of movements under his lips, a return on his investment. Jaina kissed him back; it was not much but it was the most glorious kiss Jag had ever known.
The Solo household was finally quiet. Mara and Luke escorted the last of a long line of well-wishers who had stopped by during the afternoon and into the evening. Word had spread quickly through the Jedi community of Kyp's outburst in the Council Chambers, leading to the rumor of Jaina's death. No official word had come from Csilla, but there was no doubt in anyone's mind as to what had happened.
Luke reached for Mara's hand as they passed along the hallway. Her fingers laced between his. As if they were of one mind, Mara turned and fell into Luke's embrace. Time had no definition as they found solace in the strength of each other's arms. Mara had no more tears to cry; Luke could not cry, not when so many people needed him.
Mara pulled away first. "We need to check on Han and Leia."
Luke tipped his head and allowed Mara to escape his arms. She walked a few steps and stopped to face Luke once again.
"I'm worried."
"About Jacen?"
Mara nodded.
The lines around Luke's eyes deepened. "I can't feel him either."
Mara voiced her husband's fear. "Do you think something happened? Maybe he was unable to deal with Jaina's death, just like she couldn't deal with Jacen's apparent death?"
"We have to trust him." Luke did not know what else to say.
Mara tipped her head. Luke eased her around by the shoulders. Together, they walked in silence to the family room where they found Leia just as they had left her, ramrod straight on the couch with Han at her side. She had sat in this same position all evening, graciously accepting the comforting words of each visitor. Han, although present in body, was somewhere else in spirit. Only when he was seeing to his wife's needs did he emerge from his shell, to retreat back inside whenever possible.
Leia cast a weary glance at the couple as they entered the room. "Thank you for seeing the Horns out."
Mara forced a half-smile, which looked more like a grimace. She rubbed a hand against the back of her neck, trying to knead some of the tension out. Mara's concerns seemed to mirror Luke's own; both worried about Leia's state of mind. Outwardly she appeared to be handling Jaina's death better than Anakin's death, but on the inside Leia was falling apart.
Unable to bear the silence, Leia spoke again. "Poor Valin. He loved her so much. Do you think he will be alright?"
Luke moved to the couch and sat by Leia. "He is a strong young man with people to support him. He will go on because he knows that is what Jaina wants. He told me as much."
"Jaina would want for someone to see to his training, someone she trusts. Will you make sure he is looked after?"
"I will." His sister averted her gaze, for reasons unknown she had avoided eye contact all night. Luke wondered if she too feared for Jacen, but could not bear to see the worry in his eyes as well. It might have been more than she could bear.
Mara crossed the room and began to pick up some of the glasses left on the small table in the center of the room. Leia eased forward on her seat and pushed Mara's hands away.
"I will take care of those. Sit please. You have done enough tonight."
Mara started to argue but a pleading look in Luke's eyes halted her. Leia gathered a handful of glasses and straightened. "Would any one like something from the kitchen while I am up?"
Luke and Mara shook their heads and mumbled their appreciation. Han started to ease off the couch to join Leia until she spoke. "Han, stay. I'll be fine. I just need a few minutes alone."
Han lowered his eyelids and settled back onto the couch.
The room fell into an uncomfortable silence as Leia slid out of the room. Once in the kitchen, Leia deposited the glasses in the sink. Only half-aware of her actions, she started cleaning each glass in turn, leaving the washed ones on the counter at her side. As she glanced up from her work, Leia's attention was drawn to a shadowy figure in the garden.
Leia placed the glass she was cleaning in the sink and headed for the back door. She keyed the door, and it slid open silently. The night air was cool and moist as she slipped into the darkness. The outline of a man was visible huddled on the bench set to overlook the blooming roses. Leia approached and placed a hand on his shoulder. The misty green eyes of Kyp met hers as he turned his face upward.
Leia sank onto the bench next to the Jedi Master. He tried to mumble some words, but they were lost in his sorrow. Leia wrapped her petite, slender fingers around his calloused hand. Neither one wanted to look the other in the eye, but they found solace in the touch.
In that moment, sitting with Kyp, Leia realized Jaina would be missed by so many more than her immediate family. Jaina had touched so many lives, made such a difference to countless individuals. In people like Kyp and Valin, Jaina would be remembered and the light of her life carried on. Although the knowledge did not diminish her pain, Leia found comfort in this fact.
Just like Anakin, Jaina's deeds and actions were her legacy. Her thoughts turned to Anakin. Her baby boy would no longer be alone wherever he was; Jaina and Anakin would have each other. Two children gone, their lights snuffed out in the prime of life. Leia hoped Anakin had been there to make his sister's passing easy, to comfort her. Oh Anakin, take care of her.
"I did."
Leia was so used to talking to her dead son in her mind that his answer back was not unexpected. The fact that Kyp bolted straight off the bench did strike her as unusual. Leia turned her focus up to see what had startled Kyp, only to find Anakin standing amid the rose bushes outlined in a blue hue.
"Anakin!" Her words were no more than a gasp.
Anakin offered the precious smile bestowed on him by his father, but there was a hint of sadness. "I took care of her, Mom, just like you would have wanted." Leia started to speak, but Anakin held up his hand. "There isn't much time. You have to listen carefully. Jaina isn't dead yet." Leia cried out, clutching Kyp almost as if she would have collapsed otherwise. "Jacen managed to anchor Jaina's lifeforce to his own, but she needs all our help to get back. I have shown her the way, but it won't be easy."
Kyp interrupted. "What do we have to do?"
"Show her the way."
Leia had regained her composure and stepped forward. Anakin stepped back. He spoke when he saw the pain on her face as he withdrew. "Mom, I am gone. Don't waste time on me; Jaina can be saved."
A tear sneaked down Leia's cheek. "I love you."
"I know. I have to go. There are repercussions for my coming to you, every second that passes costs a heavy price." Anakin began to fade, and Leia stifled a sob. "I love you, Mom."
Anakin had vanished as quickly as he had come. His voice materialized out of the night air and seemed to come from every direction. "Show her the way."
Luke and Mara burst out the back door, followed by Han close on their heels. They were all startled to see Kyp standing with Leia. They were even more floored when Leia exclaimed, "Jaina still has a chance, and we can help save her!"
There was darkness everywhere. No one remained by her side. She was cold and alone.
Babump!
Everything in her body hurt in ways never before imaginable. Jaina felt like she was abandoned in some bottomless pit of dark water. The pressure of the pain grew and crescendoed until the warmth and peace she had just left behind seemed so inviting. Anakin's voice sent a reminder.
"Don't ever look back."
At that same moment, she felt a tiny flicker of warmth tingling from one hand. Not more than a couple of seconds later the other hand enjoyed the same sensation.
Babump!
Jaina knew she needed to find a way out fast. For some reason, the pressure in her chest was reaching the bursting point. It was as if her body needed something, but whatever it was she could not tell. Even the warmth in her hands was not enough to overcome the burning sensation as it spread out across her body.
Jaina felt herself falling away, her hands the only part wanting to stay, but something from below stopped her, pushing her back up. Her body was so heavy and tired that Jaina knew she had to act quickly. She started to scratch and claw and pull upward, through the dense haze separating her from life. The exertion sent a burst of energy from limb to limb.
Babump!
Her goal was so close she could almost feel it. She could feel something – it was not what her body was craving but what she felt was fuel for her soul. Love poured into Jaina like a waterfall on Naboo, drenching every recess lacking energy to fight. She recognized every unique gift – her mother's quiet grace, her father's cocky zest, Mara's strength, Luke's wisdom, Kyp's will, Jacen's bond, and so many more. Eclipsing all those loves was one so special it could not be ignored.
Babump!
There was Jag, calling her back. His love was strong, pure and beautiful.
"Come back to me…"
Suddenly his love seared through a touch, a kiss. Jaina recognized the touch in an instant, and as Jag's kisses always did, it caused her to gasp.
Air!
Babump!
Air to breathe – that was it. That was what she had been missing. Her lungs had not wanted to put forth the effort, but Jaina forced them open. The pain eased slightly with the intake of oxygen; the burning sensation diminished.
Babump!
The warmth spread across her cheek from a touch – a hand. The heat of breath passed along the other cheek. Jaina remembered that wonderful sensation and inhaled again. The pain retreated enough for her to want to return the kiss, to tell Jag she was there. Jaina tried but nothing about her body wanted to comply, as if it had rejected her will.
Babump!
Rain? Why is it raining? I should look and see. Not yet, in a minute.
Another breath came. The pain was still present but it no longer controlled her.
Babump!
Oh, more rain. No tears, Jag's tears.
Jaina wanted to stop Jag from crying, to take away his pain. Her muddled mind searched for a way to tell Jag she loved him. Then, it happened; her lips answered her demands. Jaina kissed Jag back, and everything came rushing back in that instant, like she had jumped back into her body. She felt it all – her heart, her lungs, her baby, every wonderful painful piece down to the tips of her toes. She felt alive.
Jaina fought with her eyelids, but they were so heavy. Slowly, they eased apart, farther and farther. And what a glorious sight they found. Two beautiful green eyes gazed down, brimming with tears, full of love.
"Welcome back, Mrs. Fel." His voice was strained and broken, but it was Jag's voice. A sound she thought was lost to her forever ringing in her ears.
Suddenly, Jaina was swept up in an embrace, Jag's arms holding her tight, pressing their bodies together. The feel of his strong arms was a heaven of its own. All his pain and anguish flushed through Jaina then was replaced immediately by two new glorious sensations - joy and elation. Jaina knew his suffering as if it were her own and tears threatened to fall anew. She also felt the pieces of his shattered dreams collecting themselves, mending, healing. Dreams that would heal as her body did.
Just then Jaina lifted her eyes to the sight of Jacen and Tahiri smiling at her. Jacen rubbed Jaina's hair affectionately, while Tahiri beamed a smile through tears of her own. Jaina had so much to tell them, but one thought summed up all she had to say.
Thank you.
Wedge triggered the door chime mechanism and then backed away to shuffle anxiously on the front stoop of the Solo home. He thumbed the datacard in his hand, on it was a message forwarded from the Trickster's Sword still in orbit over Naboo – a message from Csilla. Morning had dawned on the city of Theed following the news of Jaina's death the day before, and Tycho had contacted Wedge to inform him of the transmission. Wedge could not stomach the idea of the official word of Jaina's death being dispatched by a stranger, so he decided to deliver it personally. Even though Jaina had not died under his command, he felt like he owed her as much.
The front door slid open to reveal Threepio. "Welcome, General Antilles. I did not know you were expected."
Wedge swallowed, wishing someone would program droids to project moods more suited to the situation at hand. "I wasn't Threepio. I have a message for Han and Leia. May I come in?"
Threepio's fixed arms popped up dramatically as he scooted back, talking all the while. "Certainly, I am sure Captain Solo and Mistress Leia will be excited to see you…"
Wedge tuned the droid out as he stepped into the front foyer, where only yesterday he had comforted his friends upon learning the awful news. Wedge's gut twisted as he thought about the pain of losing a child. If something were to happen to Syal or Myri, Wedge was unsure if he could bear the loss.
Approaching the family room with Threepio still in the lead, Wedge pushed the pain away and pulled on his game face. His own suffering was not the paramount concern at this point in time. He had lost a hold-daughter and one of his finest squadron commanders, but Han and Leia had lost a child.
Wedge studied his friends as Threepio proceeded with his customary introductions. Han rose first from his position on the couch next to Leia. For a man who had lost his daughter, he appeared remarkably composed as he shook Wedge's hand. Han almost gave the appearance of a man who had too little sleep, not a father crushed by the bitter taste of loss.
"Good of you to come by, Wedge."
The retired fighter pilot nodded his greeting, while his eyes were drawn to Leia to see if she fared worse than her husband. Perhaps Han's façade was all an act for her benefit. She smiled politely, her political mask firmly in place, hiding the agony of her heart. Wedge tore his eyes away and met Han's gaze as the two men released hands. He held out the datacard.
"A message came from Csilla. It's encrypted; I assume you will know how to unscramble it."
Han accepted it without the hesitation of a man dreading the truth to come. The Corellian ex-smuggler walked to a desk in the corner and slipped the datacard into a datapad. He returned to the couch and handed the device to his wife after entering a passcode. Leia accepted the datapad with one hand; the other hand went to her chest.
Leia took only a few seconds to scan the screen before handing it back to her husband. A couple of tears slipped out of the corners of her brown eyes as Leia exchanged glances with her husband. He turned his attention to the screen, his eyes darting back and forth as he absorbed the words.
To Wedge's utter surprise, Han let loose a voluminous hoot and scooped his wife off the couch, spinning her around. The couple laughed and giggled and kissed like teenagers as Wedge watched in stunned silence, his mouth agape. He barely composed himself in time to catch the datapad after Han tossed it his way. Wedge scanned the screen hurriedly.
Dear Mom and Dad,
I am sure you know it was touch and go here over the last day. I wanted you to know Jaina made it through with the help of everyone. Although I am sure you have some idea if this; it never hurts to see it spelled out. She is showing no signs of the nano-organisms today and making a remarkable recovery.
The baby appears healthy, but we will not know more until she is born. There is some concern about possible side-effects from the serum used to cure them, but Jaina says she will trust in the Force to make everything right. She says it has not failed her yet. After yesterday, I would be inclined to agree. Pray for the baby all the same. I have to make this short; I did not want you to worry though.
Love,
Jacen
P.S. Jaina woke up and wants to say thank you. She said you would know what for.
Wedge collapsed into the chair behind him while Han walked his way, his extended hand holding a glass filled with brandy out in offering. Wedge accepted the glass willingly.
"You Solos are the luckiest nerfherders around." Wedge chuckled as he swirled the deep amber liquid. "Not that I am complaining."
Han held up his glass. "Let's toast to it."
"I usually refrain from drinking until after lunch, but I'll make an exception in this case. I would ask how they managed to bring her back, but I am afraid it will be lost in the excitement of the moment, so we'll save it for later. Besides I bet you want to make some calls." Wedge clucked to himself and shook his head. "I had better retire before your daughter makes me completely grey."
Han laughed. "That's my girl."
The two men clinked their glasses while Leia sidled up to wrap her arms around Han's waist. The brandy was first rate, burning the whole way down. To Wedge, it reminded him of just how wonderful and painful life could be in one swallow. Today he would take the wonderful part.
Jaina rolled onto her back so she lay in the middle of the medbunk, staring up at the ceiling. She blinked slowly while trying to recall how many days it had been since her body had been cured of the Yuuzhan Vong bioweapon. Most of the time had been experienced through a hazy fog where she drifted in and out of healing trances with either Tahiri or Jacen lending their strength.
Jaina figured today was the fourth day since her recovery and she actually was starting to feel like her old self. She had an appetite. It did not hurt to breathe or move. Other than pains associated with the pregnancy and her tendency to tire early, Jaina thought it was wonderful to be alive.
Scanning the room, Jaina noticed Syal dozing in a chair by the far wall. Tahiri sat next to the medbunk, her legs tucked up in the chair and crossed. Jaina could feel the healing energy pouring from her friend. Jag and Jacen were nowhere to be found. Reaching out, Jaina found Jacen in the next room sound asleep. Jag was not nearby. He had been a constant at her side, so his absence piqued her curiosity.
There was little Jaina could do to satisfy her inquisitiveness so she shrugged it off. She used her hands to push herself up so her back was propped up against a pillow leaning against the headboard. A tendril of hair hung into her eyes, she brushed it back with a hand. Her fingers met a grimy tangled mess. Jaina groaned at the thought of her long hair in such a state. She imagined she must look a fright. The sound was slight, but it roused both Tahiri and Syal. Tahiri was the quicker of the two to gather her wits.
"Is something wrong?" There was genuine concern in her eyes.
Jaina smiled sheepishly, embarrassed by the attention. "My hair." She pulled a handful away from her head as if to emphasize the point.
Syal who had crossed the room to be at Jaina's side, brushed her palm along the top of Jaina's head. "You have beautiful hair."
Jaina grinned up at Jag's mother, a picture of composure, not a hair out of place, her clothes without a wrinkle – just like her own mother. "That's what mothers are supposed to say." Jaina turned to Tahiri. "My hair feels like that time I found the shower on the Trickster. Jag stopped by and I sent him packing after saying he was a little too much spit and polish for my taste. And me standing there covered in green goo. Lowie was howling mad when I rubbed that slime all over…" Jaina's voice trailed off as her expression fell.
Tahiri reached over and grasped Jaina's hand. Syal expressed concern over the sudden change. "Do you feel sick?"
Tahiri spoke for her friend. "Lowie was our friend. He was in Twin Suns until starting his own squadron. Lowie died on Naboo." She looked back to Jaina. "He will be missed."
Jaina voice lacked the vitality of moments before. "I haven't even been able to mourn anyone. Sometimes I feel like I have been caught in a strange nightmare. I am awake now so its supposed to be all over, but in a way it will never be over. There are so many to remember – Laytar, Lowie, Octa, Shawnkyr…"
Syal sunk to the bed and pulled Jaina to her so the young woman's head was cradled against her chest. Being held by Syal, Jaina felt the same sense of love – a desire to take away all the pain and bear it as her own – as she felt when her own mother held her. Jaina's arms snaked around Syal, and the two women held each other for a timeless spell. Jaina could not find the need to cry though. Too many tears had been shed recently to warrant more. Finally, Syal pulled away to brush her hand tenderly across Jaina's brow and over her hair.
"How about we see to getting you cleaned up?"
Jaina's eyes twinkled in silent laughter. "That bad, huh?"
Tahiri piped in. "I bet a shower and a change of clothes would make you feel like a new woman. You know I am always up for a makeover."
Syal slid the sheets off Jaina. "By the time we are through with you, your husband won't recognize you."
"Oh yes he will. You can't exactly miss this." Jaina pointed to her pregnant swell.
Syal waved off her concerns. "It barely shows. You should be bigger this far along, but the sickness kept you so small. When we get home, we'll work on that, too."
"Please no. I have no desire to be the size of a bantha. Poor Jag will have to get a repulsor sled to tote me around." Jaina swung her legs over the bed so she was aimed at the refresher. "Speaking of which, where is Jag?"
Syal supported Jaina by the waist as she rose slowly on shaky legs. "I sent him away, the same time I sent Jacen to bed. Soontir and Rane practically had to drag them both out of here, but they came around."
Tahiri giggled as Jaina took her first wobbly steps across the room. "She didn't need any help from the men. Mrs. Fel had Jacen and Jag hopping out of here all on her own."
The three women broke into a fit of giggles. The mood stayed light and cheery all through the next couple of hours as they worked on washing away the tired sick Jaina and replacing her with a healthy, refreshed Jaina. They were still laughing at the point when Jaina sat on the medbunk with Syal and Tahiri working on braiding her hair.
"It sounds like a room of schoolgirls not a medward."
Jaina turned her eyes to the door; her head was fixed in place so as not to disturb the handiwork in her hair. Jag stood framed in the doorway, a smile on his face. His appearance was back to its usual polished form, a pressed black uniform hugged his firm build, a fresh shave accented his powerful jaw line and his hair trimmed back to its standard short crop completed the picture. Only the dark circles under his eyes gave any hint to the drama that had unfolded over the last several days, but the sparkle in his eyes told of the joy in his heart. Jaina smiled at her husband, who returned it with a toothy grin, not his usual subtle smirk.
Syal eyed her son. "What did you do, Jagged? Shake your father and brother and make a break for it?"
"No ma'am. I took a nap, got cleaned up, ran by the base, did some errands, then came back here. Rane and Father are parking the speeder. I made them drop me off." He stepped across the room, his focus now on Jaina. "I couldn't stand one more minute apart from my beautiful wife."
Jag leaned over and planted a solid kiss on Jaina's lips, which she accepted greedily. When they parted, both sets of lips were turned up in grins. The thundering of approaching feet brought the special moment to an abrupt end. All eyes turned to greet Rane as he bolted through the door. Syal's glare brought him to a grinding halt.
"Sorry, Mom. Jag, I need to talk to you."
Jag stood his ground and waited for Rane to continue.
"Outside." Rane pointed to the door.
Reluctantly, Jag followed his brother out of the room. While the women finished Jaina's braids, the two men exchanged words in lowered voices before Jag marched back into the room with Rane not far behind, worry marred their usually unreadable Fel features.
Jaina arched one eyebrow at her husband. "Well?"
Jag immediately fell back into his confident air, his emotional barriers rising to lock out his concerns and hide away his thoughts. "The Four Families are coming. Father is stalling, but I doubt even he can turn them around, now they know you are here."
Jaina knew Jag well enough to read his concern, but after everything she had been through a handful of Chiss leaders hardly made an impact. "It's a good thing I cleaned up then."
Jag came back over to her side; his eyes told of the seriousness of the situation. "They could make our lives really difficult or really easy."
Jaina realized in saying 'our', he meant his. There were still possible repercussions for the choices he had made. The price Jag may have actually paid for her came crashing down. They had come to a moment of reckoning.
Jaina offered Jag a comforting touch on his arm. "I'll put on my mother's best diplomat face and keep the true Jaina locked safely away. We'll be fine."
Jag's subtle grin snuck out of its hiding place. "I like the true Jaina."
Jaina climbed across the bed. "I don't think you career can afford the real me having a go at the Four Families, whoever they may be." She nestled against the pillow so she was sitting upright and pulled the sheet over the lower half of her body. Jag watched as she settled her hands in her lap. "They wouldn't be too hard on a woman in her sick bed would they?"
Syal smoothed the sheets as she spoke. "You will do fine, I am sure."
The sound of approaching footfalls caused the room to fall silent. Everyone watched the door with bated breath until Soontir stepped into the room. His face went from drawn to bright when he caught sight of Jaina, who was looking healthier than he remembered, a sweet smile on her lips.
"Hello, Jaina. You look radiant. I can't believe the difference a day has made."
"Thank you."
"You have some visitors, if you are up to it." The hard look in the general's one good eye told Jaina that if she had declined he would have marched the Four Families right back to where they came from, no matter what the consequences to himself.
Jaina smiled graciously. "It will be fine. Bring them in."
Soontir stepped into the hall, only to return moments later with four hooded figures all taller than him. Each wore a robe of a different color - one bronze, one red, one grey, and the last green. Jaina understood enough about the Chiss to know the position was more important than the individual. She also knew these Chiss truly represented the four ruling families and would render decisions on their behalf.
They formed a semi-circle around the foot of the medbunk. Jaina could make out their fiery eyes but little more about their features. Their minds were complete blanks; she had no inkling what their intentions were.
Bronze spoke first. "Welcome to Csilla, Lieutenant Colonel Jaina Fel."
Jag interrupted. "It's still Solo. My wife has not changed her name."
Jaina smiled appreciatively. "Actually, I have decided to use Solo-Fel. Before this, it would have been impossible to consider changing it. Now I fear if I use Fel exclusively there will be one too many General Fel's running around the galaxy at the rate this family gets promoted."
Bronze nodded. "Very well, Lieutenant Colonel Jaina Solo-Fel. We…" She motioned to the other three hooded Chiss. "…have come to meet the woman who defeated the Supreme Overlord and stole the heart of one of Csilla's shining stars." Bronze seemed to emanate some degree of respect for Jaina.
She returned the sentiment with a gracious nod. "It is my pleasure."
Grey spoke next. "We were unaware of your dire circumstances until just recently. We are glad General Fel found the resources necessary to aid in your recovery." There was a hint of reprimand in his tone.
"I will forever be indebted to the Chiss for finding a cure."
Red answered. "You will be indebted to a people who you chose to violate their traditions by coming here without express approval, all the while concealing many other things."
Jag spoke his mind. "I brought my wife here and took what precautions I felt necessary to ensure her safety. No one else should shoulder the responsibility for my decisions or actions. Jaina was dying from a disease she was infected with, protecting my brother, one of our own. She deserves no less than our gratitude after the sacrifices she made for the entire galaxy."
Green turned to Jag. "Colonel Fel, you swore an oath of loyalty to the Chiss, yet you chose not to fully disclose your intentions upon arrival back on the planet. Bringing your wife here was one matter to be regarded. However, you also chose to bring two more outsiders here without express permission and a third under the pretenses she was actually your wife. Some might see those choices as a betrayal of your oath."
Jaina bristled at the implied impugning of her husband's character. "My husband is the embodiment of your Chiss ideal. He has spent a lifetime acting as one, upholding your values. There was no better testament to that fact as he participated in the war. He never backed down from the Chiss principles he swore to uphold, even when it was very uncomfortable for him. That is one of the reasons I fell in love with him."
Green retorted. "His recent digressions bring into question whether your influence, Lieutenant Colonel Solo-Fel, has caused your husband to change allegiances…"
Soontir's voice boomed throughout the room. "Now wait a minute. We agreed that no one would upset my daughter-in-law with this visit. I won't sit here and allow you to malign her or my son."
Green tipped his hooded head as he held up a hand, palm forward. "That was not my intention, General Fel. If I may continue, you will see where this is leading." Soontir's posture relaxed slightly from the poised ready-to-battle stance. Green took it as a sign to continue. "Until now Colonel Fel was the standard to which all Chiss in the pilot ranks were held. Despite his being human, he embodied everything the Chiss value."
Grey picked up where Green left off. "However, we cannot deny that Colonel Fel is human. We had hoped he would continue his role in the CEDF, taking over for his father when the time came. General Fel, you could not have served the Chiss better if you were our own."
Red spoke next. "But it is apparent Colonel Fel has chosen a new allegiance, one we regret because it signifies a loss for Csilla, but nevertheless well deserved. Your union will bring power to you and all around you. In the end, it will ultimately bring power to all of Csilla and open doors that have been long locked – a symbol of things to come."
Next was Bronze. "Although the Chiss do not always appear to be open to outsiders, we can appreciate their strengths, and you, Lieutenant Colonel Solo-Fel, have proven a formidable woman. We would expect no less for your husband. We understand your marriage will result ultimately in both of you wanting to return to the Galactic Alliance. We want you both to know the Chiss will always be proud to call you, Lieutenant Colonel Solo-Fel, one of our own and with it bestow upon you the rights and privileges of such an honor."
Bronze faced Jag. "Colonel Fel, you will forever be a Chiss, no matter where your life path takes you. We could expect no better example to be spread throughout the galaxy. We understand you faced tough decisions and ultimately acted in the best interest of all concerned, even when you circumvented proper channels. We cannot condone your actions, but we will not hold them against you. The Four Families owe a greater debt than we can ever repay."
The room fell into a stunned silence. Jaina composed herself before any of the others could, enough to manage a few words at least. "Thank you. We are truly honored."
Bronze answered. "It is we who are honored to have the hero of the Yuuzhan Vong incursions in our midst. The fact that your family allowed Colonel Fel to bring you here, entrusting your safety to the people of Csilla bodes well for healing the rift opened by Admiral Thrawn years ago. Now, if you will excuse us, we promised General Fel to not cause any undue strain during your recovery. We look forward to an opportunity to formally welcome you to Csilla at a later date."
Red addressed Jag. "Colonel Fel, you will let us know when it will appropriate to put together a proper ceremony."
"I am afraid it will be a while."
"Is you wife's recovery expected to be lengthy?" Green sounded somewhat put off.
Jag grabbed Jaina's hand, proud to finally share his joy publicly. "No, it is just that she is going to be indisposed for a while. We are expecting a child, and after this illness, I don't want to take any risks."
The four pairs of fiery eyes seemed to soak in the inconspicuous bulge under the sheets. After a pause, Green replied, his tone more understanding now. "A second generation of Fels born to Csilla." He faced Soontir. "You must be very proud." Then he turned back to Jag and Jaina. "Your union truly is blessed. I hope you will honor this child with a naming ceremony and allow us the privilege of attending."
Jaina glanced over at Jag who was practically beaming in the Force. He answered for them both. "It would be our honor."
Jaina was not sure what had just happened, but she figured it was pretty important based on his reaction.
Grey spoke. "We will leave now."
With that the four Chiss funneled out the door; Soontir followed them. When they were safely out of earshot, Syal, Rane and Jag released collective sighs. Rane crossed the room from where he had remained conspicuously against the back wall at Tahiri's side through the whole audience. He slapped his brother on the back.
"Well, if that is not proof the Force shines down on you, I don't know what is."
Jag inhaled deeply through his nose, absorbing all that had occurred in one breath. "I would have to agree, but I am not going to fight it."
Jaina interrupted. "So that was all good, right?"
"Better than good." Jag sank on to the bed next to her. "They practically released me from my oath to be free to return to Naboo or wherever we want to go, without breaking my ties. I will always be a Chiss…"
"As is Jaina now." Syal interjected.
Jag looked at his mother and then his wife. "As is Jaina and our child."
"That's fine as long as I don't have to act like one."
"You are more Chiss than you realize, my darling wife. You have a warrior's heart, and they respect that above all else. They would never have accepted you so readily otherwise."
Jaina queried Jag about the one thing still on her mind. "And this naming ceremony?"
Syal answered. "All Chiss name their children in a public ceremony. The positions of those who attend are telling to the importance of the union that formed the child. Briaun was the only one named who had the Four Families represented, up to that point Soontir had not risen to a high enough rank in the CEDF."
Rane laughed. "And the little stinker holds it over our heads constantly."
Everyone laughed. Jaina looked around; suddenly realizing the youngest Fel was missing out on all the fun. "Where is the stinker?"
Soontir's answer reflected his own good spirits as he returned to the room. "She is stuck in a room with a tutor. We took her out of the Academy so she could have an opportunity to be with her family, but now it is time for her to step back into real life."
Jaina joked. "I bet she wishes I were back on my death bed." The room fell silent. Jaina glanced around at the horrified looks on everyone's faces. "What?"
Syal reprimanded her. "Don't ever joke about stuff like that Jaina Solo."
Jag added. "Fel. Solo-Fel." His joy at Jaina's announcement concerning her name coupled with the whole meeting with the Four Families outweighed any shock felt by her stunt.
Jaina offered a sheepish grin. "Sorry, but if I don't joke about stuff like that, it gets to me. I guess it's the Solo in my blood."
Soontir broke the somber tone by quipping back. "It figures your father would give you his warped sense of humor."
"And his killer smile, cocky arrogance, not to mention some mean piloting skills and a knack for fixing anything with moving parts."
"And a mouth that would make a space pirate blush."
Jaina punched her husband playfully in the arm. "You kiss that mouth, Jagged Fel."
"I certainly do." Jag leaned over and placed one hand possessively on her cheek. He swept his face down until their lips were so close they could almost taste each other and paused. He pulled back, smiling. "Maybe, it is better I don't. I might …"
He never had a chance to finish. Jaina placed her lips firmly on Jag's. This time there was no hesitation on his part. He tasted her lips with strong, eager kisses until she opened her mouth. Jag's tongue rushed in to plunder a place he had only gone in his dreams recently. The dance was short but intense. Jag retreated before passion got the best of him.
"Now where did my son learn how to kiss like that?" Soontir remarked.
Jag's eyes never veered from Jaina's brown orbs. She repeated the question. "Yeah, where did you learn to kiss like that?"
"From mother's holos."
Syal gasped, then turned a shade of pink, and the whole gathering burst out in another round of laughter. A knocking sound quieted the outburst. Jacen was propped against the doorframe, his arms now crossed casually and a Solo grin plastered on his face.
"Did I miss something good?"
End of Chapter 36
TKL/h94