CHAPTER 38 - The Pains of Labor

Jaina put her hand on her back for the fourth time since getting out of the speeder and massaged her tightening muscles. A couple of controlled breaths later the pain began to dissipate. Syal was talking about the townhome the family had leased to stay in during the duration of the winter storm season. Jaina smiled up at Jag's mother as they turned a corner in the Syndic Headquarters, hoping to catch enough of the end of Syal's thoughts so she would not suspect the distraction.

"…think you and Jag should take the biggest of the rooms. There will be more room for the bassinette. Besides, it's downstairs, and you don't want to have to hike those stairs for much longer." Syal turned her blue-green eyes toward Jaina momentarily to gauge her features.

"I would appreciate that, but I don't want to put you out. It is your home. I am just a guest."

Syal clucked. "Jaina Solo-Fel, I would think by now you would know better than to say something as absurd as that. Everything we have is yours; you know that. Soontir and I love you as if you were our own."

Jaina looked down. "I know. I am sorry. I don't know why I say such stupid things lately." Tears brimmed in her eyes as Jaina's steps slowed to a stop.

Syal turned back and rested a comforting hand on Jaina's cheek. "Oh darling, I know it's hard to be away from your Mother when you are so close to having this baby. Hormones do little to help the matter."

Jaina batted away a tear while Syal studied her features. Jaina's color was always a good indicator of her physical state. Although her recovery was remarkable over the last three months, the pregnancy had not allowed Jaina to return to her earlier vigor. Her skin color was healthier than it had ever been since arriving on Csilla, but sometimes, her skin would wash out, hinting to the underlying drain on her internal resources.

"Oh dear. I think I pushed too hard. Jag will have my head. Well, let's get this visit over quickly. Then I will get you home and off your feet." Syal spun Jaina around, wrapping an arm through Jaina's arm to lend her support.

"Really, I am fine. Besides, Jag is still a little overprotective. I practically had to force him back to work so I wouldn't kill him for all the fussing he does."

Syal laughed. "Don't fault him for it, Jaina. It's the only way he can deal with the wound still in his heart."

"But I lived, the baby is going to live. What more does he have to worry about?"

"Everything and nothing. It will get better though; I promise. Jag loves you so much it drives him a bit crazy, but I wouldn't want him to be any other way."

"Me neither."

A tall Chiss in a black pilot's uniform entered the corridor from a doorway ahead. He marched down the corridor in their direction. As the blue-skinned humanoid drew closer, Jaina recognized him.

"Hello, Hiza."

Jag's second-in-command practically jumped to attention when he was addressed. Jaina could never figure out the Chiss' reaction to her since the Four Families visited, but she guessed she was somebody important now.

"Welcome, Lieutenant Colonel Solo-Fel and Mrs. Fel. Are you looking for your husbands?"

"It's Jaina, Hiza. I am gladly just a normal everyday person right now. And yes, we are looking for our husbands."

"As you wish, Jaina. I can take you to them."

Syal spoke. "That would be greatly appreciated. I would rather not drag Jaina around anymore than I have."

Hiza bowed respectfully, then performed a smart pivot on his heel. "This way."

The two women had to pick up their pace to keep up with the long-legged Chiss, who was unaccustomed to accompanying pregnant women. By the time they had rounded the second corner, Jaina felt a stitch start to tingle in her right side, then slowly spread to her back. Her hand drifted to the tensing muscle as the pain grew.

Jaina was about to ask Hiza to stop for a moment, when he pulled up in front of a door and keyed the console. She stopped where she was as Hiza disappeared into the room. Syal stayed by Jaina's side as she leaned over slightly to relieve the cramp.

"Are you okay, sweetheart?" Syal's arm wrapped around Jaina to help support her.

Jaina forced herself to take deep breaths, pushing the pain out with the exhale motion. She grimaced through her words. "Just a little cramp."

"What's wrong, Mother? Was there a problem at the doctor's visit?" Jag's voice sounded unusually excitable.

Jaina glanced up to greet her husband; the pain somewhat faded. His green eyes were cool like ice. Hiza and Soontir framed Jag in the corridor. Jaina curled one side of her mouth up in the semblance of a smile, trying to dispel his concerns.

"Hello, Jag. I just had one of those cramps again." Her smile brightened as she straightened to her full height. "See, all better."

The deadly serious expression on Jag's face showed he was not convinced. Soontir intervened. "Come, ladies. Let's get you both off your feet."

The general ushered the two women into a small conference room. Jag helped settle Jaina into chair, then took the one next to her. He took Jaina's hand, and when he looked into her eyes this time, his expression had softened.

"So to what do we owe this unexpected visit?"

Jaina could tell he was trying hard to hold his concern in check. "We went to check out the townhome and tie up some loose ends after visiting Doctor Tarado."

"What loose ends?"

"You know, figure out what we still need, stuff like that."

Jag inhaled sharply. "I told you I was planning on taking care of all that."

"I know, but you have so much to catch up on here at work. Your mother and I thought we could help out while we were in town today."

"I don't need your help." Jag practically bit back his words, but they were out before he realized the damage. Jaina's face fell.

Syal, who had come to stand behind Jaina, addressed her son while smoothing Jaina's hair. "Don't be too hard on Jaina. I was the one who suggested stopping by the townhome. After that we were so close to the base, I figured a quick visit would not hurt. She just wanted to see you at work. The poor child is going stir crazy out on the estate."

Jag's guilt quieted any further admonishment. "I am glad you were able to see the townhome. Is it satisfactory?"

"Yes." Tears streamed out with the word as Jaina's lower lip quivered. Emotional outbursts had become the norm.

Jag scooted off his chair and kneeled before his wife. Jaina wiped away the deluge with the back of her hand. "It will be all right."

Jag glanced past Jaina to his mother and father who were trying to stifle grins. His wife's crying jags had become family fodder for amusing themselves. His glare wiped the smirks from their faces as quickly as a heavy-duty cleaner would have. Jag turned his attention back to Jaina.

"I am not mad. I am only concerned about you stressing yourself needlessly. There is not a thing for you to worry about except growing that baby girl, big and strong."

Jaina blubbered. "The only thing growing big is me."

Jag suppressed a chuckle of his own. "You look perfect."

Tears were quickly replaced by a surge of spiteful anger. "Don't you patronize me, Jagged Fel."

Jag was used to being on the losing side of these conversations. He casually brushed off Jaina's mood swing with a smile. "Okay."

"What does that mean?"

"Okay, I won't patronize you."

Jaina did not seem to know what to do with that remark, so she sniffled. "Thanks."

Jag brushed a hand on her cheek to wipe away a stray tear, then pecked a kiss on Jaina's pouty lips. He straightened up from his kneeling position. "Do you feel good enough to head home?"

Jaina shook her head. "Uh-huh."

"Do you want me to go with you?" Jag hoisted Jaina to her feet.

"No, we'll be fine." Jaina responded as she looked to Syal.

Soontir spoke addressed his wife. "You should probably get going soon. The weather reports said a storm was expected this afternoon."

Syal voiced her concern over the fact. "So early? It is still two weeks until the start of the blizzard season."

The general allayed his wife's fears with the casual wave of the hand and his calm demeanor. "It is probably one of those weak systems that like to blow through this time of year. It is nothing to worry about."

Jag guided Jaina out of the conference room while his mother, walking with Soontir up ahead, expressed another thought. "Do you think we should move into town earlier in case the storms keep coming early?"

Soontir addressed Jaina over his shoulder. "What did Doctor Tarado say?"

"I still have four weeks until my due date."

Soontir used the information to answer his wife's question. "We should be safe moving in next week then, just like we planned. Besides, you are practically a professional at this baby business."

Soontir and Syal naturally walked at a quicker pace than Jaina's acquired shuffle. As soon as they were beyond earshot Jag whispered to Jaina. "Are you sure you feel okay? I could take you back to the doctor."

Jaina placed a reassuring hand on Jag's arm. "I am just tired and bloated and hormonal, same as always. Otherwise, I am perfectly fine."

Jag put a hand on her abdomen. "And the baby?"

"Nothing new to report - still healthy and growing bigger by the second. I am not sure there will be room for any of me when she is ready to be delivered."

Ahead Syal and Soontir reached the exit leading to the enclosed parking bay. Syal stopped to dig in her handbag, allowing the younger couple to catch up. "'Tir, why don't you take Jaina out to the car?"

Soontir waited for Jaina to kiss Jag, then escorted her by the arm out the door. Syal removed a flimsiplast from her bag and handed it to Jag. "Here is the list of things we still need for the townhome before moving in."

Jag scanned the list for a heartbeat before stuffing it in his pocket. "I will take care of it today."

"There is no rush. We still have a week."

"If I finish it today, Jaina will not have an excuse to get herself worked up."

Syal's eyes turned down. "That is my fault. I should have paid more attention."

Jag rubbed a hand down his mother's arm until he grasped her hand. "I am not mad at you. Jaina is about as stubborn as they come. She will not admit to herself her own limitations, let alone to one of us. Just do me a favor, and see that she goes straight to bed."

Syal smiled at her son. "I have got that covered. Pampering the mother of my grandchild has become my specialty."

Jag leaned over and kissed his mother's cheek. "Have I told you how much I appreciate everything you have done for us?"

"Oh, Jag. I would do it a hundred times over and love every second of it."

Jag smirked. "I know, but I feel like I have placed a burden on you. I would stay home indefinitely except I suspect I drive her crazy sometimes."

Syal squeezed Jag's hand. "She said something to that effect. Everything will be all right, you know."

"I keep telling myself that."

Syal stared directly into her son's eyes. "You have to believe it, Son, for her sake. When the time comes for her to deliver that baby, she will need that from you."

Jacen scratched at his new beard. It was hard to get used to it. He had let his facial hair grow over the last three months in preparation for going undercover and dyed his hair black with sprinklings of gray trying to achieve a mature look. The effectiveness of his efforts was the source of much good humor between Kyp and Valin, but Jacen thought it suited him just fine. The mature look had certain advantages, too numerous to list; today though he was sure it was a decided disadvantage.

Sitting in the Luxor Cantina, in some back-water world he had a hard time recalling the name of, Jacen felt several sets of eyes boring into the back of his skull. The room was filled with young, eager humans and aliens alike, all eager to prove their mettle as bounty hunters or space pirates or general scourge of the universe. Nothing validated that point better than taking down a veteran with a reputation.

A pair of ambitious Rodians had been sizing Jacen up, looking for a chance to take on the seasoned bounty hunter that was his established cover. With a casual turn of the head, Jacen scanned the room, bypassing the Rodians to make quick eye contact with Kyp, sitting among the bar patrons. His face was mostly concealed under his robes, but no one seemed to take particular note of the Jedi Master's presence. It was a well-known fact Kyp could easily manipulate the mind of anyone around, even other Jedi, but to see the result in action was impressive. Jacen had little to worry about with Kyp watching his back so he settled back casually in his seat, drawing on the mental image of his father's cocky air.

The comlink beeped twice. Jacen twisted around to dig the device out of a cargo pocket in his pants down below the knee. The resulting motion caused a pain to shoot out across Jacen's back. He paused momentarily, startled somewhat by the intensity of the twinge, then quickly pushed away the feeling. The comlink continued to beep, drawing unwanted interest to be cast his way. Jacen brought the device to his mouth.

"Go ahead." Jacen affected the strange accent of his cover.

"There is a bit of activity here in the spaceport. It looks like that group Kyp suspected is heading out." The low signal and scrambler caused the transmission to crackle. The edge in Valin's voice was unmistakable though.

"I read you. Get that bucket of bolts warmed up. If my contact doesn't show in the next couple of minutes we may just have to follow your master's gut instinct and tail them without confirmation."

"Doing it now."

"Did you get the transmitter on one of those escort fighters?"

"It was easy as brandy going down."

Jacen grimaced. They had been hanging around too many seedy establishments in this quest for Zekk. Jaina would not be pleased to hear that her apprentice was talking like a space pirate. He clicked the comm twice signaling an end to the conversation about the same time a lanky man with dark hair and eyes snaked his way to the booth Jacen was hunkered into. The man gave no indication of undue concern or worry as he plunked his mug on the table.

"I am seeking passage to Dubrais. I hear you might be able to help."

Jacen eyed the man while probing his intentions in the Force. The catch phrase had been recited exactly as Iella had left in her instructions, but Jacen was not taking any chances. This was the closest they had been to finding Zekk, and he had no intention of blowing this opportunity. Jacen recited the appropriate response as he slid deeper into the booth.

"We might be able to come to some kind of arrangement." The man tipped his head slightly, then slipped into the booth until he was across from Jacen. He studied Jacen closely; his dark eyes hinting to some recognition. "I was about to give up on you." Jacen threw back a swig of his drink, using a nudging in the Force to distract the man from making the connection.

"I was following up with a source."

"Our mutual friend says you might have some information that would help in my search – something about a man with extraordinary powers buying large amounts of weaponry and amassing a significant fleet." Iella had set up this rendezvous, stating an old acquaintance in the intelligence community had come to her seeking resources in his mission. Her acquaintance had traded this information for any aid that she could supply through official channels.

"Uh-huh." The contact sipped the top of his ale casually. "Our mutual friend and I go way back. She said to give you anything I had."

The connection Iella had with this man became apparent to Jacen. He whispered across the table. "All the way back to Corellia?"

The man grinned. "Something like that. I've been following a special shipment of Corusca gems swiped from a Corellian freighter. The apparent thief just walked in, told the crew to leave the ship in the space dock, and they got off without offering even a token resistance."

Jacen absorbed the information without offering any hint of the excitement growing in the pit of his stomach. "So you're working independently now, probably for the insurer of the shipment."

The man nodded. "Pays better."

"Did you get a line on the gems?" Jacen picked up a short but intense burst of anger that was quickly stifled with the man's measured control.

"My partner and I caught wind of a buyer on the Lipogola black market purchasing large amounts of weapons using Corusca gems as payment. It took us four weeks to get an airtight cover, bringing in a shipment of R-71 laser rifles. My partner made the meeting with the buyer. When he didn't check in at the designated time, I blasted out. I doubled back two days later and found him in the local morgue, his neck broken." The man swallowed, his neck muscles tightening with the strain of the memory.

"I am sorry for your loss."

The contact's eyes bore into Jacen. "This guy is dangerous – too dangerous to handle alone. That is why I went back to our mutual friend. She said you would be the man to deal with this guy effectively. The only way this buyer could have figured out who my partner was would be if he was a mind reader; our cover was that good. It was almost as if he were a…"

"Jedi." Jacen finished for the man.

The contact squinted his dark eyes and took a hard stare at Jacen. A momentarily lapse in his calm demeanor flashed across his features. "I know that face." His expression showed he was quite pleased with himself. "I knew I recognized you."

A Solo grin surfaced. "Let's keep it our secret."

The other man lowered his eyelids in acknowledgement. "There is a shipment of ion cannons going out today from the spacedock…"

"Berth D34?"

The man's expression was puzzled. "Yeah, how did you know?"

Jacen shrugged his shoulders. "Hunch, I guess, or maybe a little luck. We are berthed right next to that."

"My source says one of the fighter jocks escorting the shipment had a little too much lomin ale last night and was doing a lot of bragging about bringing back gems fit for a queen. Apparently he was trying to impress the ladies of the establishment."

"Nothing like some shiny rocks to bring the ladies running." Jacen grinned more at the thought he may be closer than he could possibly hope to catching Zekk than at the humor in his words. "So you think following this shipment would be a good place to start?"

"It's a safe bet."

Jacen caught Kyp's eye and offered him a non-verbal hint to make his way out of the cantina. Kyp was gone seconds later. "Thanks for the information. I had best be going."

"Listen, I know I can't get this guy alone without getting my neck broken as well, and I am sure you can handle yourself fine in that regard. If you would allow me to accompany you, with my resources, we could wrap this wayward friend of yours in a neat package in no time flat. What do you say?"

Jacen chuckled. "Our friend said to expect you to ask. I guess she does know you well. She said you would be an asset to our work. That makes you more than welcome, as long as you understand the risks. This man is extremely dangerous."

"I think I learned that lesson the hard way already. May I ask what it is this man has done to make you want to risk your neck? It can't be over a shipment of gems."

"We used to be friends, then he threatened my family."

The man studied Jacen silently. "So, it's strictly personal."

"You could say that." Jacen stuck his hand out. "How about it?"

The contact grasped Jacen's hand firmly and shook it once before both men slid their way to the edge of the booth. "We'll save proper introductions for later."

The beeping of the comm unit continued incessantly for a minute, wafting up the stairwell, demanding to be answered. Jaina figured Syal must have gone out to the hothouse and did not hear the noise. Jaina was firmly ensconced on the floor, packing clothes for their impending move to the city the next day. It had become increasingly difficult to get up and down, but soon the sound became so aggravating she could stand it no longer.

With some effort and the aid of the Force, Jaina's protesting muscles heaved her upright. The result was a sharp protest from her back muscles to which Jaina slapped her hand as she muffled a cry. The beeping continued. So after a couple of seconds passed and the protesting back muscles relaxed, Jaina waddled out of the bedroom.

The trip down the stairs was slow and laborious. Once at the bottom, she would have rested but the chime of the comm beacon drove her to make the last few steps across the foyer and into the study. Jaina plopped unceremoniously into the seat at the console and pushed the answer button. When Soontir's distinctive one-eyed face popped onto the screen, Jaina stifled her disappointment. She had hoped all the effort would at least result in a call from Jag.

"Jaina, I am sorry to disturb you. I was hoping Syal would answer."

Jaina smiled sweetly to ease the man's concern about inconveniencing her. "I think she is giving her flowers their last bit of loving before the droids take over. Do you want me to fetch her?"

"No, absolutely not. I was calling to tell the both of you Jag and I will be late getting home. Vanguards were testing some new improvements to their cloaking devices when one of the fighters malfunctioned. They are in the process of bringing it in now by tractor beam, but it is slow going."

Jaina frowned. "I can imagine. Was anyone hurt?"

"No."

"That's good. I'll tell Syal to hold dinner for later."

Soontir shook his head side-to-side once. "Please, you two go ahead and eat without us. Your husband will have a fit if he thinks you missed a feeding." Jaina leaned back in her seat and started to laugh. A small fluttering in the pit of her gut stymied the response as her hand rubbed her swollen stomach nervously. Concern washed across the general's normally stern features. "Is everything all right?"

Jaina perched back in her seat. "The baby was agreeing on the idea of not missing her scheduled feeding. Tell Jag not to push too hard to get home. I will probably go to bed after dinner anyway."

"Tired?"

One corner of Jaina's mouth turned down. "Exhausted."

Soontir forced a tiny smile. "I will deliver your husband home safely to you, my dear. I won't keep you any longer. Get some rest."

Jaina smiled ruefully. It was a well-known fact that she had not slept well in the last couple of days. Unfortunately her moods had been the best testament to that fact. At the moment though her mood had swung to excessively sentimental and not at all harsh like it tended to be. Something about the depth of the Baron's feelings toward her warmed her to the core. She appreciated everything Soontir had done for her, especially after the shaky start they had experienced. Even more so, the amazing bond that had developed over the last months between Jag and his father overwhelmed Jaina. That bond had seemed to trickle her way in the form of a completely boundless love.

In that moment Jaina responded. "Bye, Dad."

After the words were out they felt right. It was the first time Jaina had bestowed Soontir with the honor, and though he would never replace her father, Jag's father had become an irreplaceable part of her life. Syal and Soontir had accepted her like a daughter, and Jaina had learned to love them like an adopted family.

Soontir beamed an uncharacteristic toothy grin before ending the transmission. Apparently the moment was not lost on him. A tear slipped out of the corner of Jaina's eye. She struggled out of the chair, using her arm strength to push up her weighted torso. With tiny deliberate steps, she moved across the study.

Syal, who was turning up the staircase, stopped at the sight of Jaina exiting the room. "Jaina, what are you doing up?"

Jaina pointed over her shoulder with a thumb. "Dad called to say he and Jag would be late."

Syal practically beamed as she recognized the change in Jaina's title for her husband. Jag's mother had always been loving and affectionate, but she never demanded more of Jaina than she thought she could give. Syal's patience apparently was rewarded with her daughter-in-law's acceptance of the entire Fel family as her own.

"Well I guess they will just miss out on the Endwa stew I was preparing."

Jaina made her way slowly to the bottom of the staircase to join Syal. "More for us."

"Let's get you back to bed for a while. You look a little tired."

Jaina failed to disagree. She also felt a little flushed and somewhat unsettled. She simply answered with a nod of agreement. With some assistance from Syal, Jaina proceeded up the stairs.

"Why don't you leave the packing for later? I am glad the men agreed to move a couple of days sooner, but I certainly did not intend for you to be stuck packing. It has obviously worn you out."

Jaina continued her slow laborious journey placing one foot before the other and pushing on the railing with her hand to aid in the effort of rising up each step. "I'm fine."

"Well, I don't care what that doctor says. I think you are further along than they say – baby size or no baby size. Those scales and charts the doctors use fail to take into consideration that you were gravely ill through most of the pregnancy." The women topped the last step. "That would definitely inhibit your baby's growth."

Syal continued talking as they entered the bedroom and Jaina settled onto the bed with the grace of a bantha. "By the looks of you, I would say you are going to have that baby very soon, young lady."

Jaina rolled back against a pair of pillows Syal adjusted. "Why is that?"

"I have had enough to know. You have that unsettled look constantly, and I swear the baby has dropped. You mark my words, she is coming sooner than everyone thinks." Syal spread a blanket across Jaina's body.

"But if you are right, then I would have gotten pregnant practically right after the wedding."

Syal winked mischievously as she gently patted Jaina's swollen belly through the blanket. "That would be my son. He always gets everything done right the first time. Now shut your eyes and rest. I will come get you when dinner is ready."

Kyp sat perched on a roof, overlooking the intended meeting place of the weapons dealer with the mysterious man who was buying vast quantities of weapons with stolen Corusca gems. Below, they could make out Jacen, posing as one of the five escort pilots and bodyguards for the dealer. A day earlier, it had been a simple matter for Kyp to warp the members of the dealer's party into thinking Jacen had always been in the organization and replace him for the man they had abducted from the group that very same day. As the impending deal loomed before them, a confrontation with Zekk appeared imminent.

Lying next to Kyp on the roof, Daron Tyor studied the gathering below through his macrobinoculars. The former CorSec agent and friend of Iella Antilles had been extremely valuable thus far in aiding in their mission. His steely presence in the Force proved that Daron would be an asset and not a hindrance if things went awry. A strange tingling in Kyp's gut said things were bound to go wrong. They always did when Dark Jedi were involved.

A Stalwart-class light freighter came into view, lowering on repulsors toward the open berth adjacent to the dealer's transport. The only other vessels on the platform were the two older model Y-wings that flew escort for the weapons dealer.

Kyp dropped a comlink out of his sleeve; it fell easily into his hand. He whispered into the device. "Valin, we've got company. Be prepared to move that bucket of bolts as soon as I give a signal."

"Got it, boss."

Daron chuckled silently. "He is so like his father when he first came into CorSec."

Kyp curled his lips in ridicule. "I suppose he comes by it honestly then."

The other man winked, then both men turned their attention to the party below. The dealer's party walked toward the landing freighter. Oddly enough, Jacen was hanging back. Warning bells went off in Kyp's danger sense. He held his hand out as he addressed Daron.

"Let me see your macrobinoculars."

Daron handed the device over without question. Kyp brought them to his eyes and adjusted the focus so Jacen came into view. Kyp's suspicions were confirmed. Jacen had fallen behind, and from the expression on his face he was trying to overcome some intense pain. Almost as soon as Kyp realized this fact, Jacen's hand went to his stomach, and he doubled over.

The reaction of the rest of Jacen's party was noticeable without the macrobinoculars, and Daron queried Kyp. "What's going on down there? Does that Zekk fellow realize Jacen is with that group?"

Kyp grimaced as he handed back the macrobinoculars. "Probably not yet, but if Jacen can't shield himself, Zekk will sense him any second now." Kyp rose, flicking his comlink twice, then shoved it back in his pocket.

A nervous edge crept into Daron's voice at the unexpected signal to Valin, telling him to bring the shuttle around. "What's wrong with him then?"

Kyp snapped the lightsaber off his utility belt. "I can't be sure, but I think Jacen is having labor pains."

"Labor pains!" The exclamation came out louder than Daron would have intended, but no one on the ground noticed as chaos was erupting on the landing field below.

As the weapons dealer and his entourage turned to face a hunched over Jacen, the freighter loomed closer and closer. One of the larger men grabbed Jacen roughly, but he was too incapacitated to fight back or even shrug the man off. The dealer, a stocky man with considerable mass, shouted an order at Jacen. When he failed to respond, the larger man shook him forcefully.

Kyp cursed, realizing the situation was a loss, and jumped off the roof, his lightsaber humming to life. At the same time, the freighter halted its descent. Kyp ran with Force-enhanced strides as the freighter's lasers sighted the weapons dealer's party. Kyp sensed the evil rage emanating from the shuttle. Zekk was definitely here, and he had recognized Jacen's Force presence, which cried out in distress.

With no time to spare, Kyp rushed into the melee, throwing his body into Jacen, who was struggling to ward off an attack from the irate arms dealer despite the considerable pain incapacitating him. Jacen and Kyp rolled under the grounded transport in a tangle of legs and arms just as a laser blast ripped through the dealer's contingent searing directly through the leader and his hulking guard, who had been manhandling Jacen. Jaina's twin was moaning in undeniable agony as Kyp righted himself, then proceeded to haul the younger Jedi to his feet. Kyp placed the fingers of his free hand against Jacen's temple.

"Your sister has impeccable timing, kid."

"Huh?" The change in Jacen's awareness was immediate as Kyp severed the connection between the twins. "What happened?"

A blast smacked the durasteel of the freighter inches from their heads. Only the angle of the shot allowed for the near miss. Kyp shoved a bewildered Jacen, now able to move of his own accord, but obviously still disoriented by his inaction.

"No time to chat, Jacen. Valin's on his way. We have to keep from being fried until he gets here though."

The two men scrambled and ducked under various components of the transport until they emerged on the other side. Laser fire erupted in a cacophony of blinding flashes and deafening sounds. The shots seemed to get closer and deadlier with each passing second as Jacen and Kyp struggled to keep the transport between them and the freighter.

Suddenly, the roar of another craft broke through the noise, and a series of explosions temporarily silenced the barrage of laser fire. Jacen and Kyp peeked around the hull of the transport to see their shuttle, decrepit but armed to the teeth, whisking past. The freighter showed signs of several direct hits as it spun to address the new threat.

The freighter eased forward in pursuit, but an engine sputtered and flared out, leaving the ship seriously deficient in acceleration. Valin was already guiding the shuttle in a tight reversal as the freighter fired several quick defensive shots, then blasted off in a different direction. As it became clear to Kyp watching from the ground that Valin had no intention of discontinuing his pursuit, the Jedi Master whipped out his comlink.

"Disengage there, hotshot."

Valin's protest was felt in the Force, but the Jedi apprentice uttered no response as he eased the shuttle around to land by the grounded transport, now a blazing inferno from the attack. The entire party of the weapon's dealer lay lifeless on the ground, some bodies scorched beyond recognition. Both Y-wings showed signs of laser scoring as well. Kyp shook his head in disbelief at the sight as the shuttle finished its landing, and Daron approached at a run from the nearby building.

Kyp slapped a befuddled Jacen on the back. The look of utter disappointment contorted his usual handsome features into a grizzly mask. Jacen shook his head and ran a sweaty palm along his face trying to dispel some of the emotion. Suddenly, a whole new outlook sprang into his being, and his face lit up.

Jacen grinned at Kyp. "Jaina's having a baby."

"I suppose she is." Kyp laughed despite himself. "Do you think your sister could just for once make things easy for us?"

Jacen shook his head. "Then she wouldn't be Jaina."

The persistent aches spreading across her body combined with an intense pressure pounding on her bladder forced Jaina's eyes open and her mind to awaken from its slumber. Lying on her side, Jaina could tell the light filtering into the room had lessened considerably since she had drifted off to sleep. Concerned she had slept too long, Jaina rolled wearily into an upright position, the blanket covering her falling softly to the bed.

With some effort, Jaina managed to hoist her body off the bed and made her way toward the refresher. She stopped by the nearest window to gaze out at the steady downfall of snow. What had once been a light sprinkling throughout the day had turned into a full-out deluge of wet, heavy snow. The intensity of the storm diminished the strength of the available sunlight still trying to break through the cloud cover.

Jaina frowned as she rubbed her agitated stomach, then shuffled to the refresher. Several minutes later she emerged feeling somewhat refreshed, a splash of cool water tingling on her face still, but there seemed to be no method to relieve the tension spreading across her back. Jaina chalked it up to the awkward sleeping position she had resorted to recently and determined that no matter how long she had to wait up, she would demand a back massage when Jag got home.

The trek down the stairs and to the kitchen was eerily silent, as the storm outside had somehow rendered life to a stop, save the occasional howling of the wind. The happy tooting of Trick broke the hush, and Jaina turned to greet the white-domed droid with a smile as he rolled out of the study.

"All recharged and ready to go?"

Trick swiveled his dome and beeped an affirmative.

Jaina patted the R2 unit once he reached her side. "Come on. I smell Endwa stew, and I'm starved, or at least I suspect that is what the odd sensation in my gut is. I feel so out of sorts these days I am not sure how I am supposed to feel anymore."

Jaina turned, heading for the kitchen, and Trick followed close behind, tweeting a reply. Syal looked up from placing two settings at the small kitchen table, then pulled back a chair. The older woman's bright face greeted the arrivals.

"Come sit, Jaina. Dinner is almost ready."

Jaina waddled to the table and settled onto the seat, using her hands on the flat surface for extra support. Trick rolled over beside her, but stayed out of the way. "Any news from Jag or Dad?"

Syal went to the crock pot steaming with the rich scent of stew and began ladling the thick brown concoction onto two plates. "Not a word, but I suspect they will call anytime now."

"This storm is pretty heavy. Will they be able to make it home tonight?"

Syal managed to keep her face neutral, but Jaina picked up some underlying concern in her sense of the woman. "I am not sure. The forecast was for light flurries not this intense of a downfall. I suppose it depends on what is going to happen in the next couple of hours."

Jaina eyed her droid. "Trick, can you check on the weather conditions and monitor data coming from town and the base? I'll check with you after dinner."

Trick chirped merrily, happy to have a purpose, before rolling out of the kitchen. Syal skirted the droid as she carried the two plates over to the table and set them down. She retrieved two glasses of blue milk, placing one in front of each place setting and took her seat diagonal to Jaina.

As Syal unfolded a napkin onto her lap she spoke. "I would not concern yourself with the men. They can take care of themselves."

Jaina pushed her fork around in the stew undecidedly. "I just don't want either of them driving a speeder in this weather if it is going to be too rough."

Syal finished swallowing a morsel. "I am sure both Soontir and Jag are capable of exercising good judgment."

Something in the way Syal said the words made Jaina suspect it was for both of their benefits. That caused her to frown and a tight knot to twist in her gut. Jaina dropped her fork on the plate with a loud clank. She rubbed the side of her swollen belly anxiously.

Noticing all this, Syal lowered the bite of food she was about to take. "Is everything all right, dear?"

Jaina tried to vocalize a thought, but all that came out was a simple reply. "Feel sick."

Syal hopped from her chair, getting to Jaina's side in record time. "Do you need to go to the refresher?"

Jaina shook her head side to side succinctly. She fought the overwhelming sensation controlling her body for a moment trying to regain some authority of her actions. After a tense moment, where Syal stood by her side silently waiting for direction, Jaina responded.

"I think I need to lie down." Jaina glanced up at Syal, whose face was surprisingly serious.

The women forced a smile but her blue-green eyes still betrayed her inner concern. Syal supported Jaina as she struggled from her seat. The tension in her body made movement almost unbearable. Together, the two women slowly crossed the kitchen and then moved along the hallway leading to the foyer.

At the base of the staircase, Jaina picked her leg up to take her first step and immediately stopped when she felt the warm trickle start between her legs. She would have recognized the sensation for what it was, but the sudden onslaught of pain that followed rendered her mind numb, save the torture wracking her muscles. Jaina practically toppled to the floor, only Syal held her upright as her body protested the agony by doubling over and her knees buckling.

Awkwardly, Syal managed to lower Jaina to the steps. None of what had passed was lost on Jag's mother, but before she could react the comm unit in the adjacent study blared. She ignored the chime initially, more concerned with her daughter-in-law's situation. Jaina was curling against the step, but to her credit had not cried out in spite of her obvious distress.

Syal waited patiently, smoothing a stray hair off Jaina's forehead while the pain passed. There was little more she could have done. Once the worst of it was over, and Jaina's breathing regulated to something other than sharp hisses, Syal addressed the younger woman.

"Well, it looks like your daughter has proved me right. I see she is following in her father's footsteps. When Jag decided to come, he made his move in much the same manner."

Turning an embarrassed eye to the liquid mess spreading across the foyer floor, Jaina grunted through clenched teeth. "I guess that was my water breaking. What a mess. I'm sorry."

Syal chuckled to herself. "Yes, well having babies is a messy business, but there is no need to apologize for it. After the first two I learned that childbirth is a perfectly normal part of life. By the time that baby comes out no part of you will be private, but it's nothing to be ashamed of. Come on. Let's get you cleaned up and comfortable before I take care of making the necessary calls."

The intense cramping of her muscles had finally relaxed enough for Jaina to sit up on the step. "That hurt like there was no tomorrow."

Syal pulled carefully, righting Jaina on her feet. "All the more reason to get you situated before the next one comes."

"What about the comm?" Jaina motioned with her eyes to the study; the beeping was still persistent.

Syal snorted. "As usual, the men have impeccable timing, calling in the middle of that. They can wait."

Han raced down the halls of the Theed Government Center, dodging bureaucrats and officials at every turn. His heart pounded in his chest, as a bead of sweat trickled along his temple. Pure fear powered his legs to keep going even though his aging body begged for a respite. Han would not stop until he reached his wife's side.

Ten minutes previous, a news flash had played out on the jumbo-holoscreen in the Jionne Tapcafe where he was sharing a drink and memories with his old pal, Lando Calrissian. The image of a medical team entering the Government Center had rolled as a reporter detailed the news of Provisional Governor Leia Organa Solo's collapse during an open session of the legislature. Han had made the mad dash for his speeder, leaving Lando to fend for himself.

As Han made the last turn, approaching the corridor that led to Leia's office, he passed the medical team leaving with an empty repulsor sled. Han eyed them suspiciously, but never stopped. He burst through the outer office, plowing over an administrative assistant. He righted the startled woman with a gruff apology before stumbling into Leia's office. His wife sat in one of the chairs facing her desk while an aide moved about the room, then exited hurriedly at the sight of Han.

Leia's charming smile caused Han to come to a grinding halt, his jaw hanging in bewildered ignorance. Her face had lost some color, but otherwise she Leia looked remarkably healthy. "Han, I am glad you came. I was just about to call you."

Han dropped into the seat next to Leia and took her hands in his. "What happened? The holovids reported you collapsed. I came as fast as I could."

Leia squeezed his hands with the strength of a healthy woman. "I had a little spell, but everything is wonderful now."

Han freed one of his hands and placed a palm on Leia's cheek. "Are you sure? Shouldn't you see a doctor?"

Leia placed her hand over Han's on her cheek. "There is nothing the doctors can do for what happened to me. Han, I have something to tell you." Han braced for some horrible news. His facial features were taught, strain showing his age. He sucked in a breath, and held it, his shoulders fixed as Leia brought both his hands to match each other at chest level. "Jaina is having her baby."

Leia could not have said that in all their years together she had actually seen her husband speechless until now. His mouth dropped open wide enough to fly the Falcon in, his eyes popped wide open. The breath in his lungs froze in place. Leia waited patiently for the news to absorb into Han's psyche.

Suddenly, Han leapt from his seat, one hand still grasping Leia as he barreled toward the door. "We have to get going. Maybe we can get there in time."

Leia dug her heels into the carpeting and borrowed some strength from the Force to keep Han from making it across the threshold of the office. "Han, you know we can't go to Csilla."

Han spun on his wife. "And why not? That's my little girl having a baby."

Leia managed to drag Han back to the chairs and took hers calmly, waiting until Han did likewise. "You know as well as I do that Jag tried to get special permission for us to visit without any success. We can't just show up in the Unknown Regions. We don't even really know how to get there. Besides, my status as a politician and yours as an ex-smuggler make it highly unlikely the Chiss will ever welcome us to their world. You know that as well as I do."

"But we should be there."

Leia smiled wistfully. "I think based on everything that has happened, we should be grateful she is safe and healthy, even if that means we can't be there for the birth of our granddaughter. I have no doubt she is in capable hands."

"Maybe we can tie Rane up and let Goldenrod talk some directions out of him."

Leia grinned, realizing from his banter some sense was returning to her husband. "That would be excessively cruel."

Han smacked a hand against his forehead in disbelief. "Old Soontir probably told them not to let us in, so he could get one up on us in the grandparent race."

Leia cast a disapproving frown at her husband. ""You know that is farthest from the truth."

Han huffed. "Sell that to someone else, because this oldtimer isn't buying that line. No worries though, that baby girl will be unable to deny the old Solo charm. I'll cast a spell on that baby that will make Soontir green with envy."

The room fell silent for a few heartbeats as the couple let the realization of the momentous change in their lives sink in. Both Han and Leia had expected a little more time to grow accustomed to the thought of being grandparents. This was based on Jacen's update of his sister's pregnancy upon returning from the Unknown Regions. Apparently the blessed event was happening sooner than anyone expected.

Leia smiled wistfully, and Han started to form a slight approximation of his classic grin until Leia's expression hardened.

"Leia?"

She brought her hand up and checked the face of her wristchrono before slouching over in obvious discomfort. Han stared at her incredulously as Leia gritted a reply through her teeth.

"Five minutes apart. Not long to go."

"You didn't break the connection?" Han asked incredulously.

Leia shook her head side-to-side. "If I can't be there in body, I'll be there in spirit. I won't abandon her now, no matter how bad it hurts." Leia fell silent and closed her eyes, shutting out the world while she rode out the wave of pain, gratefully muffled somewhat by the vast distance of space between her and Jaina.

Han closed the distance to his wife, kneeling before her. "I should have known you never would."

End of Chapter 38
TKL/h94