CHAPTER FIFTEEN

"Where is he?"

Jaina pounded her fists together and stood on the tips of her toes, shifting from side to side to get a better view of the grand entrance to the Hall of Celebration. The fete was now in full swing, so formal introductions and applause were no longer part of the festivities. It seemed a little odd to do that before the key players – Chu'itha, Iliana, Jag – had made their entrances. Still, avoiding boredom was always a good thing and Jaina wholeheartedly agreed with whoever had made the call to give up on waiting for them to show.

Iliana. Jag. Iliana and Jag.

After a deep breath in, Jaina blew the bangs off her forehead. She had to let go of that thought. That was exactly what had gotten her in trouble earlier.

Flopping down flat-footed once more, she glanced over to her brother. Jacen was, as usual, lost in what she liked to call his mindless party trance. From a position of silently stuffing one planjain chip after another in his mouth, Jacen jolted with a start from her elbow in his ribs, nearly fumbling his plate in the process.

"What?"

"Can you see him?"

"Who?"

She'd just about had it up to her ears with genetically clueless men for the day. You asked for it, brother.

"Ow!" Jacen yelped practically in time with her Force slap. The plate flew in the air, and somehow landed back in his hand. At least he had seen that one coming.

"Stop being a baby and think for once."

"How?" He rubbed his head gingerly, all the while trying to balance the plate on one hand.

"You ask too many questions!" Jaina snatched the plate away and stared into his eyes, ignoring the pained contortion of his face, one brow twisted, the other dropped. "Focus, Knight Solo."

At her feigned militaristic tone, Jacen snapped to attention – sort of. There was a little too much pomp and certainly a hint of the Solo grin. He was anything but serious.

She giggled despite herself. "What is – Look over yonder." Jaina pointed to the entrance with a sweep of her arms. "Who is Jag. How is…" Jaina rolled her eyes and smacked the plate back into his hand. "Do I have to explain everything to you?"

While scanning the crowd, Jacen popped another chip is his mouth. "Ope. On't ee im." Obviously satisfied that he had performed his brotherly duty, Jacen looked back down at Jaina. "What do you need me for, anyway? Can't you two just feel each other?"

Glaring through her squinting eyelids, Jaina concluded a Force slap was too kind. She raised her fist, prepared to sock her brother full out on the shoulder. "Why. You. Little."

"Hey, now. Watch it." With relative ease, Jacen palmed her fist and gently pushed aside the painful blow. Then he cast the same old don't-embarrass-me-in-public look she'd seen a hundred times before.

The old Jaina – or rather, the younger Jaina – wouldn't have cared what people thought of her. But now, here, in this place, in this role, she had to think differently. She was a Jedi Knight on a mission. What would Jag think?

"Sorry." She dropped her hand and stared at her balled fist. "It was wrong of me to get mad at you, when I was really mad at myself."

"Why?"

Always a question. Jaina left her face down-turned, but she drew her gaze and with it her eyebrows upward to meet her brother's quizzical stare. "Because there is a good reason I didn't just feel for Jag. You see earlier, when we were…" She inhaled through her nose and curled her lips. "Because earlier when we were…"

"Kissing?"

Jaina exhaled sharply as her cheeks heated. "You could tell?"

"Who couldn't?"

"Oh gods! Do you think all the Jedi –"

"I was joking," Jacen said, his arm closing around her shoulder. "Just me. It's hard to not tell when you are that…happy."

"Well, I wasn't happy for part."

"I thought Jag was the best kisser in the galaxy?"

"Oh, he is," Jaina said with a grin, recalling that… thing he did with his tongue. She blushed anew, then whistled a little sigh. "It's just that when I feel Jag – especially when we're kissing – I see more than I should sometimes too."

"And you saw something this time?"

Jaina nodded.

"And it upset you?"

She nodded again.

"Is this the part where I have to threaten to go kick your stupid boyfriend's –"

"Jacen," she hissed.

He flashed a lopsided grin. "Kidding." But his smile receded quickly when she wasn't quick to follow suit. Being a twin made it mandatory to laugh at her brother's stupid jokes, especially when they weren't funny. This time, though, as she recalled what she had and hadn't done in that palace corridor an hour ago, Jaina began to feel sick. "Jaina, what is it?"

Putting her fingers to her temples, Jaina tried to explain. "I saw flashes of his thoughts…about today. And in some of them I saw her." Jaina's fingers curled reflexively as she met Jacen's gaze. "I saw Iliana…and Jag. And it made me jealous."

"That's it? You were jealous of her? Iliana's got nothing on you, sis –"

Jaina wiped an imaginary streak of saliva off the side of Jacen's mouth. "Say's who? You, droolboy?"

"I di-did not drool!"

"Oh, really?"

"All right, so I admit she's not bad to look at, but come on. Think about it from Jag's point of view. She's a politician." Jacen started marking off his points with his fingers. "And a blonde. And she's no pilot. And a wimp besides – did you see that entourage she needed to fly escort down to the planet? And most importantly, she's not truly beautiful where it counts." Jacen placed his hand over Jaina's heart. "Inside. There is no one – Force-blind or not – who can't see that Jagged Fel is totally and absolutely in love with you."

"So why do I keep messing it up?" Jaina threw up her hands. "It's like I make reasons –"

"Yes, you do make reasons. You're a doer, Jaina, not a feeler. But sometimes you need to just stop – and feel."

"I know," she admitted.

"So what does your heart feel?" Jacen asked, his eyes sweeping across the room.

Just for a moment the room stilled and the Force swirled in a mighty vortex around the twins. It was a rare and powerful connection they found easiest to form together. In unison they inhaled, and the Force entered Jaina with a rush of insight. She swayed with the current pulling her inexorably toward the entrance, and smiled, her eyes half-closed while she clutched Jacen for balance.

"Jag," she whispered.

With his warm breath on her ear, Jacen said in a low voice, "Go."

And so she went, with a gentle shove from the one person who knew her truly. Well, not the only one – not any more. Opening her eyes, Jaina found Jag easily through the swirling masses, his dark hair with its contrasting white so shockingly stunning even to this day. He had stopped inside the entranceway, framed among the brilliant burgundy drapes. The black uniform was back to its crisp form despite the afternoon's events. It was almost as if his clothes simply knew they looked good on him, and set themselves accordingly.

Each and every time Jaina saw Jag, he took her breath away.

His green eyes were scanning the crowd. She simply thought, I'm here, and that unadorned notion was all it took for their eyes to meet. And for the subtle curl of his lips to form. Jaina's heart melted. She had almost lost him today, and now she felt compelled to tell him everything. Tonight. No dallying like earlier. No excuses. Just the truth.

Jag deserved no less. He had always been forthright with her – from the very first time he had confessed his love that fateful day on Borleias when they had almost lost each other. It had taken that harshest of lessons to bring them together. Since then Jag had been her center – an unmovable rock standing amidst a Calamari gale. All too often Jaina had found herself lashing onto his strength. If she was truthful with herself, she needed him as much as she needed air to breathe.

Jaina walked straight and true to her love, not stopping until she almost drowned in the cool depths of his eyes. "Jag."

"Jaina." His eyes glinted like emeraudes twirling in the sun. "Sorry about earlier."

She shook her head, but left it slightly cocked so she had to gaze up out of the corner of her eye at him. "You had business to attend to. I understand."

In an unusual display of affection he reached out and squeezed her hand. "I am so glad you're here."

Jaina repositioned her hand and tightened her grip in turn. All the while her eyes searched his face. "Is everything all right, Jag?"

"Can we ta-"

"Jagged! How long must I wait for you to introduce me to your lovely friend?"

Jag snatched his hand away. It was a reactionary move, but it hurt nonetheless. She missed him already. But just as abruptly Jag stepped to Jaina's side and openly placed his palm on her back. "Ambassador Forchu'itha'nuruodo, may I present Jedi Knight Jaina Solo."

"Jedi Knight Jaina Solo, it is my honor." The dignified Chiss held out his hand and Jaina stalled momentarily, unsure what to do. Her limited experience with the Chiss had shown them to be impersonal and aloof, shunning physical contact even with others of their own kind. Perhaps as an ambassador, this Chiss was accustomed to greeting other races in their own unique manner. Hesitantly she offered her own hand, expecting perhaps a curt handshake. Instead the white-haired dignitary swept her hand up into his own, bent low at the waist, and planted a perfect kiss on the top of her knuckles. "And my pleasure."

Jaina graciously accepted her hand back when the ambassador let it go. At a loss for words, she simply smiled that polite affectation her mother had taught her long ago. "Ambassador, I must say –"

"I am not what you expected," Chu'itha said. With a flourish he swept his hand toward Jag and then Shawnkyr, who had just arrived. "I am terribly sorry if my more militarily minded brethren in the CEDF have given you the wrong impression. Not all Chiss are quite so…grim."

The ambassador's final word gave Jaina good cause to smile, particularly at Jag.

"After everything I have heard about you," Chu'itha continued without missing a beat, "I am surprised Jagged has not yet brought you to our wonderful homeworld and given you the opportunity to learn this for yourself."

Still looking at Jag, Jaina raised an eyebrow curiously. "Oh, it's not for lack –" she swiveled to face the aging Chiss "– of trying."

Then Chu'itha did something even more unexpected. He laughed – long and hard. "Ah. Very well, then. A hard one to catch are you, Jedi Knight Jaina Solo?"

Jaina giggled – his mirth was genuinely infectious. "Just married to my work."

Chu'itha's shoulders stopped bobbing and his expression grew more somber. "Yes. I would imagine the life of a Jedi must be difficult. Little time for frivolous matters such as romance when the galaxy's greater good is your duty. I have always suspected that is why you understand Jagged so well, with his similar commitments to honor his duty on behalf of his Chiss comrades and the CEDF."

Before she could express her agreement the Vikovan band struck up a lively tune that Jaina recognized instantly. It was the Corellian dowling tango, one of her favorites. Her foot started tapping of its own accord.

"Do you want to dance?" Jag's question caused Jaina to spin around and stare at him agape. She had to remind herself to shut her mouth. The idea was so out of character in the midst of a conversation with his superior - yet reminiscent of another time and place - she wondered if Jag hadn't taken a harder hit than anyone realized. Jaina looked from Jag to the ambassador.

"I suppose I should find this… Ilana… no, Ilaina… or Ilina… Oh dear." The Chiss ambassador shook his head and rubbed his angled chin, then looked to Jaina with a mischievous sparkle in his red eyes. "How is it again that you say her name?"

"Illy-ahna," Jaina answered, using every ounce of her willpower to do so graciously.

"Ah. Yes, well, at least I was close. Iliana it is, then." Chu'itha glanced over to Shawnkyr. "Major, do you mind?"

Snapping to attention, Shawnkyr dipped her head respectfully and offered him her arm. "This way, Ambassador."

Chu'itha grinned and linked his arm into hers. Then with a perfectly executed pivot, the two tall Chiss were gone. Jaina watched the ambassador walk away, and wondered if all her suppositions about the Chiss were entirely wrong. She would find out soon enough –

"Jaina?"

Jag was standing with his hand outstretched, waiting. The tantalizing beat of the dowling tango was at full tempo now, and Jaina was quickly caught up in its hypnotic rhythm once again. Very gently she placed her hand in Jag's, and an instant later he swung her onto the dance floor. At that point the dance took over. It was intricate and energetic, and Jag was more than an adequate partner. He guided her through the dips and turns that up until now she had only performed with her dad or brother, and Jaina learned something new – Jag was in fact an amazing dance partner.

Only at the chorus, when the steps finally repeated, did she dare speak. "Why Jagged Fel, you never cease to amaze me."

He spun her once, then captured her back in his arms. They were body to body. "How's that?"

"You're good. Really good. It's almost as if I don't know this man before me."

Dipping her back, Jag's expression was entirely serious as he said, "I am the same man I've always been."

Once righted, Jaina finally could answer. "But you seem so comfortable…here. It's almost as if you belong –"

"I am only comfortable because you are here." He left her as the dance dictated and after a quick four-step turn they were back in each other's arms. "I could be happy anywhere with you."

"Happy on Csilla?"

"Yes. You would like it there –"

"Obviously you think so." Jaina smirked as they locked hands and began the fast pair spin that accompanied the final musical flourish. "You've even convinced Ambassador Chu'itha to aid in your effort to get me to go home –"

Jag lifted his hands and twisted Jaina into the tight spiral. The room spun by in a flurry of colors until she landed safely in his arms, his eyes locked on hers. "I did no such thing."

Of course she knew Chu'itha's taunt regarding her visit had been unsolicited, but the look on Jag's face suggested he thought otherwise. Time to stop teasing. "You know, Jag, I've been meaning to talk to you."

He stepped back, rolling Jaina out until they ended at arms' length. Jag's free hand flared out from his side. "As have I."

Jaina curtsied as she should. "You have?"

He bowed. "Yes, actually. There's something rather important we…"

The rest was lost in a flourish of applause. Looking left then right to see what all the ado was about, Jaina quickly realized everyone in the enormous ballroom had been watching their dance. Now that it had ended, the thunderous approval signified that they had done an admirable job. When she turned back to Jag, he appeared solicitous of the crowd and expressed the correct degree of gratitude, but there was something uneasy about the set of his jaw.

He wasn't looking at her, though, but rather just past. The applause died away, and Jaina sensed the crowd parting. Soon only one set of softly clapping hands remained.

"Iliana," Jaina spat as she tried to take her hand back. Jag, however, was entirely unwilling to relinquish her. With some effort Jaina's fingers popped from between Jag's, and he frowned. Jaina turned to face the meddling intruder, crossing her arms as she did.

"Well, well, Jaina, my dear. You and Ambassador Fel are quite the pair. In the air, and on the dance floor," the Vikovan leader said aloud. Already she had passed through the crowd and sauntered onto the center of the dance floor. More softly, from the corner of her mouth, she said, "Or so it would appear."

"Appearances aren't everything, Your Grace," Jaina replied with a sickly smile.

"Indeed. They can be deceiving – or just for show." Iliana turned to Jag, wrapping an arm through his as if she owned him. "What matters is what is inside. The reasons that drive each of us. Our motivations."

Jaina clenched her teeth. She knew the game at hand; she knew what Iliana wanted – to make her jealous and do something utterly stupid. Deep down Jaina knew that Iliana's shallow games weren't fooling Jag. He saw nothing but a beautiful yet hollow shell when he looked at the tall, voluptuous blonde. When he looked at Jaina, on the other hand, she felt his spirit soar, as if she alone could fill the hollows of his heart. Jaina would not let herself become the jealous fool she had accused Jag of being earlier in the day. She wouldn't let Iliana ruin tonight.

Jaina dipped her head respectfully. "Of course. You're right."

The fete guests, who by now had clustered around them, all grinned and nodded in unison, a room full of puppets at their leader's beck and call. Iliana smiled as well, but she seemed none too pleased. Then Jaina remember her mother's assertion that the best way to kill an opponent's momentum is to deny them your true self. Obviously Iliana had not expected Jaina to act like her mother, to choose restraint. She had to admit it was an unnatural choice for her, but right now she was finding the results entirely too satisfying to do anything else.

Turning her back on Jaina, Iliana addressed Jag. "I am glad my advice to keep you off Jaina's wing ended fortuitously. Working separately seems to favor the two of you."

Oh, she's good. Jaina imagined a Force-slap landing precisely between the blonde's perfectly spaced eyeballs. Instead she gave the woman an overwhelming itch between her shoulder blades. It gave Jaina an unhealthy but great pleasure to watch Iliana squirm to hold her regal air while Jag offered a bland tactical answer. Scratching her back in public of course would never do.

It turned out that a little jealousy was quite fun after all.

"I would have been in dire straights without Jaina in the end. She always seems to have my back…when I need it the most," Jag finished. He was now staring at Jaina. Intently. Very intently.

"Maestro, the music, please."

As Iliana signaled to the orchestra, Jaina found herself fighting a blush. It was an odd sensation indeed, but not unexpected when she recognized the heated thoughts coming from Jag. An embrace. A kiss. Oh, that kiss. A caress up her sides to her…

Every fiber of Jaina's being fought to control the rising blood in her body. Even then she felt flushed. How could Jag just stand there and think those things? And still remain so in control?

Suddenly, an entirely evil thought popped into her mind. "I'll leave you two, then. To share this dance." Jaina flashed Iliana her patented Solo grin. That's all you'll ever get of my man, sister. So enjoy it now, because you'll never get any better. "Gotta go."

Jag hurriedly extricated himself from Iliana's grasp and stepped toward Jaina. "About our talk…"

Jaina batted her eyelashes. She knew exactly what he wanted to "talk" about. The anticipation would only make things more passionate later on. "It can wait." Out of the corner of her eye she spotted a group of pilots – Galactic Alliance and Jedi – heading into one of the hallways leading out of the larger ballroom. "I've got to check on my guys. You know where to find me, okay?"

She patted his arm, then trotted off. The moment he was free from his duties Jag would find her in her room like he always did, and Jaina would be waiting to welcome him with open arms. She wasn't sure why her room and not his, but that was just the way it always happened. Soon he would be there. They would be alone, really alone. She would tell him everything, and they would celebrate. Oh, they would celebrate, all right – all night long.

Tonight would be a night they would both remember. Jaina had no doubt of that at all.