Previously on As Coruscant Turns...
Jag had the Universe's longest innerlogue and filled us in on:
The state of the galaxy, Huff's evilness, and Tahiri' departure from the Jedi Order…
And... introduced his fiancée…
And… Jacen drove Jaina to the party...
Season 1
Episode 3
Someday soon, you'll walk into this room
I'll see you but I'll be immune
Someday soon
Somehow I, got to find a way to say goodbye
Find a way to let this feeling die
Somehow I
Maybe it's me,
But it's time to make a getaway,
I don't know about you,
But it's time to make my getaway
Call me a fool,
But it's time to make a getaway
Don't know what else I can do,
Now it's time to make my getaway
Someday soon, you walk into this room
I see you, but I'll be immune
Someday soon
Someday soon
Someday Soon/Brendan Murphy, Declan Murphy, Pat O'Donnell
Hapan Senatorial Embassy, Senate City, Coruscant
40 ABY
Ten Years After The Yuuzhan Vong War
Jag stood between the bar and the dance floor enjoying a moment of peace, musing on how long it would last, and why he was still here.
He didn't need the Force to know Jaina was in the building and that his night was about to become complicated. He vaguely wondered if he could avoid her meeting Noya. After all, he and Noya had never really talked about Jaina, and this was probably not the most fair way or place for her to find out that Jacen's sister had been more to Jag than just another pilot he'd served with during the war.
As if Jaina being there wasn't stressful enough, he could almost feel Mara approaching, and was certain she had some kind of mission in mind. He had to hand it to her, she was tenacious. She was going to talk to Jag about Jaina tonight, whether he liked it or not.
The senators he had been speaking with had left him, and Noya was dancing with Wedge, so Jag assumed that Mara was about to make her move, and sure enough, as he lowered his glass after taking a long drink, there she was. Right in front of him.
Who needed the Force?
"Buy me a drink, Flyboy?"
"Of course, Master Skywalker." Jag signaled to the bartender for two more.
"Vaping meteors, Jag. Drop the honorifics; I thought we were better friends than that. You're making me feel ancient and unloved."
Jag chuckled at that. "My apologies Mara, you are neither ancient nor unloved."
They picked up the glasses placed on the bar, clinked them together and threw back their shots simultaneously. Only after years of practice could Jag drink this stuff with only a slight grimace. Mara took it in like water.
"Shavit. Do you not have any taste buds?"
Mara smiled and signaled to the bartender for two more. "I wouldn't have made much of an assassin or spy if I couldn't hold my liquor, now would I?"
Jag tipped his head in appreciation of her statement and threw back the next shot. Putting the glass down next to Mara's he said, "You have a point."
Smiling, she said, "Come on, Jag, let's dance."
"Why, Mara, I'd be honored"
Jag took her hand and led her onto the floor just as a Classic Hapan piece began.
After a moment Mara said, "I should be the one apologizing to you."
"Hmm, why is that?"
"It was mean of me to bring her up like that."
"Who?"
"Are the drinks dulling you or are you really that bad of a liar?"
"Well, I have had quite a few tonight."
Mara's piercing green eyes bore into his own, and he quietly accepted that there was not going to be a reprieve.
"Do you know Jacen is one of my closest friends and in all this time he has never tried to get me to talk about this?" Jag asked.
"On what level is that supposed to impress me?"
"Has it occurred to you that I don't want to talk about her, or that I don't care how she is?"
"Yes, but I dismissed those ideas."
"Of course you did."
"Despite the situation between you and Jaina…"
"There is no situation between her and myself," Jag interrupted.
Mara continued undeterred, "…we've spent a lot of time together over the years and I believe I've come to know you fairly well, and I care about you a great deal. I'm not bringing up Jaina to cause trouble or make you uncomfortable. I'm genuinely concerned about the two of you and where you are with each other."
Jag looked Mara right in the eye, "Would you like exact coordinates? I haven't seen or spoken to Jaina Solo in four years and I am marrying someone else when the Senate term ends."
Mara continued to stare expectantly. Jag held her gaze for quite a while and then finally rolled his eyes, knowing she was not satisfied and was not going anywhere.
"I haven't asked because even now, after all this time, the way things ended is still painful - that they ended at all. However, I was forced to go on with my life and accept that it was over and I'll never be with her again. I think the only thing that could possibly make it worse is to have you tell me that she is blissfully happy, married, and living off the land on some backwater planet, using her lightsaber to light the family hearth and is getting ready to birth her third child."
Mara smiled broadly. "You know, Jag, way down deep, under all the pomp and arrogance and fighter pilot bravado, you do have a little bit of a sense of humor. You should show it more often."
"Some would say I do."
She seemed to consider her next words carefully, "Would it help to know that not only is she not about to birth her third child but in fact she doesn't have any, is not married, and is anything but blissful."
Jag thought about this for a long time, trying to decide how to answer. Finally he said, "Since I already knew most of that; no. No, it doesn't. I don't think that anything but time will help. Only a couple of years ago did I come to accept that it was really over and stopped looking for excuses to hide from life and to move on with mine. The fact that Jaina isn't blissful does not make anything easier for me."
Mara nodded and Jag thought for a second that maybe she understood and would drop it.
"Because now you want to know why she'd rather be alone than with you?"
But she didn't.
"Do you remember years ago when I told you that Jaina was very much a child in some ways and that I hoped you'd be a positive part of her education?"
"Yes."
"You need to remember that Jaina trained as a Jedi, which in our times has been synonymous with warrior, from a very young age, joined an elite fighter squadron at a young age, lost one brother and misplaced the other, and was a squadron commander and posing as an enemy deity all before the age of twenty. She saved the lives of countless people, yours and mine included and had to live with the knowledge that countless lives were sacrificed to save hers. That is a lot for a young woman to deal with. I think Jaina needed time away from the craziness and uncertainty of a war she grew up in and needed to finish growing up. I also think that she needed time to grieve for all the things she lost during those years… her childhood among them. And I think that she felt more than a little guilty for having survived the war."
Jag finally began to soften at Mara's words. He knew all that. Had even been the one to explain a lot of it to Jaina, or tried to. But somehow hearing it from her aunt reminded him of just how young Jaina had been when they'd met, and how ill-prepared she had been for adulthood after the war.
"You're speaking in the past tense. Are you implying that she's completed this task?"
Mara smiled again. "I'm not implying anything, Flyboy. I'm stating that Jaina needed to work through what she had experienced. I think that she's done a lot of that in the last few years and has indeed grown up."
They were silent for a moment, and Jag tried to digest a little of what he'd just heard but was brought out of his contemplation by the sound of Mara's voice as she began again.
"She thought long and hard about not going to Csilla with you when the war ended, and every other time you asked. She needed to figure some things out before she could give you what she thought you wanted, and be who she thought you wanted her to be. I also think that there has been a large void in her life and she has been all too aware of it."
"Please, enlighten me, what will fill that void?"
As Jag asked the question the music ended. He was vaguely aware of couples leaving the dance floor and others taking their places; again Mara's eyes held his in an intense gaze.
After the orchestra started another piece and Jag and Mara began to move again, she finally said, "Only Jaina can answer that question. You should ask her."
And with that Mara turned to greet her husband and niece, who had danced up next to them.
"Hello, Ambassador Fel." Luke said jovially. "Darling?" he asked, grabbing his wife's attention, "from what I hear you've danced with everyone but me tonight." Then, directing his attention to Jag, Luke continued, "Would you care to trade partners?"
"Master Skywalker," Jag greeted, "who am I to deny a man a dance with his own wife?" Jag stepped back from Mara and kissed the back of her hand. "Master Jade Skywalker, it's been interesting, as always."
Jag felt the other Master place Jaina's hand in his and give their fingers a slight squeeze before dancing away with his wife.
Jag took only a few seconds to decide that simply dropping Jaina's hand and walking away would look inappropriate, so he put his other hand behind her back and began to lead.
Though Jag had reached for her to start dancing, he left a considerable distance between their bodies and had to stifle a groan as he felt Jaina slowly bring her body closer to his. When at last their bodies were touching she gazed up at him, but he refused to look down, instead focusing on a distant point behind her head.
Finally, in a gentle voice, Jaina said, "It's really good to see you, Jag. I've missed you."
Jag didn't acknowledge her statement and when another uncomfortable silence passed he thought he could sense her confidence waning and almost felt sorry for her. Then she spoke again.
"Jag, are you going to talk to me?"
"I cannot imagine I have anything to say that would be of interest to you."
From the corner of his eye he saw the sad smile that spread slowly on her face and found it difficult to maintain the anger that would get him through the rest of the dance without breaking down.
"I understand you're mad at me. I was hoping we could put the past behind us and start fresh."
For some reason… that helped considerably.
"Start fresh?" His voice was a harsh whisper and the incredulity that edged it surprised him, but he went with it. "Put the past behind us? I would say it is fairly well behind us. And while this is hardly the place I envisioned our first encounter after years of avoiding each other, it does strike me as deliciously ironic and appropriate that the first time we do speak it's while we're dancing."
Jag finally looked down and saw not only defeat etched in Jaina's beautiful face, but the sheen of tears in her eyes.
"I'm sorry, Jag. I never meant to hurt you. I really handled things badly."
"Actually, you didn't handle things at all. A word before you went to Tuborlisk would have been nice. Some resolution of our last conversation. Any sign that my feelings mattered to you in the slightest would have gone a long way." Jag tried to keep his voice low and cool, not really wanting to impart the pain that he had felt. Or draw the attention of all those surrounding them to their conversation.
"You're absolutely right. You deserved to be treated so much better than I treated you. I was lucky to have had your love and I was too young and stupid to appreciate you."
Jag was silent again, then Jaina changed gears. "Uncle Luke told me you were amazing during the Council meeting today. He said you're very well-liked and respected by the Jedi and non-Jedi alike. They all admire your negotiating skills."
Jag's only acknowledgement was a slight nod.
"I'm very happy for you. I know you've worked hard to prove that you were worthy of Chief Omas's recommendation."
Jag had to admit to himself that he was impressed that she had brought that up. His appointment, while they were both well aware that it was purely for political reasons on Omas's part, had caused a major rift between them. Actually, it was probably the beginning of the end. Jaina had been stunned and angry that after five years of hard work she hadn't even been considered for Master, let alone thought of as Council material, while Jag, not even a Jedi, was simply handed the prestigious appointment. His placement had no bearing on hers, but she had still been unable to hide how upset it made her.
"Who would have ever imagined that I would become known for my tact and reason?"
"Me, for starters. How else did our relationship work for as long as it did?"
Jag took a deep breath. A few more awkward moments passed and Jag silently cursed the Hapans and their insanely long orchestrations; he'd have to discuss this selection with the Queen Mother.
Seeing Han and Leia in the distance he decided to stick to neutral territory for the time he had left. Surely, he thought, it couldn't be much longer.
"How is the Princess? What happened to her vow to never again enter politics?"
Jaina seemed to be happy for the change in topic as well since she didn't hesitate to answer.
"When she made that vow the Jedi Order hadn't been folded into Intel. I think she took the job knowing that she could do more for Uncle Luke by working with Belindi on the Order's behalf than actually going out on missions. And she was ready to kill herself from boredom on Corellia."
"Does your Dad miss Corellia?"
Jaina shrugged. "Well, you can drink and play slingball anywhere, which, from what I can gather, is how he and Wedge spend most of their time, so I'm sure he's fine. Dad is actually in better shape than I've seen him in years."
"I'm supposed to play with them in a few days. Jacen too."
Jaina nodded but did not reply.
"I know Belindi's looking to expand the Wraiths for mission backup and extractions and is hoping to add Jedi to the roster. I was surprised to not see your name on the proposed list."
"That's because I've taken a position in my mother's office."
Jag felt his heart thud painfully in his chest. "So you'll be living here? On Coruscant?"
"Yeah. I moved into an apartment off Temple grounds when I was here a few weeks ago."
The music ended and Jag quickly pulled his hands away from Jaina. "Well, then I'm sure we'll be running into each other from time to time." Jag stepped back, gave a slight bow, turned and walked away.
Tenel Ka had always been beautiful, but tonight she was exceptionally so.
As Jacen made his way across the ballroom, watching her every step of the way, he noticed that her eyes shone a little brighter than usual, and her features were a little more animated when she spoke with one dignitary or another. What was it that brought the rosy glow to her cheeks that he had noticed earlier in the day? Jacen believed he had witnessed this particular luminescence before… if only he could put his finger on when and under what circumstances.
He knew she was pleased that this night had finally arrived; that after so much work the galactic government had finally been moved back to Coruscant. In Tenel Ka's view this was a victory on many levels. It showed that despite Wilhuff Tarkin and his cronies' assertions, the governing body was strong and would ultimately recover from the war. Taking back Coruscant, she had said, and making it habitable enough to serve as the GFFA capital, was as much a symbolic statement to the people of the galaxy as it was a practical necessity. The Queen Mother had played a huge role in bringing this about, but that wasn't why she was glowing.
Jacen thought harder.
He knew that as the years had passed she had become increasingly more comfortable in her role as queen and was very happy to be a wife and mother, but that… that was it.
As soon as the thought formed in his head, 15 kilos of red gold curls and Hapan silk launched herself at Jacen.
"Friend Jacen, Friend Jacen, you're back!"
Before he had fully turned and braced himself, Talitha Tenneniel Fel D'Jo, heir to the throne of the Hapes Consortium, had leapt into his arms, hugging him with all her might.
"Hello, Butterfly. Did you miss me that much? I've only been gone a couple of hours."
Leaning back and placing her hands on either side of Jacen's face, the little princess placed a kiss on his nose, "I know, but Poppa says I have to go back to the nursery soon, and I wanted to kiss my third favorite person in the galaxy before I did."
Jacen felt his heart swell with love for the child. "And now you have."
"Will you be here when I wake up tomorrow?"
"Indeed, and we'll play all kinds of games before you and Poppa leave for Csilla."
"Will I get to make my toys dance and tell you things in your brain?"
"Of course."
Jacen swung Talitha in a circle and laughed at her delighted squeals, only stopping when he saw her amused parents approaching. He smiled broadly at his friends as he righted their daughter; he would forever be pleased with his own handiwork on their behalf. They were truly a perfectly matched couple.
"Judging by your expression, one would think you enjoyed yourself with the Phelarions." Tenel Ka said.
"Actually, I didn't, but I was just thinking that I haven't seen you look so… radiant in about four and a half years and I was wondering if there was any particular reason for it."
Jacen's grin grew wider when his oldest friend actually blushed before turning to her husband.
"Apparently, Cem, there is nothing we can hide from Master Solo."
The Prince Consort looked adoringly at his wife before replying, "Well, I happen to agree with him. You are radiant. "
Jacen looked down at the queen and said softly, "I'm very happy for you," then continued in a louder voice, "for purely selfish reasons of course. The last time you were this radiant," Jacen flipped Talitha upside down and began to tickle her, "you gave birth to my favorite princess."
From behind them came an amused voice said, "If there is tickling of my niece to be done, I must have a turn."
The bundle of silk righted herself in Jacen's arms and tried to greet her fourth favorite person in the galaxy.
"Uncle Jagged!"
"Hello, Tahly."
But then the little girl visibly deflated and Jacen realized she had sensed her nanny drawing near.
Jacen turned her back to face him. "Now, now, Tahls," he soothed as soon as he felt her sadness in the Force, "Remember all those games we have planned for tomorrow? You'll need a good night of sleep if you want to do that."
"I know." She answered sullenly.
Tenel Ka stepped closer to her daughter and cupped the child's face in her hands. She tilted Talitha's chin up and looked into eyes that were as blue as her father's.
"Friend Jacen is right, Little One. And you need to be up early to help me make breakfast before you and Poppa leave."
Talitha smiled slightly and nodded before asking, "Will you come kiss my precious nose after you've put your dress and jewels away?"
Brushing a strand of hair behind her daughter's ear Tenel Ka smiled. "As always."
Jacen watched Talitha nod in concession then she turned and kissed his cheek and allowed him to pass her off to the nanny. The four grownups watched her being carried away and waved when Talitha waved goodbye.
Jacen brought the others' attention back to him when he said, "Don't look now Your Majesty, but I believe you are being stalked."
Tenel Ka straightened her back slightly and tipped her chin up. "The senator from Kothlis?"
Jacen nodded.
"A queen's work is never done I'm afraid." Looking from her husband to her brother-in-law and finally her friend, she said, "Can I trust you three to behave if I leave you alone?"
It was Jag who answered. "In all the years that you've known me, have I ever caused trouble?"
The queen smiled again, "Now that I give it serious consideration… no. Which might explain why you don't get invited along on all the 'boys only' trips."
Cem and Jacen chuckled, as much at Jag's wounded expression as Tenel Ka's words.
"Forgive me, Jagged, I was joking. To the best of my knowledge there have been no 'boys only trips' that you weren't included in."
Cem reached down and took his wife's hands in his, brought them to his mouth and gently kissed the backs of one set of fingers and then the other.
"Your beauty is matched by your wit, my love."
Jag and Jacen's soft groans joined Tenel Ka's.
"Cem," Jacen began, "she already married you. It's a sure thing."
Not taking her eyes from Cem's, Tenel Ka said, "And I have you to thank for this type of continuous flirtation, Jacen." Tenel Ka removed one of her hands from Cem's and gently stroked his cheek. "You will tuck Talitha in and tell her I love her?"
"Of course. And I'll see you at dinner."
The Royal couple shared a small smile before Tenel Ka turned and walked away, and Jacen watched as Cem's eyes followed his retreating wife.
"So," Jag began, "you're off to Csilla in the morning?"
A distracted 'Yes' was his brother's reply.
"Lucky man."
"Yes, I am."
Jag and Jacen looked at each other and rolled their eyes.
"Amazing, married all these years and that is still all you can think about." Jag teased.
Finally turning to his brother and best friend Cem gave an indignant answer: "Get your mind out of the gutter, Jagged. I was thinking about Mom's ryshcate."
This made the other two laugh outright again, to which Cem simply gave a sly smile.
"Now, if you two perverted old geezers will excuse me, I'm going to tuck my daughter into bed."
Finally alone, Jacen said; "I took as long as I could in getting here. I figured you might have been able to make your exit."
Jag smiled sadly. "You may be the kindest man alive, but we all knew I couldn't avoid your sister forever."
"So you've seen her?"
"Hmmm… and danced with her. Your aunt and uncle saw to it."
Jacen winced. "Sorry."
A ridiculously handsome man in a uniform of the Royal Household walked by with a tray full of drinks and Jacen grabbed two and handed one to Jag.
"Why is everyone in your family pouring alcohol down my throat tonight?"
Jacen smiled. "I can't speak for any of the others, but I'm doing it because Jaina is walking this way and Noya is about three meters behind her."
Jag threw back his drink and winced slightly, though Jacen couldn't be sure if that was a reaction to the sickly sweet Vinikia, a Hapan favorite, or the approaching women.
"Perhaps I'll ask your fiancé to dance?" Jacen said.
"And while you're doing that… I'll see if Cem needs help tucking Tahls in."
And for the third time that night, Jag walked away from a Jedi.
Next time on Fear and Love...
Tahiri slips into something more comfortable…
And...
Jag slips out of bed...