The Legacy of Fett



The name echoed through the halls of the underground lair before reaching the man's ears. He instantly dropped what he was doing to sprint through the halls, entering the throne room and falling instantly to one knee, his head bowed.

he said softly. Pushing a piece of greasy brown hair from his eyes, he watched the slow progress of an insect across the floor, not daring to look at his master.

Look at me, man! Do not flinch away like a frightened child! The crimelord's sharp voice reverberated through the room, rising to the tall ceiling, and filling the surrounding passageways. The crimelord was not in a good mood.

Pietr obliged without a word and rose his head to look into the crimelord's almost unnaturally pale eyes, narrowing his own as a response. A smile spread across his master's lips at the sight.

So you do fear me—good, good. That is how it should be, just so long as you don't lose your respect.

Of course, Great One. I would never lose respect for one such as you, for my life does balance in your hands.

As does your payroll. You are a clever man, Pietr.

Thank you. Pietr lowered his eyes in respect before looking back at the crimelord. You called for me?

I did, the crimelord nodded. Leaning forward, the crimelord stared at the man in front of the throne with those green eyes. You may tell your men that they can proceed with the plans as the weather allows.

You're sure, Crimelord?

Of course I'm sure! The crimelord's voice rose in pitch causing Pietr to cringe away. Do you question my judgement?

No, no, of course not. I will inform the men right away.

Good. You are dismissed.

Thank you, Crimelord. Pietr bowed before turning on his heel to exit the chamber. He clenched his gloved fist in front of him and turned in time to see the crimelord turn on a life-size holo of Keilana. A feral smile spread across his master's lips, causing Pietr to smile as well. Soon I will bring her to you, Great One, he muttered to himself, admiring the holo before him. Soon , she will be yours—again.




Keilana looked up and furrowed her brow. Had someone called out to her? She walked out of the Temple and down the empty streets of Coruscant, looking for the disembodied voice. After a little while, she put on hand on her stomach, surprised to find it flat once again. Surprised, however was an understatement, Keilana was panicking. She tried to yell out, but her voice had been muted. Trying again, Keilana started to cry as she fell to her knees.

Where was her baby?

Just then, she heard the voice again. It was oddly familiar, yet she couldn't quite place it. Looking up, her face tear-streaked and puffy, she looked around her. There was nothing, nobody. The streets were perfectly still except for her. Once again, the voice called to her.

Dad?

Standing, Keilana started to wander down a side street. She picked her way carefully through the rubble, looking for whomever was calling to her.

As she turned a corner, a terrible pain ripped through her, causing her to double over—only she couldn't. Somehow, even without the presence of the child, she couldn't move in any other way. Cringing as another wave of pain crashed over her, Keilana gripped her stomach and started to move forward once again. The voice was so close, so very close.

Another corner, another wave of pain.

Just as she was about to give up, a shadow stepped out from behind a trash bin, offering its hand to her. Looking up, she almost recognized the shape of the helmet and the slope of the shoulders, but she couldn't place it. Reaching out, she tried to grab the offered hand, but it was too far away; it seemed so close. Keilana tried again, only to stumble forward as her hand met with thin air. Grimacing again as her whole body shook with pain, Keilana closed her eyes and bowed her head. She couldn't live through this.

And then the voice called out again, though this time obviously female. Looking up, Keilana realized that another figure had joined them, this one slender, shorter than the first. Though it was shadowed as well, it's face blurred, Keilana could have sworn she was looking at a reflection of herself, the body shape so incredibly similar to hers. Somehow, somewhere, she had seen this woman before, this woman with only one arm.

The woman rested her hand on the first figure's shoulder, leaning against it, using it to support her weight. And then she laughed, a laugh so high and cruel Keilana cringed, the sound torture to her ears.

she managed to gasp as another tidal wave of pain tore through her. Falling to her knees Keilana started to cry again, her tears splashing onto the ground, wiping the image away


Keilana blinked, unsure of exactly what had happened, sure that it was all a dream. However, moments later, she realized that the pain was very real. Clutching her stomach, relieved to see that she was indeed still pregnant, Keilana grimaced, the real pain far more painful than her dreamthe dream

The baby!

Keilana sat up and managed to swing her legs over the side of the bed before another contraction ripped through her. They were so close together, she realized, almost too close together for her to have the time she needed. Standing up, Keilana groped around in the dark room to find the comlink she had left on her bedside table.

she gasped into the comlink. There was no response. Fuck it, Ganner, wake up!

Came the sleepy response on the other end.

Wake up, she growled, walking across the room, leaning against the wall as another contraction came and went. Her water had already broken, probably when she was still asleep. And the pain, the pain was like nothing she had ever experienced before.

I'm awake, he assured her with a great yawn. What's going on?

The baby , it's she groaned.

That woke Ganner up. She could hear him scamper across his room to the door. I'll be down there in a moment, Keilana. Just try to keep him in until I get there, yeah?

Shut up, Ganner.

Hey, at least you relocated to the floor the medcenter is on, Ganner went on. Not too long of a walk.

With the Gods as my witnesses, Ganner, I'm going to rip off some precious anatomy when you get down here. Keilana, who figured she better get a little ready, grabbed a jacket and moved out into the hall, waiting for Ganner to arrive. This was something they had talked about awhile back and Ganner had agreed to help her when the time came. In fact, he seemed very enthusiastic about it. Keilana had thought through that often and still couldn't figure out why. She knew he didn't approve of the baby's father, or her father for that matter, or how the child had been conceived, yet he still insisted on helping her. Was she missing something there?

Just as she stepped into the hallway, someone came around the corner. Keilana fully expected it to be Ganner and was surprised to see that, instead, the looming form of Kyp Durron had entered the hallway. They stared at each other for a moment, unable to comprehend why the other was there, before Kyp rushed forward.

Is everything all right?

Does it look all right to you? Keilana straightened up to the best of her ability and looked Kyp in the eye. Since you're here, you can help me to the infirmary. Ganner? She said into the comlink.



Go ahead to medcenter and I'll meet you there.



Kyp just showed up. Get one of the Healers, though with the disturbances I've sent through the Force, I'm sure they're all awake already. The whole bloody Temple is probably awake. Keilana tried to laugh, but it came out as a groan as a fresh wave of pain ripped through her. Kyp's strong grip instantly stabalized her as she closed her eyes.

You're in no condition to get there on your own, Keilana, he said, putting a hand on her shoulder. Keilana started to protest, but another contraction had gripped her and she felt her knees go weak.

And how, exactly dodo you propose to get me there? She said weakly.

Like this. Kyp leaned over and picked her up, one hand under her knees and the other behind her shoulders. Keilana gasped before throwing her arms around Kyp's neck, trying to help him. The big Jedi winced slightly at her weight, but started gallantly forward.

You expect to be able to carry me all the way there?

It's better than the baby being born in the middle of the hallway, he said, wincing again as Keilana experienced another contraction, her nails digging into his back. Besides, even with the baby, you're still as light as a feather.

Cut down on the wisecracks, Kyp, she gasped out. Gods, I never thought it would be this painful.

It will be over soon enough, he said, his stride a bit more sure now.

Easy for you to say, she laughed lightly, resting her forehead against Kyp's neck.

Why do you say that?

You, all of you, your part in this process is e—easy. A literal flash in the pants and, nine months later, you've got a kid that looks sort of like you. Gods, I hope he doesn't look like his father.

Kyp decided to leave that at that. However, he had other questions for her.



Didn't Luke teach you anything to help get rid of the pain?

Do you really think I can recall any of my training, Kyp? Men

Just humor me and try. Relax your mind and let the Force flow through you.

she growled, biting her lower lip. Fighting the pain, Keilana closed her eyes and reached out. She felt the Force reach out as well, licking her in it's calming aura. Within moments, much of the pain was gone, but that did not completely rid Keilana of the sharp contractions and the pain that accompanied them. Drawing in a deep breath of air, Keilana heard Kyp tell her they were almost there. One more corner and a short passageway. Keilana breathed her thanks.

Moments later, Keilana heard the soft whoosh of an opening door and dared to open her eyes. So she was back. The last time she had been here with an emergency was when she had been stabbed. Keilana almost laughed. Last time she had been carried in by a large Jedi as well. However, that thought was quickly washed out of her mind as another moan escaped through her teeth. Fluttering her eyes open as Kyp stopped, Keilana watched the fish-head Jedi Healer, Cilghal, and a disgruntled looking Ganner walk into view. The expression on Ganner's face soured further as he watched Keilana grip Kyp in pain.

The Healer beckoned Kyp forward into a separate room and told him to lay Keilana on the bed. She then shooed both male Jedi out as another Healer joined them in the small birthing room.

she said, literally having to use physical force to get Kyp and Ganner out of the room. You've done all you can, now let us do our job.

The closing door drowned out Keilana's gasping scream.





They must have paced the same stretch of floor hundreds of time, each acting as if the child being born was their own, their nerves were so on end. Each man loved Keilana in a different way, even if Kyp didn't realize it. For him, it wasn't passion, but more fatherly or brotherly. In the past seven months or so, he had grown close to Keilana, almost taking her on as a full-time pupil of his own. It had come out of watching her, waiting for her to make a wrong move, and quickly learning that she no longer intended to hurt the Jedi. Something in Keilana had changed since being found out, even if she didn't want to admit it. She seemed slightly more docile, though the fire that burned in her heart had grown if anything. She was ready to learn, yes, but fierce, easy to take offence or to throw blame. That much hadn't changed and the Jedi didn't see any change in Keilana's future. Some hoped that she would settle down a bit more now that she was going to be a mother, but deep in their hearts, they doubted it. This was simply a new challenge to Keilana, a new way to prove that she could indeed learn new things. Perhaps it was a horrible thing to say, but the Jedi knew it to be true, even if it wasn't repeated out loud.

And so, they paced, eventually joined by Luke Skywalker who sat calmly in a chair, his legs crossed and his eyes on the other two.

Calm down, he said after awhile. Keilana is going to be just fine.

This statement was accompanied by a particularly loud scream from Keilana, causing the three men to wince.

That doesn't sound fine to me, Master, Ganner said, pausing for a moment.

It's perfectly natural.

Aren't there drugs to calm the pain?

Yes, but does Keilana seem like that kind of a person? Luke said with a slight smile. Remember, she has a will of steel and a great capacity for pain.

Ganner nodded and set his lips in a line. He obviously didn't agree with Luke, though the facts were undeniable.

After much more pacing and a time period that felt like an eternity, Keilana gave one more painful, gasping scream, the sharp cry of a newborn babe cutting through her vocalisation. Ganner and Kyp both froze in place, three sets of eyes turning to the door, waiting for it to open. After another lifetime, or so it seemed, the door did indeed slide open, an exhausted looking Cilghal stepping through. Ganner and Kyp tried to lean around her to get a glance into the room, but to no avail. The door slid shut as soon as the Jedi Healer stepped through.

Luke, who was the only one to look at Cilghal, nodded, waiting for the news. She set a grin on her face, her wide lips coming apart.

Mother and child are doing wonderful, Master, she said, one eye trained on Luke while the other watched Kyp and Ganner. She was wondering if she could speak with you, Luke, privately. I told her you could, if you so wish, but please make the visit short. The birth was long and tiring.

Of course, Luke said with a nod, unfolding his legs and standing up. He nodded to the other three Jedi before disappearing into the room. Ganner instantly turned to Cilghal, his brow furrowed in anger.

Did she say anything about wanting to see me?

The female Jedi cocked her head. What do you think, Ganner?

Ganner pursed his lips and fumed, not bothering to shield his emotions. The child in the other room started to cry a moment later and Cilghal shook her head and placed a hand on Ganner's shoulder.

A child that young is very sensitive, Ganner, she said softly.

He's sensitive?

Almost as strong as his mother, she confirmed. We will all have to watch our raw emotions while he is still so young for he is not used to the rest of us. His mother will bother him more and I already feel for the child, but Keilana will learn to deal with it. She sighed softly before letting out a light chuckle. As for the rest of us, well, if we want to keep our sanity, than we all better be careful not to upset her.




Long after Luke had left, hours and hours after the birth of her son, Keilana looked down at the tiny child in her arms, smiling softly as he slept. He was everything she could have hoped for and more. There was not a strand of red in his hair nor a speck of blue in his eyes. He looked like her, her father—he had inherited the Fett legacy.

Odd, she thought as she ran a finger over his olive-toned cheek. He looks far more like my father than he does either of his parents.

she muttered, settling back into her pillows. Jaxon Fett. That's quite a name to live up too, little guy. There's a whole legacy in that surname, though simple as it seems.

She then frowned, a hint of sadness touching her eyes. Would her son become what she was, what her entire family was? Would he be the hunter his name suggested he should be? Her thoughts, however, were interrupted by a knock at the door. Looking up, she called for her visitor to come in, surprised to see Kyp step into the room. She definitely didn't expect to see him.

she smiled, over her initial shock. What brings you here?

Just come for a visit, if you're in the mood, that is.

Oh, I don't mind. In fact, I was just thinking that it was getting a little lonely around here with no one to talk to who could properly respond. She flashed him a smile before looking down at the child.

How's he doing there? Kyp asked, stepping closer and lowering himself into a bedside chair.

Perfectly fine, she smiled, not looking up. He's just beautiful, isn't he?

He certainly is a handsome child, Kyp agreed. Have you named him yet?

Keilana said immediately, her eyes falling on Kyp.

That's a good, strong name, the Jedi said, smiling and leaning closer. He put one hand on the bed for stability as he gazed down at the child. After a moment of silence, Keilana brushed a stray strand of hair out of Kyp's face, surprising him.

Would you like to hold him? She asked gently.

Are you sure? He looked up, his brow furrowed.

she said with a nod. Here, scoot the chair closer and I'll show you how. Shifting her position, Keilana turned slightly as Kyp moved the chair closer. Hold out your arms like this, yes, perfect. Carefully, Keilana lowered the sleeping child into Kyp's arms, trying not to disturb him. The baby protested gently before falling back to sleep, rolling slightly in toward Kyp's chest. Kyp looked down at Jaxon, a look of wonder set on his handsome features. Keilana smiled as she watched him just hold the child, realizing quickly that her arms felt oddly empty without Jaxon in them. After only a moment, Keilana itched to hold the child again and, sensing this, Kyp handed Jaxon back over to his mother.

It's going to be quite impossible to separate you two, I see, he grinned, leaning back in his chair. Keilana nodded.

Thinking back, I can't see how I could have lived without him. Every part of my being yearns to just hold him and protect him. I can't imagine life now without him. She then sighed sadly, her gaze once again falling on the boy. He'll be the one person who can love me for me, seeing beyond all of my faults. He'll be able to accept my parentage and his family as they are.

Kyp's smile faded as, yet again, he chose not to comment on what Keilana had said. Sadly, he realized, that had been happening a lot lately. Kyp turned to the child once again as he started to whimper, his bout of sleep over. Acting instantly, Keilana adjusted what clothing she wore and lifted the child to her breast. Kyp turned away, locking his gaze on the opposite wall. However, a moment later, he turned back to Keilana as she giggled.

A big, bad Jedi Master embarrassed at the sight of a suckling baby, how amusing. Come now, Kyp, you can't tell me you've lived your entire life without setting your eyes on the female breast.

That's different, he said, shifting his gaze to the floor. Keilana continued to laugh at him. I should probably get going. I've got some students to tend to and

Keilana said, interrupting him. He looked up, meeting her dark gaze. Thank youfor visiting me, that is.

No problem, Key, he said, standing up. Leaning over to brush a soft, almost fatherly kiss on her forehead, Kyp was quite surprised when she grabbed the back of his head, pressing her lips to his. The contact, however, did not last long. Within a moment, Kyp pulled back and stepped away, shaking his head. he said almost breathlessly. No, Keilana, we can't do this.

She looked hurt as she moved to cover herself, suddenly very self-conscious.

It's justit's not rightwe—we just can't. Kyp furrowed his brow against the desire swelling within him before turning and exiting the room with a billow of his robes. It was wrong, he couldn't, he just couldn't. Her heart belonged to someone else, even if she didn't want to admit it. He couldn't toy with her emotions.

But, on top of it all, he couldn't allow himself to fall in love with her.

Watching from the bed, Keilana frowned as the door slid shut. After a moment, she shifted Jaxon to her other breast, attempting to push the kiss out of her mind. However, try as she might, she ended up mulling over it in the end. Somehow, it just hadn't felt right, just like nothing had felt right between the time she had left Ganner and the moment she had held her son for the first time. And, though she didn't want to admit it, thinking about Ganner stung, seeing him even worse. Though she had tried to cope through it, being friendly and jovial with him after a time, there was still that yearning to hold him close, to feel his lips touch hers.

Keilana sighed as Jaxon fell back asleep after being burped, his stomach full, his mind content. Somehow, watching the child made her need for Ganner greater, and that kiss had only been to try and prove herself wrong, to make her believe that she didn't need the black-haired Jedi. But the kiss had had the opposite effect, much to her dismay. It made the yearning more powerful, the need for him deeper than it ever had been in the past.

As if he knew she was thinking about him, Ganner was the next one to step through Keilana's door. He hadn't knocked, nor had he announced his presence in any way other than simply walking in. Keilana tried to put a sardonic tilt to her lips, but it was a weak impression, if that.

she said, her voice betraying her. How good of you to come, though, do you normally just walk into a woman's room without announcing yourself.

Only if that woman is you, Keilana, Ganner said, trying to return her smile. It wasn't in his eyes, however, and Keilana could see that quite clearly.

Well, it's good to know that I am special in your eyes, Ganner. But tell me, do you say that to every partner you've bedded, or am I simply special.

Ah, you've caught me red-handed I'm afraid. Ever since you left me I've told that to every woman I've slept with, which brings the grand total up to zero. Ganner moved across the room and sat in the chair Kyp had previously occupied. Slouching down a bit and clasping his hands in front of him, Ganner smiled at Keilana, his gaze falling momentarily on Jaxon.

Yet another pillow lie, Ganner. You seem full of them tonight. Keilana watched Ganner as he watched her son. As the months had gone by, he seemed to have fallen into slight disrepair, if that's what one could call it. His goatee was not quite as neat as she had seen it in the past and his black hair was sweeping the top of his shoulders, if not beyond. He no longer walked around with the confidence she had first noticed in him and Keilana's mind wandered back to Kyp's words.

He still loves you, you know.

Well, Gods' dammit, she could see that for herself! She just didn't want to acknowledge that he could still love herthat she could still love him. Shaking her head, Keilana sighed softly.

Why are you here, Ganner?

Is it a crime to want to see your son? It seems as if everyone else has.

Skywalker and Kyp have. That's not everyone.

At the mention of Kyp, Ganner's expression soured noticeably, a frown crossing his lips. What was he doing here.

He was here for the same reason that you are. You're not the only person in this place who wants to see Jax! Gods, how can you act so selfish? Keilana furrowed her brow, anger coursing through her. Within a moment, Jax screamed, his cries piercing. Ganner covered his ears as Keilana attempted to soothe her son, both her anger and Jax's protests calming at the same time.

Ganner said after Keilana finally settled the baby. I'd say he's quite sensitive in the Force, just as Cilghal said he was.

Yes, I know, Keilana said, adjusting Jax in her arms. I could feel it as he grew inside of me. You know, he's the one who announced his presence. He, in a way, found me, rather than me finding him. Keilana smiled softly and turned her gaze on the child, who was blinking big, sleepy eyes back up at her.

He's beautiful, Ganner said after a moment. But how couldn't he be?

Do you know who you just called beautiful? Keilana asked. She knew exactly what he was talking about, of course, but certain things he had said in the past still stung. My father. That's who he looks like. He doesn't look like Haun, nor does he have my complexion. He looks like the man everyone fears.

So your father has a face like that? No wonder he hides it behind that mask.

Keilana shot Ganner a gaze full of deadly rays, her brow knit together. Ganner, putting his hands up in defence, apologised quickly.

I know you don't like it, Ganner, Keilana said a moment later, but it's not like I got to choose him. And let me tell you, I would have rather been raised by Tarkin or any of the Imperial Moffs than by my father. At least I might have had a choice of what I wanted to do in my life.

Ganner said, shaking his head. Not quite as much as you'd think. You would have been married off to a well-to-do young Imperial politician and have given him as many babies as you possibly could before dying an early death because of breeding-exhaustion.

Keilana laughed, a smile quirking her lips. I guess I'd rather mother one illegitimate child than twenty Imperials. She shook her head. You caught me, Ganner. No matter how much I rag on and on about how much I hate my father and how much I despise him for bringing me up how he did, I still care for him. He still raised me rather than just dumping me off in some dumpster or brothel. And there is nothing either of us can do about who my father is.

Ganner watched Keilana as she spoke and, as she finished, he reached out and grabbed her free hand in his. She was surprised, her whole body tensing, before being able to relax. Then, almost too quick to comprehend, they came together, their foreheads almost crashing in their need for the other. Keilana had to shift so as to not crush her child between them but it did not stop her. Long months of regretting what she had done, hours of yearning and days of despair culminating here, in this kiss, and flowing away, freeing her mind of so much pain.

Pulling back for a breath, Keilana placed her forehead against Ganner's, long held-back tears leaking down her face. Rubbing a calloused thumb over her cheeks, Ganner smiled softly, his eyes crinkling with the expression.

Don't ever do that to me again, Keilana, he said softly, kissing her cheek. She leaned into him, her eyes sliding shut, a smile playing across her lips.

Don't worry, Ganner.

The two of them just sat there for a few minutes longer, both revelling in their love and new-found peace. Once again, everything seemed right in Keilana's little universe, everything back in balance and at peace. All of the pain and agony over Ganner was gone, washed away as they had come together for the first time in all those painful months.

After a little while of silence, perfect, peaceful silence, Ganner stood up, Keilana protesting softly.

I have things that I have to do, Key, he said, gripping her hand reassuringly in his own. Bending over, he brushed a soft kiss to Jax's forehead before straightening and running the back of his fingers over Keilana's cheek. I'll be back. You just rest. You'll wish you had all the time in the universe to sleep real soon.

You will too, she said softly, looking over his shoulder, her eyes fixed on the opposite wall.

Oh, so I'm invited back to your bed?

Perhaps, poster boy, perhaps. She grinned in his direction, her gaze locking with his. After all, I'll need some escape from the joys of motherhood, even if it is only for a minute or so.

Excuse me? Ganner said after a moment of shock. Keilana's grin widened, becoming toothy and teasing.

You heard what I said. Even if the escape is only for a minute or so

I think I can do better than that, Ganner said before straightening. You know what, I don't even want to talk about this right now.

Keilana called after him as he left. Because you know it's true?

Ganner turned to glare at Keilana before the door slid shut. Chuckling softly to herself, Keilana stroked Jax's shock of dark hair.

Welcome to my life, little one. Kissing him softly, she smiled and closed her eyes. Our life.








---

Ahha! So the Faerie of Sap attacks again, this time handing out all shapes and varieties of cheese. Yum.

Okay, so I had to say it and had to do it. Honestly, how could I deny and ignore the chemistry that I created between Ganner and Keilana? Eh? Eh? It was so cruel of me to break them up in the first place, but so utterly necessary. Methinks I am a little cruel, especially since I threw Kyp into the mix. Poor boy will be real confused now. Well, that's what school and an itsy, bitsy dorm room does to someone. Heh heh Okay, I'm stopping, I'm stopping. Done. Anyway, thank you for the beautiful and wonderful comments!

Oh, and here is something to chew on. While IMing my dad, we came up with this (it was a spur of the moment kinda thing after a comment he made):

From the author of At the Crossroads of Destiny and Time comes the latest exploits of our beloved hero

Keilana Fett, Bounty hunter: The adventures of a girl, her gun, and her trusty roll of paper towels.

Don't worry, ma'am, I'll clean that mess up for you.

Heh, that could be a fun little parody. Until I write again, adieu.