A/N: *skids into FF.net* Okay, okay, no need to panic, I have not fallen off the face of this earth. I am simply going through a program that sucks up any free-time I might have as well as being a college athlete. Just let me warn all you youngsters out there that studying architecture and having a life do not mix! And if you throw in a sport then you can kiss good bye to sleeping and eating as well! Well, now that I have ranted on and on, here is the chapterfinally. Enjoy mis amigos.

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Monster




On the day they were to leave the Temple for their mission, Jaina Solo ran into the hanger, panting and gasping out her apologies for being late. However, no one was there to hear her out. Furrowing her brow and staring straight ahead, Jaina dropped the bags she was holding and muttered one word:

In front of her a jet black YT-1300 was being loaded full of supplies; supplies enough for perhaps three or four people to take on a long journey. Frowning, Jaina left her bags where they were and went in search of her twin. It didn't take long for her to find him.

What's the meaning of this! Jacen! Jaina placed her hands on her hips and stared down at the brown-haired young man in front of her. Jacen looked up from where he was kneeling and checking on supplies. His face did not betray what he was feeling on the inside nor did his presence in the Force.

What do you think is going on, Jaina? Jacen said, his tone short and annoyed. Keilana's just been assigned to the mission. The Scrimshaw is now our transport craft and home for the next few weeks or so. He stood up to face Jaina as he wiped his hands on a greasy rag. I don't know how she pulled it off, but Uncle Luke made the official announcement this morning while you were sleeping. He commed Kyp and myself after failing to get a hold of you.

Jaina sighed as she crossed her arms and shifted her weight. Blowing a strand of flyaway hair out of her face, Jaina focused her eyes over Jacen's shoulder to where Keilana was standing and issuing directions. What'd she do to weed her way into the mission? Jaina said with a growl.

Well, Kyp has his twisted theories but I, personally, think that Uncle Luke is letting her come along to advance her training. Plus, he's suspicious that she already knows something about this guy that she won't tell us.

Then why doesn't he force the information out of her? She doesn't have to come along just because she might know something.

Jacen quirked an eyebrow and matched his sister's stance. I know how you feel about her, Jaina, but think of it like this: Is there anyone you know who could possibly be a better tracker than Keilananot counting Aunt Mara? She's spent her entire life doing this sort of a thing and now she's doing it to help us out. Cool off for a moment and don't let your personal feelings get in the way of the mission.

Jaina suppressed a growl as she clutched her fists at her sides before turning away from her brother and stalking off to retrieve her abandoned bags. Once grabbing them, she made her way towards Scrimshaw.

As Jaina approached Keilana, the woman turned toward her, Jax cradled in her arms as he played with his foot. Jaina, however, ignored Keilana and continued right up onto the lowered ramp. She had not made it two steps before a hand landed firmly on her shoulder forcing her to turn around. She met the smiling face of Keilana with a snarl.

I don't know what shoddy ettiquettes your parents taught you about boarding a ship but it is generally polite to ask the permission of the captain before boarding it.

Isn't permission assumed in this case? Jaina shrugged Keilana's hand off her shoulder.

Not when you don't know where you're going, Solo.

I thought this ship was like my father's?

With slight variations, Keilana said without a break in her expression.

I was just going to drop the bags off in the lounge.

An amused smile flickered across Keilana's face. Then you would probably have ended up among the holding pens. I gutted the ship and redesigned her layout for maximum efficiency. Much of the Scrimshaw is devoted to cells with living space enough for perhaps three people. I didn't have casual passengers in mind.

We are not casual.

Well you certainly aren't bountyheads, are you? Because I can put you up in the cages if you would rather.

Jaina scowled and looked away from Keilana only to turn back to the older woman but not look her in the eye. Where should I put my bags?

Right this way, Keilana said, stepping around Jaina. She shifted Jax to her shoulder and walked up the ramp. The boy's eyes locked on Jaina and he smiled, evoking one out of Jaina in spite of herself. When Jaina didn't immediately follow, Keilana turned to look at her forcing Jaina to wipe the smile from her face.

Give me a moment to react, will you?

Keilana shrugged and turned back to the hallway to disappear immediately within the ship. Jaina followed with muttered curses on her breath. She could not stand this woman! How she was going to last several weeks without doing something drastic, Jaina could not even begin to fathom. If ever there was to be a magnificent clash of personalities, it was to be this trip between Keilana Fett and Jaina Solo.

Despite the fact that the ship was Keilana's, Jaina found herself quite intrigued by it. She had never been on a bounty hunter's ship before and it interested her to see what Keilana had kept and what she had removed. And it was true, the cages did dominate a large part of Keilana's ship while the living area was small indeed.

Here we are, Keilana said after a moment. Shifting Jax in her arms, Keilana opened a door. Jaina peered inside before looking back at Keilana.

It looks like a closet.

Well, yes, it is being used as a closet but if you push a couple of things around and pull down the cots, you will notice that it is a suitable room to sleep in. Either that or you three can fight over the couch there. Keilana smiled and pointed one long finger across the room they were in. Your brother and Kyp have expressed no displeasure about the sleeping arrangements and I suggest you do the same.

I'm sure, Jaina muttered under her breath. Keilana cast a dangerous look in Jaina's direction without saying a thing.

I'll just leave you to your devices since I need to get back to the hanger floor. I trust that you don't need to be told to not touch anything?

Well since you did anyway Jaina shook her head, a sneer set on her face.

Keilana said as she turned away from the younger woman. Taking Jax in her hands, Keilana kissed his nose and threw him lightly up in the air, the boy giggling madly as his mother laughed. Keilana smiled and disappeared around the corner to leave Jaina in the middle of the tiny lounge.

Sighing, Jaina dropped her bags and went to clean out the sleeping space.





Just as Keilana was about to exit the ship, her communit started to beep furiously. Swearing as many eyes turned toward her, Keilana pulled the comm off her belt and held it up to her lips.

This better be important, she snarled into the receiver.

Well, that depends on whether or not you're in the market for information, Keilana. Clancy's voice echoed out of the small unit, his lazy drawl on words heavy.

Hold on a second, will you? Keilana clicked the tiny mute button on her comm. Glancing around to make sure everything was in order, Keilana turned from the hatch and made her way to the cockpit. This was one of the only places she felt free to talk with so many people around.

After placing Jax—who had fallen asleep—in the rarely used co-pilot's seat (Keilana honestly did not know why she hadn't removed it yet), she slid into the captain's seat, her feet up on the control panel. She then opened the arm of the chair to select a button that locked down the cockpit. No one could get in, no sound could get out. Just another feature for her ship Keilana had figured out how to install with little expense and no outside knowledge.

Okay, Clancy, Keilana said once she was settled, you may continue.

I assume you're comfortable since you took so bloody long? I don't have all day, you know, Clancy's voice bristled.

Nor do I, Clancy, but let us remember who is paying who and who would be dead and burned if it weren't for the other, get it?

Clancy said something that Keilana couldn't quite make out but she figured she got the gist of it anyway.

Good, now that that has been straightened out, what information do you have for me?

Well, I don't have the information, per sey, but I can tell you who does.

Go on.

I think you might know him; Kinyyn j'Vine?

Son-in-law to Rue Kincaid?

You certainly do know your pirates, Keilana.

Keilana shrugged even though Clancy wouldn't be able to see it. They are a handy group of people to become familiar with. Besides, I've met with him in the past. He's good at gathering information.

Clancy made a sound before continuing. Keilana could not help but chuckle.

Anyway, j'Vine has been spotted around Hutt Space recently. More specifically, he's on Nar Shaada working on a big deal, or so word has it. A red-haired munchkin has also been spotted following him around with a datapad in hand. Apparently a new generation is on its way to pirating.

Get to the point, Keilana growled.

He's willing to meet you in Slightly's Tavern within the next two weeks to give you what information he has. You've been good to him lately?

He owes me a few favors, Keilana said, ending that line of thought. Leaning forward, she typed in the name Slightly's Tavern into her computer. Within a moment, a list of coordinates and directions came up. It was in one of the worst and poorest districts on the moon. What's j'Vine doing bringing a kid into a place like Sector 54?

s a pirate, Keilana, Clancy said as if it explained everything. All he cares about is money and where he can get it. I doubt that kid of his is innocent with the family he married into. Hell, old Kincaid himself has enough money to live through four lives without ever having to lift a finger and you know he didn't get that wealthy by being polite. His organization is made up of a bunch of the most ruthless pirates in space. That and he is literally a pirating genius. The old man comes up with schemes that would blow someone's mind and I know for a fact that he has plants and spies in some of the largest corporations in the galaxy. Mark my word, that j'Vine kid is tough.

Keilana shrugged and sat back in her seat once again. So, Slightly's Tavern, two weeks, j'Vine and munchkin. Got it. Have anything else for me?

Only that our friend Trigen has become awfully quiet as of late. I haven't received any more information about murders or smashed droids in the last week.

Most people quiet down when they get wind of a bounty on their head. At least he's slightly intelligent. It's never any fun to hunt dumb ones. Those jobs make me feel as if I am doing the entire galaxy a much needed favor. Keilana turned to a knock on the door separating the cockpit from the rest of the ship. I've got to get going, Clancy. My companions are going to start suspecting something is up.

Keeping company, Keilana?

Not for long, Clancy, Keilana said right before clicking the comm off and replacing it. She then picked up the stirring child before unlocking the door to the cockpit. Turning slowly in her chair, Keilana smiled as Ganner stepped over the threshold.

We were beginning to wonder where you'd gotten yourself off too.

Keilana titled her head in a shrug as she cradled her son. Just needed a moment away from the confusion to be alone with Jax.

You're going to miss him, aren't you?

I've never been away from him for more than a couple of hours, Ganner. Several weeks is a long time. A tear started to form in Keilana's eye as she rubbed her cheeks against Jax's. He smiled sleepily up at her before grabbing her jacket and pulling it into his mouth.

Ganner simply nodded as he put a hand on Keilana's hair. About to say something, Ganner shifted his gaze out the viewport as something interrupted him.

Oh, yeah, Keilana said with a little laugh as she gestured over her shoulder. We're scheduled to leave at oh-nine-hundred, which, apparently, is a few minutes off. The others are going to start boarding.

Then I better make this quick. Ganner took Keilana by the shoulders (taking care not to disturb the child) and pressed his lips to hers in a passionate kiss. As he pulled back, Keilana kissed his chin through his goatee and placed her forehead on his shoulder with a sigh. Then, stepping back and turning her back to him, she stared at the control panel before her, leaning on it with one hand. Ganner sighed and turned from the cockpit, exiting without a word.

As soon as Ganner left, Keilana looked up and out of the viewport to watch him leave the hanger before turning and exiting the cockpit herself. She quickly made her way to the hatch. Luke Skywalker met her halfway up the ramp and she offered him her child after a quick goodbye and a soft peck on the cheek. Luke then turned from her and left the hanger as well. Jax, as soon as he was in the hallway, started wailing and Keilana's heart broke in two, but she had to stay strong. So, closing off her emotions, Keilana set her chin and tilted it skyward.

We are leaving for this mission now, aren't we? She asked, her voice strong and sure. It had not betrayed her. Looking around, Keilana's gaze swept over the three Jedi who were to accompany her on the mission. Almost simultaneously, they all started toward Keilana like a bad holodrama. Keilana had to choke down her chuckle.

Coming upon the hatch, Jaina took the lead and brushed past Keilana, their shoulder's nearly touching. Keilana would have turned a scowl on her had the two men not been following so closely. Turning and ascending the hatch herself before either Kyp or Jacen had a chance to pass her, Keilana made directly for the cockpit, gesturing the others along. They followed without a word and stood around as Keilana slid into the pilot's couch.

Keilana said, turning to look at them. There are three other seats. You don't have to be too picky since I don't need any of you to help man the ship at the moment. And with that, Keilana turned away from the three Jedi to allow them to figure out what to do on their own. She, on the other hand, started to go through her preflight checklist. It did not take long, for she had walked around and through her ship enough times before and during the loading process that she knew that there was nothing wrong with the old machine. All she needed now was the clearance to actually leave the academy.

Leaning over a small microphone, Keilana's eyes flickered to Kyp as she sat next to her in the useless co-pilot's chair.

Scrimshaw to Academy Control. We're ready to book it out of here.

Your path looks clear, Scrimshaw. A woman responded. Details to follow.

The speaker clicked off as Keilana spun to receive the coordinates for a clear exit vector as Academy Control contacted Coruscant's Central Control. It didn't take long for the computer to register the information and to display it on a screen for Keilana to read.

Okay, Jedi, Keilana said as she started up the main thrusters. The ship jolted slightly as one side rose faster than the other. Here we go.

You're sure this thing is space worthy, right? Jaina asked from behind her. Keilana turned as she put on a headset before warming up the main thrusters.

Very, Solo. Just because the hoverlifts have a sense of humor doesn't mean the rest of the ship has one. She's quite stable. She said this right before an alarm went off telling Keilana that the engines weren't quite willing to respond to her requests. Smiling at Jaina, Keilana turned back to her control console and employed an awfully effective technique; standing up, she kicked one of the control panels in a very worn spot. The alarms immediately went off and the engines roared to life. Smiling mostly to herself (as well at the wave of anxiety that rolled through the cockpit), Keilana sat back down and took hold of the controls before her. With the slight touch to a covered button, the Scrimshaw lurched forward and out of the hanger as it roared through the air towards space.

Before they could break atmosphere, Keilana was hailed.

Planetary Control to Scrimshaw.

This is Scrimshaw.

There has been a change in your exit vector, Captain, the man on the other end said. Keilana pursed her lips in annoyance. Please proceed to Vector Ninety-Three. Coordinates to follow. Control out.

As the coordinates scrolled across the screen in front of Keilana, she swore out loud as she started to type them into the keypad at her left hand.

What happened? Kyp asked, glancing at the woman next to him.

The new coordinates bring us to the exact wrong side of the planet that we need to be on.



We have a change in plans, Keilana said as she pulled back on the controls to rise above a piece of space junk. Muttering under her breath, Keilana turned to a small computer screen and typed something out on the keypad in front of it. A list of planets came up on the screen that Keilana started to flip through.

We can't change plans! Jaina said, her voice barely concealing her growing anger. Everything has been planned out to the very last detail. There is a list of planets that we have to visit.

Listen, Solo, Keilana said, turning a dangerous glance at the younger woman. I grew up tracking down people while you did not. If there is anyone here who knows how to track it is me, not you with your fancy upbringing and schooling. Sometimes things change and since I am the one who has the leads and you, might I remind you, do not, we will go where I feel we need to go.

Though, since we are going to treat this as a democratic situation, Kyp interceded quickly, why don't you propose a system?

Keilana narrowed her eyes at Kyp before looking back at the screen for a moment.

Okay, fine, if you want to have input in the situation, I suggest that we travel to the Lye Cluster.

Lye Cluster? Jacen asked from next to Jaina. Keilana nodded and pointed at the screen.

It's a cluster of some twenty-odd planets out near Wild Space. They generally keep to themselves, which is probably why you haven't heard much about them. Anyway, they are some of the best intelligence agents in the galaxy. Besides, there are some people out that way who owe me a couple of favors. Flipping her ship around, Keilana started to input the coordinates to the planet Lye.

What happened to us getting some input? Jaina snapped as she noticed what Keilana was doing.

Well, you didn't speak up.

Not that you actually gave us a chance!

Well, Solo, Keilana said, her voice dangerous, nobody immediately objected.

I am.

On what grounds?

Jaina didn't answer for a long while. Keilana's laugh came out as a bark.

I thought so. Glancing at the other two Jedi, Keilana rose her brow. Any objections from the others?

They both shook their heads.

Sounds like a good enough place to start as any, Kyp said after a moment. And besides, if people owe you some favors, why not collect them now?

My thoughts exactly, Kyp. Keilana said as she finished putting the coordinates into the navicomputer. So, since everybody agrees, Jaina snorted but otherwise didn't make a sound. Keilana simply ignored her. Here we go.

Gripping the levers to boost the Scrimshaw to lightspeed, Keilana pulled them back gently. The stars turned into long streaks of light as the ship started its long journey.





Jaina turned around on the tiny cot she had claimed as her own to study her sleeping twin across from her. How could he sleep so peacefully being in the ship of a monster? Jaina could barely bring herself to close her eyes to meditate knowing that she could not escape and stay alive at the same time. Sighing and unfolding her legs, Jaina stood up and stretched. She had to do something since she couldn't rest nor let herself fall asleep.

Opening the door to exit the now emptied-out closet, Jaina stepped into the dark cabin beyond. Where Kyp should have been sleeping on the couch there was only a pile of blankets half kicked to the floor. Kyp's Jedi robes were slung over the side of a chair in a haphazard fashion as was a tunic. Furrowing her brow, Jaina walked noiselessly through the cabin heading towards the cockpit. She fully expected to find both Keilana and Kyp inside and was surprised to find only the latter. He was sitting in the co-pilot's chair staring out at the streaks of starlight, his feet carefully placed on the console before him wearing only a pair of pants, boots, and an old undershirt. Smiling lightly, Jaina approached and placed a hand on the back of Kyp's chair. He looked up at her and smiled.

For a moment there I was afraid you might be Keilana.

If I had been then you would have been dead before you knew it, Kyp, Jaina said with a frown. I'm sure she wouldn't be too pleased to find you in here with your feet up on her controls.

Don't sound so cynical, Jaina, Kyp scolded softly as he turned his gaze back to the viewport. Soundlessly, he gestured for Jaina to sit next to him. She rose her brow slightly before sitting on the edge of the captain's chair, glancing nervously at the door. She's sound asleep, Jaina. Don't be so jumpy.

I can't help it Kyp, Jaina said after a moment. I don't like being on a ship with no real idea of where she is actually leading us. I mean, what if she was given another job, Kyp? My brother and I are valuable to the enemy and if she was offered a high enough price I wouldn't put it beyond her to turn us over. You would be an added bonus that could get her even more money. Have you ever thought about that?

Of course I have, he admitted, his gaze not wavering from the stars outside. But I trust her enough to not do something so brash and blatant. Bounty hunters usually try not to make a scene when they hunt.

This wouldn't be making a scene, Kyp, this would be making a statement to the galaxy.

And what statement might that be, Jaina?

That we have grown so stupid as to let a bounty hunter into our midst and let her waltz off without so much as a commotion with three unwary Jedi in the belly of her ship.

Oh, come on, Jaina, Kyp said, turning to her fully. You have to get over these childish grudges you are holding against her.

Childish, Kyp? Childish? You were part of this galaxy several months back, weren't you? You were around to witness the kidnapping of the leader of our order, right? What is there to trust about her? Jaina stood up and walked away from Kyp to the other side of the cockpit. Closing her arms over her chest, she scowled at the display before her that said everything was running at optimal efficiency.

Yes, Jaina, childish. Everyone else has learned to trust her to some degree except for you. You can't see past the one major mistake she made with the Jedi. Kyp stood up to walk closer to Jaina.

Don't you talk, Jaina said, her anger barely concealed as she turned on Kyp, her eyes narrowed into two dark slits of fire. her voice was shaking with her anger. You have to fucking stop lusting after her. She does not want you. She does not care about you. All she cares about is herself and that bastard son of hers. Once you can stop idolizing her, you will be able to see her for the monster she truly is, Kyp.

Kyp's eyes opened in surprise at the incredible hate coming through in Jaina's voice. After a moment of initial shock, he put his hands on her shoulders and shook her once. Jaina's anger flared.

What the hell are you doing, Kyp!

Trying to snap you out of this, Jaina. What's gotten into you? Kyp stared at Jaina and began sorting through the mess of emotions radiating off the young woman before him.

Jaina furrowed her brow further before dropping her head. Kyp could feel her shoulder's shake slightly.

She scared me so bad when she took Uncle Luke, Kyp. I thought I would never see him again and I don't want to be caught up in sort sort of a conspicuously involving her because they barely escaped last time and I don't know how many tricks she has up her sleeve, nor do I know how many are up mine nor yours nor Jacen's.

Don't worry, Jaina, Kyp said, putting one hand almost fatherly on her hair. Three trained Jedi and one fully capable bounty hunter can beat the odds no matter what they are. I'm sure Keilana is a master of getting out of sticky situations just like your brother and you are. Our time hasn't come yet, Jaina, and if you think Keilana will be your undoing than do everything you can short of killing her or harming her in any way to prevent that from happening. She's not getting to you, Jaina, you're getting to you.

Jaina pulled away from Kyp at those words and started walking down the hallway outside the cockpit. Kyp followed after her, reluctant to leave the post Keilana had asked him to keep while she rested.

Jaina, come back, Jaina. Kyp followed her until she finally stopped in the room with the cages.

Look at these, Kyp, she said, not looking back at him. She started forward, shivering as she passed through the field cast by a weak ysalamiri. Coming to the other side of the large room, she finally turned back to Kyp. Her eyes were sad, pitiful even, and made Kyp feel uncomfortable. He so wanted to comfort her, but did not know whether to treat her as an equal or a child. He had watched the young girl grow from an infant to a young woman. And, because of Keilana, he had watched her grow from carefree to cynical and mistrusting.

Yeah, they're kind of essential to Keilana's trade, Jaina. What do you expect her to do about them?

They're horrible, she said, ignoring what Kyp had just said. Living things have been trapped in these and I'm sure others have found their deaths here too. How can someone do something like this? What kind of a person would choose this as their profession?

Jaina, calm down.

No, Kyp, I won't calm down! She disgusts me. My stomach turns when I think about the things that she must have done to become who she says she is. What does she mean by being the best.

Do you really want to know, Solo? A voice came from the shadows. Both Jedi started as Keilana stood up from her crouch on the far side of the room and walked out of the shadows that had concealed her. Do you honestly want to know the answer to your questions?

Jaina didn't acknowledge her past a flicker of her eyes.

I didn't choose to do this, Solo, I was forced into it. My father gave me a very limited education that consisted of how to fly, how to kill, how to live in the shadows, and how to capture prey alive. The question you should be asking is this: What kind of a parent would do that to their child? And then there is always the question of what kind of a person could hate another living being so much for a few mistakes so that they are completely blinded by their hate. That is the question you should be asking no one but yourself, Solo. Keilana poked Jaina hard in the middle of the chest before turning around and walking away. Muttering something to Kyp, Keilana headed towards the cockpit, the door closing and locking behind her.

As soon as she left, Kyp turned his gaze to Jaina. He didn't approach her nor did he say a word to her. After a moment of studying the young woman, Kyp turned to leave as well. When he was gone, Jaina backed up against the nearest wall and slowly slid down until she was sitting on the floor, her knees tucked up against her chest. Bringing her face down in to her hands, Jaina sobbed once and shut her emotions off so that she disappeared into the shadows.