ALDERAAN

MAY YEAR 1046

Wedge Antilles directed his x-wing towards the Alderaan royal hangar on auto-pilot. His mind whirled with half-formed plans, his single-minded focus sharpened by the dire circumstances he now faced. He mentally went over his checklist once again, knowing time was a luxury he could not afford. Not if he wanted to get his family to safety in time. He had sent a coded message to Iella as soon as he had hit atmosphere and knew that she would already be implementing their emergency contingency plan with her usual efficiency.

He would need to brief Han and Leia as soon as possible. He hoped the fact that the Alderaanian monarchs had not directly participated in the coupe would be enough to deflect the Emperor's suspicions. And prayed to the Force that none of the Imperial spies had learned Soontir's fleet had been mustered and supplied at the Solo court. He was confident he had avoided any tails on his way back here, had done multiple jumps to shake any as he fled the chaotic battle scene.

More like a graveyard than a battle scene, he reflected grimly.

Wedge landed and quickly went through his check-down before climbing wearily out of the cockpit. Right now he felt every one of his forty years. As his feet landed on the ground, he looked around the deserted hangar. He smiled bitterly, recalling the excitement when the fleet had left just this morning. The hopeful celebration.

It felt like a lifetime ago. He could only be grateful it was empty now. There was no longer any cause for celebrating.

Wedge felt a flash of rage and then closed his eyes to get his emotions in check. They had been so close. So many good men lost, not the least of them, his sister's beloved husband.

And the man many had considered the rightful leader of the Galactic Empire.

There was so much sorrow yet to come, and he knew this battle would have far-reaching consequences for many more beings.

If only Soontir Fel hadn't died!

Sighing, he opened his eyes and straightened his shoulders. There was too much to be done right now to dwell on the tremendous loss. He had to do what he could now for the living. With that in mind, Wedge headed towards the palace where he knew he would find Leia and Han anxiously awaiting news.

Just as he reached for the panel to open the door, it swung open to reveal the young Solo princess. Jaina bounded in as soon as she saw Wedge, her brown eyes alight with excitement. Although Jaina took after her elegant mother in looks, the mischievous Solo grin was all Han.

Wedge managed a small smile for his thirteen-year-old hold-niece then automatically looked behind her for her twin. Where Jaina went, Jacen was rarely far behind, although he tended to let his outspoken sister take the lead. As anticipated, Jacen entered the room, skidding to a stop behind Jaina.

"Uncle Wedge- thank the Force you're back! Mom and Dad have been so worried!" Jaina cried, with youthful exuberance, flinging herself into his arms.

Wedge caught the petite brunette and mustered a weak smile in Jacen's direction. They were still so young, so innocent. Time enough for them to find out the news he carried like a burden. Soon enough all would know.

Wedge's smile faltered as he saw his nephew, Jag, come up behind Jacen and hover cautiously in the doorway. Wedge cursed himself for momentarily forgetting that, though Soontir had left his wife and his younger children in Corellia, he had chosen to bring his eldest son to the muster at Alderaan.

Soontir had felt that at fourteen, Jag was old enough to play a part in regaining the family's stolen throne from the false Emperor, and had given in when the boy had begged to come along. However, he had been adamant in his refusal to have Jag join the battle, ordering his disappointed son to remain with the Solos just in case disaster struck. Wedge was thankful for Soontir's foresight, unsure he could have broken the news to his sister if her husband and eldest son had died.

Wedge steeled himself to meet Jag's penetrating green eyes, knowing that he could not protect the boy from the devastating news for long. Their eyes held and Wedge watched Jag's expression change from one of anticipation to horrified disbelief.

Somehow he had read the truth in his uncle's face without the need for any words. Jag shook his head in silent denial and Wedge instinctively moved to reach for him, extricating himself from Jaina's grasp.

Jaina didn't seem to notice and glanced around eagerly, "When will the rest of the fleet return?"

At that question Wedge faltered, his mind unwillingly turning to all the pilots who would never make it home. And all the families who would mourn them. With that thought, his eyes were drawn back to Jag whose face was a deadly shade of white.

Jaina followed his gaze, still unsure what was going on or why there was suddenly so much tension in the room. Spinning around to face Jag, she noticed his sudden pale complexion with concern.

His face was the color of the single white streak of hair that contrasted so drastically with the rest of his dark locks.

Jaina had once questioned Jag on how he had gotten it, along with the scar across his eyebrow. He had vaguely told her it was from his days at the Imperial flight academy before his father had pulled him out. Sensing he did not want to speak about it she had uncharacteristically left it alone, resisting her instinct to pry.

"Jag, what's wrong? What's going on?" she asked, resting a gentle hand on his arm.

Jag stiffened and Jaina watched in growing alarm as a single tear tracked silently down his cheek.

"Jaina, I need you and Jacen to go find your parents and let them know I'm here. Tell them- tell them we have a code red. They will know what to do," Wedge instructed.

He glanced back at Jag, who averted his eyes and discreetly wiped his face. "Jag and I will be right behind you."

Jaina started to protest, not wanting to leave Jag, when she felt her twin tug her arm gently. Jaina glanced once more at Jag, then Wedge, before reluctantly allowing Jacen to guide her to the door.

Jacen shot the older boy a sympathetic look over his shoulder before reaching the exit, then let the door shut behind him.

Jacen had always been better at reading a situation than his twin. He had his own suspicions about what Wedge was about to tell Jag, and he hoped more than anything that he was wrong.

The nobles of the Aderaanian Court whispered nervously to themselves as they waited for their Queen and her chosen King Consort to arrive. There had been rumors swirling for the past hour, rumors of a decisive space battle that had gone in favor of the tyrant. It was too impossible to believe, that the fleet they had taken years to amass had been cut down in mere hours.

So they waited, hoping that the rumors were not based in fact.

Jaina Solo stood at the front of the crowd with Jacen and their younger brother Anakin, as eager as the others to learn the fate of the fleet and what it meant for her beloved Alderaan. What it meant for the black-haired, green-eyed boy she had befriended during his time at her parents' court.

At first, Jaina had not liked Jagged Fel one bit. When he had first arrived with his father, Jaina had found his arrogance and stoic demeanor more than off-putting.

His mocking gaze and obvious conclusion that she was just another pampered princess had infuriated her. Jaina clearly remembered the day she had changed her mind about the young Corellian noble.

As the Solos and the Fels ate dinner one evening, Jaina had excitedly expressed her dream to be a great fighter pilot. To one day lead her own squadron. Soontir had exchanged a knowing smile with her father, answering that he would keep her in mind when he became Emperor and needed to form the royal fleet.

"There is no one I trust more than a Solo to guard my back," Soontir said, winking at his old friend.

Jaina had been greatly pleased with the famous general's response, ignoring her mother's disapproving look. Then she had glanced over and noticed Soontir's son watching her from across the table with an annoying half-smile. Rolling her eyes at him, she determined to ignore him and went back to her meal.

Later that evening, she had been looking for Jacen and had stumbled across him in the gardens, deep in conversation with Soontir's son, Jagged Fel. Hearing her name, she decided to wait and listen to their conversation before announcing herself.

"But surely, your sister doesn't really believe she will be a fighter pilot one day? A princess of Alderaan?" Jag questioned skeptically.

"She hasn't accepted that her destiny is to be married off to a great house, to create a necessary alliance. Our mom is always complaining about how our dad encourages her," Jacen answered wryly. "But seriously, she does have a lot of talent. She beats me in the sims nine times out of ten."

"Well, she does have spirit. Tell me the truth, though. How often do you let her win simply to avoid rousing that fiery temper?"

Jaina somehow held her rising indignation in check. Surely Jacen would deny the unfair accusation and come to her defense.

She waited, but he only chuckled. Jaina felt her fury build, now directed at both the arrogant Corellian boy and her faithless brother.

She sprung from her hiding spot, making her presence known.

"Listen here nerf-herder, I may just be a spoiled princess in your eyes, but I'll have you know I am an excellent pilot," Jaina spat, toe to toe with Jag. "And I would never need Jacen to let me win- if anything I let him win that one time out of ten because I feel sorry for him!"

Jag stared, greatly amused at the tiny girl snarling in front of him like a wild tusk-cat. Jacen averted his eyes and remained silent, recognizing his sister's dangerous mood.

"Then perhaps you would like to run a simulation with me? If you are so sure of your skills, that is," Jag asked, with a raised eyebrow.

Jaina narrowed her eyes at the condescending gesture.

Invoking her Mother at her most imperious, she answered, "Of course. I only hope your Corellian pride can handle getting vaped by a girl."

Jag only smiled his little half-smile at her and gestured for her to exit the gardens before him.

"We shall see. After you, Princess."

Jaina couldn't help but smile now, remembering the unmitigated disaster that had been. She had nearly broken down in tears when he shot her down within the first five minutes of the simulation.

However, instead of the contempt Jaina had expected upon exiting the cockpit, Jag had professed admiration at her unexpected skills. He had offered to show her some of the tricks he had picked up from his father, and Jaina had found the blow to her pride was eased somewhat by the respect she saw in his eyes and his eagerness to spend more time with her.

Over the next few months, Jaina had become quite close with Jag, spending all her time with him. Both in and out of the sims. He became a regular participant in the crazy schemes of the Solo children and Jaina had begun to treasure his small half-smiles that somehow seemed to be reserved just for her.

A firm tug on her hand brought her back to the present, and she looked down into the piercing blue eyes of her ten-year-old brother.

"Jaya, where's Jag been?" Anakin asked, somewhat petulantly. "I haven't seen him all day and he promised he would sim with me."

Although Jaina was extremely close with Jacen, their unbreakable bond formed in the womb, Jaina had much more in common with her youngest brother. Their mutual love of flying and tinkering made them kindred spirits in a way. Jacen had always been more interested in diplomacy and politics, already following in their mother's footsteps.

Jaina knew that Anakin idolized Jag and had been pleasantly surprised when Jag had easily taken the younger boy under his wing.

Jaina exchanged a nervous glance with her twin, their mutual concern communicated without words. They both had a feeling something dreadful was about to be revealed, but Anakin was still too young to notice the anxious tension in the room. Or realize that it might have direct consequences for their young Corellian friend.

The memory of Jag's white face, a single tear tracking silently down his cheek, instantly appeared in her mind. In all the months she had known him she had never seen Jag show so much emotion. Had definitely never seen him cry. Not even when he broke his arm and two ribs in a nasty speeder crash.

It terrified her.

Jaina forced a smile for her younger brother, "I'm sure he will be here soon, Ani. Uncle Wedge said he needed to talk to him for a minute."

Anakin accepted Jaina's words with a nod and Jaina went back to nervously searching the crowd for a black shock of hair and piercing green eyes. Jaina absently felt Jacen grab her hand and squeeze it lightly, letting her know he was here for her. Like always. She made an effort to flash him a thankful smile.

Suddenly a hush fell over the crowd as Leia and Han Solo swept into the room, followed by Wedge and Jag. Jaina's eyes were immediately drawn to Jag and she tightened her grip on Jacen's hands automatically. Jag's face was a mask of indifference, his eyes hard and emotionless.

Something terrible was about to happen.

"Thank you all, for gathering on such short notice," her mother began in a clear, controlled voice. "I am sure many of you have heard some of the rumors going around. Unfortunately, we are here to confirm that they are indeed true."

The crowd gasped in shock, whispering nervously amongst themselves as their Queen continued.

"Our fleet was defeated by Emperor Jovan and his forces this morning. Many good men were lost," Leia's voice begun to waver, and she paused to steady herself for the next part. "Including General Soontir Fel."

With that news, the crowd suddenly broke into pandemonium. Jaina's gaze immediately went to Jag, her heart breaking for his loss even as she knew there would likely be grave ramifications for her own family. Jag's expression remained impassive, almost bored, but Jaina swore she could feel the pain through the impenetrable mask.

What would this mean for Jag?

"Friends!" Han stepped forward, his booming voice causing the crowd to quiet, shuffling in nervous anticipation.

"We all feel the loss of Soontir, no one more than me. Not only was he the man I supported as our rightful Emperor, but he was also one of my closest friends. As children, he and I grew up together at his father's palace, and as young men, we fought our enemies together," Han paused, and flashed a faint echo of the signature Solo grin. "And sometimes, each other over a pretty girl."

The crowd laughed lightly, tensions somewhat eased.

"The fact that he will never fly again, it's tougher for me than you can ever imagine," Han took a deep breath than eyed the crowd carefully. "But this isn't the end! His greatest dream was to bring down the false Emperor and place a Fel on the throne. And we can still make that happen! Soontir has left behind a son, as intelligent and brave as his father. Not to mention that he has the makings of one heck of a pilot."

With that, Jag stepped forward to stand next to Han. His piercing green eyes swept over the crowd, still not revealing any emotion.

Leia stepped up as well, placing a delicate hand on Jag's shoulder, "Jagged is still young and we must rebuild what we have lost. But we will defeat the Pretender. It might not happen today, or tomorrow. But I swear by the Force, Jagged Fel will be your next Emperor! And we will bring peace back to the Galaxy!"

The crowd cheered, and Leia and Han discreetly stepped back, leaving Jag alone in the center of the dais. Jag acknowledged the people's growing acclamation with a slight nod of his head.

Suddenly he looked over at Jaina and their eyes caught, his grim demeanor breaking slightly and his lip curling up in a barely-there smile.

The crowds had finally cleared the great hall, leaving only the Solo family, Wedge and Jag remaining. As the last noble exited and the door shut behind them, Leia turned to Wedge and Han.

"We have given them hope," Leia stated firmly. "Hope for the future. A belief that their dreams didn't die with Soontir."

"I agree," Wedge answered gravely. "But we will need time to regroup. And I worry about what the Emperor will do- he is not known for his forgiving nature. Or his patience."

"We knew this day might come, Wedge. That is why we were careful not to have an obvious Alderaanian presence in the fleet. As long as the Emperor was not able to follow you back here, we should have plausible deniability," Leia responded.

"I was careful, I don't think any of his spies were able to track my final destination. But the Emperor knows how close Soontir and Han are-I mean were," Wedge corrected himself sadly. "He will suspect that you were both involved in the uprising…"

Jag tried to listen, to pay attention to the conversation the adults were having, but all he felt was a terrible sense of shock. His father was dead. He was the new hope of the rebellion. It all felt like too much, too soon.

He felt a small hand grasp his and he looked down into big brown eyes. Eyes that seemed to reflect his own swirling emotions that he kept deeply buried. Anger, sadness, disbelief. But then he saw kindness. Concern.

And most importantly, confidence in him, helping to ease his overwhelming flood of doubts.

Jag suddenly found himself thinking, not for the first time, how pretty Jaina was. He had the fanciful thought that he could get lost in her whiskey brown gaze and never regret it. That her small hand was the only thing keeping him anchored.

She was still only a child. They both were, really. But he found himself thinking of the day when that would no longer be the case. He knew somehow their connection was special, could be something so much more than friendship. He couldn't help desperately wanting her to be his one day.

She would make a wonderful Empress, Jag though idly.

"Leia and I have it covered. We knew the risks going in, and we'll find a way to get ourselves- and Alderaan- out of this mess," Han answered with his easy self-assuredness.

"Han's right," Leia said firmly. "Right now, I'm more concerned about your family. Are Iella and the girls out of the Corellian system? I fear that is the first place the Emperor's army will head."

Wedge nodded.

"What about Mother? And Cem and Wyn?" Jag asked nervously, remembering his family were now in grave danger.

He felt a sudden sense of shame that he had not thought of them before, so caught up in his own emotions. He was the man of the family now. Some job he was doing.

"Syal and your brother and sister are with Iella. They should already be in hyperspace by now, on their way to your father's estate in the Unknown Regions," Wedge assured his young nephew. "They will be safely out of the Empire's reach."

"And that's where you two should be," Han continued brusquely. "We're running out of time and there isn't much good you can do here."

Jag bit his tongue, his desire to protest turning tail and running overcome by the undeniable logic of the situation.

He could do nothing here, a fourteen-year-old boy with no military forces to speak of. If anything his presence might bring more suffering to the Solo family who had risked everything to support his father's claim.

He needed time and resources. Things he could not get by staying here, as much as he might wish it.

"You're right," Wedge sighed wearily. "Jag, why don't you pack up your things, make your good-byes. I'll get the ship prepared. We leave within the hour."

Jag nodded in acknowledgment and watched the three adults leave in different directions to prepare for what was to come next. Jag and the Solo children were left behind, an awkward silence filling the room.

"You will be back, won't you, Jag?" Anakin blurted suddenly, tears starting to form in his blue eyes.

Jag ignored the pang he felt at Anakin's words, hiding his fears from the younger boy.

Placing a comforting hand on Anakin's shoulder, he answered easily, "Of course I will. You just keep practicing your flying. Who knows, next time we see each other maybe you will actually be able to shoot me down."

Anakin smiled widely in response and Jag was relieved to see his eyes brighten.

"You know us Solos can't resist a challenge, Jag," Jacen broke in, with a chuckle. "You better watch your nines next time you're in the sims with Ani."

Anakin nodded enthusiastically, as Jacen reached over to grasp Jag's arm.

"Good luck. We'll see you soon."

Jag nodded in response and Jacen glanced over at his sister, still firmly by Jag's side. The twins locked eyes momentarily in silent communication.

"Come on, kid," Jacen said, chucking Anakin on the shoulder. "You better start practicing now if you're gonna stand a chance of ever beating Jag."

With that, Jacen ushered an excited Anakin to the door, leaving Jaina and Jag alone.

Jag waited until he heard the door shut and then turned to the petite brunette who held his hand in an iron grip. Jag saw a single tear track down Jaina's face and instinctively brushed it away gently with his free hand. His thumb rubbing her cheek soothingly as more tears followed.

"Jaina, please don't cry," Jag entreated, struggling to control his own emotions at the sight of her tears.

"I'm sorry. I just- I don't want you to leave," she answered in a small voice looking down at the ground.

Jag placed a finger under her chin and gently angled her face so he could look into her eyes.

"I meant it, you know," Jag said in a low tone, full of emotion. "I will be back. I promise."

Jaina bit her bottom lip and nodded silently, her eyes never leaving his. Jag hesitated for only a second, and then carefully leaned forward to place a chaste kiss on Jaina's lips. Her eyes fluttered closed and Jag felt a fleeting moment of pure bliss as their lips touched.

It was perfect. As if she was made for him.

Jag reluctantly drew back, but only a fraction, his lips still a hair's breadth away from hers. His hand still cradling her face.

"Don't forget me," he whispered urgently.

Jaina's eyes opened, and she smiled tremulously through her tears.

"Never," she promised fiercely.