CORUSCANT
OCTOBER YEAR 1051
Jag entered the pilot's lounge, momentarily taken off guard when he walked into a room full of people. Doing a quick scan, he noticed most of the simulators were full and a holo-stream at the main terminal confirmed they were all engaged in the same battle.
Jag had purposely come here at the crack of dawn, intending to refight yesterday's battle and determine where improvements could be made before the larger morning debriefing for all squadron leaders. In Jag's experience, most of the Imperial pilots liked to sleep late and rarely were at the sims this early, so it had seemed like the perfect time. He hadn't been able to sleep much anyway, his mind systematically refighting the battle, isolating the moments where crucial errors had been made.
They had won the skirmish and ran off the Vong, but Spike squadron had lost one of its pilots. True, that was a fraction compared to the other squadrons, but Jag was a perfectionist. He would learn from this fight so next time he would lose none.
Jag shook off a pang of annoyance that his plans were derailed and walked over to the main terminal, recognizing one of the men studying the holo stream. Gavin Darklighter. He had been one of the only squadron commanders to readily welcome the Chiss contingent when they first arrived. He was also the only Imperial who had come close to vaping him in simulations. It had come as no surprise then when Jag had learned Darklighter once flew with his father.
Gavin looked away from the holo stream and smiled at Jag in welcome.
"Commander Darklighter. I'm surprised to see you here this early," Jag said and gestured around the room. "Although I feel like I just walked into a party no one invited me to."
Gavin laughed, "We obviously have very different definitions of what a party is, Colonel. The new round of recruits just got in, and I wanted to get first crack at the talent while the other commanders are still asleep. Though, why you're subjecting yourself to this force-forsaken hour is beyond me."
Jag shrugged and turned to watch the simulation.
"I'm an incurable masochist," he said drily, eyes glued to the faux-battle.
Gavin chuckled lowly, and following the younger man's lead, went back to watching the simulation.
After observing for a few minutes, Jag quickly discerned that there were two standout pilots in the group, clearly better than their fellow recruits. Both flew with a similar style, overly aggressive and definitely unorthodox, but undeniably successful. Jag watched with growing interest as the field narrowed to the two superior pilots, curious to see what would happen when they went head to head.
"Well, I think we found your new pilots," Jag said to Gavin. "Both clearly have natural raw talent, although they lack discipline."
Suddenly one of the pilots performed a gravity-defying move that even Jag was impressed by, allowing the TIE to take the other fighter by surprise and end the battle.
"And if it was me, he would be my first choice," Jag observed. "That was an effective move."
"I agree," Gavin said with a small smile. "She is quite good. Unfortunately for me, she's not an option."
"She?" Jag asked surprised. "I thought the Empire recently passed a law that women could not be in the military."
Gavin sighed, "More's the pity. A stupid rule if we want to actually win this war when there are female pilots like that out there."
"Then what's she doing with the recruits?"
"She came down to support her brother," Gavin chuckled. "The pilot she just vaped."
Jag arched an eyebrow but said nothing.
"She asked me if she could sim with them," Gavin shrugged. "Who am I to say no to a pretty girl?"
"Seems like she's more than just a pretty face," Jag mused.
Gavin smiled. "You have no idea."
Before Jag could ask what he meant, he heard someone call his name. Jag looked over, as a young man with brown hair and brilliant blue eyes strode over to him.
"Jag, I thought it was you! We heard you came with the Chiss but I wasn't sure if you would still be on Coruscant!"
Jag studied the man for a split second before recognition set in, eyes lighting up as he met him halfway.
"Anakin Solo," Jag answered warmly. "You've certainly grown up."
"Well I should hope so," Anakin said with a grin shaking Jag's outstretched hand. "It's been a long time. I almost didn't believe it when I heard you were back in the system."
"Yes, well, drastic times," Jag answered laconically.
"I would have loved to be a fly on the wall when Jovan learned you were at the head of the long-awaited Chiss relief force," Anakin said, eyes glittering in amusement. "That must have been an interesting welcome reception."
"We reached an understanding. I mostly deal with Admiral Pellaeon," Jag responded, not wanting to dwell on that distasteful experience. "So, I'm assuming you are here with the new round of recruits?"
Before Anakin could answer, Gavin walked over, causing the younger man to straighten to attention and give a stiff salute.
"Commander Darklighter, sir."
"At ease," Gavin said kindly, then turned to Jag. "I didn't know you two knew each other, Colonel Fel."
"Our fathers were childhood friends," Jag answered. He trusted Darklighter more than the other Imperials, but he still was wary of revealing too much.
"Ah, that's right, I had forgotten. Well then, maybe you can help me convince young Solo here to join my squadron," Gavin turned back to Anakin, who was smiling ear to ear. "That was some show you put on over there. Almost a perfect flight."
"Wait," Jag interrupted, realization suddenly dawning on him. He turned to Anakin. "You were the second to last pilot? The one that got vaped at the end?"
Anakin grumbled, "Yeah, Jaina just had to show me up, as usual."
"Don't feel bad, kid," Gavin said. "Your sister's good. Real good. I could use you both on my squadron."
Anakin smiled, "Do us all a favor, Commander and don't tell her that. She's already angrier than a tusk cat that she's not allowed to apply. She's dreamt about being a fighter pilot as long as I can remember."
Jag barely heard the two men, had stopped listening as soon as it hit him that Jaina was here. And not just here in a vague sense, but in this very room. They had spent the last five years a galaxy apart and now she was just a few feet away. He tried to process how he felt about that.
Before he had the chance, a canopy opened on a nearby simulator. A lithe figure jumped out with graceful agility. Jag watched, unable to look away, as the pilot removed her helmet and a waterfall of chocolate locks fell to her shoulders.
She looked different from the girl he remembered- definitely no longer a child- but as their eyes caught, he immediately recognized the whiskey brown eyes that still haunted his dreams.
Jaina broke their eye contact first, running a hand nervously through her damp hair. She seemed to hesitate, then Anakin turned around, curious what had caught Jag's attention.
"Jaya, look who I found!" Anakin said waving her over. "You remember Jag, don't you?"
"Of course I do, laser-brain," Jaina said with a huff, walking up to the three men.
Jag wondered if she, too, was thinking about the promise she made five years ago.
Jaina rolled her eyes at Anakin and then turned to Jag with a small smile, "Jag, it's so good to see you. We've all missed you."
She leaned in and gave him a quick hug, her cheeks flushing becomingly.
Jag just nodded, hoping she had meant that she had missed him. He smiled at her, and Jaina's face grew redder.
"Well, I'm going to hit the showers," Jaina said breaking the sudden awkward silence. "Will I see you tonight at the Gala?"
Jag knew he should say something, but all he could do was nod again, the sudden image of Jaina in the shower momentarily obscuring his ability for rational thought.
"Great, we can catch up then," Jaina answered with a bright smile, before turning to her brother with a cocky smile. "Good flying, Ani. Keep it up, and maybe one day you'll be able to beat me."
Anakin gave Jaina a dirty look, and Jaina just laughed.
"Well, I'll see you all later. Thanks for letting me in on the fun, Commander Darklighter."
"You're welcome to join us any time. Maybe you could teach some of these boys a thing or two," Gavin said with a wink, gesturing to the recruits milling around the room.
"It would be my pleasure," Jaina answered with a twinkle in her eye, as she turned to leave with a small wave of her hand.
Jag's eyes followed her of their own violition, and he had to physically force himself to turn back to Anakin and Gavin. They were both staring at Jag with knowing grins. Jag stiffened, chastising himself for letting his mask slip so easily.
"I'm going to go find a sim," Jag said blandly, affecting disinterest even while knowing the damage had already been done. "I'll see you both later."
Before either could answer, Jag spun on his heels and walked away.
Jag leaned back in the simulator, the distraction of reliving the latest dogfight helping him to recover from his earlier shock at seeing Jaina. He had never expected her to be on Courscant, although now he realized that was foolish, knowing her family ruled a prominent planet in the Empire. Of course, she would come to court at some point. Nonetheless, he had been unprepared to see her. Unprepared for the immediate and overwhelming effect she had on him.
Jag had always cherished the childhood memories he had of her but had known a lot could change in five years. He had determined the fondness stemmed from nostalgia for a time before his life had changed so drastically. Sometimes he dreamed about what she would look like now, a woman of eighteen instead of a thirteen-year-old child. Assumed when they met, reality would be a disappointment compared to the fantasy.
He had been so very wrong.
Even dressed in a flight suit, Jag had never seen a woman more beautiful. Jag was no innocent when it came to women. There had been other human refugees in Chiss space, and many of them had pretty daughters. He had not embraced all Chiss values; he was still human after all.
But he had never felt the hot flash of desire he experienced when he saw Jaina. And something more. That same spark that he had felt as a boy, the sure knowledge she was meant for him.
He thought back over their conversation, and slammed his head back, shutting his eyes in disgust. He had acted like a fair-haired fool. At least he would see her later tonight at the Gala, have an opportunity to regroup and redeem himself. And manage a conversation where he didn't just nod like a malfunctioning droid.
Jag hadn't planned on attending the Gala, he hated those things and often found a plausible excuse to justify his absence. But dealing with idiotic politicians and obnoxious Moffs would be worth it to see Jaina again. Even having to deal with the tyrant himself.
Jag released the canopy of the simulator and eased himself out with a new sense of determination. Making his way to the exit, he mentally reviewed his checklist for the day, which now included putting himself firmly in Jaina's flight path.
Jaina burst into the rooms that had been assigned to the Solo family, a wide grin on her face. As she waltzed in, Jacen turned from the holo-news he was watching.
"Hey, Jaya. Anakin's session go well, then?"
"What?" Jaina asked distracted, looking at her twin in confusion.
"Anakin's recruitment session?" Jacen responded, bemused. "The one you went down to watch?"
"Oh right. Yeah, it went great," she smirked. "There was only one pilot he couldn't manage to shoot down."
Jacen raised an eyebrow, knowing his twin well enough to interpret that comment correctly. "Don't tell me you simmed with the recruits."
"Okay, I won't tell you," Jaina answered nonchalantly, "But you might be interested to know that despite getting vaped by a mere woman, Commander Darklighter sought out our brother after the simulation. Ani had a goofy grin on his face, so I'm guessing he got offered a squadron position."
"Good for him. I've heard Darklighter is a decent commander, too."
Jaina smiled distractedly and did a small twirl before falling into the oversized sofa. Jacen straightened up from where he had been leaning against the kitchen counter and poured two cups of caf. Walking over to the sofa, he handed Jaina a cup before sitting down next to her.
He took a sip of his caf, then turned his focus to his sister, who was now humming.
"Okay, spill," Jacen demanded.
"Hmm?" Jaina answered, still smiling.
"Oh, come on. I haven't seen you like this since- well since Ganner Rhysode asked you to the Gingerbell Blossom Festival when we were fifteen," Jacen said.
Jaina rolled her eyes, but the smile didn't leave her face. "You're never going to let me live that down, are you?"
"Oh, definitely not. So let me guess, you met a dashing pilot and now you're madly in love," Jacen asked mockingly, surprised when Jaina's smile only widened.
"Jag's here," she answered simply.
"Jagged Fel?"
"Of course, how many Jags do you know?" Jaina retorted. "I mean, I assumed he would be out on the front lines, but he's here! And he's going to the Gala tonight."
Jaina leaned back, and sighed happily, "He's gotten so tall, and obviously he looks older. But his eyes are still that piercing green and his smile is exactly the same."
"Did Jag ever smile?" Jacen asked skeptically. "Don't really remember that."
Jaina continued, ignoring her brother's interruption, "Not to mention how he looks in that black uniform. I mean he definitely looks good from all angles-"
"Okay, okay, I think I get it," Jacen said, holding up his hands to stop her from continuing.
Jaina just flung her head back, eyes closed, and sighed happily.
Suddenly Jacen smirked, "So I guess I was right."
Jaina opened her eyes, turning her head to look at her brother.
"You met a dashing pilot and now you're madly in love. I'm almost disappointed at how basic that is. Please don't tell me you're going to become one of those pilot groupies now?" Jacen fluttered his eyelashes, and pitched his voice, imitating a high feminine tone. "Oh, Jag, you're flying is so masterful. You're my hero!"
Jaina grabbed one of the obnoxiously large throw pillows from the sofa and smacked Jacen in the face, muffling his growing laughter.
"You're one to talk, brother. I hope Tenel Ka Djo appreciated the special attention she received during her state visit last month?"
Jacen spluttered, "That was a matter of diplomacy! Mom said it was important to keep good relations with Hapes. They could be a strong ally, you know. One without ties to the Emperor."
"Well, you know me, I've never had your talent for politics," Jaina answered airily. "But I wasn't aware it was custom to forge alliances with love holos and secret rendezvous in palace gardens."
"You went through my holo log?" Jacen demanded, turning red.
Jaina studied her nails nonchalantly, "If you didn't want me to then you really should have made it harder to hack into. You're just lucky I got to it before Ani did."
Jacen rolled his eyes, and Jaina flashed him an evil grin.
"I had no idea you were such a romantic, Jace," Jaina said playfully. "So should I save a date for the wedding?"
Jacen sighed, "Not if her grandmother has anything to say about it. Ta'Chume would definitely not approve, and she still rules in Hapes. With an iron fist."
Jaina bristled on behalf of her brother, "Why wouldn't she approve? You're a prince of Alderaan. Obviously good looking, since we're twins. And you're not too annoying to be around. Well, most of the time."
"Thanks for the glowing recommendation," Jacen smiled wryly. "It's complicated, though. The Hapans are very insular, they don't trust outsiders. They want Tenel Ka to choose a husband from one of the Hapan noble families."
"Well, Tenel Ka strikes me as a woman who makes her own decisions and does what she wants. And based on what I've seen, that is obviously you," Jaina answered, placing a comforting arm on her brother's arm.
"Thanks, Jaya. Maybe once Ta'Chume steps down…" Jacen said, trailing off. "Just do me a favor and don't mention it to Mom and Dad? If they knew I was doing anything that could cause even a hint of drama with the Hapans they would not be happy."
Jaina mimed zipping her lips, "Your secret is safe with me. But just for the record, I think Dad at least, would be on your side. He is an ex-smuggler who managed to land a Princess, after all."
Jacen laughed, "True. And from what mom says, Grandfather was not too thrilled at the time."
Jaina looked around, "Speaking of Dad, where is he?"
"He left just before you got back. Said he had some things to take care of," Jacen replied with a shrug. "He was in a foul mood, though, mumbling something about a 'slimy piece of worm-ridden filth'."
"Probably had a meeting with some pompous politician. You know how he gets when Mom sends him to do the dirty work all on his own."
The twins smirked at each other.
"Well, I'm going to go look for Anakin. Give him a chance to brag about how well he did this morning. Care to join?" Jacen questioned.
Jaina made a face.
"The fact that I vaped him might put a damper on that. It's probably better if you go alone so he can leave that part out. Just don't tell him I told you," Jaina said. "I have to take a shower and get ready, anyway."
"Meet you back here before the Gala? Or will Colonel Fel be escorting you this evening?"
Jaina rolled her eyes, "I'll be here, ready and waiting. Don't be late!"
Jacen straightened, giving her a crisp military salute, before flashing her a lop-sided grin and heading out the door.
"Nerf-herder!" Jaina called, struggling not to laugh at her brother's antics, and turned towards the refresher.