CORUSCANT
OCTOBER YEAR 1051
Jag briskly made his way through the twists and turns of the palace to the Grand Ballroom. His debriefing with his squadron had run over and he was late. The traditional announcers that the Emperor always hired for such formal affairs had already left and only a few guards stood at the entrance looking incredibly bored. They nodded to Jag in recognition and moved aside to allow him into the room.
Living in the Unknown Regions during his formidable years meant he had little experience actually attending these types of functions. The Chiss were not ones to throw meaningless parties. However, he had learned as a child how to conduct himself properly, and his mother had ensured that all her children understood proper etiquette and all the popular dances.
Jag watched with distaste as servants moved about the room offering crystal glasses to the various Moffs and officers. Visiting royal families were mixed in amongst the crisp white uniforms, bedecked in ostentatious jewelry.
He hated these things, didn't understand the purpose of them. But a part of him knew if he really wanted to rule the Empire someday he would have to become accustomed, at least to some degree, to these types of events. He couldn't help thinking that he would rather take on a full battalion of the Vong in his clawcraft single-handedly any day.
Jag straightened his black uniform, purposely staying clear of the Emperor's dais, hoping to avoid having to interact with the tyrant and his closest lackeys. Instead, he surveyed the crowd, looking for his intended target. He found her quickly and his breath caught. If he thought her beautiful earlier, he knew now that was far too bland a term to describe the vision before him.
The red shimmer silk dress she wore was simple in design. But it hugged her tiny figure perfectly, emphasizing her curves in all the right places. Her hair hung in gentle curls, her makeup simple, only highlighting her natural beauty.
Jag took a minute to regroup, determined not to make a fool out of himself during this encounter. Once he was confident he had his racing heart under control, he allowed himself to evaluate the situation. He was pleased to note that she was sitting at a table by herself, thanking the Force for his luck.
Taking a deep breath, Jag headed over to the abandoned table. Jaina hadn't noticed his approach and was busy fussing with the laces on her gown, grumbling under her breath. Jag smiled to himself, reminded in that moment of the girl he had known on Alderaan. She had never been one for formal attire. Or sitting still.
Suddenly she seemed to sense his presence and glanced up. Her surprise quickly turned to a rueful smile.
"I'd be happier in a flight suit," she said with a mock sigh.
"No doubt, but you look lovely all the same," Jag answered seriously.
Jaina blushed and bit her lower lip. Jag's eyes dropped and watched in fascination as her tongue darted out immediately after to soothe the sting. He called on all his formidable self-discipline, not allowing his eyes to drift a bit further down to the low neckline that offered a tantalizing view.
Instead, Jag glanced towards the center of the room and noticed couples forming to start the next dance. Bowing gravely, he offered Jaina his hand.
"Would you care to dance, Princess?"
Jaina flashed him a smile and took his hand letting him lead her out onto the dance floor. They merged into the swirling crowd, and Jag placed his hand around her waist. Jaina looked up at him for a moment and then quickly looked back down, concentrating on the intricate steps of the dance.
"That was quite the display you put on this morning," Jag said at last, breaking the silence. "You have become a tough kill."
"Why, thank you, Colonel Fel," Jaina responded teasingly. "I will take that as a compliment."
"You should," Jag answered. "It is one of the highest you can give amongst the Chiss."
"Do you consider yourself Chiss now, then?" Jaina asked curiously.
"In some ways," Jag answered, vaguely.
Jag twirled Jaina in an intricate pirouette.
"The Chiss do seem to produce great pilots. I've heard that quite a few who fly with you are female."
Jag nodded in agreement.
"I'm assuming, then, that you don't agree with the latest Imperial decree?" Jaina asked curiously. "The one banning women from entering the military?"
Jag gave Jaina a look. "Of course not. There are not many I would rather have guarding my back in a furball than you, Princess. In fact, if I was able to draft Imperial citizens, I would offer you a spot on my squadron right now."
Jaina smiled warmly. "It's probably a good thing for you, you can't. Otherwise, you would have to deal with the wrath of my mother. She was thrilled when they passed the law. Now I can be a good little princess and marry into some noble house to strengthen Alderaan."
Jag stiffened, "And is that what you intend to do?"
"Force, no," Jaina exclaimed. "I know we haven't seen each other in a while, but I thought you knew me better than that."
Jag relaxed, relieved that he had not gained Jaina back only to lose her to some unnamed prince.
"Besides, I have certain conditions for the man I will marry," Jaina continued loftily.
Jag raised an eyebrow, "Oh really? And what are those?"
"Well, he has to be intelligent, kind, and brave. Charming, of course. But most importantly, he has to be able to outfly me," she answered with an impish smile.
Jag lead Jaina over to the bar, guiding her with a gentle hand at her lower back, unwilling to relinquish the physical contact quite yet. They had spent the past hour on the dance floor, using the time to get reacquainted and try and make up for the five years missed between them.
Jag had been pleased to discover that deep down, Jaina was still the same girl he had once known. Lively and dogmatic, she maintained the mischievous rebellious streak he remembered so well. Jaina spoke with fondness of her family, and Jag knew from listening that she was still fiercely loyal to those she loved.
She had also sharpened and honed her scintillating wit, her eyes sparkling with mirth as she relentlessly teased him. Jag found he didn't mind the teasing; in fact, he quite enjoyed it. Even more surprising, he was able to ignore the whispers and pointed stares of the crowded ballroom which usually vexed him to no end.
To be fair, for once he didn't assume the looks were about him being the mysterious son of a traitor raised amongst aliens in the Unknown Regions. Jag had noticed the young lords and officers eyeing Jaina as they danced, and had managed to head off one or two of the more forward ones with a pointed glare.
"Hello, sir. What can I get for you to drink this evening?" the bartender asked as he made his way over to them.
Jag looked at Jaina and gestured for her to place her order.
"Just a glass of champagne for me, please," Jaina answered.
Jag turned back to the bartender, "And I'll take a Whyren's Reserve. Neat."
"Very good, sir," the bartender, replied turning away to get their drinks.
Jag turned back to Jaina, and she arched a delicate eyebrow at him, "How very Corellian of you. I see you haven't adopted the Chiss ways when it comes to your alcohol."
"Not when the Emperor is footing the bill, at least," Jag said with a sly grin. "Although the Chiss red ale is quite good when you are looking for something that packs a punch."
Jaina laughed, "I'll keep that in mind if I ever find myself in Chiss space."
Jag was about to respond when he noticed Jaina smiling brightly at someone over his shoulder. Turning to see what had caught her attention, and trying to push down the sudden feeling of jealousy, he relaxed as he saw her two brothers heading their way with a small blonde girl in tow.
"There you are, Jaya! I've been looking for you all night," Anakin said as the trio approached them. "Look who I found!"
"Tahiri!" Jaina exclaimed excitedly, enveloping the younger girl in a fond hug. "It's so good to see you!"
Tahiri returned the embrace with a wide smile, then pointed at Anakin, "Well, someone had to come and make sure to keep this one out of trouble."
Anakin rolled his eyes as the other Solos laughed at his expense.
Tahiri turned curious eyes towards Jag, "So Jay, are you going to introduce me to your new friend?"
"Of course. But he's actually not a new friend. Well, not new, anyway," Jaina rambled, blushing.
Jag thought it was adorable.
"Tahiri, meet Colonel Jag Fel. We've known each other since we were children. Jag, this is Tahiri Veila, Anakin's girlfriend."
"She's not my girlfriend," Anakin protested, weakly.
"Sure, she's not," Jacen answered with a grin.
Tahiri ignored the playful bickering between the Solo boys, and turned to Jag, her eyes alight with interest.
"Oh! So you're the famous Jagged Fel. I can't believe I'm finally getting to meet you, I've heard so much about you," Tahiri said, shooting Jaina a playful smirk.
Jag glanced at Jaina curiously and then looked back at Tahiri, "All good things, I hope."
"Well-" Tahiri started and was quickly interrupted by Jaina.
"Tahiri, did you see my mom before you flew here? You came with your parents, right? I haven't seen them in so long, how are they?"
Tahiri gave Jag a small shrug, before turning to Jaina with the latest gossip from the Alderaanian court. Jag leaned back against the bar, content to watch the Solos and Tahiri, their bantering quite amusing.
Eventually, Jacen wandered away and soon after, Tahiri dragged Anakin on the dance floor despite his half-hearted protests. Jag and Jaina were once more alone, although Jag was highly aware that they were surrounded by the entire Imperial court.
Jaina leaned over him to grab her drink, her chest pressing against his. She froze, and he stiffened as she looked up. He thought he saw a flash of desire in her eyes, but wasn't sure if he was just projecting his own emotions.
"So, I've heard that your squadron doesn't use traditional TIEs but a modified version?" Jaina asked suddenly, breaking the thick tension.
"Yes, they are called clawcrafts. The Chiss have made some impressive updates to the TIE design," Jag answered, quickly. "They are not as fast as the TIE model but much more maneuverable."
"Well, you know what they say, Colonel. it's not all about speed. It's about knowing what to do with what you've got," Jaina answered teasingly.
"I can assure you, I know what do with my equipment," Jag answered with a roguish smile.
"I'm sure you do," Jaina responded with a light laugh.
Jaina finished the last of her champagne, placing the glass down on the bar before turning back to Jag.
"So can you show me?" Jaina blushed, averting her eyes at Jag's arched brow. "Your clawcraft, I mean. I admit I'm curious to see these ingenious design upgrades for myself."
"Of course," Jag offered instantly. "Whenever you'd like."
"How about right now? You know I've never been very good at waiting," she looked around the room. "That is, if you think we can escape without anyone noticing."
"I happen to be well versed in evasive maneuvers," Jag answered, with mock severity. "And to be honest, I would much rather be in the hangar than here. This is not really my scene."
"Really, I hadn't noticed," Jaina teased, then smiled brightly. "Shall we, then?"
Jag gestured for her to walk ahead of him, "Lead the way, Princess."
Jag and Jaina made their way quietly to the exit, believing they were successful in escaping without attracting undue attention.
Neither noticed the pair of eyes watching them as they discreetly slipped out into the deserted hallway.
Serena Vondercoff watched with interest as the Princess of Alderaan left the Gala with the tall, dark-haired Colonel at her side. Until tonight, she had not paid much attention to Colonel Fel, the arrogant young man who rarely attended Imperial events.
Her father, a prominent Moff and part of the Emperor's inner circle, detested "that boy" as he called him. The son of a traitor. Her father's sneering attitude and Jagged Fel's apparent indifference to the court- and politics in general- had contributed greatly to her own disdain. But the obvious interest Jaina Solo showed in him caused her to reevaluate her initial opinion.
Ruggedly handsome, with short black hair and piercing green eyes, Jagged Fel had certainly inherited his fair share of good looks from the glamorous Wynssa Starflare. Serena had initially thought his attractiveness marred by the scar that ran from his right eye across his forehead to his hairline. However, she now realized the scar didn't detract from his appearance but rather gave him a roguish appeal. That was only enhanced further by his solid black uniform and perpetually brooding countenance.
He was also the son of a former Dukat, one with a strong claim to the Imperial throne. He had proved to be quite the effective commander, even if he was in charge of a squadron comprised of an inferior race. The Emperor and her father disliked the Colonel because they feared him- feared him because Jagged Fel was a highly credible threat to their rule.
Yes, with the right partner, Jagged Fel had lots of potential.
And now he had shown that he was not quite so inhuman as Serena had originally thought. Not judging by the way he acted tonight with the Alderaanian Princess.
Jaina Solo was an obstacle that would need to be removed, Serena mused. She didn't think it would be too hard. The Princess was pretty enough, Serena admitted to herself, but far from the standard of Imperial beauty. Plus she had heard the girl was quite eccentric, not a good match at all for a potential future Emperor. Serena was confident that her own considerable charms could win Jagged Fel over if given the opportunity.
Serena suddenly recalled a holo message from the Emperor to her father she had once overheard. Something about tying Alderaan to their cause through a marriage arrangement for the Solo girl. She would have to find out more about that particular plan, a surefire way to eliminate the competition. And provide the opportunity she was looking for.
Serena Vondercoff was used to getting what she wanted no matter the cost, and that now officially included Colonel Jagged Fel.