CORUSCANT

DECEMBER YEAR 1051

"Jaina," Tahiri called, letting herself into the apartments the Solos had taken over since arriving on Coruscant months earlier. "You in here?"

"Hey, yeah, just got out of the shower- I'll be out in a second!" Jaina called from the refresher.

Tahiri wandered around the living space as she waited, picking up a framed holo. She smiled at the image of the three Solo children grinning back at her.

Tahiri looked up as Jaina burst into the living space, fully dressed and towel drying her damp brown hair. She smirked to herself, wondering if any of the Solos were capable of entering a room without making a dramatic entrance. Maybe Jacen, Tahiri finally decided. Jaina casually threw the towel she was holding on the floor and gave Tahiri a brief, damp hug.

"What are you doing here! I thought for sure you'd be in the hangar to see Anakin off. Maybe with a kiss for good luck," Jaina teased.

"Anakin has his fair share of Solo luck, he doesn't need anymore," Tahiri answered, rolling her eyes. "In fact, he took fifty credits from me just last night. I swear I don't know why I still play Sabacc with anyone in your family."

"When we were young, Uncle Wedge used to always tell us that you can't plan for luck. Plan smart and let luck land where it will," Jaina quoted in a serious voice. She giggled, "Then dad would agree that was very good advice. If you weren't a Solo."

"Wedge? That's your dad's friend who's in exile right?"

"Yeah, his family escaped with the Fels after the failed rebellion. His sister's Jag's mom," Jaina explained.

Tahiri nodded, then smiled slowly, "Speaking of Jag…"

Jaina scowled at her.

"What?" Tahiri raised her hands in mock defense. "I was just going to say that he's also leaving for the Outer Rim, and without the benefit of the famous Solo good fortune…"

"If you are suggesting I give him a kiss for luck, that fighter has flown," Jaina deadpanned.

"I still question that, but, even so," Tahiri continued, ignoring Jaina's snort of protest, "He's going to war, Jay. There's a chance that he might not come back."

"I'm aware of how war works, Tahiri."

Tahiri shrugged, "I know. I just wanted to make sure you could live with it if the worst happens. Knowing you had the chance to at least say goodbye but decided not to."

Jaina glared at her, and Tahiri was familiar enough with the signature Solo stubbornness to know she had pushed far enough. Now it was up to Jaina to decide if she would listen.

"Fine. Either way, I'm here to bring you down to the hangar. Your brother won't say it, but he wants you there. It's his first battle and you know how he looks up to you," Tahiri said, making it clear by her tone that she would not be accepting no as an answer.

Jaina held the younger girl's determined stare then sighed, rolling her eyes.

"Let me guess, my dad put you up to this," Jaina said accusingly.

"I might have run into him on my way down. And he might have mentioned you were holed up in your room with no plans of leaving," Tahiri said innocently. "But really, I'm doing this for Anakin. He needs you."

"I hope my brother knows how lucky he is to have you, Tahiri," Jaina said throwing an arm around the younger girl's shoulder.

Tahiri just smiled, and the two girls headed for the door.

Jag finished thoroughly inspecting and testing the repairs the technician had made to the starboard repulsor on his clawcraft. It had been acting up on his last patrol and Jag wanted to ensure everything was in order before leaving the base. Satisfied that everything checked out, he jumped down from his cockpit and strode over to his second in command.

"Sir," Shawnkyr said as he approached. "All fighters have been tested and inspected. Pilots are ready and waiting for orders."

"Excellent," Jag answered. "Tell the squadron to hold on stand by, we should be leaving shortly. I just want to confirm our jump points with Commander Darklighter and then we can launch."

Shawnkyr nodded and saluted Jag before turning to brief the rest of the squadron. She was a highly efficient second, a brilliant strategist, and an excellent pilot. She was also the closest thing he had to a friend among the Chiss. Jag was still surprised she had agreed to come to the Known Regions as his second versus leading her own squadron. Especially considering her impressive familial connections in the military. But he was glad she had accepted the position and he knew his squadron would be prepped and ready to go as soon as he gave the word.

Jag glanced over to the other end of the hangar and located Commander Darklighter consulting with his pilots, ensuring the Imperial contingent was equally ready. Jag was pleased Darklighter and his pilots were the ones joining him for this mission and thought it bode well for a successful campaign.

He walked over to confer with the Imperial commander, reaching him just as the other men broke away to head to their fighters.

"Colonel Fel. Looks like my squadron is ready to go. I know your pilots are always ready, so I won't even bother asking," Gavin said, turning to Jag with a smile. "I just received the latest jumps recommended by our Intelligence team if you want to upload them."

Jag took the data disk from Gavin's outstretched hand, loading them it into his datapad. He reviewed it quickly then looked up and nodded at Darklighter.

"Looks good to me. I will run these through the nav and get ready for launch on your signal," Jag said, turning away from Gavin to head back to his fighter.

Suddenly a side door burst open. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw two women rush through the hangar doors, running towards one of the TIE pilots. Jag stopped, turning to watch as Jaina Solo tackled her brother in a warm embrace, Tahiri only a step behind.

Jag couldn't help but smile as he watched Anakin roll his eyes at whatever last-minute advice his big sister was giving him before she mussed his hair playfully. Anakin quickly ran a hand through his hair to fix it, while Jaina simply laughed at the glare he sent her before giving him one last hug.

And then Jaina stepped away, Jag assumed to give Tahiri and Anakin a private moment to say their own good-byes. As Jaina waited, her gaze wandered around the hangar, then caught and held with Jag's own. He couldn't even force himself to look away, drinking in the sight of her, a memory to bring with him in the battles to come.

Jaina seemed to hesitate and then surprised Jag by purposefully marching over to him. Jag waited for her, knowing that he should walk away. Knowing that there were spies watching his every move to report back to Jovan. But he couldn't do it.

"Jag," Jaina said breathlessly, stopping a few feet from him.

"Jaina," Jag said, struggling to keep his voice and expression neutral. "I didn't expect to see you here."

"Well, you know. I wanted to make sure Anakin got off okay," Jaina responded. "But I'm glad I caught you. Not that I was looking for you or anything. Just now that you're here. I mean, there's a favor I wanted to ask you..."

"Anything," Jag answered, a little too quickly.

"Look out for Ani? It's his first real battle and I'd just feel better knowing you're keeping an eye on him," Jaina smiled tentatively. "Knowing he has a Fel to watch his back."

"Of course, I will try my best to keep him out of trouble," Jag answered, then sent her a small half-smile. "Well as much as you can keep a Solo out of trouble."

"Don't worry, I'm not expecting miracles," Jaina flashed her famous Solo grin. "You're only human after all."

"True," Jag answered, with a small chuckle. "I'll do what I can, though."

Jag looked into her eyes one last time then nodded before turning to go.

"Wait, Jag," Jaina said suddenly, grabbing his arm.

Jag turned, trying desperately to keep his hopes and dreams in check, knowing they were impossible. "Yes?"

"Take care of yourself out there, too," Jaina said in a rush.

She looked at him with earnest eyes, licking her lips nervously. Jag wanted nothing more than to kiss her right then and there. Tell her how much he loved her, how much he wished things were different. Beg her to run away with him.

But that wasn't who he was. He was a Fel and Fels didn't have regrets. They didn't run away.

"I always do, Princess," he answered instead.

Jaina nodded, "Clear skies, then."

Jag sent her one of his small half-smiles and then whirled away before he lost all sense and gave in to his inner desires. Striding deliberately over to his squadron, he ordered the pilots to their fighters before climbing into his own cockpit and loading the navigation points.

After finishing his own check down and ensuring the first jump point was properly loaded, Jag glanced around the hangar and saw Jaina and Tahiri moving towards the exit. Jaina paused in the doorway to look back over her shoulder, staring at Jag's clawcraft, then she was gone. Jag turned his focus back to his mission.

He had a job to do, and he couldn't afford to be distracted.

"This is Spike Lead. Navigation points are now loaded and being communicated to all flights. Spike Two, proceed with rundown and confirm ready to launch."

DANTOOINE

DECEMBER YEAR 1051

"All flights, prepare to jump on my mark. Orders are to intercept Yuuzhan Vong fleet advancing towards the planet. Three, two, one. Mark," Jag said crisply over the comm, programmed to Spike squadron frequency.

The clawcrafts dropped from hyperspace and emerged at the scheduled rendezvous point where Darklighter's TIE pilots were already working to beat back the Yuuzhan Vong invasion force.

"Spike Two and Three Flight, cover Red Squadron's flank. Make sure no enemy fighters get past them to planetside," Jag instructed, noting the layout of the battle.

Two double-clicks on the comm confirmed the order as Shawnkyr and Voss, who lead the second and third flight respectively, guided their groups to secure Red Squadron's position as ordered.

Jag continued to survey the battlefield, holding his own flight for the time being. He watched as Darklighter laid down a trail of stutter fire across one of the coral skippers. The TIE fighter directly on Darklighter's wing made an inhuman reversal and then came up underneath the Commander's fighter to finish off the skip with a full-force laser volley.

Jag instantly recognized the move as the same one Jaina had used to take down her brother during his recruitment simulation. Anakin was still a quick study, Jag thought with approval.

The Imperial fighters were holding their own, but Jag was starting to grow restless. Time to enter the battle and end things, he thought to himself.

"Spike One, engage enemy," Jag said simply, before switching to the Imperial tactical frequency. "Red Lead, Spike Squadron here to assist. Get clear, and we will finish them off."

"Welcome to the party, Spike Lead," Darklighter responded. They're all yours."

Jag clicked his comm in acknowledgment before leading his flight group directly into the thick of the battle, spinning and weaving in an intricate dance with the enemy. The Vong had not been prepared for these more maneuverable crafts to enter the fray and Jag and his pilots were able to blast through the skips easily.

The enemy fighters did not perform any sort of tactical retreat, though they were obviously overwhelmed and beaten, taking a pounding from the Chiss pilots. Jag made a note of this in the back of his mind to study later as he continued to fly through the combat zone, vaping the remaining skips.

By the time he ordered his pilots to return to Dantooine, the battlefield was nothing more than a coral graveyard.

Jag was the last one back into the Dantooine hangar, once used for interplanetary trade, now appropriated for the Imperial military presence. He quickly ran through his check-down before jumping from his cockpit, not waiting for the man hurrying forward with a ladder.

Surveying the joint Chiss/Imperial task-force, Jag noted with satisfaction that they had not lost a single fighter. He removed his helmet, running his hand through his hair, before turning to the Chiss pilots who were waiting for further instruction.

"Good work. I expect we will have some respite before the Vong hit us again," Jag addressed his pilots. "You are all dismissed for now. We will regroup at eight hundred hours tomorrow to review the battle and make any necessary adjustments."

The Chiss pilots saluted Jag, then turned to exit the hangar. Jag conferred briefly with Shawnkyr before dismissing her as well, then walked over to the Imperial pilots who were gathered around a blushing Anakin Solo.

"Thirteen kills. Not bad for your first skirmish, kid," Commander Darklighter was saying, patting Anakin on the back.

He then turned to the rest of the pilots, "Alright, boys. Time to take a break- we deserve it. I'm sure the Vong will keep us on our toes though, so try not to get too drunk."

The pilots grumbled good-naturedly, then followed Darklighter out of the hangar, their exit much more boisterous than that of the Chiss pilots.

"Nice moves out there, Solo," Jag said, approaching Anakin with a smile once the other Imperials were gone. "Most kills out of all the Imperial fighters- including Commander Darklighter. Not bad for your first foray."

"Thanks, Jag," Anakin answered with a lop-sided grin, as they moved towards the hangar door. "Although I couldn't help but notice the Imperial qualifier you added in there."

"As I said, you had the most kills out of all the Imperial fighters," Jag answered, a bit smugly. "I believe I ended my run at eighteen."

Anakin groaned, "Force, I feel like my sister's here. Neither of you can ever just let me win, huh?"

Jag's smile momentarily dropped at the mention of Jaina. Anakin noticed Jag's change in expression with interest.

"Speaking of my sister, I saw you two talking before we took off from Coruscant. Does that mean that you worked out whatever was going on between you?" Anakin asked casually.

"Did Jaina say something?" Jag asked, curiously, neatly dodging the question.

"To me? Yeah, right. No. But she talks to Tahiri a lot. And Tahiri never shuts up so I know more than Jaina probably wants me to. Or then I want to, really," Anakin answered with a shrug. "But you didn't answer my question."

"It's complicated," Jag answered shortly, wishing he hadn't started this conversation and had just left with his pilots when he had the chance.

Anakin snorted, "With girls, it's always complicated. And add the last name Solo into the mix…"

Jag nodded in silent agreement.

"So, do you want to talk about it? I mean, I am her brother. Which means I have a lot of experience dealing with the Jaina Solo brand of complicated."

Jag hesitated, glancing around the empty hall, "I really shouldn't. I don't think your mother wants it to become public knowledge just yet."

"My mom?" Anakin asked surprised. "So this is more than just Jaina being Jaina, then?"

Jag didn't respond right away, his face a blank mask. Anakin just waited, expectantly.

Realizing Anakin was not going to drop this he turned to him, "As I said, it's not my place-"

"Well, I can't ask my parents about it. They're not here and we're on comm silence. So, I'm asking you. I mean, come on, you can't just drop an ion bomb like that and walk away," Anakin interrupted insistently. "Besides, if it's about Jaina- about my family- then I have a right to know. I don't think I'm considered 'the public' in this situation."

Jag studied Anakin, weighing the pros and cons of confiding in the younger man. Despite what he told Anakin, it most likely would be public knowledge by the time they returned to Coruscant. And he had a feeling it would be hard to brush off Anakin, knowing from prior experience that arguing with a determined Solo was a waste of time and energy.

"Fine. But if we are going to do this I at least need a drink," Jag sighed, giving in. "I heard Commander Darklighter talking about a cantina close to base…"

Anakin nodded, satisfied in his victory, "Lead the way."

"I don't believe it," Anakin said in shock, "And Jaina has no idea?"

Jag had spent the past twenty minutes reliving a conversation he wished he could forget with minimal interruptions from Anakin. He definitely needed a drink. Make that several.

"According to your Mother, no," Jag answered, wincing as he took a gulp of the swill the cantina passed off as whiskey. "Although, I'm sure she is going to find out soon enough."

"I've never met Lord Zekk," Anakin mused. "Although, I have heard a few stories."

"Count yourself lucky, then," Jag drawled.

"From what I've heard, Zekk likes his women docile and submissive. Those are two words I would never use to describe Jaina. Maybe once he realizes what a fire-brand she is, he'll cut his losses," Anakin joked weakly.

Jag didn't respond, and simply took a bigger swig of his drink. Unfortunately, he had the uneasy suspicion that rather than be deterred by Jaina's spirit, Zekk would relish the opportunity to break her. His hand tightened reflexively around his glass at the thought.

"Come on, Jag. There's gotta be something we can do," Anakin entreated. "She loves you. I know she might not come out and say it, but she does."

"Look, I need to focus on what I came here for. Defeating the Vong. Fulfilling my father's legacy. Maybe it is better that Jaina and I didn't work out. That way there are no distractions," Jag answered. Not sure if he was trying to convince Anakin or himself.

"Oh, so Jaina's just a distraction, now?"

"No, damn it," Jag responded sharply. "But we're not in one of my mother's holo dramas, Anakin. Love doesn't conquer all. There is nothing I can do without causing your sister more pain or putting her in danger. So I need to focus on what I can do, what I can impact, and that's this bloody war."

Anakin let out a deep breath, then looked at Jag, "I know, Jag. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to jump down your throat. This isn't your fault."

Jag nodded, then threw back the rest of his drink, "It's nobody's fault. Well, except the Emperor. And fate, I guess, if you believe in that sort of thing."

"Still," Anakin continued, hopefully, "maybe something will change. You never know."

"While I can appreciate your optimism, Anakin, I'm more of a realist myself. And the odds of that happening are slim to none."

"Come on, Jag. You know the Solo family mantra," Anakin responded with a smirk. "Never tell us the odds."

THE ACCUSER (STAR DESTROYER)

DECEMBER YEAR 1051

Lord Zekk entered his communication chamber, throwing his long black cape over one shoulder with practiced dramatic flair.

The communication analyst in charge quickly came to attention as Zekk's hard green eyes landed on him. The analyst tried to hide his fear but with the other man towering over him at almost two meters tall- not to mention his dark appearance and darker countenance- that was no easy task.

Especially knowing what happened to the last communication analyst who had somehow displeased Lord Zekk.

"Is the holographic communication connected with the Emperor, then?" Zekk asked brusquely.

"Yes, my Lord," the analyst stammered. "I will bring it up immediately. That is, if you are ready, sir."

Zekk waved his hand impatiently, "Good. Bring it online then leave. All of you."

The other men in the room nodded, and after flipping a few switches, scurried out of the room. Zekk waited until the door had closed then turned towards the center of the room as the blue image of his uncle appeared.

"My Lord Emperor," Zekk said bowing gracefully. "How may I serve you?"

"Nephew," the Emperor answered. "You may rise. Tell me, how are the talks with the Vong progressing?"

"Quite well, Uncle," Zekk answered easily. "I believe we are moving closer to reaching an agreement."

"Excellent," the Emperor said. "You have done well."

"Do you wish me to continue as planned, then?" Zekk questioned.

"Yes, eventually. For now, though, you will pause the talks. It will give the Vong some time to think over the proposal. And I have need of you elsewhere."

"I live to serve, of course," Zekk said, bowing his head.

"Very good," Jovan answered with a smile. "You will leave for Dantooine immediately. There is an Imperial force there now, by all reports holding their own against the Vong in defense of the planet. However, I do not trust the leaders there and want my own man monitoring events. Reporting directly to me."

"Who is currently serving in command?" Zekk asked curiously.

"It is an Imperial/Chiss joint defense unit. Serving under Commander Darklighter and the Fel boy."

Zekk sneered, "You are right to be suspicious, Uncle. Darklighter has always been much too sympathetic to the rebel cause for my liking. And Fel is only waiting for an opportunity to stir up trouble."

"I agree," Jovan answered. "Which is why I want you there to keep an eye on things."

"I will plan for departure immediately, then," Zekk answered succinctly.

"One more thing before you go," Jovan added, seeing that his nephew's mind had already turned towards his planned trip.

"Yes, Uncle?"

"As you know, I have long been reviewing potential alliances, opportunities if you will, that would be solidified through your eventual marriage," Jovan started. "There were a few possibilities I was looking into, but due to ... recent developments I have reached a decision. In fact, I just finalized the details of your betrothal this morning."

Zekk kept his expression even, not showing the concern he suddenly felt at his uncle's statement. He had seen some of the women his uncle had been considering and had to control a shudder of disgust.

Zekk knew that it was his responsibility to create an alliance for the Empire and that his uncle and the rest of the court would continue to turn a blind eye to his less than savory sexual predilections and indiscretions. Still, the possibility of being forced to sleep with a woman old enough to be his mother, all in the name of politics, was not something he looked forward to.

The one silver lining, at least a betrothal didn't mean that he was locked in just yet.

"I will be announcing the engagement shortly," Jovan continued, "and will arrange for the marriage to take place as soon as you return to court."

"So soon?" Zekk asked, unable to completely hide his annoyance.

"Yes," Jovan said sternly. "The Fel boy has shown an unhealthy interest in your future wife. I would rather have the marriage secured as soon as possible."

"Fel? I didn't think the man felt any emotions, let alone desire for a woman," Zekk said, his attention caught.

The thought of one-upping Jagged Fel was enough to make the ugliest, oldest hag suddenly look appealing. And given the man's arrogance and fastidiousness, Zekk could now reasonably assume the woman must have at least some attractive attributes.

"It seems Princess Jaina Solo brings out the Corellian in him," Jovan answered dryly.

"Jaina Solo is to be my bride, then?" Zekk answered, eyes alight.

This was even better than he could have hoped for. It was true, Jaina Solo had a reputation for being defiant and opinionated, with a tongue sharper than a vibroblade. And Zekk had heard she was a bit of a tomboy, had even wanted to be a fighter pilot of all things. But she was also an undeniable beauty, inheriting her mother's delicate dark looks and regal bearing.

"Yes," Jovan answered. "As I am sure you have heard, she is quite the handful. But I am confident you will have no problem curbing her more rebellious inclinations."

No, taming the wild Alderaanian princess would be no great hardship. In fact, Zekk looked forward to the challenge of subjugating a woman like Jaina Solo. Once she had learned her place, she would make a suitable wife. Then one day, a fitting Empress.

And the fact that Jagged Fel wanted her would only make his eventual conquest that much more satisfying.

Zekk smiled.

"I agree, Uncle. Thank you for arranging such an excellent marriage opportunity for me. Should I return to court then, before heading to Dantooine? In order to officially meet my fiancée?" Zekk asked eagerly.

"No," Jovan answered, with a knowing smile. "While I appreciate your enthusiasm, I need you to attend to business first. Go to Dantooine. Once the campaign is wrapped up there, return to court and we will begin preparations for the wedding."

"Understood, sir," Zekk responded with a salute. "I hope to see you on Coruscant very soon, then."

Jovan nodded and ended the holograph, his blue shadow disappearing from the room. Zekk marched out of the room, yelling for his second, anxious to get to Dantooine.

The sooner he finished there the sooner he could go to Coruscant to claim his prize.