DANTOOINE
DECEMBER YEAR 1051
Jag jumped out of the cockpit of the simulator, pulling his helmet off. He scooped his pilot's bag off the floor and made his way over to the only other simulator in the small room, just as Anakin released his own cockpit.
"Good run, that was a slick move you pulled there at the end," Jag offered as Anakin ran a hand through his damp hair.
"Still not good enough to shoot you down," Anakin grumbled.
"You lasted a minute longer against me this time. You're improving."
"You're an impossible kill," Anakin sighed.
"True. Maybe you just need to set more realistic expectations," Jag answered.
"And so humble," Anakin drawled. "What a paragon."
Jag shrugged shooting Anakin a cocky smile, "I never saw the value in false modesty. Besides, it's well known that Spike Squadron boasts the best pilots in the galaxy."
"Maybe among the aliens in the Unknown Regions," a voice broke in from the doorway.
Anakin and Jag turned to the door, where Zekk stood, flanked by three of his men. Zekk walked further into the room, coming face to face with Jag, completely ignoring Anakin.
"But then, it's no surprise you feel so at home with the blue-skinned freaks, Fel," Zekk sneered.
"Colonel Fel is the best pilot in the taskforce-" Anakin started, only to be interrupted by a laugh from Zekk. Before Anakin could say anything more, Jag moved in between them.
"Always a pleasure, Zekk," Jag said drily. "I didn't know you were expected on Dantooine."
Zekk puffed out his chest, eyeing Jag with disdain.
"My uncle has sent me to oversee the operation here," Zekk answered, then directed a false smile over Jag's shoulder in Anakin's direction. "And of course, as an added bonus, I can now keep my future brother-in-law from getting into any trouble."
Zekk ignored Anakin's snort of indignation.
"War can be dangerous after all, and I wouldn't want anything to distress my lovely bride so close to our wedding day," Zekk continued, looking straight at Jag, obviously hoping to provoke him.
Jag was determined not to give Zekk the satisfaction and kept his face a blank mask. "How thoughtful of you."
"Yes, well, the Emperor is worried there may be traitors lurking in the highest ranks on Dantooine," Zekk continued pointedly. "Perhaps even those in positions of command."
"Well, thank the Force the Emperor sent you to oversee things. You would never betray your people to the enemy, after all," Jag said with a straight face.
"If you are accusing me of something, Fel, why don't you come out and say it," Zekk scowled.
"I merely made an observation," Jag answered cooly. "Of course you are free to draw your own conclusions."
Zekk glared at him then changed the subject, instead choosing to focus on Anakin's earlier comment.
"Well, if you are the best pilot here as young Solo seems to think, then it is obvious I am needed. You may be able to bedazzle your Chiss friends," Zekk looked at Anakin dismissively, "and boys who are not even old enough to grow a beard. But your little tricks won't hold up against a seasoned Imperial pilot."
"Lord Zekk, why don't you put your credits where your mouth is? If you are so sure you're a superior pilot, that is," Anakin broke in, moving to stand next to Jag.
"Of course I'm sure," Zekk answered haughtily. "There is not a pilot in the galaxy who can shoot me down, let alone the son of a jumped-up traitor."
Jag clenched his fists, glaring at Zekk, but held his temper in check despite the insult to his father.
"Well then," Anakin answered with an easy smile. "Why don't you compete in a simulation right now? Prove once and for all who's the best pilot here."
"I don't have to prove anything to either of you," Zekk answered with a snarl.
"Lord Zekk is right. Besides, I wouldn't want to embarrass the Emperor's nephew. It wouldn't be good for Chiss/Imperial relations," Jag replied smoothly.
"You're going to be the only one embarrassed, Fel. Too bad none of your alien friends are here to see you lose," Zekk answered, angrily. "Young Solo will just have to bear witness."
Jag arched an eyebrow, "We'll see about that."
Zekk stormed over to the sim fighter Anakin had just vacated minutes earlier, ripping the cockpit open. Jag, in contrast, serenely walked over to the other simulator and calmly started his check down.
Anakin leaned against the wall, flashing Zekk's three giant henchmen his signature Solo grin. They glared back at him, with dark foreboding expressions.
"Anyone bring any popcorn?"
Jag climbed out of the cockpit, unable to keep a smug smile from his face. Vaping Zekk had been such a gratifying experience. He only wished it could have been in real life and not just a simulation. As his feet hit the ground he was immediately confronted by the man in question, who was red-faced and indignant.
"You cheated, you bastard!" Zekk accused, pointing wildly.
"And how exactly would I have done that?" Jag asked laconically.
"There is no other way you could have shot me down, except with some alien trickery," Zekk continued, his expression thunderous.
"There was no trickery," Anakin scoffed. "Jag beat you fair and square. You just can't admit that he's the better pilot."
Zekk turned to Anakin, his eyes narrowed, lips thin and colorless, "I would expect you to side with Fel, Solo. Treasonous Hutt-spawn stick together, after all."
Jag didn't like the look in the other man's eyes and moved forward with the intention of stepping in between Zekk and Anakin, but one of Zekk's men grabbed his arm and hauled him back.
"You think the Solos are traitors, then?" Anakin questioned with a lazy smile.
"Alderaan is infested with them, and your deceitful family is the worst of them all! The whole planet needs to be cleansed and the filth removed from this Empire. Along with him," Zekk flung his hand in Jag's direction but directed his accusation at Anakin.
Shrugging off the arm that held him, Jag stepped forward to stand next to Anakin. "And what about Jaina?" he asked, voice dangerously low.
"The moment I marry Princess Jaina, she's going to be too busy in my bed satisfying my every need to even think of rebellion," Zekk leered. "But if she persists in her treasonous thoughts, she will soon learn they will not be tolerated. I assure you, I will enjoy teaching her, though she might not appreciate my methods."
Jag's control snapped and he saw red, unable to listen to anymore. He felt a savage satisfaction as his fist connected with Zekk's jaw.
Zekk staggered back then regained his balance, his eyes blazing. He lunged at Jag, a vibroblade now in his hand and Jag belatedly realized his own lack of weapons. He cursed himself for leaving his blaster in his room, suddenly remembering his father's warning to never be caught by your enemy unawares or unarmed.
Jag leaped back, leaning away from the blade that arched dangerously close to his unprotected body. And then everything seemed to happen in slow motion, though too fast for Jag to stop it. Anakin darted forward and grabbed the sleeve of Zekk's uniform, somehow dragging the much bigger man to one side and away from Jag. Zekk roared in anger, furious at being denied his kill. He swung viciously in the direction he was being pulled, stabbing with the blade blindly.
Anakin sank to his knees, still stubbornly holding on to the sleeve of Zekk's uniform until it ripped in his hands. Anakin coughed, blood spewing from his mouth, and looked down in a moment of confusion. A dark patch of red spread across his uniform, dripping down to leave a pool of blood on the cold tile floor.
The room froze, stunned in disbelief at the turn of events. The silence was broken by the clatter of the vibroblade falling to the floor as Zekk turned and fled out the door followed by his cronies.
Anakin managed to look over at Jag, staring into the older man's horrified eyes, before his own fluttered and he fell to the ground. Jag moved quickly to Anakin's side, turning him over and wiping the blood from his blue-tinged lips with shaking hands.
Jag felt nothing. In complete shock, he couldn't process how a silly simulation challenge had led to this.
As he cradled Anakin's dead body, all he could think of was the promise he made to Jaina. But he had been unable to keep her brother safe. Unable to protect him from the murderer she was being forced to marry. He felt a sudden overwhelming sense of grief and wasn't sure if it was for Anakin or Jaina.
CORUSCANT
DECEMBER YEAR 1051
Jaina Solo observed her father as he consoled a desolate Tahiri, feeling light-headed and distant, disconnected from reality. She watched as her dad turned to her, face bleak, lips moving. But she couldn't hear anything he said, couldn't make out the words coming from his mouth. She was still trying to make sense of what her father had just told her.
Anakin was dead. The Emperor's nephew, Lord Zekk, had stabbed him with a vibroblade. A vibroblade that was meant to kill Jag. Jag was alive. Her brother was dead. She felt so many confusing emotions coursing through her.
A sense of overwhelming relief that it wasn't Jag. That Jag was alive. Guilt that she could feel that when her beloved baby brother was dead. But at the same time, she couldn't quite accept that he was really gone.
Not Anakin.
"Jaina, do you understand me? Zekk is coming here. Now."
Jaina looked at the hand on her shoulder, then followed it up to Han's face, his voice finally penetrating the fog that had surrounded her.
"To Coruscant?" she asked, confused.
"To Coruscant. To Court. Here. For you," Han answered, more anger creeping into his voice.
A part of Han hoped Zekk would come and he thought of all the terrible things he would do to the man who had callously murdered his youngest son. Anakin, the son who had been so like himself- quick to laugh with a love of flying and a thirst for adventure. Anakin, who had not lived to see his sixteenth birthday.
Han pushed away the painful thoughts and reined in his growing anger before it threatened to overwhelm him. There would be plenty of time to grieve later, once he had left this Force-forsaken planet. Once he had gotten Jaina to safety. He had lost his youngest son to Zekk but he refused to let the man take his daughter as well.
Jaina blinked her eyes, confused and uncertain. What did he mean? What would Lord Zekk want with her? Nothing made sense anymore.
"Coming for me? But why? Why would he come for me?"
"Because," Han answered, then paused. His eyes darted to the side, before focusing on hers once more in resignation. "Because your mother and I just signed a contract with the Emperor, confirming your marriage to Zekk."
"What?" Jaina managed to gasp in surprise. She felt the room start to cave in, her vision blurring, and then she was falling. Falling down a dark tunnel that had no end.
She felt a small hand grab hers and looked up into the tear-stained face of her brother's best friend. Tahiri clutched her hand tightly, pulling Jaina out of the black hole that had threatened to consume her.
Jaina squeezed her hand back thankfully, then turned to face her father, spine stiffening, her earlier despair easily replaced by fury.
"How could you do this to me?" Jaina threw at her father, outraged. "Sell me to the highest bidder like I was nothing more than a prized nerf? Did you even think to ask me what I thought?"
Han blanched at the accusation, then responded with pleading eyes, "I know, and I never wanted it to be this way, you gotta believe me. I should have never let it get this far, but your mother…"
"Oh so this was mom's idea, was it?" Jaina retorted, eyes blazing. "That's a bit ironic coming from a woman who broke off her own royal engagement to marry an ex-smuggler, don't you think?"
Han sighed, "Jaina, it's time you knew the whole truth."
Jaina just glared at her father expectantly.
"We tried to keep it from you, thought we were protecting you. Allowing you to enjoy your childhood. But you're not a child anymore," Han continued wearily.
And then Han told her of the deal they had made with the Emperor so many years ago. How they had no choice if they wanted to save the thousands of lives residing on Alderaan. He told her everything, holding nothing back.
And Jaina felt her anger evaporate, replaced by desolation and helplessness. Her parents had put her in an untenable position but they had done the right thing.
She was a Solo princess. She had a responsibility, a duty to the people of Alderaan in exchange for their loyalty to her family. And she was prepared to sacrifice her life if need be to save the lives of those faithful men and women, to keep their families safe.
"What can we do?" Jaina asked finally, a single tear falling down her face.
"I'm going to speak to the Emperor, tell him the agreement is off. There's no way in hell I'm handing my daughter over to the Hutt-slime who murdered my son," Han answered firmly. "You start packing your things, it's time to go home."
Jaina nodded silently. Han kissed her on the cheek gently then turned to muss Tahiri's hair affectionately, before turning towards the door.
"Dad," Jaina called, causing him to turn around. "I just want you to know, I'm not angry at you or mom. Not really. You did what you had to do, and I understand. And I'm glad mom chose an ex-smuggler over a stuffy Prince."
Han sent her the lopsided Solo grin, though it was a little wilted around the edges, a little forced, and walked out the door.
"Are you done packing yet?" Han questioned briskly as he strode back into the room an hour later.
"Yeah, mostly, just need to grab a few more things," Jaina said gesturing at a group of cases stacked neatly in the corner.
"That's too much," Han answered, voice short. He picked up a pilot's ready bag and threw it over to her. "Here, fill this up with a few things. Nothing too fancy, just what you need."
Jaina eyed her father askance but did as he asked.
"Tahiri, your parents are leaving within the hour with the other Alderaanian families. Lando's heading that way and has plenty of space in that monstrosity of a ship of his. You should go to your rooms and get packed," Han called to the blonde girl when she appeared in the fresher doorway.
"What about you two?" Tahiri asked, her voice still hoarse from crying.
"Jaina and I are staying at court for her wedding ceremony tomorrow. Apparently, the Emperor is in some sort of rush. Though he promises an official lavish event will take place later, so there's that to look forward to," Han answered sardonically.
"Wait, what? I still have to marry the Sith-spawn sleemo?" Jaina demanded angrily.
"Yes. Zekk claims Anakin attacked him first, that he had to kill him in self-defense. So there should be no reason to call off the engagement."
"Anakin would never do that," Tahiri protested hotly.
"I know, sweetheart," Han answered. "But Zekk has two witnesses that say otherwise. A few credits go a long way. Either way, Jovan has made it clear that this is the only way there's gonna be peace between Alderaan and the rest of the Empire."
Jaina stared at her father in shock, then angrily stuffed a flight suit in the bag her father had given her. She stopped mid-motion, looking up at Han suspiciously. "Then why am I packing this pilot's bag?"
Han shot her a roguish smile, "Because I'm smuggling you off the planet. And sending you for a long overdue visit to your Uncle Wedge. Far, far in the Unknown Regions."
Jaina looked at her father in shock, before her face fell.
"So what, I'm fleeing into exile?" Jaina asked bitterly.
"it's better than the alternative," Han responded. "Or would you rather stay here and marry Zekk?"
Jaina just stared at her father, then nodded her head resolutely, "It has been a while since I've seen Uncle Wedge. And it was getting a bit hot in the Core, might be nice to visit a cooler planet."
Han smiled at his daughter, "I have a ship ready for you, a friend of a friend is willing to give you a lift."
"Jay, take me with you," Tahiri interrupted, her expression serious and determined.
"Are you sure, Tahiri?" Han asked, concerned. "She could be gone for…".
Han let his voice trail off. He had no idea how long Jaina would have to stay in exile. This could be the last time he would see his only daughter, he realized suddenly.
"I'm sure," Tahiri answered. "Alderaan holds too many memories of… And anyway, Jaina will need someone to keep her company. Especially if she's going to be gone for a while. I'll go and tell my parents now, I'm sure they'll be fine with it. if it's okay with you, that is."
Tahiri looked at Jaina questioningly, and Jaina pulled the younger girl into a tight hug.
"Of course it is," Jaina said. "If you're sure this is what you want, I would love to have you with me."
"Right, Tahiri, you better go pack a bag and tell your parents. Meet Jaina in an hour in the east hangar. Look for The Jade Shadow, that's your ride," Han said with a wink. "It's almost as fast as the Falcon."
Tahiri nodded, then looked over at Jaina before heading to the door, "I'll see you in an hour."
Jaina turned to her father, "Wait, what about you, Dad? Won't the Emperor's men be watching your every move?"
"Don't worry about this old smuggler," Han said cockily. "Me and the Falcon will be back on Alderaan in time for dinner."
"But won't the Emperor follow through with his threat? Come after Alderaan once he realizes I'm gone?" Jaina insisted, biting her lip nervously.
"We've got that covered. I spoke to your mother and she's got a contingency plan in place. You know how sneaky she can be."
Jaina eyed her father dubiously.
"Listen, Jovan's too busy trying to deal with the Vong right now to worry about a few rebels and we'll make sure they have no reason to come there looking for you. By the time he's able to turn his attention our way, we'll have a few surprises that will stop him in his tracks," Han reassured her.
"Well, then. I guess this is it. Tell mom and Jacen I'll see them soon. And I love them," Jaina said, struggling to hold back the tears that threatened to fall.
Han pulled her into his arms, and held her, stroking her hair. If the Force was real- and he doubted it was- he questioned its cruelty in taking both his son and daughter from him in the space of one day.
"You won't be able to send us any messages- too dangerous. But Wedge will know how to let us know you got there okay," he said softly. "May the Force be with you, sweetheart. "
And with that, Han kissed her on the cheek and released her, with a wink. "Now, I gotta go make sure the Emperor's spies get a good look at me saying goodbye to Lando and the others."
Jaina gave him a shaky smile in response and returned to packing her bag, wondering how her entire life had fallen apart so quickly.
DANTOOINE
DECEMBER YEAR 1051
"Colonel Fel," Gavin greeted Jag, voice tight with controlled emotion.
He was still reeling from the death of Anakin Solo. He had been a good kid and a great pilot. Gavin had seen plenty of men like Anakin die in the heat of battle and had grieved for them. But this was different.
Anakin had died in a pointless brawl. Murdered by a vicious man, the man who was meant to be the next Emperor.
Gavin had never particularly liked the Emperor or his family, but once Soontir Fel's rebellion had failed there had been no alternative. And while Gavin didn't necessarily support the current Emperor, he was a firm believer in the good of the Empire.
So he had tolerated Jovan, even volunteered for service in the war against the Vong, all in the name of protecting his beloved Empire. But he was starting to come to the end of his rope. Anakin's death had pierced his conscience and made him question if he was really doing the right thing.
Gavin pushed away that thought to examine further at a later time, knowing that starting a civil war while the Vong were knocking at their door would be disastrous.
"Where is he," Jag growled at Gavin, interrupting his internal debate.
Gavin hid his surprise at the fire burning in the younger man's eyes, Jag's usual unemotional facade nowhere to be seen.
"One of the men reported his ship's gone. We checked the logs and it looks like he jumped to hyperspace as soon as he broke atmosphere," Gavin answered, not needing to ask who Jag was referring to. "We don't know where he was going, but based on the jump points we can assume he's headed back to the Core."
Jag nodded grimly, pushing past Gavin towards the hangar.
"What are you doing?" Gavin asked, moving to block Jag's path.
"What do you think I'm doing? Going after the murderous bastard," Jag hissed.
"You know you can't do that. You have a duty to your squadron, the pilots here. You can't leave," Gavin answered gravely.
"I also have a duty to the Solos," Jag answered stiffly.
"And you won't be doing them any favors by incurring the Emperor's wrath. Or worse, getting yourself killed."
"You don't understand," Jag answered fiercely. "I made a promise to Jaina that I would keep her brother safe, and I didn't. The least I can do is save her from having to spend a lifetime with that monster."
"I spoke with Queen Leia Solo earlier," Gavin interrupted, realizing Jag's impatience stemmed from his concern for the Solo princess. "Via an untracked holo transmission, of course. She's an old friend. It seems her daughter is taking a trip, and will, unfortunately, be out of the Empire for some time."
Jag stopped in his tracks and Gavin recognized the relief that flooded Jag's face before it once again turned to stone.
"I still owe her this. I owe Anakin this," Jag said resolutely.
"Jag, Anakin is gone. There is nothing more you can do for him. But your pilots? They need you. There are reports of an incoming Vong fleet and they are coming in fast."
Jag crossed his arms stubbornly, and Gavin sighed.
"Honestly I know how you feel right now, but the best thing you can do to honor Anakin's memory is to defeat the Vong. Then we can turn our attention to the state of the Empire," Gavin gave Jag a pointed look. "There are many who are unhappy with our current situation. First, we have to protect the Empire from the external threat. But then we will see."
Jag knew what Commander Darklighter was hinting at. And as much as he didn't like it, he also knew he was right. He needed to take down the Emperor once and for all and chasing after Zekk on a revenge mission wouldn't help with that. He needed to win over the Imperial Military, bide his time, then strike when the Emperor least expected it.
And at least Jaina was safely out of their clutches. True she was in exile, Force knows where. But if he didn't help protect the Empire from the Vong, she would never have a place to come home to anyway.
One thing at a time. As Gavin said, after the Vong were defeated then they would see. Jag was impatient for the day the Emperor would finally be dragged down and swore to himself he would make sure Zekk got exactly what he deserved when that day came. That was one promise he would not break.
Jag released a deep breath, then turned to Gavin, face grim, "Do you have any more information on the incoming Vong before we brief the squadrons?"
CORUSCANT
DECEMBER YEAR 1051
Jaina pulled her hood further around her face as she walked across the hangar, barely resisting the urge to look over her shoulder to check if she was being followed.
She let out a sigh of relief when she finally made it to the sleek star yacht with Jade Shadow written across its hull. She looked around to locate the ship's pilot, curious to see who had been willing to defy the Empire to help her escape.
A woman with long red-gold hair leaned against the yacht casually, inspecting her nails. She wore a form-fitting black flight suit that fit her like a glove. If Jaina had to guess, she would say the woman was around her mother's age, but she seemed much less… motherly. In fact, even in that relaxed pose, the woman exuded an aura of danger.
As Jaina moved towards her cautiously, the woman's piercing green eyes snapped up, freezing Jaina in place.
"Finally, you're here," the woman said, her lips curling into a small smile. "Your friend's already onboard. You ready to burn sky until we see lines?"