CSILLA
OCTOBER YEAR 1052
Jag squeezed the delicate hand that he held in his own as he tugged Jaina into an abandoned conference room. Shutting the door behind them, he released her hand only to push her up against the door roughly, placing hungry kisses along her neck as his body pressed up against hers.
Jaina smirked, "Someone's happy to see me."
"I missed you," Jag murmured, not breaking contact between his lips and her soft skin.
"I saw you at breakfast before you left for the base," Jaina chided with a small smile.
Jag ignored her, taking the opportunity to scrape his teeth against the delicate skin behind her ear. Jana let out a low moan then pushed him away slightly, her small hands resting against his chest.
"Just so you know," Jaina pouted, "Because of you I'm missing out on a tour of the new stealth clawcraft prototype. The one you told me about, with the cloaking abilities. Kyp's taking Cem and Tahiri right now."
Jag looked up and grinned at her rakishly, "I guess I'll just have to make it up to you, then."
"Hmm," Jaina said, a thoughtful look on her face, her eyes dancing. "And how do you plan on doing that? I was really looking forward to seeing it."
"You know Kyp isn't the only one with CEFD security access," Jag responded, his hands moving to her hip to pull her closer. "I could give you a private, more intimate tour of the craft later if you wish."
"I guess that will have to suffice, Colonel Fel," Jaina's answered, lips curving up slowly. "But just so you know, I expect to be impressed."
"I always aim to please, Princess."
Jag lifted Jaina up and her arms automatically went around his neck, her legs wrapping around his waist. Jag sat her gently on the conference room table and moved between her legs, intent on making her forget all about the new clawcraft. Jaina giggled and Jag couldn't help but smile back at her.
He seemed to be doing that a lot lately. Smiling. Something Jag was not used to doing but it was as if he couldn't help himself when he was with her. It had been three months since he has arrived at Csilla; almost as long since they had confessed their love.
It had also been three months since Jag and Kyp had initially requested an audience with Commander Mitth'raw'nuruodo and they had yet to meet with him. In the past that might have frustrated Jag, especially as news trickled in of yet more planets falling to the Vong every day. But he couldn't help being selfishly pleased since it meant he had more time to spend with Jaina.
The past months had gone by in a whirlwind, the couple embracing every stolen moment they could together, which was not always easy given the secrecy they were trying to preserve. They had come to the decision early on not to share their relationship with anyone else- partly because they were unsure what everyone's reactions would be. Though Jag suspected Kyp, Cem and Tahiri were well aware of what was going on.
Mostly, they just didn't want reality to intrude on the perfect little bubble they had built. They hadn't talked of the future. Or the war. Or the Empire. Instead, they chose to live in the now and enjoy the moment. Something Jag wasn't exactly used to- living without a well mapped out plan- but he readily followed Jaina's lead, not knowing how much time they had left.
Jag slowly lowered the zipper on Jaina's flight suit and Jaina hastily shrugged the sleeves off in an attempt to speed up the process. Jag noted her impatience with a smug smile, gratified to see she was as eager as he was despite her earlier teasing.
He started to lay her back against the conference table- Jaina more than a willing participant- when the door chime rang. Jaina's eyes widened in alarm and Jag immediately pulled her back up to a sitting position. The two froze, hoping that the intruder would decide to look for another room when the door chime rang again insistently.
Jaina hastily pulled her flight suit back up, jumping off the table to her feet with alacrity. Jag ran a quick hand through his tousled hair and took a deep breath, trying to adopt his usual emotionless facade. Giving Jaina a brief questioning look, he keyed open the door when she nodded back.
"Jag, I was looking for you everywhere, we just got word-" Wedge started as he burst into the conference room, only to stop in confusion when he noticed Jaina in the corner.
"Jaina, what are you doing here?" he questioned.
Jaina bit her lip, "Kyp invited us to base. Tahiri and I. To show us the new cloaked fighter prototypes."
"Yes, Cem mentioned you were coming by," Wedge answered slowly. "But I meant here, in this conference room."
"Oh, right. So it's actually kind of funny, I went to find the fresher but then somehow I got completely lost on my way back. Luckily I ran into Jag, here. He was just telling me how to get to the hangar so I could find the others," Jaina said with feigned innocence.
Wedge narrowed his eyes in closer scrutiny, now noticing Jaina's mussed brown curls and disheveled flight suit. He saw his nephew fidget nervously out of the corner of his eye.
"Ah, I see," he answered mildly, amused when Jaina's shoulders slumped imperceptibly in relief. "Well, you don't mind if I borrow Jag for a moment, do you?"
"Of course not," Jaina said quickly. "I was just leaving anyway. Thanks again for the directions, Jag. See you two later!"
Jaina flashed a bright smile before rushing out of the room, leaving Wedge and Jag alone. Wedge watched her leave with a small smile of his own.
Jag cleared his throat, "Uncle, you wanted to speak with me?"
Wedge turned back to his nephew, "Yes, I have some good news. Commander Mitth'raw'nuruodo's assistant just commed, and the Commander will be back on planet momentarily. He was able to get you and Kyp on the Commander's schedule for this afternoon."
"That's excellent news," Jag answered. "Thank you for letting me know, I will find Kyp straight away."
"Great, let me know if there's anything I can do to help," Wedge offered.
Jag nodded his thanks then turned to exit the room.
"Oh and Jag?" Wedge called.
Jag turned expectantly.
"Congratulations. It's about time," Wedge said with a smile.
"Thank you, sir," Jag answered, tone slightly bemused. "We have been waiting for quite some time to speak with the Commander but-"
"No, I wasn't talking about that," Wedge interrupted. "I meant you and Jaina."
Jag looked at his uncle in shock.
"Me and Jaina? That's ridiculous," Jag started nervously, then gave up after seeing Wedge's disbelief. "How did you know?"
"I may be old but I'm not senile, Jag," Wedge replied wryly. "And neither is your mother. Syal and I have been wondering for months when you two would finally get caught and have to 'fess up."
"My mother knows?" Jag clarified.
"Oh, yeah," Wedge answered casually. "But I wouldn't worry about her. Syal loves Jaina, will be happy for you both when you finally decide to tell her."
Jag sighed in relief and Wedge smiled at him wickedly.
"No, the one you have to worry about is Jaina's father. I wouldn't want to be in your boots when Han Solo finds out what you've been doing with his little girl. I guess it's lucky for you he's a galaxy away. For now."
Wedge almost laughed out loud when Jag stiffened in response.
"I'll give you one piece of advice. Try and stay away from any carbonite around him," Wedge threw over his shoulder as he sauntered to the door. "Just in case he decides to borrow threats from his father-in-law's playbook."
"Colonel Fel," Thrawn mused softly as his red eyes bored into Jag's green ones. "I confess, I was surprised to hear you were back on Csilla. I was under the impression your orders were to remain in the Known Regions and assist the Empire in pushing out the Far Outsiders."
Jag resisted the urge to shift under the Commander's penetrating gaze. "Yes, sir. But I felt it was imperative for the war efforts to bring this new information to your attention immediately."
"And Officer Durron was not capable of bringing the information himself?" Thrawn asked, tone deceptively mild.
"He did not have a craft capable of entering hyperspace, sir. I was the closest CEFD officer to his location."
"But yet," Thrawn continued, "you have remained for the past few months rather than return immediately to your post. Is there something else that is keeping you in Chiss space, Colonel?"
"I asked him to stay," Kyp interrupted before Jag could respond. "Colonel Fel is the official representative to the Empire, so I figured it made sense for him to be fully briefed on anything we need to share with their military. Besides, he has been fighting directly against the Vong for a while now, is in a unique position to help determine the best way to leverage what we learned in the field."
"I see," Thrawn said, red eyes still focused on Jag. If he felt any annoyance that an ex-Imperial interluder was claiming to be responsible for countermanding a direct order to a CEFD officer, he kept it to himself. "Very well, Officer Durron. Let's hear what news you bring back from your mission."
As Kyp explained what he had learned, going into more details regarding the Vong politics than he had with Jag, Thrawn listened intently eyes blazing with interest. When Kyp finished Thrawn asked multiple questions then eventually fell silent.
"Well, it seems like your mission turned out to be a rousing success, wouldn't you agree?" Thrawn said, finally breaking the silence. "I think it's time we talk with this Vong rebel leader of yours, Officer Durron. My assistant will arrange a time for us to make contact. Am I to assume you have already trained the young Colonel here on how to locate the yammosks you spoke of?"
"Yes, sir," Jag answered as Kyp nodded.
"Excellent. In that case, Officer Durron, I would request that you stay on Csilla for the time being. I'm sure our scientists and engineers will be interested in talking to you more about these recent developments. In addition, I would like you to be present when we speak with your Vong contact regarding next steps," Thrawn said with a final nod.
"Of course," Kyp answered easily. "I have nowhere else to be."
Kyp and Jag started to rise to exit the room when Thrawn stopped them with an upraised hand.
"Colonel Fel, if you could please stay for a moment? I would like to have a few words."
Jag nodded, and sat back down as Kyp sauntered out the door.
"So tell me, how has your time back on your homeworld been?" Thrawn opened, once Kyp had left.
"It has been helpful to have the opportunity to discuss military matters with the other CEFD officers," Jag said cautiously. "And I was updated on the development of the stealth clawcrafts, which could prove vital-"
"You misunderstand me, Colonel," Thrawn interrupted. "I didn't mean the Ascendancy. I meant the Empire. Unless you no longer consider that your homeworld?"
"While I was born in the Empire," Jag responded stiffly, "I assure you my loyalty now lies with the Chiss, sir."
"How very reassuring," Thrawn answered lightly. "Tell me, have you had the opportunity to meet with the Emperor and his high council?"
"Yes, sir, I have submitted a full report of all my actions while I was there," Jag answered, trying to map out where this was headed.
Thrawn stared at Jag for a long moment and Jag had the uncomfortable feeling he was being sized up in some way.
"I admit, Colonel, you intrigue me. You do find yourself in such an interesting position, after all. As you say, you are now loyal to the Chiss. But your birthright is of the Empire. You even have a claim to their throne, one that some believe is stronger than that of the man who currently occupies it."
"I am not sure where you are going with this, sir," Jag admitted.
"Nowhere as of yet," Thrawn answered. "Although at some point it might benefit the Ascendency to have a strong leader at the head of the Empire. One with ties to the Chiss."
"Are you saying that the Ascendency would support me if I asserted my claim, sir?" Jag asked in surprise, knowing the Chiss usually chose to stay out of foreign political disputes, maintaining a position of neutrality.
"Are you planning to assert your claim, then, Colonel?" Thrawn answered his question with yet another question.
"Not at the moment, no," Jag admitted honestly. "I believe it would do more harm than good with the Vong poised to take advantage of any civil unrest."
"Well then, the question is moot at this point, is it not?" Thrawn answered, changing subjects easily. "You mentioned the cloaked clawcrafts earlier. I have been told they are ready for use and would like to outfit your unit with them as soon as possible. Please recall your squadron immediately. Then you will return to the Empire to continue with your mission."
"And the information that Officer Durron has brought back, sir? Would it not be better to wait until we can determine a way to fully leverage that against the enemy?" Jag asked, his heart dropping when he realized what this would mean for him. For Jaina.
"That is not your concern at the moment, Colonel. I will manage that here while you continue your work assisting the Imperial military in any way possible," Thrawn answered, then paused. "Unless there is a reason you prefer to remain in Csilla?"
"No, sir," Jag answered quickly. "I will recall Spike Squadron and make ready to return to Imperial space as soon as possible."
"Very good," Thrawn answered, "Your uncle mentioned that the two of you have already come up with some tactics to utilize the crafts against the enemy. I understand you are staying with him during your time here?"
"At my mother's house but on the same estate, sir."
"Ah, of course," Thrawn answered. "And is the Solo Princess still a guest there as well?"
"Yes, sir. She is also staying with my mother," Jag answered, suddenly uneasy.
"I heard the Emperor's nephew is quite eager to get her back," Thrawn mused, noting the concern Jag could not entirely conceal at his words with interest. "Don't worry Colonel, I have no intention of turning her over to the Empire. On the contrary, I believe an alliance with Alderaan would balance out the one we have with the Empire quite nicely."
"I imagine the Solos appreciate the Chiss allowing Jaina to seek asylum here and would be interested in furthering the friendship," answered cautiously.
"Ah yes, I am certain they are very grateful. And I believe a marriage between our two people, would do much to cement the friendship you speak of. Jaina Solo would continue to stay on Csilla, under the protection of the Chiss of course, acting as a living embodiment of the agreement between us," Thrawn said, watching Jag's reaction closely. "There are a handful of human families with sons that I believe would do nicely."
"Her parents might not agree, sir," Jag answered slowly, trying to cover his sudden alarm. "I know the family well, they are very close. I am not sure they would approve a marriage that forced Jaina to remain in Chiss space indefinitely."
"Well they certainly seem to approve of taking advantage of our hospitality now," Thrawn said calmly. "Unfortunately, we may be forced to rescind the girl's protection at some point if she were not to have a more formal tie to the Chiss. It would be a shame, but likely unavoidable. Especially since the Empire is a trusted ally and seem so interested in recovering her."
Jag read the implied threat to Jaina's safety easily enough and simply nodded in response.
"We have time enough to sort through the details but I appreciate your insight into the Solo family dynamics. I imagine it will help smooth things over. Perhaps we should send you as the envoy when the time comes," Thrawn said smoothly. "I will not hold you up any longer, I'm sure you have many preparations to make. You are dismissed, Colonel."
"Sir," Jag answered as he stood, saluting stiffly before striding out the door.
"I have sent a message to Admiral Pellaeon so he is aware of your immediate departure. Clear skies," Jag stated to the holocom of his second in command.
"Yes, sir," Shawnkyr answered, before severing the connection.
Jag closed down the long-range comm unit then leaned back in his chair with a frown.
"There you are, flyboy," a light voice called from the open doorway. "I was wondering where you disappeared to earlier."
Jaina walked in, easily climbing into his lap to straddle him, placing a gentle kiss on his lips.
Jag kissed her back half-heartedly feeling a pang of guilt. He had told Jaina he would give her a lift back to the estate earlier but after his meeting with Thrawn he had needed some time to himself before he could face her.
Not only was he leaving to go back to the Empire within a month but it seemed Jaina was destined to be married off to yet another man for political purposes. Jag admitted to himself that any candidate Thrawn considered would be leaps and bounds better than Zekk but he couldn't help thinking it would be even harder this time around.
Having her right here in Chiss space, so close but no longer his. Especially now that he had finally accepted the depth of his feelings; the memories they had made these past few months forever burned into his soul.
So he had taken his speeder back to the estate immediately after leaving Thrawn's office, finalizing the details for his squadron's recall from his mother's study. Jag made all the necessary arrangements with his trademark efficiency while part of his mind remained fixed on analyzing what he had learned in Thrawn's office. And working out what he was going to tell Jaina.
Sensing Jag's distraction, Jaina twined her arms around his neck and forced him to look her in the eye.
"What's wrong, Jag?" She asked, growing concerned at the trepidation she saw in his face. She had grown better at getting past his mask of indifference, had learned to read the subtle signs that indicated his mood. "Who were you just talking to on the comm?"
Jag tightened his grip around Jaina's waist before answering, "Shawnkyr. Commander Mitth'raw'nuruodo has issued an order for Spike Squadron to return to Csilla as soon as possible. They are to be outfitted with the new cloaked fighters now that they are almost finished."
"That's great news! I know you already have battle schematics worked out to use them against the Vong and now... and now you can finally put them to use..." Jaina trailed off, then smiled at him sadly. "So I guess this means you'll be leaving soon."
Jag nodded, eyes tightening, "I expect to ship out in less than a month."
Jaina's own eyes widened and then she disentangled herself from Jag, walking a few paces away from him. Though her back was to him, Jag saw her take a deep shaky breath. Quickly getting up from his chair he followed her, placing a gentle hand on her arm.
"Jaina-"
"It's fine, Jag. Really," Jaina said as she spun around, angrily blinking away the tears that threatened to fall. "I mean, we knew this couldn't last. That you were going to have to leave eventually."
"Jaina, it's true, I have to go, I don't have a choice," Jag said, grabbing her shoulders, his voice tinged with desperation. "But I promise, I will come back for you."
He could tell by her face that, while she had known he would eventually need to return to the war, she was still hit hard by the news. Jag watched the visible struggle as her hopes and dreams of a future together seemed to slip further away from her grasp.
The light he loved slowly receded from her eyes and he simply couldn't bear it. Jag decided then and there that he would not tell her about the rest of his conversation with the Commander. He knew it would only cause her more pain, the idea of being trapped once again in an unwanted marriage. Jag would just have to make sure, somehow, that it never came to pass.
Jaina smiled wistfully, "You said so yourself, we can never really be together. It seems like everything is just always stacked against us."
"I don't accept that. Not anymore," Jag insisted. "We will find a way."
Jaina looked at him then sighed, throwing her hands up in exasperation.
"Don't you get it, Jag? Even if we did, we would still have to wait until this kriffing war is over! That could take years, knowing the Empire and the stories you've told me about the Moff council. Force, it might never end!" Jaina said, angry tears running down her cheeks. "Anything could happen in that time. You could die, I could die. You could meet someone else…"
"Never," Jag promised vehemently.
"Like I said," Jaina said, wiping a tear from her face impatiently as she shrugged, "we don't know what could happen. You might decide I'm more trouble than I'm worth."
Jag was fairly certain that would never happen. But he realized Jaina was right in one way. He had no way of knowing how long he would be fighting for the Empire, how long until he was able to return. And while Jag knew he would wait forever to be with her if that's what it took, Jaina might not be given that same choice. Thrawn's earlier words about finding a husband for Jaina in exchange for her continued safety echoed in his mind.
"Marry me," he said suddenly.
"What?" Jaina asked, her eyes widening, jaw going slack in obvious surprise.
Jag took a deep breath then grabbed Jaina's hand, his green eyes open and earnest. He hadn't meant to blurt out the words like that but he had meant the sentiment behind them.
"I love you, Jaina. Even if you have a sith-spawn ex-fiancee and a temper like a wild tusk cat," Jag said with a small smile, getting a reluctant one from Jaina in return. "I want to go into battle knowing that you are here waiting for me. Because we will win this war and I will return. And then I want to spend the rest of my life with you."
"Jag, I don't know what to say," Jaina finally answered, voice shaky with emotion.
"Say yes," Jag said simply. "Say you'll marry me."
"Yes," Jaina answered slowly, giggling as Jag pulled her into his embrace. "Yes, I'll marry you, Jagged Fel."
Jag kissed her then and it was jubilant and triumphant, claiming her with an exuberance that took her breath away.
"I swear by the Force, Jaina, I will make sure this is a decision you never regret," Jag said, eyes shining.
"I know I won't," Jaina answered, breathless. "So what now?"
Jag gave her a quick kiss on the lips then lead her to sit down on the chair, kneeling in front of her.
"Well first off, I'm afraid you will have to forego the big royal wedding you always wanted, sweetheart," Jag said wryly.
Jaina scoffed in response, and he smiled before continuing, "I will make all the arrangements, you just have to show up. I think we should get married as soon as possible. I'm not sure how long we will have once the squadron returns."
Jaina nodded her agreement, "Who are we going to tell?"
Jag's face turned serious, his eyes searching Jaina for her reaction to his next words, "No one."
"No one?" Jaina replied tentatively.
"It's too dangerous to tell your family. Too dangerous for you to make contact with them at all," Jag explained gently.
"I know, and I understand that Jag," Jaina said. "Truly, I do. But what about your family?"
"I would love for them to be there but it could draw too much attention," Jag said reluctantly. "Plus, the more people who know, the more dangerous it is. We need to minimize the risk, and the only way we can do that is by having as few people in on the secret as possible."
"You're right," Jaina agreed. "The longer we can keep this from getting back to the Emperor and Zekk the better. Especially with you heading back to Imperial Space. Who knows where they have spies lying in wait."
Jag nodded, thinking it would also be beneficial to keep this from the CEFD for as long as possible. Better that Commander Mitth'raw'nuruodo find out about their marriage when it was a fait accompli. That would also give Jag more time to think through how to deal with the inevitable repercussions that would come when they were found out.
"We will have to tell one other person, though," Jag allowed. "We will need a witness."
"Did you have someone in mind?" Jaina questioned.
"I think we should tell Kyp," Jag hesitated for a moment then launched into his well thought out reasoning. "I would consider Cem or Tahiri but they're still young. I don't feel right burdening them with the weight of this secret. Plus, I doubt we could tell one without the other finding out. And there is a high chance that my mother and uncle are being watched; I don't like putting them at such risk. Kyp is pretty good at floating under the radar and he can weather any complications that may come from keeping our secret."
Jag left his other reason unsaid, that Kyp would be here to keep Jaina safe if the Chiss tried to force a marriage on her while he was gone. Or Force forbid, withdrew their protection. Or even tried sending her back to Zekk.
"I agree," Jaina nodded, to Jag's relief. "Kyp can take care of himself and based on his stories he's no stranger to keeping dangerous secrets. Plus, I trust him."
"Then it's settled," Jag said, standing. "I'll go talk to Kyp now, put things in motion. Don't make any plans for the day after tomorrow and try to be alone if you can. I'll send Kyp to you when it's time."
"The day after tomorrow," Jaina repeated giddily. "So we're really going to do this?"
"If it's still what you want," Jag answered solemnly. "I know I'm asking you to give up a lot, to sacrifice-"
Jaina stood up, pulling Jag down into a deep kiss, trying to pour all her love and desire into that one touch.
"I've never wanted anything more in my life, flyboy," she said confidently as she finally pulled away, flashing him her signature Solo grin.
"Then I'll see you at the altar, Princess," Jag answered, lifting her hand to his mouth and kissing her hand slowly in farewell before heading towards the door.
"I'll be the one in white," Jaina called cheerily and Jag couldn't help flashing her a quick smile over his shoulder before hastening out of the room.
He had a lot of things to secure within twenty-four hours after all.