YASHUVHU (CHISS SPACE)
OCTOBER YEAR 1052
Kyp silently observed as Jag discreetly handed a sack of credits to the elderly man next to him while giving further instructions in a hushed tone. Kyp couldn't hear the words but knew that Jag was taking further precautions to ensure their identities remained secret.
They had traveled off Csilla before dawn to the small planet of Yashuvhu that was mostly populated by humans, making it easier for them to blend in. They had taken an unmarked transport that Jag had somehow rustled up, followed by an old-fashioned speeder to this tiny remote village so as not to draw unwanted attention. Jag had explained on the way over that the people here did not feel any sense of loyalty to their Chiss neighbors and overlords and were far removed from the rest of the galaxy. Knowing that Kyp thought it was unlikely that anyone here would talk even without the added incentive. But then, Jag wasn't the type to leave anything to chance.
To be honest, Kyp was impressed with the younger man's efficiency, understood now why he was such as effective leader and strategist. At first, Kyp had been shocked when Jag had sought him out, told Kyp what he meant to do. That shock had quickly turned to skepticism, not seeing how it was possible to make all the necessary arrangements in a little more than twenty-four hours. Especially without anyone else finding out. But somehow Jag had done it and Kyp admitted that he had managed to minimize most of the risks.
But only minimize the risks; what they were planning to do could have far-reaching and dangerous repercussions and there was only so much that could be planned for. He wondered idly if the strait-laced Colonel would come to regret his uncharacteristic impetuousness.
Kyp watched as Jag abruptly turned from the man next to him, his eyes drawn to a spot behind Kyp like a magnet to a pole. Jag's eyes widened in wonderment, seemed to suddenly take on the light, and his expression made him look younger than ever to Kyp. The effect only heightened when the younger man's lips curled into a smile.
Before today Kyp had sworn that Jag didn't know how to use those muscles. Turning curiously, he sought out what had caused the self-possessed Colonel's unusual reaction, one that had been so transformational.
And at the sight before him Kyp felt his own jaded heart skip a beat. He had always known Jaina was a good-looking girl. He considered himself a general connoisseur of beauty, had always appreciated her considerable charms. Today, however, she was more than pretty.
She was a vision.
She wore a simple white dress, not having had time to get a proper wedding gown. Her chestnut locks fell around her face in big loose curls and delicate flowers supplied by some of the locals were strategically placed in her hair in place of sparkling gemstones. But what truly made her radiant was her smile, brighter than any star. Almost blinding.
Kyp had never seen a more lovely sight in his entire life.
Instead of feeling jealous of the lucky young man behind him, Kyp felt an overwhelming sense of rightness. He had been plagued with doubts about their elopement, the role he had played in their little romantic tryst that could have dire consequences for the galaxy at large. But somehow, he now knew with certainty that this was the work of the Force.
Jagged Fel and Jaina Solo were fated to be together and it seemed he was destined to help them.
Jag's breath caught noticeably in his throat the moment his gaze fell on Jaina. She looked like one of the Angels of Iego, the fantastical beings from stories his mother had told him as a boy. Jaina Solo was, without doubt, the most beautiful creature in the universe.
Everything around him seemed to melt away and all that was left was him and this exquisite woman. His future wife. Jag felt a sense of awe that his most desperate dream was about to become a reality.
Suddenly he became impatient, needing to feel her hand in his to reassure himself that this alluring fantasy was real. As if she could somehow sense his unease, Jaina flashed him a brilliant smile before walking over to him. As soon as she reached his side Jag felt his anxiety disappear. He looked down into her beaming face, green eyes searching hers.
"Ready?" Jag asked softly, giving her one last chance to back out. Even as he prayed she wouldn't take it.
"Let's do this, flyboy," Jaina answered with her signature Solo grin.
CSILLA
OCTOBER YEAR 1052
Kyp and Jaina walked back from the speeder to the Fel estate, both caught up in their own thoughts. Kyp knew that Jaina's were on her new husband, who had taken a separate speeder back to the Chiss military base with promises to meet them at home later.
It was the smart move, keeping their distance to draw less suspicion, but Kyp couldn't help thinking how hard it must have been to be separated so soon.
The ceremony had been simple and brief, an exchange of vows that had been said since the beginning of the galaxy. But the intense emotions and pure adulation the couple exuded had been almost tangible. Kyp had felt deeply honored that they had chosen to let him be a part of such a momentous occasion.
Jaina's face still glowed with newly-wedded bliss, and Kyp just hoped the two lovebirds would be able to control their expressions around the others. Otherwise, the Loth cat would be out of the bag for certain.
"Kyp."
Jaina's soft voice snapped Kyp out of his internal thoughts and he turned to the young woman with a ready smile.
"Yes, Jaina? Or should I say, Mrs. Fel?" Kyp asked teasingly.
Jaina blushed prettily before turning and slapping Kyp on the shoulder half-heartedly.
"Solo-Fel, thank you very much," Jaina responded with a smile. "I still can't believe it. I'm almost worried that I'll wake up and realize it was all just a dream."
"Well, I can assure you," Kyp answered with mock gravity, "you are wide awake and it really happened. So no backing out of it now, no matter how annoying Fel gets. For better or for worse, remember?"
"Unfortunately, given our heritage and our past track record there's probably more "worse" to come before it gets better," Jaina replied wryly. "But it will all be worth it to have Jag by my side."
Kyp sighed, "He's a lucky man, that's for sure."
"Thank you," Jaina answered with a smile. "But I think I'm the lucky one. And we are both lucky to have a friend like you."
"Glad to be of service," Kyp answered flippantly.
"I'm serious, Kyp," Jaina said as she grabbed Kyp's arm, forcing him to meet her gaze. "I know Jag isn't always great at expressing his emotions-"
"Well, that's the understatement of the century," Kyp muttered.
"But he feels that way, too," Jaina finished, rolling her eyes slightly. "So thank you. For being such a good friend to both of us. For everything, really. I don't know what we would have done without you."
"You're welcome," Kyp answered simply after a few minutes, trying to cover how much Jaina's words affected him.
Jaina knew that Kyp was struggling to hide his emotions, that the man wore a mask just as impenetrable as her husband's- even if it was in a different way. So she just smiled and left it at that.
The two resumed their leisurely walk to the estate, content to continue on in comfortable silence.
Jaina sat on the bed in her room looking at the holos she had from her wedding. They were the only solid reminders she had of that special day, the only real evidence that their marriage five days ago had actually happened. Even the astromech who had taken the holos had been completely wiped and the data disc Jaina had in her hand was the only proof of their secret union.
Jaina fervently hoped that one day she could share these memories with their families, a small solace for not being able to be part of this significant moment in their lives. The day she had officially become Jaina Solo-Fel.
Looking at the holos, Jaina felt a flood of warmth remembering how Jag's eyes had turned a soft mossy hue before giving her the traditional wedding kiss, all his love and passion conveyed in that one embrace. And then the burning desire she had seen in those same eyes later that night when he had snuck into her room to finally consummate their marriage.
Just as Jaina's thoughts started drifting to that very memorable night, her door chime rang causing her cheeks to flush in embarrassment. She hastily returned the holos to their hiding space in the secret compartment of her vanity before turning to the door.
"It's open," she called, trying to hide how flustered she was.
The door opened, revealing an anxious Tahiri.
"Hey Jay," Tahiri said as she entered the room. "I didn't interrupt anything, did I? You know what, I can come back later-"
"No, of course not," Jaina answered quickly, rising to usher the younger girl in. "Come on in, what's up?"
Jaina sat down next to Tahiri on her bed, watching the blonde girl fidget nervously with growing alarm. Jaina sat up straight, her eyes filled with concern as she grabbed Tahiri's arm.
"Tahiri, what happened? My family, they-"
"No, no, nothing like that. Everyone is fine," Tahiri reassured quickly, seeing the fear and doubt in Jaina's eyes. "I promise. It's just- I had something I wanted to talk to you about."
Tahiri paused and Jaina nodded her head with a smile, encouraging her friend to continue.
Tahiri took a deep breath then dove in, "So, you know how Spike Squadron is leaving to head back to the Known Regions soon…"
Tahiri winced as Jaina's eyes clouded over with pain. She should have known better than to lead with that, suspected that Jag and Jaina had rekindled their previous romance while he was here. And now he would be leaving her.
Again.
Maybe forever.
And this time Jaina wouldn't have her anger and sense of betrayal to hide behind.
Well, I've already succeeded in blundering this. Might as well just keep going now, Tahiri thought grimly.
"Well- I don't know if you heard, but Cem is going with them. And we've kinda been talking lately and he thinks- well, he thinks that maybe I should go, too. Go home, I mean, not to the war front," Tahiri continued nervously. "It would just be for a visit. I would find a way to come back and stay with you, just like I promised."
Jaina smiled softly at the fierce loyalty of the younger woman, knowing that Tahiri would stay in Chiss exile forever if Jaina wanted her to. But she didn't want that, didn't want Tahiri to give up her whole life for her.
"And what do you think?" Jaina asked gently.
"I-I do miss my parents, would love to see them," Tahiri admitted, then smirked. "Plus it would be nice to actually be warm again. And the Chiss have strict controls on traffic in and out of the Ascendancy so this could be my best chance…"
Tahiri trailed off, watching Jaina's face carefully for a reaction, realizing that the older girl probably also missed her family. Unfortunately, Jaina didn't have the option of going home.
"But if you need me I don't have to go, I can wait. There will be other chances-"
"Tahiri," Jaina interrupted, stopping the other girl's flustered rambling. "Don't worry about me, I'll be fine. If you want to go home you should. Do you think you are ready, then, to face...everything? I know when we first left you weren't. And to be honest, that's the only reason I allowed you to come with me in the first place."
"Yes, I think I am. I mean, I still miss Anakin all the time, every day. And sometimes..." Tahiri hesitated, then continued. "It's just- I felt like moving on with my life, being happy would be dishonest to his memory somehow. Like being okay without him meant I didn't really love him."
Jaina started to adamantly refute her statement but Tahiri stopped her with a smile.
"I know, Anakin would never want that. Want me to be unhappy forever. Cem helped me to see that," Tahiri took a deep breath. "And now I'm ready to face the memories. I think I have to if I'm ever going to be able to live my life the way Anakin would want."
"I'm glad then," Jaina answered simply, "glad that you had Cem to help you figure that out."
"Cem told me something his Uncle Wedge told him. That when you lose someone, at first the memories only cause pain. But eventually, they become a comfort. I want that. I want to be able to remember him and for it not to hurt," Tahiri admitted. "And the only way I think I'll be able to do that is by facing my memories, making peace with them."
"Wedge is a very smart man," Jaina said sighing. "And you're right- Anakin would want you to be able to move on, to be happy. He would want that for all of us. Everyone that he loved."
Tahiri hastily wiped away a stray tear and gave Jaina a shaky smile. Jaina smiled back through her own tears, pulling the younger girl into a tight hug.
"Thanks, Jay," Tahiri answered, voice trembling. "For saying that, for understanding. But are you sure you're going to be ok? With Jag leaving and-"
Jaina stopped her, "Tahiri, I meant what I said, don't worry about me. You need to do what's right for you. I'll be fine. Everything will be fine."
Jaina gave Tahiri one last squeeze and leaned back her eyes sparkling.
"Now, tell me, what's really going on with you and Cem? It's been too long since we've had some good girl talk," Jaina smiled mischievously, as Tahiri blushed. "I'm assuming he has offered to personally make sure you get safely back to Alderaan?"
Jaina never let her smile falter even as she felt her heart breaking, as once again, it seemed everyone she loved was leaving her.
CSILLA
NOVEMBER YEAR 1052
Jag looked down at his wife's sleeping form, a small smile forming on his lips as she sleepily reached out to the empty space he had just vacated. The smile dropped as he realized this might be the last time he would wake up to her for the foreseeable future. Jag gently pushed back a strand of hair that had fallen in her face, his hand lingering to caress her cheek before he leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. Pulling back, he remained sitting next to her for a moment, burning this memory into his brain.
Wanting to remember the way her lips turned up into a small sleepy smile at his touch.
Jaina would be at the spaceport later, of course, to bid farewell to Tahiri and Cem. She would wish him luck politely, just another family friend heading to war. So their true goodbye had been last night in the privacy of her room, where they had tried to cram a lifetime of passion and love into a few precious hours.
Jag finally got up, reluctantly resisting the urge to touch her once more, knowing it was getting harder by the minute to leave her. It would be impossible if she woke up, so with one last lingering look, he walked resolutely over to the door.
He scanned the hallway cautiously before quietly exiting the room. He needed to head down to the hangar soon, had last-minute details that needed to be finalized before his squadron departed. But he had left enough time for one more stop, so he strode down the empty hall until he reached his destination.
After a few minutes- and ringing the door chime multiple times- the door opened to reveal a disgruntled Kyp Durron.
"This better be good, Fel," Kyp grumbled. "You are seriously cutting into my beauty sleep here."
Ignoring him, Jag entered the room stiffly, waiting for Kyp to close the door and saunter over to him.
"So, to what do I owe this obscenely early morning visit?" Kyp asked, running a hand through his sleep mussed hair.
"I wanted to speak with you privately before heading down to the hangar. I need to run a few checks on the ships before we head out."
"Ah, right. Today's the big day. How's Jaina taking it?" Kyp asked sympathetically.
Jag shrugged, "As well as can be expected. We both knew this was coming and she's putting a good face on. But I know Jaina. Losing Tahiri on top of everything is going to be hard on her."
Kyp nodded, "Losing your best friend and your secret husband on the same day when you're stuck in exile can't be easy. I'll do what I can to help. I'll probably be sticking around for a while, after all."
"That's actually what I wanted to talk to you about," Jag said. "I have a favor to ask. I need you to keep an eye out for Jaina once I'm gone. Protect her."
"Jag, I don't think you have to worry about Zekk or the Empire causing any-"
"Not just the Empire," Jag interrupted. "She is a Solo. And if my uncle's stories are accurate, trouble seems to find them more often than not."
"While the Fels just go out looking for it," Kyp answered with a smirk.
"Maybe," Jag said with a glimmer of amusement that quickly faded. "But there's something you don't know. Something Commander Mitth'raw'nuruodo said to me about Jaina when we spoke privately."
Kyp listened with a raised eyebrow as Jag repeated word for word his conversation with Thrawn and the Commander's plans for Jaina.
"So, I'm guessing that had something to do with the sudden decision to tie the knot?" Kyp mused when Jag had finished.
"Partly. Or at least that helped push me to make the final decision," Jag admitted, "but I was already thinking about it. I love her, Kyp. I can't imagine my life without her."
"Who knew you had it in you, Fel," Kyp said with a smile, then quickly turned serious. "So does Jaina know that Thrawn is out husband-hunting for her?"
"No," Jag answered. "And hopefully she won't ever have to find out. He doesn't seem to have made any serious overtures and I'm hoping I'll be back before it comes to a head. But if I'm not or if something were to happen to me… Kyp, I need you to promise you will help her. Make sure that she has a choice, doesn't get forced into anything. And that you keep her safe, no matter what."
"Jag, I doubt it will come to that," Kyp answered uncomfortably.
"Please, it will make it easier to leave knowing she has you looking out for her," Jag insisted. "If I can't be here with her, there's no man I trust more than you."
Despite himself, Kyp was touched at the admission and the trust the younger man was placing in him. Between him and his wife, Kyp was worried he was turning soft.
"I promise, then," Kyp answered solemnly. "Just make sure you come home in one piece. I'll do what I can to keep her safe until you get back."
"Thank you," Jag answered, the relief evident in his voice. "Right, I should be heading out."
"Clear skies, Fel."
Jag nodded, then turned abruptly and left the room. He had done what he could for his wife, now he had to focus on the mission. And getting back to her as soon as possible.
CORUSCANT
NOVEMBER YEAR 1052
Zekk swept into his office, his signature scowl on his face. He had spent the last few months in the Outer Rim upon his uncle's orders, most likely to distract him from his frustration at losing Jaina Solo. Zekk would rather have used that time to track down his missing fiancee but the Emperor had dismissed her disappearance almost immediately, claiming there were far more important problems to worry about. He had adamantly refused Zekk's request to use the Empire's vast resources to find her, warned his nephew away from any "fact-finding missions" on Alderaan.
Now was not the time to stir the rebel pot.
Zekk, of course, had tried using his own more limited resources to hunt her down but so far none of his agents had been able to find anything. So Zekk had sulkily taken himself off to the dustbowl planet his uncle had assigned him to and this was the first time he had returned to the capital since.
He had no desire to be back on Coruscant but it was better than staying in the Outer Rim now that the pompous Colonel Fel had returned with his alien pilots. He could easily imagine Fel's smug reaction when the other man had learned how Zekk had let Jaina slip through his fingers.
"My Lord," a timid voice called, interrupting his vile thoughts.
Zekk turned his scowl on his assistant, who shook under the power of his dark stare.
"What? This had better be good," Zekk barked.
"Sorry sir, I didn't mean to interrupt. I just thought you should know that Lady Serena Vondercoff was hoping to speak with you. She is in your office now, but I can ask her to leave-"
If Zekk remembered correctly Serena was the only daughter of Moff Vondercoff. And very easy on the eyes. He had to admit, he was curious why the young woman would seek him out. Her father had the ear of the Emperor, wouldn't need to go through him for that, so at least it wouldn't be some wearisome petition. Hopefully, it was something of a more personal nature. She wasn't Jaina Solo but perhaps she was just the distraction he needed.
"No, It's fine, I'll see her," Zekk answered dismissively before entering his office.
As Zekk walked in, he noted with approval that Serena immediately sank into a reverent curtsey, eyes respectfully on the ground. He allowed himself a moment longer than necessary to enjoy her submissive pose, admiring the view he had of her generous cleavage before granting her permission to rise.
Settling into his chair, he gestured for her to sit in the chair opposite him.
"My lord, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to see me," Serena started, her voice sugary sweet.
"I'm sure you can find a way to make it worth my while," Zekk replied with a lecherous grin.
"That's just it, my lord," Serena said with a small smile. "I think you will find the information I have is more than worth your time."
Zekk raised an eyebrow in interest. This was not what he had expected but he was intrigued. He leaned back in his chair, waving a hand for her to continue.
"I'm sure you are aware that Colonel Fel and the Chiss contingency have finally returned to the Empire," Serena began silkily.
"Unfortunately, I am," Zekk growled. "All the arrogant bastard does is brag about the shiny new toys he brought back with him to anyone who will listen."
"He also brought back his younger brother, Cem Fel," Serena continued.
"Yes, another conceited alien-loving piece of scum, I'm sure," Zekk spat. "I'm beginning to lose my patience, Lady Vondercoff. So far, everything you've told me is common knowledge."
"Yes, but what is not common knowledge is that Cem Fel did not accompany his brother and the rest of the Chiss directly to the Outer Rim. He made a stop first, to escort a Lady Tahiri Veila home to Alderaan. Lady Tahiri, who is a close companion of the Solos. Who disappeared around the same time as the Princess."
"And you believe that this Tahiri arrived from wherever Jaina Solo is hiding?" Zekk questioned casually, trying to hide his sharpening interest.
"Oh, I don't think, Lord Zekk. I know," Serena purred. "You see, one of my agents is currently placed on Alderaan and happened to be in the right place at the right time. He was there when Cem and Tahiri arrived and thought it was strange enough to do a bit of investigation. The two are young, and lucky for us, weren't nearly as discreet as they should have been."
"You know where she is, then?" Zekk asked tensely.
"Jaina Solo is a guest of the Chiss Ascendency. Is staying at the Fel family estate on Csilla," Serena said with a malicious smile. "And it seems, Colonel Fel and Jaina have rekindled their… close friendship…since he, too, spent the last few months in Chiss space."
Zekk felt a flash of jealous rage. That pretentious jumped-up son of a traitor! If only he hadn't missed with his vibroblade months ago, had managed to hit his intended target instead of the Solo boy. Now, he would ensure both Fel and the rebellious Solo Princess knew how ill-advised it was to cross him.
"Why are you telling me all of this?" Zekk asked, suddenly suspicious. "Why would your father not go straight to the Emperor with this information?"
"Because my father doesn't know," Serena answered smugly. "When I said one of my agents, I meant my agent."
"If that's the case, what's in it for you?"
"You are our future Emperor, my lord. Once I verified the information, I knew you would be interested in Jaina Solo's whereabouts," Serena answered innocently, which did not ease Zekk's suspicious glare. "I may have my own reasons for wanting to keep the Princess away from Colonel Fel. But doesn't that make us perfect allies?"
"I see," Zekk answered thoughtfully. "So I get back my willful fiancee and you get… Jagged Fel wrapped up in a bow?"
Serena smiled slyly, "Something like that, my lord."
While Zekk was grateful for this information, he wasn't sure how he felt about the daughter of a powerful Moff having designs on Jagged Fel. That could prove a threat to him in the long run, what with Jag's claim to the throne and Serena's Imperial connections. Serena Vondercoff would have to be watched.
And suddenly he had an excellent idea, a way to punish Jagged Fel and keep an eye on him. To ensure this young ambitious Moff's daughter stayed loyal to him. It would be entertaining, chaining Fel for life to his whore while the other man was forced to watch Zekk conquer Jaina Solo. If he decided to let Jagged Fel live, that is. The verdict was still out on that. This plan certainly had potential, though.
Zekk smiled wickedly, rising from his seat and circled around the room until he was standing behind Serena's chair. He bent his head down to whisper in her ear as his hand reached down, tracing the neckline of her low-cut dress.
"Well, then, I will see to it that you are well rewarded for your loyalty," he breathed into her ear.
He felt a rush of pleasure as she stiffened in fear, her body involuntarily pulling away for a second before she forced herself to stop. Remembering who he was.
"Do you have a plan in mind then, my lord?" Serena asked, somehow managing to keep her voice even as Zekk's insistent hands wandered lower, taking what he wanted with a bruising roughness.
"You don't need to concern yourself with that, I'll take care of it from here," Zekk answered smoothly. "For now, I think we should explore... other potential benefits of our new alliance."
"I am yours to command, my lord," Serena answered, knowing there was no other possible response, that even her father's name would not stop the young heir to the Empire now. She just hoped that Zekk would hold up his end of the bargain and Jagged Fel would finally be hers.
"Yes," Zekk said with satisfaction. "You are."
Now that Zekk knew where Jaina Solo was, it was only a matter of time before she was his to command as well. And when that time came, at the first opportunity to capture her, Zekk would be ready.
CSILLA
DECEMBER YEAR 1052
Jaina landed Mara's headhunter in the docking bay Wedge had rented for her, then powered down the ship. But instead of climbing down right away, she stayed in the cockpit, resting her head back wearily, not wanting to leave quite yet.
Since the Chiss contingency had left three weeks ago, the only time she felt any happiness was when she was flying. Granted she was only allowed to fly in controlled regulated Chiss space, had to take Kyp with her as an extra layer of protection. But at least for a little while she felt free.
Was momentarily distracted from the overwhelming loneliness she could not seem to shake.
Kyp, Wedge- even Syal and Wyn- had tried to lift her spirits. All were concerned about the sudden despondency that had set in when Spike squadron had left, Fel brothers and Tahiri in tow. But they could only do so much.
Kyp, the only one who knew her entire situation, tried his best. But Jaina felt like part of her would always be incomplete until she was once again in her husband's arms.
The wedding holos hidden in her room were the only tangible reminder she had of her whirlwind marriage and she watched them every night before going to bed. Unbeknownst to Jaina, the wedding holos and vivid memories were not the only reminders Jag had left behind.
As Jaina finally climbed down from the fighter, she was still completely unaware of the new life growing inside of her. The piece of her husband that remained with her while he was lightyears away.