NABOO
FEBRUARY YEAR 1053
Jaina spun around, her face lighting up in a huge smile.
"Dad? Mom?" She gasped in surprise. "What are you two doing here?"
"It's nice to see you too, dear," Han answered gruffly, grunting as Leia's elbow jabbed into his side. "Wedge commed us- told us there was a big battle coming. You didn't think we would miss out on all the fun, did you?"
Leia rolled her eyes as her husband winked, but a smile played on the corner of her lips.
Jaina laughed at the familiar banter between her parents and then flung herself into her father's waiting arms. She was instantly enveloped in a sense of overwhelming warmth and love, reminiscent of the happy innocence of her childhood.
Leia smiled indulgently as she watched her husband swing Jaina around as he had done when she was just a little girl, then her gaze fell on Jag.
He had taken a reluctant step back, unwilling to intrude on his wife's long-awaited family reunion. He was also unsure how her family would react to their relationship and everything that had happened between them. Jag had an uneasy feeling that Han Solo hadn't forgotten the conversation he had unknowingly walked into and was merely biding his time. Jag grimaced as he remembered his uncle's advice about the carbonite.
Leia must have seen something in his face because her smile softened and she beckoned him closer. Then she turned to her daughter with a knowing smile.
"Jaina, darling, we have been so worried about you," Leia started, then looked at Jag, who stood stiffly by her side. "But it seems like you have been in good hands."
"I don't know about all of that," Han muttered, as he glared at Jag. "Speaking of which, what did I hear about a baby? I mean, I assumed you were too smart to take advantage of my only daughter but-"
"Dad, stop. Jag didn't take advantage of me," Jaina interrupted as Jag paled noticeably in the face of Han's building wrath. Then she took a deep breath and turned towards both of her parents. "But what you heard was right. I'm pregnant."
"Oh, Jaina, that's wonderful news," Leia said, feeling tears of joy forming in the corner of her eyes as she hugged her daughter. "I can't believe I'm going to be a grandmother!"
Jaina smiled as she hugged her mother back, then both women turned to stare at Han expectantly.
"Are you out of your mind, Leia?" Han spluttered, indignantly. "Our daughter just got knocked up- out of wedlock I might add- and this is great news?"
Han turned to Jag, snarling, "Give me one good reason I shouldn't blast you to atoms right now- I don't know what kind of stunt you pulled on my daughter! She's just a kid!"
Jaina stepped in front of Han, a determined look on her face. "That's enough, Dad. I'm not a child anymore and I am more than capable of making my own choices. So I would appreciate it if you would stop threatening my husband's life."
"Your husband?" Han answered, dumbstruck. "You mean you two- but- when-"
Leia glared at Han, then turned to smile at the younger couple warmly.
"What my husband means to say is congratulations. And welcome to the family, Jag," Leia said smoothly. "I for one, couldn't be happier for the both of you."
"That makes two of us," a voice piped up from behind them. "But I hope you know what you got yourself into, Jag. My sister is as stubborn as Solos come, and has a vile temper!"
Jaina spun around with a shriek of excitement and tackled the newcomer into an enormous hug, practically knocking him over.
"Geez, Jaya," Jacen said with a huge smile. "You know I'm a King Consort of Hapes now. You're really ruining the whole royal dignified image I've been trying to cultivate."
Jaina scoffed and then turned as she heard a low feminine chuckle. Blushing she released Jacen and turned to the other newcomer.
"Don't listen to him, friend Jaina," Tenel-Ka said conspiratorially. "He's been acting like a little boy the whole journey here, so excited to see you. He is hardly the regal figure he claims to be."
"Thanks a lot, Tenel," Jacen grumbled good-naturedly. "So much for trusting my wife with my secrets."
"I can't believe you're both here," Jaina said, smiling excitedly as she hugged Tenel Ka. "And congratulations! I knew you two would work things out eventually. I was so upset to miss the wedding. But I was, um, a bit tied up with other things."
"Well since we missed your wedding too, I guess we're even," Jacen said, turning to Jag. "I always knew you two were meant to be together, ever since we were kids. Glad to see it finally happened."
"Thank you," Jag said, with a small smile, shaking Jacen's outstretched hand. "That means a lot."
Leia looked at Han pointedly, "Han, don't you have something to say?"
Han looked at Leia with a frown, then turned to his children, only to be met with a smirk from Jacen and an eager look of anticipation from Jaina. He sighed, knowing he had lost this battle.
"Welcome to the family, kid," Han said finally, holding out a hand to Jag with a small smile.
"Thank you, Sir," Jag said taking his hand, his voice earnest. "I truly do love your daughter, and I promise to keep her safe. To protect her with my life."
"You better," Han said. "If not, my father-in-law left me well stocked with carbonite."
"Dad," Jaina admonished, rolling her eyes as the other Solos laughed.
"Don't worry, sweetheart. Jag and I understand each other perfectly. Isn't that right, kid?" Han asked.
Jag gulped, "Yes, sir."
"That's what I thought," Han said smiling smugly. "And stop calling me sir. I'm not that old yet."
"Yes, sir- I mean-" Jag stammered.
"I think Dad might have broken him," Jacen whispered loudly to Jaina, causing Jag to flush with embarrassment.
Jaina couldn't help but smile; it was amusing seeing her unflappable husband so flustered. He had faced down the Emperor, a full Vong fleet, torture and certain death without so much as flinching. But evidently all those things paled against Han Solo.
Jaina looked around, as her family continued to tease Jag good-naturedly and finally felt whole in a way she had not in a long time. Despite all the uncertainty and danger that was still ahead, she was filled with hope. She finally had her family back- with a few new additions- she thought fondly.
Jag watched Jaina covertly, half-listening to the excited chatter of the Solos around him. He knew they still had a lot to talk about, a lot to work through after everything that had happened. But he vowed at that moment that he would do whatever he needed to in order to keep the light in her eyes that he saw there now. To make the galaxy safe for her and their child. And to keep his promise to Han Solo.
NABOO
MARCH YEAR 1053
The command center on Naboo was filled to the brim, the buzz of low-voiced conversations echoing around Jag as he carefully studied the room. Not for the first time, he felt a sense of disbelief at how many had answered their call to arms for this final battle.
Almost half of the Imperial Navy had already been on Naboo and had participated in Jag's rescue and Admiral Pellaeon had arrived with the remainder of the Imperial forces shortly after. They had brought with them a full complement of Victory-class star destroyers supported by a large contingent of starfighters and even a few Dreadnoughts, the best the Empire had to offer.
Tenel Ka Chume Ta' Djo and Jacen Solo were seated in places of honor at the table. And they had earned it. They had brought a fleet of hundreds of Hapan Battle Dragons, along with Nova-class battle cruisers and Miy'til starfighters to add to the fight.
Jag felt a moment of pride when his eyes passed over his own Spike Squadron, who had continued to ignore all commands to return to the Ascendancy and stayed to support him.
Then there was the Smugglers Confederation, who had contributed a couple of ancient Star Destroyers and various fighters and ships- all of different makes, models, and ages. A dangerous-looking red-headed woman who had introduced herself as Mara Jade was the de facto leader of the faction. At first, Jag had been wary of trusting them but when Wedge, Han- and most surprisingly, Jaina- had personally vouched for their leader, he had relented. When Jag had given his wife a questioning look, all Jaina would say was that Mara was an old friend and Jag determined he would have to get the full story later.
Han and Leia Solo were not physically here but back on Alderaan, mustering the forces they had been secretly building since the last one had been annihilated in his father's rebellion. They were due to meet them at the rendezvous point once the rest of the fleet made the jump.
Jag idly wondered if there was a military force in recent history that encompassed every major power in the Galaxy, or if this was the first. He didn't think there had been and he made a mental note to look into it after the briefing. Jag had been duly impressed when he saw such a large turnout but had reasoned that the Vong were the first common enemy the galaxy had faced in living memory.
And they were all looking to him to lead them to victory.
Jag stood and cleared his throat and the murmuring died down, dozens of eyes turning in his direction.
"Thank you, everyone, for coming. We have a chance to push the Vong out of our galaxy once and for all, but we will need everyone here to do their part," Jag said, deciding to cut right to the power cord. He wasn't really one for fancy speeches. "The red dots on this map are where our intelligence has placed the bulk of the enemy fleet."
He activated a switch next to him, and a holo projection appeared to his left, showing a virtual map of the Core. As Jag pointed to a mass of red dots, he heard a whistle from across the table.
"No disrespect, Colonel Fel. But from the looks of that map, the Vong still outnumber us more than five to one. And that's not even counting any reserves they might have. That means this won't be a battle. It'll be a suicide mission," one of the Imperial Commanders said uneasily.
"That just means we get even more Vong to kill," Wes Jensen piped up from the corner. "Don't worry, Cracken. I'll take your share if you're not up for it."
"I never-"
"Any fool can see that there is no way our forces could beat such overwhelming odds without significant losses," Admiral Pellaeon's deep voice interrupted across the table. "And since I know from personal experience that Colonel Fel is not a fool, I am assuming he knows something we do not."
Pellaeon looked towards Jag expectantly and Jag nodded.
"Thank you, Admiral. Your confidence in my intellectual abilities is appreciated," Jag responded, then flipped another switch. Suddenly more than 1/3 of the red dots turned blue.
"And luckily for all of us, not misplaced. We are in communication with a resistance movement deep in the heart of our enemy- they call themselves the Freed Ones. These Freed Ones are prepared to rise up against the Vong warriors at our signal. Between the loss of a significant number of their ships and the distraction the uprising will cause, it should help to even the odds."
"And we are sure we can trust these Freed Ones?" Commander Darklighter asked, concerned. "How did we even come to this arrangement?"
Jag looked over at Kyp and gestured for him to answer the question. Kyp stood to give a brief summary of his mission on behalf of the Chiss and the deal that had been struck with the Vong rebels.
"I have personally been in contact with the Freed Ones for months, and am confident they will not betray us," Kyp finished, smoothly.
"As am I," Jag said, backing Kyp up. "You can find more about these sleeper units within your datapad briefing. Before they are mobilized, a Vanguard force will make the jump to the coordinates of the Vong fleet, provided to us courtesy of our new friends. The force will be made up of half TIE fighters and half stealth clawcrafts. Two TIEs will fly with each clawcraft, and the stealth technology will allow the clawcraft to also cloak the two TIEs flying on its wing. Each flight will target a pre-assigned yammosk."
Jag paused and looked around the room before continuing, "For those of you unfamiliar with the tactic we have been employing, it is imperative to send three total ion bombs into the yammosk as close together as possible. The void will absorb the first bomb and most likely the second, but the third should be able to destroy it. Once the yammosks are disabled, we will give the signal. When the Freed Ones turn, it will just add to the chaos. That's when the remainder of the fleet will jump to the rendezvous point."
Jag pointed to the holo screen which now showed the red dots in between two sets of blue dots.
"We will attack them from here while the Freed Ones will attack from behind, essentially placing the Vong fleet in a pincer between the two forces."
"It is a good plan. But we will still be severely outnumbered. They could easily defeat us by sheer numbers, even with their communications knocked out," Commander Darklighter pointed out thoughtfully.
"You're right," Jag answered seriously. "We've run the simulations and we have approximately a fifty percent chance of victory. But that's the best odds we have had yet and we might not get another chance. We need to take advantage of it."
"Isn't this where Han says to never tell him the odds?" Wedge asked jokingly.
"Well my dad's not here but I am more than happy to step in if it will make you feel better," Jacen said, with a lopsided grin. The others in the room chuckled.
"Jag, will you be coordinating the main force from one of the Imperial Star Destroyers?" Wedge asked his nephew.
"Actually, Uncle, I am leaving that job to you," Jag answered lightly. "I hope you don't mind."
"Of course not, I'm honored," Wedge answered, confused. Then his face cleared in understanding. "I am assuming then that you will be leading the Vanguard force, then?"
Jag nodded, "I've performed the maneuver multiple times and it will be where I am most useful. I fully trust you and Admiral Pellaeon to manage the main fleet."
"I'd like to volunteer as one of the TIE fighters in your flight," Kyp spoke up. "I didn't save you from the Emperor just to let you get blasted by some Vong pilot. I'll fly your wing."
Jag nodded at Kyp, having already anticipated the older man would volunteer.
"And I'm assuming Jaina will want to be our third," Kyp continued with a smirk as he looked at Jaina.
Before Jaina could respond, Jag cut in sharply, "No. Jaina won't be flying."
Kyp raised an eyebrow questioningly but merely nodded. Jaina, however, rounded on her husband, eyes blazing.
"Umm, yes, I will be," Jaina retorted. "And flying your wing is where I will be the most useful."
Jag turned to Jaina, lowering his voice even though he was painfully aware that everyone was now listening to their semi-private conversation. You could hear a pin drop.
"Jaina, this is going to be a high-risk mission," he said warily, having recently fallen victim to some of her scarier mood swings. And this was the angriest he had seen her yet. "There is a high chance that pilots will be lost-"
"So you're saying I'm not good enough, then?" Jaina demanded.
"No, of course not. You're one of the best pilots I know," Jag answered quickly. "It's just-"
"So, then I better fly your wing," Jaina interrupted triumphantly. "I wouldn't want anyone but the best out there with you. And you always said there's no one you would rather have at your back in a dogfight than a Solo."
In normal circumstances, Jag would have no hesitation about Jaina flying with him. In fact, he would have suggested it himself. But she was carrying his child and he was uneasy putting them both in such a dangerous position.
Jag looked around the table, trying to find an ally in his battle against his wife, but was only met with confusion and vague sympathy. The only other people who knew about Jaina's condition- who might have come to his aid- were off-planet. They had decided not to tell anyone else just yet, at least until the war was over. Not even Wedge or Jacen knew.
"Maybe we should discuss this later," Jag said pointedly, but Jaina only glared at him.
"There's nothing to discuss," Jaina answered. "I'm flying regardless. So either it's with you or another squadron. Your choice."
Wedge cleared his throat awkwardly, "Why don't we table this conversation? We can always finalize the details later. For now, let's get back to the briefing, shall we?"
"You're right, Uncle," Jag said tightly. "I apologize."
Jag turned back to the holoprojector, doing his best to ignore Kyp's smirk and Jacen's knowing smile.
Hours later, the men and women filed out of the command center, fully briefed and supplied with data pads on their individual mission directives, ready to make their final preparations. Determined to speak with Jaina alone and convince her to see reason, Jag sighed in frustration when he realized she had already been waylaid by Mara Jade.
"I did warn you about her temper," Jacen said with a sympathetic smile as he came up next to Jag. "And her stubbornness."
"Yes, you did," Jag answered drily. "Although, in fairness, that was after I had already married her."
Jacen smiled knowingly, "I know you're worried about her being out there in the frontlines. And so am I. But she's a damn good pilot and there's no way you are going to keep her out of this fight."
"I have to at least try," Jag answered honestly.
"Good luck with that," Jacen said, patting Jag's shoulder as he walked out the door. "Though I think you have a better chance of defeating the entire Vong army single-handedly."
"Thanks for the words of encouragement," Jag answered sarcastically.
"You can't be serious about flying in this battle," Jag said, trying hard to keep his emotions in check.
They had made the long walk back from the command center to their quarters in silence but as soon as the door closed behind them Jag could no longer wait.
"Well, if it's a joke you don't seem to find it very funny," Jaina answered flippantly.
"Jaina, I will not allow you to put yourself in danger like that-"
Jaina whirled around angrily, "Excuse me? You won't allow me? You might be my husband, Jag, but you don't own me. I can make my own decisions, and I am flying in this battle. Whether you like it or not."
"And the fact that you're carrying my child?" Jag responded, now equally as angry. "That doesn't give me a right to have some say in what kind of danger you put yourself in?"
"No, it doesn't," Jaina answered testily. "If I had known this was the way you would react, I would have never even told you in the first place! Force, I thought you were different! That you understood my dreams, who I am! I refuse to be treated like some sort of broodmare whose only job is to pop out your heirs! If I wanted that-"
"You're being ridiculous! You know that's not what I think of you, that I do support your dreams. But the thought of you both being in danger…" Jag's anger evaporated, replaced by a sense of helplessness. "After everything you have been through, I just want to protect you. Is that so wrong?"
Jaina sighed as she felt her own anger cooling and reached out to take her husband's hand firmly. It had been 6 weeks since the Vong has massacred the Imperial Council, six weeks since Zekk had raped her. She was able to say it out loud now without flinching, and Dr. Kalonia had said that was a huge sign of progress. Jaina knew that she would always have the scars of what happened to her. But with the help of her support system- her mother, Mara, Dr. Kalonia, Jag- she finally felt like she was able to move on.
Maybe she wasn't the same woman she was before it had happened, but she had made it out to the other side and was ready to close that chapter of her life. If anything, Jag was having more trouble with that than she was, the irrational guilt he felt still eating at him even if he tried to hide it. While his overprotectiveness was annoying, she understood it came from a place of love.
"Jag I know you only want to keep me safe but you're not thinking about the bigger picture," Jaina said, entreating him to understand. "I need to do this, not just for you or for me, but for our baby. For the future we want to build for our child. A future where there is true peace, and he or she can grow up in a better world than we did. I just know that I am meant to play a part in that somehow. I can't explain how, I just do."
"Jaina-" Jag started, his voice strained.
"The Jag I know prides himself on making logical decisions. Not ones that are based on emotions or fears. But in facts. Fact. I'm one of the best pilots you have," Jaina said sharply. "Am I wrong?"
"No," Jag admitted reluctantly.
"Then I need you to let me do this, to believe in me," Jaina answered calmly. "Do you think it's easy for me to let you fly off into danger? But I do because I know that the galaxy needs you, Jag. And I'm not selfish enough to put my desires above what is best for thousands of beings. I love that you want to protect me, but some things are out of your control."
Jag sat in silence, his head in his hands, but Jaina knew better than to push him. Finally, he sighed, and Jaina knew she had won him over.
"Fine," Jag said reluctantly. "But if you're flying with me, I'm in charge out there. You follow my orders, no questions asked."
"Of course," Jaina answered with a smile, as she moved forward to twine her arms around his neck.
"And no crazy death-defying stunts," Jag continued still frowning, although his arms went around his wife's slender waist pulling her closer.
"Definitely not," Jaina agreed.
"If anything happens to you-"
Jaina interrupted him with a quick kiss, "It won't. I won't let it. If only to protect you from becoming the latest piece of artwork on my father's wall."
"I will hold you to that," Jag warned, only half-joking.
"I would expect nothing less," Jaina said lightly before her smile turned sultry.
She pushed Jag backward roughly, and his knees hit the edge of the bed before he fell into it. Jaina followed him, straddling his lap.
"Now, if I'm not mistaken, we have the next three hours entirely to ourselves, Colonel."
"You are correct," Jag answered, tightening his grip around her waist as his pulse raced, his body reacting to her deliberate strokes.
The past weeks had been a time of coming to terms with everything that had happened and Jag had been patient, not wanting to push her into anything she didn't want to do. Wasn't ready for They had taken baby steps, tentatively repairing the damage that had been done, Jag letting Jaina control how quickly they moved or didn't move. Content to wait until she was ready, both mentally and physically. They had made slow progress and she no longer shied away from his touch, even welcomed it. However, Jag had been wary and uncertain, had set himself clear boundaries to avoid any type of setbacks.
But clearly she was ready to resume more intimate relations and at that moment Jag could not think of a good reason to deny her.
"Whatever will we do with all that time?" Jaina murmured as her hands ran across the hard planes of his chest.
"I have a few ideas, Princess," Jag whispered in her ear, eager to put aside his fears and concerns about the upcoming battle and lose himself in his wife's soft curves. To remind himself of what exactly he would be fighting to protect. The center of his galaxy.