A/N: Since it has been either a very long time ago since you've read To Love Thy Friend, or may not have read it at all, here is some things that will make this chapter make sense concerning the Swarm War. Because at the time that I wrote Always Have, Always Will I hadn't read the Dark Nest Trilogy, I worked off of spoilers and my own ideas. Because I took a great many liberties with the events of the Dark Nest Trilogy, here is a brief summery; otherwise this chapter may not make sense. First, I made the Killiks out to be the bad guys, not just the Gorg, but them all. The Jedi who were called to the hive was in a sense tricked by the Dark Jedi, who controlled the entire Killik Hive society. Really not too different from what Denning had happen; however, that is about all the similarity. The Jedi Order responded by, not only trying to help get the "captured" Jedi free from the Killiks, but also help the Chiss, which of course is very different from the books. Also, the GFFA came to the aid of the Chiss, which opened the door for the Chiss to join the GFFA. Finally (and this is important for the story), Jag was not shot down by Leia but rather became a hero when he helped destroy the Dark Nest, making a name for himself that eventually allowed for him to be promoted to admiral and, as importantly, allowed for the marriage to Shawnkyr.

Also, in To Love Thy Friend during the later part of the SW, Shawnkyr became pregnant with Jag's child. However, if you recall she loses it. However, it is important to know that the Fels never told their living children about that pregnancy.

Chapter 25

Unknown Space, aboard Han Solo

From his comfortable position sprawled out on Zeth's bunk with his arms folded behind his head, Bail watched his cousin undo and redo the tie of his dress uniform for the fifth time. Finally, unable to take it any more, he said, "If you untie that thing again I'm going to put you out of your misery by shredding it with my lightsaber."

Zeth startled, as if forgetting his cousin was lounging in his quarters, on his bunk no less, scowled at Bail's reflection, "Don't you have your own quarters?"

The Hapan Prince snickered as he fluidly in a single motion sat up on the edge of the small bed. "And miss this? No way in all of the Corellian Hells would I miss seeing you as jumpy as a Gallinore leaf hopper."

Zeth looked back at the tie and was about to undo it again but in the last moment decided not to and instead turned and glared, "The Corellian Hells wouldn't want you, Prince Bail of Hapes."

Bail continued to s mile. He hadn't seen Zeth this riled up over anything since—never. He had to get to the bottom of this. "I can lay as much claim to the Corellian Hells as you can. But my genetics aren't the issue. What has gotten into you? Since when would you ever voluntarily choose to wear that thing?" he said as he gestured in a up and down motion toward the manner in which Zeth was dressed.

Zeth cleared his throat and turned back to the mirror but gratefully he didn't torture Bail with undoing his tie again. "I need to make a good impression tonight."

Now, Bail was really interested, because Zeth never thought this way either. Bail also knew that it wouldn't be for Cherith Nuruodo-Fel that he'd get all dressed up for either.

Or could it?

Bail leaned forward and studied his younger cousin for a moment then suddenly inspiration hit him and he laughed, "So, you're meeting with her parents?"

Zeth turned sharply and simply nodded, "Yes." Then he picked up his lightsaber and attached it to his belt over his left hip. He looked at his reflection and then removed the saber. After a second he replaced it. Bail rolled his eyes and stood, taking the two strides to Zeth, Bail caught his wrist before he had the chance to remove it again.

Zeth turned and shot Bail a hard stare. Bail left go of his arm and said, "Leave it. Who knows you may need it."

Zeth visibly swallowed and looked back at the mirror, "Don't jinx me, cuz."

As he sat back down on Zeth's bed, Bail leaned over his arms again and fixed Zeth with a no-non-sense gaze, "To be able to jinx you, we as Jedi would have to believe in luck, which we do not. Now, tell me what has gotten into you? I've never seen you like this."

Zeth took a long suffering sigh and sat down on the edge of his roommate's bed across from Bail. Whatever, Bail may have expected it definitely wasn't what came forth from his cousin's mouth.

"Trust me, right now I'm trying to garner all the Corellian luck Grandpa gave to me." He then dropped a bomb, "I've asked Cherith to marry me. I know it's sudden but something's come up." Bail was too surprised to say anything and after a pause, Zeth took a deep breath and as he let it out added, "I'm going to be a father."

After a sputtering, very un-prince-like openmouthed and wide-eyed stare, Bail blinked twice and then smirked, "I can't believe it!" He pointed to Zeth's lightsaber and laughed, "Yep, I'd say definitely keep the saber. In fact, I'll even loan you mine. By the Force, Zeth, didn't anyone tell not to go knocking up your commanding officers' daughter!?"

Zeth was becoming rather annoyed at Bail. He scowled and stood up. "Shut up, pretty boy! How many little Hapan brats do you have out there?"

Bail shook his head, "None."

"That you know of."

More firmly Bail repeated, "None." Then he stood up. Bail moved to stand before his cousin as he realized that Zeth was becoming upset, his emotions were in over drive in the Force. Laying a hand on Zeth's shoulder he looked him in the eyes and asked, "Do you love her?"

Zeth didn't even hesitate, "More than I ever thought was possible."

Bail s miled and patted Zeth's shoulder and s miled, "Then everything will be alright."

Looking at the door, he ran his hand over his hair, which was as tamed as Bail could remember ever seeing it. He had it pulled back and tied at his nape, which wasn't unusual, but the slicked back shorter front ends was very odd for Zeth. Then he said, "I sure hope so. I have no idea how Admiral and General Fel are going to take this. I mean," he turned and looked at Bail with eyes full of worry, "I mean, he and Mom were practically engaged. I never realized just how weird this all is. And what about Mom and Dad?"

Bail s miled and shrugged, "Oh c'mon, your twin sister has been doing the son your mother's other ex for years. And now they are engaged. What makes this any different than Ana and Marko's mess? I don't proclaim to be an expert on Aunt Jaya's love life but she did live with Master Quee, but as far as I've heard she and the Admiral never got that far." When Zeth seemed to relax some he went on, letting the easy lopsided grin pull at his lips, "It's okay to be afraid. I know I would be."

"Thanks, cuz, for the pep talk," Zeth said dryly.

"That's what I'm here for," Bail said as he resumed his seat on his cousin's bunk.

Suddenly, the door chime buzzed and Bail snickered again when he saw Zeth actually jump at the unexpected loud noise. "You are really nervous about this."

Zeth shot daggers at Bail with his sharp look as he stepped over to the door.

Bail stood up as the door slid open to reveal a stunningly dressed Cherth. She had chosen to wear civilian clothes which somewhat surprised Bail. The royal blue pants and tunic-like blouse of golden yellow complemented her pale blue complexion, deep blue eyes and long black hair exquisitely. Bail could definitely see how his cousin could have easily fallen for her exotic beauty. She stepped over the threshold and stopped short of moving toward Zeth when she saw him. He bowed his head and said in way of greeting, "Good evening, Commander."

She slighted a glance at Zeth who smiled and nodded toward her. She then met Bail's eyes and returned his smile nervously. Although, Zeth was shielding his emotions away from his Jedi cousin, Cherith hadn't learned how to do that yet. She was as much an emotional wreck as Zeth had been a few moments ago. She was as afraid of her parent's response as Zeth was. "Your Highness," she said and bowed slightly.

Bail chuckled and shook his head, causing his unbound hair to fall over his shoulder. He pushed it back as he said, "Please, call me Bail. I never liked formality or titles. Besides, we're practically fa mily. Congratulations."

She looked horrified as she turned sharply on Zeth, demanding, "You told him before we told my parents, or yours?"

Zeth swallowed and held out his hand, palm out, "I didn't realize it was a secret. Bail's my best friend and my cousin."

She glared at him, "It is Chiss tradition that the parents make the announcement of the alliance to their extended fa mily."

Bail all but rolled his eyes. Only the Chiss could make something military out of something as benign as an engagement.

"Look, Cherith, I'm sorry. How in the galaxy was I supposed to know that? Besides, just two hours ago you were telling me about how human you are."

"But the Chiss ways are my culture," she folded her arms defiantly over her chest and glared. "I also thought you realized that."

"Cherith, you are making a mountain out of mole hill."

She continued to glare at him and he glared back. Bail hid his amusement as he watched the two of them. Yep, he thought, they are perfect for each other. Finally, he cleared his throat and the quarreling lovers turned toward him. "You know, I'm not sure this is the best attitude to have considering you're going to have dinner with the parents."

Zeth was the first to relax, "He's right. I'm truly sorry that I told him before we told your parents."

Finally she sighed and nodded. Looking down she said, "We had better be going. This will be difficult enough as it is without already putting my parents in a bad mood by being late." Then she looked over at Bail and s miled, "I'm sorry you were privy to that. I haven't been myself lately."

Bail grinned back, "Quite understandable, Commander."

"Please, call me Cherith."

"Cherith, then. You both have a good evening."

S miling, she returned easily, "Good evening, Bail." Then she turned toward the door. Zeth looked up at Bail and gave him a closest thing to a real terrified glance that he'd ever seen his cousin have, then he moved to follow her out.

"Oh, Zeth." He turned around to face Bail again just in time to catch the lightsaber being tossed at him. Snickering, Bail commented, "Take that; you may need it more than me."

Zeth simply threw it back at Bail, who caught the rancor tooth hilt easily in one hand. "Very funny, cuz. You wait your day is coming."

"Emm…I don't know, I am the Prince of Hapes and I have a natural charm, thanks to Grandfather Isolder." Zeth rolled his eyes and Bail nearly couldn't contain his laughter as he added, "Zeth, May the Force be with You. And you too Cherith."

Even Cherith lightly laughed at his antics and at Zeth's glare as he led her through the door by gently placing his hand on her low back.

As the door slid shut, Bail bent over in hysterics. "Oh, sweet Force, how I'd love to see that show!"

Suddenly, as he straightened up and made his way to the door so that he could head back to his own quarters, he felt a gentle touch on his consciousness.

Bail, find me.

Cassie?!

Yes, here. Close.

But suddenly the presence was gone quickly it had come and in its wake he shivered.

"Cassie! Where are you?"

X

They stopped at the closed door of the Admiral's quarters and Cherith turned and surprised Zeth by taking his hand. She laid the other hand on his chest. S miling, she quietly said, "You look very handsome tonight."

Zeth s miled and reached up with his free hand to gently stroke her cheek with the back of his fingers, "Thank you. You are simply beautiful." She lightly blushed and he leaned in and tenderly kissed her. The kiss was quick but it worked to ease both of their nerves and the tension from their argument earlier.

He realized that Cherith had been more emotional than what was usual for her the past few days since his return, but accredited to the pregnancy and to the unknown. They hadn't really talked much about what will happen after they were married, but he knew that she wondered what their future truly held.

However, now wasn't the time to let that weigh on them either. He had a plan and he knew that it would work out. Finally, he grinned, "It'll be okay."

She s miled and it lit up her eyes, "Is that you or the Force talking?"

He quickly kissed her nose and let his love for her to pour through his words, "Trust me?"

She whispered back as she captured his lips in a tender kiss, "With my life." She let his lips go, took a deep breath and s miled as she rang the buzzer on her parent's door, "Here we go."

Zeth stood as military stiff as he could as the door slid open to reveal Shawnkyr Fel. She was dressed as casually as her daughter in a beep red jumper style pants outfit with a creamy white long sleeve blouse underneath. The tall Chiss woman s miled and Zeth nodded his head, suddenly feeling very overdressed in the dress uniform and unsure of whether he should salute her or not as he said, "General Shawnkyr, thank you for honoring our request for a gathering this evening."

Cherith moved in first and Zeth noticed the admiral standing by the comfortable grouping of couches in the center of the considerably large common room. He was dressed casually as well and Zeth cursed not dressing in civilian clothes. However, the only set of civilian clothes the Jedi had with him that weren't for utility purposes was less desirable than the dress uniform. Besides, he reminded himself, there was a reason he skipped over the more obvious Jedi robes, it was the same reason he almost didn't wear his lightsaber.

Jagged Fel hugged his daughter and kissed her on the cheek after they had been led to the couches by Shawnkyr. He then held her at arms length and seemed to scrutinize her. Zeth felt his heart speed up when Jag asked her, "Are you still feeling under the weather? You're as pale as a Csillian ice plain."

Though, she was as startled by her father's assessment as Zeth had been, she hid it from her face extremely well. "Father, I am fine," she related and kissed his cheek.

Zeth knew that Cherith was closer to her father than she was to her mother, but until now he had never really seen the Fels relate to each other in a non- military fashion.

When Cherith moved from her father's embrace she s miled at her mother and Shawnkyr gave her a quick hug. Jag peered at Zeth and he immediately snapped to attention.

Jag smiled and held out his hand, "At ease. Welcome, Zeth."

Zeth breathed a deep calming breath and took the proffered hand, giving it a strong shake he smiled and replied, "Thanks…Admiral Fel."

"Please be seated." They took their seats—Jag and Shawnkyr on one couch and Zeth and Cherith facing them on the other. Then Jag brought his hands together before him and, after an agonizing moment of Cherith's parents scrutinizing them, he settled his eyes on Zeth and said, "Now, is there a reason for this 'gathering'?"

Zeth took another deep breath and shot a side long glance at Cherith. Then he met the older man's light green eyes and cleared his throat, "Admiral Fel, General Fel," he suddenly felt Cherith reach over and take his hand. He glanced at her and smiled as she gave his hand a squeeze. He could feel her parent's amusement, shock, and even fear as she smiled back. But in that second Zeth's fear of what the Fels would say slipped away.

He turned back to the older couple when Shawnkyr asked, "This is what you wanted to tell us?"

Zeth nodded and plunged, "Sir, Ma'am, I've asked Cherith to marry me and she has agreed."

Shock was the first emotion that hit him, then Jag's resistance. As if Cherith also felt her parents' emotions, she squeezed Zeth's hand again and said, "I love him and he loves me."

"This is rather sudden, Cherith," Shawnkyr commented as she peered at Zeth and her daughter, her red eyes luminous.

Before Cherith could answer, Zeth said, "I realize that this is soon, but what she said is true I love her and we want to spend the rest of our lives together."

"That is still not a reason to rush things," Jag countered, his gaze cutting through Zeth. "And often what we think in the moment doesn't hold true for a lifetime."

The meaning of Jag's words hit Zeth. If Jag and his mother had followed through on their feelings then—Zeth shook the thought from his mind. "Sir, I understand what you are saying but in our case what you are saying isn't true."

Jag raised a dark brow, "You are sure of this?"

"Very," Zeth stared back at the older man as hard as he was being stared at. "I know she is the only one for me."

"And he is the only one I'll ever love, Father."

"Have you considered what will happen after your alliance, if we agree to this?" Shawnkyr's voice was filled with displeasure.

Zeth felt Cherith suddenly become even more apprehensive than before and he squeezed her hand as he thought at her, Trust me. He knew that she wouldn't catch the sentiment but he sent along with it feeling of calm reassurance, which seemed to relax her.

Then he nodded, "Actually, I have. I have no plans to drag Cherith away from the only life that she has ever known. Or from a career that she excels at. Actually, that we both excel at."

"What are you targeting, Durron?"

Zeth met Jag's eyes and went on, "I'm planning on joining the military full time."

"But you are a Jedi Knight," Cherith protested before her parents could respond.

He turned to face her and smiled confidently, "True. I am a Jedi, but I'm also a fighter pilot. I love to fly, Cherith. But before you, I honestly didn't know just how much I love being part of a squadron. I've come to the Rouges before and they would let me tag along, flying a mission there or here and I'd help them out. The squad liked having a Jedi around but I always had to leave. I never could stay and really become part of the squadron. Then I was given this mission and actually had to be given a rank and all; something you repeatedly remind me that I don't deserve, by the way." He grinned as she tried to hide her smile and failed. "I will always be a Jedi, but I can be a Jedi and a military pilot too. My mother was during the Vong war," he glanced over at Jag, but quickly turned back to Cherith. "If you come with me back to either Coruscant or Ossus, there is no place for you. Sure, you could remain with the military, but I want to live my life with you," suddenly, he reached out and took her other hand, gazing deeply into her eyes intensely, he decided to get the rest of it out into the open as well, "—and our child."

Immediately, Jag and Shawnkyr's incredulous, "Child!?" filled the room.

Jag was the first to his feet and the lovers followed. Jag's shock was quickly turning to anger, "What do you mean—child?"

Cherith was the one to answer, "I'm pregnant."

"And you're the father?" Surprisingly, Shawnkyr seemed more disappointed than angry.

Zeth pulled his eyes from Jag's stormy ones and tried to find calm, "Yes, I am."

Jag suddenly turned away from them and moved over to the large viewport that took up most of the far wall opposite the entry and behind the set dinning table. "I told you that I wouldn't tolerate you harming my daughter, Durron."

"He didn't do anything to harm me, Father."

Jag spun and glowered, "Yes, Cherith, he did. You feel that you are obligated to rush into a marriage that otherwise may never have happened."

Zeth moved away from her and faced the admiral. "Sir, I realize that—that this isn't the ideal scenario. However, I do love your daughter and our child."

Jag fisted his hands by his sides and through a clenched jaw he growled, "Tell me, if my daughter would not be pregnant with your offspring, would you have been so willing to marry her? Or is it out of some form of Jedi guilt that is prompting this sudden profession of undying love?"

"Daddy!!" Cherith's cry was strident as she came to stand beside Zeth.

"Your father has a valid point, daughter," Shawnkyr's voice was cold and yet Zeth suddenly felt a deep sadness that seemed very old, as if this was reminding her of something.

"Sir," Zeth ignored the general and stared coolly at the Chiss admiral, his voice even, "I have known since that day I saved her during the engagement we first encountered the enemy's cloaked fighters, that day of the Change of Command, that she was the one for me. I planned on asking her to marry me while I was on Ossus for the Conclave. I even bought her a ring there. Since, we both have some Corellian blood. I thought that following the engagement custom would be a good way to unite us." He looked at the general, "I've noticed that you wear a diamond."

Shawnkyr nodded once, "Yes, it was given to me as an engagement ring."

"Here," Cherith pulled the ring from a pocket in her pants and slid it onto her finger. She then held out her hand to allow her parents to see. "I haven't worn it in the open; for fear that someone would see it before we could announce our engagement."

The Fels stared at the ring then Jag looked up and narrowed his eyes, "A rare corusca gem. How could a Jedi afford such a luxury?"

Zeth smiled, "Just because I'm a Jedi doesn't mean I'm creditless." Then he reached down and reclaimed Cherith's right hand. "I know there are things in the past that I don't know or couldn't possibly understand concerning my family and you, but please try to understand us. We could have decided to terminate the pregnancy and continued on as we were, and eventually, after some time, gotten married. But the grief of taking the life of our innocent child would have weighed more heavily on our marriage than getting married earlier than we may have planned. We both love this child and we only want what's best for her or him."

Silence engulfed them but suddenly Shawnkyr very quietly said, "You are correct, Lieutenant Durron. And I do understand." She met Jag's eyes and went on, "Maybe if we had lived in a more forgiving time as our children do, the son we had lost all those years ago would be here today, Tako."

Her words confused Cherith and she asked, "What are you talking about?"

Jag didn't take his gaze from his wife as he replied, "Your mother and I lost our first child."

Still not satisfied, Cherith thought for a moment then narrowed her eyes, "But Cleven was first and then you had two miscarriages one before you had me and one after I was born."

Shawnkyr looked at her daughter and said sadly, "No, daughter, Cleven wasn't our first. I had become pregnant before your father and I were married. But I lost the child, a son, almost half way into the pregnancy due to stress."

Cherith was shocked and either Jag miss-interpreted her shock as an unspoken question, or he wanted to fill the suddenly silent void, "You see, at that time the Swarm War was still going on and there would have been no way the Chiss would have allowed us to marry. We couldn't turn to anyone. No one even knew we were more than friends. Not even our families. What created the most stress for your mother was realizing that for us to be together with our child, we'd have to leave the Chiss, our families, our careers and our home."

"You—you lost the baby because everything was too stressful?" Cherith asked incredulously. "Mother, you are the most stress-free person I know."

Shawnkyr gave her a sad smile and responded, "No, my child, I am not perfect. It had been the most difficult time of my life. After the baby died, I almost pushed your father away. I asked for and received other orders and went to another ship. Your father, who was the captain of the Fell Defender decided to make a name for himself," she glanced at Jag and they shared a small smile, then she turned back to Cherith and continued her tale, "We reunited when just being friends was making us more miserable than the sneaking around had. Eventually, Jag was recognized by the Chiss for his service and we decided to test that resolve and sought a marriage alliance. "

Cherith than defiantly said, "Why then is Zeth and my situation any different? Why are you not allowing us happiness? Is it because it was denied to you?"

Zeth squeezed her hand and she looked up at him. He smiled and said as understanding came to him, "They aren't denying us happiness, my love. They just wish we would have waited awhile before making them grandparents."

Before Cherith could respond, Jag spoke up, "And sharing a grandchild with Kyp and Jaina Durron is definitely something I'd have loved to have more time to prepare for."

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