Chapter 6

As much as he missed his clawcraft, Jagged was grateful that the helmets worn by the Rebels allowed him to wipe the sweat out of his eyes. After Ithor, Thrawn had recalled the Chiss squadrons, and it was no surprise when Jaina refused to return. Unwilling to leave without her, he soon found himself flying as Rogue 10 while she remained on his wing as Rogue 11. The Rogues were the complete opposite of all things Chiss, and the adjustment had been a difficult one. They had made an art of practical jokes, sabacc, and drinking.

In all fairness, Colonel Darklighter had warned him. Han Solo had warned him. Tycho had warned him. Sithspawn, even his father had warned him. His uncle simply laughed and told him to be grateful it wasn't Wraith Squadron. It wasn't what Jagged was used to, but over time he learned to be grateful for it. Battle after battle, sim after
sim, briefing after briefing, they were all taking their toll. Sabacc and practical jokes were the only relief from the constant stream of losses in battle. The squadron had learned early on not to mess with Jaina. When it came to pranks, she was in a league of her own. Knowing that Jagged could never tell her no, she had brought him in as
her accomplice on more than one occasion. Helping Jaina with pranks was illuminating. He now had a more than ample variety of tricks to use should Wyn annoy him.

The memory was fond enough that he smiled briefly before drilling the skip in front of him with a full-power quad burst. Jaina swiftly followed with a quad burst of her own, and the skip disintegrated. As Hosk wobbled in its orbit over Kalarba, he knew they were running out of time. This battle, like so many others over the last year and a half, was going to end badly. He spiraled up and starboard, grimly acknowledging that Jaina had gone port and recognizing her plan. For once, he was grateful for the X-wing's profile as he stood his fighter on its port S foil, arcing to make a head-to-head run at Jaina as she leveled out, blasting the skip on his tail. His joy at the skip's destruction was quickly tempered by the realization that the Champion was coming apart, and Jaina's maneuver had put her entirely too close to the doomed ship. He watched with horror as the ship exploded, time seeming to slow as the explosion reached Jaina's X-wing. Jag was sure his heart stopped as Jaina's X-wing was consumed by the blast.

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It was late when he finally left the medward, noting that there would be much to do before Jaina was discharged to her family on medical leave. Knowing that he couldn't do anything for her while she rested didn't ease the dread he felt at leaving her side. What he was going to propose was sure to anger her father, but he could see no other way. The New Republic was struggling, and medical care with it. As he waited for the comm station to connect to General Solo, he forced himself to remain calm.

"How's Jaina?" Worry was written in every line on Han's face.

"Jaina's injuries are severe, and while they'll heal, she requires more than the medics here are able to provide." As he finished speaking, he braced himself for the inevitable explosion.

"What are you proposing, Fel?"

"I'm proposing taking a leave of absence in order to go to the Unknown Regions so that she can be treated in a location where resources are less strained."

"You do realize what you're asking?" The levelness in his voice was more unsettling than rage.

"Han, I give you my word that she will not be forced to stay in Chiss space. I understand that I am asking for trust I haven't earned, but I would not be asking unless I truly felt this is the best way to ensure she receives proper medical care. The medics, by their own admission, don't have the resources to treat her blindness, and are only hoping that time will correct it. The neurological damage is severe as well, and would heal much faster with proper treatment. Right now, they can only put her on leave and wait for her to heal. The Chiss can ensure that she receives the best possible care."

Rather than the outburst he'd expected, Han's face turned thoughtful as he considered the idea. "Kid, I'm willing to go for it. On one condition: I transport you and Jaina out there, and get to stay with her during the course of treatment. You may be a man of your word, but I can't say I trust Thrawn."

Jagged smiled. "Sir, believe me when I tell you that Jaina has always stood up for what she wants. She is stubborn enough to get her way, even against Thrawn. I will make the arrangements through my father, however. He is more likely to understand your desire to stay with her. I will be in contact shortly."

As the comm connection ended, he breathed a sigh of relief and fought the urge to slump. He still needed to talk to his father.

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"Father, she needs the facilities at Nirauan if we hope for her to recover, and her parents are more than justified in hesitating to allow her back into Hand space." This was an argument he knew he had to win. Jaina's health depended on it.

"You are perfectly aware of the security precautions in place, Jagged. You bring Han Solo here, and you will have compromised everything."

If Jagged had learned anything from Jaina, it was to hold his ground and refuse to give in. "She is ready, Father. I am well aware of what Thrawn has planned for her, and there is no further need to keep the existence of the Hand classified. The Republic is crumbling, and the galaxy can't hold off the Vong without help. It is time."

"That is a determination for the Grand Admiral to make. I'm sorry, I can't make any promises." The weariness on his father's features was plain. His absence was taking a toll.

"Jaina has been separate from her family long enough. I am not separating her from her father during her recovery. We depart the medical frigate tomorrow morning. I have made arrangements with Colonel Darklighter for a leave." The first rule of arguing Jaina-style: accept no alternative and make it clear that the only way the argument would end was surrender.

"Jagged, I can tell that you are speaking from sentiment as opposed to thinking about this from a strategic point of view. You must not allow your feelings for Major Solo to dictate your decisions."

"I will do what is right, regardless of the opinions of anyone else. You can't tell me you didn't abandon military objectives to see to Mother's safety."

"We were married at the… Jagged, please tell me you have not reached an understanding with Major Solo." The exasperation in his father's voice was plain, and spoke volumes.

"Does it matter? My decision has been made and is not up for negotiation." Until he left for the Known Regions, his biggest fear had been disappointing his father. Now, his biggest fear was losing Jaina. Any and all other considerations took second place to her health and happiness. Cutting the connection, he began readying his bag. What he wasn't prepared for was Jaina's voice behind him.

"So, you're willing to let your father believe we discussed marriage just to make sure my father can go to Nirauan?" The laughter in her voice was music to his ears. Even though she was joking, the fact that she was of marriageable age among the Chiss, and had been since she was thirteen, was well known to them both.

"As I told him, I'll do what I must. Your happiness and well-being are most important to me." He smiled in her direction as he continued stuffing clothing into his bag, realizing too late that she couldn't see the gesture. She was able to navigate rather well using the Force, and he had to remind himself that she couldn't see him.

He did not doubt that the first few days on Nirauan would be interesting.

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"Care to tell me what's really going on between you and Jaina?" When the Whyren's came out, he knew he was in trouble.

"I believe we covered that the first time we met." He tried to keep the conversation as casual as possible.

"We covered your intentions, not what's going on. Fel, I've seen the way you look at her, and the way she looks at you. I don't doubt your intentions, kid, but there's more than friendship there."

Jagged sighed, knowing he wasn't getting off the hook so easily. "We both know that now is neither the time nor place for that. We have a war to win, all other considerations are secondary. Romance included."

"Jaina was kind enough to explain Chiss marital customs to me. What I don't understand is why." This wasn't a conversation Jag wanted to have without Jaina present.

"Even though Thrawn is not a direct part of the Ascendancy, he holds considerable power over the military. In addition, he controls a significant portion of the Nuruodo family wealth. Jaina is his sole heir, making her one of the most desirable matches in Chiss society. Thrawn has already received several offers for her hand."

"And what of Jaina's opinions on all this?" Han's anger was more than understandable.

"You know as well as I that no one makes Jaina do anything unless it's something she wants to do. I will do what is necessary to ensure her happiness. Right now, I worry that he has received an offer too valuable to refuse."

"Does that bother you?"

"Yes. We both know that an arranged marriage is a possibility. I will not allow her to be forced into a marriage that she does not want."

"Is that all Thrawn wanted with her?"

"Jaina was brought to Nirauan because evidence indicated a strong enemy was out there, something dreadful. She has been prepared from infancy to end this war. Had the Vong waited another few years, she would have been out there with a fleet on the first day. As it was, Thrawn wanted to keep her hidden away until she was ready for a fleet." Jagged didn't want to go into all the details. Let his father or Thrawn explain the full plan to Solo. Preferably after confiscating his blaster.

"And yet you pushed to have her in your squadron."

"Sir, ever since I've known Jaina she's dreamt of meeting you. I simply saw a way to expedite that." No, there was no need to bring up the fact that he couldn't bear to leave her behind again.

"Even though it would put her in danger?"

"I am versed enough with your family history to realize that you can't keep a Solo out of danger. I know Jaina well enough to know that she only respects the rules so long as they serve her needs. She was either coming under my command, or she was going to find a way to sneak herself out when we left. I elected to use the route that would at least ensure she was appropriately armed and protected."

Solo grinned as he set the now empty tumbler down. "I'm going to trust you on this, Fel. But I'm still going to keep the Falcon prepped for a quick launch while you handle Thrawn and your father."

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"It is good to have you back, Jaina."

"I doubt I'll be back long, Uncle. The Jedi as well as the New Republic military have need of my skills." Jaina sat with her legs folded under her, sipping a cup of tea.

"Jaina, you will be needed here. The Sabosen have proposed an alliance that will greatly improve our ability to provide military power in this war."

"Uncle, that is impossible." Jaina's composure hadn't broken, but she had tensed. This was the moment they had been dreading. Carefully, she set the cup of tea on the table beside the couch.

"Your acceptance is all that is needed to cement the treaty, Jaina." Had she been of lower rank, a delay in marriage would have been acceptable. In her position, an early marriage to cement power was expected. A failure to marry, especially when offers were in place, would be considered an insult to all those families who had submitted proposals. Not even the Nuruodo could afford such an affront.

"And you don't have it. I will not be a pawn in political games. If needed, I will be on the first ship out of here, regardless of the effects on my physical health."

"And how do you propose to compensate for the loss of financial backing once the Sabosen's offer is declined?"

"I believe you will find that Admiral Pellaeon would be willing to commit the Empire's forces under your command." Even though she couldn't see, her famous glare was directed squarely at Thrawn.

"You have no choice. This war will destroy the galaxy. Are you truly willing to risk billions of sentient beings on emotion? Think rationally. The Hapans are out of the war, and unlikely to return unless directly threatened. The Empire, even under my command, is a shadow of what it once was. The New Republic is crumbling. Any additional strength can only come from the Ascendancy, and you are well aware of their terms." The cold logic in the situation couldn't be denied.

"I do have a choice. You can either accept my choice or I can return to New Republic space." She stood abruptly, and Jagged moved to join her, wrapping an arm around her waist.

"Colonel Fel, if you support this, you will be stripped of your rank and face court martial."

Jagged met Thrawn's gaze evenly. "Grand Admiral, General, Jaina has made her decision. I am going to act in Jaina's best interests, and this is not up for debate." Wearily, Jaina leaned on him as he escorted her from the room, the door quietly closing behind them.

"Fascinating. General Fel, I believe you have sufficient evidence that your son is Corellian after all."

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Wearily, Soontir settled himself in his favorite chair, whiskey in hand. Thrawn was right. There was no doubt that his son was Corellian. Of all the…

"Tir, is something wrong? You never touch alcohol this early in the day." Releasing a mental groan, he turned to face his wife. Not only would he have to explain to her that Jagged had gotten a wild hair and opted to defend Jaina Solo regardless of the consequences to himself, he would have to explain exactly how they knew each other. That would lead to his role in her kidnapping. Steeling himself for her disappointment and anger, he began.