O land of password, handgrip, wink and nod,
Of open minds as open as a trap

-Seamus Heaney, "Whatever You Say Say Nothing"

Twenty-Six Years After the Battle of Endor
The greatest misconception about interstellar war, reflected Leia, was that it was simple.

For thirty years, against all odds, the Rebel Alliance had fought the vastly superior military of the Galactica Empire to a virtual standstill. Realistically speaking, what they had accomplished was impossible. This, of course, was the substance of the discussion of every security council meeting.

Today, there was one new addition to the decade-long discussion. "Kuat's forces would give us the ability to fight an offensive war with the Empire," Wedge was saying. "I can't even begin to estimate how long we can keep holding off the Empire if we keep going the way we are, Madam President."

Leia nodded; like everyone else in the room, she knew how precarious their position was. True, maybe they could maintain their current territory for a decade, maybe more. After they could no longer hold all of their territory, contingency plans called for a withdrawal to the Hapes Cluster. That would buy them another few years, possibly even the rest of the current generation's lifetime.

But the only hope for their children was, and always had been, an offensive war with the Empire.

"An offensive war with the Empire might not last very long," Intelligence Director Ors pointed out, "and it might be the last thing we ever do."

No one resented Ors for her comments; someone had to say it. Now Leia entered the discussion. "Yes, it's important that we be aware of the magnitude of the decision we're facing. We would be risking everything, even if we can trust Shesh."

"But we can win," Wedge pressed. "What the hell are we still fighting for if not for that?"

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," Leia cautioned. "I need to consult with Isolder, Ackbar, and Chewbacca. If we make this decision, we're making it for the entire Alliance." She smiled encouragingly at each of her advisors in turn. "Thank you all for your input, and I'll keep you apprised of any developments."

"Thank you, Madam President," Wedge nodded, and his holo disappeared.

"Thank you, ma'am," Jan echoed, and was gone as well.

Only Han's holo remained active; Winter discretely left the room, while Jacen started to rise, uncertain. Leia waved him back into his seat. "Any word about Anakin?" she asked her husband.

"Search and rescue is always problematic in enemy territory," her husband answered, looking pained at not having better news. "These things take time. But you really shouldn't be worrying about that right now, you have enough—"

"Han, do you think it's even remotely possible that I can forget our son is in danger by conscious effort?"

"No," Han conceded. "We're doing everything we can. We'll find him… he's my son too, you know."

Leia's look told him she knew. She hoped it also told him she missed him.

It did. "I love you, Princess."

Leia smiled warmly. "I know."

Looking reluctant, Han switched off the connection, and Leia sat for a moment in silence before remembering Jacen was still in the room. She looked up to see him looking pensive.

"What?" she asked gently.

"Nothing," he replied reflexively.

Leia was about to press her son further when the comm buzzed, a priority message. She sighed. "Go ahead."

"Sorry to interrupt, Madam President," came Winter, sounding unsettled. "The Millennium Falcon just docked a moment ago. Your daughter says she needs to speak with you immediately."

At the mention of his sister, Jacen immediately perked up.

"Have her escorted—" Leia started.

The door hissed open and Jaina, looking harried, stepped in.

"Never mind."

Before Leia could even attempt a greeting, Jaina blurted out, "Mom, we're in huge trouble."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Fallen

Leia Organa Solo; President, Alliance of Free Planets (female human from Alderaan)

General Han Solo; Supreme Allied Commander, Army (male human from Corellia)

Agent Jaina Solo; Alliance Intelligence; captain, Millennium Falcon (female human from Hapes)

Commander Jagged Fel; 181st TIE Interceptor Group (male human from Corellia)

Doctor Jacen Solo; Alliance Medical Officer (male human from Hapes)

Grand Moff Viqi Shesh; Imperial Governor (female human from Kuat)

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Open Minds"

Jaina knew she had a lot of explaining to do. She stepped past the door, allowing it to close, and approached the table.

By the time she noticed Jacen was in the room, he was hugging her tightly. She squeezed him reassuringly in return, and stepped away to accept a hug from her mother as well.

"Maybe we should move to my State Room," Leia suggested. "Unless you think the Security Council needs to join us?"

Jaina knew her mother meant it as a joke, but she made a show of seriously considered it before deciding, "No. I think it would be better for now if only you knew. But maybe you can get Dad on the line?"

Leia's raised eyebrow suggested that she was surprised, but not incredulous, that Jaina's news was so important. She stepped away to give instructions to her communications officer to get General Solo back on the line.

While she was doing that, Jaina turned to her brother. They just looked at each other for a few moments, before Jaina asked, "Speaking of Dad… how—"

"I haven't really talked to him since I took leave," Jacen answered. It sounded casual, but Jaina could hear the pain behind it.

"If there's anything I can do—"

"Thanks," Jacen interjected. It was not really gratitude so much as a way of communicating that the discussion was over.

Okay. New topic. "How's Anakin?"

Jaina almost gasped at the sudden change in Jacen's expression. Oh no… "What?"

Jacen hesitated.

"What?" Jaina urged.

"He crash-landed in Imperial territory."

Well. Everything was just going great today.

Leia returned and gave them a fortifying smile, and a holo of their father appeared.

"Well," Han commented. "Looks like we got the whole gang together."

"Hi, Dad," Jaina greeted. "It's good to see you. I suppose you're all wondering what this is about."

"Apparently we're 'in big trouble'?" Jacen prompted.

Jaina sighed. "Yes. Well… there isn't really an easy way to say this, so I'm just going to say it. The Empire is building another Death Star."

The temperature in the room seemed to drop, and the silence that greeted Jaina's declaration was a meaningful one.

No one asked if she was sure; she wouldn't have said it if she weren't sure. Instead, the question she had been dreading, but expecting, came. "How did you get this information?" Unsurprisingly, it was her mother who recovered quickly enough to ask first.

Jaina had contemplated how best to answer this question numerous times on the trip here. She had considered and rejected a variety of cover stories before finally deciding that the best course of action would be to simply tell the truth. It would give her discovery more credibility, and she wouldn't have to keep lying to her own family.

She knew, eventually, that she was going to have to tell her family. This was very close to the scenario she had envisioned. When was she ever going to uncover more crucial information than this?

"Mom…" she hesitated. It was all well and good to decide the right thing to do was to tell the truth. That was nice and simple, a very safe and good decision. In her head, anyway. When it really came down to it, it was hard to overcome years of training and paranoia.

"Jaina," Leia pressed, "it's very important that we know how you got this information. There've been unexplained Imperial fleet movements for months now. What you're telling me would explain that, but it would also be a brilliant cover story for an Imperial ambush. So I'm asking you… where did you get this information?"

"From an Imperial officer," Jaina blurted out. Then she had to explain further, "A Commander. Corellian. He was very upset about the whole thing… he didn't know I was a Rebel, so he had no reason to lie." She was stalling, avoiding the real question… but there was no way Leia wouldn't ask what she was doing talking to an Imperial officer.

"Jaina—"

"Mom, I'm an Alliance Intelligence Agent."

Just like that, her career as a deep cover agent was over.

Jacen let out a nervous laugh, but stopped when Jaina gave him a serious look.

Neither of her parents reacted immediately. Leia looked thoughtful, Han stoic. Jaina knew what both of them were thinking, that their daughter had lived her entire life in danger – not more danger than the rest of her family, but a different kind of danger, one they couldn't completely relate to. Except maybe Mom, when she was working undercover for the Alliance while still in office as an Imperial Senator.

"Tell us about this officer," Leia finally broke the silence.

"He can tell you all about himself," Jaina answered. "I brought him with me."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The term "interrogation room" had initially frightened Jag, but he quickly discovered that the Alliance's idea of an interrogation differed greatly from the Empire's. Rather than being strapped into a torture chair and greeted by a probe droid, Jag was seated at a simple table in an otherwise empty room, and greeted by a fairly attractive Alliance security officer.

The officer asked him all the basic questions. Name, rank, serial number, and followed up with a basic debriefing. How had he come into contact with the Alliance? What made him decide to defect?

"I'm not defecting."

That had proved to be a bit of an obstacle.

Jag explained that he had no interest in joining the terrorist Alliance; after he assisted them in destroying the Empire's superweapon, he fully intended to submit himself to Imperial custody – or, if the Alliance would not turn him over, he would consider himself a prisoner of war.

The officer scoffed at the term "terrorist," and Jag realized he should probably cut down on the rhetoric while he was here. But in circumstances like this, old habits were even more difficult to let go of.

Finally, the officer left – apparently satisfied. That had probably been a standard hour ago, and Jag was beginning to grow impatient. A continuous examination of the bare tabletop yielded little results other than the fact that it was, in fact, a table.

Just as Jag was starting to wonder whether the Rebels were taking him seriously after all, the heavy door opened again, and Jaina entered.

Jag sighed with relief. He wasn't sure what to think of Jaina, but at least she was familiar and had proven trustworthy so far. Despite the fact that she was a Rebel, Jag felt like they understood each other. If only she weren't a terrorist…

Entering the room after her was the last person Jag had ever expected to see. President Leia Organa Solo. He gasped in recognition. "You?"

President Organa Solo raised a quizzical eyebrow. "It's not every day my daughter brings home a dashing young Imperial officer, Commander Fel."

"My daughter," Jag repeated to himself. And he stared at Jaina in open shock. "You're that Jaina? Jaina Solo?" I slept with one of the most wanted women in the galaxy? he added silently.

Jaina shrugged. "Almost famous, I guess."

Jag shook his head in astonishment.

"So, let's talk about your Death Star," President Organa Solo suggested in mock pleasantness as she and her daughter sat down on the other side of the table.

"First of all, as my presence here should demonstrate, it is not my Death Star," Jag pointed out.

Organa Solo accepted this with a shrug.

Jag was almost enraged at being taken so lightly. "I've betrayed my oath as an officer. I've sacrificed everything I've ever worked for to do what I think is right. Aren't you the slightest bit grateful?"

Organa Solo leaned forward. "First of all, you haven't done what you think is right, because you haven't done anything yet. Nor have you told me anything yet. Second of all, why should I believe you? What proof do you bring me that you aren't here doing exactly what your superiors want you to do, distracting us from real threats?"

Jag realized he didn't. "I bring you no proof, Madam President." The use of the title was difficult, but he wouldn't get very far by not showing respect. "Only assurance that many will die if you don't act."

She made no reply. Her expression merely invited him to proceed.

"For the past several years, I have been in the confidence of Grand Admiral Thrawn himself," Jag explained. "For whatever reason, he has taken a personal interest in the advancement of my career. In return, I have handled matters of… discretion in his stead."

Organa Solo still looked unimpressed. Jag looked to Jaina for reassurance, and received only a shrug of uncertainty.

"How did you learn about the Death Star?" President Organa Solo asked.

"The Grand Admiral was transferring my squadron to the fleet defending the construction site."

"Did you ever actually see the site?"

Jag hesitated. "No," he admitted. "But I've turned over all the information I have to your military, including the private memorandum from the Grand Admiral."

Organa Solo nodded. "How far along is the construction?"

"That information is in the documents I provided."

"I'm sure it is," Organa Solo replied sharply. "How far along is the construction?"

"They'll test the super laser within the month. Theoretically, it'll be operational at that point, regardless of whether they finish the superstructure."

Now Organa Solo looked at Jaina for a long moment, and Jaina nodded. Organa Solo turned back to Jag. "I want to trust you, Jag, especially if you truly have put yourself at such risk. You'll understand we need some time to independently verify your story before we can proceed."

Jag sighed. "Of course."

"You must understand the difficult position we're in."

Jag nodded. "Is that all?"

"For now." Both women rose to leave.

Jag had a sudden spark of memory. "There's one thing I feel I should add," Jag said, stopping them at the door. He also stood. "Information, as a gesture of good faith. Do you know a woman named Tahiri Veila?"

Jaina and Leia exchanged glances. "Yes," Leia answered carefully. "I know the name."

"Good, that makes it easier. I was afraid she might be using an alias. What you might not know is that she's a member of the Bounty Hunter's Guild. Darth Starkiller recently hired her to infiltrate the Alliance. I'm not sure what the extent of her assignment is, but you would be wise not to trust her with anything important."

Both women looked appalled at this information. Jaina was clearly about to say something, but Leia waved her into silence. "Thank you," she said as she led her daughter out of the room by the arm. "We'll work to verify your information as soon as possible, after which we'll discuss your situation."

Jag nodded, pleased at his own quick thinking. It would be much quicker for them to verify Tahiri's status as a member of the Guild than it would be to penetrate the cloak of secrecy the Empire was keeping around the Death Star project. And once they realized Jag had given up a valuable Imperial resource, they would have every reason to trust him.

Jag shook his head at his own thinking. Who would've thought he would ever be in a position to need the Alliance's trust?

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

It took a comm message to Jan Ors and a matter of a few hours to confirm Jag's information about Tahiri, and Director Ors promised to allocate all available resources to investigate Jag's claim about the Imperial superweapon.

But as the one piece of information had panned out, it seemed prudent to operate on the assumption that Jag was being forthcoming in the other case.

Or so Jaina thought.

"It could still be a setup," Leia insisted, and Han seemed inclined to agree with her.

"Oh come on," Jaina protested.

"It is rather convenient that the agent whose identity he just gave up is out of play anyway," Jacen pointed out reasonably.

Jaina gave him a betrayed look before turning back to her parents. "That's bunk, and you know it is."

"Jaina, we just need to consider every possibility. Especially considering the stakes."

"Mom, it was pure coincidence that we ran into each other in that cantina. No one could have known ahead of time that I was going to be there. I didn't even know ahead of time that I was going to be there."

Leia conceded that point with a nod. "Alright. It seems reasonable to assume that Jag is probably telling us the truth, but let's not forget there are more variables here. It's possible that someone is deliberately misleading him."

Now it was Han's turn to enter the conversation; thankfully, on Jaina's side. "Princess, the Fel family is one of the most prominent families in the Empire, and I've heard of this son… his reputation is he's untouchable, loyal to a fault. If someone had the foresight to set him up like this, we have even bigger problems."

Leia sighed. "There's really no need for further speculation at this point. Jan's people will find out one way or another. In the meantime, we operate under the assumption that Jag's telling the truth, and take every appropriate action without fully committing ourselves."

That was enough for Jaina, and she breathed a sigh of relief.

"On that note, we need to start consolidating our forced so we're in a position to act when the time is right." She looked reluctantly at her husband. "Han, I need to start recalling the fleet, including you."

This was going to be an argument, Jaina knew. She could tell from the way her father set his jaw. "No can do, Princess. I have to find Anakin; especially now that we know he's stranded with a bounty hunter."

Leia sighed. "Han… I know this is difficult, but we have to consider other priorities right now. We can't make a decision like this based on personal grounds."

"The hell we can't," Han snapped back. "This is our son we're talking about."

"Han, please," Leia pressed. "I need you."

There was a painful pause, but in the end Han relented. "We'll be underway as soon as possible."

"Thank you, Han. I love you."

"Yeah. Me too."

Jaina was uneasy. She was glad they were taking Jag's information seriously, but she was worried about his brother.

But like her mother had said, they had bigger concerns right now.

"Even with the whole fleet… the Empire has certainly learned from their mistakes right now. Wherever they're building that thing… it's going to be a fortress."

Two things surprised Jaina. First, the realization that her brother was analyzing the situation strategically. Second… he was right. "Even if we win," Jaina followed Jacen's thought to its logical conclusion, "we're crippled. Our ability to make war on the Empire is at an end."

"Yes," Leia agreed. "That's very probable in our current state."

"But if we don't attack," Jacen picked up the thought again, "the Empire takes us out, one planet at a time."

Leia nodded. "That would seem to be an accurate assessment."

Jaina was definitely missing something here. "So…"

"You're going to make the deal, aren't you?" Jacen asked his mother.

With resignation, Leia replied, "It might be the only way."

"Deal?" Jaina repeated. "What deal?"

"A few days ago, we were approached by Viqi Shesh, Imperial Governor of Kuat," Leia explained. "She petitioned to join the Alliance of Free Planets."

Jaina was stunned. "And?"

"And there's no way in hell we could trust her, so I've had it on the back burner for a while."

And now it was on the front burner. Well. That was certainly an interesting coincidence. "Mom—"

"Thank you both for your help and company," Leia said in dismissal, "but I need some time to think."

With a reluctant sigh, Jaina joined her brother in leaving the room.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"What was that back there?" Jaina asked.

"Hmm?" Jacen asked, looking distracted.

Jaina rolled her eyes. "You know, Jacen the master strategist."

"Oh." Jacen shrugged. "Mom's been encouraging me to take a… wider view of things."

"Fair enough," Jaina shrugged.

"Where are you heading?" Jacen asked, noticing they were about to part ways.

"I need to talk to someone," Jaina replied. "I'll see you for dinner?"

"Oh. Yeah, sure."

Jaina had not really made a conscious decision to go see Jag; it just seemed like the right thing to do under the circumstances. She considered going back for her mother's permission, but it was probably easier to convince the guard than it was to convince her mother anyway. All she had to do was act natural when she said she was here to see him.

Jag was still in the interrogation room; they hadn't moved him to a holding cell, probably waiting for instructions from Leia. Maybe Jaina would be able to convince her to merely confine Jag to guest quarters; maybe not. She doubted Jag would be much trouble either way. He was career military, used to hardships more severe than less than comfortable living arrangements.

Jag looked pleasantly surprised to see her, but made no move to get up from his seat, which suited Jaina just fine until they cleared some things up. So Jaina sat down across from him again.

"I take it my story checked out?" Jag asked.

Oops. Jaina had forgotten about that particular detail, she wasn't sure what her mother's negotiating position would be. "I'm sure Mom will be along shortly to talk to you about that," Jaina hedged.

Jag laughed, causing Jaina to raise an eyebrow. "I'm sorry, am I missing something humorous about our situation?"

"Sorry. Just… hearing you call the President of the Alliance of Free Planets 'Mom,' so casually… it's just kind of surreal." He composed himself. "So, I take it this isn't an official visit?"

"Not precisely," Jaina agreed. "I have some things… two things… to ask you about. One of them is kind of personal, so…"

"Jaina—"

"Let's start with the non-personal, shall we?"

Jag nodded. "All right.

"Can we, under any circumstances, trust Grand Moff Viqi Shesh?"

Jag's features clouded. "'We' meaning the Alliance?"

Jaina nodded.

Jag shook his head. "I can't imagine…" he shrugged. "You generally can trust her to act in her own best interests."

This was exactly what Jaina didn't want to hear. "I don't understand," she thought aloud. "What can she possibly gain…?"

She lapsed into silence, and Jag rejoined, "Can I ask you something?"

Jaina nodded encouragement.

Jag looked a bit uncomfortable, but then he asked, "Jaina, I want to know… is there…" he sighed. "Have you ever slept with someone just to get information before?"

This conversation was very quickly going in a dangerous direction, but Jaina saw no point in lying. "Yes. I have… it kind of goes with the territory."

"Did you sleep with me just to get information?"

Jaina had fully expected to discuss this topic, yet she was not remotely prepared to answer the question. She had planned to be in control of the conversation at this point. "Well… that certainly gets us into the 'personal' category."

Jag was looking expectantly at her, waiting for an answer. Now it was Jaina's turn to feel uncomfortable. She sighed, hoping he wouldn't be completely disappointed as she admitted, "Yes. At first, that was my primary motivation." Jag looked away, and Jaina quickly tried to reassure him, "But—"

"Jaina… I think you should leave now."

Jaina felt her stomach go cold. "Jag, the reason I wanted to talk to you—"

"We can't have this conversation right now," Jag informed her stiffly. His voice was husky, suggesting he was holding back tears. "Please."

She searched his features. He was hurting, and she saw there was no way she was changing his mind about this. All her explanations about how this time had been different, and how she felt about him died on her lips. "Okay…" she said, uncertainly. "Later, then?"

"Goodbye, Jaina."

It pained Jaina how final the salutation sounded, and she had no reply.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"President Organa Solo! What an honor to hear from you again so soon."

"Grand Moff Shesh," Leia replied with equally forced pleasantry. "The honor is mine."

Sometimes you can tell just by looking at someone that you can't trust them. There isn't anything unusual about their features, and yet you are seized by a feeling that every smile concealed malice, that every action was prompted by some sinister motive. That was how Leia felt now.

Leia now knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Shesh was only doing this because she thought she could get something out of it. It didn't matter anymore. They needed this alliance, and they needed it badly. Shesh's motives were immaterial.

"How can I help you, Madam President?"

Leia steeled herself. It was time to take the plunge. "I've considered your offer very carefully," she said, "and consulted with my government. At this point, I am prepared to grant Kuat membership in the Alliance of Free Planets in exchange for assurance of your full military cooperation."

Shesh beamed. "Excellent! I had scarcely hoped things could come to such a pleasing conclusion so quickly. First of all, you must allow me to thank you for the opportunity you've given us to restore the galaxy to rightful government."

Right. I'm supposed to think you're a republican. But Leia merely smiled at the sentiment.

"I'm afraid I must ask one thing… a trifle, truly… I hesitate even to bother you with it, but you understand, my advisors are not nearly as trusting as I am."

Leia favored this false benevolence with her most sincere commiserating smile she could manage without losing her composure. "Certainly."

"I assume… we will have full voting status immediately upon admittance?"

Leia frowned. "Of course you'll have a seat on the Council. But all military decisions, you understand—"

"Yes, yes, of course," Shesh waved off her explanation. "Naturally the President must make all military decisions."

Leia's frown deepened at the way she seemed to intentionally stress the title of president, as though separating the office from Leia's person. "I'm glad you understand," she said, feeling not at all glad. What was this about?

"My point is… I want to ensure my planet's full membership in the Alliance, without a trial period. So that my citizens will have a voice in the Alliance's future, particularly in the upcoming election."

Oh. Was Shesh planning on running against her? If so, this charade was rather ill-timed. The election was less than a month away, and even if all of Kuat voted for her… she couldn't possibly win… could she?

Stop this, Leia scolded herself. She couldn't decide the fate of an important strategic alliance based on her own personal fears. Especially right now.

"Governor Shesh, I will contact you as soon as my government officially votes to accept your terms, if you will have your planet's government do the same?"

Shesh smiled sweetly, and Leia suddenly realized she was suppressing the urge to remind her that she was her planet's government. "I will eagerly await hearing from you again," Shesh assured her. "Thank you, Madam President."

"Thank you, Governor."

The screen went blank, and Leia found herself wondering what she had just gotten herself, and the Alliance, into.