Chapter Three: Super Star Destroyers and Tension
Garik Klamath was having an excruciatingly, mind-destroyingly boring day. He wasn't quite sure what had possessed him to concede his participation in the makeshift "Senate", but if he ever discovered it, he swore he was going to pull a Kyp Durron and blow it to kingdom come.
The questionable would-be politicians were, in the middle of a war, discussing whether or not some anonymous, rarely-ever-noticed planet should have its taxes raised.
Garik would have loved to blow them all into kriffing oblivion, then dump what was left of them and their grandiose houses into a nearby volcano. Unfortunately, transportation was a bit of an issue.
Super Star Destroyer? he wondered, tapping his chin. The other senators thought he was pondering deeply on the matter of taxes – which was how the only real diplomat in the room wanted it. Super Super Star Destroyer? Do they even make those? And can they come into the atmosphere? Hm…I'll have to ask Lowbacca, I suppose.
"Diplomat Klamath, do you have anything to add?" Several portly humans and aliens turned to see the young man in question.
Yes, teacher, what does war-plus-stupid leaders equal? "While the matter of Epiws' taxes is, of course, one that requires attention," Garik said smoothly, not belying his anger, "perhaps we should discuss the effort to aid the Kuat refugees. Now that the Empire has invaded their planet, there will be many that need to escape."
One or two had the grace to look embarrassed, but others were still very concerned about their next paycheque.
If there isn't something big enough to do the job, I'll make a Super Super Star Destroyer with my bare hands, Garik thought in disgust.
"We will discuss that after the recess," a Rodian agreed.
Despite an entire lifetime spent in the political arena and his tutorage under some of the most brilliant philosophers, etiquette, etc, professors in the galaxy, Garik couldn't hide his snort of disgust. He had more experience in this area than most of these beings put together. It was enough to make the normally laid-back man cynical. A large percentage of the beings had entered politics only during the war, when all the experienced and at least somewhat well-meaning politicians had been killed or imprisoned.
And, yet, Garik thought viciously, some Rodian with two years backing was ordering him around?
If I was any more sensitive to the corruption of this so-called Senate, he thought, just barely keeping his anger in check, I would weep for the galaxy when the New Rebellion is victorious.
He checked his chrono hopefully, only to plunge back into despair. Still forty-five minutes until recess.
This meeting is going to be very, very long.
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Jaina took a deep breath, then nudged Zekk with her mind. Time to wake up, sleepy head.
He stirred, and his green eyes slowly pulled themselves open to focus on Jaina. His lips curved into an instant, reflexive smile before retreating into realization. With a sharp movement, he was standing, unconsciously tensing until she thought he might break, if struck the wrong way.
Zekk glanced at the viewport anxiously. "How much longer?"
She slipped into his arms and let out a slow, deep sigh. "About fifteen minutes until we have to land. Maybe ten minutes before the Hapan security calls in."
He nodded, his grip on her tightening momentarily. "Any predictions from the bond seer?" he queried.
She gave him a look. "Really, Zekk; just because Sanar was one…"
"All I know is, you couldn't whistle before we bonded."
"I just didn't know how, before," she protested. "It doesn't mean anything. I'm still me. I haven't changed that much."
Not having expected this reaction, Zekk blinked. "I didn't mean – "
She shook her head. "Sorry – I'm just a little nervous about seeing everyone again." Before he could reassure her, Jaina was hurrying on. "I would have told you if I Saw anything." She tipped her head back, smirking a little. "Imagining futures doesn't count."
"Well," he returned, "you never know if they mean something…"
He was still being serious, Jaina noted with a grin. "Don't worry; I won't let them kill you," she told him, only half-kidding.
"Jay, be realistic." He sighed, pulling away to sit back down. "You're a Jedi, not the embodiment of the Force." Jaina raised an eyebrow, thinking about her past experiences in that vein. He continued, ignoring her. "If the New Republic wanted to kill me, you couldn't stop them."
For a moment, Jaina's eyes changed and her face darkened, until she looked nothing like the girl Zekk had known before his turning. "You'd be surprised; Sanar was incredibly knowledgeable on how to protect someone. While I would be able to go through less than half of her…'desperate measures' list, there are plenty that would give the Rebellion – and even my mother – the right to second-guess themselves."
He smiled and leaned down to place a soft kiss on the corner of her mouth. "My little protector," he teased.
Jaina's nose scrunched up playfully. "Little? Who you calling little? You're not that – " A raised eyebrow from Zekk caused her to pick a different protest. "At least I can fit through normal sized doorways, Giant."
"Well, 'fee fi fo fum'," he intoned ominously, though his smile was growing.
"Ooh…how scary," she giggled, pulling away. "Excuse me while I get on the Hero Hotline. They arrive within seven minutes."
"Seven minutes?" he repeated, his expression becoming mock-evil. "Well, that doesn't give me much time, does it…?"
She pretended to cower away, teasing light in her eyes, impish twist in her lips. "Don't hurt me!"
She was barely aware of when he moved, but there he was, holding her tight and tipping her back ever so slightly. "Never," he breathed before leaning in.
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Garik was still working off steam when he found himself in the wrong wing of the Palace. "Kriff!" he exclaimed in a clipped voice. A moment of studying the nearest intersection told him he had wandered until he was almost at the landing bay. Propelled by curiosity (maybe the mechanics would know if there was such a thing as a Super Super Star Destroyer?), he strode down the hall and into the open area, blinking at the change in lighting.
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The beeping was getting irritating and really breaking into Jaina's concentration.
The Hapans had the worst time in the galaxy, Jaina finally admitted as she reluctantly pulled away. Zekk brought her back into his arms, his lips finding hers again, greedily. She giggled. "Zekk!" she shrieked. "Zekk – stop – I've got to…the comm…"
Blindly, he stopped the ship. "We're still out of the atmosphere," he whispered huskily as his mouth found the tender spot between her neck and her jaw.
Instinctively, her arms tightened around his waist as she felt her knees get rubbery. "Zekk…"
The sound changed from beeping to a human voice. "Unidentified craft, please state your name and intention." Several translations followed.
The two adults started at the sound of another voice, before pulling away, pink-cheeked and grinning like mischievous children. Jaina had to clear her throat before she replied, "This is the Second Chance, piloted by Colonel Jaina Solo." Jaina turned to wink at Zekk. She could just imagine the officer's expression.
There was a pause, then hurried clicking. "Of – of course, Miss Solo. Docking bay A183, please. Enjoy your stay at Hapes."
Jaina clicked the comm in confirmation, then sat back, eyebrow cocked at Zekk and with a contented light in her eyes. "Well, let's take this hunk of junk down."
Zekk snatched a kiss before sitting down next to her. "I love you," he said tenderly.
It was a change from the atmosphere set moments ago, and she blushed, surprised, before returning his smile. "You better," she murmured.
"So relax," he replied. "It'll be okay." For you, anyway.
She frowned at his silent addition, but didn't argue. "I think it will," she said, glancing out at the stars. "But I can't help but be…well, slightly more than nervous."
He reached out and brushed a stray lock behind her ear. "Hey, even if they murder me, you have Garik or your parents to protect you; and trust me, they'll need to take me out before anyone else needs to look out for you."
She chuckled, though her face was strained. "I wish you wouldn't talk like that."
"You're really not the one to talk, Miss Oh Why Don't I Cut Off My Own Life Force," he retorted.
She twisted suddenly and leaned closer, her brow furrowed. "Promise you'll be careful?"
He answered by drawing her into a deep, tender kiss. For you, anything, he whispered into her mind as they both relaxed in the others' arms. After a moment, he pulled away, resting his forehead on hers. "You might want to get straightened up before you meet your parents again, though," he suggested with a grin, trying to distract them both from the mood that was overtaking them.
Her eyes widened, and she pulled away, glancing at her reflection in a blank screen before her. The sight of her mussed hair, silly grin and wrinkled coat received a reaction. "Good grief!" she exclaimed, rising quickly. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
"I thought you looked cute."
"Well, my dad certainly wouldn't agree with you! Do you want him to kill you?" she retorted before closing the 'fresher door behind her.
He chuckled, and prepared the ship for landing.
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Please R&R!
.Tjz