Chapter Nine
"What I don't understand is why the Vong did… whatever they did to Csilla," Iella Wessiri Antilles said. She looked around the table to face Soontir. "It's not like the base held anything extremely important."

"Danni, do you have any idea why the Vong would want the planet in the shape it's in?" Wedge asked.

Danni shook her head, "No. They don't need to grow a worldship. They have plenty of planets under their control. Yuuzhan'tar is hospitable; not perfect, but the Vong aren't going to pile into worldships and leave the galaxy. Coralskippers and larger vehicles grow perfectly well on other Shaped planets."

"How soon can an intelligence group head out there?" Wedge asked Iella.

"Tomorrow, probably," Iella responded.

Wedge nodded. "Soontir, do the Chiss have a team looking into it?"

"One left this morning."

"I've contacted Pelleaon. He'll want to include someone in the team," Leia added. She had been appointed as the main contact between the Alliance and Empire. The irony was not lost on anyone.

"The surviving Imperials returned to Bastion. The Chiss are on Nirauan," Soontir stated. "I'm assuming your people are back here."

"That's correct."

"I'm surprised the Chief of State isn't here," Soontir commented.

"Omas isn't on the base," Leia responded. "He's on Mon Calamari."

"Oh, the shipyards have completed the new model, I take it."

Leia eyed him suspiciously, "How did you know that?"

Soontir didn't respond. Wedge exchanged a look with Iella. Someone at their end was leaking information. The Galactic Alliance, Empire and Chiss may be working together, but that didn't mean they shared all their information.

"How are the Chiss planning on responding to the attack?" Leia asked, deciding to focus on the more pressing matter.

"If any attack has been planned, I don't know about it," Soontir stated. "And even if I did, I wouldn't be authorized to inform anyone of it."

"If you use our supplies and people, we have a right to know," Colonel Gavin Darklighter called from his position further down the meeting table.

"I'm on your side, Colonel," Soontir said, turning to face the younger man. "I'm positive you and your superiors haven't told us about every maneuver you've pulled using Chiss assets."

Gavin glowered at him, "I'm not at liberty to say either way."

"My point precisely."

"Anyway," Wedge said, diverting the conversation, "The Vong used a fairly large attack force. Why? We have had no indication of a rise in their military. The latest statistics show an increase in using slaves as warriors. The warrior caste is working rapidly to train new warriors. To waste such a large amount of needed warriors is unusual."

No one responded. The question had plagued them all. Were the Vong testing a new weapon? Did they have a new method of fighting?

There was simply no answer. And that fact scared Wedge more than he cared to admit.

After the fifth slave seed had died, Telma gave up. She and Danni had come up with a theory that the only way the seed could be manipulated was if it was connected to another being. The only way to test the method effectively would be to test it on someone. Experimentation of that sort was strictly forbidden.

Telma sat down at the table in the main room of Jag and Jaina's quarters. Jag handed her a glass of water and sat down across from her. After a couple minutes of pleasantries, Jag handed her a datapad.

She looked up at him with a look of surprise after she read it, "This is quite a plan, Jag."

"I know. You're the first one to see it. What do you think?" he asked.

"I'm not a strategist, but it seems like it could work. It'll take a lot of preparation and training to pull it off. Finding volunteers is going to be a challenge," she responded.

Jag made a face, "That and convincing the higher-ups that this is a viable solution."

"It'd certainly solve the problems of numbers."

"If this is approved, I want your help. You are a natural leader," Jag said. "Your work with Danni will also help."

Telma nodded her consent. "What about Jacen Solo?"

"I'm not sure," Jag said slowly. "He might think we are manipulating helpless captives, which isn't the case."

"Or he will want to help."

"Or that."

"When do you plan on taking this to Command?" Telma asked as she turned off the datapad and snapped it closed.

"Next week, probably. I need to look over the details again."

"Has your wife gone over it?" Telma asked. She noted a slight look of apprehension in Jag's eyes.

"Not yet, no," he responded slowly.

They spoke for a few more minutes about Jag's plan, and then Telma asked, "Have you heard from anyone who was with us?"

"Not really. I heard that Britna spoke to Jacen the other day," Jag responded with a shrug. "He spends a lot of time with the refugees."

"I've visited the camp a few times with Danni. She found me a room with another scientist," Telma explained. "I feel guilty going down there, but avoiding it is even worse."

"You feel like you should be there, too," Jag stated.

"Yes. Do you go down there?"

Before Jag could answer, the door opened and Jaina walked in. She went to stand next to Jag, resting a hand on his shoulders. She looked surprised to see Telma, but greeted her with a smile.

"Hello, Telma. Are you enjoying your work with Danni and her team?"

"Yes, it's fascinating to see what they have developed," she responded as she stood.

"Oh don't leave because of me," Jaina told her with a wave of her hand. "I just need to get cleaned up."

"There's a new tub of grease remover under the sink," Jag called as Jaina walked into their bedroom.

"Thanks!" she called and closed the door.

"You keep that in your quarters?" Telma asked, raising an eyebrow.

Jag shrugged, "It's easier that way."

Telma chuckled as she stood to leave, "Tell me when you present this. I'm looking forward to hearing the response."

The roar of twenty-two incoming X-Wings vibrated various crates and carts in the hanger bay. Technicians rushed forward with ladders. Colonel Tycho Celchu stood by the main entrance to catch the squadron leaders as they exited. At the edge of the hanger, a medical evacuation transport landed and two bodies were rushed out on stretchers.

Jaina climbed down from her cockpit. She yanked her helmet off and tucked it under one arm. While out on a routine patrol, Jaina's fight groups spotted some coralskippers poking around the gas giant. Command had sent Kyp's squadron to cover the other side of the planet while the Crux Squadron took out the coralskippers. Two pilots were forced to go extravehicular; one due to mechanical failure and the other due to damage done by a coralskipper.

Jaina walked over to where Jag's X-Wing was berthed. She'd thought a lot about her conversation with Mara and was determined to bridge the gap between her and Jag. She knew she would have to let him in more and listen. She smiled as she approached him. He was rubbing the back of his neck as he surveyed the scoring on his ship.

"Looks like it needs a scrub down," Jaina commented as she stood next to him. She took his free hand in hers and kissed his cheek.

Jag raised an eyebrow at her, "Couldn't hurt."

"Are you busy?"

"No, it's Kyp's turn to do the briefing. Why?"

"Come with me," Jaina responded. She tugged on his hand. He tipped his head in agreement, a curious look in his eyes. He followed Jaina to their quarters, where she deposited their helmets and grabbed a small bag. She then lead him through a series of hallways until they arrived at a non-descript doorway. Jaina entered a code into the door and walked in. The chamber was small, no bigger than the smallest conference room. The back wall had a viewport that displayed Bespin's swirling orange gases. Off in the distance, the ruined remains of Cloud City could be seen. A bench lined one of the side walls.

Jaina pulled Jag to sit next to her on the bench. She opened up the bag to remove two bottles of water. She handed him one.

"Jaina, what are we doing here?" Jag asked, curiosity finally taking hold.

"I thought we could…talk or something. I thought you could use a few hours away," Jaina said quietly, looking down at her hands.

Jag placed a hand under her chin and moved her to face him. "Good idea."

Jaina bit her lip nervously. She glanced down, and then back at him.

"Jaina, what's wrong? I haven't seen you this nervous since you told me you were pregnant with Ani," Jag took her hands in his.

Jaina squeezed his hands and took a deep breath, "I wanted to talk to you about us. We've changed, Jag. I don't want to lose what we had. I know it won't be the same. I know we can't go back, but I don't want to lose you."

Jaina swallowed the sob that threatened to escape. She was determined to finish what she came here to say. "Jacen…Jacen shut everyone out, even me. To see him standing right in front of me and being unable to sense him completely hurts every day. You don't have to tell me everything. I don't want to make your relive it. I know I don't want to relive parts of my past. But let me be there for you, let me in. I know I'm just as guilty. I've let my concerns over the children and defenses I've built over the past several years come between us. Don't shut me out, Jag, please."

Her lower lip was trembling by the end of her monologue. She pulled a hand away from Jag and wiped her eyes. Jag gently pulled her closer so her head rested against his chest.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you," he said.

"I'm sorry, too," Jaina responded.

"It's like relearning to walk," Jag began, "Everything is the same, yet so different. None of us thought we would make it back. Being here with you is almost surreal. I'm afraid I'll wake up and you'll be gone. I'll be back in the slave dormitory, surrounded by suffering and being helpless to stop it."

Jaina felt him tense as he spoke. His arm pulled her tighter as he buried his face in her hair.

"Watching and hearing other beings writhing in pain was almost as bad as the guilt," he said quietly.

"Oh Jag, you didn't need to feel guilty about anything," she said, moving far enough from him to face him.

Jag sat quietly for a few moments, collecting his thoughts, "I understand how you feel about leaving the children, Jaina. When I came back, all I wanted to do was spend all my time with them and you. The rest of my life won't make up for the time I've missed." He squeezed his eyes closed. "Kriff, Jaina, I missed the birth of my daughter! I've only been able to spend a couple weeks with her and Davin."

Jag clutched her hands tightly, eyes hard with determination, "We have to end this, Jaina. We have to end it for them."

Jaina pulled her hands away from him. She placed one on his cheek, "We will, Jag. Somehow, we will."

Luke Skywalker and Valin Horn stood at one end of the training room. Luke stood calmly, hands clasped in front of him. His lightsaber hung from his belt. Next to him, Valin anxiously twitched, passing his lightsaber from hand to hand.
"Calm yourself, Valin. Your feelings distract you. It can cost you," Luke advised.

"Yes, Master," Valin mumbled. He stilled his movements and stared at his opponents. Kyp Durron waited on the opposite side of the room, Sannah standing next to him. She didn't train regularly with Kyp, but Luke encouraged the elder Jedi to train with the younger to teach them new styles and techniques.

"Okay, Sannah, Valin, begin," Luke instructed. The two walked forward, bowed and lit their lightsabers. Valin moved first, his green blade clashing with her yellow one. The two had never dueled before. The first few minutes were filled with each testing the other.

Sannah flipped over Valin, swinging her blade in a downward arc. Valin rolled out of the blade's path. His fighting style reminded Luke of Corran Horn's. Luke mentally cringed as Valin stumbled backwards as Sannah knocked him to the side with a sharp kick. He watched as she quickly took advantage of Valin's lack of telekinetic skills, flipping and spinning around him.

Luke exchanged a glance with Kyp. Neither would interfere. Valin had to figure out his own system. The two masters watched the duel. Valin gradually began to gain the upper hand.

"Master Skywalker."

Luke turned from the duel to face the woman standing next to him. "Good afternoon, Alema."

"I'm sorry to interrupt, Master, but Queen Mother Tenel Ka wishes to speak with you. Colonel Celchu sent me to find you," Alema Rar said quietly.

"Thank you, Alema," Luke said with a nod. He called for Valin and Sannah to stop. He asked Kyp to work with the two, and then hurried after Alema. He was surprised that Tenel Ka wanted to talk to him. She rarely contacted the Galactic Alliance.
Tycho was waiting for him in the main communication room. He thanked Alema for her help, and then addressed Luke, "The transmission is secure."

"Thank you, Tycho," he said and sat down in front of the unit.

"Your Highness," Luke greeted.

"Master Skywalker," Tenel Ka responded. "As you may recall, a year ago you asked if Hapes could provide additional protection for the Jedi."

"Yes, and you informed me that you would have to search for a location that would hide the Jedi from both the Yuuzhan Vong and the Hapans."

Tenel Ka nodded, "I found a suitable location, if you need it."

Luke nodded, "Shelter is too well known. I'd like to move the younger students somewhere well hidden."

"I'm afraid I cannot offer you the location over a transmission. Would it be possible to send a representative here?"

"I'll send a friend."

"Thank you, Master Skywalker. That would aid in the deception," Tenel Ka responded, and ended the transmission. He stood up, turned off the communicator and audio blocker. As he left the room, he debated whom to send. The best candidates were Jaina or Jacen, but he wasn't sure if they could be spared.

Later that evening, he asked Mara whom she would recommend.

"Find out from Wedge if he can spare Jaina and Jag for a week or so," Mara said. "It won't look too suspicious to the Hapans. It's common knowledge they're friends."

Luke eyed her, "Is that the only reason?"

Mara shrugged, "I just think it'd be a good idea."

Luke nodded, "I'll speak to Wedge in the morning."

"I hope this works. It'd be a better environment for Ben," Mara commented.

"Yes, but would we be able to visit as frequently?" Luke mused.

"I'd like to see them try to stop me," Mara said menacingly.

Luke cocked his head in agreement. Only a fool would come between Mara Jade and her son.
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