Star System MZX3290S, Near Bimmiel
Lumiya the self-proclaimed Dark Lady of the Sith laid back on an ornate but gaudy, multicolored floral couch located in the former home of late Darth Vectivus. The now deceased dark lord was once a ruthless businessman turned Sith. She looked around at the ostentatious decor and shook her head. He may have been Sith but he obviously had very little style when it came to interior decorating.
She tried to ignore the tawdry furniture as she closed her eyes to meditate in an attempt to see into the future. She had been having horrible dreams—visions perhaps—of death and destruction on a galactic scale. They were visions that haunted her sleep and kept her awake half the wasn't sure if the evil would come in a physical form of a sentient being or simply by way of a dysfunctional government brutally subjugating the citizens in the galaxy, but whatever it was it would cause much pain and anguish.
"Why do you worry," came a voice from the shadows. She looked over to the corner of the room where the voice originated. She could see the outline of a man, his cowl pulled down far enough to hide his features, if there were features to hide. She knew he was an illusion. A phantom of the dark lord who once resided, grew old and died happily in this home situated deep in the belly of an iron asteroid near the planet Bimmiel.
"I see darkness in the future. Something ruthless and hungry is out there, just out of reach, just out of sight. I have talked with the few surviving Prophets of Dromund Kaas and they also believe a grave threat is on the horizon."
"Why do you believe anything they tell you. Wasn't it you and your late apprentice Carnor Jax that once tried to wipe out their organization?"
She thought about it. "True, they have a healthy dislike for me and may be lying. But I don't think so; they appeared to be just as concerned about their visions as I am."
"If you are Sith, why do you care what evil befalls the galaxy?" the figure asked.
She glared in the phantom's direction. "I know I shouldn't. If something out there brings death and chaos to the galaxy I could theoretically wait until the universe is in shambles and then swoop in to pick up the pieces—to become Empress."
"Then why don't you?" the phantom sounded genuinely curious.
Lumiya gave him a disparaging gesture. "I don't know. Maybe I'm tired of being evil all the time."
The phantom gave a deep chuckle. "So you are going to be a part-time Sith?"
She shook her head and rolled her eyes. "When I trained under Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine it was drilled into me that to achieve order in the galaxy and hold together a government representing thousands of worlds, a Sith Lord would need to rule." She paused for a moment. "Unfortunately, Sith is synonymous with death, destruction and selfish pursuit of power. They have the strength to rule but you soon end up with a situation like Alderaan." She sat up and leaned forward stared at the figure. "You have shown me another way of life. One does not need to be evil to be Sith, and that is what this galaxy will need if they are to survive the next decade—a strong Sith ruler—not a maniacal dictator."
"Then use the power of the combined Force to change things. I have taught you much."
She shook her head as she looked down at her body. "I am more machine than human now. My control of the force is tenuous at best. An intact body is needed to fully control both sides of the Force…especially the darkside." She let out a deep breath. "Besides, my days are numbered. My body is failing and no amount of cybernetic technology can keep me alive forever."
"Then take an apprentice, one that won't be corrupted."
She sneered. "You make it sound easy."
"What about Skywalker?"
She looked up sharply. "What do you know of Skywalker?"
The figure made a snickering sound. "I know you say his name in your sleep…and when you call his name it is not the sharp tone one would take with an enemy who once caused you great bodily harm. No, it is a cry of bittersweet regret, like one would say the name of a long lost lover."
Lumiya's face reddened. He was a phantom, but she didn't like anybody getting into her head. "Skywalker and I were once…on good terms. But I betrayed and tried to kill him, he would never trust me. Anyway he is too corrupted by the light side of the Force. To him the ends never justify the means. He doesn't have the stomach to make the hard decisions."
"A relative of his then?"
Lumiya thought about it. "He has a sister, three sons, a daughter, niece, nephews and…a clone."
"Pick one; one that can be lured not by power, but a desire to bring order to the galaxy."
"Easier said than done, I assure you." A light on her datapad started flashing indicating she received a message. She picked up the device and scrolled through recent messages.
She paused and opened a message from Narko Salienti a high ranking Naval officer from the planet Tof. She had once worked with the Tof in their attack of the planets Trenwyth, Zeltros, and Saijo. Unfortunately, the Tof were too incompetent to press their advantage and they were pushed back to their planet in defeat.
She frowned as she opened the message and read. She sighed as she tossed the datapad down on the couch.
"Bad news?" the phantom asked.
"No, a past ally says he has a job for me that would be to our mutual benefit. He wants to meet on the planet Algara II." She thought about it for a moment. "I know the Tof are in conflict with the Nagai again and are pirating the Chiss. This may be a meeting worth attending and it'll give me a chance to get away from you for a while." She walked over to the room she had commandeered as her bedchamber.
"If you don't like talking to me you can always leave permanently," Darth Vectivus pointed out.
"Unfortunately, this is the best hiding spot I've ever discovered. It is probably the reason why you built your home here—to hide out from the thousands of Jedi from the Old Republic." She threw some clothing into a travel bag. "No," she said slowly, "tolerating the isolation and long conversations with a long dead vainglorious Sith phantom is worth the price of not being discovered and brought to justice."
"Vainglorious? I know I am Sith, but I do have feelings," the voice said curtly.
Lumiya smirked. She never knew when he was being serious or sarcastic. She opted to think that was a flippant comment as she packed her bags and prepared for her rendezvous with the Tof leader.
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Imperial Palace, Coruscant
Jacen Solo stood outside the door of his parents' apartment where he was to meet for a family dinner. He had grown to dislike these get-togethers and he had to steel his nerves for the encounter. It's not that he didn't love his family, he loved them all immensely, but for the last few years his mother's not so subtle hints for him to find a nice girl and settle down had become absolutely depressing. All it did was remind him of his second rate status in Tenel Ka's world. To the Hapan Royalty, to marry a non-royal was considered unthinkable and to marry a non-royal Jediwas equivalent of having a committed relationship with a Kowakian monkey-lizard. The only reason Jedi Tenal Ka was tolerated was she was the granddaughter of the former Queen Mother Ta'a Chume.
It didn't seem to matter that Jacen's mother was once the Princess of Alderaan or that thirty years ago the Hapan monarchy was more than willing to overlook the fact that she was a princess without a kingdom in an attempt to marry her off to a Ta'a Chume's son, Prince Isolder. Unfortunately, any benevolence afforded to the former princess quickly dried up with Leia's rejection of the Prince's wedding proposal and her subsequent marriage to a former spice smuggler. The rejection of the Prince was such a monumental insult to the Hapan aristocracy, that from that day forward the Princess from Alderaan was considered little more than a vagabond war refugee.
Jacen sighed deeply. He was definitely not in the mood for his mother's goodhearted, but misguided meddling tonight, not after having to say goodbye to his family just days ago, but he couldn't avoid his parents forever. He let out a deep breath and pressed the entry chime. After a few seconds his mother answered the door.
"Jacen," Leia said as she gave her son a warm hug and then motioned him into the apartment. "It's so good to have you back. How was your diplomatic mission to Hapes?"
Jacen gave a noncommittal shrug. "I told Tenal Ka of Uncle Luke's plan to align the Jedi order to serve under the Galactic Alliance. She understood why he is doing it, but if she served as a Knight in the Order she would be subordinating herself to the Grand Master and that's not possible for a Queen Mother."
Leia gave a sigh. "I think Luke expected that answer, that's why he sent you to talk to her privately. He didn't want to force her to decide in a public forum."
They moved down the hall to the formal dining room. As Jacen drew near he could hear the laughter of children. "Anakin is here I assume."
Leia's face lit up. "Yes, he and his family are here already. Jaina and the young man she met last year while on that last diplomatic mission to Csilla will be here also."
Jacen stopped trying to remember the man's name. "Jag? He is the nephew of Wedge Antillies, isn't he?"
"Jagged. He is named after Wedge's father Jagged Antillies. He's the son of Syal Antilles and General Baron Soontir Fel," Leia explained.
"He's also an Imperial," Jacen pointed out.
"The Alliance has a treaty with the Imperial Remnant and the Chiss Ascendancy. They have fought with us on countless missions and I trust Jaina's judgment." Leia smiled warmly. "She appears to be somewhat smitten with the young man."
Jacen just smiled back. He knew where this conversation was going. This was the dreadful path to the 'When are you going to marry and give me grandchildren' talk.
They entered the dining area where Jacen was greeted by the loud squeal of happy children as his young nephew and niece jumped out of their seats and decided to latch onto his legs and do their best impersonation of leg shackles.
On his right leg was Jacen's nephew Jos. Seven-year-old Jos Solo had a good mix of his parents features. He had the blond hair of Tahiri Veila Solo, Jedi Knight and Anakin's wife of eight years, and the piercing blue eyes of his father. The young boy also had the Han Solo classic grin that greatly endeared him to his grandfather. On his left leg clung five-year-old Darsha Solo who took after her grandmother Leia. She had dark brown hair, big brown eyes and a smile that always lit up a room.
"Uncle Jacen, we missed you," Jos said happily.
"Me too," said his younger sister. 'Me too' was a such an ubiquitous response from the young girl that Jacen sometimes teased her by calling her 'Me too'Solo.
His grin widened as he reached down and picked the children up in his arms. "I missed you both very much." He looked over to his brother and gave him a genuine smile. "Good to see you Anakin," he looked back and forth to his niece and nephew. "They're getting big."
"They're eating me out of house and home," Jacen's younger brother joked. Anakin smiled widely, a boyish grin that always made him look much younger than his thirty years of age.
Tahiri entered the room holding a couple glasses of juice which she set at the children's place settings. She gave Jacen a warm smile. "I'm so glad you made it Jacen. I heard you were in Hapes. How's Tenel Ka?"
He expected this question. Tahiri, Jacen and his siblings all went to the Jedi Academy with the Queen Mother as children. They all remained very close.
"She's fine," he said. "She sends her regards."
"How's her daughter?" Anakin asked.
'My daughter', Jacen thought glumly. "She's fine." He looked over to Tahiri and noticed something strange. She felt different in the Force. She felt like she did when she was…
"Tahiri, are you…"he paused in mid-sentence not knowing if what he suspected was a secret or not.
She smiled widely and Anakin gave a quick sheepish grin. "Yes, we're pregnant again," she practically giggled as she turned to look at her husband lovingly. "We're seven weeks along." She leaned in and kissed Anakin who gave her a besotted smile as he put his hand lovingly on her belly. She turned back to Jacen. "You're good. You mother hasn't noticed yet."
"Noticed what?" Leia said as she and Han brought out the food to the table.
"Anakin and I are expecting again," she said happily.
Jacen actually jumped when his mother gave out a happy shriek. She put down the food and then went over to Tahiri and gave her a hug. Han went over and gave his youngest son a slap on the back while congratulating Anakin. The two children in Jacen's arms giggled. "We've been keeping this a secret for a week." Jos said.
"That's some secret," Jacen said as he slowly lowered the two children to the ground. Little Darsha looked over to him concerned. Both children were Force-sensitives and were probably picking up Jacen's mixed emotions.
"Aren't you happy, Uncle Jacen?" she asked.
Jacen tightened up his shields. "Of course I'm happy. I'm just surprised." And he was happy; he just wished he had these types of moments with his parents. He walked over and hugged his sister-in-law and then his brother. He stepped back and smiled. "I'm very happy for both of you."
The door chime rang. "That must be Jaina and Jagged," Leia said as she went to answer the door. Han looked at Jacen and gave him a lopsided grin. "When are you going to find yourself a girl, Jacen?"
Jacen fought the urge to roll his eyes or give a pained look of disgust. Every once-in-a-while he considered lying to his father and telling him he wasn't attracted to women. That was sure to end all the "who are you dating now" discussions…at least with his father. His mother would probably switch gears and try to set him up with eligible bachelors under the pretext of 'I just want you to be happy.'
"I'm looking Dad," Jacen lied. "Maybe I should arm myself with a snare gun and lay-in-wait outside a sorority."
His father smiled. "Or you can kidnap one and fly her to Dathomir."
Jacen's smile faltered briefly. Tenel Ka's homeworld was Dathomir. For a second he wondered if his father knew more than he let on or was he simply referring to how he and Jacen's mother finally became engaged to be married. "You wouldn't still have the Hapan Gun of Command?" Jacen asked referring to the mind control weapon his father used to coerce his mother to following him to Dathomir.
"I wish. Then maybe I could worm my way out of political events."
His mother returned with his sister Jaina and her suitor Jagged Fel. Leia obviously told her daughter the good news about the baby, because Jaina rushed over to Tahiri and Anakin giving them a hug and congratulations.
Jagged Fel hung back at the end of the table, but gave the couple a nod and a congratulatory greeting. Jacen couldn't help but notice he maintained his Imperial aura even at an informal family function. He stood spine straight, shoulders back and projecting an air of authority. He was dressed in crisp gray Imperial officer uniform; his silver belt buckle was shined to perfection and his black leather boots were polished to the point that it looked like they were made of black glass.
The situation seemed surreal to Jacen. For decades his family fought against the Imperials, but now he found himself sitting down to dinner with one. And, from what Anakin had told Jacen about the man, he was not an ordinary Imperial. Jag was born and raised in Chiss space where he attended the Chiss Academy as a boy and by the age of eighteen he was promoted to the rank of Colonel and commanded three squadrons of Clawcraft. He rose up the ranks and was now Commander of the Chiss/Imperial Expansionary Defense Fleet.
Jacen sized up the man. He didn't look that impressive. He was of average height and weight, with green eyes and dark hair with a noticeable streak of white hair down one side of his head where he suffered a wound while battling pirates.
Jacen met Jag once at a diplomatic function and found the man aloof and overly formal. Anakin had spent much more time with Jag and was also of the same opinion. In fact, Anakin frequently called him Commander Cardboard and often wondered out loud if Jag had a Gimer or a Swagger stick inserted up his butt. Thankfully, Anakin had the subtlety not say such disparaging remarks in front of Jag or Jaina. Despite his jokes Anakin said he felt Jag was a good match for their sister.
"Please to meet you again, Jag," Jacen said as he walked over and offered the man his hand.
"It's been a while," Fel said with a slight smile. That is all Jacen ever seen him do…half smiles. Jaina, on the other hand, beamed like a woman in love. The fact that she projected such happiness in the Force warmed Jacen's heart. He wanted his twin to be happy and if Commander Cardboard could get such a big smile out of her, then he must be doing something right.
They all sat down to dinner. Most of the meal was uneventful and mercifully Leia did not browbeat Jacen about getting married. Most of the conversation revolved around the new breakout of hostilities between the near human sentient beings called the Nagai and the Tof. Both civilizations lived in the Firefist galaxy, one of the closest satellite galaxies orbiting the main galactic disc. The Nagai had defeated the Tof decades ago, but it appeared the green skinned brutes that are the Tof had had planned a comeback for years and recently decided that now was the time to reclaim their planet and invade Nagi.
Since the two warring parties liked to wander into Chiss space they had become a nuisance. The Nagai attacked Chiss civilian freighters to pirate supplies and weapons. The Tof had also boarded Chiss supply ships, but they were more apt to kidnap the women crew members than to steal supplies.
Jag said he led a strike force to liberate the women captives. When they boarded the Tof pirate ship they were immediately assaulted by a horrid stench. Jag thought the women were killed and left to rot. He soon discovered that was the natural smell of Tof men who never, ever bathed. They thought bathing an unnatural process and a true man carried his scars and his stench as a symbol of his manhood.
"They were the most manly men I have ever met," Jag joked.
Fortunately the women were fine. The Tof were big brutes but highly susceptible to female praise. The highly intelligent Chiss women had them fighting among themselves in order to curry their favor.
According to Jagged Fel, the Chiss and the Imperial Remnant could care less if the Nagai and Tof killed each other off as long as they kept it within the confines of the Firefist Galaxy.
Jacen ate quietly all the time wishing he could have his family here. He would like to show off his little redheaded daughter and share stories with his family, but, unfortunately, that was not to be. And now he probably would go weeks without seeing the two ladies that he loved the most.
He gave an internal sigh. He was a young teen when he first fell in love with Tenel Ka. His adolescent mind couldn't imagine the complexities of Hapan life. He once thought that if Tenel Ka became Queen, then she should be able to do whatever she wanted, but that was not the case. He'd give anything to have a family life like Anakin's.
'Anything,' he thought as he watched his niece and nephew play with their food and laugh happily.
As the dinner wound down Jacen was ready to leave. He wanted to get back to his quarters in the Jedi Temple and leave an encrypted "Goodnight" message for his wife. Unfortunately his father had opened up an expensive bottle of Corellian Whyren's Reservewhiskey and was determined not to drink alone…like that ever stopped him before. Jacen knew his dad just liked the idea of having the entire family at home for dinner and he was determined to draw out the evening.
Han went over to the small stocked bar and poured out four shots. Jacen accepted a glass of whiskey along with his brother and Jagged Fel. The ladies in attendance instead opted to huddle around the kitchen table, talking about Tahiri's pregnancy, and drinking a fruity non-alcoholic beverage his mother favored.
"To the Alliance," Han said while raising his glass. He glanced over to Jag and added. "And our ongoing peace treaty with the Imperial Remnant."
Jag gave a curt nod and clinked his glass against Han's. Anakin took one sip and started coughing. "That's a bit strong Dad."
Jag chugged down his shot with one gulp with not so much as a shudder. He smiled at the men around him while holding up the glass appreciatively. "It's very smooth, General Solo."
Han gave a lopsided grin. "General Solo is so formal and I resigned my commission years ago…please call me Captain Solo."
Jacen almost laughed. Han Solo, hero of the Rebellion, obviously hadn't completely warmed up to the thought of his daughter dating an Imperial.
Jag, to his credit, did not blink an eye. "Of course, Captain Solo." Jag looked over Jacen's shoulder to where Jaina stood talking with Tahiri. "Jaina, I need to report back to my ship in the morning." He turned back to Han. "Captain, I thoroughly enjoyed this dinner and your hospitality, but I need to cut this evening short and get to bed."
Han smiled and shook the man's hand. Jag said his goodbye's and was about to depart when Jaina said she was going to call it a night also. Jag smiled and offered her his arm. "May I escort you out?"
Jaina smiled at his gentlemanly, if not, old fashioned gesture. "I would be delighted."
In the corner of his eye Jacen could see his brother Anakin roll his eyes. If Jag or Jaina noticed they didn't say anything. She waved at the family as she allowed him to escort her down the hall.
As the door closed Anakin broke out in laughter. "It is definitely a Swagger Stick, Jacen."
Han snorted. "More like a Force Pike."
Jacen couldn't help but laugh, but his mother was not amused. "Stop it you two. It's nice that she is going out with a perfect gentleman. He's not like those womanizing, drunken, Rogue pilots that prey on women."
"Like Uncle Luke was?" Anakin said with a grin.
Leia waved him off and turned back to Tahiri. "I don't know how you handle him."
"Very roughly," Anakin joked back.
Leia shook her head ruefully. "Solo men, you're incorrigible."
Han smiled broadly. "And that's why you love us so much."
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Jaina smiled as Jagged Fel escorted her back to her quarters within the palace. He walked with military precision, eyes forward, back straight, his steps falling in a marching rhythm; his uniform was in perfect order, pressed and with sharp creases down the pants and sleeves. He was a poster boy for Imperial military perfection.
He must have felt her eyes on him because he turned to look at her. A half smile graced his lips. "Did you have fun tonight?"
"Yes, I think my father likes you."
Jag gave a soft snort. "I think your father tolerates me. I don't think your brothers like me at all."
She frowned. "Jacen and Anakin? They just think you are overly formal and stiff." They arrived to her door and she punched in the entry code. "Would you like to come in," she asked as the door slid open.
"Yes, thank you."
As the door slid closed behind them, Jagged's nonchalant smile blossomed into a wide grin. He grabbed Jaina up into his arms and pulled her close, burying his head into the crook of her neck and nuzzling a line of kisses from her jaw to collar bone. "Your brothers are right. I am stiff," he said as he pulled her closer and thrust his hips into hers. The evidence of his arousal pushed against the confines of his uniform trousers and against her belly.
She laughed deeply. "They would be shocked if they knew what you're like behind closed doors."
He pulled off his uniform top and tossed it on the ground and then divested himself of his undershirt. Jaina gazed at his naked chest appraisingly and ran a hand down his muscular torso. "As far as I'm concerned they can go on believing I am the stuffy, celibate, Commander Cardboard."
She laughed. "Where did you hear that?"
He smirked. "During a formal function a few weeks ago. Anakin gets a bit loud when he's been drinking." He reached under her tunic and ran his hands up her back. "But I rather not talk about your brothers." He bent down and gave her a passionate kiss as he walked her back toward her bedroom. "I have to report for duty on a Star Destroyer tomorrow morning. So we shouldn't waste time talking," he said before he kissed her again.
She made a nod of agreement without taking her lips from his. He picked her up in his arms and carried her to the bed. He laid her down gently and then quickly tore off the rest of his uniform until he stood before her wearing only his gray Imperial issue boxers. He then snapped to attention and gave her a crisp salute. "Commander Jagged Fel requests permission to board, Ma'am."
She gave him her best sultry look. "Permission granted."