AN: Updated this thang! Losing track of my threads! Thank god I only have one point of view character. Was wondering what you guys would think if I changed the exclusivity Jacen's received and added another POV, and if so who?
For all you lurkers who don't review but read and enjoy the story . . . to quote awful movie dialogue: "(Lurkers) you're breaking my heart!" ... Shit can kill you. I have it on good authority.
READ AND REVIEW PLZ! Constructive criticism welcome!
Reviews pertaining to Chapter 11:
the brown cow: when appropriate I definitely will.
Jedi Master Misty Sman-Esay: Why do you? Jacen's really done nothing to earn your ire! He kills people but they're not good people. "Due Process" is overrated. He is the law! Jacen knows what's best for everyone, remember :).
Lordban: Jagged wouldn't say that! He loves the Solos! Maybe a little less now that Jaina betrayed him and shipwrecked him on Tenupe for eight months… but hell, Fel's are a forgiving clan.
Jacen channels Palpatine? Maybe in terms of Force power but he is far from being as intelligent and clever as TEH MASTAH MANIPULATOR! Mara is safe with him I'm sure :).
Loteva: Well she wanted to talk to him about that, but her discovering Jacen's secret daughter in his bedroom derailed that conversation. Understandably so . I don't think she would react much more harshly, because in the end she can only disagree with him; it's not really her business.
I love writing eleven year old Ben. He doesn't let Jacen get away with the little things. Keeps the old cousin on his toes. As for Jag… well I kept what happened to him at the end of the Dark Nest Trilogy intact. Luke's death did not change his fate. So read below to find out more.
Onimiman: I'm so glad you think so. I find my version of Jacen to be much the one Jacen could have been if certain biased authors hadn't been so heavy handedly imbuing canon with their preferences *cough* Karen *cough* Traviss *cough*. I have a cold in real life atm, no joke :). Troy's the man though. Let's hope I can continue to intrigue you.
SiouxFan: Hehe, good insight. The hypocrisy may well be mentioned below. Don't worry, I might not be a professional author with an editor but I will try to avoid blatant character inconsistencies. Jag's off Tenupe, that's true. But is it an improvement?
As for canon consistency, I find it pretty solid for something written by over a score of authors over decades of time. And while little things might be changed, big things like Vergere's affiliation with Krayt, corroborated by Krayt himself—who had 0 reasons to lie—will probably not be altered.
Jagged snorted, "sorry to disappoint."
"Don't worry, I recover from disappointment quickly," Jacen replied.
Jag smiled lopsidedly, and looked around and then stared at his restraints and back at Jacen.
"Why did you have me captured?" Jagged asked pointedly.
Jacen frowned. "I didn't. Weren't you stranded on Tenupe?"
Jacen's instructions had been pretty straightforward. Hire a reliable crew to go into the Unknown Regions and locate Jagged Fel. Once that was accomplished, he was to be brought to Coruscant. Jagged likely thought himself a prisoner because the restraints that kept him from getting out of the bed. Jacen assumed that the ship's crew had restrained him for their own protection though Jacen could sense that Jagged was not as constrained as he appeared to be.
"You're free to go if you so choose," Jacen explained. "Oh, and if I approach the bed and release you from your remaining bonds, will you stab at me with the makeshift blade hidden in your right hand? I sense you've already cut through one of your restraints…"
Jagged shook his head and sighed, "Damned Jedi!"
Jacen cocked an eyebrow but assumed that Jagged would refrain from attempting to attack him. He approached the medbay cot and loosened the restraints on Jagged's legs first and then the one remained bond on the ace pilot's left arm. The young career soldier pulled himself up and swung his legs over the side of the bed. Rubbing his irritated wrist he focused his attention on Jacen.
"Thanks I guess." Jagged's voice implied a heavy skepticism. "Now what?"
Jacen shook his head. "I wasn't deceiving you. You're free to go. But," as Jacen said the word Jagged nodded with a broad smile—his cynical expectations having been justified, "considering the cost of this expedition, I'd appreciate if you'd lend me your attention for one hour, at the most. If my proposal is not to your liking, you have my word that you are free to disembark and live the remainder of your life, such as it is, as you see fit and free from my interference."
"I remember a time when you're bleeding heart gushed so badly that you would have used the Force to heal a Vong who'd just murdered three innocent children, if he but asked nicely," Jagged pointed out with an exaggerated shake of his head.
"War and hardship has changed us both. Obviously, in me it's been for the better," Jacen acknowledged. "Let me start by asking you if you think all is currently right in the galaxy?"
"I've been a little out of touch, actually," Jagged interjected, rising to his feet and walking to a water dispenser from which he drank greedily.
"Luke Skywalker is dead," Jacen said, informingly.
Jagged stopped drinking, his back straightening, and he all but stood at attention. He did not turn around, but Jacen could sense that Jagged was struck deeply. "He was a great man. I'm sorry to hear that."
"What if I told you that I've seen much of the future and that things are going to get very bad, very soon?" Jacen asked.
Jagged splashed water into his face and brushed some unruly hair out of his face. His shaggy beard, which had grown wild while stranded on the inhospitable jungle planet, made him look far older than he really was. He really did look worse for the wear, Jacen had not been joking about that. And it was no wonder that the crew had kept him restrained. He looked wild and unpredictable.
"I'd counter with a statement and a question," Jagged explained turning around and meeting Jacen's eyes. "Firstly, I'd tell you that I'm no Jedi but I've talked to enough of you to know that the future cannot be reliably seen by your kind 'cause it's not fixed or something. Secondly, I'd ask what that all that has to do with me, even if you're vision is reliable."
Jacen sighed. "The future that I've seen is already in motion to be fulfilled. There's at least one secret Sith group out there in the galaxy, right now, that's gathering strength. And Abeloth is going to break free of her prison within the Maw. It's merely a matter of time. And she's going to be far worse than any one Sith. And Luke is no longer here to stop her. I cannot do it without allies and I do not have the luxury of many friendships…"
Jagged laughed bitterly, "So you decided to rescue a lost soul on a jungle planet in the Unknown Regions because you figured that I too was in the market for some friends or something?"
"I figured you could use a purpose, actually," Jacen retorted still standing perfectly still in front of the bed he had freed Jagged from.
Jagged took two quick steps towards Jacen and stopped right in front of him, fixing him with a glare, "I have a purpose Jacen. I'm going back to Tenupe and killing that shutta Alema and restoring my honor and that of my family."
"You would die. You can't scour a jungle for one slippery dark Jedi who will sense you're presence. It will be your death and it will be a waste. Let me retrieve her for you. Not now, and not tomorrow. But one day when I return to the Unknown Regions. Then, you can kill her without throwing your life away in some foolhardy act," Jacen offered genuinely.
"I'm not going to kill her when you have her helpless and weak. There's no honor in that and it would cheapen me and who I am," Jagged said disgustedly.
Jacen sighed in exasperation. "There are other options. I could take away her connection to the force and you can fight her on even footing, if that would placate you. I don't understand you're convoluted code of honor. But I know that even if you reclaimed your honor in the eyes of the Ascendancy that wouldn't mean you'd receive your commission again, or that your life would be what it was," Jacen said slowly, wanting his words to sink in fully.
Jagged's eyes narrowed, "Perhaps. I'm not looking to wash the stain from my tarnished reputation in hope of a reward, however."
"If you return to Tenupe now, alone, I can only assume that you're looking for something final…" Jacen mused.
"I don't need therapy," Jagged sneered.
"What do you need?" Jacen asked, his tone inviting Jagged to open up.
Jagged laughed, "Once, I thought I needed to do exactly as my commanding officer told me. Once, I thought I needed to help save the galaxy from the Yuuzhan Vong. Once, I thought I needed your sister. Once, I thought the Killiks had to be destroyed because they represented a threat to the Chiss Ascendancy." His voice took on a solemn tone. "I'm not so sure about things anymore."
Jacen nodded gravely. "Perhaps the problem lay with who your commanding officer was. Perhaps the galaxy needs saving from a new threat, just as dire but of an altogether different sort than the Yuuzhan Vong. And perhaps my sister still cares for you. And the Killiks are in fact no longer a threat, thanks in part to your efforts."
"And who would my commanding officer be? You?" Jagged asked, snorting.
Jacen shook his head. "How does Grand Admiral Pellaeon sound?"
Jagged seemed caught off guard. "Grand Admiral Pellaeon has a commission for me?"
Jagged turned around and leaned against the far wall of the medbay.
Jacen nodded. "I contacted him recently. He and I met towards the end of the war. I gained his respect at the time. When I told him about you and your situation he, not I, praised your merits and said that if you had it in yourself to start anew you could do worse than the Imperial Remnant," Jacen explained. "We can use men of his ilk. His words, not mine."
"I don't want hand-outs Jacen," Jagged shot back.
Jacen's voice took on an angry tone. "And he's not offering you the position of Moff or admiral. You are going to be instated as his adjutant, at the rank of lieutenant colonel. You will have to prove yourself to advance further. But it's a life," Jag did not have a sarcastic remark this time. Jacen pressed the advantage: "You are a career soldier Jagged Fel. You were raised by soldiers to be a soldier. War is what you are. If you go to Tenupe and by some miracle succeed in your quest you will have nothing. Your name will be cleared but you will have no one but yourself to share that triumph. What I'm offering you is a life. Something to live for…"
Jagged rapped his knuckles against the wall he was leaning. "But what is in it for you?"
"Honestly?" Jag smiled and nodded, obviously still on the fence regarding Jacen's trustworthiness. "I've set certain plans in motion. The wheels are turning now, and I couldn't stop them if I wanted to. Cal Omas is a good man, and I like him, but he cannot lead the Alliance through the dark times that are coming. It is only a matter of time before a new Chief of State will be elected, and hopefully this one will be more able to do what will have to be done. I will be in a position to directly influence much of what will happen. When the time comes and the threat, that I know is coming, emerges—well I hope I will have in you both a friend and an ally."
Jagged stared at Jacen thoughtfully, "Fair enough."
Jacen sat down on the bed and gave Jag time to think. Several minutes passed in silence, a silence which was only disturbed by Jag's pacing. Finally the man came to a halt. "It's a well-known fact that Pelleaon has not chosen a successor of any kind, or even expressed a preference for someone to succeed him. I assume that hasn't changed in the year that I've been shipwrecked on Tenupe?"
"It has not," Jacen acknowledged.
"And it is in no way your hope that I will rise to the occasion?" Jagged asked, his voice glib.
"Nature abhors a vacuum and you and the Grand Admiral are cut from the same cloth…" Jacen offered.
"I don't know if I should like this new Jacen Solo or if I should be terrified."
"Perhaps neither," Jacen said offhandedly. "Instead, go the Imperial Remnant and start a new life for yourself. And when you and I meet again you can make up your mind then."
Jag took a deep breath and then slowly extended his hand. Jacen clasped it. "I'm glad we could come to an understanding."
"I didn't agree to anything. But I am grateful that you got me off that Force forsaken planet," Jagged said. "We don't part as friends but I harbor no enmity towards you either."
"All I ask is that you don't burn a bridge between us," Jacen explained.
Jag nodded and Jacen turned to the door. Jag followed him out of the medbay. Jacen found the crew of the vessel sitting together in the central room, sitting at a table and eating. Jacen approached the Trandoshan who nodded at him. "How do ten thousand credits sound in return for leaving this planet in the next hour and taking my friend here to Bastion?"
The reptiloid hissed in amusement. "For ten thousand credits I'd take him to Lwhekk."
Jacen nodded and removed a datapad from his pocket, "I'm transferring 5,000 credits now and the rest when my friend contacts me and tells me that he arrived safely."
The trandoshan grinned, showing sharp teeth. "Your lack of trust wounds me."
Jacen turned to Jag. He gave him a nod of respect which Jag returned after a moment's pause. Then he spun on his heel and left the vessel.
When his feet hit the permacrete and he began to put distance between him and the vessel he found himself coming to a sudden abrupt halt. For a moment he thought he felt the presence of someone observing him with malicious intent. Jacen looked behind him and cast his senses outward. He shook his head a moment later and resumed his prior path.
"…and why should we want to incorporate Hutt Space, whereby granting you all the benefits of membership, when our views on this vital issue remain so diametrically opposed?" Cal Omas asked, raising his hand in order to take the sting out of his interruption.
The representative of the Desilijic clan chuckled deeply, seemingly unperturbed by the disruption and launched into a speech in Huttese which the protocol droid translated in real-time: "Slavery is not an obstacle unless the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances makes it one. Slavery has existed in Hutt Space since we first began to record our own history. When the Republic formed twenty-five thousand years ago the Hutt Clans were already in control of a vast cluster of star systems. Slavery was not only an acceptable practice, but one that helped us prosper.
"Furthermore, it has come to our attention that special treatment is accorded certain semi-independent conglomerates within the Alliance. The Chiss Ascendancy is allowed absolute independence in internal and foreign policy. According to our sources they are entitled to declaring war without permission from the Alliance legislature. The Imperial Remnant is not subject to the same military sanctions and limitations that most other members adhere to and is permitted to keep a disproportionately large fleet and army. The Hapes Consortium is permitted similar freedoms while subjecting their males to what is practically slavery."
Jacen cocked an eyebrow at the exaggeration. Cal Omas was also unimpressed by the hyperbole. He was standing straight backed at the podium on the side of the conference chamber that was reserved for the Alliance. An empty space in the large oval chamber separated the GA delegation from the raised dais of the Hutt Council's side of the hall. Three hoversleds were arrayed in a semicircular formation on the Hutt dais, inverted towards the chief of state. The three Hutts upon them were focusing their attention on Cal Omas. Jacen knew that these creatures were not to be underestimated. Between the three of them, they were older than the eight humanoids that stood opposite them combined.
"The Hapes Consortium is a very different issue than the one being discussed. Hapan men can leave if they chose to do so. While they aren't always free to live to their full potential at home, which is in my mind an injustice, they are more than able to immigrate into the greater Alliance and live lives of their own choosing, and they frequently do. Hapan men, due to their good looks, intelligence, and courteous ways are highly successful professionals that are readily employed by many Core World corporations." Jacen knew the Chief of State would never have invested his speech with a subjective undiplomatic comment as he had if the meeting had been on public record. "Your own slaves are not afforded that courtesy. That is, by its very definition, the core principle of slavery: an inability to act on a desire to leave, without suffering legal consequence."
Jacen found himself agreeing. He stood behind the Chief of State and to his right, his arms crossed, standing perfectly still. Robed in a black Jedi robe, he cut a somewhat menacing figure, which was something Cal Omas had not at all been opposed to. Fronting the podium—a step down from the dais that the Alliance's retinue was standing on—were four agents of the Executive Guard. Left of Jacen stood Cha Niathal and Belindi Kalenda. Belindi Kalenda was director of the Galactic Alliance Intelligence Service and Cha Niathal, in her capacity as senior admiral, represented the Navy. The Alliance was well represented. The military, intelligence, the Order, and the government were here in the form of well-known representatives.
This time the Besadii representative spoke. "While the distinction drawn is correct, you cannot deny that you allow member consortiums and hegemonies such as the Chiss certain privileges that could be termed indulgences." Borga the Hutt had endured a period of captivity under the Yuuzhan Vong but managed to survive until being freed.
"I would not say allow is the right word," Cal Omas interjected. Jacen immediately recognized the blunder and Omas likely did was well for he gestured behind his back, out of sight of the Hutts. If they jumped on the implication that the GA had made concessions for the purpose of unification the Hutts position would be strengthened.
Kalenda took a step forward. "While the Chief is certainly correct in remaining intransigent on this issue, he has not given the full reason why. While it is true that many people in the Alliance have moral issues with slavery—especially in light of the recent war in which coral seed implanted slave soldiers were used as cannon fodder by a ruthless foe—there is a more practical reason for our insistence which you may be more inclined to accept as valid."
Jacen was interested to see where Belindi was going and listened closely while keeping his facial expression impassive.
"The GAIS has recently received a string of alarming reports. Highly militant privatized activist groups, primarily based in the Outer Rim, are beginning to speak out vocally against slavery. Their speech is sure to translate into action soon. These groups are not funded or supported by the Alliance, due to their extremist leanings, but there is every indication that they will become increasingly active in the coming decade." Kalenda presented her case eloquently and there was a hint of a threat that Jacen knew the Hutts would pick up on, and maybe even respect.
Cha Niathal took a step forward, next to Cal Omas, signaling her desire to speak. Kalenda took a step back in response. "Along with access to our trade routes and membership exchange rates on tradable goods, the Alliance navy can grant you increased protection form predation by these pseudo-terrorist organizations. Rather than being forced to invest resources into protecting yourselves, you would be accorded the benefit of membership, which of course entails protection by the Alliance military. All we ask are certain cessations."
Borga did the equivalent of bristling, "The cessations you ask for cut to the very core of our society. Hutt Space has not changed drastically in tens of thousands of years," the protocol droid translated. "We cannot agree to terms that would threaten our way of life for fear that such a thing would undermine the foundation upon which the Hutt clan's future rests."
Jacen cleared his throat. Cal Omas turned to him in surprise. "If I might say something, Chief?"
Jacen was not officially a registered speaker.
Cal Omas took a step towards him and met Jacen's eyes. "If you think it would help, by all means," he said quietly. "But if you're unsure I'd rather you leave it to us."
Jacen nodded gravely, and stepped passed Cal Omas who took a step back in surprise at the abrupt motion. Jacen took the Chief of State's place at the podium. The Anjiliac representative laughed deeply when he saw Jacen taking Cal Omas' spot, and Jacen heard him say the word Jedi. Borga turned to her side and swatted him and mumbled something in Huttese that Jacen could not hear. "Don't laugh and talk like that . . . you sound like that pompous fool Jabba and you know what happened to him. His mother strangled that idiot and good riddance," the droid translated oblivious to the fact that he probably should have let that one remain private.
Jacen smiled. "I am glad to see that at least the Besadii Kajidic has forgiven my mother her crime of ending Jabba Desilijic Tiure's life," Jacen said in fluent Huttese. "If I might be so bold as to pose a question to the three noble Hutt lords before me?"
The Hutts were highly vulnerable to flattery. While flattery would not save you if you owed them money it could ingratiate you with them when you were trying to get your way. Speaking to them in their native tongue, which they considered superior to basic, also gained you points with them. Cal Omas had opted to stick to basic for fear that it would lower the Alliance status to bow to the Hutts preferences in all things. The Desilijic Hutt nodded in response to Jacen, taking charge due to Borga's temporary embarrassment after the protocol droid's translation error.
"When humans were still stuck in the core worlds, following the decline of the Rakata Empire… what were the Hutts doing?" Jacen asked.
All three Hutts puffed up pridefully. "We defeated Xim the Despot and ruled an empire larger than any in the galaxy!"
Jacen turned to Cha Niathal who was staring at him questioningly. Jacen nodded reassuringly. "And when humans first put pioneering colonists into sleeper ships and slowly colonized the core worlds… where were you technologically?"
Borga exhaled deeply and smiled broadly. "We ruled Hutt Space even then; a vast portion of the galaxy was and still is ours."
"And if I asked you what was happening thousands of years later when the Jedi Order first formed, or what was occurring in Hutt Space during the Great Hyperspace War, or how the Hutts fared during the Great Sith War, or even one thousand years ago, during the Republic Dark Age... well I think I would get a similar answer each and every time," Jaced mused.
The Anjiliac Hutt spoke up for the first time. "What is your point, Jedi?"
"My point is simple. While humans and," Jacen turned towards Cha Niathal, "other species across the galaxy have advanced, innovated, and grown more powerful, the Hutts have remained stagnant."
The three Hutts huffed in anger, but Jacen continued unperturbed. "I could read you several dissertation theses in the field of Economics that would outline, detail, and categorically attack the institution of slavery on grounds of economical counter-productivity. It comes down to a simple fact: your species had an enormous head start on most of the galaxy, but rather than push your advantage you were content to acquire wealth and buy the luxuries we had to sell, and sell gladly. Rather than change and retain your position as one of the galaxy's foremost species you allowed yourselves to fall behind in pursuit of wealth, luxury, and decadent pleasures."
Cal Omas pulled Jacen back. "I think that's enough."
Jacen nodded respectfully and took his former place. Cal Omas cleared his throat. "I'm sorry for my young bodyguard's passion—"
Omas stopped midsentence because the Hutts were paying him no heed. The three gastropods were busily arguing with one another. Jacen smiled inwardly. Attacking a Hutt's sense of pride was a gamble but it had the potential to pay off handsomely. Cal Omas waited impassively for the three representatives of the Hutt Grand Council to finish deliberating. When Borga finally returned her attention to Omas her facial expression was unreadable.
"Are we correct in assuming that our membership in the Galactic Alliance hinges on this issue?" she asked.
Cal Omas nodded. "It is not within my authority to budge on this matter, no. The Galactic Alliance Senate was all but unanimous in that they voted against the practice of slavery being continued within Hutt Space if you should choose to join the Alliance." Cal Omas inhaled deeply. "I realize that some fringe worlds in the Outer Rim—that are a part of the Alliance—practice slavery or indentured servitude. But Hutt Space, in terms of hegemony, is the largest practitioner of slavery in the galaxy and the most significant purveyor of slavery. As such, the senate is particularly keen on taking advantage of the Hutt Grand Council's expressed interest in membership…"
Borga rotated her large bulbous head to the Desilijic Hutt and cocked her head. The other gastropod inclined his head slightly. Borga returned her focus forward, towards the Chief of State. When she spoke she spoke in Basic, a rare symbol of deference. "In response to your honesty and Jedi Solo's blunt insight we will explain ourselves in the hope of reaching compromise. The Hutts are not what they used to be. Centralized authority is," she paused, presumably searching for the right word," waning. Where once, the Grand Council's decree was law, the Desilijic, Antiliac, and Besadii kajidics are forced to rely on intimidation and fear to . . . browbeat our decrees into general practice. We are not glorified thugs, or at least we have the desire to not be so any longer. Master Solo is right. We are not all we could be, and legitimate business practices and a more centralized government for the Hutts as a whole would be highly beneficial. Membership in the Alliance would be very . . . conducive towards realizing these aima."
Borga chuckled deeply. Jacen was surprised to hear the words she was speaking. He'd never thought that the Hutts would want to change their ways. Considering the hardship they experienced after the Yuuzhan Vong invasion—namely the fact that no one gave a damn what happened to them and even the mercenaries they hired were not reliable—it made sense.
"But if we decree that slavery should end tomorrow," Borga continued, "we will lose all authority. There will be civil war. The three kajidics we represent will be forced to subdue the other kajidics violently and this would cause a large scale loss of life and significant loss of resources." Jacen assumed the resource loss was more tragic in their minds.
Jacen stepped closer to Cha Niathal, which caused Borga to stop in her speech. "Couldn't the Navy insure a smooth transition?" Jacen asked the Mon Calamari quietly.
Cha Niathal frowned, her eyes swiveling to focus on Jacen. "I don't think the Hutts want the Navy in their territory hours after becoming members. First impressions and all…"
Cal Omas cleared his throat in quiet reprimand. Jacen inclined his head respectfully and returned to his place.
"Please continue," Omas said to Borga.
"My offer is this. A compromise: the Hutts stop purchasing and selling slaves at the moment that we sign the treaty. From that point on it will be up to individual kajidic discretion as to what they do with their existing slaves. Some might chose to accelerate transition while others, likely the majority, will stubbornly hold onto the slaves they still possess. Slavery will end within a few generations in Hutt Space. The blow would be less heavy-handed this way," Borga offered.
Cal Omas turned around and started to discuss quietly with Kalenda and Cha Niathal. They argued vigorously for several minutes but Jacen could still hear what they were saying, thanks to the Force. Cal Omas was arguing the merit of a recent operatic performance in Coruscant which Kalenda was disputing based on a particular contralto whose performance was, according to her, utterly lackluster. They were pretending to be overly engrossed in a dispute so that, when they agreed, the Hutts would not try to ask for more.
Jacen stepped closer to the arguing trio. "I would try for one addendum."
Cal Omas nodded, "Which would be?"
"A sort of Alliance-wide charity drive which gathers money from private donations. These donations would go towards the kajidics who retain their slaves for the purpose of freeing them."
Kalenda nodded and Cha Niathal gestured agreement as well. Cal Omas' brow furrowed. "It's worth a try. Although, I'm afraid that if they reject the proposal we will appear desperate if we quickly acquiesce."
"The advantages would be great: galvanizing the Alliance into a more powerful union by giving citizens something to work towards together, while achieving the added bonus of vilifying the Hutts. The Hutts will realize that the Alliance seeing them as abusive slave holders they have to pay off with their hard earner credits is not good for their commercial image. If indeed they want to become more deeply involved in legitimate business they will soon find out that public relations are important. Then they'll free their slaves of their own accord, without any further monetary incentive." Jacen added in a convinced tone.
Cal Omas grinned. "When did you become so politic?"
Jacen shrugged. "My mother must have worn off on me more than I thought."
Cal Omas turned his attention back to the Hutts who were waiting for the Galactic Alliance leaders to finish discussing the matter. "Before the Alliance accepts the compromise we would propose one addendum."
The Hutts looked at one another skeptically but gestured that they were listening.
"Under the terms of treaty," Cal Omas continued, "we would allow for a stipulation which permits the Galactic Alliance to endorse a galaxy-wide charity foundation which would gather private donations. These donations would in turn be used by Alliance liaisons to purchase slaves from Hutts who chose to retain their slaves. The Alliance would then, of course, free these slaves. Thereby, the ending of slavery can accelerated if our citizens are willing to put their money where their mouth is. In turn the Hutts would be compensated for the loss of their property."
The Hutts exchanged a few rumbled words in Huttese and then gestured unilateral agreement. "The Hutt Grand Council accepts these terms," Borga said.
Cal Omas inclined his head, a gesture Borga and the other Hutts returned, and spun on his heel. The guardsmen who had stood below the raised dais stepped back up and briskly marched to either side of the Chief of State. Jacen, Kalenda, and Niathal followed behind. A small smile of satisfaction appeared on Jacen's lips as they filed out of the wide door.
Ben was talking animatedly with his mother via the hotel room's holo-communicator while Jacen allowed his thoughts to drift. The preliminary discussion with the Hutts earlier had gone well and Jacen had been able to exert a good deal of influence over the proceedings, to the almost unnoticeable chagrin of Kalenda. During the prior night the meeting with Jagged Fel had effectively been a success as well. Jag and he had not parted friends but Jag's honor would foster a sense of indebtedness towards Jacen. This sense of indebtedness would either transform into a frustration or, if Jacen played his cards right and treated Jagged with respect and kindness in future dealings, Jagged's sense of obligation might well become friendship.
Jacen took a draft from the incredibly overpriced hotel brandy. He was sitting on a comfortable couch while Ben was still conversing with his mother and telling her about how bad Nal Hutta was, in very descriptive language. Mara was giving him a similar speech Anakin had once received, according to his younger brother, regarding fortitude and forbearance.
Anakin entered his thoughts far too often these days. He wondered how his brother would react to Jacen's actions. Likely clobber him with his lightsaber until the problem was solved. Anakin had been much like Luke in that sense. A problem presents itself; you reach out to said problem and if possible redeem the perpetrator of the problematic situation; if it seems impossible, kill the problem's source. Admittedly that was oftentimes the only way problems could be solved—these days at least. Sure enough, Jacen's end goal wasn't to sit down cross-legged on a grassy meadow across from Abeloth and talk things out. And if he ever did find the dark man from his visions he certainly would not try to resolve his differences with the Sith. Jacen was really in no position to condescend his brother's methods.
He sometimes dimly remembered, as through a thick haze, the person he was before the fateful mission to Myrkr. That Jacen was indecisive and questioned everything. Luke had told him, upon his knighting, when he had returned from Vong-formed Yuuzhan'tar, that he should never stop asking questions. Questions had been both his boon and curse. His inquisitive nature had allowed him to understand the Force better than anyone else. He had learned exotic arts and interpretations of the occult mysteries that no other Jedi had ever learned . . . but so many questions had remained unanswered. Fundamental questions. Questions that gnawed at him from the inside.
He remembered the last time he talked to his brother, or what he assumed to be his brother. Anakin had appeared to him in the Lake of Apparitions. He had been surprised to see his younger brother there. Anakin and he had alternated between loving fraternity and rivalry while Anakin was alive, but he had loved his little brother dearly. He still recalled the look on Anakin's face beyond the shadows. Dismay, sadness, understanding, compassion, and all the things Jacen barely felt for anyone anymore.
The path you've set upon is not one that will end happily. Someone has to do it. And of course you're that someone. If not me then who? You don't even know what you will find in this place . . . yet. Whatever it is, I can overcome it. Jasa, what's the source of your righteous self-confidence? Experience. You've faced hardships that even I can't fully fathom, but that does not endow you with the ability to fight every fight alone. Tears began to form in Jacen's eyes at his brother's sad tone. You've alienated yourself from the people who care about you most. Jaina, Mom, Luke, and Mara… I distress them. They tiptoe around me without really accepting that I'm not the same Jacen anymore. Would that you were… The new Jacen will die young and alone and hated by many. Turn back and smile genuinely at Jaina. Kiss mom for me and give dad a hug. Tell Luke that he was not responsible for my death anymore than he asked the Yuuzhan Vong to invade. Tell Mara that her lessons gave me strength when I needed it most. Give me and yourself some peace. Jacen's tears had flowed freely then. It should have been me. Don't say that. I had a cursed name. I was always the doomed one. Anakin was crying too now. Jacen chuckled brokenly. You could have done the things that I couldn't. Put Vergere's teachings to proper use. Remained in touch with your humanity; united the family. All the things I failed to do. What about the things you "have" achieved. You saved Mom from the Warmaster. You killed the voxyn queen when Jaina gave up. You found Zonama Sekot. And you killed Onimi. The Force chose you when you were on Belkadan. Remember the vision. I have no doubt you could have done it better. See, it's just like old times: we disagree over everything. I have to go on. Whatever SHE is, she is beyond even your skills. If you insist on this path, be careful. Even if they all forget you, I never will little brother.
It occurred to him that Anakin's words were not dissimilar to Anakah's before he had left to join his old comrades in Killik space. She told him she sensed in him all of Luke's power but none of his goodness. That had been long after his journey to Sinkhole Station. Akanah was a fool: a powerful fool but a fool nonetheless. Sitting on her little planet and never intervening in the affairs of the greater galaxy, even when it could use her help.
Jacen blinked in irritation as Ben's hand waved in front of his face. "Yes?"
"Mom wants to talk to you," Ben informed him, grinning deviously. "I think you're in trouble."
"Did you just say you really wanted to do 200 crunches and fifty push-ups before bed?" Before Ben could respond Jacen nodded gravely. "That sounds like an excellent idea. Good initiative, apprentice."
Ben grumbled but lowered himself to the floor and got to work as Jacen stepped over him and sat down in front of the holocom. Mara's face appraised him. "You look better than last time I saw you."
Jacen nodded. "That therapeutic Nal Hutta air. The secret of Hutt longevity. Do you inhale concentrations of it?"
Mara frowned. "Is there a compliment in there somewhere?"
"If there is it must have stage fright." Jacen smiled.
Mara was not in a joking mood. "When are you coming back to Coruscant?"
"Is Allana acting up?" Jacen asked.
Mara raised the little girl into view of the holocom receiver. Allana was the picture of contentedness as she nursed her bottle. "No." Jacen felt warmth spread in his chest when he saw her. "But don't you think it's a little hypocritical of you to hand her off to me, a week after taking her from her mother because she put her queenly duties ahead of her daughter's wellbeing?"
Jacen shook his head vehemently. "The operative word here is wellbeing. I left my daughter with you, a powerful Jedi capable of protecting her form a myriad of threats while seeing to her needs more warmly and lovingly than any droid."
"You're flattering and equivocating," Mara said angrily.
Jacen caught sight of Ben rising and innocently gliding out of the room as innocuously as possible. Short of whistling his young cousin was almost cartoonish in his mannerism. "There's no way that was 200 crunches and fifty push-ups," Jacen said in a reprimanding tone.
Ben groaned and tilted over onto the ground, catching himself with his arms in the appropriate position. The boy immediately began to methodically do push-ups.
"I really am not." Jacen said genuinely to Mara, after returning his attention to her.
Mara fell silent. She remained in thought for some moments; the only sign that the connection was not failing was the gurgling of Allana as Mara fed her formula from her bottle.
"Jacen, I agreed to this because I realized that your duties were putting you into an impossible position a week ago. But this cannot be a permanent solution. I'm not your babysitter and I need to build a life for myself. You're a good master to Ben, but you're doing your duty to the Order, not to me. Allana cannot be our quid quo pro." Mara's words were soothingly spoken, so as to not distress Allana, but her words brooked no argument.
Jacen looked over at Ben who was almost done with his push-ups, struggling valiantly against exhaustion. Jacen extended his hand and pushed downward on Ben slightly. Ben heaved against the resistance it in confusion, groaning angrily, and then collapsed against the floor. He looked over at Jacen who withdrew his hand and smiled innocently. Ben's eyes widened and then he laughed, realizing what had happened. He rose to his feet a little unsteadily. "Well played," he muttered, as he walked into his bedroom.
"You're right of course," Jacen said to Mara. "When I return to Coruscant after the conference concludes I won't be leaving for the foreseeable future, barring unanticipated circumstance."
"And anticipation is what you do best, am I right?" Mara pointed out, mockery audible in her tone.
"Indeed."
"Has Ben gone to bed?" Mara asked, to which Jacen nodded in response. She inhaled deeply signaling the gravity of the ensuing conversation. "I think we should talk about the kiss…"