Chapter 6: Siblings
"I can't erase it, from my mind
I just replay it, love
Think of it all the time"
"I never expected it to be you."
Kylo Ren advanced closer to Jaina, his cross-guarded red lightsaber still ignited. He could sense her fear palpably, visible in her trembling form and strained breaths. She attempted to move, but the Force held her firmly in place. "The droid..." His lightsaber hovered dangerously close to her cheek, his voice a low growl. "Where is it?"
Jaina's eyes fixated on the menacing weapon, her voice trembling with fear. "I... I don't know what you're talking about," she stammered, tears welling in her eyes. She couldn't afford to give him any information, no matter how terrifying he seemed. "Please."
"It is unwise to lie to me. I won't ask again." Ren extended his hand, using the Force to delve into her mind. Jaina winced in agony as the invasion pierced her consciousness, causing intense pain. Never before had she experienced such excruciating torment. "You've glimpsed the map to Skywalker. Reveal the rest to me," Ren demanded, his voice commanding and filled with authority. Interrupted by a Stormtrooper's report of The Resistance's arrival, Ren's expression darkened. "Order the division to retreat. The droid is irrelevant now. We have what we came for," he commanded, his tone brooking no argument. Using the Force, he swiftly rendered the girl unconscious and lifted her into his arms. Accompanied by his troops, he made his way back to the castle and boarded his personal shuttle. As they departed, all the First Order forces followed suit, retreating to their base, the Starkiller Base. Meanwhile, the Resistance also withdrew to their own stronghold. Throughout the journey, he kept a close eye on the unconscious form of Jaina, his thoughts consumed by the familial connection between them. Sister.
Startled awake, Jaina's eyes snapped open to find herself in a dimly lit room, her wrists bound by restraints. Her gaze settled on the figure seated nearby, his presence sending a shiver down her spine. "Where am I?" she managed to voice, her tone trembling with uncertainty.
"Aboard Starkiller Base. You're my guest," he replied, his gaze piercing through his mask as he observed her closely. There was unfinished business between them, a fact he couldn't ignore. "I can sense your fear as well as your rage - you want to kill me."
"That's what happens when there's a monster standing right in front of you," Jaina retorted, her voice tinged with both fear and curiosity. She couldn't have anticipated what was about to unfold.
Kylo Ren scoffed, rising from his seat to stand over her, his imposing figure casting a shadow. "Maybe this will change your mind about me," he remarked cryptically. With deliberate movements, he reached up and removed his mask, revealing the face beneath it. It was Ben. Her brother.
Jaina's breath caught in her throat as she gasped at the revelation. She couldn't fathom that he had been the one behind all the recent chaos and destruction in the past few years. He looked largely the same, except for the fact that he had grown taller. Her gaze remained fixed on his eyes, which now seemed cold and empty, a stark contrast to the warmth she remembered. "This... isn't... happening..." she whispered, unable to fully grasp the reality of the situation.
"Your eyes do not deceive you. While I no longer bear the name Ben Solo, I assure you, it's me. The person you knew as Ben Solo, I eradicated him for good. He was weak," Ren spat with venomous disdain, his voice filled with hatred for his former self. From the look on Jaina's face, he could tell his words struck a nerve, eliciting a twisted satisfaction from him. "Just like his father. And sister."
"Don't you dare insult either of them!" Her fear transformed into burning anger, causing the room to tremble with the intensity of her emotions. However, the rage building up within her wasn't strong enough to release her from the restraints keeping her in place. "They're not weak! And neither am I. You're wrong about them, about me..." Jaina averted her gaze away from him, determined to restrain the tears threatening to fall. "I'm going to save you. You'll see," she declared with unwavering resolve.
A grimace spread across the Knight of Ren's face, finding her remark amusing. "You'll be dead long before you can succeed with that plan," he retorted, his gaze burning into his sister. "No more wasting time. You will tell me about the droid you were traveling with, Jaina. I warn you again - it is unwise to lie to me."
Jaina still refused to look at him, shaking her head when he asked about BB-8. She knew exactly why he wanted to get his hands on the map to Luke. "How do you even know about it? The map?"
"Our old friend, Dameron."
That grabbed her attention. She immediately thought of Finn - that's why he had rescued Poe in the first place.
"He told me after I tortured him for hours on end. It was quite...easy, you see. I can still hear his screams echoing in my head," Ren said, closing his eyes momentarily, recalling the event with satisfaction. He returned to his task at hand. "The map - I know it is only a section of it. We have the rest, recovered from the archives of the Empire. He's carrying the last piece. And I am more than certain you've managed to convince it to show it to you. Now, you will show it to me." He inched closer to her, a hand reaching out towards her face, bringing back the agonizing pain from earlier as he attempted to search her mind for what he desperately needed. Despite the excruciating pain coursing through her, Jaina summoned every ounce of her willpower to resist his probing. She clenched her teeth, beads of sweat forming on her forehead as she struggled against the invasive assault on her mind. Her thoughts raced, desperately seeking refuge from his relentless intrusion.
"Your mind is crowded with memories of the past, moments you mistakenly believe were happy," he sneered, a look of disdain crossing his features as he glimpsed his former self in her recollections. "Hmm. I sense your emotions, your fear most prominently. The fear of being left alone—utterly alone, knowing everyone you care about is gone." His lips curled into a small, satisfied grin as he moved his hands closer to Jaina's face, delving deeper into her mind and inflicting more pain.
"Get out of my head!" Jaina growled, her voice strained with determination. But her defiance only seemed to provoke Ren further. "I won't give you anything. You won't break me...not easily," she asserted, meeting his intense gaze with her own unwavering stare. As Ren attempted to delve deeper into her mind, he began to feel a shift in the balance of power. Suddenly, it was Jaina who was penetrating his thoughts, sensing his own vulnerabilities. "And you," she taunted, her voice laced with newfound confidence and smirking, "You fear that you'll never live up to the legacy of our grandfather, Vader."
Ren's growl echoed in the room as he withdrew his hand, stepping back in confusion and frustration. He had not anticipated Jaina's ability to breach his mind so effortlessly. It was a stark reminder of her latent power in the Force, a strength that seemed to rival, if not surpass, his own. How had she become this formidable without any formal training to unlock her full potential? These questions swirled in his mind, leaving him unsettled and questioning his own abilities. His sister's unexpected strength was a revelation that sparked both fear and uncertainty within him. Jaina herself appeared taken aback by her newfound capability.
He turned on his heel, storming away in anger. Before leaving, he gave a stern order to a nearby Stormtrooper, instructing him to keep a close watch on Jaina to prevent any escape attempts. With that, he departed, grumbling to himself as he went.
Jaina stayed bound to the interrogation table, grateful for the temporary respite. Her mind raced, attempting to make sense of the recent tumultuous events. She couldn't shake off the astonishment of her newfound strength, wondering if her sudden surge of power stemmed from tapping into her anger to outwit Ben. However, despite the relief, a sense of uncertainty lingered within her. Now faced with the challenge of freeing herself from her restraints, Jaina contemplated whether the Force could aid her in this dire situation.
Perhaps the Force wasn't capable of freeing her from the restraints, but Jaina considered that perhaps someone else could help. She recalled the Stormtrooper who had been assigned to stand guard over her. It seemed worth attempting to persuade him. "Hey. Over here!" Jaina called out to the Stormtrooper.
The trooper, reacting to her call, grunted and approached her. "Quiet, scum. Kylo Ren ordered me to keep a close eye on you. That means you stay silent while I'm on duty," he grumbled.
Undeterred, Jaina focused her gaze on him. "You will release these restraints and allow me to move freely," she stated firmly.
"I'll tighten these restraints and ensure you don't escape," the Stormtrooper countered, lifting his hand and delivering a harsh slap to her face. The impact split her lip, drawing blood almost immediately.
Jaina winced at the sharp pain, but she remained determined. "You will remove these restraints and let me go," she repeated, her voice firm despite the injury.
The Stormtrooper scoffed, clearly still unimpressed. "Don't make me do it again!" he retorted, raising his hand threateningly once more.
But Jaina didn't back down. She locked eyes with him, channeling her willpower through the Force. "You will remove these restraints and let me go," she repeated with a strong emphasis, using the Force to influence his mind.
The Stormtrooper's expression shifted slightly, a moment of confusion passing over his face. "I will remove these restraints and let you go." He reached for the restraints and undid them, allowing Jaina to move freely.
"Good man." she said quickly, seizing the opportunity to escape while the Stormtrooper was still under the influence of her suggestion. As she made her way out, she spotted her belongings still neatly packed inside the sack bag. Her blaster pistol and stun pistol lay next to it, ready to be used in case she encountered any more Stormtroopers patrolling the area. "I need to move fast before he returns and realizes I've escaped," Jaina muttered to herself, grabbing her weapons and the bag before hurrying out of the interrogation room.
The vastness of the Starkiller Base made it easy for Jaina to feel lost, but she relied on the Force and the inner voice guiding her to find her way to safety. She was certain that both the Resistance and Han were already mobilizing for a rescue mission. After what felt like an eternity of navigating the base's corridors, she unexpectedly ran into three familiar figures, briefly mistaking them for enemies before recognizing them.
"Dad! Finn! Chewie!" Jaina exclaimed, her relief evident as she hurried toward them.
Han, visibly relieved to see her safe, quickly closed the distance and enveloped her in a gentle embrace. He had been fraught with worry, especially after Finn reported seeing her being taken aboard a shuttle. "Are you alright, princess? When Finn told me he saw you being taken, I was more scared than when you left home."
Chewbacca roared his agreement with Han, expressing his own worry upon learning about the day Jaina had left.
"I'm fine, really," Jaina reassured her father, her voice tinged with concern as she spoke about Ben's transformation into Kylo Ren.
Han nodded solemnly, acknowledging the sorrow in his daughter's voice. "Your mother and I have known about Ben becoming Kylo Ren," he admitted, offering Jaina a sad smile. "Are you sure you're okay?"
Finn stepped forward, unable to contain his concern as he wrapped Jaina in a hug. Like Han, he had feared the worst when she had been taken. "Did he hurt you, Jaina? Is he the one responsible for this?" he asked, gesturing to her busted lip, now dried with blood. "If he did, I'll—"
Jaina chuckled softly, appreciating Finn's protective nature. "No, it wasn't him. A Stormtrooper was the one who did this," she explained, referring to the slap across her face, "I attempted to use the Force to persuade him to release me - The initial two efforts were unsuccessful. It was only when I delved deep into my Force abilities that I succeeded. While I've always sensed my strength in the Force, I've never received formal training on how to harness it."
Finn listened intently, his concern evident in his expression. "That's incredible, Jaina," he remarked, admiration shining in his eyes. "Using the Force like that, especially without formal training, shows just how strong you are."
"Thank you," Jaina said with a smile, then turned to Han. "I'm sure you had a plan coming here. Otherwise, you wouldn't be here."
"Even without a plan, Jaina, you know I wouldn't hesitate to come for you. And the same goes for your mother, Chewie, and even Finn here. He's come up with a great plan. But now's not the time for details; let's get moving." Han held his daughter's hand, but Finn interrupted.
"W-Wait, Jaina. There's something you should know," Finn's next words held great significance, "Poe is alive. He's alive..."
Jaina's eyes widened in disbelief and joy at Finn's words. "Poe's alive?" she exclaimed, a surge of hope coursing through her. She glanced at Han, who nodded with a reassuring smile. "What are we waiting for? Let's get on with Finn's plan," she declared, determination clear in her voice. He's alive. Poe Dameron, I thought I'd lost you. "W-Wait!"
Han sensed Jaina's pause and urged her to talk while they walked. As they continued their path, Jaina asked about her mother's well-being.
"How's mom? I haven't seen her yet - is she doing well?" Jaina's concern for Leia was evident in her voice.
"Your mother's holding up, given everything. Her priority's getting you back safe," Han confirmed, urgency coloring his voice as he monitored the commlink chatter. The situation outside wasn't looking good; the Resistance was taking heavy losses as they fought the First Order, waiting for the shield generators to be taken care of. Chewbacca's concerned roar signaled incoming Stormtroopers.
"Let's deal with them," Han said decisively, readying himself for the impending confrontation. He, along side Chewbacca, managed to take all three troopers, "Now with that taken care of, and come to think of it," He looks towards his partner, "I recall you have a bag of explosives. A brilliant idea came to mind. Jaina, Finn. I need you to get to higher ground. Chewie and I will plant the explosives around - just have to get to the oscillator structure."
Finn indicated the hallway behind Han, "It's down that way. I'll keep her safe till you get back."
Jaina chuckled, "Or maybe I'll keep us both safe. But thanks, Finn. Your courage means a lot," she said gratefully before focusing on Han and Chewbacca. A sense of unease crept over her, a vague but insistent feeling of danger that she couldn't quite pinpoint. "Be careful, please. Don't take any unnecessary risks," she urged, her worry evident in her voice.
Han smiled at her concern, reminiscent of the times when she'd worry about his smuggling ventures. He pulled her into a comforting hug, reassuring her, "You know me, always finding a way out. Your concern means the world, though."
"Dad, I really mean it. Stay safe - something feels off," she insisted, a knot of worry tightening in her stomach.
"You'll see, Jaina. Now go ahead - Chewie and I will catch up with you there," Han said with a reassuring smile.
Jaina looks to Chewbacca, almost as if speaking through her eyes and saying Take care of him and keep him out of trouble. "Let's go Finn." She grabbed hold of his hand as they head off in the opposite direction as the other two. They found a set of long stairs, making their way up them to the highest level possible. There was an opening that led to the outside, where the cold air and a couple sprinkles of snow made its way inside. Jaina began to pace back and forth on the walkway below her feet, the worry still evidently surrounding her.
Finn noticed Jaina's unease. "Jaina, what's troubling you?" he inquired, his expression filled with concern.
"I don't know, Finn. It's just this ominous feeling, like something dreadful is on the horizon," Jaina replied, her worry palpable.
"Is it about your dad?" Finn pressed, trying to understand.
"I can't say for sure. It's like when I hugged him, this sense of dread washed over me," she explained, frustration edging into her voice. The longer they waited for Han and Chewbacca, the more unsettled Jaina became. Suddenly, her mind was clouded by a disturbing vision, reminiscent of nightmares she'd experienced since childhood. However, the vision was distorted, with only a glimpse of a red lightsaber, likely Kylo Ren's, piercing an unidentified figure. The figure appeared to be male, but the details were unclear. The sight shook her so much that she almost stumbled, but Finn was quick to catch her before she could fall.
He reached out to Jaina, pulling her gently back into the present as her mind seemed to wander into a troubled place. He reassured her, "Jaina, you're okay. Just take a deep breath. Everything's going to work out. Once Han and Chewie finish what they're doing, we'll reunite with your mom. Focus on that. Imagine her joy when she sees you safe and sound."
Jaina's words were heavy with concern as she struggled to regain her composure. "Finn, he's killed someone."
"Who killed who?" Finn inquired, trying to clarify the situation.
"Ben, my brother. That was his lightsaber I saw in my vision just now. But I couldn't see who he..." Her voice trailed off as a sudden realization dawned on her. "It was either you or..." Jaina's focus shifted as she heard her father call out Ben's name. She hurried towards the railing, leaning over it to catch sight of the figures on the catwalk below. One was her father, and the other was her brother.
Jaina watched them talking, her curiosity piqued about what Han might be saying to Ben. Closing her eyes, she concentrated, attempting to tap into her Force abilities to eavesdrop on the conversation happening far below. As she focused, the voice within her seemed to merge with her Force powers. Suddenly, it felt like she was floating down toward the catwalk, witnessing the scene through some unknown perspective while her physical body remained with Finn at the upper levels. The closer she drifted towards them, the clearer the voices of both Ben and Han became.
By this point, Ben had taken off his mask, likely at their father's request. "I feel so torn, like I'm being ripped apart. I just want this pain to end," he confessed, his voice heavy with emotion. He gazes at his father, tears welling up in his eyes, on the verge of spilling over. "I understand what I must do, but I don't know if I have the strength to do it. Will you... will you help me, Dad?"
Han's voice carried a mix of sadness and determination as he responded, "Yes, of course, son. I'll help you in any way I can." His surprise grew as he watched Ben reach for his lightsaber, the tension palpable in the air as he extended it towards Han. Neither Han nor Jaina had anticipated this turn of events. Time seemed to stretch as they stood there, the room growing darker as the moonlight vanished, casting a shadow over them all. A smile tugged at the corners of the smuggler's mouth as he reached out with his own hand, attempting to take hold of the weapon extended to him by his son.
Ben's eyes darkened once again as he ignited his lightsaber, plunging it into his father's chest. "Thank you," he whispered, a chilling contrast to the horrific act. The connection Jaina had to her entity snapped, and she returned to her own body with a scream of pain that shook the room. Finn was startled by the unfolding tragedy and the sudden violent tremors.
The vision had become a cruel reality - Han murdered, a victim of his own son's betrayal. Jaina collapsed to her knees, consumed by overwhelming grief at the loss of her father. Han's body slipped from the catwalk, disappearing into the depths below. Chewbacca's mournful roar filled the air as he fired a shot from his crossbow at Ben, striking him in the left hip. Ben, or Kylo, cried out in pain and shock, staggered by the unexpected attack. Chewbacca, fueled by rage and grief, turned his attention to the approaching Stormtroopers, ready to defend himself and avenge Han. He sets off the explosions shortly afterwards, creating chaos and destruction within the structure.
Ren surveyed the area, searching for the source of the explosions. However, his attention was drawn to his sister and Finn standing above. The blasts, coupled with Jaina's emotional turmoil, triggered the structure's collapse. "Jaina, we need to get out of here!" Finn implored, firing at approaching Stormtroopers. "Jaina, come on!"
The scene was chaotic and tense as Jaina locked eyes with Ren, who had recovered by this time, was making way towards them with his lightsaber ignited. Her tears blurred her vision, but beneath the grief and sadness, anger simmered. With a fierce scream, she channeled the Force into shock waves that sent Stormtroopers flying. Ren shielded himself with his own Force abilities, preventing himself from falling off the collapsing catwalk. Indeed, the chaos caused by Jaina's powerful Force shock waves created a brief window for them to try and escape.
Finn, exerting force to pull Jaina along, guided them through the snowy forest toward the Falcon. He was keenly aware of her emotional state but urgency demanded their focus, "This way, Jaina! Keep moving!"
However, Jaina's exhaustion and the impending danger weighed heavily on her. "We can't outrun..." She paused to catch her breath, sensing the approaching threat, "He's close." Suddenly, she halted, extending her hand to prevent Finn from moving forward.
Ren locates them and activates his lightsaber. "This isn't over," he declares.
"You're a monster, Ben!" Jaina's voice drips with anger and tears. "How could you do this?!"
"It was simple, Jaina. Can you imagine how long I've waited for that moment? A lifetime." Ren's words aimed to provoke, and they succeeded, especially when he added, "It's just us now. Han Solo won't be coming to save you this time."
"You know deep down that those words aren't genuine. The true Ben would never have committed such acts," Jaina stated firmly, positioning herself in front of Finn as a shield. She couldn't bear the thought of anything happening to him. If she couldn't protect Han, then she was determined to make up for it now. "Finn, trust me on this. Let me handle it. I couldn't forgive myself if anything happened to you," she urged.
"Jaina, I need to tell you something important," Finn began, but his words were cut short as he was forcefully pulled away from her. He was now suspended in the air, brought before Kylo Ren, his feet hovering above the snowy ground.
"Finn!" Jaina exclaimed, extending her own Force powers in an attempt to intervene. She understood she couldn't match Ren's strength, yet she had to try. "Release him, he's not involved in this!" Her fear for Finn's safety was palpable in her voice.
"You, friends with a traitor?" Ren taunted their bond, focusing his attention on Finn. He understood that dealing with Finn first would clear his path to confront Jaina, as per Snoke's instructions. "Don't fret. I won't harm him - too severely." With a gesture, Ren flung Finn back, crashing into a tree and rendering him unconscious.
Jaina cries out his name again, rushing toward the spot where Finn's body landed. She kneels beside him, checking his condition. He still breathes, but he lays motionless, "Finn, I'm deeply sorry. This is my doing - I've pulled you into this chaos." She takes his hand, holding it firmly, then gently kisses the back of it, "I'll ensure our safe return. I promise."
As his sister attends to Finn, Ren spots a gleaming object that fell from the traitor's pocket. Examining it closely, he recognizes its significance: the lightsaber of his grandfather before he became Darth Vader. Anakin Skywalker's lightsaber, and once also held by their uncle Luke once upon a time. A cherished relic he had yearned for for years. With a hand, he calls upon the Force to summon the lightsaber towards him. The lightsaber vibrates in the snow. He gestures, increasing his power.
The lightsaber finally dislodges, hurtling toward him before swiftly passing by. Ren narrowly avoids it, pivoting to witness it land securely in Jaina's grasp, a testament to her quick reaction in summoning the weapon when he wasn't vigilant. Both of them appear taken aback, but Ren's surprise is palpable, confronted with his sister's unexpected display of power. "The lightsaber - it belongs to me, Jaina. You'll hand it over, now."
"You'll have to take it from me, Ben," Jaina retorted courageously, igniting the blue blade. With determination blazing in her eyes, she lunged at him and delivered a powerful swing. Ren swiftly moved to defend himself, visibly shaken by her overwhelming strength, especially considering her lack of experience wielding a lightsaber. Their duel unfolds amidst the snowy forest, the clash of blue and red lightsabers creating a stark contrast against the white landscape. Jaina's initial burst of strength surprises Ren, matching him blow for blow for several strikes. However, he soon gathers his resolve and taps into his own power, eventually regaining the upper hand and overpowering her in the intense battle.
Ren advances aggressively, driving Jaina back with each strike, pushing her to the edge of a cliff just as everything seems to be falling apart around them. With a powerful blow, he nearly sends her tumbling over, holding her teetering on the brink. "You're out of your depth, Jaina. You need guidance, training. The Force is overwhelming you," he declares, sensing her struggle to control her newfound power, "I can teach you the path of the Force, the way you were destined to learn long ago."
Jaina, now taking the defensive stance, manages to block his saber. His offer is tempting, but the memory of her father's murder by his hand keeps her resolve strong. She takes a moment, closing her eyes to draw upon the entity's strength within her once more. Their Force energies meld, granting her newfound focus and power. When she opens her eyes, determination shines in them as she unleashes a swift and forceful strike that catches Ren off guard, sending him tumbling backward.
Caught off guard by Jaina's relentless assault fueled by anger, Ren struggles to defend himself. Her strikes hit home, knocking his lightsaber out of his hand and leaving a deep slash across his chest, eliciting a pained groan. Despite his injuries, he tries to retaliate by reaching for his lightsaber and swinging, but Jaina's agility allows her to dodge his attacks and land another blow, this time stabbing his shoulder with the tip of her lightsaber. Ren groans again, summoning his remaining strength to keep fighting.
In a desperate close-quarters struggle, Jaina and Ren lock wrists, each trying to overpower the other. With a surge of determination, Jaina breaks free and delivers a devastating slash across Ren's face, leaving a deep, open gash. Standing over him, she catches her breath, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. Despite her anger and the urge for revenge, she hesitates, realizing that beneath the mask of Kylo Ren lies her brother. Taking a deep breath, she lowers her lightsaber, choosing mercy over vengeance.
The ground quakes and then splits, creating a wide chasm that separates Jaina and Ren. They lock eyes for a poignant moment, the rift now a tangible symbol of their fractured bond. But Jaina's focus shifts swiftly back to Finn, whose motionless form tugs at her heartstrings. She scoops him up, cradling him gently as tears blur her vision. As snowflakes dance around them, a profound sorrow grips her. Here they are, stranded and facing impending doom. The environment mirrors her turmoil, with trees crashing down in the nearby chaos. Yet, amidst this bleakness, a sudden brilliance catches her eye, offering a glimmer of hope.
The Millennium Falcon emerges into view, a beacon of hope amidst the chaos. Jaina's expression shifts from despair to relief as she spots the ship. Chewbacca's roar from the cockpit signals their rescue, and he hurries down the ramp to assist Jaina with Finn. Together, they carefully carry him aboard and settle him on a cot for medical attention. As Chewbacca takes the controls, the Falcon lifts off just in time. They watch from the cockpit as the planet implodes and disappears, leaving only a void in its wake. Jaina can't help but feel a mix of emotions—relief at their escape, sorrow for the loss of her father, and anger for the actions committed by her brother.
The weight of loss settled heavily on Jaina as she contemplated the upcoming reunion with her mother, Leia. She knew that Leia, attuned to the Force as she was, would have sensed Han's passing the moment it happened. Jaina curled up, hugging her legs tightly to her chest as tears streamed down her cheeks. It felt like she had just reunited with her father, only to have him ripped away again, this time for good. Chewbacca's comforting gesture spoke volumes to Jaina, reminding her of the bond they shared since she was a young child. His reassuring touch and comforting roar were like a balm to her sorrowful heart, offering solace in the midst of overwhelming grief. But she kept her gaze downward, which only intensified her sobs.
The voyage to the Resistance Base on D'Qar seemed interminable to her, but they finally landed. However, Jaina lingered in her seat even after Chewbacca informed her of their arrival. "I'd prefer to stay here alone, if that's alright, Chewie. Please, just ensure Finn receives medical care." Her voice trembled as she spoke. Respecting her wishes, Chewbacca exited the Falcon, carrying Finn's unconscious form down the ramp and toward the medical bay unit. The memory of Han's death kept looping in her mind, intensifying her anguish. "It's all my fault...It's all my fault he died. I'm so sorry dad."
"It's not on you, Jaina, dear," came a soothing, familiar voice that drew Jaina's attention upward. It was Leia, her mother. Overwhelmed, Jaina stood abruptly and rushed into Leia's embrace, her tears flowing freely. Leia held her daughter tightly, offering silent comfort in the face of overwhelming grief. She spoke soothing words, reminding Jaina of the love that surrounded her despite the pain, "None of this is your burden to bear. Your father was aware of the risks, even as he faced them," Leia reassured Jaina, her voice calm and reassuring amidst the turmoil of emotions.
"But I feel like I could've done something, Mom. I..."
"No, Jaina. We both know there's nothing you could've done to prevent his death," the Resistance General replied softly, her hand finding its way to the back of her daughter's head. She gave it a few gentle strokes in an effort to calm her down, "It brings me immense joy to have you here with me again. You can't imagine how much I've missed you all these years," she said, her voice filled with emotion, "We've suffered the loss of your father, which pains me deeply. But that pain pales in comparison to the agony it would have been if I'd lost you too," Leia expressed, her eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation.
"It's unfathomable that Ben would do such a thing," Jaina sobbed, her hold on her mother tightening as she spoke. The memory of their confrontation replayed in her mind, especially the moment when she had considered killing him in anger. "And Mom, I...I've finally tapped into my Force powers. That's the only reason I could stand up to him," she admitted, her voice wavering with emotion.
Leia's smile widened at Jaina's revelation, understanding the deep-seated desire her daughter had always harbored to be like Ben and Luke. "That's wonderful news, sweetheart. I always had faith that you would unlock your powers someday; it was just a matter of time," she said, her voice filled with pride and warmth. "You've grown into a strong, resilient young woman, Jaina. I'm proud of you."
"But I need to share something with you, Mom," Jaina paused to gather her thoughts, her voice wavering, "During my confrontation with Ben, I had a moment where I... I entertained thoughts of killing him." She took a deep breath before continuing, "I stopped myself when I realized that beneath all that darkness and rage, my brother is still in there. That realization prompted a change of heart. But, Mom," She broke away from their embrace to meet Leia's gaze, "Does that make me a bad person?"
"No, Jaina, it doesn't make you a bad person," Leia assured her gently, her eyes full of understanding. "We all have moments of darkness and anger, especially when faced with such intense situations. What's important is that you recognized that instinct and chose a different path. You showed compassion and restraint, which is a testament to the goodness in your heart. It's okay to feel conflicted and angry, but it's how we act upon those emotions that truly defines us." She placed a comforting hand on Jaina's shoulder, offering her support and understanding.
Jaina let out a sigh, feeling somewhat better than she did a few moments ago, although the weight of her emotions still lingered. Despite this, her determination remained strong as she voiced her goal, "I still want to save him. As guilty as I feel for almost taking drastic action, he's my brother, and I won't rest until I bring him back home. I promise you, Mom." She reached down to hold her mother's hands, a small but genuine smile appearing on her lips.
Leia had no doubt about Jaina's determination. She remembered how focused her daughter had been since learning about Ben's fall. Reflecting on the devastation Jaina had felt, even denying the truth at first, Leia spoke reassuringly, "I believe in you, sweetheart. And I promise to support you in every possible way I can."
Jaina expressed her gratitude with a nod and a soft smile. Her eyes wandered, landing on the golden dice hanging above the pilot's seat - Han's seat. Memories surged back, from the yearly family trips to Corellia, to the occasional visits to Naboo, where she had learned about her grandmother's past as the Queen of the planet. "Do you think we can arrange a funeral for Dad? He deserves one," Jaina asked, her voice tinged with emotion. "It would be fitting, don't you think? And I believe we should send his body to Corellia, his home planet."
Leia warmly agreed with Jaina's suggestion. "I couldn't agree more, darling. Don't worry, I'll handle all the arrangements. Now," Leia gestured toward the exit, "Let's head in. Everyone has been eagerly awaiting your return. They're just as relieved as I am to see you safe. Welcome home, Jaina," she added, gently brushing her daughter's cheek with her thumb.
"Okay," Jaina nodded softly, leading the way down the ramp. Leia followed closely behind, their hands intertwined. As they entered the Resistance base, they were met with a wave of condolences from the gathered patrons. Though emotional, Jaina tried to maintain her composure, knowing there would be time for grief later. However, one person in the crowd caught her attention immediately. Someone she had recently learned was alive. "I'll be right back," she told Leia before making her way through the crowd.
Jaina excused herself before making her way towards them, her heart pounding nervously in her chest. "Poe Dameron. So, the rumors of your resurrection are true," she teased lightly, trying to ease the tension.
Poe returned a tired smile. "Jaina. It's... really good to see you," he said, his tone reflecting the somber mood surrounding them. "I'm sorry about your dad. He was a remarkable man."
"Thank you, Poe. Your words mean a lot," Jaina replied, touched by his sentiment.
"Can I offer you a hug? You seem like you could use one," Poe asked gently.
Their embrace was a moment of solace amidst the turmoil. Jaina felt a sense of comfort in Poe's arms, as if the weight of her grief was temporarily lifted. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, grateful for the support and understanding from someone who had also endured the loss of a parent - in his case, both. They remained like this for a full minute, in silence.
Poe mentioned, as they separated, "I haven't forgotten about that kiss, you know." He observed her cheeks flush with a deep red hue, "What was that about?"
Jaina chuckled nervously, trying to downplay her embarrassment, "Oh, that... Well, let's just say it was one of those moments."
"Is that so? It's a moment I'd certainly want to experience again."
"Really? You mean it?"
"Absolutely, Jaina. What do you say?" Poe smiled, noticing the curious glances around them, especially Leia's knowing look.
Jaina, slightly flustered by the attention, met Poe's gaze, "Let's discuss it later, in private. I'd like some time to settle in first, if that's alright."
Poe grinned, undeterred by the attention around them, "I completely understand. Take your time to settle in, and we can catch up later."
Jaina smiled back, grateful for his understanding, "Thanks, Poe. I'll definitely find you once I'm ready."
"Before I forget, Jaina," he surprised her by taking both her hands in his, "I want to thank you for looking after BB-8. He hasn't stopped talking about you."
"Of course - I know how important he is to you."
"General Organa, General Organa!"
C-3PO entered the area excitedly, with BB-8 and a reactivated R2D2 trailing behind him. "I have wonderful news, General. R2D2 has finally awakened from his long sleep. And he brings some very promising news about Master Skywalker!"
"Please, 3P0, tell us," Leia urged, eager to hear any news about her brother.
R2-D2 positioned himself to display a hologram of a large navigational map, but a significant portion near the bottom was missing. Jaina immediately recognized the missing piece and turned to Poe, tapping his arm urgently, "Poe, BB-8 has the missing chunk!" BB-8 responds in agreement with Jaina, gently giving his leg a nudge.
"You're right! Buddy, hold on." The crew's excitement was palpable as Poe quickly accessed a base computer and loaded the ancient data given to him on Jakku into BB-8. The droid projected its part of the map, seamlessly fitting it with R2-D2's map. A wave of amazement washed over everyone as they witnessed the completion of the map. Cheers erupted, and people began embracing each other in celebration. Leia's relief and joy were evident as she placed a hand over her heart, tears of happiness brimming in her eyes.
Jaina carefully examined the map, committing its details to memory. She resolved to find her uncle, Luke, hoping he would guide her in mastering her Force abilities. This training was crucial for her to learn control and readiness for future confrontations with Ben and the threats posed by the First Order. "I'll find you, Uncle Luke. You're the key to our hope," she whispered determinedly to herself.