Chapter 7: Goodbye, Father
"Cause I don't want the world to turn without you
And I don't the sun to burn without you"
The preparations for Han's funeral progressed swiftly, largely due to Leia's adept organizational skills. She handled it with the finesse of both a caring mother and a capable leader. The guest list primarily comprised Resistance members and was held on Corellia as per Jaina's wish. They sought to honor the man renowned as one of the galaxy's most exceptional pilots. The weather on the day was somber, with rain adding a poignant touch to the occasion. In their finest black garments, everyone gathered to mourn Han's passing. Among them, Jaina and Leia stood out in elegant attire, holding hands as tears flowed during the heartfelt eulogies for Han: a beloved father, a former husband, and a cherished friend.
Poe stood by Jaina's side, offering his support with a reassuring hand resting firmly on her shoulder. He'd been by her side since she returned a week ago, offering support and comfort as they grew closer. Despite their deepening bond and a clear sense of connection, they hadn't reached the stage of initiating a romantic relationship. The timing wasn't ideal, especially given the ongoing situation.
"Friends, family, and fellow adventurers, we gather today to honor the memory of a legendary figure, Han Solo. Known far and wide as a smuggler turned hero, Han's life was filled with daring escapades, fierce loyalty, and a heart as vast as the galaxy itself. Han's journey began long ago, navigating the stars aboard the Millennium Falcon alongside his loyal co-pilot, Chewbacca. Together, they braved countless dangers, from the icy reaches of Hoth to the sweltering deserts of Tatooine. But it was not just his piloting skills that made Han a legend—it was his unwavering commitment to those he loved.
One of Han's greatest joys was his daughter, Jaina. He cherished every moment with her, passing on his wisdom, wit, and sense of adventure. Jaina was not just his daughter but a testament to the love he shared with Leia Organa, his beloved ex-wife. Their bond transcended the challenges they faced, and their love endured even in the darkest of times. Yet, we cannot speak of Han's life without acknowledging the tragic end that befell him. His own son, Ben Solo, succumbed to the temptations of the dark side and struck down his father. It was a moment of profound loss, felt deeply by all who knew Han Solo. But even in his final moments, Han's legacy of compassion and courage shone brightly.
Han Solo will forever be remembered as a fearless adventurer, a devoted father, and a true friend. His spirit lives on in the hearts of those who loved him, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations to reach for the stars. As we bid farewell to Han, let us carry forward his indomitable spirit, remembering always that the Force will be with him, now and forever. Farewell, Captain Solo. May your journey among the stars be as thrilling and as full of heart as the life you lived."
Chewbacca lets out a resounding roar as the final words about his old comrade are spoken. He had always imagined he'd be the one to go first, given his deep loyalty and readiness to sacrifice himself for those he cares about. Now, his duty is to safeguard both Jaina and Leia—a vow he made to Han many years ago. The Wookie, along with everyone else present, observed solemnly as the cremation process began.
Jaina felt a surge of emotions as she watched her father's lifeless body placed on the wooden bed, then consumed by the flames moments later. Tears streamed down her face, yet she remained silent, her grief contained as she gazed on.
Leia sensed the rising turmoil within her daughter, knowing that no words could ease the pain she felt. All she could offer was her love and unwavering support, being there for Jaina in her time of need. It's clear that despite their separation, the love Leia felt for Han remained as strong as ever. He was not just her husband but also the father of her children, a bond that could never be broken. Memories of their shared moments, from their first kiss to their joyous wedding and the birth of their children, flooded her mind, overshadowing any past disagreements.
"I'd like to share a few words," Jaina began, gathering herself before addressing the gathered crowd. "First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for being here today, for my mother and me. Your unwavering support during these trying times means the world to us. Losing my father... it's been incredibly difficult. He's not just my dad; he's the cornerstone of my life. He taught me invaluable lessons - from wielding a blaster and piloting a ship to standing firm in the face of challenges. "He was truly one of a kind, and I don't think there will ever be another like him in our universe," She added, "Rest easy, dad. I love you. We will see each other again."
"That was beautiful, Jaina," Leia said, smiling as she looked up at the skies, still raining but with a small ray of light shining through one of the grey clouds. It illuminated Jaina, almost like a sign from Han above. "I am certain that he heard every one of your words." Leia briefly embraces her daughter before turning to address the attendees, readying her speech. "Without my husband, I wouldn't be standing here today. He made all of this possible. If he hadn't rescued me when I was captured, there would be no General Organa to lead you."
The attendees broke into soft applause, their sorrow tempered by a sense of hope for the future under Leia's guidance. With Jaina by her side, they found solace in the belief that there was hope yet to be found even in the darkest of times. They observed as the mother-daughter pair, along with Poe and the droids - C-3PO, R2D2, and BB-8, boarded a private shuttle destined for their temporary residence in Corellia. "May I get you anything to eat, Miss Solo?"
"No, thank you, 3PO. I'm not feeling very hungry at the moment. But could you please stay with my mother? She could use the company," Jaina answered his query, seated on her bed with a pillow clutched to her chest. Her eyes remained fixed on the vast viewport of her bedroom, where the rain outside had intensified since before.
3PO turned to Poe, who was seated near the foot of her bed, and inquired, "And you, sir? Would you like anything to eat?"
"I'll pass, 3PO. I'll stay here and offer Jaina some comfort. Maybe later, thank you." Poe nodded gently, sending the protocol droid away. He then shifted across the bed to be closer to Jaina. Wrapping his arms around her, he drew her close. "You gave a beautiful speech today. It almost brought tears to my eyes."
Jaina sniffled, brushing away a few tears. "I usually don't show my tears to others, but this was a moment of vulnerability. I hope no one sees it as a sign of weakness—"
"Jaina, shedding tears doesn't signify weakness. In reality, it reflects strength. The strongest individuals often bear burdens silently until they become overwhelming and overflow." Poe spoke gently, resting his chin on her shoulder. He aimed to offer solace during her moment of distress. "Do you understand?"
"I get it, but the pain of losing my father is just overwhelming. It's even more unbearable because my own brother, his flesh and blood, is responsible." Her voice trembled as she remembered the moment—the red blade piercing her father's chest. The scene replayed in her mind like a holofilm. "And worst of all, I saw it in a vision before it happened, but I never imagined it would be my dad."
Poe let out a sigh, empathizing with her pain of losing a parent. However, Han faced a terrible fate that nobody deserved. Poe acknowledged that he couldn't comprehend her Force abilities fully. "You couldn't have known it was him. Don't blame yourself. Even the Force doesn't provide certainty about the future," he reassured her, shifting to face her directly. "Can I share something with you?"
Jaina nodded quietly, meeting his gaze with anticipation.
"It's tough, losing a parent at any age. For me, losing my mom happened early on. She passed away when I was around 8," Poe paused, momentarily lost in memories of grief. Gathering himself, he continued, "She's the reason I dreamed of becoming a pilot, actually," he added with a faint chuckle.
Jaina wasn't aware of the fate of Poe's mother. The age gap of eight years between them meant she wasn't even born when it happened.
"What happened to her, if I may ask?" Jaina inquired gently.
"It's okay, you can ask. She... died from bloodburn. It was due to all the space travel she undertook. Unfortunately, there was no cure then, and there still isn't," Poe explained somberly.
"Poe, I... I'm so sorry. No one should ever have to suffer like that. It sounds incredibly painful and tragic," Jaina expressed her sympathy sincerely, now eager to learn more about Poe's father, Kes Dameron. All she knew about him was that Kes had fought in the Galactic Civil War alongside her parents and Luke, "And your father?"
Poe took a moment to collect his thoughts, realizing he hadn't shared this story with many people before. He trusted Jaina deeply, their bond allowing for such candid conversations. "I usually keep quiet about my dad," he admitted, "We drifted apart during my teenage years, and I haven't been in touch with him since... I did something he didn't approve of."
Jaina sensed Poe's anxiety through the Force. She gently reached out and brushed her thumb against his cheek, assuring him, "I won't judge you, Poe, I promise."
"I joined a group of spice runners," Poe confessed, his voice carrying a mixture of regret and vulnerability. He wasn't proud of his past, especially considering his youthful ignorance. He harbored regrets for those actions, despite the fact that they had provided him with a means of survival after being estranged from home. "I wish I could undo it all," Poe confessed with a heavy heart, "I'd give anything just to hear my father say he forgives me."
"I am absolutely certain that if he were here now, looking at you, he'd see the remarkable person you've become," Jaina said warmly, drawing nearer to him until their lips were almost touching. She admired Poe for the man he'd become—a skilled pilot, courageous, resilient, and loyal. These were the qualities that had captured her heart.
Poe's gaze shifted to her lips, torn between his desire to comfort her and the awareness of her ongoing grief. However, her initiative emboldened him, leading him to lean in and share a kiss. He drew her closer by her hips, feeling the contrast from their first kiss years back, before her departure. It was evident that their feelings for each other had finally come to light.
Jaina wrapped a single arm around his neck while the other rested firmly on his chest. Amid the excitement, her heart raced twice its usual speed. In this moment, she forgot all about her sadness and immersed herself fully in the present. They both found solace in each other, a deep need fulfilled. Their kiss deepened, and Poe gently lowered Jaina onto the bed, their connection growing stronger as they remained intertwined lip to lip. Clothes soon were discarded, piece by piece - leaving them in just their undergarments.
More passionate moments followed, with Poe pressing his lips against Jaina's neck, eliciting heavy breaths from her. Sensing her nervousness, he paused to check in, brushing her hair away from her eyes and asking softly, "You okay?"
With a nod, Jaina confirms, "Y-Yeah. Are you good?" She asks, smiling nervously up at him while appreciating his concern for her on going state.
"Absolutely," Poe assured her, a warm smile mirroring hers. "Just wanted to make sure you're comfortable with everything." His thumb traced a gentle line along her jaw, his gaze filled with tenderness and understanding.
"You're incredibly thoughtful, Poe Dameron. Thank you," Jaina said, her cheeks tinted with a blush as she appreciated his care.
The night passed in silence as they resumed their intimate embrace, deepening their connection. Their love-making was a testament to their feelings, solidifying Jaina Solo and Poe Dameron as a couple at last. Despite the ongoing conflict, they chose to pursue a relationship. It would be challenging since Jaina had resolved to find her uncle Luke now that his whereabouts were known and ask him to train her in the Jedi arts. How would she share this news with Poe just as they were embarking on their relationship? Perhaps he'd be sympathetic. Initially, she'd need to confide in Leia, naturally. Her mother would likely grasp her situation better than anyone else.
In the morning, Jaina rose early, well before the others. She brewed a steaming cup of caf for herself and stepped onto the balcony to witness the sun's gentle ascent on the horizon. Despite the chilly breeze, she found solace in the moment. Thoughts of the previous night brought a smile to her face as she savored her caf. The memory of the previous night felt almost dreamlike, too good to be true. However, as the morning progressed, the looming task of discussing her departure with Poe weighed heavily on her mind, dampening her smile.
"You're up awfully early, sweetheart."
Jaina didn't have to turn to know it was her mother approaching. Her heightened Force sensitivity alerted her long before Leia reached her. "My mind is quite active today. It's a bit upsetting considering I had such a wonderful night with the most amazing man," she confessed, taking another sip of her caf as she continued gazing at the horizon.
Leia approached her daughter and gave her back a gentle rub, sensing her daughter's troubled thoughts. She didn't need to ask for details; it was clear Jaina had someone special by her side during this challenging period. "What's on your mind, dear? Let's talk about it. I'm sure we can find a solution together," Leia offered, her tone calm and supportive.
"We've finally located where Uncle Luke has been in exile all these years. It's only natural that I would want to find him," she started, turning her attention to Leia. "I need to return his lightsaber and persuade him to train me. But now I'm grappling with the fear of telling Poe, especially after last night when we made it official. How do you explain to someone you've just entered a relationship with that you'll be leaving for kriff knows how long?"
Leia gently held Jaina's hands, offering reassurance. "My dear Jaina, there are greater concerns at play. This isn't something to fret over. Poe is a compassionate person. I believe he understands your intentions aren't selfish but rooted in the greater good for our galaxy. Trust me on this," she urged, hoping to ease her daughter's worry.
Jaina nodded, her mother's words sinking in. "You're right, Mom. Thank you," she said, feeling a weight lifted off her shoulders. "You have a way with words that never fails, Mom. It's no surprise everyone turns to you for advice. Your leadership is admirable, and I'm honored to be your daughter."
"As your mother, those words bring me immense joy. Come here," she envelops her daughter in a heartfelt embrace. Despite the unfortunate circumstances that brought them together, there are no complaints from her end. "I've mentioned this before, but having you here, even if only for a little while, is truly wonderful."
"I promise you, Mom. Bringing Ben home is my priority. By doing this, it's the first step" Jaina felt a strong sense of responsibility to make amends, believing that reuniting Ben with her family would be the best way to do so. She now felt more confident about her upcoming talk with Poe, "I'll have to leave later today. The sooner the better."
Leia ended their embrace but remembered something crucial for Jaina's mission. "Wait here a moment. I have something for you," she said before disappearing into her sleeping quarters. After a few minutes, Leia returned, carrying an object wrapped in a satin white cloth. "This served me well once upon a time, but I think it'll be more useful to you now."
Jaina extended her hand and accepted the wrapped object. The texture immediately gave away its identity, although she was also somewhat puzzled. "Mom..." She uncovered the object, confirming her suspicions. "You never mentioned that you..."
"Well, you knew I had the Force. But what I didn't tell you or Ben was that I did start my Jedi training," Leia admitted, her smile tinged with a hint of sadness. "According to your uncle, I was on the path to becoming one of the strongest Jedi in a century, maybe even surpassing him."
Curiosity flickered in Jaina's eyes. "What happened? Why didn't you finish?" she inquired.
Leia took a deep breath, her eyes drifting downward. She appeared hesitant to reveal why her journey to becoming a Jedi abruptly halted, especially when she was on the brink of knighthood. "The truth, Jaina? I had a vision. It showed me that if I continued on the Jedi path, it would..." She paused briefly, intensifying Jaina's curiosity. "It would lead to the death of your brother, Ben. That realization forced me to stop."
After hearing her mother's revelation, Jaina was transported back to the haunting moment when her own visions foretold Han's death. A lone tear trickled down her cheek. If her premonition had come to pass, would Leia's vision also manifest? Yet, considering Leia's Jedi path was cut short, could that have prevented her vision from materializing? "Do you believe that if I hadn't been found, Dad would still be alive? I can't shake the feeling that my discovery somehow contributed to his death."
"Don't shoulder that burden, Jaina. It's not your fault, and I've said this before," Leia interjected firmly, shaking her head in disapproval. "You're not to blame for his death, and I don't hold you responsible."
"And neither do I."
As both women pivoted to face the opening of the balcony, they found Poe standing there. Jaina's heart skipped a beat, her anxiety flooding back. "Poe, how long have you been there?" she asked, too preoccupied to sense his presence through the Force.
Poe leaned against the post of the opening, arms crossed, and replied, "Long enough to catch that you're starting to blame yourself again. I thought we moved past that," his tone firm.
"I thought so too until my mom mentioned her vision of Ben's death. It just brought everything back," Jaina confessed, remaining in her spot next to Leia.
"Jaina, I may not grasp the intricacies of the Force, and I doubt I ever will. But Leia and I agree that your dad made his choices knowingly, and honestly, I think it was his destiny — with or without your presence," Poe asserted, trying to offer a perspective grounded in destiny and choice rather than guilt. "Understand?"
Despite the difficulty in accepting the harsh truth, Jaina started to grasp the meaning behind their words. With a sigh of resignation, she nodded at his query. All she wanted now was to have her conversation with him and get it over with. "Mom, could you excuse us for a moment?" She watched as Leia give her a gentle tap on the shoulder before taking leave, leaving the two alone. "How'd you sleep?"
"Honestly? Better than I have in the past. And I think I can say thanks to you for it," Poe approached her, expressing gratitude for her improved state of mind. He leaned in for a kiss but ended up pecking her cheek as she turned away. Sensing her unease, he asked if something was wrong.
Jaina sighed again, her tone carrying a weight of seriousness. "Poe, there's something important I need to share with you. Please, I'm asking you not to get upset." She turned to face him directly, their eyes meeting.
"What is it? Come on, you can tell me - whatever it is."
"I'm going to seek my uncle Luke and ask him to train me. I have to leave tonight," Jaina revealed, a mix of relief and apprehension evident in her expression, fearing Poe's reaction to it, "I'm sorry, I know we've just established our relationship and then all of a sudden I'm leaving and -"
Poe surprised Jaina by kissing her, silencing her and showing his understanding and acceptance. When he pulled away, a smile graced his features. "Jaina, you don't need to be afraid. I already knew about this, or at least had an idea, long before you told me. And I'm okay with it," he reassured her.
"But that would be we'd be away from each other for kriff knows how long."
"I'm willing to wait for you, even if it takes years. Jaina Solo, you're the one I want to be with, without a doubt. Just promise me something."
"What's up?" Jaina questions, lifting an eyebrow as she looks up at the pilot.
"Don't go getting yourself killed, Jaina. You're far too reckless - or at least that's what I've heard," Poe playfully teases, earning a gentle slap on the cheek from her. "Am I wrong?"
Jaina rolls her eyes playfully, shaking her head with a smirk. "Can you blame me? I come from Skywalkers and Solos - now stop talking and kiss me again, Dameron."
Poe leans in as if he's about to kiss her again but pauses just before their lips touch. "My pleasure, Solo," he chuckles, before capturing her lips in a deep, passionate kiss.
Later the night
As the sun started to set, Jaina readied herself for the journey ahead. Ensuring she had both lightsabers packed — her mother's and Luke's — was crucial. One would aid her in training, while the other was destined to be returned to its rightful owner. It felt like the only right course of action. Facing her uncle was filled with uncertainty. Would he even accept her as a student, burdened by his self-blame for failing to protect Ben and lead him away from the dark side as he had promised Han and Leia? There was only one way to discover the truth.
Even so, why would Luke leave behind a clue to his location if he truly desired solitude? It seemed he did want to be found, albeit making it challenging for others to trace his steps. Indeed, he entrusted that crucial information to his loyal astromech droid, R2-D2. It was a clever move, as no one ever considered searching there. Not even Leia.
"Jaina, it's time for you to leave, dear," Leia called out from the main living area, accompanied by a Wookiee roar.
Recognizing Chewbacca's roar, Jaina joined the others, including Poe. "Chewie, why are you here? You look like you're all set to..." She glanced at Leia before continuing, "Wait, are you joining me?"
Chewbacca responded with a joyful roar, nodding towards Leia as if indicating it was her idea. He also mentioned his desire to see Luke. "I wouldn't mind the company. Besides, I could use a skilled pilot to get me there." The Wookiee then gestured towards Jaina, indicating that the Millennium Falcon rightfully belonged to her. Han had once told him that if anything happened to him, the Falcon would be passed down to his children.
"Plus, he said it would feel like Han is right there with us," Poe chimed in as he reached for Chewbacca's head, playfully ruffling his fur and leaving it in disarray. Chewbacca responded in kind, causing Poe to laugh at the playful exchange.
Leia joined in the laughter before approaching her daughter with open arms, ready for an embrace. "I'm going to miss you, sweetheart. I just got you back, and now you're leaving again. But I understand," She took a deep breath before continuing, "This is something you need to do, and I can't hold you back."
Jaina melted into her mother's embrace, returning the hug warmly. "Thank you, Mom. I promise to train hard and become the Jedi I'm meant to be. I won't let you down, or Dad, or you, Poe. "I want to be the one who corrects all the mistakes that began with my grandfather and make our galaxy a peaceful place to live, finally," she declared with a tone of confidence, her eyes reflecting that determination.
"I admire that about you, Jaina. When you set your mind to something, you never give up until you achieve it," Poe said, pulling his now girlfriend into a tight embrace. It was as if he feared he might never see her again, but she had promised that wouldn't happen — and he believed her. "Take care, Solo. I'll be here waiting for you to return to us."
"I know," Jaina smiled as she engaged into a passionate kiss with him, not minding that the others were watching. She didn't know when she could be able to do this again so she put all her love into it, "I'll miss you."
"I know."
Leia chuckled at their interaction, feeling a wave of nostalgia for the early days of her and Han's relationship. She was genuinely happy for Jaina and Poe. "Alright, you two lovebirds. If you keep this up, no one will want to leave. Let's go."
Jaina and Poe shared one last peck before breaking away. "Come on, Chewie. It's time to go," Jaina said, turning to head toward the landing pad with Chewbacca in tow. As they reached the ramp of the ship, final waves and goodbyes were exchanged between everyone.
"May the Force be with you," Leia said, directing her words toward her daughter, who nodded in acknowledgment before walking up the ramp, which then closed behind her.
The youngest Solo joined Chewbacca in the cockpit, where the Wookiee sat in his co-pilot seat just as he did when Han was alive. She settled into the main pilot's seat, feeling a sense of belonging in that spot. A shiny object above caught her eye — her father's lucky golden dice still hanging there in place. "I feel like he's still with us, Chewie. It's like a little piece of him that he left behind," Jaina remarked, her voice tinged with nostalgia.
Chewbacca roared in agreement, expressing how much Han loved his daughter. He recalled how Han would always proudly talk about her, even after she ran away from home. She was his pride and joy, having to wait five years for a daughter as he had wished for.
"Thanks for saying that. Now, shall we?" Jaina gestured toward the control panel. They proceeded with the pre-flight checkups to ensure everything was working as intended. Despite the compromised hyperdrive, they knew it was the least of their concerns as long as they avoided lightspeed skipping or similar risky maneuvers. Within minutes, they lifted off from the landing pad and soared into space. "Set the navigation for Ahch-To, Chewie. That's where we'll find Luke," Jaina instructed as they embarked on their journey to locate the Jedi Master.
As seconds turned into minutes and minutes into hours, the journey to Ahch-To unfolded over a couple of hours. With the Millennium Falcon on autopilot for a stretch, Jaina and Chewbacca found time to indulge in a few rounds of Dejarik. Chewie, the seasoned player, emerged victorious in every match. However, when they switched to Sabacc, Jaina showcased her skills and dominated the game. Having the best Sabacc player in the world as her father likely played a role in her expertise.
They finally touched down on the planet, greeted by a landscape of vast bodies of water and numerous rocky islands. The absence of dense vegetation, with only sporadic patches of grass, caught Jaina's attention. It wasn't a bad place for exile, she mused, considering the serene yet isolated nature of the world. It seemed like a forgotten ancient realm that few knew still existed.
Exiting the ship together, Jaina and Chewbacca took in the surroundings. However, Chewbacca opted to remain with the Falcon to conduct thorough inspections, both internally and externally. "I'll go find my uncle in the meantime. We'll catch up later," Jaina remarked, excusing herself as she prepared to ascend the thousands of steps leading up the island.
Along her journey, Jaina took note of small stone huts, indicating the presence of other inhabitants on the island besides Luke. It was a matter to investigate later. Undeterred, Jaina pressed on, climbing the stairs relentlessly until she reached the summit. Coming to a halt, she spotted a hooded figure near the cliff's edge, their back turned to her initially. As they turned to reveal half their face, Jaina's gaze fell upon a distinct feature — a white beard, "So it was you, Jaina." It spoke.
Jaina approached the figure, recognizing the voice of her uncle. Reaching into her knapsack, she retrieved Luke's lightsaber. Extending her hand with the saber, she addressed him, "Then you understand why I've come, Uncle Luke."