CHAPTER ONE

Colonel Jagged Fel was not accustomed to uncertainty. He stood outside the office of his uncle, Wedge Antilles, his fist hovering in mid- knock. The New Republic had reclaimed Borleias a little more than a standard month ago, and Jag himself had arrived only hours ago with two rag- tag squadrons that had accompanied him from Hapes. He intended to aide the New Republic in any way he could, however it was that intention that plagued him now in the late evening hours.

He was about to ask a favour of a man he barely knew. During his tenure as a liaison between the New Republic and the Imperial Remnant, he spent most of his time away from both sides, and the time he wished he’d had to get to know his uncle was never available to him. He had a feeling that Wedge would give in to his favour; he had heard that his uncle was a fair man, a man who possessed more military savvy than many political figures cared to admit. Yet, something nagged at him to forego this idea of his. Something gnawed at his courage, preventing his fist from making impact with the door. Jag frowned as his hand fell back to his side.

He knew exactly why he hesitated and it had nothing to do with Wedge. If my father knew that I was here, knew what I was about to do, he’d kill me. Jag sighed. The last conversation he had with his father instantly came to his mind, and General Baron Soontir Fel’s words still had the power to scold, long after they had been spoken. I expected better of you--a not uncommon dynamic between fathers and their sons. Facing the wrath of his father, disappointing him yet again, was a fate worse than death, Jag had decided long ago. His father wasn’t always a hard man to deal with. Out of uniform, Soontir Fel was a kind, compassionate man, but once in uniform, his military training brought about a different facade, one Jag both feared and respected.

His actions here, however, would be considered rash. Rebellious, perhaps, and that would only damage his relationship with his father a little further. However, if I don’t go ahead with this, I’m going to continue throughout this war with the Yuuzhan Vong feeling as if I haven’t done my share in aiding the galaxy in some way. Father will be disappointed, but he will understand my reasoning.

He straightened and knocked on the door. It was only a matter of seconds before the door rolled back, and Wedge Antilles stood there, smiling through his weariness. Behind him, Jag noticed Luke Skywalker standing next to a corner desk. The Jedi Master looked over and smiled.

“Jag!” Wedge stepped away from the door, making room for Jag to enter. “It’s good to see you! C’mon in!”

Jag bowed respectfully to his uncle, not moving into the office. “I apologize for stopping by so late. I didn’t mean to interrupt--”

Wedge waved away the comment, the smile still on his face. “Nonsense! Luke and I were just talking.” He clasped Jag on the shoulder, ushering him into the office. “Besides, I always have time for family.”

Luke nodded to Wedge and Jag. “I’ll leave the two of you to talk.”

Jag executed the same bow to Luke. “Please don’t leave on my account, Master Skywalker. I’m not here on personal business.”

“Oh.” Luke looked mildly surprised as he turned to Wedge. They glanced at each other, exchanging conspiratorial smiles. The Jedi Master took a seat in front of Wedge’s desk.

Wedge closed the door and gestured to a seat next to Luke. “Have a seat, Jag, and tell us what’s on your mind.” His uncle circled his desk and seated himself, taking up a glass of amber liquid.

Unsure what the look between his uncle and Luke meant, Jag shrugged it off and took the proffered seat, maintaining his formality. “I overheard some of your E-Wing pilots discussing a reconnaissance mission to the Kesna Sector.”

Wedge turned an annoyed face to Luke, rolling his eyes. “Remind me at our next meeting, Luke, to reiterate the definition of the word ‘classified’.” Jag noticed a slight grin on the Jedi Master’s face as Wedge looked back to him and sighed. “Kesna is on the fringes of the Sesswenna Sector, closer to Averam than to Coruscant. It’s mostly made up of uninhabitable worlds. The last recon we had there was six months ago, and there were no signs of Yuuzhan Vong activity.” Wedge finished his drink, setting the empty glass down in front of him, his fingers still wrapped around it. “With the enemy on Coruscant, the Vong could use Kesna against us, waging a war on two fronts should they decide to throw a full military assault on Borleias. However, if they are not there, Kesna could be used later on as a staging area for our troops when we take back Coruscant.”

The confidence in his uncle’s voice was refreshing. Jag had heard too many talking about surrender and failure lately that the determination in Wedge’s voice sparked his own further. “I thought that E-Wings were not equipped for long-range recon operations?”

“They’re not.” Wedge snorted. “E-Wings have the speed and the firepower required for medium assault and close support for convoys or to reinforce planetary defences, such as here at Borleias. Because I’m lacking in supplies, I don’t have any unmanned probes to send to Kesna, so, I’m sending five of my fastest ships. A modified Corellian Corvette will accompany them as a command ship, and each E-Wing will be hitting a different system . It will take them about seven days, and the information they’ll gather won’t be nearly enough, but it will help aide us in piecing together what’s going on in Kesna, if anything. I’d prefer to keep them here, but this information could be critical down the line. “

“I see.”

“You have a suggestion, Colonel?”

Jag blinked, not realizing he had been lost in his thoughts, and turned toward Luke. The Jedi Master was studying him pensively, and Jag had the sudden feeling that his thoughts were no longer his own. He regained his composure, and nodded. “Yes, I do.” While he spoke, he kept his attention divided between the two veterans. “Your E-Wings and the Chiss Clawcraft have a number of similarities. Both ships are exceptionally manoeuvrable, fast, and have superior firepower. Clawcraft can be used in the same capacity as your E-Wings; either for modular support or planetary defence. However, I can take it one step further.” Wedge raised an eyebrow, and Jag knew he had his unsolicited attention. “Over the past five years, one-third of our starfighters have been upgraded with advanced long-range sensors and in-flight mapping abilities. As you both know, the Chiss have been mapping the Unknown Regions for decades. I, myself, have taken part in a number of recent expeditions. I know what to look for, what kind of information you need. With the Vong setting up shop on Pyria VI, you’re going to need as many fighters as you can get stationed here, and your E-Wings are suited for that purpose.” He paused briefly, taking a deep breath. “Provide me with a map of Kesna and strategic points of interest marked on it, and I’ll get the information you need in three days.”

Wedge nodded slowly. “A very interesting suggestion, Jag, but I don’t see how sending twelve ships instead of five is going to be more effective. You said yourself that I need as many fighters here to aide in our defence.”

“I didn’t say anything about sending twelve ships, sir.” Before Wedge or Luke could interject, Jag went on. “Only two Clawcraft arrived from Hapes, as I‘m sure you‘re aware. My second-in-command, Shawnkyr Nuruodo, is taking over the squadrons while I assist with your Twin Suns Squadron, and she will remain here. I’d go alone.”

He didn’t think his uncle’s eyes could pop so far out of his head, but Wedge surprised him. That initial shock was immediately erased with an expression that Jag couldn’t decipher. However, Luke was the first to speak.

“Our last recon to Kesna was six months ago. If the Vong are there, you run a very high risk of being detected, no matter where you jump in. If that happens, you could be captured or killed, and if you are captured, you’ll be tortured and turned into one of their slaves.”

The intensity on the Jedi Master’s face was chilling and for a brief moment Jag wondered if Luke had experienced one of those Jedi visions he had heard about. No, he’s simply voicing a concern, one that I’ve thought about a lot while walking to this office. He returned Luke’s stare, hoping he portrayed the same intensity. “That won’t happen. I’d kill myself before the Vong got me.”

Wedge started to say something, but Jag interrupted before his uncle could get the words out. “There is an advantage to sending me alone, sir. The Vong have only encountered the Chiss on a handful of occasions, mostly during missions where we’ve assisted the New Republic. They know who we are, but for whatever reason they have yet to attack the Unknown Regions. Either we don’t matter to them or they have something lined up for us later on. They know that we have aided you from time-to-time, yet they are smart enough to realize that we are not aligned with you.”

Wedge continued to stare at him with that unreadable look. It made Jag slightly uncomfortable. “Go on.” His voice revealed no emotion.

“If I go to Kesna on my own and there is a Vong fleet there, they will most likely consider me as a long-range scout for the Chiss, checking things out since they’ve taken Coruscant. There would be nothing in my ship’s logs or my arrival that would indicate that I’m affiliated with your resistance group here, should my ship be captured. I’ll plant false information to make them think I was nothing more than a long-range scout for the Chiss. I don‘t think they‘ll concern themselves too much with one fighter.” He glanced at Luke, then back to his uncle. “You need all the support you can get to help defend Borleias. Why risk five ships and their support on a recon mission when you can risk only one? Your loss won’t be as great if one ship goes down instead of five. I’m more expendable--”

“No!” Wedge pushed himself up from his desk in one fluent motion, his action so swift the chair he was sitting in fell to the floor. “Don’t ever say that again, Jagged! No one is more expendable than anyone else here. Not you, not me! I’m surprised to hear such talk coming from the son of Soontir Fel!”

There was no mistaking the anger in Wedge’s voice and it had the power to silence and reprimand at the same time. Jag stared wide-eyed up at his uncle. The expression on his face had an eerie resemblance to his father’s. Wedge’s eyes narrowed at they seemed to bore right through to his soul, and his lips pursed into a tight, angry frown.

The silence blanketing the room was deafening. Jag could feel Luke’s stare flitting between himself and Wedge. He rose from his seat, placing his hands palm-down on the desk. Whenever he’d had discussions like this with his father, it usually resulted in Jag becoming too impassioned and Soontir showing disapproval towards his son’s pleas. He hoped things would be different with Wedge. He hoped his uncle would listen, instead of lecture him.

He took a deep breath, locking stares with Wedge. “ To the Chiss, knowledge is power. The more you know about your enemy, the better your chances of destroying them piece-by-piece before the eventual explosion. I don’t need to remind either of you of Grand Admiral Thrawn.“ He paused briefly then continued. “The Chiss parliament and my father are not willing to make any commitments to the ongoing war because they don’t know enough about the Vong yet to gauge how they will react. They are being cautious, and I have no problem with that. Caution is good. However, that is not what I want.

“I have been a liaison between the New Republic, the Imperial Remnant, and the Chiss for a while now. I have engaged the Vong in only a handful of skirmishes. I have spent most of my time either performing recon missions or sitting in the Unknown Regions waiting for my next command--”

“And that’s a bad thing?” Wedge folded his arms across his chest, his expression softening, but only slightly.

Jag sighed, lowering his head. He studied his hands and wondered how he could make his uncle see how much this recon mission to Kesna meant to him. He sighed again, bringing his gaze back to Wedge. This time he did not hide his feelings behind a mask of severity. If he was going to get his point across, he would have to appeal to his uncle’s rebellious heart.

“I feel as if I’m standing behind a transparisteel window. The Unknown Regions are behind me and the rest of the galaxy is in front. I’m watching everything fall down around me. The universe is changing; the Yuuzhan Vong are unleashing a plague that is destroying worlds, sentient beings, and here I am, safe behind my window. I have this sense of security because I’m behind the transparisteel, but that is nothing but a false belief. Soon, that window is going to develop a crack and then the Unknown Regions will be subjected to the same cruelty and debauchery as the rest of the galaxy. None of us are safe.

“I feel as if I’m not contributing enough to the cause. Yes, I am joining your Twin Suns Squadron and yes, I have engaged the enemy on a number of occasions, but that’s not enough for me. I need to do more. I have to do more. This is what I was trained for and I feel as if I’m being held back for some unknown reason.” He leaned over the desk, still holding Wedge’s stare. He was barely aware of movement to his right. Luke had risen from his seat and retreated to a corner of the room, granting them some privacy. “Please, uncle. Please. Let me do more. Let me do this one recon mission for you. I can get you the data you need. I may not be able to hit five systems at once, but I know what to look for, what you need. Three days is all I ask for.”

Wedge blew out a long breath, glancing away to look at some invisible point on the wall. He looked weary and saddened, his eyes losing some of their sparkle. He slumped visibly, turning his stare back to him. For a moment, Jag felt surprise wash over him. The anguish displayed plainly on the other man’s face was something he had not expected.

When Wedge spoke, his voice was quiet. “As a parent, we do everything in our power to protect our children from danger. It’s easy when they’re smaller because their fears are simple and easily disposed of. As they get older, they develop their own thought process, their own state of mind and it’s harder for us to protect our children because they are able to make logical decisions on their own and defend themselves from danger. Still, it doesn’t stop us from worrying about them, wanting to protect and to keep that danger away from them, like when they were small.”

He leaned forward and placed his hands on the desk, mimicking Jag’s stance. The young pilot’s heart sank as he truly listened to his uncle’s words. He’s not going to send me because I’m family. He struggled to keep his gaze focused on Wedge, but failed. He dropped his head, fixing his stare on his hands once again, waiting for the acknowledgement from Wedge that he would not be going to Kesna. Another failure to add to the unimpressive streak of disappointments that seemed to follow him lately.

“Those feelings extend to you as well, Jag. Your arrival here adds a different level of concern. You’re a damn good pilot and having you here to assist is something I am truly grateful for. However, no one can predict the outcome of our defence of Borleias. If something were to happen to you, not only do I lose a pilot, I lose a member of my family. I’m not a stupid man. I know that is a consequence of war, but that doesn’t mean that I want a moment to come where I have to contact your family and tell your mother--my sister--that her third child is dead.”

Wedge sighed. There was another awkward silence and Jag suddenly wished that he had never come to Borleias. He’d prefer to stay in the Unknown Regions then stand here and listen to his uncle tell him he wasn’t going on a recon mission simply because they were family. He stood up, drawing his hands away from the desk and allowed them to fall to his sides. He raised his head, focusing his stare beyond Wedge. He couldn’t bring himself to look at his uncle. He didn’t need to see his father’s expression staring back at him.

“If you truly feel that you need to do this, however, I will support you in any way I can.”

Jag’s eyes flicked to Wedge. His uncle was studying him, his hands behind his back. His expression was still sombre, however there was no disappointment in his eyes. Jag couldn’t have been more surprised by those words; he believed that Wedge wasn’t going to allow him to go on this mission. “Excuse me?”

A small grin tugged at the corner of Wedge’s lips. “I can understand your feelings of inadequacy; knowing that you could do more but being restrained by a government that is unwilling to support you one hundred percent. I’ve been in that position myself, more times that I care to remember.” He looked over to where Luke stood, then back to Jag. “I’m not thrilled about letting you do this, especially since we have no idea if the Vong are at Kesna. However, you have mentioned that you’ve been on assignments like this before, and I trust that you’ll know when to get your ass out of there should trouble lay in wait.”

Wedge walked around the desk and stood next to Jag. He turned to face his uncle, the shock slowly leaving him. “You have three days, Jag. If you’re not back in three days or if I have had no contact with you since then, I’ll have to assume the worst. I can’t afford to send people after you.”

Jag nodded, falling crisply back into formality. “I understand.”

He began to bow respectfully to Wedge, but that was immediately halted when his uncle pulled him into an embrace. He stiffened, not use to such displays of emotion, then hesitantly hugged Wedge back.

“Come back safe, Jag.” Wedge said, stepping away from him. “Don’t give me that reason to contact your parents.” He extended his hand to him.

Jag shook the proffered hand. “I won’t.”

“Good. You’ll leave in the morning. Come see me one hour before your departure. I’ll have a detailed map of Kesna ready for you.” He turned away from him, walking back around to his desk. “Now, you should leave before I change my mind.”

He bowed to his uncle, even though Wedge still had his back to him. Jag turned and repeated the gesture to the Jedi Master. Luke grinned, executing a salute. Jag walked out of the office and when the door closed behind him, he leaned heavily against the wall. He had gone into the meeting unsure of Wedge would say, experienced a moment where he thought his suggestion had been shot down without any further thought, then was surprised by Wedge’s decision to allow him to Kesna. His heart beat hard in his chest, and Jag felt as if had just finished running laps around the base’s perimeter.

Growing up, he had always thought of his father as his only true hero. Not so much because of his accomplishments, but because of the way he conducted himself during times of crisis. He had known about Wedge in his youth, knew about his uncle’s endeavours through stories from his mother and the history lessons during his schooling. He knew that Wedge had been a hero with the Rebel Alliance and later on the New Republic, but he never fully understood why until now. He allowed a smile to creep onto his face as he began walking down the corridor. Most of the friends he had growing up didn’t have a hero, it was something the Chiss didn’t consider. The few that did, only had one to look up to. Jag didn’t realize until know that he was fortunate to have two heroes. He only hoped that one day, he could be half the hero that Baron Soontir Fel and Wedge Antilles were.

***

Sleep was not a friend to her this night. Jaina Solo stepped out of the biotics building and slowly made her way toward the landing grid. The last several weeks had been the hardest she’d experienced in her young life, and the dreams that came to her in the darkness of night did not offer comfort or a reprieve of the grief that had seized her heart. Admittedly, she had only tried to get some rest for about an hour after she had arrived on Borleias, after she’d had a meeting with Wedge Antilles about her purpose here. Her thoughts were divided, confused even, and that only helped to prevent any peace from entering her mind.

Jaina glanced around at the technicians and mechanics who worked ludicrous hours, just to ensure the smooth running of the base. The distant sounds of heavy machinery echoed in the air, but for the most part Borleias seemed quiet tonight. That is, if you ignore the fact that there are still Vong warriors on planet. A sigh slipped from her lips as Jaina brushed stray strands of hair away from her eyes. The wind was warm and gentle and the sky above was as clear as a Corusca white gem. She thought about visiting her parents, but changed her mind as the memory of how she treated them on Hapes danced through her thoughts. She had been upset by Anakin’s death; his funeral on Hapes still seemed surreal to her, and she couldn’t face talking to her parents about Jacen because both of them believed he was still alive. The only one she felt she could talk to was Lowbacca, and the Wookiee had gone to his quarters right after their late night dinner, weary from the journey to Borleias.

So, Jaina decided to head to the landing grid and seek out a technician who could direct her to the X-Wing that she would be flying while here. She loved being around starships, loved the chance to work on a craft every opportunity she had. Perhaps her ship would need some maintenance. That would keep her busy for a few hours, and hopefully by the time she was weary enough for sleep, she would be too tired to dream. Shoving her hands in the pockets of her flightsuit, Jaina quickened her pace, eager to become knee-deep in grease.

A strong ripple in the Force momentarily surprised her and Jaina stopped a few meters short of the landing grid. The presence was powerful and familiar to her yet different from that of a Jedi. Her father and Wedge possessed this sort of energy, as well as a few others she knew, but this aura was neither of them. Jaina turned in the direction of this presence and after a few quick seconds of searching, she saw him.

There were rare moments in her life where her breath had been taken from her. Jaina could count on her fingers the moments where she had been left speechless. The first time she used the Force. The first time her father let her help him work on the Millennium Falcon. The first time she flew among the stars. And this moment.

The Chiss Clawcraft sat alone on a dimly lit platform just east of the main landing grid. The floodlights shone upon the starship as if it were some sort of prized statue. Standing to the right of the ship was its pilot, dressed in a black flightsuit with red piping on the sleeves and pants. His left hand rested on his hip, his right dangled by his side. His right foot was propped up on an irregular rock that seemed out of place in this perfect moment. Jagged Fel’s face was turned slightly to his right, his head tilted upward toward the stars. The warm breeze played with his almost jet-black hair, the white lock above his right eyebrow falling repeatedly against his forehead then flying backward as if the wind took it on a private journey.

Jaina knew that she shouldn’t be staring at him. Anyone who happened along and saw her like this would probably enjoy spreading the word that she was practically drooling over the general’s nephew. She reluctantly pulled her stare away, gazing at the ground, but her eyes soon sought him out again. He has no idea how handsome he is. The thought jumped out at her at the same moment Jag closed his eyes, raising his head a little higher, and Jaina’s heart fluttered, an affect that Jag seemed to have on her every time she was near him.

Her hands came out of her pockets, falling to her sides. She had never seen the young colonel so deep in contemplation. At least, he appeared to be. Jaina wanted to reach out and touch his mind, something she was now able to do because of their connection through the Force that established itself right before they left Hapes. Jag wasn’t aware of it, of course, but Jaina could get a tentative hold of his thoughts and emotions. She changed her mind, not wanting to risk his ire should she probe his mind and he learned of it. He had agreed to fly under her command with Twins Suns Squadron and she wasn’t willing to risk anything that could cost them an exceptional pilot.

It seemed like a good time to thank him for his assistance with Twins Suns, yet at the same time Jaina didn’t want to interrupt him. She brushed hair from her eyes again, and decided that if she didn’t move in some direction within the next few moments, Jag would see her and suspect that she had been watching him.

Jaina walked slowly toward Jag while at the same time trying to figure out the right words to say to him. They had barely spoken since they departed Hapes and she couldn’t shake the feeling that he was unhappy with her. For what, Jaina didn’t know, but she suspected it had something to do with the way she treated him on Hapes as well. I sure wasn’t nice to a lot people in the last few weeks, she sighed. Her sudden change in attitude was not unexpected, having lost both her brothers, however her dabbling with dark side powers was a different matter. Somehow apologizing to those who expected more of her, like her parents, Uncle Luke and Aunt Mara... That was going to take more courage than she felt she had at this moment.

She reached the Clawcraft and stopped behind Jag, slightly to his right. He opened his eyes but didn’t turn to greet her. Jaina sensed a moment of brief annoyance from him, and he seemed distracted as well. Another emotion coursed through him, one she hadn’t expected. Uncertainty? This isn’t the first time I’ve sensed that from him. Jag was always in control of his emotions, his thoughts. A couple of times on Hapes she had sensed the same indecision from him, however then she knew where it was directed. He had been unsure of how to respond to her, and with good reason Jaina realized. She had provoked him into arguments on a couple of occasions and it had left him exasperated and herself with a feeling of victory over him. He was probably expecting another round of discussion and didn’t want to bother with her.

Jaina raised her head toward the stars, following the path that Jag’s eyes had taken. The gentle breeze swirled around her, and yet again she had to push her hair back from her face. They stood silent for another moment, and she became aware suddenly that his stare had shifted to her. You better say something soon, Solo. The longer you stand here, the more stupid you’re going to look.

She cleared her throat, turning to meet his stare. Her heart jumped when she noticed the intensity of his gaze, his pale green eyes unblinking as he studied her.

“I was going to check on my ship,” she started, “when I noticed you standing here. I didn’t get the chance before, but I wanted to thank you for agreeing to fly under my command with Twins Suns. I know that couldn’t have been an easy decision for you.”

Jag blinked, erasing the impression that he had turned to stone, and his left hand fell from his hip to dangle at his side. “I can take orders as well as I give them. I have no problem with the prospect of flying under your command. I think my uncle’s plan is a very intriguing one. I look forward to assisting him in anyway I can.”

Jaina nodded. At least you know that the reason for his uncertainty has nothing to do with his thoughts on your leadership abilities. Jag turned his stare back toward the sky, his eyes focusing on some unknown point among the stars. Jaina continued to watch him, noticed the taut movement of muscle as his jaw clenched.

“I’m sure that whatever Wedge has in mind for our neighbours on Pyria VI is going to infuriate them royally. I’m glad that we can be a part of it.” A small smile touched her lips at the thought of giving the Yuuzhan Vong a lot of hurt.

“Hmm.”

“Hmm? That’s all you have to say?” She nearly laughed at his cavalier response. Jag Fel was not a man of few words.

He nodded, not turning to her.

Her brow furrowed as she watched him, not sure what to think of his sudden aloofness. Here she was trying to bridge the gap that developed between them on Hapes and he was practically ignoring her. She was almost tempted to just walk away without so much as another word to him. Something in his expression stopped her, though. Jaina studied his face yet again, the firm set of his jaw, the look in his eyes...

...and suddenly realized that what she thought was contemplation moments ago was something entirely different. Jag was troubled about something. She sensed it immediately through the Force now that she recognized it, and that was probably the source of his distraction. Jaina silently cursed herself. Even through the Force you have trouble figuring this man out. What’s up with that?

Part of her knew that she should just go and leave Jag with his thoughts. After all, whatever was bothering him had nothing to do with her. Yet at the same time she told herself that, the words were already forming on her lips.

“Is everything okay?” she asked, her voice soft.

He finally turned to her, his sigh heavy and deep. “I was thinking about how my father will react once he learns of my presence here.”

“What’s this? Colonel Fel is afraid of angering his father?” she teased, playfully poking him on the shoulder.

“No. I’m afraid of losing his respect.”

He obviously surprised himself more than he did Jaina, for Jag’s eyes widened and a tinge of colour hit his cheeks. That was an admission she had not been expecting. Although she hadn’t been around Jag a lot since she first met him on Ithor, she knew enough about the man to know that he didn’t normally let things get to him. He allowed the words of politicians to bounce off him as if he were made of rubber. He took her criticisms and taunts without ever being insulted by them. It had never occurred to her that the one person who could shatter his cool disposition was his father, General Baron Soontir Fel.

There was a moment of awkward silence between them as Jaina tried to think of a response and Jag tried to look as if he hadn’t said what he did. He ran a hand through his hair, messing it more than the wind did, then drew a long breath.

“I can’t believe I said that outloud.”

Jaina grinned. “I’m sure your father will be proud of you for making a stand here. I can’t imagine why you would lose his respect when all you’re doing is help fight against the Vong.”

He nodded slowly, looking back at her. Once again, he had the power to take her breath away. Jaina found it increasingly hard to look into those green eyes and not become swept away by the emotion she saw there. She fixed her stare on the scar that ran from just above his right eyebrow and back into his hairline.

“My father and the Chiss parliament are unwilling to make any commitments to the war until they know more about the enemy. I’m suppose to be gathering tactical information, and I don’t think my father will see my proactive stance here as a reconnaissance mission.” He pursed his lips in a grim line. “It’s complicated.”

Jaina thought about some of the decisions she had made recently, how they had affected others in her life and understood, on some level, what was going through his mind. Still, General Baron Fel was revered as a great tactical mind. Surely, he would understand Jag’s decision to join Twins Suns, and respect that.

“I doubt it’s as complicated as you make it out to be.” She smiled encouragingly, locking eyes with him once more.

“I’m the only son he has left. You have no idea how much of a burden that is.”

Once again, shock washed over him and Jag looked away from her this time. Before Jaina could respond, could think of something to say to that, she sensed her uncle approaching them. Turning toward the biotics building, she groaned as Luke sauntered toward the platform. Great. I really didn’t want to face him right now.

*********

Jag looked at her, puzzled, then noticed Luke’s approach as well. He quickly fell back into his customary decorum, bowing reverently as the Jedi Master stopped in front of them.

Luke smiled, acknowledging the salutation, then turned his gaze on Jaina. “I didn’t get the chance earlier to welcome you to Borleias.” he said, stepping forward and taking her in a hug. “It’s good to see you, Jaina.”

She blushed, embarrassed, and quickly ended the hug. “It’s good to see you, Uncle Luke. How did you know I was here?”

“I didn’t. We‘ll have time to talk later.” Jaina sighed, knowing what that meant. *He’ll want to talk to me about what happened on Hapes.* Luke smiled, turning to Jag. “I came to see Colonel Fel.”

“Oh.” Curiosity pulsed through as she tried to figure out what Luke would want to speak to Jag about. To her knowledge, they had only met one other time before, on Ithor.

Luke glanced at her. “It will only take a moment, then I’ll leave the two of you alone.”

She was about to protest, but her uncle had already given Jag his full attention.

“I just wanted to say how impressed I was with the way you conducted yourself in Wedge’s office. If I didn’t know better, I would think that there was a bit of politician in your blood.”

Jag scowled. “I hope not. I couldn’t get my point across like that on a daily basis. I’d go insane.”

Luke chuckled. “I agree. That’s why I leave the diplomacy to my sister.” He paused, shoving one hand in his pants pocket. “I thought I’d stop by now, since I probably won’t see you tomorrow before you leave. May the Force be with you, Colonel. Be safe out there.” He extended his hand.

“Thank you, sir. I will.”

Jaina watched the two shake hands, her curiosity growing tenfold. *Before he leaves? Tomorrow? What’s going on...?* Recalling their conversation only moments ago, Jaina turned a hard stare on Jag. “Wait a second. Don’t tell me that you’re returning to the Unknown Regions? Is this because you don’t want to face daddy’s wrath?” A spike of anger and disappointment shot through her. “You committed yourself to Twins Suns and now you’re abandoning us? How can you do that? I thought---”

“Colonel Fel is not returning to the Unknown Regions.” Luke interjected in that calm tone of his. “He is taking part in a reconnaissance mission to the Kesna Sector, and will be gone for three days. He will be returning in time to assist your squadron, Jaina.”

She looked at her uncle, embarrassed at her outburst, and immediately recognized the silent reprimand in Luke’s stare. She felt Jag looking at her as well, and it wasn’t hard to pick up on his displeasure. “Sorry.”

Jag nodded, his expression cool once again. “It was easy to assume that I was heading back to the Unknown Regions, considering our brief conversation. No need to apologize.”

*He’s as handsome as he annoying.*

Luke smirked and Jaina blushed again. She quickly recovered. “So, who’s all going with you to Kesna?”

“I’m going alone.”

“What?” Jaina nearly fell over as her stare flitted back between Luke and Jag. “Are you crazy?”

“I think we’ve just concluded that if I were crazy, I’d be a politician.” Jag responded., giving her the same hard stare she had executed only moments ago. “I have been on a number of solo recon operations and I know what to look for, how to gather critical data in a swift, effective way. I don’t need any assistance.”

Jaina stared at Jag, then turned her disbelief on her uncle. “Isn’t Kesna near Coruscant?”

Luke nodded. “Yes, Kesna is near the Sesswenna Sector. We haven’t had a scout there in six months and it’s important that we find out if the Yuuzhan Vong are there, or have been there.”

“So, you’re sending one flyer in to do the recon? That’s ridiculous! What if the Vong are there? You have no idea what to expect.” She turned back to Jag, wondering what could possess him to take part in this mission. She folded her arms across her chest. “And just how are going to survey an entire sector in three days?”

“Colonel Fel and Wedge have come to a mutual agreement regarding this assignment. If you want the particulars, you’ll need to discuss them with the colonel, here, or talk to Wedge.”

Again, she looked between the two men, and had the distinct feeling that there was more going on than either one of them was willing to divulge. She had known Wedge her entire life and sending one flyer on a recon to a sector that could be a potential hazard just didn’t seem like something he would do. They were keeping the true reason from her and Jaina decided that if Luke and Jag were not going to share it with her, she’d find a way to get the truth from one of them. *And I know exactly how to do that...*

Hoping she looked nonchalant, Jaina folded her arms across her chest and focused on Jag. “I’m going with you.” *There. He’ll have to tell me the truth to keep me from going.*

His expression didn’t reveal any of his thoughts. “No, you are not.”

“Yes, I am. The Rogues always travel with a few recon X-Wings. I’ll take one of those.”

“I don’t need any assistance.”

“Fine. I won’t assist you then. I’ll do my own scouting.”

She was satisfied when annoyance flowed from Jag. “That’s ridiculous- --”

“Isn’t that what you’re doing?”

“That’s different--”

“How?”

Jag sighed. “You have responsibilities to Twins Suns. You need to stay here.”

“You have a responsibility to them as well---”

“You’re the commanding officer---”

“Kyp can take over while I’m away---”

“---and your family needs you.”

Jaina blinked, surprised by Jag’s remark. A mixture of anger and disbelief washed over her. “What do you mean by that?”

He was surprised at her response and for a brief second, Jag was speechless. When he found his voice, his words came out low and soft. “Jaina, your family has suffered terrible losses. You’ve only been on Borleias for a few hours and now you want to leave again. Your immediate family is here; you need to spend time with them, to grieve---”

“Don’t tell me what to do!” She held back the temptation to slap him.

Jag’s voice resumed its clear, deep tone. “I am not telling you what to do. I am simply stating---”

She stabbed at finger at him, unshed tears stinging her eyes. “No! You’re dictating and no one tells me how to run my life! Don’t you dare try to tell me what I should think, what I should feel---Why are you looking at us like that?!”

At the same time she directed her question to Luke, Jag had turned his stare on the Jedi Master as well. Luke had been quietly listening to the banter between them and Jaina had just noticed the look of amusement on his face. His lips were curved into a smile, one that Jaina would define as mischievous. His gaze shifted between herself and Jag, his expression seemingly lost in deep thought.

She didn’t know which man in front of her irritated more right now.

Poking her uncle in the shoulder, Jaina glared at him as Luke came back from wherever he was and blinked at her. “I’m sorry. Did you say something?”

“I asked why you were looking at us like that.” she said, her arms falling to her sides. “That’s the stupidest grin I’ve ever seen.”

Surprisingly, Luke laughed. “I was listening to the two of you and I was reminded of when Han and Leia first met.” *And I don’t need to tell you how that relationship turned out.*

Jaina stared wall-eyed at her uncle, unsure if his reference to her parents shocked her or the thought he send in her direction. Next to her, Jag stiffened in surprise. He had obviously caught Luke’s implication as well. His eyes were wide and a bright red suffused on his cheeks. She imagined she looked the same right now. Only seconds passed, but to Jaina, it seemed like hours.

Jag was the first to break the awkward silence, turning to Jaina. He cleared his voice and spoke in a tone that was restrained, as if he were choking on every word he said. “I leave at oh-eight-hundred. Not a second later.”

“I’ll be here.” she replied unable to look him in the eye.

“Fine.”

“Fine.”

Without another word, Jag bowed quickly to Luke then left the platform, heading toward the barracks at lightspeed. Jaina couldn’t think of anything to say to Luke, thoroughly embarrassed by his statement. She simply nodded and walked off toward the landing grid, intent on finding a recon X-Wing.

She did her best to push all thought of her uncle and Jag from her mind even as her eyes found Jag and watched him retreat into the shadows.

She knew on Hapes that something had changed regarding the way she felt about Jag Fel. Respect and admiration had always been there, but now another emotion buried itself deep in her soul, one she could not readily identify. There was no mistaking how beautiful he was, his determination mirrored hers and he possessed an intelligence similar to hers, and in some regards, even greater. She suspected there were other facets to him that she would never see, but was what she knew about him now enough? It seemed to be, for every time she saw him or was around him, her heart fluttered and all sense of logic seemed to disappear.

Reluctantly, Jaina pulled her eyes away from him. She focused on the docking bay, anticipation settling deep within her. *This is going to be interesting.*

****

Jag sat in the cockpit of his Clawcraft, reviewing the map of the Kesna Sector. His uncle had been detained in an early morning meeting and Colonel Celchu had brought the data tape to him before he joined his friend in the conference hall. He had already looked over the disk several times in the last fifteen minutes, but he needed something to distract him from the thoughts that had kept him up most of the night.

Jaina Solo. The more he learned about her, the more confused he became. He couldn’t understand why she wanted to join him on a recon operation when she could be spending time with her family. They were here and needed her, and she seemed to be doing whatever she could to avoid them. Jag sighed, leaning back in his seat. He had hoped to talk with his uncle this morning and plead with him to find a way to keep Jaina on Borleias. Ever since he met up with her again on Hapes, he had seen signs that she was becoming unstable. Her actions were reckless, her behaviour bordered offensive, and she seemed to delight in provoking arguments with him. The Jaina Solo he had met on Ithor seemed almost nonexistent.

He understood that the grief of losing her brothers would change her, however he would have expected her to want to be with her family; to grieve as one and lean on each other for support. That didn’t seem to be the case with Jaina and it was something Jag couldn’t understand. Perhaps he would never figure her out. Maybe things simply were different in the New Republic; the way they fought, the way they lived, the way they mourned.

Jag looked up from the readout of Kesna and was surprised to see Han Solo approaching. He jumped down from the cockpit and waited for the Alliance hero to join him. He recalled the only time he had met Jaina’s father. It was on Hapes and Solo was on the receiving end of an assault by some of Ta’Chume’s henchmen. He was fortunate to be able to help the veteran pilot, but since Solo had been unconscious at the time, he hadn’t even had the chance to say “Hello.”

Jaina’s father slowed his pace as he neared the Clawcraft, the infamous Solo grin on his face. Jag was about to execute a respectful bow, but Solo stopped him by extending a hand. Jag shook it and nodded his greeting.

Solo glanced at the ship then back to Jag. “I never got the chance to say thanks for helping me on Hapes. If you didn’t show up when you did, things could have gotten ugly.”

*And they weren’t already?* Jag fought back a smirk, and matched the other man’s expression. “I’m glad I was able to assist, although I admit I would have liked to have met you under better circumstances.”

Solo laughed. “Kid, most people who have met me, have under *those* circumstances.”

Jag blinked. *Did he just call me kid?*

“Anyway, I just thought I’d come by and say that.” Solo said, planting one hand on his hip. “Thanks.” The grin never left the older man’s face and Jag imagined that Solo was one of those people who could easily smile, a man who refused to let most things get him down. Even though he had suffered greatly since the war with the Yuuzhan Vong began, there was still a sparkle in his eyes.

“You’re welcome, sir.” He placed his arms behind him, assuming a more casual stance. “Have your injuries healed?”

“Yeah, for the most part. I still have aches and pains here and there but I don’t know if that’s the injuries or old age.”

“It’s most likely the injuries.”

The two men exchanged conspiratorial smiles.

Solo ran his other hand through his gray hair and something flickered in his eyes as he studied Jag. “So, how’s Pops been lately?”

Jag raised an eyebrow. “Pops?”

“Your old man. How’s Soontir doing?”

“He’s well, I suppose--You know my father?” Jag tried his best to keep the surprise from his voice, but judging from Solo‘s expression, he failed.

“He never told you? Your dad and I were at the academy together. Not only that, but he flew around with me a few times when he was the New Republic.”

Jag nodded thoughtfully. He knew most of his father’s history with the Empire and his reasons for joining Rogue Squadron back then, but he had learned long ago not to question his parents about those times. The few occasions he had asked even the simplest of questions, his father had reprimanded him for his curiosity and his mother had fought back tears.

“He doesn’t talk much about those days.” He couldn’t think of anything appropriate to say.

“I can‘t really blame him.” The grin faded from Solo’s face as his thoughts, too, became reflective. His eyes became shaded and his thoughts appeared to consume him. There was a brief silence before Solo spoke again. “Listen, Luke told me that Jaina invited herself along on your recon mission.”

Jag grimaced. “Yes, sir. She’s....persistent.”

“You don’t need to be kind, Fel. She’s stubborn.” A long breath escaped him and Jaina’s father suddenly looked old and tired. Jag guessed that Jaina’s behaviour was affecting her parents in ways he’d never understand and he felt sympathy for them. They certainly didn’t need any more pain in their lives.

“Look, Fel. Jaina hasn’t been herself lately. She’s been careless and reckless and I can’t figure out her motives for wanting to go on this recon with you. Over the last few weeks she’s changed. She’s different. Dangerous, even. Darker.” Solo paused, sparing a glance toward the direction of the docking bays.

He turned back to him, concern evident on his face. “My family can’t stand any more heartache, Fel. Take care of my daughter out there, will you? Bring her back safe.”

“I’ll protect her with my life.” The response came to him without hesitation, an automatic response. He wondered at the ease of saying those words.

Solo smiled. “Well, I don’t know if you have to take it to *that* extreme, Fel. Just pull rank on her every now and then to keep her in line.”

Jag couldn’t hide his smile. “I may just do that.”

“Good. Be careful out there.” They shook hands again and without another word, Solo began walking toward the docking bays.

Jag sighed. *This recon mission is turning out to be far more than I bargained for.* It wasn’t the idea of heading into an unknown sector that bothered him, but the thought of being responsible for Jaina was an unexpected burden he’d now have to bare. Even before Han Solo had asked him to watch his daughter, he had recognized that her presence was something he could have done without. He’d have the added worry of her ever-changing mood to deal with as well as collecting data for his uncle. Jag blew out a long breath and turned back to his ship. *Maybe I’ll get lucky and come down with a case of Cardooine Chills in the next thirty minutes and we’ll have to stay behind.* Feeling as healthy as a rancor, he shook his head and began to pull himself back up into the cockpit.

“Jaggie! Wait!”

He froze in mid-step, feeling as if he’d been hit over the head with a blunt object. Jag blinked several times to make sure he was still conscious, then shook his head. Turning slowly, he looked to his right and spotted two dark-blond girls running toward him, followed closely by a slender woman with hair the same shade, only tinged with streaks of silver. *Jaggie?*

The smallest of the two wrapped her arms around his ankle, her face turned up to him. Jag looked down and was greeted by sparkling blue eyes and a smile that could melt one’s heart.

“You can’t leave without saying good-bye!” she said, her arms locked around his ankle with all the strength her little body had.

“I’d laugh if he shook his leg and you went flying through the air!” the other girl said, standing just behind her sister, her blue eyes not quite as dark but just as dazzling.

“That wouldn’t be funny!”

“Why wouldn’t it be?”

“Girls, that’s enough. Let go of his leg, young lady.”

Jag looked at the woman, his actions sluggish and calculated. He felt as if were moving in slow motion. The woman smiled as she looked at the scene before her. The one that had been clamped to his leg let go of him and stood back, the smile never leaving her face, while the older girl moved to stand next to her mother.

He climbed back down and stood facing them. Jag had never had the chance to meet his uncle’s family during his tenure as liaison with the New Republic. His duties kept him away most of that time and when he was able to spend a few moments with Wedge, it was usually spent surrounded by military personnel. He did not like the feeling of awkwardness that swept over him.

“I’m glad that we’ve finally had the chance to meet.” Iella Wessiri Antilles said, placing a hand on the shoulder of each of her daughters. “This,” she said, indicating the older girl on her right, “is Syal. And Myri, here,” she patted the other’s shoulder, “couldn’t wait to come by and wish you good luck on his mission.”

Again, Jag felt is if he had been smacked on the head. He hadn't actually considered himself a cousin to anyone before, the only family he had ever known being his immediate one in the Unknown Regions. It was a strange thought.

Myri moved closer to him as her eyes seemed transfixed on his face. “How did you get that scar on your head?”

Iella looked apologetically at him. “Myri, you don’t ask questions like that.”

“It’s okay.” He squatted down in front of Myri so he was eye level with her. “I crash landed my ship when I was younger and cut my head when I climbed out of the cockpit.” He decided she didn’t need to know the whole truth about that crash.

“I bet that really hurt.”

“Yes, it did.”

“This is an interesting ship,” Syal said, coming to his side, her small fingers gliding over the hull of the Clawcraft. “Is it of Imperial design?”

Jag rose, smiling. Syal was probably around ten years old, yet she tried to sound as if she twenty. “Yes, it is. The specs are very similar to that of a TIE Interceptor and TIE Advanced.”

Her eyes danced as she slowly began to walk around the ship, doing her own private little inspection. “This is *so* cool!”

A tug on his left arm brought his attention back to Myri, and as she continued to look at him with her wide, blue-eyed stare, she reached up and slipped her fingers around his hand. He stood dumb-founded for a moment, puzzled how this little person he barely knew could show such trust in him. Myri squeezed his hand, her smile growing as if she recognized his discomfiture and sought to ease it.

Iella noticed it too and Jag felt his cheeks grow hot. He instantly decided he did not like being embarrassed so often in such little time. First Jaina, then Luke Skywalker, and now Iella and her children had the power to make him turn red.

“You don’t know how much your being here means to Wedge.” Iella said, her voice soft.

“I’m glad to assist him in any way I can---”

“Not as a pilot. As family.” She folded her arms across her chest, studying Jag with an intensity that unnerved him. Her eyes seemed to follow an invisible path from his hair, down along his jawline, over his nose, then back to his eyes. Her brow narrowed in thought. “Wedge says that he sees his sister in your eyes.” Iella frowned a little, tilting her head to one side as she gauged his reaction. “How is your mother?”

Jag suddenly wished that he were transported out of this moment. It was too awkward, too personal, and that was something he did not do very well. What could he say? That every time he visited, his mother would plead with him to stay home? That every time he looked at her, he saw a shadow of the woman she had once been? That tears came more easily than laughter? That the very thought of his mother sitting by the window, staring out towards the ocean , alone with her thoughts was enough to break his heart?

He stiffened, gently pulling his hand free of Myri’s and hoped that his expression didn’t reveal any of his thoughts. “I haven’t spoken with her in two months, however I imagine she is doing well.”

There was a brief silence before Iella spoke again, this time directing her words to her daughters. “Jag has to get ready to go, girls. Say your good-byes.” The smile returned to her face and Jag nodded his head briefly, a silent thank you for not asking any more questions about his family.

Syal completed her inspection of the ship and walked over, smiling as if she had found a new toy. Jag grinned; he had felt that way when he flew his first starfighter. “I’ll tell you what, Syal. When I get back I’ll take you for a spin around the base, if you like. We’ll buzz your father’s office a few times and scare him. How’s that sound?”

Her eyes widened with delight. “Really? That would be so cool! Thanks, Jag!”

“You’re very welcome.”

“When you get back, will you play dollies with me?” Myri’s eyes lit up with anticipation.

Jag made a face and ignored the look of amusement he saw on Iella’s. “I’m afraid I’m not very good at playing dolls.”

Myri planted her little hands on her hips, her expression skeptical. “How can you not be good at that?”

“Well, when I was younger,” he began, feigning disappointment, “my sisters made me play dolls with them and every time I did, my boy dolls would end up tied to chair leg, missing an arm, or worse, their head. I didn’t enjoy it very much.”

Both girls laughed. “That’s funny! I’m going to do that to daddy next time he plays with me!”

“I can’t wait to see that.” Iella said, grinning.

“I know a lot of fun games that we can play. I’ll teach you some of them when I get back, okay?”

Myri wrapped her arms his leg again and hugged with all her might. “Thanks, Jaggie! Be careful!” She pulled back and started to skip merrily toward the barracks. Syal waved to Jag as she followed her sister.

Iella stepped forward and placed a hand on his shoulder. “When you get back, I’d like it very much if you’ll have dinner with us.“

“I’d be honoured. Thank you.“

“May the Force be with you, Jagged. Be safe.” Iella turned to follow her daughters, waving over her shoulder.

As Jag watched them leave, his brow furrowed in thought. He wasn’t accustomed to a send-off when he went away on assignments. He was usually surrounded by the other pilots in his squadron, tech crews, and on occasion, his father and high-ranking members of the Chiss military. There were only a few times where his mother and sisters had come to watch him leave, but those moments were rare; his mother never being able to watch her son prepare to go to battle.

Iella and his cousins had come to wish him luck on simple recon mission. It seemed natural to them, their good-byes were casual yet their wishes for a safe journey heartfelt. It was only a few brief moments, but to Jag, it was something that he would never forget.

He turned back to the ship and was surprised to see Jaina standing a short distance way, her stare fixed on him. He had a feeling that she had witnessed some, if not all, of his visit with Wedge’s family. He sighed, not wanting to waste any more energy and being embarrassed and as he pulled himself up into the cockpit, he glanced at Jaina out of the corner of his eye and thought he saw her smile.

******

Jaina turned away and began walking to the docking bays, the smile still illuminating her face. If there was one thing in life right now that had the power to erase the misery from her soul, it was watching Jag become embarrassed. It was a situation she was not use to seeing him in and the look on his face when Myri Antilles grappled his ankle was priceless. Although she hadn’t heard what was said between Iella, the children, and Jag, she had sensed his emotions change from utter surprise to uncertainty and to amusement. It was sweet to see Syal and Myri accept him as family without question, but it was sweeter to watch Jag shift uncomfortably when Myri took his hand and smiled her most charming smile at him.

She wondered why people seemed to be able to connect with Jag. He didn’t present himself as socially accessible, yet he was able to relate to those he met. Perhaps it was because he treated every being as an equal; respected the culture and attitudes of different races better than most because humans were in minority among the Chiss and he had experienced both ends of the spectrum. Or maybe people feared him because of his relationship to the Chiss and his belief in Grand Admiral Thrawn’s philosophy. Or maybe it was as simple as people recognizing him as a leader, a new face to turn to or count on during this dreaded war. Perhaps there were those who saw his presence as a sign of things to come and offered him respect and kindness because of a possible alliance with the Chiss in the future.

Her thoughts on that matter got her to thinking about why she was so drawn to Jag. Jaina sighed, and pulled her hair back into a loose ponytail. She really didn’t know him that well yet her feelings for him were so strong it had the ability to make her think of him at the most inopportune times. There was no mistaking the beauty of him, and the fact that he wasn’t aware of his physical power only made him more attractive.

It wasn’t just his face that was handsome. His flightsuit and dress uniform seemed tailor-made to hug his body, to highlight every line and curve of muscle. Jag wasn’t built like an Askajian body builder, but he had a wiry muscularity that befitted him as a pilot. The first thing Jaina noticed about him after she managed to tear her eyes away from his face was that he had nice arms. When he had shaken hands with Admiral Kre’frey at Ithor, she was acutely aware of the sensual shape of his bicep. Jaina felt her cheeks warm and hoped that it was usually hot on Borleias today.

Forcing herself to think beyond Jag’s good looks was difficult, but she managed to find other reasons for her attraction to him. He was intelligent and earnest. He was strong enough to admit to his mistakes and he wasn’t afraid to make a stand against something he deemed unjust. He was an excellent leader; someone who could be trusted to get the job done. There wasn’t any appropriate words to describe his ability as a pilot. He simply was amazing.

Jaina frowned. *Those are great qualities to have but when you think about it, you really don’t know him. What about the character of the man?* It was an odd thought to know that in the short time she had known Jag she really didn’t *know* him. She knew *what* he was, but *who* was he? She knew nothing about his background except that he was raised among the Chiss and that he was the son of a holo star and the greatest TIE pilot the Empire ever had. The few moments they spent talking the night before saw Jag unwittingly reveal a piece of his complicated relationship with his father. It was a rare moment, as if he had been trained to hold his emotions and thoughts close and was suddenly given a chance to let them free.

“Hey! Watch where you‘re going!”

She had been so engulfed in her thoughts that Jaina hadn’t even noticed she’d already entered the docking bay and was on a collision course with Kyp Durron. He was standing at the nose of the recon X-Wing she’d be flying, dressed in civilian clothes, and looking as if he was ready to cause mischief. His green eyes sparkled, a grin planted firmly on his face. Jaina groaned as she picked up on an unexpected exuberance in Kyp’s presence and wondered what kind of trouble he’d gotten himself into this time.

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

Kyp ran his fingers through his hair, the grin on his face widening. “I heard you’re heading out with Fel.”

Jaina sighed. *Isn’t anything on this planet classified?* “Yeah. And?”

“And I just wanted to stop by and wish you a safe journey.”

She blinked, folding her arms across her chest. Kyp mirrored her stance, and the playfulness surrounding him seemed to increase tenfold. “You’re not going to try and stop me from going? You’re not going to tell me this is a mistake?”

He shook his head. “No. You’re a big girl. I know you can take care of yourself.”

A smile touched the corner of her lips. “I’m glad someone thinks so.”

“Besides, with all the commotion going on here, I can understand why you’d want to get away to be along with Fel. There’s no privacy here.”

Jaina’s jaw dropped and a rush of embarrassment and anger surged through her. She attempted to glare at Kyp but her eyes were still wide from shock. Kyp looked triumphant as he planted his hands on his hips, a laugh bubbling in his throat. When she found her voice, it was hoarse and trembling. “What does *that* mean?”

“Oh, c’mon!” Kyp snorted. “Why do you think he came here?”

“To help his uncle in the defence of Borleias!” Her hands dropped to her sides and balled into fists. *He is so dead...*

“Well, that may be *one* reason.”

Jaina fought back the urge to send a blast of force lightning in his direction and having picked up on her thoughts, Kyp’s smile faded, but only slightly. It hadn’t gone unnoticed since they departed Hapes that Kyp’s opinion of Jag had changed somewhat and the two seemed to be getting along better than she thought they would. She wondered why, all of a sudden, Kyp was an advocate for Jag.

*The rank you were born with suits you very well. Anything more would be redundant.* That brief conversation on Hapes came flooding back to her and the sudden realization that Jag’s feelings for her would never be returned hit Jaina like a ton of bricks. She instantly shielded her thoughts from Kyp, not allowing him the chance to feel her pain yet again.

“You have no idea what you’re talking about.” she finally said. “Jag made it clear that I don’t fit into his future plans.”

Kyp tilted his head and studied her, his expression skeptical. “He said that?”

“Not in so many words, but the intent was there.”

“Don’t listen, Jaina. *Feel.”*

Despite the fact that her relationship with Kyp had been tumultuous as of late, the older Jedi had never swayed from being a true friend to her, someone she could talk to and someone she could count on to be honest with her. She had known him almost her entire life and over the years she had thought of him as an extended member of the Solo family; the older brother in many ways.

He was looking at her in a manner that was similar to Jacen when he was concerned about her. She felt a lump form in her throat and Jaina blinked back the tears before they could break through her barrier. *I will not think about Jacen or Anakin right now. I have important things to do. I need to keep it together.*

“I know that things have been tense between you and Fel.” Kyp was saying. His hands fell to his sides. “I saw how the two of you behaved around each other on Hapes. You have to remember, however, that he was raised differently than us. He’s not open to his emotions like we are and it may be harder for him to express what’s on his mind.”

Again, she was surprised at Kyp’s words. This time, she couldn’t keep her thoughts to herself. “Since when did you become the poster boy for Jag? Did he say something to you?” A little spark of hope danced in her heart.

Kyp smiled, a gesture that brought out some of the youthfulness and innocence that lingered within. “Next time you have a conversation with him that doesn’t involve piloting skill or battle tactics, don’t just listen to what he says, Jaina. *Hear* what he means. *Feel* him. You may be surprised.” He winked, reaching out to touch her arm gently. “May the Force be with you. Be safe out there.”

Jaina watched as Kyp turned and left the docking bay, a light bounce in his step. Since Hapes she had watch Kyp become a different person, or perhaps he was finding his way back to the man he had once been. She nodded thoughtfully, hoping that was the case. He was such an integral part of her life, a member of her extended family, that she didn’t want a moment to come where he, too, was gone. Aside from Lowbacca, Kyp was the closest thing to a confidante she had right now.

“Your mother and I were expecting you to join us for breakfast this morning.”

Jaina turned around and greeted her father with a curt nod. She wasn’t ready to talk with her parents yet. There was so much left unspoken between them that she didn’t know where to begin. *When I get back from Kesna then maybe I’ll be ready to talk to them. Not now. I need to stay focused for this mission.* “I didn’t know I was expected. Sorry.”

Han narrowed his stare, a look Jaina was all too familiar with. “Why are you doing this?”

“Doing what?” she asked, feigning ignorance.

“Don’t act stupid with me.” Her father’s voice was low but harsh. She sensed simmering anger course through his presence along with a surge of disappointment. She pretended not to notice. “You don’t need to go on this recon.”

She straightened, her own ire rising. “Despite the fact that everyone seems to think that Jag Fel is invincible, this recon is too much for one person to handle. Wedge needs information and I intend to help get that for him.”

Han smirked. “And here I thought you were avoiding your mother and I.”

Jaina took a step toward him, her thoughts suddenly becoming clouded. She hated that her father knew her so well. “If you want to believe that, go right ahead.”

“Don’t use that tone with me, young lady!” His voice raised and Jaina was aware that several technicians had stopped to watch them. Han’s fingers balled into fists and Jaina saw the side of her father that many still feared, even after all these years. “You’re not the only one who has suffered in the last few weeks, Jaina, so stop acting as if you’re the only one who matters.”

She was too stunned to reply to that comment and coming from her father it hurt more than she expected. Over Han’s shoulder she saw her mother approaching and decided that now was a good time to get out of this conversation. Her emotions were in a tailspin and she couldn’t deal with anything that intense right now. Her mind had to stay clear and focused for this recon and fighting with her parents was not going to help.

Jaina shoved past him and climbed the ladder. “I have to finish my pre- flight. Jag wants to leave at oh-eight hundred and I’m running late.” She pulled herself down into the cockpit and read the data the astromech droid seated behind her scrolled up on the display screen.

Han turned and glared up at her. He was still angry with her, but she sensed his concern as well. “This conversation is not over, Jaina.”

“Bye, Dad.” With that, she lowered the canopy, cutting herself off from the rest of the clatter of the docking bay.

She saw her father turn and walk away from the X-wing, his hand running quickly through his hair as he stopped Leia before she approached the ship. She looked away, not wanting to see the disappointment on her mother’s face and stared at the console. She had already finished her pre-flight earlier and she suspected that Han was aware of that too, but thankfully he didn’t push the conversation any further. Leaning back against the seat, Jaina closed her eyes.

*Take care of yourself, Jaina. May the Force be with you. I love you, precious.*

A single tear slipped past her barricade and streamed down her cheek.

“Lieutenant Solo? Are you there?”

She swatted at her wet cheek then opened her eyes, turning on the comm with her other hand. “I’m here, Jag.”

“We’ve been cleared for departure. I’m on my way up now. I’m transmitting the coordinates and we’ll jump once you clear the atmosphere.”

“Acknowledged.” She switched off the comm and put her helmet on as the R2 unit brought the engines online. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed her parents standing some distance away. Han’s arm was around his wife’s shoulder and Leia had placed a hand over her husband’s heart. A small smile lit her mother’s face, lending her grace at a moment that undoubtedly broke her heart every time she witnessed her daughter take off on an assignment.

Jaina felt pride, worry, and sadness pass between her parents and realized that their emotions echoed hers. They would definitely need to talk once she returned to Borleias. She didn’t look at them again as she prepared to leaving the docking bay but she no longer wished to ignore them. They were her family. They were all she had left.

*I love you too, Mom.*

*******

There once was a time when she loved travelling through hyperspace. There was something about the mottled realm of space outside the viewport that always fascinated her; that would draw her in and take on her a mystical journey through a place where imagination soared.

Now, Jaina dreaded it. She hated the moments that she was forced to be alone with her thoughts. There was no where to retreat, no where to direct her attention. The trip to Kesna was only a four hour journey but it seemed so much longer when she had nothing else to do but think about her life and how drastically it had changed since the Yuuzhan Vong invaded her galaxy.

So instead of drowning herself in memories of what she had lost and what she still may lose, Jaina tried to figure out exactly why she was sitting in a recon X-Wing travelling to a sector of space that was most likely uninhabited, with a man who confused her more than a simple spin at a Jubilee Wheel.

She had never intended to go to Kesna with Jag. She only wanted to know why the Chiss commander and her uncle where so secretive about his mission. She didn’t like being left out of such important issues, especially when a member of her own family was keeping something from her. She still wasn’t convinced that they had told her the truth and perhaps spending three days with Jag would reveal the true nature of his purpose here.

*Or after three days, we’ll end up wanting to kill each other.* A small smile creased her face. Finding out why Jag had planned to come to Kesna on his own was not the reason she was following him, though. So, why was she here? Perhaps her father was right and she was trying to avoid them. It didn’t make much sense though, travelling to a different sector of space just to avoid her family. She could have done that easily on Borleias by simply being elsewhere on the base.

Gathering information that Wedge could use against the Vong was definitely an incentive to want to go on this recon. However, there was no guarantee that they would discover anything, considering the fact that most of Kesna was desolate.

Perhaps she wanted to be near Jag now that her feelings for him were blossoming into something new and different from anything else she had ever experienced. Jaina leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes. She had done little else but think of Jag since he arrived at Hapes and she thought that she wouldn’t see him again after they left there. Now he was flying under her command with Twins Suns.

*Why do you think he came here?* Kyp’s question came back to her and Jaina found herself wondering about the answer. Why was Jag here? Was there more to his wanting to assist Twins Suns than just his commitment to the war and his uncle? She sighed. *Kyp must be having delusions if he thinks Jag is here for me. And, even if Jag does have feelings for me, he hides them extremely well.* Perhaps she came along on this recon to try and get to know him better, to try and learn exactly what it was that Jag felt towards her.

She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, vaguely aware that the chronometer was counting down the minutes they would be exiting hyperspace. As interesting as it was to find all the reasons she thought she had come along on this mission, the real reason was the exact one Jaina had been trying to forget about.

Chewbacca. Anakin. Jacen. Her home. Coruscant. Ithor. Yavin. Her innocence.

Jaina felt the slight prick of rage spread across her soul. Everything that she had lost. *No, not lost. Everything that has been taken from me.* If she stayed on Borleias, waiting for her next set of orders, she would have time for three things. One would be to meet and greet with the other pilots of Twins Suns and spend time getting to know them and work with them. Two would be to spend time with her family, and the third would be to take the idle moments that she wasn’t doing the first two to think about her brothers.

The problem with getting to know the other pilots was the fact that it would suddenly become personal, and if one of them should die, it would be painful. It would be another face, another friend gone from the fight. Or, if she should die, they would mourn her as well. There was already enough tears shed since the Vong invasion and if Jaina could spare herself and others any more grief, she would.

Spending time with her family was something she knew she couldn’t avoid, but at this moment, she couldn’t be with her family in the way they needed her to be. Her parents still believed that Jacen was alive, and as much as Jaina wanted to believe that, there was nothing to convince her otherwise. She had felt his departure from the Force through the other Jedi and it was so definite, it couldn’t have been anything else but his death. She couldn’t be surrounded by hope, especially when there was no reason to believe in it anymore.

She couldn’t think about Jacen or Anakin. She needed to stay focused if she was going to survive this war and she couldn’t allow her grief to consume her and prevent her from doing what needed to be done. She would shed her tears and share her pain when the fighting was over, but not now. She didn’t want to cry. She would not cry.

A warning from the chronometer pulled her from her thoughts, and Jaina straightened in her seat, blocking out any further thought except for that of her mission. Checking all her systems quickly and acknowledging the scrolling text on her readout from her R2 unit, Jaina made the reversion to realspace.

They dropped out of hyperspace near the planet Drognan, in the system of the same name. There were only five other planets in the system and of all the systems in the Kesna sector, it was the closest to the space lanes used from travelling to the Sesswenna sector. A brief detail of the geography of Drognan scrolled on her screen, courtesy of the R2 unit. Jaina noted that two-thirds of the planet was covered in snow and was thankful that she wouldn’t have to scout out the surface. She glanced outside her viewport, looking for the Clawcraft, and was happy to note that it wasn’t beside her. *He should be contacting me right about...*

“Lieutenant?”

*...now.*

“Yes?”

“Those are not the coordinates I sent to you before we jumped. Why are you one thousand kilometers away from me?”

“Why does it matter?” she replied sweetly. “You didn’t even want me on this mission.”

“I never said that I didn’t want you to come along.” Jag said, the same mock innocence in his voice. “I simply stated that I didn’t need any assistance. There is a difference.”

“Only in the way you word it.” A smirk creased her face as she sensed Jag’s annoyance. It was extremely strong given the distance between them. Jaina guided her X-Wing slowly toward Drognan, if for no other reason than to bug Jag. “So I deviated a little bit from the original course. It’s not like we are not going to get any work done.”

There was a short burst of static. “That’s not the point. When I give an order or issue directives, I expect them to be followed. So, here is what we are going to do. I am going to wait right here, at our original coordinates.” Jaina noticed the blip on her heads-up display indicating Jag did not move from its location. “You are going to form up on my position and once you have done that, we will continue with our mission. Now, snap to it.”

Jaina glared out the viewport in Jag’s direction, irritation suddenly coursing through her veins. “I have a better idea. I’m here. You’re there. You can finish scanning this system and I’ll take a short cut around Drognan to Torvis Prime and recon that system. I’ll meet you at Ro’shara in, oh, three days?” She imagined the look on Jag’s face and smiled despite her ire.

“If you give orders in the same manner in which you take them, we are not going to last two seconds at Borleias.”

Jaina bristled in her seat. “Why you condescending---”

An abrupt jolt to her ship’s portside sent the X-wing teetering slightly and the R2 unit twittered anxiously. She checked her systems and was thankful to note that she hadn’t taken any damage. “What was that?” she asked her astromech. The reply she got was a droid equivalent to bewilderment.

“Lieutenant, is something wrong?”

“I’m not sure.” she replied. Another brief jolt and again, the X-Wing rocked slightly. “I think I hit something.”

There was a short pause. “It could have been a gravity pocket, given your proximity to Drognan.”

“Maybe, but it didn’t feel---” She was interrupted as the X-Wing was jostled around again. This time, however, the systems winked out for a moment, and when they came back on, she stared at the report on her readout. “Um, I don’t know what happened here, but I’ve just lost twenty- eight percent power to all systems.”

“I’m on my way.” At the same time he spoke, Jaina noticed the blip on the HUD turn in her direction.

Another blow, this time against the nose of the ship. She stared at her readout and sighed, confused. “My forward sensors are gone and I’ve lost thirty-three percent power to all systems.”

“I’m getting no energy readings from the planet and there are no signs of ships in system.” Jag’s tone was calm and controlled as always, however Jaina did pick up on his concern through the Force.

She attempted to direct herself toward Jag, but a thunderous *pop* and another sudden jolt stopped her. Jaina kept a steady hand on the stick at the same time Drognan seemed to be filling her cockpit. She was moving closer to the planet than she had originally intended. She cut her throttle back slightly and was greeted again by a *thump* against the hull. This time, however, the X-Wing bucked under her control and she noticed wisps of smoke outside her cockpit at the same time the R2 unit screeched at her.

“Forty-two percent power gone from all systems.” She stared incredulous at the readout. “And I’ve lost my number three engine?” Jaina read the data again, her heart pounding hard in her chest. “R2, what happened? What did we hit?”

Jag responded before the astromech. “It could be proximity mines. They’re too small to detect in most cases. You may have reverted from hyperspace directly into a mine field.”

Jaina blinked. “A mine field? Here? This system is deserted!”

“A freighter may have dumped its cargo in passing or Drognan may have been under blockade and the mines are left over from that. It’s hard to say.”

There was a short moment of silence as Jaina weighed her options. If she had indeed wandered into a mine field, there was no telling how many there were and where a clear path to safety was. She could cut what little power she had left back to one-third and try to drift out of harm’s way. There was no guarantee that would work for it seemed that every collision her X- Wing had with a mine, she was effectively being disabled.

Nodding to herself, Jaina diverted some of the energy from the lasers to the engines. “There is no way I can operate on only fifty-eight percent power. I’m going to set down on Drognan and do some repairs. You can go ahead without me. I’ll catch up.”

“You will not land on Drognan, Lieutenant.” Jag’s voice came back crisp and clear. “The closer you get to the planet, the further you go into the mine field. Veer off to vector one-one-dash-two-niner and return to Borleias.”

Angry and disgusted with this sudden turn of events, Jaina pounded a fist on the console. “I am not going to pull out of this mission! It will only take me a few hours to make some repairs to my systems, and it’s not like I haven’t flown on three engines before. I am going to fini---”

A tremendous blow to the X-Wing aft section silenced her further. The ship started to shake uncontrollably and Jaina struggled to regain control of the craft. The cockpit went dark and fear gripped her as she realized that she had lost all power and was spinning out of control. The planet’s gravity seemed to reach up and grab the X-Wing, pulling it ruthlessly toward Drognan.

Seconds later, the lights flickered in the cockpit as Jaina continued to fight for control of her ship. She heard Jag’s voice come over the comm, but it was faint and full of static.

“....spiralling toward Drog.....almost there.....The...appear to be cloa....”

An explosion rocked the ship and the intensity of the blow pulled her back hard against the seat. A squeal from the R2 unit was silenced and just as it looked as if some power was being restored to the X-Wing, the engines winked out, the cockpit when dark once again, and Jaina suddenly found herself plummeting toward Drognan.

********

"What happened? You’re spiralling toward Drognan.” Jag could see the faint outline of Jaina’s X-Wing as he closed in on her position. He was less than two hundred kilometers away, however the unsteady path the ship took toward the planet was a clear indication that something had gone terribly wrong. “I’m almost there, Lieutenant. We’ll find a safe way to get you out of there. Wait.” He noticed a spark of energy just before an explosion rocked the X-Wing. *What the---?* “The mines appear to be cloaked. Hold your position---”

A garbled burst of static was the only reply he received and he watched stunned as the X-Wing began descending wildly toward the planet. The Clawcraft was already going at top speed, but Jag exchanged lasers for engines and managed to give himself an extra burst of speed. He focused on the ship, trying to keep a lock on its position as it disappeared into Drognan’s atmosphere.

The only way he was going to get to the planet was to fly on the same vector Jaina had, bringing himself right into the mine field. The only advantage he had, if he could consider it one, was that he would be moving much faster than Jaina had and he may be able to avoid a great deal of damage. Then again, he could fly into a cluster of proximity mines and never know what hit him until it was too late. He threw caution out the exhaust port; getting to Jaina was his only concern. If she was injured, well, it was going to be an awkward journey back to Borleias in the confines of his cockpit.

As he neared the planet, he cut his engines, but only slightly. There was no telling how big the mine field was and considering the fact that the mines appeared to be cloaked, it was going to make manoeuvrability more delicate. He allowed himself to briefly consider the strategy behind this ploy and guessed that the mines were leftovers from the glory days of the Empire. Perhaps they had been used to block Rebel passage to Coruscant during the early stages of the Galactic War. He pushed the thought out of his mind. He would have time to consider that later.

He was within one hundred kilometers of the planet, almost on the last position Jaina’s X-Wing had been at. Jag decided that his best chance of finding her would be to follow the path her ship appeared to have taken. A burst of static stung his ears and he sighed with relief as Jaina’s voice flooded the comm.

“Jag, can you hear ...damaged....trying to re-route...”

“I can hear you, but not very well. Have you managed to get power to your engines? What’s your status?“ He couldn’t tell if she was wounded or not.

“...no engines but I’ve managed to...storm...snowing really har...can’t see very well.”

No engines. “I’m going to try and follow your path planetside. I still have a lock on your position. I should be there---”

“No....too dangerous....I’ve been...lightning...going down...”

A fear like no other seized him and Jag diverted some of his shield power to the engines. He had to get to her. He was not going to lose her on this mission, and certainly not to something as small as a damned proximity mine. His normally calm composure faltered but Jag forced himself to be relaxed. He didn’t want Jaina to pick up on his growing concern.

“You’re going to have to eject. I’ve got a fix on your current position and I won’t have a problem finding you if you eject now.”

“Are you crazy? It’s....freezing...not prepared for tha....”

He understood her worry. From what he gathered of Jaina’s description, there was a massive snow storm blowing around down there. “You won’t be left out in the cold for long. I’ll come down and get you and we’ll head back to Borleias.”

There was a moment of silence and Jag thought he had lost communication with her. When she spoke again, her voice was strong, but the connection was still poor. “A pilot....never abandons their...can crash this thing safe....”

“Now is not the time to argue with me, Lieutenant. You will abandon your X- Wing now!" He thought about Han Solo’s joke about pulling rank on Jaina if she gave him any trouble and found it ironic that he had to do just that to keep her out of trouble.

Another moment of silence and Jag had the sickening feeling that she was going to disobey another one of his orders. Sighing deeply, he spoke with an uncustomary gentleness, one he did not use when talking to his pilots. “Jaina, you have to abandon your ship. There’s no other choice.” He was surprised at how hoarse his voice sounded. “I’ll come get you. I promise I won’t leave you---”

“Ejecting now!” Her voice was frantic.

He pushed all other thought from his mind and headed toward Drognan with a tenacity befitting a rancor on a rampage. Jag punched his way along the path Jaina had taken and he knew instantly that he should have been more cautious.

An impact shook the Clawcraft and the ship spun dizzily out of control. He pulled back on the stick and expertly levelled off, steadying himself. He was pushed hard against his seat and felt the ship lurch underneath him. He was suddenly going much slower than before. He scanned his readout and noticed something disturbing. The Clawcraft had sustained no external damage, yet his shields were down to fourteen percent and he had lost two- thirds power to all his systems. Puzzled, he double-checked his readings.

Jag narrowed his stare in thought. His ship had sustained only internal damage. All of his systems were reading loss of energy and he was only running on one-third power. It was as if he had been hit by a blast from an ion cannon. *But there are no ion cannons on Drognan. There were no energy readings at all when I got hit.* A sudden thought came to him and he cursed to himself.

He had learned a long time ago that during Grand Admiral Thrawn’s tenure with the Empire, his forces had encountered a small group of modified B- wings that had the capability of rendering starfighters and capital ships defenceless by disabling their systems while causing little damage, if any, to the hulls. The tactic had been effective, if only for a short time, and Grand Admiral Thrawn had managed to capture a B-wing and he had the MagPulse technology researched. For whatever reason, he had not used the weapon extensively during his fight with the New Republic.

It made sense to Jag now. Thrawn had not only had the MagPulse technology, but he had his own cloaking devices as well. He had used cloaked ships and asteroids during his attack on Coruscant. The proximity mines were not only cloaked, they were accompanied by some sort of ion mine based on the MagPulse technology. Drognan could have been a testing area for Thrawn or one of his ships could have dumped its cargo while leaving Coruscant. That could explain why Jaina had suffered external damage to her X-Wing while at the same time slowly becoming disabled.

*And I’ve just become a victim of the same fate.* He had little energy to his lasers and his shields and Jag diverted every bit of it to his engines. Because he was only running on one-third power the time it would take for him to get to Jaina was increasing. He didn’t know what the conditions on Drognan were like, however from Jaina’s description it didn’t sound good. Fortunately, the Clawcraft had been close to the planet when it was hit and Jag was already entering the atmosphere.

“Jaina, talk to me.” He hoped that she would still be able to hear him over her helmet’s internal comm. He waited a moment, concentrating on his descent through the uppers levels of the atmosphere. “Jaina? If you can hear me, I’m on my way. I’ve taken a bit of damage, but it’s nothing I can’t fix. We’ll get the ship up and running at full power than head back to Borleias. Hold on, okay? I’ll be there in a few minutes.” He ignored that fact that they’d have to fly back through the mine field just to get a clear jump to Borleias.

Jag tried to push the growing dread from his mind but it seemed desperate to consume him. He’d had a lock on the X-Wing’s position but it had disappeared on his HUD. Jaina would have manually had to eject from the ship, but he didn’t know where she was. The fact that she wasn’t talking back to him only made it worse. He didn’t know if she had made it clear of the X-Wing, or if she had been injured and couldn’t communicate. He hoped that the only problem was that the comm had malfunctioned.

The Clawcraft had cleared the upper levels of Drognan’s atmosphere, but Jag didn’t have time to get his bearings for a sudden blazing bolt of lightning struck the ship. The Clawcraft rocked viciously and because he had diverted all power from shields to engines, the blow to his hull felt ten times worse than it should have. Jag flattened his suddenly chaotic path and saw on his console one of his engines had taken damage.

Outside the cockpit, a violent storm enveloped Drognan. Snow and freezing rain pelted his viewport and the wind that engulfed the Clawcraft had the strength to pull the ship in a multitude of directions. He struggled to keep a straight course as another bolt of lightning struck a tree to his left. Jag rolled the ship hard to its right, the movement pushing him forward in his restraint. A crack of thunder echoed around him and he was thankful it was nature making that awful noise and not his ship. The strain of the winds buffeting it back and forth and Jag trying to prevent it from smacking into trees was more tension that the ship was accustomed to.

The freezing rain and snow made visibility near zero and the surface of the planet was suddenly coming upon him rapidly. Jag cut back his power even more, almost crawling along as he dodged bolt after bolt of lightning while weaving through the trees. The sky was darkening, but from the storm or the onset of night, Jag couldn’t tell. Another flash directly in front of the ship surprised him and Jag yelped as another tree fell in his path. He rolled the Clawcraft to starboard then took the fighter in a long loop around a dense patch of trees. The sound of the freezing rain on the viewport reminded Jag of footsteps on durasteel. It had an almost hypnotic beat to it.

He passed low over some snow-capped foliage and felt his body contract as a small patch of orange material tried to fly free from the branch it had become ensnared in. *Jaina...*

The clap of thunder shocked him and Jag jumped in his seat. He cursed himself for his lack of focus and continued to deftly manoeuvre through the trees. “Jaina? If you can hear me, I’m skimming the surface. If you can find a way to help me see you, I’d greatly appreciate it.”

No reply. *Damn.* He was learning quickly that his patience was not as strong as he had thought. The longer it took for him to find her, the longer she would be exposed to the elements and the risk of hypothermia was a definite possibility in this cursed weather. He estimated that she had already been down about five minutes.

He finally cleared the trees and emerged into a opening. In the clearing sat a stone house near a lake. Hope washed over him as Jag began a slow circle of the area. *Perhaps Jaina came here and the owners of the house allowed her to wait inside.* The Clawcraft approached the fortified house slowly, the wind pushing at the hull as if to speed it on its way.

The house seemed roughly rectangular in shape, surrounded by a curtain wall and a massive angular building rose from the southern corner near the lake- like moat that surrounded three-quarters of it. There were two drum-shaped towers at each corner of the house, the one on the right had a conical roof. There was an arched entrance to the western tower and it looked to Jag as if it had either been damaged or had never been fully constructed. The stone it had been made from looked old and the exterior appeared unkempt. As he brought the ship around the rear of the house, he noted that it was more diamond-shaped than rectangular and had suffered considerable wear-and-tear. It was definitely older than he originally thought.

Everything around him was covered in white, except for the water. The lake was a deep shade of blue, almost black, Jag thought as he surveyed the surface for a safe place to land. There were so many trees of every kind and size surrounding this clearing that Jag found himself anticipating the emptiness of space once they left here.

He was about to turn back to the house and find a place closer to land when his attention became riveted on the water. The Clawcraft hovered in its place as Jag blinked in both shock and alarm. In the water, laying on its side was the X-Wing’s chair, and still strapped to it, half emerged in the frigid water of the lake, was Jaina.

*******

The freezing rain and snow assailed him and Jag felt the sting on his skin as Drognan’s weather welcomed him with antipathy. The wind was not only blowing strongly but it was bitterly cold. He found himself repeatedly blinking against the harshness of the elements and as his feet landed in the snow-covered ground, he cursed. The snow was almost to his knees and would slow him down slightly in his movements.

Jag had set the ship down as close to the lake as he could and he only had to take several steps before he was in the water. His body seized as the freezing water of the lake swooshed around him, and he silently wished that his training had prepared him for this type of rescue. He was a strong swimmer but the worsening storm and icy waters hampered him considerably.

The lake was a reluctant ally and seemed eager to pull him far below the surface. Jag struggled against the ever-changing current but within a couple of minutes he reached the X-Wing’s chair. He noticed as he clutched the seat and started to pull it toward him that his fingers felt numb and sluggish through his flight gloves. Turning the chair over on to its backside brought Jaina on her back, and Jag stiffened as he noted that she was not moving. He supported himself against the chair as he quickly checked for a pulse. He couldn’t feel her skin through the material of his glove but he knew that her body was just as cold and most likely traumatized by the impact with the water.

He sighed. *She’s still breathing. Barely.* He fumbled with the restraining straps of the chair while at the same time cursing the weather for slowing him down and making his task so much more difficult. Once he accomplished that, Jag eased Jaina’s limp form out of the chair and wrapped an arm over her chest while supporting her against his side. Consecutive bolts of lightning hit the shoreline near the ship and was instantly followed by a rumble of thunder that seemed never-ending.

Jag started swimming back toward the Clawcraft and noticed that the water around him was beginning to freeze over. The temperature had dropped and the freezing rain was changing into snow. A very heavy snow. The wind pushed against him as the water once again tried to suck him under. Several times he had to adjust his hold on Jaina for she started to slip from his grip and it didn’t help at all that his body was warning him that if he didn’t get out of the cold soon, he would also start showing signs of hypothermia.

After minutes that seemed like hours, Jag pulled himself on to the shore, dragging Jaina behind him. He laid her down on her back, checking once again to make sure she was still alive and nodded satisfied that there was still a pulse. He blinked repeatedly against the stinging cold as he stood up and ran back to the ship. Pulling himself up once again, he leaned into the cockpit far enough to pop open a compartment behind his pilot’s chair. Grabbing a small black backpack, Jag came back up and closed the access hatch. He jumped down from the Clawcraft and ran back to Jaina.

The sky was almost black. Thick clouds rolled in from the west and the wind continued to pick up speed. The blowing snow made visibility worse and Jag knew there was no way they would be leaving Drognan this day. He pulled the backpack over his shoulders then bent down on one knee. He brought one arm under Jaina’s neck while bracing her body with his other. He stood up, shifting Jaina’s body so her face was against his chest and away from the harshness of the wind, and started walking as quickly as he could toward the stone structure.

Walking became more of a challenge to Jag than he anticipated. Within the moments he had exited his ship and pulled Jaina from the lake, the snow had piled up considerably, now slightly above his knees. He had to stopped several times because his grip on Jaina slackened, and each time he had to reposition her against him, catch his breath, and start moving again. The snow plastered his hair against his head, blocking his view a bit as several locks stuck to his brow. His breath caught in his throat several times as he sucked in the bitter cold while he breathed. Jag tried to think of warm, sunny thoughts to help him forget how sluggish he was becoming.

The ground shifted beneath him and his left leg buckled. He fell hard on his side, his left leg twisted uncomfortably beneath him. He winced at the pain, feeling the muscle pull opposite his movements. Jag struggled to his knees and repositioned Jaina’s body once again, this time bringing her over his right shoulder. It was an uneven weight on him, but it was probably the most practical way to carry her. Getting to his feet, Jag winced as he continued towards the house, ignoring the fact that he was limping heavily.

The structure was like a beacon in the storm. The grayish-brown stone seemed impervious to the elements, the towers guiding a weary traveller to the safety within its walls. Jag didn’t know how long it took him to come around the lake to the fortified house, but he was thankful that he was only steps away from the door. The closer he got to the building, the more Jag realized that the house was not partially constructed as he had initially thought. In fact, the stone structure was much older than it looked from the sky. The upper windows were cracked, the arched entrance to the western tower looked as if it had suffered substantial damage, perhaps from a bombardment of some sort. The stone bridge leading from the woods to the house was weather-beaten, some areas were devoid of any stone or brick. The eastern tower had no windows, Jag noticed, just stone frames of where they had once been.

His shoulder ached from Jaina’s limp form. His leg throbbed with pain, worsening with each step. His body shivered. Tears stung his eyes as the harsh wind continued to assail him. Jag imagined he looked like a walking snowman, the blizzard coating him from head to toe. He hoped that the homeowners would be gracious enough to allow them to stay the night and warm up. He didn’t think he could make it back to the Clawcraft if they refused.

The huge double doors of the house were made of wood and looked as if they had seen better days. Creases in the wood no doubt allowed drafts to enter the structure. He braced Jaina again as she started to slip from his shoulder. The wind whistled against his ears and pummelled his body and Jag had to adjust his stance, feet apart and firmly planted on the ground to keep from falling. His left leg was throbbing so bad he thought he was going to collapse. He started to pound on the door with all the strength he still had left in him, just to be heard over the howling of the wind.

The door slowly opened but not from any help from inside. The wind pushed the door at the same time Jag knocked. A snow pile crossed over from the outside to the inside of the structure. Without hesitation, he stepped inside.

“Hello? Is there anybody here? I need assistance!”

Silence greeted him. Jag stepped further into the house, closing the door behind him with a swift kick. His left leg jerked from that action alone and he stumbled backward. Leaning heavily against the door, Jag took a moment to catch his breath. It wasn’t any warmer in here. The sound of the wind hitting the windows and breezing through the open frames created an eerie song throughout the building. Raising his left hand slightly to brush wet hair out of his eyes, he called out again.

“Is there anyone here? I have an injured person here! Hello?”

Silence.

The foyer in which he stood was massive. To his left was a wide stone staircase that curled upward and directly in front of him was a long, narrow hallway that led to places deeper inside the structure. To his right were two huge wood doors, separating the foyer from the room within. Battered tapestries lined the walls near the stairs and along the hallway. The gusts of wind that crept into the house gently moved the tapestries around. There was a large desk against the wall near the hallway and on its surface were data tapes covered in a light dusting of snow. Dust seemed to be everywhere, giving the impression that the house had been deserted for some time.

Jag took a deep breath, getting his strength once again and moved toward the doors. He grasped the gold handle and pushed the door inward, calling out once more in case the inhabitants were in here. The room was empty and as Jag stepped inside and surveyed his surroundings, he knew exactly what he would have to do.

The dining hall was easily double the size of the foyer. A large wooden table sat in the middle of the room and surrounding it were at least sixteen high-backed chairs. Each chair was covered with a deep red material and in the centre of the table was a bouquet of dried flowers. An ancient fireplace was to his left, near to the doors and in front of it was a rusted fire-screen. Two armoires sat at the back of the room, just as dusty as the rest of the furniture Jag had seen so far. Next to the door sat an old chest, about as long as he was tall. On the wall opposite the entrance to the room were eight ceiling-to-floor windows covered in the same deep- red fabric as the chairs. The scene before him was something right out of ancient history. This place was seriously lacking in up-to-date technology.

Moving further into the room, Jag turned to the chest and eased Jaina from his shoulder onto the sturdy surface. He placed the backpack on the chest next to her and opened it. Pulling out the medpac, Jag turned it on and quickly scanned Jaina’s bio-signs. Her pulse was weak and her body temperature had dropped, yet everything else seemed okay.

He closed the door behind him, hoping to erase some of the chill that dominated the foyer. He stripped off his flight gloves and tossed them on the floor next to the chest. Then, he limped over to the table, grabbed a chair, and went straight to the windows. Placing the chair against the wall, Jag climbed up and immediately felt the muscle in his left leg contract from the movement. He winced against the pain and grabbed a hold of the drapes on the window in front of him. The fabric was soft to the touch yet heavy. He pulled the drapes toward him, tugging hard enough to pull the brackets holding them in place off their perch. The plush material fell into his hands. The exterior of the window was frosted over and the storm continued to bombard Drognan. Another flash of lightning struck close to the house. Jag eased himself off the chair and walked over to the fireplace.

Taking the first drape, he double-folded it and laid it down on the stone floor. His fingers grazed the stone and Jag was thankful that it wasn’t as cold as he thought it might have been. He straightened out the fabric, making a place in front of the fire that could have easily accompanied three people. He double-folded the other drape and tossed it over the nearest chair.

Next, he went to the fireplace and took several pieces of old, dusty wood from the berth next to it and tossed them into the hearth. He stood up and glanced briefly around for something to ignite it with. Seeing nothing, Jag shrugged, drew his charric, aimed, and fired. Flames burst up around the wood, quickly creating a glowing fire. Satisfied, Jag went back to the chest near the door.

For a second he stood staring down at Jaina’s lifeless form. Her flightsuit was soaked, the last flakes of snowing melting into the material. He squatted down next to her and gently removed the flight helmet. Her hair was plastered to her head and a fine gash on her forehead indicated that her helmet had cut into the skin during impact. Jag reached over and grabbed the medpac. He took a small bacta patch and gently placed it over the cut. He gently pushed her hair back from her face and removed the barrette that had been holding it back in a ponytail. Resting his hand against her brow, Jag sighed. He knew what he had to do next and he only hoped Jaina would understand when she awoke.

He removed her boots first, followed by her flight gloves. He unhooked her utility belt and lightsaber and placed them at his feet. Then, he began to un-zipper the flightsuit. Jag was acutely aware that his fingers were shaking. He stopped once he reached her mid-section and tenderly placed his fingers inside the flightsuit. He brought one arm around her back, sitting her up slightly while the other eased her upper body of the flightsuit. The thin straps of her tank top were damp, but thankfully not as wet as the outer shell she wore.

Laying her back down, he finished un-zippering the flightsuit and gingerly slipped it over her legs. He felt a tight lump constrict his throat as he noted the slender curves of Jaina’s shapely legs. Jag cursed and tossed the flightsuit on the floor. Now was not the time to admire her beauty. She was laying consciousness on the chest clad only in a thin tank top and panties. The sudden image of Han Solo’s hands around his neck entered his mind. Jag shivered, but this time, not from the cold.

He hurriedly stripped himself of his flightsuit, tossing his uniform, boots, and utility belt onto the floor next to Jaina’s assorted garb. He stood there, wearing a black muscle shirt and athletic shorts, his hair dripping against his neck and face. Jag grabbed his charric and then picked Jaina up in his arms. Out of the wet flightsuit she was much lighter but the pulled muscle in his left leg hindered him still and he limped back over to the fire. The charric dropped from his grip as he laid Jaina down on the make-shift bed. Jag grabbed the other drape then eased himself down on the plush material. It wasn’t the greatest, he knew, but he didn’t have much to work with and the heat from the fire would warm the room in a short time.

Easing Jaina on her side, Jag pulled her against him until her back was pressing against his chest. He pulled the other drape over them and brought it up to their necks. Under the cover, Jag wrapped his arms around Jaina and rested his head against hers.

A sigh like no other escaped him. It felt like hours had passed since he had pulled her from the water when in reality it was probably no more than twenty minutes. His body ached and stung from the cold. Jag tightened his grip on her as he recalled seeing Jaina emerged in the lake. He had known fear in his life, had known the pain of watching those he cared for die in circumstances behind their control. This time, however, it was different. It felt different. He didn’t know why seeing Jaina like that affected him so strongly.

He cared about her as a pilot and an acquaintance, but as something more? He barely knew her and when he had attempted to change that on Hapes she had rebuked him. If there was anything in life that truly baffled him and made him want to bang his head against a wall, it was women. His experiences with them were few and far between, but the encounters he did have left him wondering why men even bothered trying to impress and enchant them.

Jag focused his stare on the crackling flames of the fire in front of them. When he left for Kesna this morning he had never dreamed that he be laying on the floor with Jaina, half-dressed, and covered with window curtains. Then again, he hadn’t planned on her coming along with him either. He wished that he could say that he had been in stranger predicaments, but he hadn’t. Not that this was strange. In fact, it felt...natural. He shifted a little, moving closer to provide more heat to Jaina's body. A smile touched his lips as he closed his eyes, weariness taking over. *She is going to kill me when she wakes up.*