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Author	Topic: Whole: post-NJO K/J, J/TK, L/M, others- Post 1/2!!!
SaberBlade Registered: Sep '01	Date Posted: 11/30/03 3:57pm Subject: Whole: post-NJO K/J, J/TK, L/M, others- Post 1/2!!! - Date Edited: 1/9/06 10:08pm (13 edits total) Edited By: SaberBlade
	This story is a sequel to my three-poster story Broken. It was formerly titled Broken Becomes Whole but I decided to change the title for this sequel. Reading Broken first might be a good idea. Author's Note: Hopefully, everything is pretty straightforward, and I don't think I've deviated too much from how the NJO ended. There might be spoilers within for the ending of the series, but nothing major. The last battle in TUF happened two years before the setting of this fic. People's ages, as far as I can determine, are as follows: Jaina/Jacen = 23 Han = 61 Luke/Leia = 49 Jag = 25 Mara = Kyp = 39 Ben = 6 Veren = 1.5 Star Wars, the NJO, and all the characters you recognize are not mine; they belong to George Lucas and their respective authors. Anything you don't recognize is mine; please respect my creativity and don't steal it. Thank you to all the readers of Broken for encouraging a sequel, especially Jaina Durron, Lumi, JSD, Jez, Goddess, kayladie, and Am. Lots of thanks to my little brother SaberLeader for helping me get things right. Comments mean a lot to me- please tell me what I'm doing right/wrong, what worked/didn't, what you liked/hated. Anything from words to characterization- I'm trying desperately to improve my writing. End of ridiculously long Author's Note. ---------- Dramatis Personae Ben Skywalker, child (male human) Cal Omas, Chief of State, member of the High Council (male human) Colonel Jagged Fel, commander of Twin Suns Squadron, Chiss diplomat (male human) General Jaina Solo, Jedi Knight, commander of Trickster Squadron (female human) General (ret.) Han Solo, captain of the Millennium Falcon (male human) Jacen Solo, Jedi Knight (male human) Keshli Arranas, Jedi Knight (female Twi’lek) Kyp Durron, Jedi Master, commander of voluntary squadron Kyp’s Dozen, member of the High Council (male human) Leia Organa Solo, former Chief of State (female human) Luke Skywalker, Jedi Master, member of the High Council (male human) Mara Jade Skywalker, Jedi Master (female human) Tenel Ka Djo Solo, Jedi Knight, Queen of Hapes (female human) Veren Solo, child (male human) .... and others I have forgotten .... ---------- Start Jacen felt his sister slip into the room, and he turned to smile at her. She smiled back, but didn’t move up to him. He bent and placed his son safely in bed. “He’s gotten bigger,” Jaina said softly from the doorway as Jacen tucked blankets securely around Veren. “Children tend to do that,” Jacen agreed, though his hand hovered protectively over Veren’s shoulder for a long moment. The wonder was still there, the awe that this was his son. He didn’t think he would ever outgrow it. He forced himself to turn away, and dimmed the lights on his way to the door. He turned to his sister. Jaina was standing before him, watching him with the mocking half-smile that she had somehow grown into while pretending to be the Trickster Goddess. She wore a simple long skirt and a short tunic, both the same grey as her military uniform. “The great Jeedai Jacen Solo,” she teased. “Finally brought low by a one-year-old princeling.” Jacen felt his grin grow across his face, and didn’t both to try and stop it. “Wait til you have children of your own,” he said mildly. The mocking half-smile spread into a grin that matched his own. Jaina stepped forward and linked her arm through his. “Come on. I’m kidnapping you.” “Really,” he drawled. “Uh-huh.” Jaina led him down the hall, through the main room, and into his kitchen. “And I’m also kidnapping your wife.” “Kidnapping a queen generally leads to a very painful death,” he informed her. She only grinned. “I’m a goddess. I have precedence over a mere queen.” “Indeed?” Tenel Ka entered the room just as Jaina finished speaking. She came up to Jacen and took his free hand in hers. “I think instead the queen shall agree to accompany the goddess with no kidnapping threats. It will keep the goddess from having to fight her way free of bodyguards.” Jaina shrugged. “Whatever. That works too.” “And so why are we being kidnapped?” Jacen asked. His sister looked up at him, and her eyes were laughing. “We have twelve hours before we reach Mon Cal,” she explained. “And most of us have been stuck on the Guardian flying basic escort service for half a year. We’re bored. And since all my pilots are having a party tonight that I can’t go to, and since almost everyone’s shown up, I decided that I’d throw a reunion party of my own, and I’m going to kidnap the necessary people.” Jacen laughed. “Wouldn’t it be simpler to just go to your pilots’ party?” She shook her head was suddenly serious and older. “I can’t. I’m the General. They’d be too busy trying to not do anything stupid or insulting in front of me that they wouldn’t have any fun.” She shrugged, and was young again. “So I’m going to throw my own party. Full of all the people my pilots would be too nervous to have fun around. So I decided I’d start by kidnapping you two.” Jacen glanced down at his wife. Tenel Ka’s smile was slow, but the queen of Hapes squeezed his hand. “Just let me inform Ythr we are leaving, and he will watch over Veren.” — Jaina led them through the Guardian’s winding corridors to find each of the Jedi that had arrived to support the High Council and many of the higher ranking military officers who had been denied access to their own subordinates’ parties. Eventually, the group became too large to wander down the hallways. By then, word had somehow spread of the reunion, and people were showing up uninvited to find old friends from the war. They took over the officer’s mess; tables were pushed aside and a dance floor was cleared. Someone pressed a droid into service, and soon music wafted through the air. It didn’t take long for someone to open the bar; to Jacen, it looked as though Colonel Mareisn had simply commandeered the bar and began passing out drinks. Jaina wove through the crowd, smiling and laughing, and finally reached him. “I suppose now we need to actually bring the High Council in,” she said. “And maybe even Mom and Dad.” “Too late,” Jacen said. He nodded toward the general direction of their parents. “I think everyone’s here already.” He lifted his glass at her. “Congratulations on a successful party.” Jaina smiled. “Have you seen -” “General Solo,” a warm male voice said from behind Jacen. “Colonel Fel,” she responded in the same tone, and she stepped forward into his arms. Jagged Fel- tall, dark, and ridiculously handsome with dark green eyes and black hair streaked with white where his scar disappeared into his hairline- bent and twirled her in a hug. “This was a good idea,” he told her, green eyes twinkling down at her. “What happened to being grim?” she teased him. A corner of his mouth quirked up. “Someone taught me the value of being spontaneous.” Jaina laughed. “Nice to know I influenced you somehow.” “Evening, Jacen,” the Imperial pilot said, turning to him. Jacen took his hand easily. At one point, he had been sure that Jag would be his brother-in-law, and had learned to get along with him. It wasn’t hard: Jag was a good man, a good pilot, and, fortunately, a good friend for his sister, if not the love of her life. “Jag. How have you been doing?” “I’ve been reinforcing the fact that I prefer flying my clawcraft to dealing with politicians,” the pilot-turned-diplomat said drily. “And you? How is your son?” “Don’t get him started,” Jaina said, rolling her eyes. Both men ignored her. “Veren’s fine,” Jacen said, and refrained from telling Jag all the details. The man would learn soon enough when he had children of his own. “How is your family doing?” “Well.” And Jag’s lips twitched into a full smile. “Except for my little sister. She’s rather devastated that you’re happily married- she had a crush on you the size of the Death Star.” “I- Ah-” Jacen didn’t quite know how to respond to that, and was grateful that his beard covered most of his blush. “Oh.” Jag chuckled at his discomfort, and Jaina erupted into peals of laughter. “What’s so funny?” Han asked, coming up to them and suspiciously glaring at his children. Jaina was laughing so hard all she could manage in response was to raise a shaking hand to point at Jacen before she turned to Jag and buried her head in his chest, rocking with laughter. “Oh,” Han said, brows furrowing. He studied his son for a long moment, and then turned back to his calming daughter. “Do you want to try that one again?” Jaina just grinned. “I think you should ask Jacen.” Jacen tried to beat a retreat. “I think you should ask Jag.” Han turned to the pilot. Jag, having lived among the Chiss all his life, had managed to calm himself long before Jaina. His eyes were still dancing, though, and Han stared at him warily. “Kid? Want to explain?” Jag smiled again, ran a hand over the white streak of hair running back from his scar, and shrugged. “Not really.” Jaina giggled, and Han glared at the Chiss pilot. “All right.” He turned around, muttering something about finding someone his own age he could understand. Jacen laughed then. “Thanks,” he told Jag. “It was worth it to see the look on both your faces,” he said. His gaze swung to Jaina, and then focused somewhere behind her. “Master Durron,” he greeted. “Colonel Fel, Jacen, Goddess.” Kyp nodded at them. “What happened to Han?” Kyp Durron had changed little from the man Jacen remembered. He was still lean and fit, still surrounded by the power he could wield so easily, still somehow a sharply honed weapon ready to strike out at whatever threatened him. His Force-presence was still powerful enough to make him noticed in a crowd, still aggressive enough to remind Jacen that he had fallen. But he no longer wore the look of a brooding martyr that had replaced the scowl of years past. Age had threaded more silver through the black of his hair, and more lines had worked their way onto his face, but he was still a dangerous man to cross. Overall, though, Jacen was glad Kyp was on his side. Jag chuckled. “I think we managed to confuse him.” “Not hard to do, knowing the three of you.” Kyp shook Jag’s hand. “I haven’t seen you in a while.” “Not since Tesin. I hear you have a new apprentice flying with the Dozen now.” Kyp grimaced. “Yeah. She’s a decent pilot and a good Jedi, but I’m not sure Luke made the right choice by asking me to train her.” He looked at Jacen. “Keshli reminds me a lot of you, actually. Master Skywalker should have asked you to train her.” Jacen raised the hand not holding his drink as though to ward Kyp off. “Oh, no. I’m not a Jedi Master.” “Yet.” Kyp shook his head. “Give it time.” He turned back to Jag. “How have you been?” “Wishing I were flying more and talking less.” Kyp rolled his eyes. “I did warn you when you said you’d be turning diplomat. Not everyone understands that the easiest way to get what you want is to actually ask for it.” “Exactly. They’ll dance around the point, hint at it a few more times, and finally casually mention how pleased they would be if you would manage to do whatever it was, and refuse to ask point-blank for whatever it is.” Jag sighed. “Politicians. I never thought I’d be dealing with them.” “Oh, it’s worse than you think, Jag,” Jaina said solemnly. She leaned forward and dropped her voice to a whisper. “I hate to break it to you, but you’re a diplomat. That means, roughly, you are a politician.” Jag glared at her for a long second, and raised his hands in defeat. “Just don’t tell my father that.” Then he reached out and took her hands. “Speaking of dancing around, they’re playing music. You coming?” “Of course.” But before she let him lead her out onto the improvised dance floor, she turned back to Jacen and Kyp. “You are going to dance with Mom at least once or I’ll hurt you,” she threatened Jacen. Jacen sought a way out of the closing trap. “She’s here with Dad. He’ll dance with her.” Jaina snorted. “Dad can’t dance worth Sithspit. You can. Go remind Mom why you’re her favorite child.” Then she turned to Kyp. “And you are going to go over and talk with your poor apprentice before she becomes part of that wall.” Kyp glanced rather guiltily toward the far wall, where his apprentice of the past year was trying valiantly to disappear. “Oh. Yeah. I should probably do that.” “If you ask nice, I bet she’d even dance with you,” Jaina called saucily after him. Kyp turned and favored her with a withering glare. “I get a dance with you after I dance with her.” “If you insist.” “Oh, I definitely insist, Goddess.” His voice was a low growl, somehow promising dire consequences would befall her, but Jaina, unconcerned, tugged Jag out into the crowd of dancers. Jacen watched Kyp thoughtfully as the older man reached Keshli. Something in Kyp’s tone of voice had caught his attention. Jacen had begun to learn his wife’s simple method of summing up people in a few words. It was essential in politics, and Jacen thought he had become quite good at it. He had begun a list in his head of his friends and family, summing them up, searching for the real parts of them, the real selves among all the layers that sometimes covered them. His mother was a peacemaker, always seeking ways to make the world around her secure. His father- well, Jacen had decided that Han had a core of pure scoundrel. Uncle Luke was a guide, a mentor both in word and deed. Mara was a guardian, keeping watch over those she loved and fighting fiercely to protect them. Tenel Ka was bound by her honor: the honor that she kept as queen, the honor that she followed through the Jedi Code. Kyp was a fighter, dangerous and powerful and haunted. Jag was, at heart, a pilot, happiest flying out in the stars, though his honor colored everything he did. Jaina had begun that way, but through the war had changed and become a weapon: the Sword of the Jedi, a protector like the Jedi Knights of the Old Republic. And there was a possibility that Kyp- at heart a fighter- would understand Jaina- at heart the Sword. Jaina had been a shadow of her former self before the Guardian had begun her long trip. She had hidden it well, but there had been something bothering her, something not right about her, since at least the war had ended, since before she and Jag had split up. She tried hard to hide it from the world, and mostly succeeded in her act. But it had been there when he had used the Force to touch her mind yesterday, and she didn’t deserve to have to deal with it, no matter how adept she had grown at hiding it. Whatever it was, it made her somehow less Jaina, somehow diminished. When she had greeted him in the docking bay earlier that evening, he had risked a quick touch of her through the Force. She was better, but she was not completely healed. The hole was patched, but still cracked. Kyp was a fighter. Jaina was a weapon. Jacen made up his mind. Kyp had a better chance of understanding what was bothering her than he did; therefore he would ask Kyp to talk with her. Kyp was a friend of hers. He had helped put Jaina together back when she had fallen to the Dark Side; he shouldn’t refuse to help put her together again now. Jacen set his glass down and wove through the crowd. He would dance with his mother, he would steal away his wife for a dance, and then he would try to talk to Kyp. Maybe Kyp would be able to help Jaina. -----*----- Wow, really long first post? Comments anyone? -Saber -----signature----- My fics are in my bio. And now they're even unlocked! The new fic series: Debates - http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=17715156&start=17719595 I'm amused. I'm constantly amused.
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JainaDurron Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 11/30/03 5:05pm Subject: RE: Whole: post-NJO K/J, J/TK, L/M, others- first post 11/30
	This was definitely a great beginning SaberBlade. Can't wait for the next post. ~~Jilly -----signature----- Qeryné, Handmaiden of the Crest Beta for Midnight_Jedi and Amidala_Skywalker Proud K/Jer (Rogue and Goddess); Twin Suns Lead- KDFC Winner for Best Romance Beyond the Saga, SFFA K/J is love!!!
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Goddess-of-Kyp Registered: Nov '03	Date Posted: 11/30/03 9:37pm Subject: RE: Whole: post-NJO K/J, J/TK, L/M, others- first post 11/30 - Date Edited: 11/30/03 9:38pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Goddess-of-Kyp
	“What happened to being grim?” she teased him. A corner of his mouth quirked up. “Someone taught me the value of being spontaneous.” HA!! That was great! “I- Ah-” Jacen didn’t quite know how to respond to that, and was grateful that his beard covered most of his blush. “Oh.” Poor Jacen... I wondered about that in the books... she was about the right age to have a crush on him. Han glared at the Chiss pilot. “All right.” He turned around, muttering something about finding someone his own age he could understand. So Han! This was really well done, Saber. Are you back at the dorms yet? Can I bug you for more yet? -----signature----- Kyp turned to Jaina... For once in his life, Jacen was priviledged to watch Kyp Durron embarressed. Surprise rose in Jacen. He sensed history here, something between Jaina and Kyp that he hadn't known existed. Now THAT'S interesting. - Ylesia
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Amidala_Skywalker Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Jul '01	Date Posted: 11/30/03 10:27pm Subject: RE: Whole: post-NJO K/J, J/TK, L/M, others- first post 11/30
	Well, I think this has confused me . Are Jaina and Kyp together, or are they developing their friendship? Other than that, a very good post! I liked Jacen’s analysis of each of his family members. Hmm, where was Tahiri in this chapter (since Jaina counted her as a part of the family)? I look forward to seeing more! Am -----signature----- Amsié, Crest of Handmaidens . ___ TF.N Archive Reviewer ___ Battlestar Galactica is the new way.
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SaberBlade Registered: Sep '01	Date Posted: 11/30/03 11:22pm Subject: RE: Whole: post-NJO K/J, J/TK, L/M, others- first post 11/30 - Date Edited: 11/30/03 11:24pm (1 edits total) Edited By: SaberBlade
	JainaDurron: Thanks! Next post is in the works! Goddess: That was one of my favorite parts to write. And yes, I'm back at the dorms now. Amidala: Kyp and Jaina are still developing their friendship. This takes place only a few hours after Broken; this is when they're trying to figure out what they're going to do. It's kind of a reunion party. I'm almost done with the next post; it'll be up tomorrow, I think. Assuming that I finish reading Charlemagne's bio in time for Early Middle Ages! Thanks for replying, everyone. -Saber [Edit: Amidala, sorry I forgot. Tahiri is still off wandering with that thinking planet who's name I can't spell. All shall be explained in time. ] -----signature----- My fics are in my bio. And now they're even unlocked! The new fic series: Debates - http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=17715156&start=17719595 I'm amused. I'm constantly amused.
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SaberBlade Registered: Sep '01	Date Posted: 12/1/03 10:00am Subject: RE: Whole: post-NJO K/J, J/TK, L/M, others- first post 11/30
	No more readers? ....sigh. Anyway, there should be a post up by tonight; I just have to edit it but I have work and class first. -Saber -----signature----- My fics are in my bio. And now they're even unlocked! The new fic series: Debates - http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=17715156&start=17719595 I'm amused. I'm constantly amused.
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Jedi_Jaina_Durron Registered: Dec '01	Date Posted: 12/1/03 1:51pm Subject: RE: Whole: post-NJO K/J, J/TK, L/M, others- first post 11/30
	I yike it. Is it too soon to ask for more? -----signature----- “Jacen, never stop asking questions." -Luke "The vaping lines keep moving." - Kyp "Fiction confronts you with the awesome fact that you are not the only real thing in this world." --Zadie Smith
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SaberBlade Registered: Sep '01	Date Posted: 12/1/03 8:50pm Subject: RE: Whole: post-NJO K/J, J/TK, L/M, others- first post 11/30
	New post in a couple of minutes.... -----signature----- My fics are in my bio. And now they're even unlocked! The new fic series: Debates - http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=17715156&start=17719595 I'm amused. I'm constantly amused.
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SaberBlade Registered: Sep '01	Date Posted: 12/1/03 9:03pm Subject: RE: Whole: post-NJO K/J, J/TK, L/M, others- first post 11/30 - Date Edited: 12/1/03 9:05pm (1 edits total) Edited By: SaberBlade
	Author's Note: Just to let you know the time frame, this fic stated a couple hours after Broken. There was some confusion over this earlier. And on with post two! ---- “You seem to have lost an apprentice, Master Durron,” Jacen teased, handing him a glass filled with what Kyp devoutly hoped was something alcoholic. “I think Skywalker’s lost his mind,” he growled, and downed most of the liquor. “She’s more afraid of me than the Vong.” “Yuuzhan Vong,” Jacen corrected. “And that’s no longer politically correct. We’re at peace with them.” Kyp’s smile was brief and feral. “When have I ever been politically correct?” he asked. Jacen was forced to concede the point. “She lasted a whole dance.” “All three minutes of it,” the Jedi Master agreed drily. “I honestly think Master Skywalker’s lost his mind.” “Why did Uncle Luke ask you to train her?” Kyp fought the urge to scowl. “Because she’s terrified of me.” Jacen’s brow furrowed. “Care to explain that one?” “Keshli’s biggest fear is that she’ll fall to the Dark Side.” “There is no Dark Side. There is only the Force.” “Mm-hm.” Kyp wasn’t fully convinced. He waved his hand. “That’s part of the problem. The unifying Force is neither Light nor Dark, so how can she be sure she’s staying on the Light Side? Master Skywalker wanted me to train her to show her that even though I went over to the Dark Side I was redeemed.” He sighed. “The whole ‘moral of the story’ thing, I guess. But she’s so terrified that her Jedi Master is a former Sith Lord that she can barely meditate in the same room as me.” “Then why did Uncle Luke . . .” Jacen trailed off. “Well, I suppose she’ll get used to it eventually. That’s the point, isn’t it? To have her realize her own fear?” “That’s the point of it. And it’s hell waiting for her to realize it.” He realized the annoyance had colored his voice, and moved onto a different subject. “Your sister wasn’t half this much trouble when she was my apprentice.” “Jaina has never been afraid of you,” Jacen agreed quietly. “That’s part of why I’m going to ask you for help.” Kyp glanced out into the crowd of dancers and found Jaina, currently laughing with her mother. “Help with what?” he asked, trying to keep suspicion out of his voice. “Have you tried to link up with her recently? Have you seen what’s happened to her?” “Yes,” he began cautiously, but Jacen kept talking, overriding whatever else he would have said. “She’s gotten better the last day or so- I don’t know, maybe she finally worked something out- but she’s still not quite all there. Can you sense it?” Kyp looked closely at Jacen. The younger man was serious and concerned for his sister. It was hard to match up the bearded, decisive man in front of him with the wavering, unsure teen that Jacen had been throughout much of the war. He shut his eyes, though, and reached out through the Force toward Jaina, forcing himself to look at her presence with detached eyes. She was parsecs better than she had been before they had talked. The void was filled; her presence shone brightly, lively and whole. But the void was still present; it wasn’t completely gone. It was as though it had been patched and a spiderweb of little cracks were just waiting for something to come and rip the void back open. He opened his eyes and looked at Jacen. “She’s better, but she’s not quite back to what she was.” Jacen accepted his concise report without questioning how well Kyp knew his sister. “I’ve tried to help her, but nothing I’ve done has worked.” His brown eyes were direct and somehow unnerving. “Do you think you can help her get back to what she was?” The question set Kyp back; he honestly considered it for a minute. Jacen couldn’t know what he was asking. At last, “I spoke with her about it just before you landed,” Kyp said. “I promised her I’d help her with it.” That seemed the simplest explanation he could give. Jacen gave a sigh of relief. “Good.” Kyp must not have been able to keep his surprise off his face, because Jacen caught his eye and chuckled. “You’re a fighter. That’s all she’s been for years now. You understand her like I can’t. She trusts you. I figure you have a better chance of helping her than anyone else.” Then his laughter disappeared. “She’s been trying to hide it for a long time. She shouldn’t have to deal with it for any longer.” Kyp was in complete accord with the younger Jedi. “How long?” he asked, knowing the answer would hurt. “How long has she been trying to hide it?” Jacen hesitated, and his brown gaze sought out his sister, who was making her way slowly in their direction. “I don’t know. I only noticed right before she and Jag split up- that would be about two years ago.” “Why’d they break up?” He fought to keep his voice light and unconcerned. Jacen shrugged without looking at him. “I don’t know. They didn’t argue, that’s all I know. They’re still friends; you saw that earlier.” He had, and he had been jealous. At Jacen’s words, a burden he had been living with for nearly six years finally lifted. “Yeah.” He blinked, and took a deep breath, a little lightheaded. She wasn’t Jag’s. She hadn’t been Jag’s in years. She’d been alone and suffering; he’d been alone and suffering . . . Why the hell had he kept away for so long? He knew he was smiling, so he tossed his empty glass back at Jacen. “Thanks,” he said. “I’ll do what I can for Jaina.” Jacen caught the glass without really looking at it, but finally tore his eyes from his sister and glanced back at Kyp. “Thank you,” he said softly. “Do whatever you think will help.” Did he just give me permission to . . . No, not going to continue that line of thought. Kyp merely grinned and sketched a salute before turning and moving to intercept Jaina. “Goddess,” he said, taking her hand and raising it to his lips. “Master Durron,” she mocked, using his title as an insult though there was no real heat behind her words. “What happened to Keshli?” “She decided she would rather sleep than mingle with the heroes of the war. But I did dance with her once, so you owe me a dance.” “Do I really?” She paused to consider for a long minute, and then she grinned up at him. “All right.” Kyp led her out onto the dance floor and gathered her close to him. Her arms wound around his waist, and he was content to simply hold her and sway in time to the slow Chandrillan ballad. “I just had a very interesting conversation with your brother,” he told her as the music swelled to a finish. She lifted her head from his chest. “Oh, really?” She sounded skeptical, and he laughed. “He wants me to help you out.” “With what?” “What do you think?” He tugged at the end of her hair. “He’s worried about you, Goddess. You’re better, but you’re still not quite whole.” “I feel whole,” Jaina said softly. She reluctantly pulled away from him as they drifted off the dance floor; unable to completely part from her, Kyp draped his arm across her shoulder. “I feel complete for the first time in ages.” Her quiet words made him smile; he pulled her closer against his side. “Better tell Jacen that, then- he’s worried about you.” The smile died. “And he’s right, Jaina. You’re not quite perfect yet.” “I’m a goddess- of course I am.” But her smile didn’t reach her eyes; she was lying, stalling, denying the truth. And she knew she was. She shut her eyes and rested her head against his shoulder. “I can’t fix everything at once, Kyp. You can’t even fix it all at once. I need time to sort things out. Now that I know what made the hole, I can go about filling it in.” He almost pressed a kiss to her hair before he remembered they were in the middle of a crowded room full of her friends and family. He wasn’t sure if she wanted them to know about this strange relationship they had- he wasn’t sure if he wanted them to know yet. Instead, he sighed and loosened his grip on her. “I’m here if you want help.” She pulled away to stand in front of him, and this time her smile danced in her eyes. “Partners still?” Kyp laughed. “You know, Goddess, someday we’re going to have to figure out just what partners means.” “Oh, I’m sure we’ll figure it out eventually.” Jaina’s smile spread. “But until we do, can we assume it means we’re friends?” Friends. It was a start, and an honest one at that. “Friends,” he agreed. “Until we finally figure out what partners means.” ------- Well? Thoughts/comments? -Saber -----signature----- My fics are in my bio. And now they're even unlocked! The new fic series: Debates - http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=17715156&start=17719595 I'm amused. I'm constantly amused.
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Goddess-of-Kyp Registered: Nov '03	Date Posted: 12/2/03 8:34am Subject: RE: Whole: post-NJO K/J, J/TK, L/M, others- POST 12/1!!
	“Yuuzhan Vong,” Jacen corrected. “And that’s no longer politically correct. We’re at peace with them.” Kyp’s smile was brief and feral. “When have I ever been politically correct?” he asked. So Kyp... sigh for rogue Jedi... -----signature----- Kyp turned to Jaina... For once in his life, Jacen was priviledged to watch Kyp Durron embarressed. Surprise rose in Jacen. He sensed history here, something between Jaina and Kyp that he hadn't known existed. Now THAT'S interesting. - Ylesia
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Saber_Leader Registered: Jan '03	Date Posted: 12/2/03 3:00pm Subject: RE: Whole: post-NJO K/J, J/TK, L/M, others- POST 12/1!!
	Did he just give me permission to . . . No, not going to continue that line of thought. LOL -----signature----- "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than speak up and remove all doubt." "The ability to speak does not make you intelligent." "The truth is always bigger than the words we use to describe it." Dual Draft Winner
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Amidala_Skywalker Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Jul '01	Date Posted: 12/2/03 6:00pm Subject: RE: Whole: post-NJO K/J, J/TK, L/M, others- POST 12/1!!
	Great post! It cleared up any confusion I had on their relationship, actually. Oh, and I can’t imagine Jacen with a beard . Personally, I find that beards make men look years older. Perhaps it symbolises that his youth is now forgotten. Peace with the Vong? Yes, hard to realise. I suppose there are still many things which are not water under the bridge in some people’s hearts. Am -----signature----- Amsié, Crest of Handmaidens . ___ TF.N Archive Reviewer ___ Battlestar Galactica is the new way.
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Daughterofflame Registered: Sep '03	Date Posted: 12/2/03 7:42pm Subject: RE: Whole: post-NJO K/J, J/TK, L/M, others- POST 12/1!!
	Oooooooooooooohhhhh. I love this!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MORE SOON????!!!!!!!!! Austyn, one Daughter of Flame -----signature----- Master to BigFatty!:D Acts 5:41 http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=18095891 My Light, My Darkness http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=18473316 After Forever Pt 2 I'm going to say, "Merry Christmas!", thank you very much.
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JainaDurron Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 12/2/03 7:58pm Subject: RE: Whole: post-NJO K/J, J/TK, L/M, others- POST 12/1!!
	Great post. ~~Jilly -----signature----- Qeryné, Handmaiden of the Crest Beta for Midnight_Jedi and Amidala_Skywalker Proud K/Jer (Rogue and Goddess); Twin Suns Lead- KDFC Winner for Best Romance Beyond the Saga, SFFA K/J is love!!!
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SaberBlade Registered: Sep '01	Date Posted: 12/3/03 10:11am Subject: RE: Whole: post-NJO K/J, J/TK, L/M, others- POST 12/1!!
	Wow, replies! Goddess and SaberLeader: You two picked up on my two favorite lines of the entire post! Amidala: Yup, that was the whole effect I was going for with Jacen. He's settled down, he's a father, he's come to terms with his questions about everything. Not that he's stopped asking questions... And might I just add how much I like your new series? DaughterofFlame: Oooh, I'm collecting more readers! JainaDurron: More soon indeed! All right everyone, hopefully tonight I'll have a post to give you, but right now work calleth mine name... I don't think it's fair to have to deal with both DRL, DS, and DW all at the same time. Stupid Sith Lords.... -Saber -----signature----- My fics are in my bio. And now they're even unlocked! The new fic series: Debates - http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=17715156&start=17719595 I'm amused. I'm constantly amused.
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SaberBlade Registered: Sep '01	Date Posted: 12/3/03 11:18pm Subject: RE: Whole: post-NJO K/J, J/TK, L/M, others- POST 12/1!! - Date Edited: 12/3/03 11:23pm (3 edits total) Edited By: SaberBlade
	Post Three: They weren’t talking. Mara kept the frown from her face only through long practice at hiding her emotions. She sipped her drink casually, looking for all the world as though she was merely taking a break from the flurry of social activities that surrounded her. But her mind hummed furiously, trying to understand what she was viewing. Her niece swayed in time to the music, seemingly perfectly relaxed in Durron’s arms. Comfortable enough, Mara noted with an inward frown, to have closed her eyes and rested her cheek against Durron’s chest. Durron seemed just as content with the arrangement as Jaina; one of his hands lay along her back, and the other cradled her head, lazily combing through her loose hair. But they weren’t talking. In Mara’s experience, dancing fell into one of two categories: it was either a social activity or an excuse. Social dancing meant laughing and talking, singing along with the music and joking about other dancers. Social dancers were happy to be dancing, happy to be alive, and determined to enjoy every minute of it. The other type of dancers used the music as an excuse to be alone. They were the subdued ones, the couples swaying on the fringes of the dance floor, the ones who kept away from the exuberant social dancers. They were the ones who used the dance as an excuse to be together; they were the ones who were silent. And Jaina and Durron weren’t talking. Mara didn’t want to consider what that meant, but forced her mind through it. The two had been good friends for the latter half of the war, after Kyp had helped Jaina return to the light. But they had drifted apart once the war ended, when they were no longer flying missions together. Whatever Master-Apprentice bond that had ever linked them was long dead; the link that they had developed fighting the Yuuzhan Vong had been dormant for years. They had been close friends for years, though. That could explain it. The music ended, and Jaina and Kyp finally released each other and began to talk. But they didn’t split up; Kyp slung an arm over Jaina’s shoulder, and she was comfortable enough with it there to actually lean against him. Mara glanced away. Jaina hadn’t been herself in a long time; Durron was close enough to her to sense it. He could just be offering support- they hadn’t seen each other in a long time. But he had taken advantage of Jaina in the past. Granted, that had been years ago, before they had become friends, but Mara had a long memory when it came to betrayals. Especially when it was someone she considered hers being betrayed. So she was inclined to treat Durron and his motives toward her niece with a high level of suspicion. Luke would have said that she needed to loosen up, to regain some faith in humanity. Mara preferred to keep an eye on things. She reached out through the Force and lightly brushed by the pair. No sharp emotions, no obvious problems. Jaina was more herself, a steady presence lightly colored with happiness; Durron was amused and enjoying himself. Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was missing something. Mara reached past Jaina and Kyp, searching for her husband. He might have some insight on the matter she didn’t know about; it would be like him to have noticed and considered this already. But instead of finding her husband, she found another familiar presence- one that should have been in bed hours ago. But Ben Skywalker was definitely out of bed and awake. Mara couldn’t see him through the crowd of people, but he felt both excited and confused. He had managed to sneak into the party- the grown-up party- but he was too short to see much of what was going on, and he had to avoid Mama and Daddy so that he didn’t have to go back to bed . . . Stifling a laugh, Mara very gently slipped into her son’s still-sleepy mind. Cousin Jaina, she whispered through the Force. Find Cousin Jaina. Jaya would help him! Daddy said she had been just as bad as him when she was six like him. That meant she was safe. She was like him. Mara smiled faintly at her son’s simple reasoning, and waited while Ben sent out questing Force tendrils. Evidently he found his cousin, for Ben soon began moving. Mara half-turned and was able to see Ben weave his way around larger adults and launch himself toward Jaina- breaking up a handshake between Jaina and her former Jedi Master. “Jaya!” Ben’s cry of greeting was loud enough that Mara actually heard it from where she was. It gave her an excuse to turn all the way around and face the trio, but she waited to approach them. Jaina caught her younger cousin and said something back to him. Indignation colored Ben’s thoughts. Of course he shouldn’t be in bed; he was having an adventure. Jaya knew about adventures. Both Jaina and Durron laughed, and Ben glanced at Kyp. Oh, it’s him. He’s supposed to be polite to him and call him ‘Master Durron’, so he does. But just because he’s supposed to. Mara laughed out loud before she remembered she was standing all by herself. A few of the celebrating party-goers glanced at her oddly, but then looked away when they recognized her. Mara didn’t mind. Durron had said something to Ben, and the young boy’s thoughts filled with amusement and the vague, half-remembered sensation of being hoisted high up into the air by a strong pair of arms. That had been fun. Just like when Uncle Han had done it and Mama had made him stop. Except Mama didn’t know that Master Kyp had done it because Daddy hadn’t told her and so Mama hadn’t made him stop. So maybe Master Kyp would do it again? Skywalker had let Durron loose with their son? Mara started forward grimly to rescue Ben. She would need to speak with Luke later. She was fast enough to hear Durron and Jaina both laugh, and saw Ben’s arms open and reach up at Kyp. The Jedi Master bent and swung the boy high above his head so fast that Mara was sure Ben’s neck would snap. But Ben shrieked with laughter and spread his hands out like wings as Kyp held him up. Flying! He wasn’t allowed to fly on his own yet, even though Daddy could, but being up high was the best. Daddy and Cousin Jacen could use the Force and fly up to the ceiling sitting still but he couldn’t yet so he liked it when Uncle Han and Cousin Jacen and Master Kyp and Master Kam and Daddy would lift him up and make him fly. Mama didn’t like it but Daddy said it was fine since it kept him from trying to do it himself. He wasn’t stupid, he didn’t want to try it himself ’cause he might drop himself and that would hurt. Master Kyp wouldn’t drop him and so he wouldn’t hurt. And he got to be up high. Then he caught sight of his mother. His eyes widened, and his emotions swirled in panic. Mama! He’s going to be in trouble and Mama will make Master Kyp promise not to do it again and then he would have to try it himself and he would drop himself and it would hurt. “Can I come down now?” Ben asked, and Kyp immediately lowered his arms, carefully setting him back on the ground. Jaya would protect him from Mama. She liked flying too. She would make Mama not get him in trouble. Jaya was safe. She was like him. Torn between consternation- had Luke let every blasted man in Ben’s life play X-wing with her son?- and amusement, Mara joined the group and leveled a cool gaze at Ben. “And just what do you think you’re doing here?” she asked him. Ben blinked up at her with Luke’s eyes. “Ummmmm . . .” he stalled, while frantic thoughts flitted through his mind. He’s in trouble, he’s in lots of trouble, and Master Kyp’s going to be in trouble. “Nothing, Mama.” Jaina put a hand on Ben’s shoulder. “He just wanted to come and say hello, since he was almost asleep when everyone landed.” Yeah! What Jaya said. She always knew how to fix things. Mara blinked, but kept part of her mind lightly fixed on her son as she wondered just how many things Ben had managed to slip past her. “I see,” she said. “But now that you’ve said hello to everyone, you’re going to go back to bed, aren’t you?” He wasn’t in trouble! Well, he did have to leave, but he wasn’t in trouble. “I guess so.” He sounded dejected; Mara allowed herself to smile at last. “Say goodnight to Jaina and Master Durron, and I’ll go back to the rooms with you.” “Goodnight, Master Durron. ’Night, Jaya.” Ben started to step forward toward his mother, but Jaina’s grip on his shoulder stopped him. “I’ll come too, if you don’t mind, Aunt Mara,” Jaina said. She glanced over her shoulder. “I’ve seen everyone I need to, and I think I’ll call it a night.” Mara was mildly surprised. “All right. I’ll see you tomorrow, Durron.” Kyp smiled faintly. “Should I hunt down Master Skywalker and send him home after you?” Mara didn’t allow herself to smile back at him. “If you would.” Durron gave her a half bow, black cape swirling behind him, and Mara gritted her teeth as Ben envied it and imagined wearing one himself. “My pleasure.” He turned to Jaina. “I’ll find you tomorrow.” Jaina nodded. “We’ll talk more then.” Kyp looked down at Ben. “You’ll keep them safe on the walk back?” Of course he would; he wasn’t a little boy anymore, he was six. Ben nodded. “Yeah.” “Good,” and Durron straightened. “Mara, Ben. I’ll see you tomorrow, Goddess.” “Good night, Kyp,” Jaina said, and he met her eyes, grinned, and turned away in search of Mara’s husband. Ben’s small hand slipped into hers, and Mara looked down at her son’s determined eyes. “Back to the rooms,” he said, and reached for his cousin’s hand. He was going to do what Daddy would do; he was going to make sure that Mama and Jaya got to the rooms safe. ’Cause that was what Daddy would do and that was what Master Kyp meant. Master Kyp knew that Mama didn’t need help staying safe- everyone knew that. Mara barely contained her laughter as her son escorted them through the crowded room. He was tired, his thoughts sketchy and simple and brutally honest. She was Mama and nothing could hurt Mama ’cause she was the best, but Daddy didn’t always remember that and so Daddy worried. So he was going to go with Mama so Daddy didn’t worry. And Master Kyp wanted him to keep Jaya safe on the walk, ’cause Jaya was kind of empty inside and Master Kyp worried. So he would pretend to look after Mama so Daddy wouldn’t worry about her, even though Mama was the best and didn’t need help, and he’d make sure Jaya stayed safe like Master Kyp meant so Master Kyp wouldn’t have to worry about his Goddess. Ben pulled the two women through the door into the relatively quieter hallway, and then looked up at Mara. “Mama? Are you all right?” Mara blinked, and quickly retreated from eavesdropping on her son’s mind. “I’m fine, Ben,” she said, though she felt dazed. “Do you know the way back to the rooms?” “Uh-huh,” he said, and tugged at her hand. “This way, come on.” Through the confusion that had settled over her brain, Mara dimly heard Jaina questioning Ben about how he had managed to escape the rooms. But most of the conversation passed her by; Mara’s mind was replaying the thoughts she had heard from Ben, comparing his child’s innocent reasoning with her adult’s jaded mind, and somehow coming to the same conclusion. ----- Well? What do you think? I'm afraid I wrote Ben's thoughts a little too simplistic for a six-year-old, but hey, it's late and he's really tired. Yeahyeahyeah, excuses excuses, I know. Anyway. Thoughts? Reactions? More soon, I think. I finished one of my essays. One down, only three more to go... and an oral presentation... and four finals... and work... oh, I'm not going to think anymore. Off to watch Pirates of the Caribbean. Orlando Bloom and Johnny Depp . Life is good. -Saber [Edit: Stupid markup codes. Down italics! Down bold! Bad! Bad italics! Bad bold! Sit! Sit! Stay! Good italics! Good bold!] -----signature----- My fics are in my bio. And now they're even unlocked! The new fic series: Debates - http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=17715156&start=17719595 I'm amused. I'm constantly amused.
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