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Author	Topic: Friends No More [Jag and Shawnkyr] - COMPLETE - Replies, 2/13/05!!!
Inara Registered: Aug '05	Date Posted: 9/23/05 12:21am Subject: Friends No More [Jag and Shawnkyr] - COMPLETE - Replies, 2/13/05!!! - Date Edited: 2/13/06 3:05pm (46 edits total) Edited By: Inara
	Title: Friends No More Timeframe: Post TJK Characters: Jag Fel, Shawnkyr Nuruodo, Jaina Solo, Cem Fel, and Rusa’tha’nuruodo (OC) Summary: The peerless friendship between Shawnkyr Nuruodo and Jag Fel is put to the test by misunderstandings and a betrayal of trust. Beset by unwelcome feelings, they learn that the thin line between friendship and desire is not always easy or wise to cross. As they ponder the strange turn their friendship has taken, they wonder if no price is too high to pay if a priceless friendship is at stake. Author Note: Originally started as a challenge response to pair two friends together, Friends No More has evolved into a study of culture, romance, and comradeship. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ NEW COVER ART: And here is the old one: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Even the most complicated of endings have simple beginnings. Had Jag known the path his life – and everyone else’s – would have taken, perhaps his choice of ending would have been different. It began a small step that did not seem like it would lead anywhere else. It was an accident, in fact. Had he not looked up at that particular moment, had instead kept his eyes elsewhere, it might have gone differently. But he had looked up. And then he had thought of possibilities. Possibilities were the worst curse of all. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Csilla – Five years after the defeat of the Yuuzhan Vong The small restaurant was one of the newest on Csalpar, a small but tidy establishment that was known for the high quality of its food, as well as its penchant for using heavy seasonings. It was not something readily known about the Chiss, but they preferred food flavored with spices and peppers. Davin had always said that it did nothing to spice up their personalities. But Chiss food was among the best Jag had ever tasted, even when he had been abroad during the war. He was currently waiting for Shawnkyr, who had asked to meet him here. Jag, as the CEDF’s liaison to the Alliance, was hardly within Chiss borders, and Shawnkyr, a star officer in Admiral’s Rekan defense fleet, rarely had reason to leave Chiss space. Thus, when both had found themselves on planet, they often met for meals or for simple walks together. Shawnkyr was the woman who knew him best, better, he suspected, than his own mother did. Even better than Jaina Solo. It was an understanding that was the result of their days together since they were at the Academy, almost twelve years ago. He and Shawnkyr were two chips off the same ice block. Jaina, on the other hand, had been fire to his ice. Briefly, he allowed his thoughts to wander to Jaina. Time and space had placed a distance between them that Jag did not know how to breach. He had held on to hope, however, that Jaina would come back to her senses and accept his love. He missed her. “I can guess whom you are thinking of.” The pleasant voice belonged to none other than Shawnkyr, who stood above him with amusement gleaming in her red eyes. She was dressed in her black CEDF uniform, her black hair bound at the nape of her neck. “Or else you would have made note of my approach.” He stood with no small amount of delight. “We have not seen each other in months, and yet you greet me thus?” "Say rather that it is a comment on two very strange personalities, one of which happens to be Chiss and the other of which happens to be human." Jag shook his hear ruefully as he clasped Shawnkyr’s proffered hand with both of his. “Sometimes, I wish that you would know me a little less well.” She sat in the seat Jag pulled out for her. “If I were unable to predict your actions, then I would not always be able to rescue you.” “Who says I need rescuing?” “Your parents,” she said smoothly as she selected menu items from the console at their table. Jag’s lips twitched again. “May I remind you that it was your father who contacted me at Hapes to check on you.” He took a sip of his drink. “No doubt he knew how annoyed you would be.” “An unnecessary waste of time,” she declared. “Now tell me, Jag, how work goes for you.” He described to her in detail of his last few assignments, ending with the one he had just come back from. “Dealing with Hutts made me uncomfortable, but they were the ones who initiated dialogue first.” “What did they want?” He waved his hand in the air. “In exchange for spices and other raw materials, they wanted to open a base of operations near our border. Naturally, I declined, as politely as I could. But they gave me a parting gift of Fezlo Lizards – apparently they are a very expensive delicacy on Nal Hutta.” She wrinkled her nose. “No doubt you have already eaten them.” “I never did like to share. A human thing, I suppose.” Once, Jag used to be very sensitive about his human origins. He had gone through most of his life pretending he was Chiss, and he had never liked reminders of his actual origins. But thanks to Jaina, he was more at ease with reconciling his two personalities. “And you? What are your plans?” “I am here on leave for the next month, and then I will be leaving for Nirauan. The Chiss and Imperials are being deployed on a small-scale mission of some import. But I expect that I will be at home again within a few weeks.” Her fingers toyed with the handle of her mug. “Speaking of home, have you decided how you will break the news of your new assignment to your parents? Your mother especially will be dismayed to know that you will be at the frontlines of battle with the Killiks.” Jag shook his head. “Not exactly. Right now, I am leaning more towards the ‘guess what’ approach when I go home.” Shawnkyr blinked at him. “I have not heard of such an ill-conceived plan since the invasion of Mon Calamari by the Imperials, when Admiral Josper said, ‘At ‘em, men. They’re just overgrown fish’.” Jag smiled at her comment. It seemed that a very long time had passed since he had learned to recognize Shawnkyr’s unique sense of humor. It was another little known fact about the Chiss – that under their cool and deadly personas lay a subtle and intelligent sense of humor. It was not something the Chiss indulged in, for necessity had forced the Chiss to evolve as a logical and reserved people, regardless of their own desires. In the darkness of the Unknown Regions, mistakes were rewarded by death, and thus they were allowed no room for errors, which gave them little to laugh about. The end result was a distant and militarist society, where conversations, even among friends and family, were dictated by necessity and revolved around the Ascendency itself. The familial tenderness and casual camaderie enjoyed by many in the Alliance had been replaced here by debates over fleet assignments and their continued seclusion. In Chiss schools, children were taught that the survival of the Ascendency depended on their ability to sacrifice anything and everything if such a sacrifice were required. Feelings were not things to be condemned, but feelings could be turned into weaknesses, and weaknesses could be exploited. Yet, despite this, the bonds of friends and family had not been completely lost to the Chiss. Though it was less forthcoming, the warmth and humor were there. Even if most of Shawnkyr’s humor poked fun at his expense. “I shall have to remind myself to send you a holo of their reactions,” he offered. Their food arrived, and the next several minutes were spent enjoying their cuisine. He kept his eyes on his food because the cook here had an annoying habit of hiding peppers within the folds of vegetables. If he bit on one of the peppers, his best option would be going outside and stuffing mouthfuls of snow in his mouth. Jag should have kept his eyes on his plate. Because if he had, then he would not have looked up, though later he would ask himself why he had. But he did. At that moment, a stray tendril of hair had gotten loose from Shawnkyr’s tightly woven bun. Sighing in annoyance, she reached up and tucked it behind her ear, no doubt deciding that she would fix it later, else her food would get cold. But that action, small and insignificant as it was, was also very feminine. And Jag had never viewed Shawnkyr as feminine before. It was not as if he were unaware of Shawnkyr’s gender. In fact, he had often admired her aristocratic face and slender, strong body. But to Jag, whose mother was a holostar and whose sister was heir to those looks, feminine meant something else. Something small and soft and to be protected. It had never occurred to him to associate femininity with Shawnkyr, who was stern even when dressed in a ball gown, and she was taller than he was. It was what had kept their relationship smooth. They worked well together because they viewed each other objectively. He looked at her now, observing her with different eyes. On Hapes, many of the women there had admired Shawnkyr’s hair. Unlike human hair, which at best was heavy silk to the touch, the hair of the Chiss had a rare quality that made it weightless and would float in the air at the slightest breeze. Cherith, when she had been very young, had always enjoyed working on the hair of her friends, smoothing out the tangles and making delicate braids with much delight. It was a shame, he decided then, that the CEDF required women keep their hair securely fastened. But then they would probably be distracting, if his own current behavior were any indication, and the Chiss despised distractions. And now that he thought about it, he had never seen Shawnkyr with her hair unbound. “Is the food not to your liking?” Shawnkyr’s voice roused him from his thoughts. Her eyes were puzzled. “It is very much to my liking,” he countered. “But I was savoring the flavor.” She raised a brow. “Well, take care to savor it while it is still warm.” She made no other comment at his strange behavior, and their conversation moved on to other topics. But Jag would find himself wondering, many times later, how Shawnkyr would look with her hair cascading around her. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ To be continued… Some Notes: - At the end of TUF, Jag was assigned as the CEDF liaison to the Alliance. - Csalpar - the capital of Csilla - Jag and Shawnkyr were at the Academy together (he was 14, she was 12). That makes them 26 and 24, respectively. - Yes, Shawnkyr does have long hair! Read Red Sky, Blue Flame . If anyone does not have have a copy, I would be happy to email it. - Why aren't Jag and Jaina together, you ask? Well, TDN series doesn't look too optimistic - good thing this is fanon, right??? So for you Jaina fans, rest assured that I haven't forgotten her. - Much of the description of Chiss society is extrapolated based on Jag's, Thrawn's, and Shawnkyr's personalities. Additionally, Dark Journey provides some great material. - Yes, I am a Shawnkyr fangirl. I love Shawnkyr so much that I LURV her. There aren't that many stories (if at all) about her, so I thought I'd establish a fan club. -----signature----- "The Sun Crusher was originally conceived as a humane alternative to Kyle Katarn." http://www.thedarknest.com Dark!Horny!Jacen 1 6177 86515
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zettazofia Registered: Apr '04	Date Posted: 9/23/05 4:30am Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag/Shawnkyr, J/J, and Shawnkyr/OC)
	Very, very interesting... Loved how it got started, and that you then went back a little to explain. Looking forward to more, Zetta -----signature----- ... J/J ... Go Wings! Woo hoo!
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VaderLVR64 Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Feb '04	Date Posted: 9/23/05 6:48am Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag/Shawnkyr, J/J, and Shawnkyr/OC)
	Nice start! Your cover art was impressive! I'll be looking forward to more of this one! -----signature----- R.I.P John, Alex, Jason, and Christian Never forgotten Soldiers' Angels http://soldiersangels.org/ 2114 soldiers waiting for someone to care
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Lola64 Registered: Mar '05	Date Posted: 9/23/05 7:14am Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag/Shawnkyr, J/J, and Shawnkyr/OC)
	Nice start Inara. Jag's sudden interest in Shawnkyr's feminity is intriguing. I never felt interested enough in the Chiss themselves, how they deal with attraction to the opposite sex. I always figured Shawnkyr had some feelings for Jag. I wonder what she would do if he started feeling something back for her. I'm going to make sure I follow this, see if you develop some sort of romantic relationship with them and then of course how and when J/J fits in. -----signature----- Kyp/Nurse Lola: the new ship I stalk people. It's a Lola thing. Been gone and is now back. Did you miss me?
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Chimpo_the_Sith Title: FanForce CR FF Poland Registered: Mar '03	Date Posted: 9/23/05 8:28am Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag/Shawnkyr, J/J, and Shawnkyr/OC)
	Oh a story... * reads * Nice... I like the way you write Jag and Shawnkyr is really cool here ( not to much of fan ) Oh and I would forget... * throws tomatoes at Inara * I might have missed in Resource Forum but now I've got you -----signature----- You can read this? Good you don't need glasses
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FelsGoddess Registered: Sep '04	Date Posted: 9/23/05 8:45am Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag/Shawnkyr, J/J, and Shawnkyr/OC)
	Very interesting start. -----signature----- Knighted by Tahi
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BigFatty Registered: Mar '05	Date Posted: 9/23/05 11:52am Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag/Shawnkyr, J/J, and Shawnkyr/OC)
	Yet another promising start from you, well done. And just a reminder since I'm the official J/J fic wrangler, don't forget to send the story information in a PM to the Jaina_Jag_Index. -----signature----- 1 Peter 3:15 My Fics: http://fattysfics.livejournal.com My BSG Blog: http://battlestargalactica.contentquake.com My Office Blog: http://theoffice.contentquake.com I make my own icons
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MaraJade1225 Registered: Mar '04	Date Posted: 9/23/05 12:57pm Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag/Shawnkyr, J/J, and Shawnkyr/OC)
	awesome start!!....i haven't read "Red Sky, Blue Flame" yet...could you possiby e-mail it to me? MaraJ -----signature----- "Some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it. Delicious ambiguity...." - Gilda Radner Check out my story "In Her Shoes" as well as tie in songfic
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Inara Registered: Aug '05	Date Posted: 9/23/05 8:34pm Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag/Shawnkyr, J/J, and Shawnkyr/OC)
	zettazofia: Thanks! I thought I'd play around with chronology here. VaderLVR64: Thanks! I'm glad you liked the cover art! Lola64: I always figured Shawnkyr had some feelings for Jag. I wonder what she would do if he started feeling something back for her. The fun is in the responses Chimpo_the_Sith: Glad you like Shawnkyr. And thanks for the tomatoes FelsGoddess: Thanks! BigFatty: I will be sure to send the info right away! MaraJade1225: I'll definitely email you a copy:) -----signature----- "The Sun Crusher was originally conceived as a humane alternative to Kyle Katarn." http://www.thedarknest.com Dark!Horny!Jacen 1 6177 86515
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Inara Registered: Aug '05	Date Posted: 9/25/05 7:01pm Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag and Shawnkyr) - Updated 9/25 - Date Edited: 9/26/05 3:33am (2 edits total) Edited By: Inara
	~ A Friendship is Formed ~ While at the academy, Shawnkyr takes the first step in forming a lasting friendship. Author’s Note: This story borrows heavily from Red Sky, Blue Flame. Once again, if anyone wants a copy, I’d be happy to email it. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Csilla, Third Defense Fleet Shawnkyr Nuruodo eyed the reports submitted by her squadron leaders. As the officer in charge of flight operations on Admiral Rekan’s defense fleet, she was entrusted with formulating and coordinating maneuvers for the clawcraft squadrons, and when she was able, she flew with her own Vanguard Squadron. Her promotion was an honor, and many in the Chiss military whispered that she was marked as flag officer potential. She was a Nuruodo, after all, with military blood in her very veins. She took her responsibilities seriously, and thanks to her experiences during the war, she was one of the few Chiss who had experience interacting with outsiders. This gave her an advantage in the tactics department, which was another mark in her favor. But, she reflected, as she put aside the never-ending reports, her recent successes had also separated her from her one real friend. Jag was sentenced to ambassadorial duties, since he was a human, and Chiss preferred to let humans deal with humans. Furthermore, Jag had already established relationships with many in the upper echelons of the GFFA, so it was only logical that he continue under a more official capacity. Chiss did not have friends; at least, not in the way other races viewed such relationships. Chiss had acquaintances, and on occasion, a close relationship brought together by shared careers. But friendship was a selfish thing, one that complicated professional relationships. To care for a friend meant to put his interests above one’s own, or worse, above one’s duties. Even marriages among the Chiss were made with little sentiment. Unions were geared towards bringing different houses or factions together. Love for family was a distant, minor thing. Love was certainly there, but it was not dwelt upon. The Chiss people came first. Always. Any personal considerations were secondary. So when Shawnkyr developed feelings of friendship for a human, no one had been more alarmed than she. Jag Fel had proven himself that day at the academy, and Shawnkyr had recognized a true leader in him. It had not mattered that he was not Chiss. He had embodied the very ideals a Chiss warrior strove for, and he had honored the memory of Thrawn, a man that Shawnkyr had always striven to emulate. It was acceptable to admire Jag Fel. Expected, even, though the friendship that had grown between them had not been, and their continued affection for each other had raised eyebrows. But just as it had been easy to become friends with Jag, it had also been easy to fall prey to need as the years went by, and she found herself becoming more dependent on his friendship. Need was only a small step from bitterness, anger, and want – uncharacteristic feelings for a Chiss, yet what else could be expected when one was close to a human? By the time their friendship had come to the cliff edge, she and Jag had taken so many tiny steps away from being the respectful peers they had once been that Shawnkyr could no longer see it. And she certainly had no idea how to get to it from where she had ended up. Yet Shawnkyr did not regret it. And that was the most alarming of all. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chiss Training Academy, Thrawn’s Hidden Phalanx – Four Years before the Yuuzhan Vong invasion When reinforcements had finally come from Csilla, only five Chiss cadets had survived. The entire base was beyond salvageable, and now that the location was known to outsiders, the students would have to be transferred. Since Shawnkyr had been ranking officer during most of the attack, it fell to her to report to her superiors. To her surprise, General Ondollo, who oversaw all training academies, had come himself. He was of her house, though she had never had reason to interact with him before. Saluting crisply, she waited until the general had returned the honor. “First Lieutenant Nuruodo, thank you for arriving here so quickly. I understand you are wounded.” His authoritative voice was commanding, even for a Chiss. “I have applied rudimentary care to my wounds, but I deemed it more expedient to report first.” In case I faint later, she thought. He gestured to a seat made from a crate. “Before we begin, let me allow both of us to some water. The drier air here increases thirst.” Her throat was parched, but the codes of conduct made it very impolitic to accept refreshments in official situations, especially when there was such a wide gap in rank. Thankfully, Ondollo, in not asking her, had made it acceptable for her to break protocol. No doubt he had done it on purpose, for matters were chaotic enough without the ranking cadet to fall over from something as minor as thirst. After handing her a glass of water, he sat back in his chair and fixed her with a stare. “Could you go over what happened here, Lieutenant?” Shawnkyr reported the details of the past several hours, ending with Lieutenant Fel’s ingenuity. “And what are your recommendations?” he asked. Part of Shawnkyr felt flattered that Ondollo was asking her, but logically she knew that this was a common courtesy given to the ranking officers in a situation. Though she was only a cadet commander, it was Shawnkyr’s responsibility to tell the general her assessments of the situation. “The pirate ship crashed onto the planet by accident, but in doing so, they discovered the carefully crafted illusions that hid the true nature of this base.” She took a steadying breath. “We cannot keep wandering ships away without arousing suspicions, and it seems illogical to trust the safe-keeping of training academies to luck.” “What do you suggest, Lieutenant?” “That training academies be supplied with a contingent of armed forces. We were fortunate that these invaders were only pirates. But if it had been the New Republic, as Stent originally had suspected, then cadets with incomplete training may not have been able to repel them.” He raised his brows. “Do you doubt Chiss ability against the New Republic’s? “No, sir. But I doubt a cadet’s strength against a professional soldier, no matter what his race or affiliation.” He gazed at her for a long while, and it took all of Shawnkyr’s courage to hold his red gaze. “I will take your recommendation into consideration,” he finally said. “The matter of training academies has now become a matter for the Chiss High Council, and at its next meeting, I will be giving them my recommendations.” Shawnkyr nodded. “Thank you, sir.” “Is there anything else you would like to bring to my attention?” “Yes, sir. There is the matter of Lieutenant Jagged Fel. He is a member of my group.” “Continue.” If her last suggestion was risky, her next was downright unfathomable. But it had to be done. “Sir, Lieutenant Fel has distinguished himself today. He has shown himself to be a sound tactician, as well as a courageous soldier. I think it is only appropriate if he replaces me as cadet commander and that he receives marks of commendation in his service record.” Ondollo’s gaze sharpened. “You would personally promote this human?” “Yes, General. And I do not make this recommendation based on race; had he been Chiss, my remarks would have been the same.” He looked interested. “Lieutenant Fel is not Chiss. But you seem to think he can make it among us.” “I believe it to be so.” She hesitated, and then, “If today is a reflection of his future behavior, then I would be honored to serve with him.” “You realize, of course, that your commendations will be a matter of public record.” That meant that everyone would know how her respect for the human had grown to the point that she wanted him promoted above her. But Shawnkyr was not a prideful person. She knew her abilities as well as her limits, and today, Jag Fel had shown a level of strategy that outpaced hers. “I reiterate, sir, that I will consider serving with Jag Fel an honor.” Ondollo finally nodded. “Lieutenant Fel must be quite a person to inspire the loyalty of one of House Nuruodo’s most promising cadets. I agree with your assessment of his character, and he will be commended accordingly.” His gazed turned more serious. “There is another matter I must discuss with you, Lieutenant. It is of a more personal nature.” She forced herself to keep her gaze from wavering. “Sir?” Ondollo rose and pulled a jacket out of a nearby box. “My aides have been going through the wreckage to see if anything can be salvaged. They came upon the body of Officer Gimald.” Ondollo handed Shawnkyr the jacket. “His jacket was found in the staff meeting room, which was spared from much of the attack.” What Ondollo did not need to say was that Gimald’s body itself was burned beyond recognition. Shawnkyr nodded in a controlled fashion as she accepted the jacket from Ondollo. “Thank you, sir.” The sympathy from Ondollo’s eyes was gone now. Mourning was something to be done in one’s private time, if at all. Knowing her time with the general was up, she said, “Is there anything else, sir?” “No, Lieutenant. Please seek medical care and see to your cadets. They are still yours until the review board seconds your requests.” She rose and saluted before backing out slowly. Shawnkyr did not allow herself to consider the jacket that General Ondollo had given her. She had far too many things to do. After having her cuts and bruises treated, she had taken a shower and changed into a clean uniform, and after seeing to her surviving group members, she had retired to a quite place where she could write up the official report. But not even report writing could take forever, and once she was complete, she held the jacket up. It felt heavier in her hands. That was because Shawnkyr was not just holding a jacket. She was also holding the weight of the dead. She crumpled the smooth material in her hands and brought it to her face. The cloth smelled of fuel and smoke. But beyond it, she smelled the crisp scent of winter snow near her home and that indefinable thing called memory. All that he had ever been, or had, was lost in that fabric. Her eyes stung strangely, but Shawnkyr did not want to cry; in fact, she did not know how to cry. Instead, she allowed herself a moment of being illogical as she hugged the jacket closer to her body. Later, she was surprised when Lieutenant Fel appeared with a tray of food. “I noticed you hadn’t eaten, sir, and I thought I would bring something,” he said self-consciously at her incredulous look, as if he himself were wondering why he had come. To the surprise of both of them, she pointed to an empty seat in front of hers. “Thank you, Lieutenant. Join me, please.” He nodded, still surprisingly shy, and Shawnkyr realized that this was odd behavior for him as well. They ate quietly for a while, until he said, “I understand we will be shipped out tomorrow.” “Yes. We will be transferred to one of the other academies. But we will still remain with a Nuruodo phalanx.” The corner of his mouth tugged in a small smile. “Of course.” As if they were going to go anywhere else. Silence fell between them again, but it was not an awkward one. The shared experience of survival had brought them together. “Is that Officer Gimald’s jacket?” he asked, no doubt noticing the distinctive insignia on the sleeve. Shawnkyr paused. “Yes,” she said after a few moments. Grief was not something to be shared between Chiss. In fact, the Chiss believed grief to be detrimental. It was acceptable to feel loss and mourn for a short time, but afterwards, they were expected to continue on with their lives. Furthermore, Gimald had died in the line of duty. Therefore, there was nothing upsetting about his death. Yet… Though it was not his business, Shawnkyr decided to tell Lieutenant Fel anyway. Today, he had convinced her that some humans had merit. And he could be trusted. “Officer Gimald is my brother,” she said awkwardly. He blinked in surprise. “I did not know.” And he would not, Shawnkyr knew. Unlike humans, the Chiss did not relate family ties to professional matters, and they did not believe in assigning names or relations to rank. Everyone could be anyone. This kept favoritism from influencing their decisions, and it kept everyone on an equal footing. Even the Syndics had children, but who they were did not matter. Gimald was her brother, but here he was her flight instructor, and that was how their relationship progressed. It made no difference to either of them that at home, Gimald had often taken her riding or camping; at the academy, he had been as impersonal with her as he had been with Lieutenant Fel. “It was not common knowledge,” she replied. “And it is no longer a matter to be kept secret. His ties to me are now irrelevant.” Lieutenant Fel's eyes were sympathetic, but thankfully, he did not offer those meaningless platitudes that humans were capable of. “I have three brothers and two sisters,” he finally said, deciding that one confidence deserved another. “So there were six of us.” “Six children?” she echoed. Shawnkyr had never met a family with more than three, and even that was rare. His lips quirked again. “Sometimes I wonder why they had so many.” “No doubt they continued on in the hope of a better child?” she asked, feeling amusement for the first time today. “Yes, but after Wyn, my parents decided that fate was not going to grant them that perfect child.” He lowered his voice. “They should have adopted a Chiss child, my mother always said.” “Chiss and human children under one roof?” She was most definitely amused. “’Tis a good thing your parents decided against it.” Lieutenant Fel nodded in agreement. “Indeed.” Silence fell between them again. And just like that, Shawnkyr finished mourning her brother. “General Ondollo spoke with me earlier,” he finally said. “He said that you wanted to resign your post as cadet commander and give it to me. Why?” She blinked. “You have shown yourself to be the superior soldier. It is only logical that you take my post.” Jag digested this carefully. He had been raised as a Chiss, but in some respects, he was still human, especially when it came to sentiment. “Lieutenant Fel,” she said sternly. “I honored you today, both in front of the cadets and in front of the General. I did so because, as I told you before, I have high hopes for you. Do not fail me or fail in my trust.” Now her lips quirked. “It would be most embarrassing to be proven wrong in my assessments. No doubt my credibility will then be on par with a Hutt’s.” “I shall do my best in making sure that does not happen to you, Lieutenant.” His voice turned more serious. “But a cadet commander is responsible in giving advice to the base commander, and I have nothing better to give than the advice already given to them. If a threat comes, I could not say where or how it will fall. I have never been skilled at detecting treachery. My counsel in this matter is of little worth.” If Shawnkyr read the self-wounding barb, she gave no sign. “Perhaps, Lieutenant,” Shawnkyr said softly, “You cannot read treachery because you are incapable of it.” His eyes widened, and after a few moments, he murmured, “Thank you.” Shawnkyr knew that he was thanking her not only for the promotion and her reassurance, but for sharing something personal with him. No one had done so with him before. What he did not know was she had never done so either. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Some Notes: - Gimald as Shawnkyr’s brother is my invention. But according to the way Jag describes Chiss society in FH1, the Chiss would never acknowledge familial ties outside of their personal life. - At the end of Red Sky, Blue Flame, Shawnkyr hands her command pips to Jag. But she would also have to acknowledge it officially. - Yes, the Fels had six kids. Chak (who was not Davin or a clone of Jag!), Davin, Jag, Cherith, Cem, and Wyn. Soontir and Syal kept themselves busy, obviously. -----signature----- "The Sun Crusher was originally conceived as a humane alternative to Kyle Katarn." http://www.thedarknest.com Dark!Horny!Jacen 1 6177 86515
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Gloria Registered: Nov '04	Date Posted: 9/25/05 7:31pm Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag and Shawnkyr) - Updated 9/25
	Busy indeed. Looking forward to more. I've always liked Shawnkyr, so this should be interesting. -----signature----- "And when the Chiss grew suspicious, they killed things."
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zettazofia Registered: Apr '04	Date Posted: 9/25/05 8:14pm Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag and Shawnkyr) - Updated 9/25
	I like the idea of Shawnkyr having a brother, and mourning for him, even if in a way that's sort of short, makes her feel even omore real. Well done. lol, and yeah, I guess saying they keep busy is a good PG way of putting it... -Zetta -----signature----- ... J/J ... Go Wings! Woo hoo!
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Inara Registered: Aug '05	Date Posted: 9/26/05 4:37am Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag and Shawnkyr) - Updated 9/26 - Date Edited: 12/11/05 4:28am (4 edits total) Edited By: Inara
	~ Cem Fel makes some startling observations ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Is there a limit to how deeply one may feel about a friend? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Qoribu After another year of ambassadorial duty, Jag was finally assigned back to the Chiss fleet. His first assignment was at Qoribu, though he had nearly collapsed with nerves when he had learned that Jedi were involved, including Jaina Solo. At first he had been worried in how to handle the situation, but thanks to Jaina's war-mongering, as his executive officer had called it, it was clear that he had to treat her like any other enemy. Jaina simply did not understand the danger the Killiks posed. The Chiss had barely survived after losing five families to the Killiks. Now the weight of the Ascendancy was redistributed to the remaining four families. But if those Killiks entered Chiss space again...Jag could not even fathom the chaos that would befall them. So he could not understand why Jaina had flown for them. Worse, she and her fellow Jedi had become Joiners, something that had repulsed Jag when he had found out. As reluctant as they were, the Ascendancy had no choice but to treat the Jedi as aggressors, especially since they had fired on Chiss vessels. Not even Jag, as fleet commander, had been able to protect her. He was not even sure if he had wanted too. Jaina attacked his fleet, and he was taking it personally. He had every right too. But, he reflected, at least she had warned him of the trap. He had been able to return the favor by returning Lowbacca, but that was after promising Formbi everything except his unborn children. He looked around his well-ordered bridge. Now that the Hapans had agreed to move the nests to a new system, far away from Chiss space, he could breathe much easier. Lieutenant Commander Carnen,” he said to his executive officer. “Where is Commander Shawnkyr? And has Unit 656 reported in?” “She is down in the hanger bay, sir. And Unit 656 have just cleared the force fields.” Jag nodded. “I will join Commander Shawnkyr. If Ambassador Formbi requires my presence, please contact me by comlink. You have the bridge, Carnen.” Shawnkyr had transferred from Admiral Rekan’s fleet to Jag’s, out of preference, she had explained, though they both knew that she had missed his company over the years. And Jag was glad of it – at least he had one friend on board. Unit 656 was a Chiss scouting group that Jag had formed when he had arrived to take command of this fleet. While the battle had been raging, Unit 656 had held back and observed the Killiks and the Jedi, gleaning whatever information they could from them. But before he made his way to the hanger bay, he stopped by his quarters to pick up a datacard, only to find Cem waiting for him by his door. “Hey Jag.” Cem grinned, still dressed in his flightsuit. “I wanted to see you.” Blond and blue-eyed like their mother, Cem was a lieutenant in the Chiss navy and flew with one of the clawcraft squadrons temporarily assigned to his ship. “And gloat because you have the highest kills today?” He beamed. “Well, now that you mention it...” Cem’s eyes turned serious when he examined Jag’s tired and pinched face. “I see you heard about Jaina Solo becoming a Joiner.” “Is everyone in the fleet aware of my personal life?” snapped Jag as he punched in his access code. “Yes,” replied Cem instantly. “You are the only one on board in love with a human.” He turned to look at his brother. “I am human. And so are you.” Cem followed on Jag’s heels. “Well, you do not count as human. The Chiss basically consider you Chiss – even if you are short. And I at least am never in love.” Jag ground his teeth in annoyance as he searched for the necessary datapad. It had always irked him that Cem was taller and better looking than he was, which had never really mattered since in the Ascendancy, the Fel family did not qualify as good looking by Chiss standards. They simply were not blue enough. "I know what will make you feel better. Why don't we take a trip to the Outer Rim? I can introduce you to some ladies I know." Jag eyed his brother with humor. "Cem, first off, I doubt the women you are referring to qualify as ladies, and secondly, how do you know them?" Cem smirked. "Do not tell Mother." "’Tis Father you should be worried about." "I just think you're too depressed. I know you miss the Solo girl - but really, Jag. Is this mourning period necessary? I mean, you are ruining the Fel family name by pining after a girl." He rubbed his temples. "Cem, at least I care deeply for someone. You consider a relationship deep when you remember the girl's name the next morning." "Yeah, well, I am not the one pining," he said pointedly. He shifted his attention to the small bag that rested on Jag's center table. "What is that?" he asked in interest. Jag looked slightly embarrassed. "Oh, remember when I went to New Alderaan? And I brought back presents for everyone?" "Right. You brought Father that really expensive whiskey, and dresses for Mother and Wyn." He pursed his lips. "And what was it you brought me? Oh yes, I remember. A Twi'lek dancing girl." Jag hid a smile. "You did say you wanted one." "Not a fake one." And then in a move quicker than lightening, he grabbed the bag on the table. "So whose is this?" Turning from Jag's grasping hands, he pulled out a delicate hair comb studded with Chandrilan gems. "Oh wow, this is pretty." He looked at his brother beseechingly. "Please tell me this is not for Jaina." "It is not for Jaina," he scowled as he took the comb back. "If you must know, it is for Shawnkyr, though I have not been able to give it to her yet." Cem raised his brows. "Shawnkyr, hmm?" He eyed the comb carefully. "That is a nice gift, Jag. It must have made a dent in your savings." Jag looked uncomfortable. "Well, she did just get promoted. And since last time I gave her an antique blaster pistol, I thought she might like something different." He hurriedly put away the comb, though Cem was quick to note the faint flush on his brother's normally placid face. But he kept silent, for once being discreet. The comm unit on Jag’s desk suddenly blinked. "It's just Shawnkyr." He opened a channel while also activating the holopad. Within seconds, an immaculately dressed Shawnky stared back at Jag and Cem. "Hey Kyrn." That was Cem, grinning at her stupidly. Shawnkyr shook her head. "You are the only person who calls me by my core name, Cem." She fixed her gaze on Jag’s. "It would seem," she drawled, "that in the midst of your joy in seeing your brother again, you have forgotten to dismiss Unit 656. Your poor scouts are still standing at attention in the hanger bay, hungry and tired, no doubt wondering if you intend to return at all today." "They why don't you tell them they are at ease?" She raised a fine black brow. "You may be the newly assigned fleet commander, but you are obviously the same lackwit I met at the academy. You unit will not take direction from me or any other, so well have you trained them. If you want them dismissed, you will have to order them yourself." Any time he went on a mission or a prolonged patrol without Shawnkyr, Jag missed the other's good natured barbs, though he would never admit this aloud. "Has anyone told you that you are still a nosy Ailen Mel? As for the other part, tell them I am on my way." Ailen Mel was a speedy fish that constantly eluded fisherman on Csilla. Jag had given her than nickname when he had witnessed Shawnkyr swimming for the first time. "Am I your messenger now, Tako? And here I would have congratulated you on your fine performance, but how you abuse me." Her lips hinting at a small smile, she ended the message before he could frame a suitable retort. Next to Jag, Cem smiled at Shawnkyr’s pet name for Jag. It meant shrub, referring to Jag’s height compared to the rest of the Chiss. "Insufferable Ailen Mel," he murmured. "You two really should not insult each other so," said Cem. Turning, Jag quirked an eyebrow at his brother. "Who says I am insulting her? The ways of friendship are sometimes stranger than you know." "If both of you are involved, it must be." They made their way down to the hanger bay in good time, where Jag formally dismissed Unit 656. Relieved, the men were finally able to make their way back to their quarters and rest after their grueling tasks. Jag and Cem remained behind, both pilots enjoying the hanger bay, Jag slightly jealous because at least Shawnkyr still flew on occasion. As commander of the fleet, Jag was required to stay on board and coordinate activities from the bridge. Shawnkyr passed them by, a datapad in her slender hands. She nodded at them politely, though her eyes betrayed her pleasure at seeing them down here with her. Both nodded back but Jag stayed her with a slight touch on the arm. When Shawnkyr paused, he murmured something to the Chiss woman which elicited a slight nod and a pleased twinkle in her eyes. And then they parted as Shawnkyr strode back to one of the clawcraft squadrons. Cem watched his brother watch Shawnkyr as she instructed the young lieutenant in charge of the flight. There was a strange fire in the Jag's blue eyes that kindled more oft than not only in the presence of his friend. Cem wondered at it again and decided to give voice to his misgivings. “You dote on her,” he commented. “I wager you would upend all of Csilla for her sake.” “And yours,” Jag retorted, turning his head to regard his younger brother. “I would do anything for those I hold dear, you know that, Cem.” “Aye, we all do,” Cem smiled fondly, “and we treasure such devotion. But your regard for Shawnkyr confounds me now and again. While you were at the academy, she gained your hardly-won loyalty and affection in so short a time. I confess that it amazed me then and continues to do so.” Jag considered his golden-haired brother once more. “There is something in her that I would preserve at all cost,” he admitted. Cem raised a skeptical eyebrow. “What?” “I think her incorruptible. Such is the goodness in her.” Cem gazed at his brother curiously. “I have never heard you speak with so much esteem of any person, Chiss or human, outside of our family.” The older brother shrugged. “I had not met any worthy of my praise,” he replied. “I had come to believe no such one existed.” His brother frowned slightly. “Beware, Jag. You begin to speak in the manner of one smitten.” He was rewarded, to his admitted relief, with a gust of unaffected laughter. “I? Smitten?” Jag chuckled. “There is as much possibility of that as you falling in love with a Hutt!” The younger man screwed his face up in disgust. “You could have chosen a more palatable comparison!” he chided. Jag shook his head at the other’s displeasure. He returned his gaze to Shawnkyr, his smile one of anticipation as a pleased Shawnkyr hurried to them. In the years since they first met, the Chiss pilot had come to use Jag as a sounding board. She did so now as she consulted possible maneuvers for one of her squadrons. They are very well matched indeed, Cem thought idly as their heads bent close together, their white and blue skin contrasting wonderfully. In that instant, something struck him with heart stopping force, and he was hard-pressed not to reveal his sudden disconcertment. They are not only well-matched, he realized. They were perfect together. The very idea took his breath away, and he felt alarm mingle with the odd thrill that raced up his spine like a bolt of burning ice. So taken was he by this unbidden insight, that he did not notice that Jag and Shawnkyr had ended their exchange and were looking at him, both having espied the look of wonder on Cem's face before he had a chance to veil it. “You look as if you just beheld something breath-taking,” remarked Shawnkyr. Even as she spoke, Cem realized the impossibility of his vision. Interspecies relationships were fine in the GFFA. But in the Ascendancy... Despite the very rightness he had felt upon seeing them together, it simply could not be. Though the Chiss had welcomed humans into their fold, they never extended those relations beyond a professional sphere. It was inconceivable. He shook his head and faintly smiled. “No, I was not blessed with so lofty a vision,” he replied. “Say rather that I was momentarily touched by a most improbable...whim.” On that statement, he turned to lead the way back to the bridge, pleased to leave both his brother and friend to look at each other in patent befuddlement. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Author Notes: - This chapter borrows mostly from The Joiner King. - Shawnkyr’s nickname and history with Jag were borrowed from my other story, A Higher Purpose. - I am not sure if Cem Fel is a boy or a girl. Formbi’s mention of Cem was rather unclear, save that Mara and Luke thought Cem was a girl, and Formbi said that Cem was a male name. - By the time The Joiner King rolls around, Jag was in command of a battle fleet. That meant that in the five years that between The Unifying Force and The Joiner King, Jag went from CEDF liaison to fleet commander. - Shawnkyr's Chiss name is (most likely) Shawnk'yr'nuruodo. Her core name is then Kyrn. I think the reason she's called Shawnkyr is simply because Elaine Cunningham didn't like long names complicated by apostrophes (it would also explain the names like Obersken and Gimald . - Why does Jag address her as Commander Shawnkyr and not Commander Nuruodo? Well, Chiss "last names" are fairly common, and most soldiers in the military are Nuruodo anyway. Furthermore, all other Chiss officers that we are given use their core names with their rank (Formbi, Thrawn, Stent, etc). And since Shawnkyr does not use Kyrn, her core name, for whatever reason, but her full name minus her house affiliation, it makes senses that she would be Commander Shawnkyr. Gotta love those Chiss. - Jag has blue eyes Yes, I have decided to go with the "new" version. I am assuming the Del Rey is trying to make corrections, so I'll go by that. -----signature----- "The Sun Crusher was originally conceived as a humane alternative to Kyle Katarn." http://www.thedarknest.com Dark!Horny!Jacen 1 6177 86515
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Gloria Registered: Nov '04	Date Posted: 9/26/05 6:09am Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag and Shawnkyr) - Updated 9/26
	Oh my goodness, I love your characterization of Cem! May I ask what age you have him at here? And will we be seeing more of him? -----signature----- "And when the Chiss grew suspicious, they killed things."
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FelsGoddess Registered: Sep '04	Date Posted: 9/26/05 7:53am Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag and Shawnkyr) - Updated 9/26
	“No doubt they continued on in the hope of a better child?” but that was after promising Formbi everything except his unborn children. Quite a hefty price. "Cem, at least I care deeply for someone. You consider a relationship deep when you remember the girl's name the next morning." Touche. Point Jag. Good updates. -----signature----- Knighted by Tahi
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Chimpo_the_Sith Title: FanForce CR FF Poland Registered: Mar '03	Date Posted: 9/26/05 11:02am Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag and Shawnkyr) - Updated 9/26
	Hey!!! I missed two post!!! Grrr... Now I'm back on track and I still think that this is really cool story ag has blue eyes shock Yes, I have decided to go with the "new" version. I am assuming the Del Rey is trying to make corrections, so I'll go by that. Del Rey can assume my ass!!! Jag has green eyes!!! I still have the first version of Ylesia where Jag has green eyes -----signature----- You can read this? Good you don't need glasses
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