Author Topic: Friends No More [Jag and Shawnkyr] - COMPLETE - Replies, 2/13/05!!!
BigFatty  2362 posts
Registered: Mar '05
47794_Jag Fel
Date Posted: 9/26/05 3:20pm Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag and Shawnkyr) - Updated 9/26
I'm with Chimpo, Jag must have green eyes. But everything else is wonderful.

 

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jags_gurl  2114 posts
Registered: May '02
23694_Bastila
Date Posted: 9/26/05 6:23pm Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag and Shawnkyr) - Updated 9/26
So glad I stumbled upon this one too...you don't see many decent Shawnkyr/Jag pairings around! Again, you've got your characters dead-on, which is so amazing and wonderfully impressive!

I too, unfortunately, side with Chimpo and the others. Jag has green eyes, my dear. They were green originally. I would, however, permit a combination of "blue-green" eyes or "green-blue" or "bluegreen" or "seagrean" or "skygreen" or "greenish-bluish"...as long as we have the green in there. wink Lol.

I'm so eager for more...definitely bravo applause

 

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Inara  2121 posts
Registered: Aug '05
19663_Plo Koon
Date Posted: 9/27/05 1:14am Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag and Shawnkyr) - Updated 9/26
Gloria: I'm glad you like Cem! I placed him at about 24 - three years younger than Jag in this fic. And yes, you'll be seeing lots of Cem.


zettazofia: I guess saying they keep busy is a good PG way of putting it

Don't want to make the mods angry tongue


FelsGoddess: Thanks! Glad to have you along with me here!


Chimpo_the_Sith: I'm glad you are liking the story - and yes, I have that copy of Ylesia too - but then I have the new one also, and I'm so confused. Why can't Del Rey make up its mind??? cry


BigFatty: Welcome! And yes, I agree - I picture him with green eyes too.


jags_gurl: you don't see many decent Shawnkyr/Jag pairings around! Again, you've got your characters dead-on, which is so amazing and wonderfully impressive!

Thanks! And I really wanted to write something about their friendship, which is unique I think in the SW world.



Okay, all you green-eyed people - so here's the situation with that. I also received two PMs on this matter. To be honest, I had not realized that people would care that much, though in retrospect, I keep on writing green instead of blue as well. So I can go back to green and betray Del Rey. But this was Jag's chance of having variety!


Alright, on to the next post...

 

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Inara  2121 posts
Registered: Aug '05
19663_Plo Koon
Date Posted: 9/27/05 1:41am Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag and Shawnkyr) - New Update - 9/27!! - Date Edited: 11/20/05 2:27am (6 edits total) Edited By: Inara
For those of you waiting for me to update A Higher Purpose, I promise it will be soon. Most of it is written, but I want to craft parts of it to reflect The Unseen Queen. So sit tight - it'll come soon!



~ In which both Shawnkyr and Jag are shocked ~


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


The time has come for Shawnkyr to take the next step in her life, though her decision leaves Jag uneasy.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


CEDF Intelligence Division, Csilla


“Father, you summoned me?”

A dignified Chiss looked up from his desk to behold his daughter standing in the doorway. General Thevan was head of CEDF Intelligence, and as such, had been able to request Admiral Rekan to release her from her duties for a short while.

He rose, his face stern, but with a hint of affection in his red orbs. “Shawnkyr, thank you for arriving quickly.” He clasped her hands within his – a surprising display of affection on his part.

Thevan led her to a chair, and then he returned to his seat behind his desk. “First of all, I would like to commend you on your performance at Qoribu.”

Shawnkyr accepted his praise with a slight nod. “Thank you, sir. But as you are aware, I served at Jag Fel’s discretion.”

“Yes, Commander Fel has shown himself to be as resourceful as his father.” Thevan’s eyes gleamed in amusement. Like all other Chiss, he had been surprised when his daughter had become friends with the human, but after some time, Thevan now regarded young Fel with the affection he would reserve for a nephew.

“How is Mother?” asked Shawnkyr.

Her mother, an Inrokini, was a genetic scientist. “She is well, though I have not seen her in well nigh three months.” Marel was currently at a hidden research facility in the midst of an important project.

She nodded. Her mother had always been very wrapped up in her work. Taking a moment to examine her father, she was startled to note that more white dominated his black hair, and his skin was not as smooth as it used to be. Age was taking its toll on Thevan.

“Sir, might I inquire of the reason for your summons?” Now that pleasantries had been exchanged, it was time to move on to business. She had no wish to waste her father’s time.

Thevan gazed at his daughter for a few more moments. “I suppose there is no way to bring up the subject subtlety, so I shall be direct. There is a young man who serves in my department, and I believe him to have great potential…perhaps even taking my place when the time comes.”

She nodded as he continued. “Rusa’tha’nuruodo’s mother and I have been entertaining discussions of a possible union between the two of you.”

Shawnkyr kept her face still. She should not have been surprised, for she was at the age that marriage generally took place for Chiss. And now that she had an established role in the military – as opposed to flying around from one end of the galaxy to the other with Jag – it was as good time for a marriage as any.

It did not occur to her to ask about the man her father had selected. He would be mindful of her best interests, as well as that of her family, in planning such a union. If her father believed him to be a suitable candidate as a husband for his daughter, then Shawnkyr would trust his judgment.

“Have you any objections, Shawnkyr?”

Looking away, she considered her situation. She was not excited, but then, such unions were not meant to be exciting. They were formed for two practical reasons: to bind families together and to produce children. Since neither of those objectives bothered her, she had no reason to object.

“I have none, sir.”

Thevan leaned back in his chair and regarded his daughter with the eyes of a parent. Shawnkyr was tall for a Chiss female, but her features were rather comely, and many had remarked on the fairness of her face. But she could also be less amenable at times, her eyes a shade too watchful, and her wits too sharp to find favor in a world where cleverness was not encouraged in its people. Yet there was a certain air of efficiency about her that often attracted many eyes, a certain elegance which, if properly nurtured, would make her the kind of wife much sought after, one that would help her husband go forward, not hold him back.

“Excellent. Of course, none of this is formal, and naturally, I wish your mother’s opinion on this matter. But if you find yourself inclined, would you like to meet Colonel Athan?” he asked, referring to him with his core name.

She nodded. “I would.”

Thevan rose and extending a hand to his daughter, he tucked it into the crook of his arm and led her into the labyrinth of his building. The Intelligence Division of the CEDF was located in an underground bunker on one of Csilla’s moons, and it was designed to confuse those who were unfamiliar with its layout. Everything looked the same, and no labels were on the doors. Not even smells were unique. Instead, everything gleamed with cleanliness and disinfectant.

He finally led her into a room filled with many computer terminals, all occupied by solemn Chiss officers clad in a black uniform like hers. As her gaze wandered the room, a man, who had been standing near on the terminals, looked up.

They recognized each other immediately though they had never met before. It was clear that Colonel Athan had been informed by his mother as she had been informed by her father.

He was taller than her, which pleased in her an irrational way. His face was pleasant enough, and his frame was that of a swimmer, lean and corded, but strong. As he excused himself and made his way towards them, Shawnkyr detected the same energy and endurance in him that her father possessed.

He saluted Thevan first, as courtesy dictated. “Sir.”

Thevan nodded. “Colonel, may I introduce you to my daughter, Commander Shawnkyr?”

Athan turned towards her, his expression unreadable, though Shawnkyr detected interest in his red gaze. “It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Commander.”

“Likewise, Colonel.”

“Have you just recently arrived?” he asked politely.

Shawnkyr nodded. “Yes, just an hour past.”

Thevan considered them carefully, and finding that he approved, decided to guide them to the next step. “Colonel, I had hoped to show Shawnkyr the new wing of the base, but I am behind schedule. Would it trouble you…”

Athan inclined his head. “It will be my pleasure to give Commander Shawnkyr a tour.”

“Thank you, Colonel.” He turned to his daughter. “When you are finished seeing the base, come back to my office, and we can dine together.”

“Yes, sir.” Thevan nodded to both of them before disappearing through a doorway.

Athan turned to Shawnkyr. “If you are ready?”

She nodded and followed him out the door. As they walked, they conversed on several topics, from clawcrafts to the recent monsoons. She was surprised to discover his interest in her opinions regarding alien species, and he had listened raptly when she described her ordeal in living with humans for such an extended period of time.

Shawnkyr was pleased to note his intelligent observations, and unlike many Chiss, he was not as disinclined to keep relations open with the rest of the galaxy. She had wanted to ask him about what he thought of her friendship with Jag Fel, since the entire Ascendancy knew about it, but she and Athan did not know each other long enough for such a personal topic to be discussed.

Unfortunately, what Athan’s reaction to Jag would be was a matter of concern for her because she had no intention of ending her friendship even if her spouse found it distasteful.

Then again, her father must have known Shawnkyr’s opinion on these matters. Most likely, Thevan knew that Athan would not care.

When the tour came to a close, he escorted her back to Thevan’s office. He bowed to her in a crisp fashion and expressed his wish to meet again.

Shawnkyr agreed. And later, when her father asked her what she thought of Athan, she replied, “I find him acceptable.”

Thus ended the discussion.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


When Shawnkyr returned to Jag’s fleet, she decided that he should be the first to know. She confided almost everything to Jag, and often he gave her sound advice even though he was only a human.

He had been delighted when she appeared at his quarters one evening and had welcomed her in.

After offering her highly illegal Taanabian brandy – really, Jag picked up the strangest things when he went abroad – she settled into her customary seat and thought of how to broach this topic.

She and Jag had spoken of such things before, but it had always been regarding Jag and his many past relationships, especially with Jaina Solo. But now that it was about her, she felt rather awkward.

Thankfully, Jag began speaking of inconsequential things, thus giving her a chance to collect her thoughts. “Wyn sent me a picture of a Rikshi that is loose near her academy. Apparently he hides in the forests, and the academy personnel are reluctant to interfere with the beast.”

“Well, it is the Rikshi’s home,” she pointed out. “It is unfair to remove him from his natural environment.”

“Why Shawnkyr, I had no idea that you were capable of such sentiment.” Jag took a sip of his whiskey, slouching in a comfortable chair, happy to be off the bridge and out of his uniform.

An idea struck her. “There is an entire heard of Rikshi that lives near my home in Cselvar. I made friends with one of them, whom I named Ursal. He knows me enough to allow me to ride him on occasion. Next time you visit me there, we can ride together since Ursal can easily bear both of our weights. Perhaps then your opinion will change.”

He looked at Shawnkyr, hoping his friend was joking. "You want me to get on one of those?" At Shawnkyr's nod, he narrowed his eyes, cocked his head and tapped his foot. "We could eat him if circumstances became dire enough," he finally pronounced. “And are you sure he can carry both of us? You are not a lightweight, Shawnkyr."

She sent him a quelling look. "Ursal will not permit you to fall if you have the sense to stay in his good graces," she qualified in a mischievous voice that immediately put Jag on guard. "Let him show you his paces, and if you still have doubts, then you may unburden Ursal and simply walk."

"If I am such a burden, Ailen Mel, perhaps I should stay behind," he retorted. "But then who would watch your back and warn you of the obvious things your Chiss eyes would miss if you were to go forth alone?"

She pretended to consider that. "You speak truly, Tako. I know of no one else who has your power to state the obvious."

"I will hold you responsible for every affront that befalls me if I ride that beast," he warned.

She turned her head and looked at him coolly, the only hint of her good humor in her eyes. "Am I then allowed to hold you responsible for every affront I endure because of your presence?"

"My presence is a blessing for which you should be grateful."

"Alas, I fear it is a difficult lesson to learn," Shawnkyr said.

A comfortable silence fell between them. “How was your visit with your father?”

“It went well, though not as I had originally expected. And he introduced me to a congenial officer in his division.”

"I thought I was the only person brainless enough to be your friend."

She poked him in the side, which was surprisingly playful for her. "You certainly bear that singular honor," she said in such a way that Jag did not know whether to feel flattered or offended. "No, Rusa'tha'nuruodo is only an acquaintance."

Something inside Jag stilled. "And?" Suddenly, the jeweled comb in his pocket seemed heavy in his pocket.

She looked away, a faint tinge of lavender on her cheeks. "Athan is a possible candidate as a husband for me, Jag."

"You're getting married?" He jumped up and stood in front of her, his gaze incredulous. "But how is that possible?"

She pulled him back down. "I said he is a possible choice. I have only met him a few times, but my family and I need to evaluate the advantages of such a union."

Jag's head was spinning. His Shawnkyr, married? It did not seem possible. If anything, he had always thought he would be the one getting married first and leaving. But not Shawnkyr...He closed his eyes and tried to imagine a world without Shawnkyr. Now, instead of spending time with him during their free moments, she would be with this Athan character, or horror of all horrors, with their children.

"Jag, do you not think I should get married?" she asked anxiously.

"Well," he said, "I never really thought about it. I mean, we have never talked about relationships before."

She threw him a pointed glance. "You mean, I have never spoken of it before."

To his chagrin, that was true. He had spent several years waxing about Jaina, and she had not said anything one way or the other but had simply listened. Shawnkyr had been left out of his life those few years he had been with Jaina, and to his never-ending guilt, he had made her remain on Borleias – and shirk in her duty to the Chiss – because he had wanted to stay with Jaina.

Was this his comeuppance?

He turned away from her as he glumly considered the situation. In the back of his mind, he had known that Shawnkyr would eventually take a husband – Chiss rarely stayed single. “Are you even attracted to him?”

She pursed her lips. “What does that have to do anything?” She tapped her fingers on her legs. “Chiss are not like humans, Jag. From what I have seen of your kind, you seek love and desire from your mates. We do not want these things – they leave a person vulnerable and waste valuable time and energy. In fact, such unrestrained emotion repulses us.”

He wondered if Athan would make Shawnkyr happy, though Jag knew Shawnkyr never aspired to such a useless state as happiness. And though such feelings did not concern Shawnkyr, it concerned him. He cared deeply enough about her to desire her happiness, and the thought of Shawnkyr being only satisfied saddened him.

But he did not know how to articulate these thoughts without offending her. Instead, he turned back to her, his sorrowful gaze meeting her puzzled one. "Will this end our friendship?" he finally asked. "Most do not approve of it anyway, and I imagine your husband will not take it kindly that his wife's closest friend is a human."

"I imagine there will be a period of difficulty, but I would not wed anyone who would be unwilling to welcome you into our home."

He murmured noncommittally. "What do you think of him?"

"He is a disciplined officer and has shown himself to be resourceful."

So at least they were not romantic, though Jag doubted Chiss were ever were romantic. In all his years spent with the Chiss, he had never even heard them speak of sex or anything remotely intimate. As a teenager, he had wondered if they even had such relations, but Chak had informed him otherwise. Though how Chak knew that was questionable.

"I would like for you to meet him, Jag," Shawnkyr finally said. "I think it prudent if you could share your opinions of him with me."

"Of course. It is something I would do regardless," he said softly.

She squeezed his arm. "Good. I will arrange a time when we can all meet."

Silence fell between them again. Suddenly remembering the comb, though he felt embarrassed to give it to her, he reached into his pocket and gave her the haphazardly wrapped present. "This is for you, by the way. For your promotion." He looked down self-consciously.

She fingered the wrapping, oddly touched that he had wrapped it himself. "You did not need to give me a present for my promotion." She turned alarmed eyes to his. "Is this a human tradition? Because if it is, I have gravely erred in not getting you something for your promotion to fleet command."

He chuckled. "No, it is not a human tradition. But I was on New Alderaan when I received your message, and since I was shopping for my family..." he shrugged. "Open it."

Her nimble fingers made quick work of the glittery wrapping, but they paused over the comb. "It is very lovely," she said solemnly. She held up the comb to the light so that the gems glittered. "The workmanship is very fine, Jag." She gave him a concerned look. "You should not have stressed your means."

He managed to keep himself from rolling his eyes. Why was everyone worried that he was becoming destitute? Granted, he did not earn a salary with the CEDF, but that was because the Chiss did not use money. However, his parents had several Imperial investments. "Don't worry, Shawnkyr." He looked at her anxiously. "If you do not like it, please say so. I can get you something else. But the last present I gave you was an antique blaster pistol, and I thought something different would be nice." Shawnkyr opened her mouth to speak, but he kept going. "Though now that I think of it, it was pretty stupid of me. I mean, you never wear anything in your hair. I'm sorry, Shawnkyr," he finally said.

"Are you finished?" At his nod, she sighed in annoyance. "If you must know, I am very fond of jewelry, though CEDF uniform code prevents me from wearing any." She stood and trotted to the mirror that hung on a nearby wall. Examining herself, she reached behind her head and loosened her bun, allowing the fine black hair to cascade around her shoulders. Taking hold of the comb, she secured it behind her right ear.

Behind her, Jag smiled as he watched Shawnkyr fix her hair. It was something he had never seen before, and in all of his thousand and one fantasies, her hair had never looked so vibrant or ethereal.

She turned towards him and angled her head proudly. "What do you think?"

Jag's mouth went dry. She had not moved, but he was suddenly impacted by the image of Shawnkyr's tall, slender body and the stillness with which she held herself. Her black hair framed her comely, aristocratic face and intensified the brilliancy of her eyes as they held him captive like the proverbial snake with its prey. She was dangerous and radiant, and he now realized that she was attractive in ways that he had never known existed.

"Very nice," he rasped.

But he was careful in hiding his sudden attraction. If Shawnkyr knew the directions of his thoughts, she would be horrified. As it was, she had a hard time dealing with his friendship. Instead, he looked away, pretending to examine his boots. “So tell me more about Athan.”


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Author Notes:


- The Chiss culture described here is a product of my imagination, though given Chiss natures (which reminds me of Spock in Star Trek), I tried to be as accurate as possible.

- Though Csilla is an the midst of an ice age, it makes sense that native animal populations, at least those that were able to survive, still inhabit the planet. A Rikshi is my invention, sort of like a horse with a very shaggy coat, like a bear. And scary, since they freak out Jag.

 

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jags_gurl  2114 posts
Registered: May '02
23694_Bastila
Date Posted: 9/27/05 8:21am Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag and Shawnkyr) - New Update - 9/27!! - Date Edited: 9/27/05 10:13am (1 edits total) Edited By: jags_gurl
Awww...Jaggie is smitten! I can't wait to see how he's going to steal Shawnkyr away from Athan. Although he seems likable enough, I'm not sure I like Athan, especially since he's interefering with Jag's potential happiness, lol.

I'm finding your interpretations and insights in the Chiss culture simply excellent and very believable - keep up the great work! grin

Also, so glad you realize our position on the color of Jag's eyes. Join the club, we've got jackets. wink

Waiting eagerly for more as always happy

 

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TKeira_Lea  6788 posts
Registered: Oct '02
48762_Padme (630092)
Date Posted: 9/27/05 8:33am Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag and Shawnkyr) - New Update - 9/27!!
Interesting take on all this. I like how you weave a lot of detail into your story. grin

I love the green eyes debate. Don't take it too personally it's just that so many people are perturbed at DelRey for the Ylesia revision. My guess is the person who line edited Ylesia was going off the latest blue-eyed Jag goof. For most fans of Jaina, and especially fans of Jag, the early notion in canon of all the 'green-eyed men in Jaina's orbit' was particularly intriguing. I think that goes whether you're a Kyp, Jag or Zekk fan. Now someone at DelRey is making Kyp brown-eyed and Jag blue-eyed? What it boils down to is that fans just aren't feeling that the profic writers love the characters like they do. For someone who has been reading the NJO series over the last few years, all they've known is Jag as a green-eyed fellow - it wasn't even a question, and now he's changed suddenly?

Can you imagine if they suddenly changed Mara's eyes too?

As for your story, keep up the good work applause

 

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annabella79 
Registered: Jun '05
Date Posted: 9/27/05 10:07am Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag and Shawnkyr) - New Update - 9/27!! - Date Edited: 9/27/05 10:08am (1 edits total) Edited By: annabella79
Oh, I like Shawnkyr! I always thought her interesting and far more deserving of attention than the pittance of time NJO spent on her.

[quote=TKeira_Lea]a Kyp, Jag or Zekk fan. Now someone at DelRey is making Kyp brown-eyed and Jag blue-eyed?

If I remember correctly, Kyp was originally brown-eyed and earned his green-eyed status through a continuity blip in a subsequent series. Can't remember book off top of my head, must ask sister who has, I think, every EU novel ever published...

 

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Inara  2121 posts
Registered: Aug '05
19663_Plo Koon
Date Posted: 9/27/05 4:19pm Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag and Shawnkyr) - New Update - 9/27!!
Green-eyed, blue-eyed...at least we know for sure what color Shawnkyr's eyes are grin

 

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Inara  2121 posts
Registered: Aug '05
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Date Posted: 9/27/05 8:35pm Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag and Shawnkyr) - New Update - 9/27!! - Date Edited: 10/27/05 3:29pm (3 edits total) Edited By: Inara
jags_gurl: I can't wait to see how he's going to steal Shawnkyr away from Athan.

The question is, will Shawnkyr let herself be stolen away? thinking


TKeira_Lea: Interesting take on all this. I like how you weave a lot of detail into your story.

Thank you happy

Now someone at DelRey is making Kyp brown-eyed and Jag blue-eyed?

Well, the reason that I felt compelled to make the change was because Jag was also given blue eyes in TUF, I think (that or TFP - one of those two). And Kyp originally had brown eyes in the Jedi Academy trilogy, as Annabella has also pointed out.

Jag having blue eyes is unbelievable, I guess, but I like the effect of it.


annabella79:
Oh, I like Shawnkyr! I always thought her interesting and far more deserving of attention than the pittance of time NJO spent on her.


Me too! If people write stories about far more minor characters, Shawnkyr is definitely worth exploring.


And to all those lurkers I KNOW are out there... happy

Thanks for sticking along with this story. I had meant this story as something to do while I stalled A Higher Purpose (which won't be for long, but there are so many TUQ spoilers in it that I thought it prudent to wait at least until some people could finish reading it). But now this story is worming its way into my heart, and I really want Shawnkyr and Jag to be happy - though whether they find happiness in each other is something I won't reveal happy


Next post coming up as soon as I'm down with mark ups!

 

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Inara  2121 posts
Registered: Aug '05
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Date Posted: 9/27/05 8:48pm Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag and Shawnkyr) - New Update - 10/05!! - Date Edited: 10/5/05 11:24am (5 edits total) Edited By: Inara
~ Jag finds himself under fire ~


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Forbidden fruit is often the most desirable.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Fel Family Estate, Csalpar



Jag sat mutely by a window, staring the blue-tinged snow as if possessed. He had been sitting here ever since he had come home on leave, depressed not only because of his recent stirrings for Shawnkyr, but also because of his officer review.

He was on a short leave from his fleet. The CEDF had summoned him to Csilla for his annual review and then had granted him a one week leave before he was to return to his fleet and perform war maneuvers for operation readiness.

The Chiss were ready to declare war.

His parents had tried to convince Jag to accompany them to a dinner engagement at a nearby estate, but he had refused. He felt too glum, and he had no wish to expose others to his mood. Cem, also on leave, had accompanied them, as well as Wyn, and Jag was glad for it. He loved his siblings, but he really needed time to think.

The review had not gone badly – in fact, the CEDF was impressed by his service and did not hesitate to say so, a rare honor for adopted Chiss.

No, what had depressed him was the warning he had received in regards to his personal attachments. Now that the Jedi had attacked the Chiss, they were obligated to respond in kind. Not against the GFFA, but the Chiss knew that it had to resolve the Killik problem themselves. And since Jaina Solo was involved, as both a Joiner and an attacker – Jag had pointed out her involvement himself – the officer review panel had asked him if he were capable of command despite his personal entanglements.

He had said yes, naturally. It was only when he had come home that he had realized just exactly what he had promised.

When the Chiss went to war, they did not stop until they had eliminated the threat. Jag respected these rules, believed in them, and he had never found reason to disagree.

But now that Jaina was his enemy…where did that leave him?

He felt a pang of guilt for identifying her presence at Qoribu. Only he had been able to recognize her unique flying style, and had he not spoken up after seeing the security recordings, the Chiss might have believed their attackers were a rogue group influenced by the Killiks.

But it had been right to reveal her presence. Though he did not understand why she acted as she did, and it was likely she was still under influence from the hive meld, what she did was still wrong.

Even after she had become a Joiner, a part of him had still irrationally hoped that everything would be resolved, and he could be with her. But after the unprovoked border attack, and her deepening meld with Zekk – his hope had naturally began melting into despair.

Jag realized now how long it had been since he had seen Jaina, had even felt the love he bore for her kindle his heart, that he was not upset at the loss of their relationship. In fact, it was prudent to acknowledge that their relationship was over. Perhaps Jaina had moved on; he certainly had, if his recent feelings were any indication.

It was, he reflected, the aftermath of war. After the surrender of the Yuuzhan Vong, Jaina had become fully restored in health but had not fully healed. In body, perhaps, but not in spirit. After all, healing the wounds did not erase the scars. They were still there, on both sides.

Jag accepted that Jaina was no longer the same woman he had once known. She had changed. He had changed.

It was reality.

But he still had his memories, very good ones, and sometimes, it was difficult to separate the two.

He questioned himself now. If I am in a situation where Jaina is my enemy, can I bring myself to kill her? Can I stay true to my command?

And could Jaina kill him? Her actions at Qoribu indicated that she could not – she had spared his fleet from an ambush. But her behavior had been more extreme as of late, and he could no longer trust her judgment.

Their relationship had broken. But so had his trust, which he considered the greater loss.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


He must have been sitting in front of the fire for hours because he was roused to awareness by noise coming from the front hall. His family must have returned. Briefly, he considered getting up but decided against it.

His dilemma was solved when his father appeared. Soontir Fel’s imposing form filled the doorway as he looked upon his son with a critical eye. “Jag, you were here when we left. And I return to find you thus.”

“I was thinking.”

“If you spend so much time thinking, perhaps you ought to transfer to the service of the Inrokini family,” pointed out Soontir none to kindly.

The Inrokini family managed the sciences, and most Chiss sages were found under their auspices. “Perhaps that is a good idea,” replied Jag coolly.

“Soontir, leave him alone.” That was his mother’s voice. She appeared near his father’s shoulder. “He is home for so short a time, and you are already antagonizing him.”

Soontir turned to his beloved wife. “You exaggerate, my dear. I have not yet begun my particular brand of antagonizing.”

Syal had slipped under her husbands arm and now regarded her son with concerned eyes. “Jag, you must stop feeling guilty.”

“The Chiss might have avoided having a grievance with the Jedi if it had not been for me,” he said.

Soontir shook his head. “Eventually, the CEDF would have figured it out. Jedi StealthXs are uncommon even in the GFFA, and word would have leaked from the Alliance.” He narrowed his eye. “Jag, you may feel guilt now, but ask yourself this: could you have lived with yourself if you had suppressed vital information?”

“No.”

“Good.” Soontir smiled, showing a flash of white teeth. “You ought to seek your bed, Jag. You need to rise early if you wish to accompany me to the base.” Jag rose and nodded goodnight to both his parents before glumly making his way to his bedchamber.

Syal turned to her husband in the now empty room. “Sometimes, I regret that Jag ever met Jaina Solo.”

“No, I think the experience was good for him. He enjoyed the relationship while it lasted, and now he must learn to deal with the consequences of such a love.” He tweaked her nose. “And I doubt he regrets the happiness he has experienced, though it gave him heartache later. He will find someone eventually.”

Syal laughed softly. “Ever the soldier,” she remarked. “You know very well how ludicrous a statement that is, Soontir.” When he only shrugged, Syal shook her head. “Yet for all the qualities that Jag possesses, there is much lacking in his lifes. It causes me much worry.”

Soontir looked at her in surprise. “What do you worry about?”

“What every mother does, I imagine,” she said. “We were both younger than Cem when we met and fell in love. But Jag has not shown any sign of settling down though we both know that he has graced any number of beds.” Syal sighed. “I worry that if Jag does not gain what his heart desires, he will simply do without. And I cannot wish such a fate on him when I have known such happiness with you.”


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Cselarn, Jag Fel’s Command Ship


When Jag failed to show up for his daily exercise session with his brother, Cem went in search of him. Normally, Jag preferred to work out frustrations in physical activities, and ever since he had been made fleet commander, his visits to the gym had increased in frequency and intensity.

Cem eventually found him in one of the astronavigation viewing rooms. He was standing near one of the view ports, his tall form still as he considered the vast expanse of space in front of him.

“Are you all right?” Cem asked as he came up to his brother.

Jag shrugged listlessly. “I do not know. I do not think so.” Jag moved away from the view port and took a seat in one of the wide chairs that decorated the otherwise sparse room. “Forgive me for missing our appointed meeting time.”

Cem frowned then squeezed himself into the chair beside his brother. Jag yelped in protest. “You are not that thin, Cem!” he complained. “Get out, I cannot breathe.”

Cem only grinned and stuffed himself even further into the chair. “So, what exactly is going on with you?” he queried.

Jag stopped wriggling and went still. “You mean besides the prospect of an upcoming battle with the Colony, in which my former lover is a Joiner and has shown herself fully committed to a race of insects that the Chiss are fully committed to wiping out?”

“Besides that.”

Jag then groaned and sat back in frustration. “I want her, Cem,” he said almost angrily. He had no need to say whom he referred to. “Call it madness, but I actually desire my friend!” He snorted with disgust at himself. “What is the matter with me? How could I have even thought of it?”

Cem pursed his lips and studied his brother’s pained expression. “Was it simply a physical response to her proximity?” he asked at length. “Because if it were, then maybe you should find a willing female on your next leave.”

Jag shook his head. “I have never felt like this with any woman before,” he said. “Lustful enough to bed them, yes, but not this – this need. Even with Jaina, I desired intimacy with her because I loved her. With Shawnkyr, I want to have her.” He glanced at Cem, his eyes dark with worry. “It is not mere desire for just anybody, Cem. I think it is Shawnkyr herself.”

Cem pursed his lips and drew in a deep breath. “I have long suspected this,” he bit out. ‘Indeed, I feared it. But you always denied it, Jag. You said I was wrong!”

“I did not know what I felt, Cem!” he cried. “I swear, I did not!”

But Cem kept on insisting. “You felt something even before these past few weeks. I know it. I saw it in your eyes, heard it in your voice though I did not dare think about it.”

Jag shivered. “I thought it was just a passing infatuation. You know that I have always thought her attractive even by the standards of our people, but that was it. After all, what is a little admiration between friends?” He grimaced. “I thought I could control it, but it seems that it is no longer the case. I can no longer deny this urge.”

“But what changed? This revelation could not have come overnight. What brought it about?”

Jag hesitated and then looked at his brother with haunted eyes. “She fixed her hair in front of me.”

They had always been so close that they often knew each other’s thoughts even before they were uttered. Jag’s cryptic words were enough jarring enough to help bring Cem’s swirling speculations to an abrupt halt. His eyes widened. “Jag. You realized how you felt about her because of that?”

Jag sighed despondently. “I tried so hard not to think about it. In fact, I kept telling myself that it was only a reaction to what I saw. But now…”

“I am sorry, Jag,” said Cem sadly. What else could he say? Jag’s desire would most likely be unwelcome to Shawnkyr. The Chiss never hid the fact that they considered themselves superior to all other races, though they held respect for those they deemed worthy. But in personal matters, their stance was clear. Even Jag’s friendship with Shawnkyr was not approved by much of the Ascendancy, and many found Shawnkyr’s closeness with a human disturbing.

But friendship was all it had ever been – and would be – for Shawnkyr. It was not in her to want anything more.

"I have self pity. I do not need yours." Jag’s voice was sharp. He may have sunk to the lowest level of misery, but he still had his pride.

“I was not offering it,” replied Cem coolly.

After a few moments, Jag sighed. “I apologize. That was uncalled for.” His voice softened. “Cem, what should I do?”

Cem blew his breath out. He reached over and put an arm around his brother and patted his shoulder comfortingly. “Maybe you should tell Shawnkyr about this.”

Jag laughed darkly at the suggestion. “That is the worst idea you have ever had.” He shook his head vehemently. “She must never know. I will not mar our friendship for so small a reason as these sordid needs.”

“Sordid needs, Jag? You can never feel anything sordid for those whom you love.”

“You give me more credit than I am worthy of.”

“No, I merely speak the truth.”

“Nevertheless, we will not mention this to her. Please, can you keep this a secret?”

Cem frowned then reluctantly nodded. “It is against my better judgment, but for now I will hold my tongue,” he agreed. “But please take care, Jag. I do not want you to get hurt.”

Jag was about to reply when the doors to the room opened and a slender figure entered hesitantly.
“Cem? Jag?”

Cem gestured to the Chiss pilot. “Over here, Kyrn.”

She approached them looking much refreshed. “Why must both of you be so difficult to find?”

Cem grinned at her. “You look well rested,” he observed.

She relaxed and smiled slightly. “I just ended my sleep shift and am about to return to duty. But I had hoped to have breakfast with both of you.”

“Of course, we would love to – ktah!” Jag had attempted to rise only to find himself unable to budge from beside his brother. Cem had wedged them into the chair as tightly as a cork in an unopened bottle of wine. “Look at what you have done!” the elder brother growled. “Shawnkyr, give me your hand!”

Smirking slightly, she grasped Jag’s hand and pulled as hard as she could. After a few seconds straining, Jag came free with an almost audible pop. His momentum brought him into near-collision with Shawnkyr.

With a sudden jerk, Jag managed to avoid coming into full contact with his friend. He glared back at his brother for putting him into such a precarious situation. But Cem was too busy choking on his own laughter to really care at the moment.

After a while, the brothers walked with their friend to the mess hall. Cem kept up a lively conversation while Shawnkyr listened on in amusement. By tacit agreement, the brethren refrained from mentioning what had passed right before her arrival.

The brothers sheltered Shawnkyr by their complicity, and she was none the wiser about the change of heart that would one day alter her life in a way beyond anything she had ever imagined.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Author Notes:

- I made it through one chapter without mentioning Jag’s eye color. Score one point for me!
- Much of this chapter reflects certain events in The Unseen Queen.
- Csalpar, the capital of Csilla.
- The Fels have an estate near it (FH1).
- Ktah – Cheunh expletive, rarely used by the Chiss except when they are very perturbed.
- Cheunh – the Chiss language.


 

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jags_gurl  2114 posts
Registered: May '02
23694_Bastila
Date Posted: 9/27/05 9:10pm Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag and Shawnkyr) - New Update - 9/28!!
“I want to bed her, Cem,” he said almost angrily I don't think it was supposed to, but that line absolutely cracked me up! laugh

So Cem and Jag are twins, eh? Subtle sneak in, by the way. (If you mentioned it before, I just must be blind, lol) Very interesting!

Cem and Jag are a dynamic duo, if I must say. I'm intrigued as to how this will play out... I've got a billion plot bunnies now spawned, thank you very much. And I'm thinking I won't sleep until I write one out, lol.

Excellent update - and I love how long your updates are!

 

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Inara  2121 posts
Registered: Aug '05
19663_Plo Koon
Date Posted: 9/27/05 9:18pm Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag and Shawnkyr) - New Update - 9/28!! - Date Edited: 9/30/05 8:45pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Inara
So Cem and Jag are twins, eh? Subtle sneak in, by the way. (If you mentioned it before, I just must be blind, lol) Very interesting!

Whoops. That was a typo, but I've fixed it. And I fixed the "bed" thing too - I was a little sloppy this chapter, that's for sure. I've placed Jag at about 27 in this fic, and Cem at 24. And yeah, they are a duo, aren't they? Jag desperately needed a sidekick he doesn't want to sleep with, and then I realized that he had another brother!

Yay, I'm glad you got attacked by plot bunnies! This pairing is one that has never really been explored but could yield some excellent stories and interpretations. So get to it! grin

 

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WynssaStarflare  2945 posts
Registered: Nov '04
44272_Fan Art - Jaina Solo
Date Posted: 9/27/05 9:50pm Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag and Shawnkyr) - New Update - 9/28!!
Great job! I'm loving this fic! I love the depth that you go into with all the character.
--Wynssa

 

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Chimpo_the_Sith  6580 posts
Title: FanForce CR
FF Poland

Registered: Mar '03
41709_JC Community
Date Posted: 9/28/05 2:05am Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag and Shawnkyr) - New Update - 9/28!!
Hmm Jag has so many confusing feelings. Poor guy sad

And could Jaina kill him?

Hmm thinking You know what, I think this would be quite a big shocker to all the fans if this happend in The Swarm War shock And this would be Troy style to do such thing worried

 

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Gloria  1261 posts
Registered: Nov '04
47665_Lando
Date Posted: 9/28/05 4:24pm Subject: RE: Friends No More (Jag and Shawnkyr) - New Update - 9/28!! - Date Edited: 9/28/05 4:29pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Gloria
He questioned himself now. If I am in a situation where Jaina is my enemy, can I bring myself to kill her? Can I stay true to my command?
[...]
Their relationship had broken. But so had his trust, which he considered the greater loss.

cry cry Bad Jag! Drop that line of thought right now, young man! angry sad

Cem frowned then squeezed himself into the chair beside his brother. Jag yelped in protest. “You are not that thin, Cem!” he complained. “Get out, I cannot breathe.”

Cem only grinned and stuffed himself even further into the chair. “So, what exactly is going on with you?” he queried.

Jag stopped wriggling and went still. “You mean besides the prospect of an upcoming battle with the Colony, in which my former lover is a Joiner and has shown herself fully committed to a race of insects that the Chiss are fully committed to wiping out?”

“Besides that.”
[...]
Cem had wedged them into the chair as tightly as a cork in an unopened bottle of wine.

laugh laugh Cem is officially my new favorite character. laugh

- Much of this chapter reflects certain events in The Unseen Queen. Finished it today. grin Seriously ticked he(Jag) only got one line though. And in reference passing! frustrated angry And I swear, if I see the words 'Jaina and Zekk' one more time I just may spontaneously combust. frustrated

Chimpo_the_Sith posted:
You know what, I think this would be quite a big shocker to all the fans if this happend in The Swarm War shock And this would be Troy style to do such thing worried


I doubt it, but.. Do you really think he.. would? worried hypnotized

As for the topic of the eye color.. Well, I, personally, was out for blood with TFP error. Then in Ylesia.. angry beatup But blue eyes is kind of growing on me now. shock So I've adopted bluegreen eyes. tongue grin

 

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