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Author Topic: All These Years: J/J Post-DNT AU Short Story - Far-Future Romance *~COMPLETED 12/15~*
TelannaTani  591 posts
Registered: Jun '05
44418_Jarael
Date Posted: 11/3/06 12:21pm Subject: RE: All These Years: J/J Post-DNT AU Far-Future Romance *~UPDATED 11/3!!~* - Date Edited: 11/3/06 12:22pm (1 edits total) Edited By: TelannaTani






An Ossan larka called to its mate, a sweet melody reaching into her sweeter dreams. Soft seacotton greeted her skin as the smell of the ocean’s breeze brightened the early morning air. She inhaled deeply as her mind floated to a peaceful consciousness. Another sensation reached her groggy brain - the touch of bare skin against her own.

Jag.

Her mind froze, reliving the night of passion they had shared. Her stomach fluttered at each thought, somehow unable to believe it. Suddenly frightened she was still dreaming, Jaina rolled her aging body up on its side, turning to acknowledge the man still sleeping beside her.She reached up to pluck a strand of her own hair from his face with her free hand, hoping not to wake him. Halfway there, his eyes fluttered open and he silently smiled at her – the same small smile he reserved just for her. She finished removing the stray hair, tracing her fingers down his lightly lined face, a small smile gracing her own. Pleased with their silent greeting, she snuggled in closer to him until they were once again face to face.

So many years had passed without this man in her life. For the first time in so long, she felt complete; whole. His smile mirrored her own, and through the Force, she knew he felt the same. They were so connected, perfectly complimenting each other in every way. He had known her and she had known him. It had been… perfect.

The couple stayed there for a small eternity, simply enjoying the feel of the other next to them before starting the day ahead of them. Finally, Jag reached up and kissed Jaina on the forehead before getting up and heading to the refresher. Jaina admired the view until he disappeared behind the ‘fresher door. Rolling onto her back, she drank in the smell of him, committing it to memory before getting up herself. A few minutes later, she had dressed in one of Jag’s crisp shirts and commed down for breakfast. The whole town would be abuzz knowing that she had spent the night here, but for once, it did not bother her. She could the deal with the politics – she was happy.

Jag came around the corner, dressed and pressed for the day. Seeing Jaina dressed in his shirt, he smiled a large, bright smile, again just for her. “Good morning, beautiful.” His eyes sparkled with a strange brilliance as he bent down to kiss her nose. “You ordered breakfast?”

“Mmhm,” she responded absentmindedly, distracted by the view out the window. Getting up from the commstation, she adjusted the shirt and headed out onto the veranda, taking in the scenery. She was thankful for the solid stone half-wall that edged the large balcony as she looked out onto the luscious beauty of the Randian Sea. The ocean breeze coupled with the sounds of sea birds floating about her. It was a tranquil moment, especially as Jag came out to join her. He quietly brought his body behind hers, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her into him again. She relaxed into his strength, trying to enjoy the serenity of the moment.

Something was not right. The longer she was up, the more she thought, the more she recognized something amiss. Leaning her head against his chest, she closed her eyes, trying desperately to fight the knot of dread forming in the pit of her stomach as the flutters ended their game. It had been perfect, hadn’t it? Without opening her eyes, she queried Jag in the Force, hoping to gauge his mood and feelings. She was surprised to feel the same growing uneasiness from him as well. Reaching beyond him, she consulted the Force itself, quietly searching for answers in the midst of a growing turmoil. Satisfied, but deeply disappointed, she turned herself around to face him and opened her eyes.

Brown met green once again, far more somber than before. “Jag…”

The door chose that moment to announce a visitor. “I’ll get it,” Jag said quickly.

“Good. I don’t think I’m… presentable.” She offered him her half-smile as she tried to grapple the feelings within her. Moving out of the view of the door, she waited until breakfast was set up and the waiter had gone before coming back into the suite. Jag motioned for her to join him at the little indoor table, pulling out her chair for her as she approached. When she was arranged, he took his place across from her.

“Hmm… Toast, eggs of some sort…”

“Danu eggs – their local.”

“Ah… and this is?”

“Grilled kainah – it’s a local boar type of animal. Very tasty.”

Jag nodded as he chewed the bite of kainah already in his mouth. Swallowing, he agreed. “It is that indeed.”

Jaina began to eat as well, quickly realizing that she wasn’t very hungry. Silently, she put down her utensils and watched Jag as he continued to pick at his meal. Before long, he finished as well, leaving quite a bit on his plate and was wiping his mouth. He took a deep breath, a look of determined acceptance flashing across his face.

Jaina took a deep breath and began again. “Jag…”

“I know, Jaina.”

She gave him a small, brave smile, glad to know she didn’t need to explain. “It’s all so wonderful, so… perfect. But…”

“But…” It was his turn to breath deeply and sigh in resignation. “What was it based on? Us? Now?”

“…Or the past? Who we used to be?” Jaina finished. She smiled as she realized they had again finished each other’s thoughts and sentences.

“You know the answer to that as much as I do.” Jag closed his eyes for a moment, focusing his thoughts. “We were reliving the past. Our past desires, our past love…” he swallowed, “our past selves.”

He reached across the table to sweep a stray hair behind her ear, as he had done two days ago, this time with a twinge of sadness. “Realistically, thirty years have gone by. I know who you were, Jaina, but not who you are now. We can discuss our past, but we cannot relive it. I have raised two children on my own. I am not the man you once knew.”

Jaina acknowledged the truth with a nod, before continuing on her own. “I have been destroyed and rebuilt as a person. I have loved and lost and lived on. My parents are gone, my brothers are gone. I am so much more than I once was. I want you to know me, Jag. I want you to know who I am right now, not who I was when I was twenty-five or thirty. That was so long ago…” she drifted off. After having found so much happiness in the midst of despair, she could not believe that now she wanted to walk away.

Jag was getting up from the table, and moving towards her. He got down on a knee in front of her and took her hand into his own. It was a pose she imagined him in for thirty years, but this time she knew it was different.

“Jaina Solo, I love you.” It took all her Jedi training not to melt into a puddle right then and there. “But you’re right. Last night was wonderful and I’ve missed you...” he choked, “so much. But I want to do this right. I want to know you for who you are. I want you to know me for me. I want you to know my children and me to know your family. To make this work – realistically – we need to start over.”

“And not do this,” Jaina finished with a smile, “…again. Until we’re truly ready.” She reached her hand out to gently caress his cheek. “You’re right, Jag. And I love you for it.” Unable to let go without one last kiss, she slipped off her chair and to her knees, letting him take her in his strong arms once more. Their lips met in a silent impact that echoed through her soul. For the second time that morning, she committed it all to memory, unsure of when she would experience such joy again.

~*~

“So you’ve got my comm frequency? And the Council line?” Jag nodded again. “And Ben’s line? He will always know how to get a hold of me too; Ben and Tevel or Marissa or Matt…” she trailed off. Watching the technicians buzz around his ship, knowing he was leaving, suddenly made her almost lose her resolve. Anchoring herself in the Force once more, she stood her ground.

“I’ve got them all, Jaina,” he said has he reshouldered his traveling pack. A small smile graced his face, causing the lines around his mouth and eyes to appear again. “Don’t worry, you won’t be able to stop me from calling on you. No matter what.”

She smiled up at him. “Promise?”

“Promise.” Looking up at him, she could see and feel his conflict. Finally, he leaned down and tenderly kissed her cheek. “Take care of you, ok? I really want to give this a chance.”

“Me? I’ll be here doing Council business. How dangerous can THAT be?”

“You’re a Solo – anything’s possible.” They shared another smile, before he straightened up. “Alright then. Well, until next time, Master Solo. May the Force be with you.”

“And you, Admiral Fel.”

Without any further delay, Jagged Fel turned sharply on his heal and headed to his waiting ship, the Ascendancy Star. She watched him climb the boarding ramp, waiting until it lifted and sealed silently behind him. As the sleek ship lifted up on its repulsors, Jaina Solo wrapped her arms around herself, clinging to her Jedi robes for comfort, inexplicably cold in the midday sun. She stood stone still in the midst of the chaos of the main landing pad, a testament to reason and rationality. Gone was the impulsiveness and the spontaneity of youth. In their stead stood a woman finely honed into a warrior and pseudo-diplomat; a woman truly alone for the first time in years.

Without Kyp and without Jag, suddenly life seemed… empty.

~*~

A/N: Next post - Well, yeah. There will be several more posts. Anyone care to speculate? batting Look for it Tuesday! love

 

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verybusy  435 posts
Registered: Sep '06
14831_Millennium Falcon<br>Hyperspace
Date Posted: 11/3/06 2:03pm Subject: RE: All These Years: J/J Post-DNT AU Short Story - Far-Future Romance *~UPDATED 11/3!!~*
hugs I really like the melancholy shown in this chapter. The love that is shown in every sentence - not only in their converation.

Like I said before, a great story, which currently becomes even better, by the added sadness. I still hope that you will let this finish in a "Happy Ending", but no matter what I am sure I will continue reading it... it is something that makes me feel.... hugs

Cheers,

VeryBusy

 

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Lyne  158 posts
Registered: Aug '06
24201_Anakin and Padme
Date Posted: 11/3/06 3:08pm Subject: RE: All These Years: J/J Post-DNT AU Short Story - Far-Future Romance *~UPDATED 11/3!!~* - Date Edited: 11/3/06 3:11pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Lyne
Although they love each other, I find it very realistic that they would have reservations about starting back up. Of course, I hope that they work it out. tongue

“Me? I’ll be here doing Council business. How dangerous can THAT be?”

Hmm, bit of foreshadowing here? thinking

Can't wait for next post.



 
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oldjedinurse  3374 posts
Registered: Oct '03
24114_Barris Offee
Date Posted: 11/3/06 3:22pm Subject: RE: All These Years: J/J Post-DNT AU Short Story - Far-Future Romance *~UPDATED 11/3!!~*
Voz, this story is such a real and vibrant one. True to their characters, they are being brutally honest with each other. If they had tried to fall into old rhythms too easily, it would have been too much of a fantasy. (I know, I know, all of this is fantasy...but you know what I mean!) Goodness knows, I love a good J/J mush-fest, but this is better. No one finds true love without overcoming obstacles.

What happens next? Hmmmmm. thinking There are so many possibilities. For some reason, my mind keeps returning to Jag's pregnant daughter. *Shrugs*

I'm not a good guesser anyway.

I can't wait for more, though!

oldj rose

 

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G__Anakin  3653 posts
Registered: Apr '06
48891_Ben Skywalker (718092)
Date Posted: 11/3/06 4:44pm Subject: RE: All These Years: J/J Post-DNT AU Short Story - Far-Future Romance *~UPDATED 11/3!!~*
happy

 

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Solo_and_Fel  827 posts
Registered: Apr '04
49847_H457: Jack Skellington
Date Posted: 11/3/06 5:37pm Subject: RE: All These Years: J/J Post-DNT AU Short Story - Far-Future Romance *~UPDATED 11/3!!~*
Yet again... I agree with oldj. nerd

It appears Jaina and Jag have also become practical in their old age. Silly, Jaina and Jag. silly
It is understandable though. I'm glad they at least got to make up for some lost time before they started over.

Once again...again... Nice job, Telanna'Tani.
applause

 

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padawanlost  1303 posts
Registered: Apr '06
23793_Jaina Solo
Date Posted: 11/3/06 11:22pm Subject: RE: All These Years: J/J Post-DNT AU Short Story - Far-Future Romance *~UPDATED 11/3!!~*
They're so cute together love

I'm so glad they had the chance to put the past behind them on such a high note. Better to start over from that than remembering the fight over Tenupe.

I really hope Jaina's going after him. I see a reunion with Jag's daughter in Jaina's future, but I know they have to start getting to know each other again soon...

I guess I'll settle for Tuesday wink

Great chapter Voz applause

 

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ccp  2453 posts
Registered: Apr '05
23950_Han Solo<br>Glactic Heroes
Date Posted: 11/4/06 4:09pm Subject: RE: All These Years: J/J Post-DNT AU Short Story - Far-Future Romance *~UPDATED 11/3!!~*
Aw, they're being realistic and rational about this. Cowards! Realistin and rational have no place courtship for love. Going off half cocked and causeing all sorts of trouble is much more fun.

Now what do I think is going to happen? Well, I think she will realise life isn't so great where she is and follow him to Corellia. When she gets there I think they will start spending time together and he will eventually introduce her to his kids, probably at dinner or something. His daughter, Cherith right, will be very happy to see her father truely happy for the first time in years. His son probably not so much and might feel like he is disparaging their mothers memory by becoming involved with someone who caused problems with his parents. But I am probably wrong.

 

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darkladypurplepencil  292 posts
Registered: Jan '06
40084_Jaina Solo
Date Posted: 11/5/06 5:24pm Subject: RE: All These Years: J/J Post-DNT AU Short Story - Far-Future Romance *~UPDATED 11/3!!~*
Well, I won't say "I love it." Because him leaving is just depressing.

However, I am glad that you realistically made them realize they need to know each other again, rather than have them jump right back into a relationship like nothing has changed.

DL Purple Pencil

 

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Master_Vicky  1707 posts
Registered: Apr '03
23686_Yoda
Date Posted: 11/5/06 6:55pm Subject: RE: All These Years: J/J Post-DNT AU Short Story - Far-Future Romance *~UPDATED 11/3!!~*
Well it wasn't as bad as I'd imagined. I was expecting some big angsty.... thing. But like the post said, Jaina is spontaneous and what not anymore. She's a big girl now. tongue Anywho, good post. I knew it would be, but I thought I'd let you know. wink

And as for what will happen, I have a fairly good idea. Jaina's gonna have to meet his kids, and, well.... some other stuff will probably happen, hee hee. But yeah, I'm just gonna sit back and enjoy the story. happy





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jaynasolofel  501 posts
Registered: Jul '03
6426_Han Mini
Date Posted: 11/6/06 7:49am Subject: RE: All These Years: J/J Post-DNT AU Short Story - Far-Future Romance *~UPDATED 11/3!!~* - Date Edited: 11/6/06 7:53am (1 edits total) Edited By: jaynasolofel
Voz,

Ah man, I knew it was too good to be true – poor Jaina and Jag are they destined to love each other and NOT be together… forever?

I’m just not sure you’re going to like where it goes next…

Seriously, I actually like this turn of events, it makes complete sense and frankly, their issues – conflicting geography and political loyalty* – are still there. I am not sure Jag leaving at this point will ease the way for them, but I can think of many ways to resolve those and I am sure you can too! wink * praying profics too please! praying *

Nice work with this update, I enjoyed all the texture to their surroundings, the details matter and really make it enjoyable to read.

Looking forward to Tuesday and since you asked about SPECulation, I will just say I hope there aren’t any evil Sith or traitors lurking in wait for J/J but if there are… hey it is J/J, they can handle it.

‘noon
jaYna

*EDIT: Oh wait, I forgot he just retired! What's the problem? Unless... Ah, aha, Corellia, Ossus 30 years later?????

 

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TKeira_Lea  6788 posts
Registered: Oct '02
48762_Padme (630092)
Date Posted: 11/6/06 1:02pm Subject: RE: All These Years: J/J Post-DNT AU Short Story - Far-Future Romance *~UPDATED 11/3!!~*
Eeep! I read this over the weekend and forgot to post. Lovely far-future hope-filled story about maybe a happy J/J ending...

I don't have time to go back through the posts but I do recall thinking you just have a lovely way with words, great flow, yet beautiful and melodic. Bravo applause

Off to read the last part, and hopefully remember to reply.

 

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JainaJag14  368 posts
Registered: Apr '06
24102_Mara Jade
Date Posted: 11/7/06 2:54pm Subject: RE: All These Years: J/J Post-DNT AU Short Story - Far-Future Romance *~UPDATED 11/3!!~*
Sorry that I haven't replied in a while. I was away this weekend and am now just getting up to date.

That was so realistically written. cry But it was so sad to see him go. I hope that both of them follow their hearts for once and not totally lose touch.

Beautifuly written, and thanks for the PM. hugs

 

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TelannaTani  591 posts
Registered: Jun '05
44418_Jarael
Date Posted: 11/7/06 4:05pm Subject: RE: All These Years: J/J Post-DNT AU Short Story - Far-Future Romance *~UPDATED 11/3!!~*

Replies:

Verybusy: I’m so glad you liked this twist. I just felt that it wasn’t realistic otherwise.

I really like the melancholy shown in this chapter. The love that is shown in every sentence - not only in their conversation.

Thank you so much. That’s such a great compliment. Let’s hope that can keep it up, huh? hugs

Lyne: I hope they can work it out too! In profic, of course… On the foreshadowing… we shall have to wait and see. thinking Thanks for reading!

Oldjedinurse: Goodness knows, I love a good J/J mush-fest, but this is better. No one finds true love without overcoming obstacles.

Amen to that! The best things in life are often the ones we work for the hardest. As for your guess, I’d say there’s a good chance of seeing more Cherith sometime soon. Thanks for reading! hugs

G_Anakin: Thanks for reading, G! grin

Solo_and_Fel: Well, great minds DO tend to think alike. I wouldn’t worry too much. grin

It appears Jaina and Jag have also become practical in their old age. Silly, Jaina and Jag.

I know – rationality is the pits. Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment. It’s much appreciated! grin

padawanlost: They ARE cute together, aren’t they?! It certainly is a good step forward, much better than after Tenupe. Let’s just hope they don’t have to relive that nightmare. As for Jaina going after him, we’ll have to wait and see. Older and wiser she may be, but the pride still remains… Thanks for reading! hugs

ccp: Aw, they're being realistic and rational about this. Cowards! Realistin and rational have no place courtship for love. Going off half cocked and causeing all sorts of trouble is much more fun.

laugh That has been known to be true… It certainly was for them at one point, wasn’t it? Ah, but how time does change things…

As for your conjecture, I think you’ve got it right on some points. The Jedi are her life, and I don’t see her letting go of that. As for the kids, I think you’ve got them pegged nicely, but we shall have to wait and see… Thanks for the guess!

Darkladypurplepencil: Well, I won't say "I love it." Because him leaving is just depressing.

Aw, I know. Here’s a hug! hugs Remember the story isn’t over!

However, I am glad that you realistically made them realize they need to know each other again, rather than have them jump right back into a relationship like nothing has changed.

As much as I wanted to write it like that, it didn’t seem right. Thirty plus years is just too long. Thanks for reading and responding!

Master_Vicky: Thank you, my dear! I’m glad you… well, enjoyed isn’t the word. I’m glad you weren’t disappointed. Let’s say that. grin I really liked your super-specific guess. tongue . Guess what? You’re right! At least about the “some other stuff” part… I won’t tell on the rest. [face_secret] Thanks for reading!

Jaynasolofel: poor Jaina and Jag are they destined to love each other and NOT be together… forever?

Gosh I hope not. I suppose that depends on whether or not they can work out their issues… worried

frankly, their issues – conflicting geography and political loyalty* – are still there. I am not sure Jag leaving at this point will ease the way for them, but I can think of many ways to resolve those and I am sure you can too!

True, but remember that he never moved in or anything. This was a visit, not a permenant stay. I saw Jag’s trip to Ossus as a pack-up-and-head-out-with-no-idea-what-will-happen type of trip. And now we know what happened. I just wonder how long he’ll stay gone…

I enjoyed all the texture to their surroundings, the details matter and really make it enjoyable to read.

Thank you! I try to paint the picture in my head. Let me know if I start to go overboard, ok?

I will just say I hope there aren’t any evil Sith or traitors lurking in wait for J/J but if there are… hey it is J/J, they can handle it.

It’s a SHORT story, Jayna. grin I don’t have enough posts left for sithly beings. Worry not! Thanks for all your comments - you’re a joy! love

T’Keira_Lea: Hey, it’s nice to see you! Thank you for your kind words. My style and flow is something still in development. I’m still learning and trying new things, so no doubt it will change as this story progresses. But it’s great to hear writers I respect come and say good things! It’s very encouraging.

I hope you continue to like what we’ve got going. Thanks so much for stopping by! hugs

JainaJag14: Glad to have you back, friend! hugs

That was so realistically written. But it was so sad to see him go. I hope that both of them follow their hearts for once and not totally lose touch.

Why thank you! It was terribly sad to write that section. Whenever I go back and read the part about Jag taking off and her standing all alone, I just get… melancholy! I’m glad to know it had that effect on someone else. As for the rest, we’ll have to wait and see. But not too much longer! Thanks for coming back! hugs

Thank you all for reading and taking the time to reply. I know you don’t have to, and I appreciate the encouragement. Look for the next post in a few! love

Telanna'tani

 

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John 8:31-32
Callsign: "Voz"
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TelannaTani  591 posts
Registered: Jun '05
44418_Jarael
Date Posted: 11/7/06 4:12pm Subject: RE: All These Years: J/J Post-DNT AU Short Story - Far-Future Romance *~UPDATED 11/3!!~*
A/N: Due to some major time constraints in the next two weeks, the posting schedule for this story will be changed to WEDNESDAYS ONLY until further notice.

I’m sorry to keep you hanging, but I’d rather produce great writing than be pressed for time. Thank you for your understanding! So to tie you over until next Wednesday, I offer you the longest post yet!

Without further ado…
______________________________________________________________________________________________________






Ben Skywalker shifted a hand through his red-gold hair. The report before him blurred as he reread the same paragraph for the fifth time; he closed his eyes and willed them to refocus. How Dad ever managed to wade through all of this is beyond me. He stretched out for renewal in the Force and noticed his expected visitor heading in the direction of his office. Ben invited her in through the Force as he set down the current datapad, stood and stretched. Today, his body felt every ache of his forty plus years. He relaxed his muscles and moved around his desk just as the petite form of his former master walked through the inner door to his office. Ben offered her a smile. No doubt she was hungry; days of traveling did that.

Jaina Solo returned the smile. “So what’s there to eat around here? I’m famished.”

Ben didn’t try to hide his amusement at his correct assumption. “That’s not a surprise. I was thinking Ithorian.”

Jaina nodded her approval. “Perfect.”

“Good. I ordered in; it should be here anytime.” He gathered up the various datapads into semi-neat stacks on his desk and moved over towards the conforming couch on the far wall of his office. “So how was Coruscant? Same as always?”

“Same as always. I do not miss that place one iota.” Displaying a youthful exuberance defying her age, the Jedi Master unceremoniously plopped herself on to conforming chair next to the couch, kicking her shoes of in the process. “I don’t understand how my mother did it. I’m too much like Dad, I guess. Even before the Vong decimated the place, it was same thing: bickering and fighting, dealing and backstabbing.” Her hand shoved her graying hair out of her face. “A month is way too long for a temporary stay, Ben. The whole thing is enough to drive a girl insane.”

Ben laughed at his cousin, thinking how much she reminded him of his mother at the moment. “Which one of them isn’t insane? They’re politicians.” The door chimed to signal the arrival of their food. A few minutes later, numerous open containers of Ithorian food littered the small table next to their seating arrangement. Ben situated himself on the couch with a plate of food and picked up the conversation where he’d left off. “So how’s Ilse doing?”

Jaina swallowed her mouthful. “Ilse? Well, what can you say? She’s a Horn, not a diplomat. I’m still not sure why you have her stationed there, honestly.” Another bite punctuated her opinion.

“Because she’s not a diplomat. She’s a keen mind who, like her grandmothers, knows exactly what’s going on in every situation and exactly how to meet it head on.” A small smile surfaced at the remembrance of Mirax Horn and Iella Antilles. He nodded in Jaina’s direction. “She’s exactly who I needed to replace you at that post. Besides, she’s got enough Wynssa Starflare in her to keep the people’s attention,” Ben added with a wink. “Valin should be proud.”

“Oh he is, you can bet on that.” She fixed Ben with an inquisitive look. “The question is: what are you so worried about?”

“With Ilse? Nothing.” He took another bite before volunteering the rest of the information. Sometimes being Force sensitive was more of a difficulty than a blessing; the bond between them made it difficult to hide his feelings. “It’s Derek I’m worried about.”

“Derek? That’s the youngest, right? He’s only what – eighteen? What’s wrong with him?”

“Well, maybe the fact that he’s got more Antilles in him than Horn. You know Syal...” he added with a smile. “Or it’s the fact that he’s been spending more and more time with my daughter recently…”

“Uh oh,” Jaina said through a smile. “Daddy’s baby girl…” she paused to take another bite of food. “He’s a good kid, Ben. What’s wrong with that?”

“Well, for one: he’s a Horn.” His face lit up at the jibe aimed at his longtime friend. “And for two: he’s got ‘the look’ now. It’s getting serious. What’s worse, Marissa’s got the same look.”

Ben’s chagrin grew in sync with Jaina’s laughter. “And which look is that?”

”You know, ‘the look.’” Ben shrugged. With a devious grin, he decided to press his luck. “The one you get on your face every time anyone mentions the name Jag Fel.”

That touched a nerve. She quickly swallowed before poking her fork in his direction. “Hey! That’s different. Sweet Force, we almost got married! And that was a long time ago, Ben Skywalker...”

“No, I mean the look you get when we mention him now. The one filled with love and longing. And maybe a bit of regret, though you mask that one better.” He watched with a mixture of pain and amusement as Jaina’s face began to mirror the exact thing he described. This time the look came with an extra helping of regret. He decided to keep the conversation light for the time being. “See – that face.”

The look faded as a small half-smile graced her line-drawn face. “Jedi brat.” It was an old family joke harkening back to the Yuuzhan Vong war and Ben’s extended stay with Booster Terrik. She shoveled another bite of something slimy into her mouth, realizing her attempt at denial had been thwarted.

Ben watched her closely. Jaina closed up tighter and quicker than an airlock anytime anyone mentioned Jag Fel. Even Ben’s wife Tevel, one of Jaina’s closest friends, couldn’t breach the subject. Just this morning Tevel asked Ben to try – if not just to get her side of the story. Better sooner than later, I suppose, he thought.

“So how is that going anyway? It’s been what… a year since Fel showed back up?” He once again began to pick at his own food. He hoped to infer nonchalance and encourage their casual conversation.

“Going?” Jaina snorted. “It’s not going anywhere. Things were just great – dinners, romantic vacations, unforgettable scenery and then… poof. Nothing. He’s back on Corellia with his family, and I’m here. I haven’t heard from him in nearly six months.” Her words were punctuated by her aggressive stabbing at the carton of food in her hand.

“That long? I thought you two just went to the Dantooine vineyards. Wasn’t that just last month?”

“No, that was just after Yenara Ven’s knighting ceremony. I haven’t heard from him since then.” Her stabbing slowed to an almost lethargic pace.

“And whose fault is that?”

“Fault? He hasn’t called or tried to contact me in that time span, Skywalker. Not once.” Jaina pointed her finger at Ben as if he were to blame. She paused to think after she was mostly finished. Finally she sighed. “Mostly mine, I suppose.”

It was obvious that she didn’t want to continue, but Ben just looked at her until she gave in. “Things were just moving so fast, Ben.”

“How is thirty-five years fast?” Ben couldn’t keep his incredulity from his face or voice.

Jaina tossed her now empty carton back onto the table before getting up and heading towards the window behind his desk. She started to answer, but stopped suddenly, flipping back to face Ben in a flurry. “Did your wife put you up to this? That sounds like her reasoning…”

Ben raised his hands in a mock surrender. “We have discussed it, I’ll admit. She’s worried about you, as am I. You’ve been all off balance since he came back into the picture. And you’re only in balance when he’s around.” The look he got at the statement would have burned a hole through cortosis ore. “Just stating an observation, nothing more.”

His admission deflated her fury. The Jedi Master moved quietly to the couch. She pulled her feet underneath her as she settled in beside him, but turned so they were face to face. A sigh of resignation escaped her lips as she situated herself. Ben pressed on: “What happened, Jaina?”

Silence claimed the air for several moments before she answered his question. She was still picking at a spot in the couch’s fabric when she answered. “We got in a discussion.” The statement reminded him of a parent explaining a lover’s quarrel to their child.

“Over what?”

“Well, it started over a conversation about Jacen and the Killik crisis. Jag made a comment, and I – being typical me – jumped him for it.” Her voice dripped with regret. “The problem was he was right. I don’t even remember what he said now, Ben. I just know that after that, I felt the old familiar fears and questions and doubts just… swarm me. I was twenty-five all over again. It was as if all of a sudden, I was going to suffocate if he touched me. It was all too much. I couldn’t do it.” A lone tear escaped her eye and trailed down her cheek. “I told him that there was obviously too much history between us for it work after all these years. I told him that we’re too different now.”

Ben let the weight of all she’d said settle before asking more questions. “What did he say?”

“Nothing. He just… stood there for a few minutes. Then he said I was wrong. And that someday he hoped to prove it to me…” She choked on the words. “…no matter how long it took.” She smiled through the now persistent tears streaming down her face. “I was in rare form that day, Ben. I told him to get over it. I’ll never forget the words that came out of my mouth. They will haunt me until I die.” Ben got up and handed her a tissue. “Thanks,” she hiccupped. She turned and leaned into him as he moved closer and put his arm around her in silent comfort. “I looked him straight in the eye and said, ‘Forget it, Jag. It was all a dream – a dead dream.’ I was just so vicious and sure. ‘Let it die.’ I said. ‘Just go.’” Another snuffle claimed her. Ben let go of her shoulder and began to rub her back. “He just stood there, shaking his head. I finally just couldn’t take anymore. I turned around to head out – run away, really. Then I heard him whisper four words I never thought I’d hear again.

“He said, ‘I don’t want to.’” The tears had dried by now and her voice was a near silent whisper. “I nearly faltered then. But my pride kicked back in and well…” her voice trailed off.

The depth of her pain railed against Ben. He opened himself up to her in the Force and reestablished their ever-present bond. Her deepest fears, hopes and dreams were laid bare in their silent communion. Where with Jag she was young and vulnerable, with the Jedi she was Jaina Solo: one of the most respected people in the galaxy. Ben was transfixed by her complexity and depth. He silently shared his hopes that some day soon she’d be able to reconcile the two somehow. Could she be her strong, confident self and still be vulnerable? Jaina had her doubts; Ben was certain of it. She just had to find that out for herself. Until then, they would not be happy.

She slowly withdrew back into herself, closing her connection. Ben watched as a strange transformation took place: the heartbroken woman before him sat up, transforming again into the pillar of strength he’d known his whole life. The restoration would not be complete until things were resolved with Jag, but it was a good first step.

Jaina got up from her seat and quietly began picking up their lunch mess. “So what else is going on around this rock, Master Skywalker?”

Ben decided to honor her request to move on. “Well, Ret Venall reported back from Commenor and apparently there’s some issue with the local authorities concerning an increase in trade tariffs. Not something we generally deal with, but because of the …”

An hour later, Ben began to realize that Jaina’s eyes were as glazed over as his own. He stood with a sigh and pointed to the remainder of datacards still stacked on his desk. “And that’s just what I’ve read. There’s all those to go over as well.” Jaina also stood and stretched what by now were undoubtedly aching muscles.

“Never a dull moment here, I see,” she yawned. Then smile spread across her tired features. “Well, maybe a bit dull. I guess I should be going. My suite is probably infested with all sorts of crawly creatures by now.” She turned to go, but thought better of it, coming back around the table to embrace him. “Thanks for lunch, Ben. And for… everything.”

Finally. “You are welcome, Jaina. Anytime.”

She released him and headed towards the exit. She paused halfway there and slowly turned to face him once more. “Oh! I almost forgot. On my approach I noticed some construction up on Nenew meadow. What’s going on up there?”

For a fraction of a second, Ben involuntarily froze at the mention. He quickly willed himself to continue as he turned to face her. “Well, you know about the Ossan defense act passed by the local government. That area was part of the final agreement. The main investor and developer – a defense company out of Corellia called Protechnologies – requested that area of land as a private estate for one of the company higher-ups. When the Council was notified, we suggested that the Ossan’s restrict the use of the property. They agreed and stipulated that that a vast majority of the property be left open as a preserve of sorts. It was a compromise we could all work with.”

“Interesting. What do we know about the current construction and occupant?”

Unprepared for this line of questioning, Ben sat on the edge of his desk. He stroked the red-gold goatee he’d grown in the past couple of months while he answered. “Little to nothing, actually. The Council was never involved in the transaction more than our initial consultation. Whenever we’ve had contact with the estate, we’ve dealt exclusively with the estate manager: a young Rutian Twi’lek named Devan Atah. Rumor has it the boy’s a local who made some fairly important friends. Anyway, we don’t know much about the owner, except that we assume he or she is Corellian. Apparently they don’t come down off the mountain much.”

Jaina’s eyes narrowed to small slits as she moved back across the room to one of the chairs and sat down. “So let me get this straight. About six months ago a corporation – in the name of planetary defense – came to Ossus to fulfill a contract and asked for land? Then, the government allowed an unknown being to live up there without any information about them? How much land is under this agreement?”

“My information says a six square kilometer area…”

“Ok. So this being has taken over six square kilometers of previously open land not twenty-five klicks from the Jedi Temple and main Ossan settlement and we don’t know who this person is or what they’re going to do with it? We know nothing? That’s rather irrational, don’t you think? How did this happen? And why didn’t I know about it?”

“I think you were off somewhere when it happened. Wasn’t that when you were on Dantooine with Jag? Besides, the Ossan government handled the whole thing. I’m sure they have all the information on file somewhere. They included us simply as a courtesy. We didn’t really have an option in the matter, Jaina.”

“But in the last six months we haven’t investigated this at all? We still don’t know the identity of a being living on our doorstep?” She shook her head as she stood and headed towards the door at a determined pace. “Unbelievable.”

“Where are you going, Jaina?”

“To my speeder.” She turned back to face him, smiling broadly “I can see how things go when my Council chair is empty.” A wink punctuated her taunt. “In all seriousness, Ben, I’m going to go pay this guy a visit. This is just not enough for me. I can’t believe it was enough for the Council. It shouldn’t have been.”

“Jaina, would you look outside?” He looked out the window as if to illustrate his point. Sometime during their conversation, it had clouded over and begun to rain. A deluge of water was now streaming down the window. Ben silently thanked the Force for its providence as he put an iron clamp on the feeling of panic gripping his stomach. He stoically released the feeling into the Force.

Jaina’s eyes moved towards the window and shrank visibly. “Oh. Well, ok then. I suppose if the weather lightens up a bit, I’ll go in the morning.”

“Perfect,” Ben smiled. “Thanks for looking into that Jaina. You’re right – it’s about time someone took some action.”

Jaina looked him for a moment, obviously thinking more than she was saying. “No problem. Glad I thought of it.” She smiled at her cousin again. “Dinner still on at the house tonight?”

“Yeah. Marissa’s having dinner with the Horn family again this evening, so she will be gone. But Matt should be there. And Tevel, of course.”

“Ok. Let me know if I can bring something.”

“Are you kidding? We’d like to survive the meal.” Ben braced himself for her wrath. He was not disappointed: a sudden, invisible hand smacked the back of his head. “Ow!” Rubbing the spot, Ben had to admit that his cousin’s Force slap had lost none of it potency. He smiled in spite of himself. “See you tonight then.”

“Bye, Ben.” With one last smile, Jaina turned and walked from his office. Ben monitored her movement as she headed towards her quarters. When he was satisfied with her distance, he moved quickly around his desk and sat down in front of the data station. He quickly dialed the comm frequency he had learned by heart in the past six months and waited with barely contained agitation. He took a deep breath and once again released the feeling into the Force. As the worry began to dissipate, Ben replaced it with the calm demeanor his father had been famous for.

The commstation flickered to life revealing the image a blue-skinned Rutian Twi‘lek. “Greetings, Master Skywalker. To what do we owe the pleasure today?”

“Greetings, Devan. Is the master of the house in today? It seems the timetable has been moved up a bit…”


___________________________________________________________


A/N: What IS that man up to??? thinking Tune in next Wednesday for details! Thanks for reading, all! hugs

 

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