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Author	Topic: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): COMPLETE
jedi_princess18 Registered: Jun '05	Date Posted: 2/13/07 4:14pm Subject: RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post Feb 13th!!
	Another excellent post. I liked seeing the 501st rescue Jag.... But now I have even more questions than before. So Jag lied to Han and Leia about being on Tenupe for two years.....so is it possible that he is responsible for Alema's escape???...... And Pellaeon is part of the plan, too..... interesting..... -----signature----- Would it help if I got out and pushed?
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Shinar Registered: May '02	Date Posted: 2/13/07 7:11pm Subject: RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post Feb 13th!!
	“The Five-Oh-First doesn’t need to hide, sir. We’re the –” It's not you, it's in the books too. But that just drives me bonkers. Glad Karri walked away, it's for her own good after all Dang, the commander of all the military forces that matter knows your first name and likes you. It doesn't get much better than that -----signature----- "Let's face it: armed combat beats unarmed combat any day of the week." Tom Clancy
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TahiriSoloFan Registered: May '03	Date Posted: 2/14/07 7:17am Subject: RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post Feb 13th!!
	That was a really quick two years! Jag's state of mind was really fun to watch...we don't see that side of him much, but it fits him & the situation perfectly. His speculation on Jacen kind of makes my skin crawl, but it's laughable to think he was trying to convince himself that he doesn't care about Jaina or the other Solos, or that they fit into the same class as Jacen. His distaste for Jacen was clear, as were his thinly covered feelings for Jaina. He's mad at her, but still loves her more than anything. Good thing Karri was so observant....though it probably didn't take that much observing to see who he really loves. -----signature----- Auntie & the Chickens ~ currently on location in Egypt, Da'Nile! What's your favorite RotS scene? Member of TKL's Wraiths! AKA ~Auntie ~ Chicken Wrangler Extraordinaire~ Josh 1:9
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oldjedinurse Registered: Oct '03	Date Posted: 2/14/07 10:38am Subject: RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post Feb 13th!!
	Sorry! I read this chapter yesterday but didn’t have a chance to reply. At least it hadn’t been bugs. Always a good thing, IMHO. I really enjoyed the running analysis from Jag’s POV. Not only did it read just as I would expect Jagged Fel to think, it explained a great many unknowns in a very coherent way. Where Leia is concerned, she isn't only lacking key information, but is too close to see Jacen for what he really is. It wasn’t enough Jaina had tried to kill him. Apparently even in her absence she was going to haunt his thoughts until she ruined what was left of his life. A tad bitter, but in the circumstances completely understandable. Karri had walked away – for good this time… Yay!! Karri was wrong, of course. Jag was over Jaina, long over her. He’d let her go a long time ago. And he certainly wasn’t obsessing about her. Yeah, right. I love the way Jag thinks/talks about his non-obsession whenever he isn’t thinking about his supplies running low or wracked with pain. Clearly, Soontir has his priorities in terms of Jag's rescue. I love that it was the 501st sent to fetch him. And your interpretation of Gilad is great. To me, it fits perfectly with canon but expands upon his character beautifully. “… But when it’s a Dark Jedi involved, I prefer to see a corpse, and cremate it myself.” Great line! There’s that dry, witty Fel sense of humor again. It's fascinating to read Pellaeon description of how Luke Skywalker suggested that the Chiss take big losses. Whatever has happened to the Farmboy who wanted to save everybody? I know--rhetorical question. Jag grinned. “Someday, when the Chiss are chastened and the Alliance is humbled, I’ll have to thank him on behalf of the Empire.” Jag has quite the agenda. Can’t wait to see how he plans to make it happen and I have no doubt that Jag has plans whether they are his own or the Empire's. He and the Grand Admiral certainly seem to have a close working relationship. “Serve the Empire well.” Jag saluted crisply, proudly. “I never do anything else.” I like the implication that Jag has always been an Imperial. That’s a theory that I’ve always enjoyed. Could we add another Tuesday to every week? As long as it isn’t a weekday-workday, of course. This continues to be on my "much-anticipated" list. oldj -----signature----- "I don't want to live in a world where I have to eat sugar-free sugar cookies." Ikkaku, Hosaka, Kawabata
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YodaKenobi Title: TFN EU Staff Registered: May '03	Date Posted: 2/14/07 3:22pm Subject: RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post Feb 13th!!
	Chapter 3: The roar of the swoop bike engines was deafening. Jag leaned forward, hunching further into the turn, throwing the full momentum of his body’s inertia into a tight arc around the sharp curve in the narrow canyon. The walls of rock soared far above him, sailed past him in a brown blur. There was no time to process his surroundings, to prepare for the next move. There was only time to react. Great opening and visuals Sand and pebbles splattered against Jag and the metal of his bike as the other swoop tore past him – above him. For the instant it took her to pass him, her swoop bike defied gravity, its repulsorlift engines repelling not against the canyon floor but the rock wall opposite him. She rode so far up the cliff face he thought she was actually going to attempt a barrel roll – until Jaina swung her bike back low again, hopelessly ahead of him, a swirling cloud of dust filling the canyon in her wake. I wouldn't try and race Jaina at anything Tugging the glove back on, he laughed. “Every once in a while you could let me win, you know.” “Oh, Jag,” she said, shaking her head. “What?” “How empty a victory would that be?” Jaina wore a slim red dress that flaunted every curve of her petite figure. The plunging neckline was matched only by a narrow slit running from her ankle nearly all the way to her right hip. A thin gold chain held a pendant at the base of her throat, twinkling gems of red, black, and clear crystal set in a unique design – his gift to her a year ago today. Her hair hung long and loose around her thoroughly massaged shoulders, framing her perfect face in a tumble of brown tresses. Nice Another good post, Lex I'm looking forward to the posts around the Swarm War era -----signature----- FADA Therapist The Lands of the Dead: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28522077/p1/ Blood Trail: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28636429/p1 "We're Jedi, not assassins."— Anakin Solo
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obsessedwithSW Registered: May '05	Date Posted: 2/14/07 10:45pm Subject: RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post Feb 13th!!
	Ughh! My copy and paste isnt working! Well lets see.. I was glad to know Jag was against the chiss's plan to exterminate the Killiks. Very clever the way you wrote how he had planned on leia finding out the truth. As for JAcen, the conversation with Jag and Jacen's determination to se the killiks were destroyed was your conjecture right? He is over Jaina? I dont think so! Your just fooling yourself and mad! I love how Palleon's postion in the GA works out prfectly for the Empire. YOur doing a marevolous job with this tale. Wait, isnt this cannon? -----signature----- Yes Darth Maul -bring sexy back! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW8kOYvwVng Avid SiriWaner ! Stories in Bio
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YodaKenobi Title: TFN EU Staff Registered: May '03	Date Posted: 2/16/07 3:22pm Subject: RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post Feb 13th!!
	Chapter 4: 33 ABY, shortly before the first Killik Frontier Operation Funeral of Admiral Voss Parck, Nirauan Aww I always liked that creepy jerk. “Something happened to her during the war. The girl I met at Ithor, and the one I found again at Hapes…” Jag blew out a deep sigh. “She tells me everything, things no other person in the galaxy knows, not even Jacen, and yet… There’s something about that mission to Myrkr, something more than just the loss of her brother, that haunts her. Something deeper, darker…” Interesting Are we just talking about her throwing some lightning from her fingertips or is there something else we don't know about? Jag nodded, and held his father close. A long moment later they parted, and Soontir tipped his head toward the rocky path back to the Hand of Thrawn. Jag matched him stride for stride as they began to walk. It's very fitting that Parck would be buried there. He held up his palms defensively. “I’m just trying to cheer up my despondent son.” “By suggesting I take an interest in my sister’s best friend?” Jag glowered at his father. “Does Mother know about this brilliant plan of yours?” “Well, no.” Soontir flashed a smirk. “Best you not tell her what I said about Karri, either.” “Now that you mention it…” “So the Yuuzhan Vong were not involved.” Well, in a round-about way Another great post, Lex You did a terrific job of making the chapter flow with the dialogue. Great pacing. Really enjoying the interraction between Soontir and Jag so far, and it was neat to see how he got involved in the Killik crisis -----signature----- FADA Therapist The Lands of the Dead: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28522077/p1/ Blood Trail: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28636429/p1 "We're Jedi, not assassins."— Anakin Solo
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Darth_Lex Registered: Nov '02	Date Posted: 2/17/07 11:01am Subject: RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post Feb 13th!! - Date Edited: 2/17/07 12:32pm (3 edits total) Edited By: Darth_Lex
	Solo_and_Fel: It makes sense. At the very least, Jacen was on this own agenda during that time... and he still is. Yep. I think Jacen would have had to tell Jag at least some of his goals if he was going to have any chance of convincing Jag to capture the Falcon. If he just provided the info, Jag wouldn’t trust it – he would think Jacen was leading him into a trap. But if Jacen explained that he wanted the war to continue and the Killiks to be wiped out, then Jag might have been willing to enter an alliance for mutual advantage. It's hard to match Jaina. More like impossible. Although with where this stories been going, I should have guessed the Imperial part. Stranded for two years, my wannabe Corellian behind. You’ll see as we go that Jag’s story from Tempest relies heavily on some “certain point of view” truths to avoid too many outright lies. Although, yes, in my view the two years part was a lie, setting the tone early to distract H/L and evoke serious feelings of guilt. By the time they think to wonder if he’s lying, he’s telling them the truth. What a sneaky Imp! Flowerlady: 501st are back and rescuing the next Emperor!!!! Great idea! Honestly, the profic gets the credit for this one. The Aurek squads of the 501st are Chak Fel’s EOTH stormtrooper units from Survivor’s Quest and Fool’s Bargain. And in the Legacy comics, the 501st is still loyal directly to Roan Fel. So I thought it only made sense that they answered to Soontir, and that he would send them to rescue Jag. I really like the part with Pellaeon. Somehow that's how I see it too. He may have served the GA for a time because it was better for everyone that the GA military have his guidance rather than someone far less qualified. But I don’t believe for a second that his ultimate loyalties were ever anything but Imperial. Lyne: Loved the scenes between Jag and Pallaeon. Hopefully will see more of it in canon. I hope so, too. There are some great possibilities here for involving the Remnant in the Corellian crisis. It’s especially effective for the irony, like the comics, of the Empire opposing Sith tyranny. Yobi: I've fallen way behind on this one No apologies necessary. Even sleep with Jaina? Sleeping, yes. “Sleeping”, not so much. I like the idea of Soontir saving the Ascendancy propelling him to the office of Chief Syndic. For a while now I’ve been convinced that there was a coup in the Ascendancy during the Vong war, in which the Household Phalanx assumed control of the CEDF and the war effort. (Formbi’s tale in TJK is just a little too convenient, IMO…) I think it works well to explain how a minority of the families (4 of 9) ended up in control – they were the ones either staging the coup (by inviting the Phalanx in) or at least supporting it (after the fact). For reasons that will become clearer later in this story, I thought the former worked best. I wouldn't try and race Jaina at anything Me neither. That can’t end well. Aww. I always liked that creepy jerk. Yeah, but Parck was quite a bit older than Soontir. So I had to move him out of the picture relatively soon… Are we just talking about her throwing some lightning from her fingertips or is there something else we don't know about? As far as her overt darkside actions, I’m not hiding the ball on anything we didn’t see in canon. I’m just playing with Troy’s suggestion that the Myrkr mission had much bigger emotional effects on the survivors than anyone (including themselves) realized… Jag can’t quite put his finger on it, either, but he can see that there’s something Jaina has never healed from – and she won’t let herself get close enough to him to let him break through her barriers and help her heal. Not yet, anyway… You did a terrific job of making the chapter flow with the dialogue. Great pacing. Thanks! There was a lot to cover in that conversation, so I’m glad it worked well. jedi_princess18: So Jag lied to Han and Leia about being on Tenupe for two years.....so is it possible that he is responsible for Alema's escape???...... Yes, he did lie about that particular fact. He does genuinely want Alema dead, though, both in his talk with Pellaeon here and in Tempest. In the next post we’ll see how she got away – and, in a sense, Jag does hold himself responsible… Shinar: It's not you, it's in the books too. But that just drives me bonkers. Hey, I’m just following the profic. Don’t shoot the messenger. Dang, the commander of all the military forces that matter knows your first name and likes you. It doesn't get much better than that Especially not if you’re going to end up Emperor. Auntie: His speculation on Jacen kind of makes my skin crawl Jag’s too, I think. The prospects are terrifying, as LOTF shows… but it's laughable to think he was trying to convince himself that he doesn't care about Jaina or the other Solos, or that they fit into the same class as Jacen Yeah, he’s definitely fooling himself there. He’s just projecting his anger in ways that don’t reflect his true feelings. We all do that from time to time, though. He's mad at her, but still loves her more than anything. How could he not? OJN: Not only did it read just as I would expect Jagged Fel to think, it explained a great many unknowns in a very coherent way. Where Leia is concerned, she isn't only lacking key information, but is too close to see Jacen for what he really is. I’m glad it made sense. Jag has a very sharp analytical mind, so with time to sit and think, I have no doubt he’d fit all the pieces together. And unlike the Solos, he has enough emotional distance to see Jacen’s actions for what they really are. I love the way Jag thinks/talks about his non-obsession whenever he isn’t thinking about his supplies running low or wracked with pain. Busted. Great line! There’s that dry, witty Fel sense of humor again. Well, with a Force user, even a body that looks dead may not be. Jag’s just a very determined, thorough guy. I know--rhetorical question. You’re right, though. Luke’s comments at the Tenupe battle are a much more calculated, compromising sense of morality – more losses now for fewer in the long run – than then absolute rights and wrongs of his younger days… Luke’s closer to Jacen’s warped sense of morality than he realizes. I like the implication that Jag has always been an Imperial. That’s a theory that I’ve always enjoyed. Me too. Hopefully I can spin out the rest of the theory in a way that works. obsessedwithSW: I was glad to know Jag was against the chiss's plan to exterminate the Killiks. Very clever the way you wrote how he had planned on leia finding out the truth. Thanks! I just don’t believe Jag would be on board for genocide. He wasn’t exactly clamoring to use Alpha Red during the Vong war, either. And I did like the irony that Jacen, by selling out his parents to keep the war going, actually ends up giving Jag the perfect means to stop the parasite weapon from being deployed. As for Jacen, the conversation with Jag and Jacen's determination to see the Killiks were destroyed was your conjecture right? A little of both. The part about Jacen wanting the Killiks exterminated is shown in several of his POV scenes in TUQ and TSW; because of the way he interprets his vision, he believes the entire Killik species has to be wiped out to destroy the Dark Nest and prevent the galaxy-wide war. The part about Jacen being Jag’s source for info about the Falcon at Tenupe is conjecture, in that it’s not spelled out directly in canon (although IMO that’s exactly what the hints point to). The part about Jacen telling Jag his goal of wiping out the Killiks is also conjecture, for the reasons I explained above. I love how Palleon's position in the GA works out perfectly for the Empire. There’s a lot of irony in the ending of the Killik war, I think. Thanks for all the great replies, everyone! AUTHOR ANNOUNCEMENT Chapter Eight will be posted as scheduled this Tuesday, the 20th. It will take us right up to the start of the events of LOTF. The following week, the 27th, there will not be a post. I’ll be too busy reading Exile. Also, I will be using the week’s hiatus to figure out how, if at all, I’m going to account for the events of Exile in this story. One possibility is that I will continue TMOAE as canon speculation and work with the new story material from Exile just as I have already done with the NJO and Dark Nest to this point and my outline does with the first three LOTF books for the upcoming chapters. Naturally, I’m hoping I can continue with TMOAE this way. The other option, though, is that there may be events or information in Exile that definitively rule out some of my earlier speculations. In that case I will continue TMOAE as an AU following the outline I created when I started, because I do want to play out the ideas I’ve been working with even if my speculations turn out to be wrong. I’ll have to read Exile, obviously, to know for sure how much, if anything, is revealed in the novel that contradicts my speculations. Then I’ll decide which way to go with the remaining chapters of TMOAE. Posting will resume the following week, on Tuesday the 6th, with Chapter Nine. At that time I’ll post an announcement about what I’ve decided in light of Exile. Thanks again for your feedback, everyone! See you Tuesday. -----signature----- The Good News (LOTF: Invincible missing scenes) http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28505708/p1 "Jag's cool. It's not arrogant if you can back it up." - Troy Denning "Just remember who you are." - Jag to Jaina
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TKeira_Lea Registered: Oct '02	Date Posted: 2/19/07 7:48pm Subject: RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post Feb 13th!!
	37 ABY, two weeks after the Battle of Tenupe Rift valley crash site, Tenupe This is what I love about fanfic. This chapter starts at a similar point to Splinters, but what comes before and after is an entirely different universe and just as pleasing to read. Even as this stories beta, it's easy to turn the discerning eye off and enjoy once post time comes. Let her come. She’d tried to shoot him down. He wouldn’t mind a chance to return the favor by trying to gun her down right here and now. Hefting his blaster in his hands, he chuckled grimly. No, he wouldn’t mind that at all. I love how Jag doesn't want to think about Jaina, yet that's all he manages. She's definitely not far from his thoughts... “Fraggin’ frag!” Did someone say Bryon Skywalker?!? “Still loves me, my Corellian behind,” Jag hissed. “You and your demented brother deserve each other.” Don't you mean his CSA? “Sorry to disappoint, sir,” the leader said, his clipped military voice all business. “But your father insisted we find you first.” Love what this sets up for the future, not that I know where this is going “I don’t believe one way or the other. But when it’s a Dark Jedi involved, I prefer to see a corpse, and cremate it myself.” He sighed. “Under the circumstances, I’d prefer Raynar Thul meet a similar fate. It is simply too great a risk to leave him alive.” I'm seeing reflections of our buddy Roan. Or at least the Imperial mindset behind him. Jag saluted crisply, proudly. “I never do anything else.” Yep Well done again, EP. -----signature----- http://www.lominalecantina.com character often lies in contradiction ~ jfostrander01 Wingman - a post LotF fic http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28548970/p1/?219
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Chimpo_the_Sith Title: FanForce CR FF Poland Registered: Mar '03	Date Posted: 2/20/07 12:51am Subject: RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post Feb 13th!!
	Well I don't know if Jag wanted it that way but well Jaina actually might love his Corellian behind And 501st to the rescue Can't wait for the new post -----signature----- "I actually like Jaina/Jag best. Because they're such an imperfect fit, unstoppable force vs. unmoveable object, they challenge each other more and make one another cooler." Aaron Allston
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Darth_Lex Registered: Nov '02	Date Posted: 2/20/07 5:13am Subject: RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post Feb 13th!!
	TKL: This is what I love about fanfic. This chapter starts at a similar point to Splinters, but what comes before and after is an entirely different universe and just as pleasing to read. Agreed. It goes to show what a good job Troy did with the Dark Nest trilogy. We get some resolutions and answers, but just as many questions and opportunities. The profic would be boring if it tied up everything neatly and didn’t leave any room for fanfic. Did someone say Bryon Skywalker?!? Aren’t easter eggs great? Don't you mean his CSA? I'm seeing reflections of our buddy Roan. Or at least the Imperial mindset behind him. In the profic, the novels so far and the Legacy comics as well, we’ve gotten hints of a Fel version of the Imperial mindset. I’m just trying to play it out a little further and see where it takes us. Chimpo: Well I don't know if Jag wanted it that way but well Jaina actually might love his Corellian behind Thanks again, everyone, for your replies! Posting momentarily. -----signature----- The Good News (LOTF: Invincible missing scenes) http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28505708/p1 "Jag's cool. It's not arrogant if you can back it up." - Troy Denning "Just remember who you are." - Jag to Jaina
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Darth_Lex Registered: Nov '02	Date Posted: 2/20/07 5:15am Subject: RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post Feb 13th!! - Date Edited: 2/20/07 5:16am (1 edits total) Edited By: Darth_Lex
	CHAPTER EIGHT 38 ABY, five days before Jagged Fel’s thirty-first lifeday Hydian Way drop point, near Bogden “It’s all there,” Jag said, his voice gruff and a little menacing. “Just like I promised.” “I – I’m sure it is,” the short, bookish man replied from the other side of the table. “But you’ll forgive me if I prefer to check it for myself.” “Fine, but make it quick.” Jag watched the planetary administrator tap codes into his datapad, confirming whether the agreed-upon amount of untraceable funds had been placed into his secret private account. The money was there, of course. Jag had completed the transfer himself. Not that he expected the man to just take his word for it. He certainly wouldn’t have trusted a secretive client if their roles were reversed, and he had to keep up the act. The battered yet heavily armed freighter Jag had arrived in, his rugged yet intimidating crew, and his pragmatic yet opulent spacer’s attire completed the charade. To this career bureaucrat, he no doubt appeared to be every bit the image of a successful – and therefore dangerous – underworld scoundrel. Hissing out an impatient sigh, Jag ran a hand over his scruffy beard. “Satisfied?” “Yes.” The man slid his datapad back into his briefcase, then withdrew a stack of holodiscs about as thick as Jag’s thumb. He extended a hand, offering them to Jag. “This is the full set. Operating codes. Schematics. Maintenance records and part lists. Crew manuals. Everything you’ll need.” Jag nodded and took the discs, sliding them into a pocket of his black leather flight jacket. When the man remained seated, Jag crossed his arms over his chest. “Something wrong?” “It’s only… well…” The administrator swallowed hard. He looked as though he expected Jag to leap across the table and strangle him with his bare hands. Or perhaps just draw his blaster pistol and gun him down. “I’ve never done anything like this before.” That was almost certainly true, but the bribe simply had been too generous for a man on a civil servant’s modest salary to refuse. Jag leaned back, shrugging. “And?” “I could get in a lot of trouble with the Galactic Alliance for selling a Star Destroyer, especially one as new and fully operational as the Peerless.” “Then don’t let them find out.” “I won’t,” the man said, fidgeting with the handle of his briefcase. “But what about the people you’re working for? If they –” “We’ll be more than discreet,” Jag said, flashing a devious grin. “The GA will never find out where we got this ship. You have nothing to fear, Tibbix.” The man blanched at the use of his real name. At his vigorous insistence, all of their communications and negotiations for the last two months had been carried out using encrypted channels and codenames. “I have no idea who you’re working for,” he said, his voice warbling. “It could be smugglers, or pirates. Even mercenaries. For all I know –” “I told you I’m a purchasing agent for a legitimate, military buyer,” Jag said, holding out his hands. “That’s the truth.” Tibbix shook his head. “You’re ex-military, maybe. But no respectable government would ever hire someone like you.” He pulled his briefcase off the table and stood, false courage in his bearing. “I think you’re a bounty hunter.” “I’m not,” Jag said, staying seated. “But it was a good guess.” With a final anxious glance, Tibbix hurried out of the room. Less than a minute later, Jag felt the soft whump of Tibbix’s shuttle disconnecting from the freighter’s docking ring. He took a long breath, then stood and strode briskly through the narrow corridor toward the cockpit. He arrived just in time to watch the shuttle vanish into hyperspace. “He sure was in a rush to leave, sir,” the pilot said, looking over his shoulder at Jag. The co-pilot glanced up at Jag too. “Do you think he double-crossed us, Captain?” “Not a chance, Lieutenant,” Jag replied, amused at how quickly they had dropped out of their roles and back into military respectfulness. “He’s too afraid I’d hunt him down and kill him.” The co-pilot blinked. “Would you, sir?” Jag raised a brow, and didn’t answer. Instead he turned to face the huge, triangular gray warship suspended against the stars directly in front of them. It was remarkable how few people were needed to crew a Star Destroyer when all you were doing was sneaking it out of port in the dead of night – or making a short hyperspace jump back to the fleet. “Take us aboard. I want to be underway to the rendezvous point as soon as possible.” “Yes, sir,” the pilot said, reaching for the yoke. Jag turned on his heel and headed toward the freighter’s cabins. His father would be pleased to hear that this transaction had been successful, just like the ones before it. In the past six months, Jag’s clandestine operation had acquired five new Star Destroyers for the fleet, along with an impressive collection of frigates and cruisers. With its starfighter factories already exceeding prewar levels of production, the Empire of the Hand was well on its way to once again possessing one of the largest single armadas in the galaxy. One that would be larger by far than the Remnant’s, and rival those of the most powerful systems, like the Corellians or Hapans. And the Galactic Alliance was none the wiser. Within a day, two at most, he would be back home with his family. His father had assured him that, with this mission accomplished, his next assignment would be a command position for the foreseeable future. Not that Jag really objected to these kinds of undercover missions. They had their place, and this one in particular had been necessary. He wouldn’t have trusted anyone besides himself to get it right, either. Still, though, it would be good to be back with the fleet and the 501st Legion for a while. Skullduggery was exciting in its own way, but for Jag nothing could beat a crisp uniform and the sharp precision of superior military units. Jag sat down at the communications console in his cabin, and smiled. Yes, it would definitely be good to be back at Central Command. Then, finally, he could shave. ******** 39 ABY, just after the New Year Empire of the Hand Central Command, Unknown Regions “Admiral Fel?” Setting down the datapad, Jag looked up to the open portal to his office. “Yes?” “You have a transmission from the Chiss Ascendancy,” the night duty staff sergeant said. “The Aristocra Gambor says it is urgent. Priority Three.” Jag scowled. “Three? Why have I heard nothing of this before now?” “Uh…” After a moment, the young man regained his composure. “It seems there were no earlier reports filed, sir.” “Really?” Jag’s scowl deepened. “Put him on.” “Yes, sir,” the staff sergeant said, already heading toward his desk. Jag slid the datapad aside and waited. A few seconds later the holoprojector pad in the center of the desk formed a flickering blue image: a quarter-scale facsimile of the head and shoulders of a Chiss. “You’d better have a good explanation for this, Aristocra.” The middle-aged diplomat flinched. Apparently the lack of formalities and pleasantries had worked perfectly to catch him off guard. “The, ah… situation is… complicated.” “And what situation would that be?” “Eighteen hours ago the CEDF lost contact with a scouting party on Tenupe. At first we –” “I certainly hope,” Jag growled, “that I did not just hear you say that.” “Ah… Yes, Admiral.” The Aristocra broke eye contact. “The CEDF determined that a reconnaissance operation was advisable to evaluate whether any Killi–” “That operation was not cleared with me.” Gambor hesitated. “No. It was not.” “Fine. I’ll deal with that later.” Jag leaned forward. “Why is a missing scouting party suddenly a crisis demanding my attention?” “Not their disappearance, exactly,” the diplomat said carefully, “so much as the nature of their final transmission.” “Play it for me.” Gambor looked away, and spoke to someone nearby. Then he turned back, anxiety etched across his brow. “Here it is, Admiral.” The recording began with a Chiss voice speaking in clipped, rapid Cheunh. The message was so heavily peppered with code words, Jag had difficulty following along. But he didn’t miss the part about “under attack” – or the horrifying screams as the Chiss soldiers died. When the recording went silent, Jag took a long moment to settle his thoughts. “Do you have any idea who the attackers were?” “No, Admiral.” Eighteen hours. That had been a serious mistake. Even allowing time for the bureaucratic labyrinth of the CEDF and the Four Families, there was no doubt the Chiss had intentionally delayed informing him. They weren’t going to like the consequences of their dilatory conduct at all. But that was for later, too. “Effective immediately,” he said, “the CEDF is ordered to withdraw from any and all involvement in this matter. Is that understood?” “But Admiral –” “I’m sending the 501st Legion to Tenupe, Aristocra. There had better not be a blue face in sight when they get there.” ******** 39 ABY, three days later Empire of the Hand Star Destroyer Voss Parck, Tenupe Jag paced the hangar bay. Several officers of the 501st were on their way up from the planet to meet with him. Until now, they had reported the results of their investigations to him over encrypted comlink feeds. This time, though, they had insisted their discovery could only be shared with him face to face. Not good. It hadn’t taken the stormtroopers long to locate the slain Chiss soldiers in the jungle. At first they hadn’t noticed anything unusual about the blasterfire casualties. Then they’d found the body sundered by the unmistakable wound of a lightsaber. Further examination of the area had revealed distinctive movement patterns and footprints – those of a slender, crippled female. Alema Rar was alive. And thanks to the stupidity of the Chiss, she had escaped Tenupe in a hyperspace-capable, military-grade shuttle. If the Ascendancy had been worried about the consequences of their actions before… Behind him the magbarrier popped as the dropshop swung through the perimeter. Jag spun on his heel, striding on a line across the smooth, polished floor toward the descending ship. Even before the ship had settled to rest on its landing gear, four stormtroopers had hustled down the ramp and were marching toward him. Their white armor glistened in the hangar bay’s bright lights, a stark contrast to their helmetless heads. Two brown-haired humans, an Eickarie, and a Twi’lek with pale blue skin. The quartet snapped to attention in front of him. Saluting crisply, in unison they said, “Admiral Fel, sir.” He returned the salute. “Report.” “We found the cave where she made camp during her recovery,” one of the humans said. “More importantly,” said the Twi’lek, holding out his hand, “we found this.” Jag looked closely at the tight, leathery loops wrapped around the trooper’s armored gauntlet. “What is it?” “It’s a memory cord, of the kind made by my people. You might consider it to be a kind of private journal.” Jag nodded, and looked up into the trooper’s eyes. “You can read it?” The Twi’lek shook his head. “Only a trained scholar could make a thorough and proper recounting. But I can read enough. Again and again –” he pointed to links in the cord “– she mentions her hatred of Leia Solo.” “What?” “I’m sorry, sir,” the trooper said. “But she is clearly mad, and plotting revenge. She intends to murder Leia Solo – and her entire family.” Jag didn’t hesitate. “Go,” he ordered. “Take this to Intelligence, and give them any assistance you are able to provide until we find a scholar. More than one, if you have to. I will authorize whatever expenditures and resources are necessary to obtain a full translation with all possible haste.” “Understood, sir,” the trooper said. He saluted, and hurried away into the Star Destroyer. Jag turned to the others. “Take me there. I want to see everything myself.” ******** The Making of an Emperor returns with a new post on Tuesday, March 6. See author’s note above for more details. -----signature----- The Good News (LOTF: Invincible missing scenes) http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28505708/p1 "Jag's cool. It's not arrogant if you can back it up." - Troy Denning "Just remember who you are." - Jag to Jaina
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ccp Registered: Apr '05	Date Posted: 2/20/07 6:38am Subject: RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post Feb 20th!!
	Hm, it seems that Jag is awfully concerned about the life of Leia Solo and her family. But I think I will reserve speculation on that for now. See what happens in Exile and how it effects what's happening here. Great update! -----signature----- Padwan to Big Fatty If someone says, "Have a nice weekend," I never say, "You too." Because I never know if, perhaps, by the time the weekend rolls around, I will have other plans for that person. Come Friday, I may wish to have them slain. - George Carli
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TelannaTani Registered: Jun '05	Date Posted: 2/20/07 9:34am Subject: RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post Feb 20th!!
	Dang - I thought I replied to that last chapter too, but obviously I didn't. I love the twisted, winding plot your are weaving for us, Lex. All the pieces in this very intricate puzzle are falling into place bit by bit. Not only does it keep my thoroughly enthralled, but being the Jag-fan that I am, it's awesome to see his character as I believe he should be. You continue with your fantastic characterizations. I also like your reasoning behind why Jag is now "hunting" Alema Rar. Despite all that has taken place between the Solos and himself, he will stil place every resource at his disposal to dispell this threat. Certainly with Jag there is much more behind this action than simply old sentimental feelings, and I'm interested to see what those reasonings are. Of course, I'm intersted in anything that will bring Jag and Jaina's paths back together. I can't wait for the next update, but I'm jazzed that you're going to take Exile into account. Enjoy the reading - we'll be waiting! Voz -----signature----- John 8:31-32 Callsign: "Voz" Padawan to BigFatty
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RedGold Registered: Nov '04	Date Posted: 2/20/07 9:55am Subject: RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post Feb 20th!!
	oops, missed a post still, great work on this, I think i rather read this than LOTF -----signature----- Legend... Recluse... Forgotten... Will one day return... http://www.starwarsfanfic.com
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