Jedi Council Forums - Deception's Poison, Love's Balm (post Dark Empire AU) updated 11-11-08

Jedi Council Forums » Fan Fiction » Beyond the Saga »

Post Reply | Active Topic Notification | Previous Active Topic | Next Active Topic

Author	Topic: Deception's Poison, Love's Balm (post Dark Empire AU) updated 11-11-08
Jade_Skywalker Registered: Jun '00	Date Posted: 2/29 11:03am Subject: Deception's Poison, Love's Balm (post Dark Empire AU) updated 11-11-08 - Date Edited: 11/11 12:32am (5 edits total) Edited By: Jade_Skywalker
	I must be out of my mind to start a new fanfic, but the idea would not leave me alone. Title: Deception's Poison, Love's Balm Author: Jade_Skywalker Timeframe: post Dark Empire AU Characters: Jaina and Luke Genre: action, suspense, angst, a little mystery Summary: Basically the premise of this story is everything happened in the books up until Dark Empire where instead, the reborn Emperor was not destroyed and the New Republic was reduced back down to the Rebellion. Now, the story is AU. Nothing after Dark Empire ever happened, but there are some elements from the books that I am borrowing. You'll notice those easily. So anyway, on with the story! Hope you guys enjoy it. “Jaina, honey, wake up. Come on, sweetie, wake up.” Jaina squirmed and squinted at the bright light coming into the dark room through the door. Her mother was leaning over her, shaking her awake and trying to hide the anxiety she was feeling. “Mommy?” Outside the room, Jaina heard shouting, and men ran past. “What's happening?” On the other side of the room, she spotted her father and her brothers. The boys were half awake and Han was helping them get their little boots and jackets on. She'd seen this routine before. “They found us again, didn't they?” Leia bit her lower lip, not wanting to admit the truth to her daughter, but knowing that there was no point. Unable to say the words, though, she only said, “Get ready. We have to hurry.” A minute later, with Anakin in Han's arms, and Leia holding each of the twins' hands, the small family raced down the corridor amidst the rest of the chaos. Just outside the room, the Noghri, Khabarakh, joined them in running. Han turned to his wife as they ran. “Were you able to talk to Luke before he took off?” Leia nodded. “He and the Rogues left with two other squadrons to meet the Imperial Fleet and hold them back. He'll meet up with us at the rendezvous as soon as everyone's clear.” “If he survives,” Han growled. Leia glared at him. “He will,” she spoke firmly. “But I have to go back to the Command Center as soon as the children are safely aboard the Falcon.” “What?!” It was obviously a part of the plan that his wife had failed to mention to him. “Are you insane?” “Han, I have to!” “The hell you do!” “You know what my responsibilities are! I don't know how they found us again, but I have to do what I can.” “What about the kids?” Han whispered his question, knowing it would be difficult for her having the kids right there. They rounded a corner, and burst into the hangar bay, the Millennium Falcon in plain sight. As soon as Chewie saw them, he bounded up to them. Han passed Anakin over into the wookie's arms and ordered the twins to follow. They consented without argument, but their concern for their parents was clear on their little faces. As soon as she let go of their hands, Leia threw her arms around Han's neck. “Please Han!” she pleaded with him. “Please get our children out.” “Leia,” he spoke to her just as desperate. “Come with us, please!” Leia pulled back with tears in her eyes. “I'll be fine. Khabarakh will stay with me.” The Noghri made a firm nod with his head, but Han scowled. “He won't be much help to you if the Command Center gets hit, and you know that'll be among the first if their targets.” “It's a risk, Han. Our lives revolve around them. It was the choice we all made when we joined the Rebellion. I want this war to be over before our children are grown and fighting in it themselves. I can't do that if I run when I am needed. Now, I'm asking you again. Please! Please get the children out of here.” More than anything else, Han wanted to continue to argue with her, but he knew he wouldn't win. They'd still be arguing when the stormtroopers came if he kept going like this, because his wife never backed down when she had her mind and her heart set on something. Their only chance to ensure their children's safety was to leave her behind. Han placed his hands on his wife's cheeks and planted a firm, long kiss on her lips. When he pulled back, his gaze was hard on hers. “You just better make it to the rendezvous.” Leia nodded. “I'll be there. I promise.” After another, quicker, kiss, she left him, and Han ran to his ship. The children and Threepio were all strapped in. The kids asked where Mommy was, but Han ignored them and made his way to the cockpit where Chewie was already seated. “All right, Chewie,” he said, frustrated. “Let's get the hell out of here.” * * * They'd been in hyperspace for an hour and Daddy hadn't come to check on them yet. Chewie had walked by, mumbling something, but it was still difficult for the kids to understand anything of what the wookie was saying. Anakin was asleep; his head rested on Jacen's lap. Jaina hugged her legs close to her chest, and rested her head on her knees. She made quick, impatient rocking movements, waiting for her father to come around the corner in any second. Finally she could bare it no longer, and stood. “Don't, Jaina,” Jacen warned. “I'm just going to talk to Daddy,” she insisted. “You know when Dad gets like this. He doesn't want to see anybody.” “How do you know?” “Fine!” Jacen shot back. “If you want to get yelled at, go right ahead.” Jaina planted her feet apart and leaned forward slightly. “He won't yell at me.” Jaina turned away before her brother could see the tears well up in her eyes. She didn't want to admit to him that she was scared, just like she was sure that he didn't want to admit to her that he was, and so their fear came out as anger towards each other. There was only one person present who she could confide in, and that was her father. Even if he did yell at her, she needed to feel his strong arms around her. She needed to feel that security that no one could give quite like he could. She couldn't wait for him any longer. She felt as though she would explode with all the terror she had pent up inside. Her hands were shaking when she came upon the cockpit. Her father was sitting in his chair, turned away from her. His elbows on his knees, his head rested in his hands. Timidly, Jaina knocked, and Han shot her a glare so fast that she jumped back. “Not now, Jaina,” he snapped, and turned away again. Jaina only stood their, her lower lip began to quiver uncontrollably. A part of her wanted to run away, another wanted to run to her father regardless of what he had just said. The two voices battled it out in her head, practically screaming at her. Jaina leaned against the doorway to the cockpit and slid down to her knees. She pounded her little fists to her head, trying to make the screaming stop, unable to follow either. The madness in her head only added to her distraught state, and it felt as though her fear had gone into light speed. She began to shake all over, and try as she might to hold in her terror, a tiny screech escaped her lips. The voice telling her to run away turned into her father's voice, telling her he didn't want her here, that she'd been a bad girl. It drowned out the other voice, and she began to sob hard. Jaina got to her feet ready to make a run for it. She had barely made two steps before suddenly, out of nowhere, Han was there. His arms wrapped around her and he pulled her close. “Wait! No, I'm sorry. Baby, I'm sorry.” Jaina buried her face in his shoulder, the angry voice in her head instantly going silent. She sobbed hard as she clung to him. Han picked his daughter up and went back to the chair, sitting her in his lap, and just holding her. He had seen the way her body had begun to shake after he had snapped at her and had instantly regretted doing so. Now to feel her shaking body against his, his guilt for how he had spoken to her intensified. After a long while, Jaina's sobs grew quieter, but the tears still ran freely. Han pulled her back to look into her big brown eyes. He had to fight around the lump in his throat to make his words somewhat understandable. “Am I a terrible father, Jaina?” Jaina could only shake her head; her throat hurt too much to form words, and she threw her arms around his neck again. She swallowed hard and whispered, “I love you, Daddy.” Han's arms tightened around her; he could feel her tears soaking through his shirt. “I love you too, sweetheart.” They stayed that way for another long hour. Han tried, and failed once or twice, to keep his tears at bay, wanting to be strong for his little girl. Jaina didn't notice. She kept her face pressed to his chest, sobbing loudly. By the time Han heard the signal that their destination had been reached, she was asleep in his arms. He commed Chewie to come to the cockpit, and just a few moments later, they emerged into real space where a Rebel fleet was waiting for them. All the while, Jaina remained asleep in his lap, her hands, even in her sleep, gripped his shirt, leaving Han's hands free to work the controls. When the Falcon docked with one of the larger ships, he picked Jaina up, her little arms immediately going tight around his neck, and resting her head against his shoulder while she continued to breathe evenly. As he moved to leave the ship, Han gestured for his sons to follow him. Threepio took the cue and followed in silence. The small group was escorted to the quarters that had been reserved for them. Once there, another officer ran up to them, delivering the happy news that Leia Organa Solo and Luke Skywalker had survived and were now on their way to the rendezvous. Han breathed a sigh of relief, his arms suddenly feeling so weak that he had to set Jaina down on her own feet. His children gathered around him and hugged themselves close to him while Han thanked the officer. Chewie helped Han put the kids to bed, ignoring their denials through their yawns that they weren't tired. In a matter of minutes, all three of them were sound asleep. -----signature----- What might have happened if the reborn Emperor had not been destroyed? Deception's Poison, Love's Balm (post Dark Empire AU) http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=28141525&brd=10477
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
cggunnersmate Registered: Jul '07	Date Posted: 2/29 11:26am Subject: RE: Deception's Poison, Love's Balm (post Dark Empire AU) - Date Edited: 2/29 11:30am (1 edits total) Edited By: cggunnersmate
	first! (edit) Wow, that's first time I ever got first reply on something Anyway, wonderful, wonderful post! I could really feal Han's tension at leaving Leia behind and the scene with he and Jaina in the cockpit was heart wrenching, I actually started to tear up when Jaina hugged him and said "I love you daddy." Though my wife and I haven't had any children yet (plan to start trying this summer) I hope to have a daughter some day and I can just imagine the power a little girl has over her father, if my daughter hugged me and said she loved me like that I'd turn into a blubbering idiot. PM me if you continue this please! -----signature----- "I got him! I got him!" Chris Griffin as Luke Skywalker "Great Kid! Don't get penisy!" Peter Griffin as Han Solo (Blue Harvest)
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
DarthAnakin101 Registered: Aug '05	Date Posted: 2/29 12:40pm Subject: RE: Deception's Poison, Love's Balm (post Dark Empire AU)
	This was awesome! I could feel myself choking up when Jaina was sitting on Han's lap and he was crying. Great idea, and please post more soon (add me to the PM list if you have one, please). -----signature----- Proud Member of the Colbert Nation http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=28133965&brd=10477&start=28141781 ^ Lessons Learned, My first attempt at fan fiction, Post LotF AU Humble and crazy padawan of Blue_Lightsaber42
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
PonyTricks Registered: Jul '03	Date Posted: 2/29 1:00pm Subject: RE: Deception's Poison, Love's Balm (post Dark Empire AU)
	Awww! Han is a good daddy, even when he's worried about Leia. -----signature----- Brain: Now, Pinky, if by any chance you are captured during this mission, remember you are Gunther Heindriksen from Appenzell. You moved to Grindelwald to drive the cog train to Murren. Can you repeat that? Pinky: Mmmm, no, Brain, don't think I can.
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Lanta Registered: Oct '07	Date Posted: 3/1 7:09am Subject: RE: Deception's Poison, Love's Balm (post Dark Empire AU)
	Interesting start If you're having a PM list, could you add me to it please?
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Jade_Skywalker Registered: Jun '00	Date Posted: 3/2 1:47pm Subject: RE: Deception's Poison, Love's Balm (post Dark Empire AU)
	cggunnersmate: Okay, speaking from personal experience with the relationship that I have with my own father, I can tell you that there is nothing more precious. I sincerely hope you have a little girl. I am under the belief that every man needs at least one daughter. Imagine my disappointment when the books didn't give Luke one. Oh well, but yeah, you let me know when you're expecting. DarthAnakin101: Thanx! I actually choked up a lot when I wrote that part too. PonyTricks: I'm glad you liked it. Lanta: Thank you, and of course. -----signature----- What might have happened if the reborn Emperor had not been destroyed? Deception's Poison, Love's Balm (post Dark Empire AU) http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=28141525&brd=10477
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
SithGirl132 Registered: Dec '05	Date Posted: 3/2 5:17pm Subject: RE: Deception's Poison, Love's Balm (post Dark Empire AU)
	Hmm, this looks like a really good AU. I love reading about the Solo kids when they're young, and this looks like a great AU premise. If you're doing PM's, please add me to the list! -----signature----- if loving you is wrong, i don't want to be right NaNo victim once again. give me coffee and no one gets hurt! Fics in Prolific Writers' Thread.
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
JediNat Registered: Jan '08	Date Posted: 3/4 8:10am Subject: RE: Deception's Poison, Love's Balm (post Dark Empire AU) - Date Edited: 3/14 4:28pm (1 edits total) Edited By: JediNat
	Nice start Please continue this story! And please add me to the PM list -JediNat- -----signature----- May the Force be with you! I'm a little teapot short and stout here is my handle and here's a note from my shrink he says I'm getting better. Last week I thought I was a toaster oven crazy laughter -Dot
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Jade_Skywalker Registered: Jun '00	Date Posted: 3/6 10:38pm Subject: RE: Deception's Poison, Love's Balm (post Dark Empire AU)
	SithGirl132: Thank you. You will surely be PMed. JediNat: Thanx. I hope to have another post up soon. -----signature----- What might have happened if the reborn Emperor had not been destroyed? Deception's Poison, Love's Balm (post Dark Empire AU) http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=28141525&brd=10477
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Jade_eyes Registered: Aug '04	Date Posted: 3/7 2:02pm Subject: RE: Deception's Poison, Love's Balm (post Dark Empire AU)
	Looks intriguing PM's please? Title grabbed me right off from youg siggy. OK, I have to ask, can Mara be in this & be Luke's love bunny/soul mate? SQUEE!!!! (I thought of that from the Love Balm part of the title) -----signature----- Luke/Mara, the most scrumptious soulmates, moving & melty Stoked to beta their stuff Squggles!
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Jade_Skywalker Registered: Jun '00	Date Posted: 3/9 8:32pm Subject: RE: Deception's Poison, Love's Balm (post Dark Empire AU)
	Thanx for your reply, Jade_eyes. I was hoping to have the next post up soon, but I lost the thing that has my story saved to it, and I need it because my personal computer doesn't have internet. Hopefully, I'll find it soon. -----signature----- What might have happened if the reborn Emperor had not been destroyed? Deception's Poison, Love's Balm (post Dark Empire AU) http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=28141525&brd=10477
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Jade_Skywalker Registered: Jun '00	Date Posted: 3/12 8:42pm Subject: RE: Deception's Poison, Love's Balm (post Dark Empire AU)
	Okay, I should have the next post for you guys by Friday. -----signature----- What might have happened if the reborn Emperor had not been destroyed? Deception's Poison, Love's Balm (post Dark Empire AU) http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=28141525&brd=10477
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Jade_Skywalker Registered: Jun '00	Date Posted: 3/14 12:24am Subject: RE: Deception's Poison, Love's Balm (post Dark Empire AU) updated 3-14-08
	It had been a week since the evacuation and the reunion of their small family. The fleet had moved to a new base on a remote planet in the Outer Rim territories. Jaina and Jacen had long since apologized to each other, and as far as the kids were concerned, things were back to normal. They had no knowledge of the argument that had taken place between their parents, but the dust had settled, and for the time being, they could simply be a family. The boys were helping Leia set plates and eating utensils on a small table. Han sat in an armchair; Jaina stood in front of him playing a game that consisted of her trying to pull her fist away before Han had a chance to strike it lightly with his knuckles. After numerous times of failing, she squealed and captured his fist with both of her hands, grinning triumphantly at him. Han could only laugh. It was at this precise moment that the door to their quarters slid open, and Luke Skywalker stepped into the room. A grin instantly spread across Anakin's face. “Uncle Luke!” he cried as the little boy ran to him. Luke scooped him up and bounced him on his hip, grunting as he did so. “I think you're getting a little too big for this, Anakin.” Jacen's greeting was just as enthusiastic, but Jaina, casting her eyes downward, climbed into her father's lap. Luke's eyes met with hers and he smiled warmly at her. “Hello, Jaina.” Jaina tried to smile back, but the smile did not reach her eyes. Her arm around Han's neck grew a little tighter. “Hi, Uncle Luke.” “'Bout time you got here, kid,” Han spoke up. “I'm starving. Let's eat!” The dinner was a casual one, the conversation moving from one pointless subject to another. Jaina noticed, and had no doubt that her brothers had as well, that the adults were deliberately avoiding any subject that could lead to discussion about the recent evacuation or the war with the Empire in general. The conversation made an abrupt end when the boys, who had been fidgeting with each other, suddenly began shouting and hitting each other. When Leia's attempts to calm them with sharp words failed, she stood, and took Jacen by the arm. Luke, technically being a guest, she denied her brother's offer to help, and Han stood as well, taking Anakin. Both parents led the boys to another room, leaving Luke and Jaina alone. In the sudden awkward silence, Jaina looked down at her plate, unusually fascinated with her pile of still uneaten green vegetables. She had a feeling that her uncle's eyes were on her, and a moment later as he spoke, her suspicions were correct. “So, how are you doing, Jaina?” Jaina shrugged, still looking at her plate. “Okay, I guess.” Luke didn't have to ask why she only felt okay. He could only imagine what it must be like for a child to constantly be on the run from the Empire. After a brief silence, he tried again, this time with a different topic. “You had a birthday recently, didn't you?” Jaina nodded. “Yeah, Jacen too.” He smiled. “Of course. So how old are you twins now?” “Ten.” Luke let off a light sigh as his smile faded. “I'm sorry I wasn't able to be there.” Jaina shrugged and in that one motion, he could see that his absence hadn't really affected her all that much. A bit of sadness gripped him, wondering if his presence there might have only spoiled it for her. “Mom said you were on a pretty important mission,” she mumbled. “It's okay.” Luke wasn't sure where to take the conversation from there. He could sense Jaina's uneasiness, and could also tell that his attempts to lighten the mood was having the exact opposite effect, and so he remained quiet, finishing his food. It was several minutes before Leia came back. “Jaina, it's time for bed.” “Okay,” Jaina replied, setting her fork down and moving toward the bedroom she shared with her brothers. As she passed her mother, she was stopped. “Hey,” Leia scolded her. “Aren't you going to say goodnight to your uncle?” The young girl turned back sheepishly, locking an uncomfortable gaze with Luke and tried to smile. “Goodnight, Uncle Luke.” Luke smiled warmly at her, trying to cover up his sadness. “Goodnight, Jaina.” With that said, Jaina turned and left, relieved to be out of the awkward situation. Leia sat at the table with her brother, but her eyes continued to watch where her daughter had disappeared. “Let me guess,” Luke spoke up. “Jaina's not usually that willing to go to bed.” She finally turned her gaze to him. “Not really. No. Did she say something to you?” Luke shook his head. “It's not what's being said, Leia. It's what's not being said. I think . . .” he hesitated, not sure he wanted to say the words. “I think Jaina's afraid of me.” Leia straightened her back. She hadn't expected that. “Why?” He shook his head. “I don't know.” “Could you be mistaken?” But Luke only shook his head again. “She's nervous around me, and she never looks me in the eye unless she's told to. Even then, she turns away the first chance she gets.” Leia sighed. “I knew that she wasn't as comfortable around you as the boys are, but I never would have thought that she was afraid of you. I'll talk to her about it.” Luke smiled. “Thank you. I wouldn't want her to start her training off at a disadvantage.” Leia reached across the table and put a hand over her brother's. “Luke,” she spoke softly, “I know this isn't just about Jaina's training.” Luke smiled, admitting what he knew his sister could see. “Whatever is causing this fear,” she continued, “I'm sure she will get past it.” Luke looked down at their hands. Smiling warmly and feeling their twin bond move between them, he moved his other hand to place it over hers. They stayed that way for several minutes, content with the peace. * * * Unfortunately for Leia, keeping her promise of talking with Jaina was easier said than done. The next morning, she left before the kids had woken up. All the grownups had a full day ahead of them, one meeting after another. The kids in the meantime were making a battle field of their quarters. By the time lunchtime had passed, their quarters were in complete chaos. Jacen and Jaina held their foam sticks, swinging them like lightsabers, while Anakin had his little toy blaster out. They jumped on the furniture, chairs toppled over, blankets and pillows were sprawled over the floor. Threepio's golden form lay on the floor as well, unmoving, deactivated. He had been their first victim, their first victory of the day. The duel between Jaina and Jacen was getting close. In a desperate attempt to escape Jacen cornering her, Jaina slapped the controls to open the door and jumped out into the corridor. Jacen stopped where he was, and Anakin stopped firing, the abrupt silencing of the imitation firing sounds the little toy made making the moment seem uncomfortably quiet. Jaina on the other hand still held her stick at the ready, waiting for her brothers to come and get her. “You know we're not supposed to leave our quarters,” Jacen warned. “Oh come on, Jace,” his sister baited him. “This is why we turned Goldenrod off, remember?” Jacen rolled his eyes. Jaina had always been quite fond of her father's nickname for Threepio. “You're going to get in trouble, Jaina,” Anakin spoke up. “Whatever,” she shot back. “All the grownups are busy. No one will ever know. Besides, judging by the mess we made in there, we're already in trouble. What more could they do?” “Jaina.” Jacen's voice grew deeper, more serious. “Things are still tense from this last evacuation. Haven't you noticed how the Empire keeps finding us quicker each time? Something is going on, and the grownups are really worried about it. Don't make things worse.” “Ha! I'm not the one whose too scared to set even one foot out here.” Jacen sneered at her. “Being stupid isn't being brave.” Jaina threw her stick at him. He ducked out of the way with ease. “Shut up, Jacen!” “You missed.” She ground her teeth together trying to keep herself from screaming. Jacen couldn't help himself. He had too much pride to let his sister win this one, and so he went deeper. “Besides,” he said, “you really shouldn't talk about being too scared about anything.” “Oh really?” “Yeah, because you're the one who runs and hides every time Uncle Luke steps into the room. You can't even look him in the eye. Just last night, you peed your pants when you found out that Uncle Luke was going to come over.” “I did not!” Jaina shouted. “Did too!” Jacen insisted, even though he knew it wasn't true. “Who's really the coward, Jaina?” Jaina rushed forward and pushed her twin brother down. Jacen fell a little further than she had intended and she realized that she must have tapped into her Force abilities. Jacen landed hard on the floor. His back slammed into Threepio, the impact sending a sudden wave of pain through his body. He cried out, but Jaina ignored him. “I hate you, Jacen!” She barely had time to see Anakin rush to their brother's side as she turned and fled. She didn't pay attention to where she was going. All she knew was that she needed to get away, to vent off her anger. She was never going to talk to Jacen ever again! She wished she had never had a twin. She wished that it was just her with no one telling her what to do, but then dismissed that thought. At least, she dismissed it to an extent. She couldn't live without Daddy. Maybe if it were just him and her, things would be better. They could go anywhere. Of course where Daddy was, Chewie had to be. She consented that he could come along too in her imaginary getaway. Daddy would also be awfully sad without Mom, and she hadn't done anything to upset Jaina so she supposed that Mom could be there too. Then there was little Anakin, a little pain every now and again, but she couldn't imagine a day going by with any of her family. She sighed heavily, growling at herself for where she knew where her thoughts were going and began to run faster. Of course she couldn't imagine life without her twin. As angry as she was right now, she knew deep down that they were going to eventually apologize to one another. That only left Uncle Luke. The thought of him and of what Jacen had said brought tears to her eyes. Jacen had had no right to say those things! He didn't know! He didn't know why Jaina never looked her uncle in the eye. He didn't know . . . Jaina wasn't paying attention to anything as she found herself lost in her thoughts and her fears, and felt herself bump into someone else. She had been running so fast that the impact sent her to the floor. “Jaina!” Uh oh. Jaina knew exactly whose voice that was, and immediately she wished that it was someone else, anyone else. Mom or Dad. She would even prefer Chewie's howls and growls over the person who now towered over her. Jaina heard her uncle quickly speaking to someone else. “Yeah, thanks Wedge. I'll meet up with you later after I've taken care of my niece.” Jaina was only vaguely aware of her uncle's best friend walking away. Her eyes stared at Luke's boots, afraid to bring them up any higher. “What are you doing out of your quarters, young lady?” “Nothing,” Jaina mumbled. “Jaina, this base is not your personal playground. It's meant to keep you safe.” Jaina got to her feet, turning her eyes to the wall. “Yeah well, that's not what happened with the last three.” “Regardless,” Luke spoke the word firmly. “There's a reason why your parents tell you to stay in your quarters.” “It was Jacen's idea!” she accused. “Jaina, look at me.” With her being the kid, and Luke being the grownup, Jaina knew that she could refuse nothing when it was said in that tone. Taking in a small breath, she turned her eyes up to meet his stern gaze. Even then, she tried to keep her eyes focused just above at his forehead. But the look in his eyes was hard to miss and it made her tremble a little. Luke spoke again when he was sure that he had her full attention. “You know that I can tell when you're lying to me. Now I'll ask again. What were you doing out here?” Jaina didn't answer. Instead, she turned and stomped away. “Don't walk away from me, Jaina,” Luke called after her. She turned again, her eyes locked on his. “Don't tell me what to do! You're not my father!” And then she turned and ran. She didn't know where she was going; the base was still unfamiliar to her. All she knew was that she had to get away. Everything was making her angry; everything was making her scared. Why couldn't her and her family have a normal life? Why were they constantly fighting, constantly running? They weren't safe anywhere. How did the Empire keep finding them? Somehow, Jaina found her way outside the base where the afternoon sun was warming the area around her. She knew she was going to be in a lot of trouble, but she was too angry to care at the moment. In her head, she estimated how long she was going to be grounded. She sighed. Might as well see as much of the outdoors as she could. All around her were trees. The base itself was camouflaged. The forest was warm, beautiful, inviting. Jaina took a step forward, but then hesitated. Was it possible that she could get in more trouble than she was already? She didn't know what was out there. Still, just a few feet. Just enough where no one would see her, but she would still be able to see the base. That couldn't hurt. She would still know where she was, and the trees looked so fun to climb. Jaina ran a few paces forward and grabbed the first branch of the first tree see saw. She was about half way up when she stopped and got comfortable. She did not look forward to what would happen later, but for now, all she wanted was to stay there, looking for pictures in the clouds passing by, utterly content. * * * It was the chill that first woke Jaina up. The next thing she noticed was the soreness in her bottom. Her mind began to replay the events of the day, trying to figure out where she was. She had not opened her eyes yet, and she shook her head to clear the rest of her sleepiness away. The movement threw off her balance, and she felt herself begin to fall. In shock, Jaina opened her eyes and instinctively reached out to grab a branch. She scraped the palms of her hands and her knees, but she was able to catch herself. A little shaky, she eased her way down until she had both feet on the ground. That was when she noticed how dark it was. She peered up at the sky and groaned. The sun had just set; there was only a little bit of orange on the horizon, and the stars had already come out. Mom and Dad were going to kill her. Knowing that it was better to get it over with sooner rather than later, she turned to go back into the base, but something caught her eye, and she turned back to look up at the sky. One of those stars was moving—no, not one, there was another, and then another. As Jaina watched, she saw that several stars were moving together, and . . . getting bigger. She had barely heard anything of the screaming TIE fighter engines, before alarms began to go off in the base. -----signature----- What might have happened if the reborn Emperor had not been destroyed? Deception's Poison, Love's Balm (post Dark Empire AU) http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=28141525&brd=10477
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
SithGirl132 Registered: Dec '05	Date Posted: 3/14 4:50am Subject: RE: Deception's Poison, Love's Balm (post Dark Empire AU) updated 3-14-08
	I like how a lot of this is from Jaina's viewpoint. Oh no, the Imperials found them again? Not good. -----signature----- if loving you is wrong, i don't want to be right NaNo victim once again. give me coffee and no one gets hurt! Fics in Prolific Writers' Thread.
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
RebelMom Title: TFF Secretary Registered: Apr '00	Date Posted: 3/14 8:16am Subject: RE: Deception's Poison, Love's Balm (post Dark Empire AU) updated 3-14-08
	The Solo kids sure know how to cause a disaster. I have a guess as to what Jaina is afraid of, but I think I'll wait and see if I'm right. -----signature----- Short Story: Pressure Point http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/26961243/p1/?7 Jacen Solo and Anakin Skywalker - as it should have been. TFF: Cheryl
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Jade_eyes Registered: Aug '04	Date Posted: 3/14 11:56am Subject: RE: Deception's Poison, Love's Balm (post Dark Empire AU) updated 3-14-08
	Interesting update. I have no clue as to what Jaina's afraid of-- I think though the immediate consequences is she might be captured There's a reason they were told to stay in!! -----signature----- Luke/Mara, the most scrumptious soulmates, moving & melty Stoked to beta their stuff Squggles!
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History

Jedi Council Forums » Fan Fiction » Beyond the Saga »