Beyond - Legends Bloodstripes (YJK AU: Sky-Solos, Corran Horn, Danni Quee)

That, kids, is why you shouldn't do drugs…you'll end up going undercover to break up a 'Fast and Furious' slavery ring…and why do I suddenly have images of Jacen riding a Hayabusa?

And I really like your teaming of Tenel Ka with Leia…diplomacy goes a long way, and was TOTALLY overlooked in the EU.

 

OOC: During the course of this story I realized that it would be unfair to only focus on Jacen Solo. He has arguably received the most character development and focus out of all of the Solo Kids in the EU. While I feel that his development has definitely been…less than desirable I think this story needs to include more than that. I’m going to be spending a significant amount of time focusing on Jaina and Tenel Ka’s own adventures during this story. I’m not all that great at writing things from a female’s perspective but I figured I’d have to try. The EU has some badass women I should be taking advantage of! So any feedback on my portrayal of Jaina and company would be appreciated!

Chapter 5​

The continuous blur of blue threatened to lull Jaina to sleep as she sat in the cockpit of Jaden Korr’s personal starship. The Moldy Crow had once belonged to Jedi Master Kyle Katarn but when Jaden Korr had reached knightship the freighter had been given to him as a gift. While the ship was arguably as ugly (if not uglier) than the Millenium Falcon it rivaled nearly every ship in its class. The ship had terrific speed and stealth capabilities that were only matched by the Jade Sabre. It made sense to Jaina that a Jedi Knight like Jaden Korr would use such an unassuming yet powerful ship as a personal transport.

The week-long trip to Naboo hadn’t necessarily been pleasant. The moment the ship had left Yavin IV Jaina and Kyp had been in a screaming match so severe that Jaden Korr hadn’t come out of his cockpit or cabin for three days. The security droid that Jaden used for the ship had automatically shut down when Jaina or Kyp entered the room and Jaden had barred the two of them from being in the cockpit at the same time. The trip had been extraordinarily tense and eventually Jaina and Kyp had agreed to settle their differences for the sanity of Jaden Korr.

Jaina still hadn’t recovered from her anger when she had learned about Zekk being held back. However, it would be foolish to dwell on this for too long. She was about to go on her first mission! Most importantly this mission wasn’t a fool’s errand. She had been assigned to track down and confiscate a dangerous mystical artifact. This was her chance to prove that her generation was ready. If she was successful during this mission than perhaps Zekk would be shed in a more optimistic light.

In order for Jaina to truly prepare for this mission she had to keep her instincts sharp and her reflexes even sharper. She wasn’t entirely sure what kind of mission this would be. It would be important for her to prepare and focus on the skills she didn’t have. Jaina had always struggled to meditate and had always turned to physical activity to achieve peace with herself. She knew that Uncle Luke wouldn’t approve of her methods but this was what worked for her. Kyp Durron and even her aunt agreed.

After spending another hour in the cockpit staring at the chrono in anticipation for their arrival at Naboo Jaina finally ran out of patience. Jaina jumped to her feet and grabbed her lightsaber off of the dashboard before heading towards the exercise room. “Can you keep an eye on the controls, Mac?” Jaina asked the bronze security droid as she passed it.

“As you wish.” The droid hissed in reply. Jaina couldn’t help but shudder at its reply. For some reason the droid alternately used famous phrases from members of the Bounty Hunter Guild. She still wasn’t sure why Jaden Korr owned it.

As Jaina neared the training chambers she heard the addictive sound of blades clashing and crashing against one another. A smile curved up her lips. Jaden Korr was the apprentice of the most power duelist in the Jedi Order. It was only natural that he would pick up on such skills, especially since he had spent the last four years hunting Dark Jedi. Kyp Durron was extraordinarily gifted in the Force and was an aggressive dueler despite the fact that he had spent most of his career in a cockpit. Jaina descended the steps and was rewarded with the sight of the duo dueling furiously.

Jaden Korr was nearly legendary amongst trainees her age and Jaina could see why. The man moved with furious grace and made it nearly impossible for Kyp to press his infamous offense. Kyp was still able to hold his own but frustration was clear on his face. Their weapons were moving in a blur and Jaina could barely track their movement. While Jaden was clearly restricting Kyp’s moves he still hadn’t managed to get a blow in. Their yellow and purple blades were exchanging blows so heavily that sparks constantly flashed through the air.

Kyp was well known for his skills as a lightsaber duelist simply because of his aggressive offense. Kyp had discovered one of the last holocrons of the Old Jedi Order. This holocron had belonged to Quinlan Vos; a man who had struggled with the Dark Side for years. While Tionne had informed Kyp that this holocron was simply a copy of the original the data files were nearly uncorrupted. Kyp had allowed Jaina to see snippets of the holocron and that was when she had learned of Vaapad. Kyp had been studying the technique for a year now and was getting better and better. Yet even Jaina was hesitant about the form.

Yet clearly it was proving results because Kyp had forced the fight to a stand still. Jaden was clearly the superior duelist but Kyp was holding his own. Jaina soon sat down on the stairs directly behind her and began to unlace her heavy combat boots. She wanted to participate in the next duel and the combat boots she wore were uncomfortable. The younger Jedi shivered as the cold floor met the soles of her feet but that wasn’t what she was concerned about. Kyp had steadily backed Jaden into a corner and Jaden was twisting and juking his lightsaber every other way to stave off Kyp’s attack. At some point Kyp had managed to break through Jaden’s defense and now Jaden was literally and figuratively backed into a corner.

Kyp had a slightly triumphant smirk on his face and finally swung his lightsaber at Jaden’s shoulder for the ending blow. Jaden leaned back so far that his back rested against the console. As he did that he swung up his lightsaber and blocked Kyp’s swing with one arm! The blade threatened to cave into Jaden’s chest but it became clear to Jaina that Jaden had never intended to lock sabers. Instead Jaden deactivated his blown and ducked, twisting behind Kyp as he did. Kyp spun around as this happened but was too late when Jaden ignited his blade and pointed it at Kyp’s neck. Kyp was still in the process of pivoting and grinned when he saw that Jaden had won.

“I told you that you can’t fully take advantage of the properties of Vaapad until you have the saber technique to sustain it.” Jaden chided with a smirk as he hooked his weapon to his blade. “You have the Force potential but not the raw skill. I would stay away from Vaapad or you’d risk treading to close to the dark side.”

Jaina was forced to stifle a chuckle! Jaden was only a handful of years older than she was. At the most he was in his early twenties and he was giving a Jedi Master lessons on the nature of dueling? To her surprise (and his credit) Kyp merely inclined his head. “I may lack your finesse but I doubt getting backed into a corner was your plan.”

“It wasn’t.” Jaden Korr said with a chuckle.

Now that Jaden and Kyp had stopped fighting Jaina had a better idea of their physical condition. Kyp was a few centimeters taller than Jaden and slightly broader in the shoulders. While Jaden simply wore khaki pants and a grease-stained wife-beater Kyp was still in his flight suit. It was no secret that Jaina tended to be the most hormone driven student of her class and as a result she found it difficult not to focus on their physical features. There was no secret that Kyp and Jaina shared a mutual attraction but they both knew that taking a step towards this would earn the ire of both Luke Skywalker and Han Solo.


Jaden was a Korun and like many of his people had skin even darker than Lando’s. His hair had been grown to a thick and bushy mane that was currently pulled into a tight topknot. The man had spent the majority of his youth running around on what was essentially a jungle planet and the rest of it fighting dark-siders. As a result Jaina coldn’t help but notice faint scars on his arms, hands and on his neck.

“So whose dueling me next?” Jaina questioned as she unhooked her own lightsaber. Jaden and Kyp exchanged glances and while Jaina liked to think it was intimidation it seemed more like reluctance.


After a moment of silence Jaden hefted a heavy sigh. “I’ve never crossed blades with a Skywalker before.” He said. “We’ll have to use the training sabers, though.” Jaden gestured at a chest in the corner.

Jaina frowned. “Oh.” She said. She reached out with the Force and as she did she had an idea. There were four lightsabers in the chest. She called upon the Force and summoned two as Jaden summoned one.

“Aw.” Jaden said. “You dabble in Jar’Kai?”

“A little.” Jaina said with a smirk. This was something she had picked up from her Uncle. While Kyp was a skilled dueler that wasn’t his strong suit. Jaina had been forced to turn to someone else for inspiration.

“Very well.” Jaden ignited his blue lightsaber and Jaina ignited her two blue blades as well.

The two saluted and then slowly began to pace around each other. “So is it true that you can fight with a double-bladed weapon?” Jaina questioned as she held one blade loosely in her left hand and pointed at Jaden’s chest with the other.

“I do.” Jaden said. “I might show you a few pointers if you’d like.”

Jaina’s lips curved into a smile. “Oh, I’d like that very much.”

Then she attacked.

Jaina brought her right blade cascading towards Jaden’s shoulder while she shifted her left blade upwards for a secondary attack. Jaden knocked her first blade aside and was forced to flip his blade downwards to redirect a thrust to his kidney. Jaina didn’t let up and followed the attack with a roundhouse kick. Jaden swung his left arm upwards and absorbed the blow and danced backwards. Jaina grunted as her foot hit the ground. He had blocked that with his forearm and it had hurt. She reconsidered her choice of wearing no shoes.

Jaden stepped backwards and held his blade vertically in front of him. Jaina relaxed her stance and backed away slowly. The two of them stared at each other again before Jaden launched into action! He took two steps forward and raised his lightsaber up in an over-head strike before instantly switching to slash at her waist. Jaina swung her lightsaber around and blocked the blow but it was so strong that the weapon bit into her hip! Jaina hissed in pain and slashed her left lightsaber at Jaden’s neck. Jaden dipped his head backwards and Jaina instantly dropped to the ground. She swung her right leg in a floor-sweeping kick and Jaden went tumbling down.

As he fell Jaden reversed his blade and brought the pommel of his blade cracking against Jaina’s thigh. She dropped and as Jaden fell he somehow managed to flail his leg and strike Jaina in the chest! She too fell to the ground and her second lightsaber went tumbling away. Now the two of them were lying on their back, slightly winded. Jaden didn’t let the fact that he had fallen perturb him from striking and swung his blade at her chest. Jaina managed to shift her remaining blade upwards and block the weapon.

“Playing dirty now, are we?” Jaden said with a mischievous glint in his eye. Jaina prepared for a snarky response but never got the chance. Jaden rolled around closer to Jaina and in a blur was on top of her; pushing his knee against her stomach. Jaden was obviously going easy on her because all he had to do was shift his knee a few centimeters upwards and he could have effectively winded Jaina. Instead he only caused her mild discomfort. Jaina tucked her legs into her chest and managed to kick Jaden off. Jaden used the Force to push himself to his feet and swung again yet Jaina was no longer on the ground. Instead she had pushed her hands against the ground and with a spring flip managed to land on the floor.

She stumbled backwards and while she was off-balance she refused to let that compromise her defense. She called upon her understanding of Soresu and brought her blade up to protect her chest.


“You fight like your Aunt.” Jaden said without even breaking stride as he swung his blade down towards her. Jaina blocked the blow and sparks flashed as Jaden initiated a blade lock. Jaina’s muscles quivered with pain as the block extended. She glanced out of the corner of her eye and saw Kyp Durron standing there, his arms crossed against his chest as he surveyed the battle. She could sense nothing from him. Just focus.

Her own lack of focus was rewarded when Jaden disengaged and spun, moving so quickly that Jaina couldn’t track him. Jaina acted on pure instinct and ducked as his blade whistled over her head. As Jaina stood to her feet she spun inside Jaden’s guard and attempted another bisecting swing! Jaden simply released is blade and grabbed her wrist with one hand. Then with the other hand he swung down at her shoulder! Jaina was forced to release her hand and grab his other wrist! For a moment they struggled before Jaina dropped her weapon and struck Jaden in the chest with an open palm-strike. Jaden stumbled backwards but Jaina was still gripping his sword hand. She lifted her leg and attempted a front kick to push Jaden away. Yet again Jaden proved that he was just as experienced as everyone thought. He dropped his own blade and blocked her kick with both hands.

“I have the odd feeling that this is no longer a dueling session.” He noted with a smirk before he twisted his arms every so slightly. Again Jaina found herself crashing to the ground. As she did the lights flickered and the ship jolted so heavily that both Kyp and Jaden went crashing to the floor soon. Jaina jumped to her feet as klaxons began to blare.

“This isn’t over, Jaden.” Jaina noted as Jaden leapt to his feet and headed towards the comm panel.

“What’s going on, Mac?!” Jaden questioned hurriedly.

“We have been pulled out of hyperspace by what appears to be space pirates.” Mac responded. “We are only a parsec away from Naboo so our best statistical choice is to flee and hope we reach Naboo air-space in time.”

Jaden turned to Kyp. “There’s a Stealth X and a Z-95 Headhunter in the cargo bay.”

Kyp smirked. “You read my mind.”

 

I only remember one scene where Luke uses two sabers, and that was in NJO…still, it'd be cool to see Jaina go all Ahsoka Tano! I know absolutely nothing about Jaden, so it'll be fun to see him teach Jaina a few things…like how not to be so cocky.

 

OOC: This chapter is kinda dedicated to @Sioux_Fan since I'm focusing on Tenel Ka. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter.

Chapter Six​

She was destined to become a Jedi Queen yet she could not stop thinking like a child. Tenel Ka had always been so sure of herself and always willing to take the next step. Her ambition rivaled Jaina Solo, her knowledge of history surpassed Jacen’s and her pragmatism always prevailed over Anakin’s ingenuity. It was no big secret that Tenel Ka was destined to rule one day but she had never quite felt that she would be ready. The irony of it all was that her best friends were always ready for everything. Tenel Ka’s destiny would arguably have a greater impact on the galaxy than Jacen would but she still felt inferior to them. Tenel Ka’s feet had always been in two camps and she knew she had to make a decision one day but she wasn’t ready for it.

These thoughts rarely entered her mind but this mission had forced these doubts back to the front of her mind. Instead of gallivanting around the underworld or Sith temples with Jaina she was an official Hapan representative for a highly important mission. She was finding it increasingly difficult to change her mindset even though she knew she had to. Tenel Ka knew that she would perform well during this trip. She had no choice but to succeed. She was just hoping that her concerns would be masked from her fellow Jedi. The emissary that had been sent to Chiss Space was extraordinarily important so Leia had tapped into all of her resources to make certain that this trip was productive.

Tenel Ka couldn’t help but feel a strong admiration for this woman. Jaina Solo had always seemed to respect Mara-Jade more than her own mother. This was understandable. Jaina had always been her father’s daughter and her inclination towards action ran opposite to her mother’s claimed profession. The fact that Leia wasn’t a trained Jedi arguably had something to do with this as well. Leia Organa-Solo had always been Tenel Ka’s role model and one day she hoped to effect the galaxy the way Leia did. While Tenel Ka hadn’t voiced this out loud she was assuming that Leia would be her Master and Tutor for this mission. No matter what anyone said Leia would always be the one who was responsible for changing the galaxy for the better. In Tenel Ka’s mind individuals like Corran Horn, Ackbar or even Luke Skywalker aided her instead of holding sole responsibility.


The mission had been planned extremely well. Leia Organa-Solo was serving her (claimed) last term as Chief of State and was serving as the chief ambassador. Tash Arranda served as Leia’s second. Tash was a Jedi Knight who hailed from the destroyed planet Alderaan. She had trained under Cighal and had proven to be a gifted ambassador. There had been whispered talks about her pursuing a seat in the Senate which would make her the first Jedi Politician in generations. Lando Calrissian had also come as the Minister of Trade for the New Republic. He had brought along his aging aide Lobot. Saba Sebatyne and her companion Ganner Rhysode had been selected as the security for this mission. The group had been rounded out with Han Solo and Wedge Antilles who served as the official pilots and military personel for the mission. The two of them had worked with Soontir Fel and they had a rapport.

The group had been formed perfectly and there was no reason why they should fail.

The Millenium Falcon served as the official transport while they were escorted by Rogue Squadron. Leia had not approved of the ship but Han Solo had told her that she could forget his help if he couldn’t fly his own ship. Tenel Ka had been there to witness this argument. Instead of growing angry Leia had simply smiled and patted Han on the shoulder. The next day Han Solo was seen wearing his general’s uniform. Since then Han had a permanent scowl on his face and everyone had done their best not to look at his slightly prominent beer gut when they saw him.

Since the trip Tenel Ka had secluded herself to Leia’s study and hadn’t come out. Occasionally she was joined by Leia or Tash but she was left to her own devices. She had been pouring over records and documents in hopes of better understanding the Chiss and their relationship with the rest of the galaxy. Normally Tenel Ka participated in a strict regiment that involved meditation and physical training but she had neglected those. For now all she needed to know was everything about the Chiss.

As Tenel continued to study she felt a powerful Force presence nudge her own. The woman sighed and rolled her eyes. It wasn’t as if the source was necessarily powerful in the Force. He just always had to project a powerful presence in hopes of intimidating or impressing whomever he encountered. Tenel Ka resolved not even to look up at the holo book in her arms as the door opened and Ganner Rhysode entered. “You’re presence is always awe-inspiring, Ganner.” Tenel Ka said in an essentially bored tone as she flicked to another page with her index finger.

“And you’re always approachable for conversation.” Ganner replied with a cocky smile as he dropped into the seat across from Tenel Ka.

“What is it that you want, Ganner? I know that we are not near our destination because you never have anything useful to tell me.” Tenel Ka decided that she mine as well amuse herself with Ganner’s presence. She turned her attention away from the datapad and lifted her tired grey eyes to Ganner’s blue ones. Her mind had begun to ache and speaking to a fellow Jedi (even as rough as Ganner) could remedy that.

“I don’t want anything.” Ganner said with a shrug as he leaned back in his seat. “It’s just that you’ve been so stressed during this trip that even I’ve picked up on it. And note that you’re the one who said I was so self-absorbed that I couldn’t sense Master Skywalker’s presence if I tried.”

Tenel Ka nodded. “That is fact.”


“That you’re stressed out or that I’m an arrogant prick?” Ganner picked up a hologram projector on the desk and began to fiddle with it.

“Both.” Tenel Ka said. “Yet I’d prefer talking about your arrogance than my mental state.”

“Well, it’s not like you have Jacen Solo to run to.” Ganner said. He flicked a switch on hologram projector and it began to hum. “Aha!” He said with triumph as a three-dimensional image of Alderaan sparked to life in front of him.

Tenel Ka was no longer amused. “This conversation is over.” She stood to her feet and walked around the desk and exited Leia’s study. Ganner didn’t seem to realize that Tenel Ka was serious. When he did he jumped to his feet and began to pursue her.

“Look, I know what you’re thinking. I really do! How do you think I feel? The Chiss scare the karkingg sithspit out of me! I know what you all think. I'm arrogant and all I care about is making things move with my mind. So if Master Skywalker knows that why would he choose me? I could look at a Chiss the wrong way and we’d all have vibroblades buried in our backs!” Ganner said this hurriedly as he followed Tenel Ka into the communications center.

Tenel Ka sighed and turned on her heel, jabbing her finger at Ganner’s chest. “It’s that exact kind of ignorance that will make this mission a failure. These perceived stereotypes you have about the Chiss will leak out somehow and we’ll find ourselves right where we started twenty years ago!”

Ganner made an irritated face and pushed Tenel Ka’s hand away from his chest. “Look, all I’m saying is that I’m scared too. For the exact same reasons you are. I don’t know if that makes you feel any better but we’re all afraid. Do you think the courageous Han Solo has been scowling because of his general’s uniform? It’s probably because he doesn’t want to say the wrong to Soontir Fel and cast a pox on this mission. Just loosen up, alright?”

Tenel Ka’s frown wavered and couldn’t help but crack a smile at Ganner’s beet red face. His attempt to inspire and encourage Tenel Ka had been clumsily rehearsed and poorly delivered. Yet his heart was in the right place and he had yet to do something obnoxious with his telekinesis. “I will relax if you become more serious.” Tenel Ka said.

Ganner stuck out his hand. “Deal.”

Tenel Ka stared at Ganner’s hand for a moment and then slowly shook her head. “This is no gentleman’s arrangement, Ganner. If you don’t take this seriously than General Solo will stick you in a pressurized suit and force you to ride back to Yavin IV while clinging onto the senor dish for dear life.”

Ganner blinked. “Wow. You people really don’t understand sarcasm, do you?”

—-​

The trip to Csissa had taken three days and this was due to the ingenious planning of Chewbacca. He had been able to discover roughly a dozen hyperspace lanes that (when interconnected) would allow them to shave three weeks off of their trip. While this wasn’t necessarily the safest way Leia had mandated that the ship be as short as possible.

After managing to avoid a dueling session with Ganner Tenel Ka had headed to the cockpit where Wedge Antilles and Chewbacca were. Han Solo had secluded himself to his quarters while Leia and Tash outlined their plan in the rec room. As Tenel Ka headed to the cockpit she heard Wedge Antilles and Chewbacca recounting one of their many adventures. As she entered the room she saw Saba Sebatyne sitting in the right chair closest to the door. Her eyes were closed and her head was dipping into her chest. Tenel Ka didn’t even have to extend her presence to know that Saba was sleeping.

“-I’m telling you, Garik’s face went so red when he saw that. It reminded me of that time we dubbed over his holovid with the dialogue from ah, what was that movie?” Wedge sighed and leaned back in his seat. “Anyway, he got Janson to try and scrub it off but he couldn’t. Eventually they had to borrow Corran’s lightsaber. We were lucky that Corran was there because if he wasn’t than Garik would have flown into battle with a big, hairy-”

Chewbacca roared in greeting as he spotted Tenel Ka. Wedge turned and saw Tenel Ka and smiled warmly at her. “Why hello there, Princess. Finally emerged from your exile?”

“I feel as if I am prepared as I am ever going to be.” Tenel Ka stated as she lowered herself into her chair. “What was painted on Garik’s X-Wing?”

Chewbacca and Wedge exchanged swift glances before Chewbacca rumbled a response. Tenel Ka could only understand two words. “Bum” and “Ewok”. This was enough for her to deduce the answer to her question and she chuckled.

“Don’t worry, Princess.” Wedge said as he turned his attention back to the molten stars that hurtled past them at lightspeed. “You’ll do fine.”

 

Kudos to your Tenel Ka! I really liked her inner musings about Leia…I've always thought that Leia would have made a great 'master' to the Hapan princess. I'm looking forward to watching the negotiations!

 

​

Chapter Seven​

The duo had been dueling for so long that the practice chamber stank of ozone. Zekk wasn’t necessarily the most athletic or skilled duelist as his opponent but his passion matched her. Perhaps it was because of his frustration or his constant desire to prove himself. Either way Zekk was crossing blades with a woman who had every right to beat him but he was giving her significant trouble.​

Sanola Ti was the cousin of Kirana Ti and easily one of the most talented duelists that Zekk knew. Unlike her cousin Sanola was dark-skinned and her hair tumbled from her scalp in thick dreads. Jaina Solo was known for her athletic prowess and her talent behind the cockpit but her skills were somewhat exaggerated. Sanola Ti had spent her entire life training to become a warrior even before she knew of her destiny as a Jedi. When she had come to the Academy she had shocked everyone when she handily beat Jaina Solo in a dueling match. When Zekk had approached her to help him train she had given him a derisive look as if he was wasting her time. Yet after some coaxing she had finally come to the dueling room with him.​

The both of them had been surprised when Sanola hadn’t beaten him during the first round.​

As Zekk and Sanola continued their deadly dance Zekk sensed hesitation and almost boredom from Sanola. Zekk managed to break a saber lock they had been holding and spun inside her guard and thrust his weapon at her midsection! Sanola stepped backwards to avoid the blow and immediately deactivated her lightsaber. “I give up.” She spoke simply; staring at him with her chocolate brown eyes.​

Zekk stumbled backwards panting hard. “Why?” He questioned, pushing locks of black hair out of his eyes.​

Sanola shrugged. “It feels as if you’re venting instead of actually training. This session is so that you can be better…not so you can project your emotional issues onto me so you can hack at with a lightsaber.”​

Zekk sighed and tossed the training lightsaber onto the table before squatting on the floor. Sanola did the same. Zekk turned and looked at Sanola and couldn’t help but see her in a slightly different light. Jaina and Sanola were quite similar except for their appearance. Both of them were driven young women with talents that outclassed many of their classmates. Sanola had derived this from her culture. Her clan had a strong emphasis on justice, advancement and being prepared. She was also in a relationship with a fellow student named Raynar Thul. Perhaps Zekk could get some perspective on her. “I guess I am having a bit of a problem.” Zekk murmured. “Before Jaina left she got in a big argument with Master Skywalker about me not being sent on a mission…I think I’m going to be held back a few months and graduate later than her.”​

“Everyone learns at their own pace.” Sanola replied. “You also have a, ah…history with-“​

“I know! I know!” Zekk pointed out. He didn’t wish to think about his days at the Shadow Academy. “It’s just…I’m fine with waiting but she isn’t. She…she claims she’s concerned about me becoming a Jedi but I think she’s realizing that I’m not worth it. Maybe she thinks this is some kind of teenage relationship that’s doomed to fail.”​

“You are both teenagers.” Sanola replied.​

“I know!” Zekk replied yet again; a hint of anger in his tone. “That doesn’t mean what we have isn’t real.”​

“Do you love her?” Sanola turned her frank gaze upon Zekk and he felt his cheeks go hot.​

“I…yes.” Zekk said in a clearly unconvincing tone.”​

“Then you will let her go if you realize that she’s not happy.” Sanola said.​

Sanola stood to her feet as if that indicated the end of the discussion.​

Zekk sighed and stood to his feet. “I suppose.”​

The door to the training chamber opened immediately and a tall, dashing young man with dark hair and a goatee strode inside. His thumbs were stick inside his belt and he exuded confidence that made Zekk feel the tiniest spark of jealousy. Raynar Thul strode towards Sanola and engulfed her in a quick hug before grinning at Zekk. “Hey, kid. You ready to go on an adventure?”​

Zekk rolled his eyes. Raynar Thul and Zekk were almost polar opposites. Raynar had come from a well-to-do family and had passed his trials with flying colors. At the age of nineteen he​

was one of the youngest Jedi Knights in the Order and he knew it. As a child Raynar had been pudgy, arrogant and annoying. Now he had mellowed out to be a confident Jedi Knight who knew how to tread the line between confidence and arrogance without being obnoxious. It wasn’t lost on anyone that he emulated Han Solo as best as he could. For all his skills and talents Raynar was still someone who had role models and aspirations.​

“I’m a year younger than you.” Zekk pointed out as he again pushed hair out of his eyes.​

“Still younger than me.” Raynar said with a grin as he clapped his hand on Zekk’s shoulder. “Guys! Get in here! They’re not kriffing or anything!”​

Anakin Solo, Tahiri Veila and Valin Horn stepped into the room. Zekk couldn’t help but feel a significant amount of enthusiasm rolling off of his companions. Raynar Thul was a popular man and had gained much respect when he had been knighted. It only made sense for the three trainees he had brought along with him would be excited. “Tell them what you told me.” Zekk said; nodding at Anakin.​

“Well….” a broad grin crossed Anakin’s face and he glanced at Tahiri who giggled nervously. “Tahiri was exploring the forests near the outskirt of the Praxeum and she found a Jedi Temple.” A smile crossed Tahiri’s face and Anakin shrugged. “Well, I’ll let her explain.”​

“I checked the maps in the library and it isn’t there!” Tahiri said. “But it’s only a few kilos from here. It’s near the Rancor mountain range…it’s like apart of one of the mountain structures.”​

“Are you sure?” Sanola said with a frown as she crossed her arms over her chest. “If it’s not apart of the records than it likely that it isn’t truly a Jedi Temple. Perhaps it’s just a smuggler’s cave.”​

“No…I’m certain.” Tahiri said. “I felt something calling out to me. I think there may be a Jedi holocron there. Imagine how Tionne will feel if we find a new holocron!”​

Zekk grinned. “That seems like an adventure….we’d have to check out a couple of speeders, though.”​

“I already had Remus check out a couple of landspeeders.” Raynar replied with a grin. Remus was Raynar’s Shistavasten friend. Remus rarely spoke except for when he had something of value to say. Zekk suspected that it was because it was difficult for his vocal cords to form the sounds necessary for Basic.​

“Well…what are we waiting for?” Zekk questioned with a grin.​

———-​

Jacen had never had a home planet. He had been born to parents that had met under dynamic circumstances and they definitely would not have married if the circumstances had been even slightly different. His father was a pirate and his mother was a princess. The two of them exhibited all the positive and negative traits of their home planets but at the same time didn’t seem to belong there. Alderaan had been destroyed when Leia was 19 and Han Solo simply had too many enemies who could have found him on Corellia. The same problems had been translated to Jacen when he had been born. Strictly speaking he was a native of Coruscant but he had spent most of his childhood years on dozens of different planets and in deep space.​

The only planet that Jacen could truly identify with as home was Yavin IV but even that was temporary. So when they entered Corellia’s atmosphere Jacen didn’t reciprocate the smile that crossed Corran Horn’s face, or the gasp from Jysella or the triumphant barrel roll that Mirax executed as they descended towards the space port.​

Yet Jacen’s lack of belonging wasn’t necessarily on his mind. Instead it was the mission at hand. Currently he was sitting in the office of one of the many agents for the Corellian Security Force. Corran Horn stood next to him but the elder man knew better than to bother Jacen when he was brooding. Jacen would always do as he was requested but he tended to do things on his own terms. He wasn’t entirely sure how this mission was going to go down…even Corran didn’t know. Despite his ignorance on this mission Jacen knew one thing for sure. He would do his best not to take a single life. Every slaver would face justice and no slave would perish. This was an almost impossible guarantee but Jacen was still young enough to feel optimistic.​

As Jacen continued to sit there with his arms crossed over his shoulders a panel on the door dinged; indicating that it was time for the debriefing. Jacen turned and exchanged a glance with Corran. He felt more than a little awkward. Corran’s birthday present had been a pair of dark green Jedi robes. He had claimed that it was time for Jacen to recognize his heritage and be proud of it. The two Jedi looked almost like father and son as they both stood and stepped into the room.​

Jacen was surprised when he saw a young man only a few years older than him suited in a rather stiff black uniform. He looked somewhat familiar and while Jacen couldn’t put his finger on it he knew he had seen him in some kind of holo before. He had dark hair, black eyes and sat so straight that it looked as if someone had Force-pinned him to his chair. Yet he sensed no hostility and an unnatural amount of warmth from the man. That’s when Jacen realized what was going on. He was Corellian so clearly he knew Corran who was practically a Corellian hero. It made sense for Corran to be chummy with almost everyone in CorSec.​

“Colonel Horn!” The man exclaimed as he stood to his feet, a large grin on his face.​

Corran crossed the room in three long steps before extending his hand and shaking the man’s hand. “I’m afraid it’s Mater Horn now.” Corran said with a grin as he released the man’s hand and rubbed his goatee absent mindedly. “Your Uncle made me give up my military commission when he learned I’d be swinging around glow sticks and training ruffians for the rest of my life.”​

“That’s a shame.” The man said. He turned to Jacen and extended his hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you. Jacen Solo, right? You as natural a pilot as your father?”​

“That’s my sister’s talent.” Jacen said with a shrug though he shook the man’s hand all the same. “…and you are?”​

The agent glanced at Corran quickly and Jacen detected the slightest hint of disappointment that Corran hadn’t mentioned him. “I’m Davin Fel. One of the few of the Fel children who didn’t go fly claw crafts for the Chiss. Corellia has always been my home.”​

Corran nodded. “I’d drink to that.” He paused. “Do you have any booze?”​

Davin’s face transformed into one of shock. “Why Master Horn-”​

Corran shrugged and held up his hands. “Hey, this is a vacation for me. This is all on that kid. Besides, a little Corellian Ale goes a long way when you’re sitting behind a desk handing out assignments.”​

For a long moment Davin and Jacen stared at Corren as if they weren’t certain he was curious or not. “It’s a joke, kids.” Corran said with a chuckle. “I brought my own.” He tapped his right breast as if to indicate he had a flask hidden somewhere. Both Jacen and Davin laughed awkwardly as they settled back into their seats. “Anyway,” Corran said. “Back to business…I believe you have quite the assignment for my very young apprentice.”​

 

For some reason this reminded me of South Park where Craig is the Chosen One and he is telling the other kids "Let's see what's in there." That's why you guys get into these situations. Because when you come across a spooky, ancient ruin, you say "Let's see what's in there."


Nice update.

 

Yep, an unmapped temple calling to young Jedi…nothing could go wrong there!

Funny, Jacen's about as Corellian as I am, yet everybody made a big deal of his 'heritage' in LotF, too.

Good stuff!

 

OOC: Well...the plot thickens!

Chapter 8​

​

The speeder that Raynar had been piloting rumbled to a stop as the group of Jedi exited the clearing that would lead to the Jedi Temple. As Raynar looked up from his navigation tools to the thundering waterfall in front of him he wondered if Tahiri had made it all up. He glanced at Sanola who was sitting next to him and disbelief was written plainly on her face. As he turned the speeder off Anakin and his own group pulled up next to him. Raynar could feel nothing but excitement and anticipation from Tahiri and those emotions were alone to convince him that she knew what she was looking for. Yet it wasn’t enough to convince his companions.

“One time Tahiri thought she found a holocron and it turned out to be a busted up comm unit from the Clone Wars.” Zekk grumbled as he jumped out of the speeder. “I’m hoping we didn’t waste two hours searching for a dead end.”

“Maybe it’s behind the water fall.” Raynar replied as he too jumped out of his speeder. He turned around for a moment, wondering if he should help Sanola but then abandoned the thought. His girlfriend simply vaulted over the door easily enough and landed on the ground. Remus did the same. Raynar turned as Anakin, Valin and Tahiri approached. “Where is the temple, Tahiri?” Raynar questioned.

Tahiri gestured at the water fall. “Behind it.” She said.

“Did you ever see it?” Sanola questioned as she crossed her arms over her shoulder.

“No….” Tahiri said. “But I felt it. I couldn’t figure out how to get across the water without drowning; believe me…I tried. It’s too deep and the water is moving too quickly.”

Raynar sighed and rubbed his hand over his face. “So there’s no guarantee that we can even get over there without drowning.”

Tahiri’s face went deep red as she realized how little she had thought this out. Valin didn’t say anything and instead slowly began to back up towards their speeder. Zekk shrugged and did the same while Remus emitted a low growl before turning back to the speeder as well. Raynar turned and saw that nearly half the group were already giving up.

“Whoa! Hang on a minute.” Anakin Solo suddenly stepped up as he moved towards the river. “We’re Jedi for crying out loud. Raynar is a Jedi Knight there’s no reason we can’t cross this river. Remus…you’re the most talented telekinetic I know. Is there a way around this?”

Remus scratched his snout with his claws and then turned and walked towards the river. For a very long moment the creature surveyed the river before letting out a bark of triumph. While Remus was very capable of speaking Basic Raynar knew that he preferred not to. “What are you thinking, buddy?” He questioned as he opened himself up to the Force, reinitiating a Force Bond they had that allowed them to communicate easier.

Raynar received a certain jolt of images and sensations and while he had difficulty understanding all of them he got Remus’ point. “Alright, guys.” Raynar said. “Remus can transport three of us across the river bed at a time. Whose going first?”

Everyone raised their hand.


————

Moldy Crow shuddered under Jaina’s feet as she sprinted towards the Hangar Bay. She wasn’t entirely sure how many pirate ships were assaulting them but they had already received too much damage. Yet the young pilot wasn’t fearing for her safety. Kyp was sitting in the blaster canon turret priming the weapon for fire. Jaden was sitting in the pilot’s seat desperately juking and jinxing his ship to avoid permanent damage. And Jaina was going to do what she did best. The Jedi finally located the hatch that would lead to the lower levels of the ship. She slammed her hand against the release valve and slipped through the hatch before it had opened. The moment she touched the steps the ship shuddered yet again. This time the blast was sharper and closer to home. Jaina grunted as she was thrown off of her feet and was unable to break her fall as she skidded against the cold, metal floor.

Jaina hissed in pain but forced herself to stand. Her knee sparked with pain but it was only a mere distraction, nothing truly threatening. As she stood she barely managed to avoid knocking her head against an S-Foil. A grin crossed her face as she realized that this was the Stealth-X Fighter she had been looking for. Jaina turned and vaulted onto the nose of the ship before reaching through the Force and triggering the canopy. The sleek, black fixture lifted ninety degrees into the air and Jaina slid into Kyp’s seat. As she did her Jedi Master’s astromech droid made an inquiry about her presence. “Don’t worry, Elfour.” Jaina responded. “We’re just going for a little joy ride.”

<Try to think about it as a fight for our lives, instead!> Kyp’s voice emanated from the headset that Jaina had hastily slipped into her ear before the attack.

“Copy, Master.” Jaina said as she stared down at the controls in front of her. Elfour had already primed the ship….all they needed to do was fly. “I’m launching now. Is the canon primed yet?”

Her question was answered when the unsettling sound of metal screeching against the hull pierced her ears.

<One down! Four to go!>

“Save some for me.” Jaina said as the docking bay door began to open. Jaina began to spool her engines and jammed her foot down on the right rudder. She found that action more difficult than usual and huffed when she realized she hadn’t put on her boots. “Wonderful.” Jaina muttered before she engaged the throttle. The pilot twisted her ship sharply to the right as she began to skim the darkness of space for fighters. It was such a reflex to use her senses instead of the Force but Jaina had never been as reliant on this connection as her brothers.

As Jaina searched the stars she saw nothing instead she felt a sudden jolt in the Force! Orange blaster streaked by her canopy and Elfour squealed. Jaina quickly triggered her S-Foils and cycled to her single fire setting. She then put her X-Wing in a tight dive and as she did she saw an orange ship hurtle past her! Jaina craned her neck as she saw the ship begin to turn to face her. Jaina hurriedly angled her fighter to face the ship.

<Careful, Jaina! You’ve got another one on your tail!>

“Can you pick it off?!” Jaina questioned as she began to target her fighter. Jaina realized she’d need to neutralize the boogie as quickly as possible and hurriedly shifted to quadfire.

<No! We’ve got two ships swarming our engines right now. You need to break off and head to my port-side. That way I can get that ship off your tail!>

Jaina frowned. “You just said that you’ve got ships swarming you right now! I can take care of this.”

<Jaina that is my Stealth X and I don’t want you ruining it!>

“Relax!” Jaina narrowed her eyes as the ship in front of her came into view. “I’ve got this.”

Elfour squealed and klaxons began to beep steadily within Jaina’s comm set. She glanced at her lateral controls and then craned her neck behind her. Apparently both of the ships had finally acquired a weapon’s lock. Jaina hissed between her teeth and turned towards the ship in front of her. It was rapidly approaching and Jaina got a better view of the ship. It was a circular yet rectangularly shaped ship painted a dull orange. One single laser canon protruded from the bottom and the canopy was pitch black. Jaina didn’t recognize the model. Yet what she did recognize were the orange streaks of blaster fire coming towards her!

Jaina jammed her naked foot on a rudder before jerking her control stick to the right. The X-Wing spun in a tight, sudden corkscrew that nearly slammed Jaina against the cockpit. It would seem as if she had neglected to tie on her restraints as well. Jaina cursed in frustration when she realized she had lost her target lock. Yet her maneuver had worked. Both of the star fighters had very nearly crashed into each other. Jaina was surprised when she saw the ships form up immediately and begin to approach the X-Wing. They were working in tandem….as if they were participating in a battle meld!

Jaina closed her eyes and quickly reached out to the Force and instead of detecting a Force bond she found herself repulsed by what felt like a hive mind! Jaina felt bile rise in her throat and quickly opened her eyes before returning her attention to the ships. They were approaching in tandem now and were firing yet again. Energy blasts streaked across her canopy and the ship shuddered as its shields struggled to deflect them. Jaina couldn’t take this much longer but she wouldn’t have to. Jaina bit on her lower lip and squeezed on the trigger of her control stick. She returned their blaster fire with her own and the ships were forced to part to avoid being destroyed.

Jaina careened to the left and followed the first ship to break off. She then called upon the Force for guidance and instead of firing more energy blasts she fired a concussive missile. The missile rocketed across space and Jaina gave it the slightest nudge that sent it spiraling into the starfighter. The ship had no shields and was blown to pieces when the concussion missile struck it. Jaina didn’t even bother to confirm her kill. Instead she turned and angled her star fighter towards the second bogie. “I have you now.” Jaina squeezed her triggers yet again and the ship was quickly overwhelmed by the quad beams. It exploded into flames and Jaina let out a whoop before she flew through the debris. The Stealth X rattled dangerously and Jaina quickly glanced at the systems report on her dashboard.

Her shields were gone and apparently Elfour had been struck on the dome by a detached laser canon. Not that it really mattered. As far as Jaina was concerned the fight was over. “Kyp? I need a report!”

<I’ve got the other bogies but our right engine is listing. If we get attacked again I don’t see the ship making it.> Jaden Korr spoke up instead.

“Where’s Kyp?” Jaina questioned as she felt a sudden surge of panic as she searched for her master.

<He uh…he got knocked out. I put Moldy Crow through its paces and apparently Kyp wasn’t wearing restraints.>

Jaina glanced at her own tattered flight suit and her absence of combat boots. “That guy’s a moron.”

———-

The death of Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader had resulted in the ending of an era for the Empire. The dark hold over the Imperial Navy had dissolved and the men who had bled and died for the Sith’s cause had suddenly found themselves possessing freedom. It had taken years for the Imperial Remnant to truly decide what it wanted to become. Warlords such as Zsinj, Daala and Ysaarde had struggled to maintain Palpatine’s vision while others had struggled to fully divorce themselves from Palpatine’s dogmatic principles. It had taken years for the Empire to reform and rebuild themselves to their former grandeur. Now, over twenty years after the first Death Star’s destruction they had finally returned to their full strength.

Gavin Darklighter felt a cold shudder over his shoulders as the Millennium Falcon and Rogue Squadron came out of hyperspace. He had to admit that his understanding of the Imperial Remnant’s and Chiss Ascendancy’s partnership was limited but he still felt as if this whole situation was very wrong.

<Awful quiet there, Rogue Leader.> Gavin frowned as the steady voice of Wedge Antilles came through his headset.

<I’m just waiting to be hailed, Admiral.> Gavin responded as he glanced at the Millennium Falcon that led the procession. If he squinted he could identify the gigantic fury Wookiee that sat next to Han Solo. Wedge Antilles was sitting behind them fiddling with the communications unit that had been awkwardly sandwiched behind Chewbacca’s chair. He wasn’t entirely sure what the negotiations of this mission would entail. He wasn’t sure what the Chiss wanted or the New Republic. All he knew that he and his pilots would have to be vigilant. He had spent so many years waging war against the Imperials that he didn’t trust them. Not even if Soontir Fel or Pellaeon were at the helm.

While Gavin definitely felt cautious he wasn’t afraid. Rogue Squadron had been supplemented with a pair of powerful Jedi Knights. Ganner Rhysode and Saba Sebatyne were substituting as Rogues. Overall Gavin was confident in his team but they needed to carefully tread the line between guardians and soldiers. If they gave the Chiss or Imperial Remnant the wrong impression than things could take a turn for the worst.

<I’ve got a bad feeling about this.> Anni Capstan echoed the familiar Corellian phrase as the Rogues approached the fleet.

The Chimaera effortlessly glided through space; flanked by two other Star Destroyers and several Tie-Fighter squadrons. The Rogues had a good chance of beating the odds but he knew that they would perish if there was a skirmish. Gavin was almost certain that such a thing wouldn’t happen but you could never been too sure.

<Try to keep the omens to yourself, Rogue Twelve. I prefer to hear them on less perilous missions.> Gavin’s XO Pash Cracken spoke up.

Gavin would have chuckled if he didn’t find this situation so nerve-wracking. His concerns were slightly assuaged when the console in front of him began to beep. They were being hailed. Gavin accepted the transmission. “This is Commander Gavin Darklighter, Leader of Rogue Squadrons. Copy?”

There was a moment of silence before a male voice responded in crisp, accentuated Basic. <I am Commander Chak Fel, Leader of Squadron Force Spike. Please ensure that you’re weapons are powered down before guiding the Falcon into Docking Bay Nine of the Chimaera. Be sure to follow our lead.>

Gavin had no intention of straying even slightly out of the man’s instructions. <Copy that, Commander Fel. We will fall in line with you in Defense Pattern: Delta.>

<Very well.> The Chiss Clawcraft that had been approaching them revered their position and began to lead Rogue Squadron towards the Chimaera.

<Into the belly of the beast.> Rogue Twelve muttered.

Gavin nodded in agreement even though he knew she wouldn’t see. “Keep your eyes open.” Gavin said before he waggled his wings and fell into former with his former enemies. 

​

Into the belly of the beast indeed. 


​

 

Great…we've got dark omens on about three different fronts…I'm sure this will all go swimmingly!

And Kyp let Jaina fly his Stealth X? Bravest move I've ever seen, Mav. Nice update!

 

Author's Note:

I have a question for all of my current readers. The more I develop this story the more it grows and the continuity of this is starting to fall apart. If I were to edit and repost this story in a different thread would you guys migrate over? I think you'd enjoy my newer and more edited version a little better than a story about Jacen Solo being a pothead.

If anyone is interested in reading this story in a slightly more serious light than I can send you the new link after I've finished rewriting everything.

 

Hey do you have the link for the rewrite of this? I stumbled on it during a search and enjoyed it.