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  1. In Memory of LAJ_FETT: Please share your remembrances and condolences HERE

Beyond - Legends Second To None--Sacrifices : L/M, TK/J, J/J, OCs: COMPLETE: 3/10/2013 with Fan Art

Discussion in 'Fan Fiction- Before, Saga, and Beyond' started by Jedi_Lover, Nov 30, 2012.

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  1. Briannakin

    Briannakin Former Manager star 6 VIP - Former Mod/RSA

    Registered:
    Feb 25, 2010
    Marks retiring? Personally, I think he deserves it, he has seen action since his birth, quite literally :p
     
  2. EmeraldJediFire

    EmeraldJediFire Jedi Master star 4

    Registered:
    Feb 23, 2012
    Retiring....why can't Luke have that mentality? I could clock him for not being able to do what obviously Mark is smart enough to decide
     
    SiouxFan and Jade_eyes like this.
  3. Hazel

    Hazel Jedi Master star 4

    Registered:
    Nov 9, 2010
    Mark does well in retiring. The Order is demanding and if he's not willing to do it then this is better.
     
  4. WarmNyota_SweetAyesha

    WarmNyota_SweetAyesha Chosen One star 8

    Registered:
    Aug 31, 2004
    I second Emerald and Hazel, big time! Mark apparently doesn't have an indispensability complex :p :rolleyes:
     
  5. SiouxFan

    SiouxFan Jedi Grand Master star 4

    Registered:
    Mar 6, 2012
    Borsk always something up his sleeve. I've said it before, but Luke's proclamation still remains one of the dumbest things he's done. Not quite 'Join the Dark Side' dumb, but close.
     
  6. Jedi_Lover

    Jedi_Lover Chosen One star 5

    Registered:
    Nov 1, 2004
    Luke Skywalker is a symbol of the Jedi, the Rebellion, and the new government. He singlehandedly resurrected the Jedi. I think there is more pressure on Luke to maintain his role as an icon of truth, justice and the Jedi way. Mark has always kept a low profile. He could leave and the public probably would never know. Also, military deployments are very stressful on a marriage. Luke often has Mara fighting by his side whereas Kira stays on the home front while her husband is out fighting in conflicts. I think it is good for him to spend some quality time with her.
     
    Jade_eyes likes this.
  7. ginchy

    ginchy Jedi Grand Master star 4

    Registered:
    May 25, 2005
    I like Mark and Deke's talk. It puts a lot of things into perspective. I think he deserves to retire and have some fun. Bri's right. He's been in combat since the moment he was 'born'. I like how they're tying up loose ends here, but what a lot of work for a lot of dumb mistakes. Mark deserves a break!!
     
  8. EmeraldJediFire

    EmeraldJediFire Jedi Master star 4

    Registered:
    Feb 23, 2012
    That may be..but I still wish it weren't so. I think that's a recurring spot in my stories where Ben tries to get his father to slow down...but Luke isn't seeing it that way due to what you just said.
     
    Jade_eyes likes this.
  9. Jedi_Lover

    Jedi_Lover Chosen One star 5

    Registered:
    Nov 1, 2004
    I want to thank Briannakin, Hazel, SiouxFan, ginchy, EmeraldJediFire, Demendora and Jade_eyes for reading and taking the time to review. I think I have two more chapters and then I am done. This is officially my longest fic ever! Over 100K words...and most of it was written during NaNoWriMo. Thanks again!


    ~JL~

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------




    Coruscant

    “Did Jacen say why he wanted us to get the family together tonight?” Han asked Leia as he helped her set the table in their apartment.

    “No.” Leia shook her head while putting out the wine glasses. “He wouldn’t even give me a hint. He just asked if the family could get together for dinner…everybody, and he wanted it to be tonight if possible. He had something important he wanted to discuss with us.”

    Han’s expression became troubled. “That doesn’t sound good. Do you think he’s remembering what happened?”

    “I don’t know. Part of me wishes he did. I never believed he was truly Sith…just confused. I hate that so many years were taken from him.” Leia shoulders slumped dejectedly; she couldn’t help being upset over the loss of her son’s memories. After Mark performed the memory rub he had told Han that Jacen’s association with Lumiya took place over a matter of weeks and not the years they had feared. Six years were wiped away from her son’s memory unnecessarily. She wanted to be mad at someone, but she couldn’t. Han practically begged Mark to do the rub. And she was fairly certain the only reason Han was adamant about doing the procedure was because he knew she always feared one of her children would fall to the dark side just like her father.

    Obviously sensing her distress, Han came over to Leia and laid a hand on her shoulder. “I wish we could go back and put back the good memories…but that's not possible. How do you think he’d feel if he knew he attacked three family members?”

    She closed her eyes. “He would be horrified…but he would also know they forgave him.”

    Han pulled her into an embrace and kissed her on the top of her head. “It’ll be alright. Luke said memory rubs are rarely permanent.”

    She looked him in the eye. “What will happen when he does remember?”

    Han seemed to hesitate before he gave a shrug of his shoulders. “It may happen a decade from now or never. Hopefully he will have years of happy family memories that will overshadow any disturbing recollections. He would have to know that his family loved him enough to do things that went against their grain. Luke lied to the law enforcement personnel…the Jedi sent out false public announcements. You know that’s not sitting well with your brother.”

    Leia sighed. “I know and that news of that Lumiya was the person who started the Hapan plague is disturbing.” She glanced nervously over to Han. “You don’t think he was involved with that, do you?”

    Han bristled at the suggestion. “No! Why would he? I know Tenel Ka is a friend, but he knows she can take care of herself. Plus, if Tenel Ka had been on planet she probably would be dead herself.” Han shook his head. “Jagged Fel had said that Lumiya was dealing with the Tof. They probably paid her to sabotage the leadership of the royals.”

    Leia gave a slow nod of the head. “You are probably right.”

    “I know I’m right,” Han said tersely. He looked up at the wall chrono and frowned. “I’d wish they’d get here already. The smell of the food is driving me crazy.”

    Leia smiled as she heard his stomach rumble. She had to admit she was getting hungry also. The aroma of the six-course meal that was delivered from the Palace restaurant a little earlier was making her mouth water. If the kids didn’t show up soon her and Han might start without them.

    The front entry chime rang and See Threepio, the Solo’s gold protocol droid, shuffled over to answer the door. “Master Anakin and Mistress Tahiri, please come in,” the droid said as he ushered the guests inside.

    Anakin entered the apartment with a grin. “What’s the big news? Is Jaina pregnant?”

    “What?” A wide-eyed Han Solo yelled.

    “She’s not pregnant,” Tahiri chastised Anakin as she followed him into the apartment. The blond haired woman glared at her husband while crossing her arms across her chest. “Besides, you don’t even know how serious those two are?”

    Anakin gave a snicker. “Do you mean her and Commander Cardboard, Kyp or Zekk?”

    “What?” Leia and Han responded in unison. That was the second time a child of theirs suggested Jaina had an ongoing romance with the older Kyp Durron.

    Tahiri smacked Anakin on the shoulder then turned to Leia and Han. “He’s joking. He heard what Jacen said about Kyp while recovering from his head injury on Myrkr.”

    “Oh,” Leia said softly as he gave Han a furtive glance. It was decided on Myrkr that they wouldn’t tell anybody else about Jacen’s run in with the darkside. If they didn’t already know…then they would never know. This meant Anakin and his family and the Skywalker’s younger children would not be informed. Leia wasn’t sure if it was the right decision or not. They just knew the less people who knew about the situation the better. And now that there was news that Lumiya was the reported assassin on Hapes…they definitely wanted to bury Jacen’s association with the Sith as deep as possible.

    Tahiri turned back to Anakin. “I told you that Jacen was the one with the news.”

    Anakin ran his hand through his dark brown hair as his blue eyes sparkled with mischief. “Oh yeah, maybe he’s going to announce that he finally got laid,” Anakin said with a smirk.

    “Anakin!” his mother chastised him. “Watch your language.”

    He laughed. “Mom, I got a babysitter for the kids so I wouldn’t have to watch my language.”

    “Don’t be discussing your brother’s love life…”

    “Or lack of,” Anakin interrupted.

    Leia scowled at her son. She didn’t know when her quiet, shy little boy became the sarcastic smart mouth in the family but he did. Over the last ten years he became more and more like his father…cocky and satirical. And in doing so he slowly became Han’s favorite child…even though he would never admit it. “Don’t tease your brother or sister when they get here.” Leia admonished Anakin.

    Han chuckled at his son’s comments. “I’m sure your brother hasn’t had any problems with the ladies.” He looked at Leia and gave her a smug grin. “After all he does have his father’s dashing good looks.”

    Leia exhaled forcefully. “I don’t know how you manage to get through the door with that big head of yours,” Leia muttered as she finished setting the table.
    .
    .
    .
    “So,” Jag said to Jaina as they walked down the hallway toward the Solo’s residence. “Did your parents say why they decided at the last minute to throw a dinner party and insisted that you attend?” Jag asked as he smoothed out the front of his civilian tunic. He had planned on taking Jaina out on a date tonight when she got the call from her parents.

    Jaina shook her head. “No, other than Jacen asked for the get together.”

    Jag chuckled. “You don’t think they are calling you in for an intervention?”

    She gave him a perplexed look. “Whatever for? I don’t drink in excess or do drugs.”

    Jagged Fel made a snickering sound. “Maybe it is a ‘Don’t date Imperials’ intervention.”

    She smirked and gave him a playful push to the shoulder. “Please.”

    Jag gave her a toothy grin. “No I can see it now, everybody in a circle, teary eyed and clutching handwritten letters in their white knuckled fists,” Jag continued while trying not to laugh. “You mother would go first. ‘Jaina I love you. I remember when you were a little girl and almost kidnapped by Imperials. Back then I swore to protect you from all Imperial threats. But now I discover you are sleeping with the enemy. If you continue on this destructive lifestyle I will have no choice but to cut you out of my life.’” Jag finished with a chuckle.

    “Knock it off.” Jaina laughed. “My parents like you.” She turned and gave him a coy look. “Besides, I don’t think they know I am sleeping with the enemy.”

    Jag gave a snort. “That’s right. According to your brother, I’m Commander Cardboard, and everybody knows cardboard doesn’t possess genitalia.”

    Jaina started laughing again as they arrived to her parents’ residence. She stood in front of their door trying to compose herself but was having difficultly doing so. She started laughing again. “Cardboard, genitalia…you need to stop joking.” After a moment she managed to tame her expression to one more serious and somber. She turned to Jag and gave him a warning look. “And play nice with my father.”

    He smiled as he straightened his outfit. “I shall be on my best behavior…as always.” He leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips. “Only you see my playful side.”

    She ran her tongue over her bottom lip savoring his kiss. “That’s the side of you I like best.” She leaned back and gave his buttocks a glance. “Other than your backside. That’s a sight to see.” She gave him a playful slap on the derrière before she pushed the door chime of her parents’ apartment.
    .
    .
    .

    The door ringer chimed out again as See Threepio shuffled over to the door and ushered Jaina and her friend Jagged Fel into the home.

    Leia had to smile when she saw her daughter and her date enter the apartment. Jaina was trying not to beam brightly, but Leia could sense her daughter’s happiness. Despite Jag’s cool exterior he must possess some exceptional inner qualities that captivated Jaina. Leia was surprised to see Jagged Fel wearing civilian clothing, albeit extremely neat and crisply pressed civilian attire. Jaina was also wearing a skirt and nice blouse and Leia wondered if she had ruined a date night for the two. When she asked Jaina over to dinner Commander Fel was already at her apartment visiting. Leia had assumed he was on Coruscant on official business, but now she wondered if the man piloted his Star Destroyer over to the Core just to see Jaina.

    “Jagged, Anakin, Jaina come on over and get a drink,” Han waved them over to his small bar in the living room. “Hopefully Jacen will be here soon so we can eat.”

    Jaina shook her head. “I think I’ll pass on the alcohol Dad.” She walked over to Leia who was getting a non-alcoholic drink for the pregnant Tahiri.

    “Do you know what’s going on?” Jaina whispered to her mother.

    Leia shook her head. “No idea. I hope it is good news.”

    The door chimed again and all turned and stared at the front entrance expectantly. See Threepio opened the door and greeted the visitors. “Master Jacen, Queen Mother Tenel Ka Djo and Princess Allana please come in,” the droid said in his annoying high-pitched voice.

    Jacen walked in smiling cheerfully. Leia thought Jaina projected happiness in the Force, but the overwhelming feeling of joy radiating off of Jacen at this moment totally eclipsed it. Leia didn’t know what brought on her son’s blissful mood, but her heart warmed at the sight of him in such good spirits, especially after so many years of seeing him depressed and withdrawn.

    “Hi,” he said with a big smile. “I guess you are wondering why I asked to see you.”

    “It was sort of last minute,” Han said as he finished pouring himself a drink. “But it is always good to see family.”

    “Good,” Jacen said with a knowing smile. “Then you’re going to love this.” He picked up Princess Allana and turned to his parents. “Mom, Dad, I would like you to meet my daughter, Allana Djo Solo.”

    There was a crash as Leia dropped her glass. “What?”

    Anakin stood with his mouth open before a wide smile spread across his face. “Stang! I was right! He did get laid,” he whispered to Tahiri and was rewarded by an elbow to his side.

    Jacen turned to Tenel Ka. “And I would like to officially present to you my wife, Tenel Ka Djo...,”he hesitated. “Solo?” he asked his wife.

    She shook her head. “I think that would be pushing it on Hapes.”

    He laughed as he went up to her and gave her a gentle kiss. “Let’s just say, Tenel Ka, my wife.”

    Tenel Ka gave the group an apologetic look. “I am sorry this had to be kept secret for so long. It was for Allana’s safety. Please do not be mad at Jacen. He always wanted to tell you.” She turned to Jacen who was holding their child. Tenel Ka smiled warmly before turning back to the Solo’s. “Because of the changing political situation on Hapes we thought now was a good time to announce Jacen as my consort.” She hesitated for a moment allowing the words time to register with the family. “Because Jacen was instrumental in the defeat of the assassin Lumiya he is seen as a hero on Hapes. Normally a non-Hapan mate would be deemed unacceptable, but heroes are often the exception.”

    Leia was staggered at the announcement. She was thrilled that Jacen was married and had a child. She was not happy that that she just found about it now…but most of all her mind wandered back to Lumiya, Jacen and the Hapan Plague. Now, it seems, Jacen had the motive-of-all-motives to take out the Hapan Royals. Could he and Lumiya be responsible for the virus outbreak? Leia immediately shook that thought out of her head. Her son was not involved…and that was that. She refused to entertain the thought further.

    She looked at her granddaughter and joy filled her heart. Allana had her mother’s hair and eyes, but everything else was pure Solo. She looked just like her father including their identical smiles. She stepped forward, hands reaching out, and tears running down her face. “Can I get a hug from my granddaughter?”
     
  10. EmeraldJediFire

    EmeraldJediFire Jedi Master star 4

    Registered:
    Feb 23, 2012
    Yay....this is perfect...its a lovely family moment and I love it
     
  11. SiouxFan

    SiouxFan Jedi Grand Master star 4

    Registered:
    Mar 6, 2012
    Why do I get the feeling Jaina is going to come unglued at Tenel Ka?

    Great 'Grandmother' moment with Leia. Stupid profic.
     
  12. Briannakin

    Briannakin Former Manager star 6 VIP - Former Mod/RSA

    Registered:
    Feb 25, 2010
    AWWW! Such a sweet family moment!
     
  13. Hazel

    Hazel Jedi Master star 4

    Registered:
    Nov 9, 2010
    That was lovely! :D
     
  14. Demendora

    Demendora Jedi Knight star 2

    Registered:
    Apr 9, 2010
    What about Han? I bet he is thrilled to be related to Isolder)))
     
  15. WarmNyota_SweetAyesha

    WarmNyota_SweetAyesha Chosen One star 8

    Registered:
    Aug 31, 2004
    :D [face_dancing] Lovely reactions and in-character. Tickled by Anakin's. ;) [face_laugh] And touched by Leia's. Big fat aww! :)
     
  16. ginchy

    ginchy Jedi Grand Master star 4

    Registered:
    May 25, 2005
    Awww, I remember when you sent me this update. I am happy that Jacen can finally share his news and not be a dummy. And Leia and Han should know their granddaughter. I love it. [face_love]
     
  17. Jedi_Lover

    Jedi_Lover Chosen One star 5

    Registered:
    Nov 1, 2004
    Thanks ginchy, EmeraldJediFire, Demendora, SiouxFan, Jade_eyes, Hazel, and Briannakin for being loyal readers. I really appreciate all of your feedback...even you SiouxFan ;).

    I hope you guys understand this ending. Nobody understood my ending for CHOICES which was frustrating.

    There is an epilogue after this and then the Never Ending Story will finally end. I don't know if I will do NaNoWriMo ever again. This was a long, long story. It was written in 18 days and it took over three months to edit and rewrite some parts.

    Thanks again!

    ~JL~

    ________________________________________________

    Coruscant, Jaina Solo’s quarters.

    Jag’s hand slowly crept over Jaina’s midsection before pulling her closer to him in bed. He moved his lips over her neck and face giving her light kisses until he managed to wake her up. Jagged Fel gave her a warm smile when her dark brown eyes fluttered open. “Do you want to go again?” he asked.

    She groaned. “You're killing me. Don’t you ever sleep?”

    “I have to leave tomorrow,” he said as he pressed her lips to hers. “I can’t keep making excuses to come to Coruscant. I think my crew is started to suspect I am not meeting with Borsk Fey’lya.”

    She chuckled. “I hope they don’t think you’re meeting with him…not with those marks on your neck.”

    Jag’s eyes went wide as he jumped out of bed and went to a mirror to examine his body for love bites or bruising. When he didn’t see any he turned around and gave a feigned scowl to his lover. “Don’t scare me like that.”

    She tried to suppress a smile, but failed. Her eyes raked down his body mesmerized by his taunt muscular build…a view only obstructed by a pair of gray boxer briefs. “Come back to bed and I will give your men something to talk about.”

    He smirked as he returned her heated gaze. She was wearing one of his old T-shirts she had taken from his quarters months ago. She liked wearing it to bed when he wasn’t around. It was a reminder of the man she came to love…and she also knew he enjoyed seeing her lounge around in his clothing.

    He gave her a warm, lazy smile as he crawled back in bed with her. “That was an interesting dinner tonight,” he said softly. “Are the Solo dinners usually that noteworthy?”

    Jaina smiled. “That one was a little more surprising than normal. Usually it’s Anakin that does or says something shocking.”

    Jag caressed her belly with his hand. “You know, I noticed a pattern with your family.”

    “Which is?”

    “You father married a princess, your brother married a queen.” He looked at her questioningly. “I guess you have no choice but to marry an Emperor.”

    “You don’t even have the job yet,” she scoffed.

    “It’s not far off and I don’t see that you have many options. I mean it is not like the galaxy is crawling with eligible male royals.” He brought his hand to his chin in thought. “Oh, I forgot, Prince Isolder is a widower…maybe you can marry him.”

    Jaina made a face. “Ugh, he’s as old as my mother…gross.”

    Jag laughed. “If you marry him you can be Tenel Ka’s step-mother and sister-in-law and Allana’s grandmother and Jacen’s mother-in-law.”

    Jaina couldn’t help but laugh at that dreadful scenario. “That’s a horrible thought.”

    He reached out and grasped her hands in his. “Then avoid all that drama and marry me. You can be my Empress.” He smiled and looked up at the ceiling in thought. “I think Emperor beats Queen and it is definitely better than a prince. You can one-up your dad and your brother.” He gazed at her lovingly. “So, will you marry me?”

    She smiled at him tenderly. “Yes.”

    His eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Really? What changed your mind?”

    She gave a small languid smile. “Seeing Jacen today. He was so happy. For the last few years he was depressed and withdrawn. He and Tenel Ka let politics affect their marriage and it made them miserable. I decided I wouldn’t let that happen to me. I would make a decision based on the man and not the situation between the Imperials and Galactic Alliance. You are the man I want…regardless of politics…I love you Jag.”

    “I love you too.” He looked at her questioningly. “Does this mean you are willing to become an Imperial citizen?”

    She gave a nod and then a tentative smile. “I guess I’ll have to if I ever end up becoming Empress.”

    He had a look of exhilaration as he rolled over in bed so his head rested on her belly. “Did you hear that Jag Junior, I’m making an honest woman out of your mother.”

    She pushed his head away with a laugh. “I’m not pregnant.”

    Jag grinned wildly. “I’m willing to correct that problem, even if it takes all night.” He swung a leg over her body so he was straddling her. “Get ready for the Jagged babymaker.”

    Jaina gave him feigned look of disgust. “Please don’t give it a nickname.” She playfully pushed him away resulting in Jag losing his balance and landing on the floor with a thud. Jaina laughed and crawled to the edge of the mattress and peeked over to her lover lying on the floor. “Are you alright?”

    Jag grunted. “Ahh, yeah, it feels like I landed on some Jagged rocks” He laughed. “I think you need to kiss it make it better.”

    Jaina grabbed a pillow and tossed it at the man. “Nobody would believe what you’re like behind closed doors.”

    He slowly got up and climbed back into bed. “We’ll just have to keep that our little secret, My Empress.” He leaned in and kissed her softly.

    “Your secret is safe with me,” she said before she kissed him hungerly.

    .
    .
    .
    .
    Coruscant, Imperial Palace, Solo Family Guest Quarters.

    “Your parents handled that well,” Tenel Ka said as she shifted in bed to face Jacen. He was lying next to her wearing briefs and a broad, eager smile. A thin sheet covered her body but he could still see the sensual outline of her womanly figure. He was tempted to pull it off and continue their earlier activities, but he knew they needed to some time to talk.

    “When you are a Solo you expect the unexpected.” He leaned in and gave her a soft lingering kiss. “Are you getting nervous about announcing me as your consort?”

    She shook her head. “No, I should have done it earlier when I realized how unhappy you were.” She reached over and caressed his face. “I’m sorry.”

    He took her hand in his and kissed her palm. “I’m sure you will make it up to me somehow.”

    “I will endeavor to do so,” she said softly. “You once told me you desired to see the look on your mother’s face upon seeing a child of yours…now I know why. I have never seen her so happy.”

    Jacen smiled and a feeling of joy flooded over him as he thought back to his mother’s reaction. “She was happy…everybody was happy.”

    Tenel Ka’s face turned serious. “Do you think they resent the secrecy?”

    Jacen shrugged. “I think my parents understood. You have to realize most of my early childhood was spent in hiding and away from my parents. How can she blame us to protecting our child almost the same way she did with me and my siblings?”

    Tenel Ka didn’t look convinced. “I was surprised your twin didn’t say anything.”

    Jacen laughed. “Did you feel the heat radiating off of her and Jag though the Force? She had other things on her mind.”

    “Now all that is left if telling the galaxy.” She gazed deeply into Jacen’s brown eyes. “I promise you, no matter what the reaction from the Hapan people, we will be together as a family…always. I never wish to apart from you again.” Her fingers teased a line down his chest. “When the Palace is cleared for occupancy we can go home.”

    He smiled. “Home. That sounds nice.” He leaned in for a soft kiss. As he pulled away he smiled. “Finally we’re a family.”
    .
    .
    .
    Leia couldn’t sleep. Her mind kept wandering to the events of the day. Her son has a wife and daughter. She was a grandmother once again. She should be thrilled, but the situation with Lumiya was disturbing. She had promised herself that she wouldn’t think about the situation, but she couldn’t help dwelling on the subject.

    “Leia, will you quit thinking so loud,” Han said as he rolled over to gaze at his wife.

    “Did you suddenly become a Force sensitive?”

    “No, I just know your breathing patterns when you sleep. I can tell you were awake and brooding. What’s wrong?”

    She hesitated for a second not knowing if she should once again express her concerns. “Han,” she said tentatively. “I still think it’s a strange coincidence that Jacen was training with Lumiya, then it’s discovered Lumiya delivered a virus that killed off a group of Royals who have been trying to kill his wife and child for the last few years.”

    “It is a strange coincidence,” Han agreed. “And that’s what it is—a coincidence.”

    Leia demurred. “I guess.”

    “Mark said Lumiya was training Jacen to defeat some future threat. Jacen couldn’t be seeped in the dark nor light side of the Force to defeat this threat…whatever that meant. Don’t you think involving Jacen in mass murder would defeat her purpose? That would definitely pull Jacen over to the dark.”

    Leia nodded. “That makes sense.” She glanced over to her husband. “Mark said she was doing all of this to find redemption. I wonder what happened to her after she died? Did she go off the chaos of the netherworld or did she find peace?”

    “I don’t know.” He leaned in to kiss his wife. “And I really don’t care…but if your father found redemption after all he kriffed up stuff he did, I suspect it doesn’t take much for the Force to forgive a person.” He nuzzled her neck. “I don’t want to talk about her, but since you woke me up…maybe we can find something fun to occupy our time.”

    Leia chuckled as her hands ran down his body. “You scoundrel.”
    .
    .
    .
    Lumiya felt her Force-essence floating again…moving.

    After she died she found her spirit trapped on Myrkr by the Force-Void bubbles created by the ysalamiri. Confined to the area, she was able to watch in fascination as Jacen fought to escape and then the final disturbing solution his family did to ‘cure’ him. She couldn’t help but to feel sorry for the young man. He had a wife and family and now all was lost to him. He would have been better off staying with her. She could only hope things worked out for him.

    Her spirit, invisible to all, shifted around the Myrkr compound going from building to building and around the grounds. She watched the large redheaded clone and his doctor son carefully place her remains in a body bag. Luke was there observing the process silently. The clone had turned to Skywalker and said, “She asked me to tell you that she was sorry. And I could sense that she meant it. She truly was sorry for all she had done.” Luke didn’t respond. He simply nodded and left the room.

    Eventually the group packed up the ships and blasted off planet taking her corporeal remains but leaving her spirit on the ysalamiri infested Force-forsaken world. It was a lonely existence, but it had to be better than the fate that awaited her… the horrific torment of Chaos or as others called it, The Void. It was a place where Sith and the spirits of evil sentient beings went after they died. The prophets and dark mystics told her that the Force lying within an evil person is corrupted and cannot join the flow of the Force. If she ever escaped this planet she was doomed to wander eternity with other tormented spirits. It was not a pleasant thought and compared to that, watching the grass grow and ysalamiri get eaten by Vornskrs seemed like paradise.

    Unfortunately, one day something unexpected happened. Either the ysalamiri migrated with the seasons or their predators did and the tree lizards no longer exerted the energy to project their Force bubbles. Either way, she was finally free of the confines of the planet and she felt herself being pulled by some unseen force. She assumed she was heading to her final destination…wherever that was. She only wished she could have found redemption beforehand.

    She didn’t know how long she floated untethered from her body, her spirit drifting in the ethereal of space…but suddenly something changed.

    She no longer sensed movement. She was now in a place of darkness and silence. She didn’t know how long she remained in the blackness, but eventually she saw a glimmer of light and movement in the distance. It was a figure, possibly human, gliding toward her. When he was almost upon her she could make out his features. It was a tall man, with broad shoulders, and handsome chiseled face.

    ‘At least the gatekeeper to Hell, is easy on the eyes,’ she thought to herself.

    The man smiled almost as if he could sense her thoughts. “That is very kind of you, my dear Lumiya.”

    That voice…she knew that voice. She moved her lips to speak, not knowing if that was possible in this form or if she even needed to bother. “Darth Vectivus?”

    His smile grew broader. “I would say, in the flesh, but sadly that is not the case. No matter, I have become accustomed to this form.” He motioned with his hand and her surroundings slowly materialized. She was at The Home.

    She gazed around the vast residence in astonishment. “How did I get here?”

    He looked at her forlornly. “Lumiya, you tried so hard to redeem yourself. I couldn’t let you fall into the turmoil of chaos. When I felt your death I did everything I could to draw you here.” He smiled. “And here you are. Saved from damnation, but doomed to live an eternity at The Home with me as your undying companion.”

    She smiled back at his ghostly image. “That doesn’t sound so bad.”

    “Good,” he moved smoothly over to the living area of the home. “And I have some good news. Something I recently discovered.”

    “And that is?”

    The Sith Lord grinned. “That old LEP servant droid you purchased a couple months ago…it can hear my voice.”

    “So?”

    “Watch.” He turned toward the dining area. “LEP Droid.”

    A silver bipedal droid trundled out of the kitchen. It was an odd looking droid she had purchased to clean the expansive underground home. It walked into the room, its long spindly arms stretched out to its side and its small round head perched on a slender neck swiveling around searching its surroundings.

    “Yes, Master Vectivus.” The little droid moved toward them while spinning in circles looking for something.

    Vectivus turned to Lumiya. “For some reason it has difficulty perceiving me with it’s optical sensors, but it can hear me just fine.” He turned back toward the droid. “Turn on the music player. Classical, the Mantooine Minuet.”

    “Yes, Master.” The droid wandered over to the machine and pushed a series of buttons. Soon the soothing sounds of an orchestra filled The Home.

    Darth Vectivus held out his hand to Lumiya. She was hesitant to touch him, but eventually she reached out and their ghostly forms intermingled at the hands. She was startled by the sensation that ran through her. It was a mixing of senses and she felt a strong masculine presence envelop her, hold her, caress her spirit…it was a strong pleasurable feeling that filled her with an almost sensual joy.

    “Oh my,” she said in surprise.

    A smug smile crossed his lips. “I couldn’t let you suffer in chaos, nor could I let you go. I have become quite fond of you Lumiya.”

    “Thank you,” she said. If she had a corporeal form she was sure she would cry.

    “Shall we dance?”

    She smiled gratefully. “I would love to.”

    Her spirit mingled and swirled with his; two spirits surging and undulating with the beat of the music. Lumiya found it intoxicating.

    “While here, there’s no need worry about that unknown future danger the prophets predicted,” Darth Vectivus remarked.

    “True.” Lumiya said as they swirled about the room. “Although I wish I knew if the warrior to defeat it was actually a Master of the Unifying Force. What else could the prophets have meant by a warrior that is neither seeped in the light or dark side of the Force?”

    Vectivus shrugged his phantom shoulders. “Who knows? The prophets were notorious at misinterpreting visions and it really doesn’t matter,” he said with a husky voice. “Only we matter. Now and for eternity.”

    She smiled. “For eternity.”
    .
    .
    .
    Kessel Sector, Outer Rim Territories

    The creature—ancient, dark, evil, and dangerous—awakened after a long sleep…and she was hungry. She slowly opened her eyes and gazed around the dark cave full of ragged volcanic rock and glass crystals. She sluggishly extended a slithery tentacle outward and wrapped it around a stalagmite on the cave floor and pulled herself forward, unhurriedly toward a fissure leading to the surface of the planet. She needed to feed; she needed to create anarchy—for she was the Bringer of Chaos. She escaped her prison years ago, but was confined to this planet with no ship and no sentients to rule. But that had changed. She sensed voices in an unknown language. She would enslave and force whoever was outside her mountain fortress to bend to her will. And then she could once again reestablish herself in her rightful place in the universe. She was Abeloth, the Beloved Queen of the stars…and soon all would know.

    .
    .
    .
    Krigar led his hunting party down a path frequented by local animals that were good to eat. Meat was plentiful but they had to compete with the carnivorous plant life that was also abundant on their strange new world. In the last few weeks they had wandered out further than usual in search for new hunting grounds.

    Krigar raised a hand signaling for the rest of his party to halt. He saw movement in the distance, something slithering out of an opening along the side of a dormant volcano. He called his brother forward.

    “What is that?” he said in his native language. He refused to speak Basic. A few in his party spoke the language so they could communicate with the Merciful Ones, but Krigar found the concept of assimilating into their language and culture offensive.

    The tall muscular man shook his head. “It is something I have never seen before.”

    Krigar gazed at the tentacle beast for a long moment. “It may be edible.” He signaled for the rest of his party to remain while he and his brother approached the strange animal.

    The creature slithered and moved across the ground using its many appendages to push and pull itself toward the two men. When they were a few meters apart the ugly creature stretched and formed into a humanoid appearance. Its mouth stretched unnaturally wide across its feminine looking face exposing rows of sharp teeth. The creature spoke out in an unknown language. It paused, perhaps waiting for a reply. When none came it spoke in a more familiar tongue.

    Krigar turned to his brother, Jomak Kaz. “It is speaking Basic. Do you understand it?”

    Jomak listened for a moment then bared his teeth threateningly. “It says it is here to enslave us. It is ordering us to bow down to it. It calls itself Abeloth the Queen of the Stars.” Jomak Kaz replied angrily to the creature in Basic. “We bow down to no one!”

    The creature’s wide smile turned to a snarl as it attempted to ensnare the two men with her tentacles. A strange look of surprise came over the beast when the men easily pushed her grasping appendages away. She then said something indecipherable to Krigar and he turned to his brother for translation.

    “It says, ‘what manner of creatures are we that we cannot be subdued of the power of the Force?’”

    Krigar snarled. “I have heard enough.” He uncoiled a snake-like creature wrapped around his arm. “You may translate for it if you wish.”

    He stepped toward the monstrous creature. “We will not bow down. We will no longer be subjugated and bent to do the will of others. The dark and light side of your Force abandoned us a thousand generations ago and therefore holds no sway over us.” He shook the snake-like creature and it stiffened into a heavy staff. “We are no longer ‘Shamed Ones’, we are free men.” Then with a loud battle cry he brought his amphistaff crashing down on the creature’s head as his brother rushed in to assist in the kill.

    The living thing screamed in alarm and surprise and tried to slither away, but the remainder of the hunting party closed in striking the creature with their lethal staffs, cutting the flesh and poisoning the body. They did not halt until the beast stopped moving. The men then stepped back to examine the corpse.

    Krigar poked at the eviscerated body until he was convinced it was dead. He then turned to his comrades, amphistaff raise high above his head and announced. “We are Yuuzhan Vong warriors and Abeloth, The Queen of the Stars is no more!”
     
  18. EmeraldJediFire

    EmeraldJediFire Jedi Master star 4

    Registered:
    Feb 23, 2012
    I have to say, I like how this last chapter ended. It had the happy endings all around just like you said there would be--even for Lumiya..which makes me happy truth be told
     
  19. Jedi_Lover

    Jedi_Lover Chosen One star 5

    Registered:
    Nov 1, 2004
    Thanks! After so much angst I wanted to give everybody a bootknocking happy ending. ;):p:D Except for Abeloth. I hate her...it...whatever.

    The Epilogue will tie everything together.
     
  20. SiouxFan

    SiouxFan Jedi Grand Master star 4

    Registered:
    Mar 6, 2012
    I was hoping to see Lumiya again; she was really a fun read in this.

    Awesome ending with the Shamed Ones! I know nothing about Abeloth, nor am I keen to find out.

    I'm not sure if I should be honored or not by the '...even you Siouxfan.' ;) Thanks.
     
  21. Briannakin

    Briannakin Former Manager star 6 VIP - Former Mod/RSA

    Registered:
    Feb 25, 2010
    I quite enjoyed Abeloth's death, and the J/J boot knocking :) can't wait to read the epilogue.
     
  22. Jedi_Lover

    Jedi_Lover Chosen One star 5

    Registered:
    Nov 1, 2004
    SiouxFan. My FFN troll is going to love the shamed ones ending. He was furious at the start of the story when Luke complained about the genocide. He was mad and saying I could have at least saved the Shamed Ones. I trying to tell him to cool out...because I knew at the last chapter it is shown that I did. All that drama for nothing.
     
    SiouxFan likes this.
  23. EmeraldJediFire

    EmeraldJediFire Jedi Master star 4

    Registered:
    Feb 23, 2012
    That troll likes to get his undies in a twist for no particular reason.
     
  24. Jedi_Lover

    Jedi_Lover Chosen One star 5

    Registered:
    Nov 1, 2004
    He is probably going to point out I used names that a Vong would never use and that they were stripped from the Force 498 generations ago and not a thousand and Vong would not be referred to as men and they don't hunt and whatever.
     
  25. EmeraldJediFire

    EmeraldJediFire Jedi Master star 4

    Registered:
    Feb 23, 2012
    Nitpicky things. I make one mistake about whom Abeloth possessed and all he can do is point that out..not a single good word about the actual chapte
     
    Jedi_Lover likes this.