Beyond - Legends "Sernpidal's Amethyst" (NJO AU; SkySolos, Psylocke, etc.; concluded 10/12)

A/N: I'll be busy Tuesday night, so how about another update tonight?

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"My aching head -- ! Psylocke -- Longshot - - are you okay?!"

"As well as can be expected. I sense Ms. Pryor's thought patterns, above us -- she and Rogue are trapped!"

- Alison "Dazzler" Blaire and Betsy "Psylocke" Braddock, facing another time when friends were threatened,
Uncanny X-Men vol. 1, issue 221

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Chapter 21: 25.6 ABY:
Chief of State's Office,
Coruscant, Core Worlds:
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The air was charged with emotion, so much so that Plif had to shield himself against the outrage and suspicion that greeted him as he hopped into Borsk Fey'lya's office.

Still, being Bothan - and Borsk on top of that - he's not letting his hand slip, the hoojib Senator thought, hopping up to the top of a chair in front of Borsk's desk. The Bothan COS turned around slowly, clearly attempting to make a dramatic impact, and Plif tried not to roll his eyes at the display.

"Senator. I've been piecing together some very interesting reports from various sources about activity in the northern Outer Rim. Along with some interesting meetings you've been having lately," Borsk began, half-closing his eyes.

Great C'Tn'tal spare me this cat-descended power-broker's ego ... Plif prayed to the hoojib trickster deity, maintaining a calm demeanor as he met Borsk's attempt at a stare.

~As a senior Senator on the Commerce Committee, Chief Fey'lya, it's my responsibility to maintain proper connections with trading partners and monitor economic activity. Especially when reports of decreased trade from the northern Outer Rim are starting to affect markets. We don't want a panic, after all,~ Plif replied, keeping his telepathic voice calm.

Borsk's eyes widened a bit as he snorted. "Zeltros is in the Inner Rim, Plif. And a flotilla of ships so numerous as to rival the entire Fifth Fleet was sighted at Dubrillion - reports are that they were there on a 'mission of mercy.' Never mind that a fighter carrier approaching the size of a Super Star Destroyer - run by Ewoks, no less - was sighted there, also, attacking Yuuzhan Vong craft. To top all THAT off, the Ralroost - A NEW REPUBLIC DEFENSE FORCE vessel, need I remind you - was also sighted at Dubrillion, on a THOROUGHLY unauthorized military action," the Bothan counted off, frowning more deeply with each sentence.

Plif narrowed his own eyes, not letting Borsk's glare intimidate him. ~It was my understanding that Baron-Administrator Calrissian asked for assistance in evacuating Dubrillion, Chief. If the Zeltrons - and others - volunteered ships to save innocent lives, then I have to say I stand with them, approving of their efforts to help those in need. As for what the Ewoks or Admiral Kre'fey might be doing with their ships ... I really don't know anything about that,~ he sent.

Technically, it was all the truth. Plif hadn't directly received a request for help from Lando - Leia had relayed it. And Kolot had no more confided the existence of an Ewok starfleet to Plif than Kre'fey had said anything about going to Dubrillion to help cover the evacuation.

Borsk, of course, wasn't naive. He tilted his head - then, in a move that might've thrown lesser politicos off their game, gave Plif a mournful look, even radiating sincere concern. "Had we known that the Vong were attacking Dubrillion, I would've authorized Traest and one of the entire fleets to go out there. I'm no more fond of seeing innocents slain than you are," he said.

Plif nodded in recognition of Borsk's sincerity. He didn't think the Bothan was heartless - but neither did he believe for a moment that Borsk was failing to look at ways to manipulate the situation to his advantage. ~There's only so much the New Republic could do to evacuate an entire planet in that short amount of time,~ Plif allowed.

Borsk leaned forward, seemingly in agreement, but Plif just carefully listened. "I appreciate your understanding. The question now becomes, what to do about this entire scenario? The last report I received suggested that Agamar was a way station for a sudden, enormous influx of refugees - but that a number of ships, the Ralroost among them, were missing," he said, something between concern and assessment in his tone.

~Any idea where it, and the remainder of the refugees, might have gone?~ Plif asked, also measuring how much concern was in his voice. He was worried for his friends, but letting too much slip - especially the number and bloodlines of Jedi involved in the Dubrillion evacuation, much less that Jedi were involved at all - might set Borsk off.

He's not pettily vindictive, but he can be incredibly dangerous if provoked ... and he's touchy enough about the Skywalkers that it's hard to tell how he'll deal with news of their involvement, Plif worried.

Borsk shrugged, feigning confusion so well that Plif almost wanted to applaud - but cynicism was the last card he could afford to play right now. "NRI is doing their best, of course, but Dubrillion is close enough to the Imperial Remnant that our assets there have to be utilized carefully. I'm hoping that if you hear anything, you'll let me know - so that I can assist my cousin and the other NRDF personnel, as well as the refugees," Borsk queried.

~You'll be among the first I let know,~ Plif sent, smoothly. ~Is there anything else I can assist you with, Chief?~

Borsk leaned back, dropping his guard with a sigh, and glanced at the darkening sky before looking at Plif with the Bothan equivalent of a smirk. "I had a very unusual encounter a few days ago. It seems a human woman visited me, asking for my consideration where the Jedi are concerned. A human woman who was believed to be dead, some years ago," Borsk began.

~Definitely unusual,~ Plif agreed, raising one furry eyebrow. Lady Amidala stopped by? he thought, watching as Borsk scowled at the floor like it had offended him, then looked at Plif with something like camaraderie.

"For a human, she was actually quite civil. She used to do volunteer relief work, much like the current goings on out by Dubrillion. She shared some ... eye-opening personal information with me, about her past. She was asking that I try to work with her relations, in the face of the current situation. Rather nasty husband she had, it turns out," Borsk began, a flicker of sympathy crossing his face.

~Horrible situations, those, yes. Such human men are brutes,~ Plif agreed, reading between the lines.

"If anything were to happen to her - or her relations - it might go badly, politically. It might even involve Imperial entanglements, and we both know how things get where the jackbooted thugs are concerned, hmm?" Borsk asked, waving a hand with well-feigned mild annoyance.

Mentally, however, Borsk was sweating blaster bolts, to borrow a Corellian phrase, and Plif almost felt sorry for him. He knows about Lady Amidala's connection to the Skywalkers ... and Vader. Once that's revealed, the public sympathy could make Padme' a political powerhouse, or a martyr ... and Borsk can't afford to risk a two- or three-front public relations crisis, the hoojib realized.

Keeping any trace of satisfaction or smugness out of his reply, Plif nodded, and sent, ~If I were to, perhaps, find out how she's doing - say, if she needs help - I could pass it along to you.~

"And I'd willingly do my best to help her and hers. By smoothing over any unpleasantries from this whole Ralroost business, and aiding those refugees who are missing," Borsk all but pledged, relief starting to fill his mind.

~That's a very kind offer, Chief Fey'lya. I'll let you know if I hear anything more. Excuse me, please,~ Plif sent, bowing, and Borsk dismissed him with a polite nod.

A few hops, and a comlink signal to summon a mouse droid for an impromptu taxi ride, later, Plif hopped onto his desk and activated a hypercomm transceiver in his desktop, linked to a psionic transducer. Lieda Mothma's worried face appeared, and the Chandrilan-descended human woman asked, "Plif? What's Chief Fey'lya heard?"

~Enough for he and I to reach a level of detente', for the time being. However, the situation hinges on Lady Amidala's safety, Lieda. Is she at Agamar with you?~ Plif asked.

"No. The shuttle Senator A'Kla had requistioned to take him, Lady Amidala, Dr. Quee, and See-Threepio to Agamar was among the ships headed for Dantooine with the Ralroost. Senator Kolot reports the Glider of Decimation is en route now, but they took considerable damage from the Yuuzhan Vong cruiser before it followed the interdicted refugees," Lieda said, her concern obvious from her expression.

Plif sighed inwardly, then nodded. ~I understand. Dantooine, you say? Well, we at least have a destination. I've managed to secure a pledge of assistance from Chief Fey'lya - we may be able to save those refugees yet. What of the majority of them, the ones who made it to Agamar?~ he asked.

Lieda managed a smile. "The number of worlds offering to resettle them is inspiring. Naboo, especially, is being very generous, while the Agamarians are opening shelters to those who can't stay aboard the ships. But the concern for those who had to head to Dantooine is obvious," she said.

~Then we'll work with Borsk. And - regardless of what his position is on the Jedi, I think it's past time someone got a message to Yavin. I won't leave Luke's people in the dark on this,~ Plif sent.

Wariness crossed Lieda's features, and for a moment Plif was reminded of Mon Mothma so much that his fur stood on end. "I agree that the Jedi need to be informed. But even if Borsk is willing to aid them, won't getting the Jedi involved in large numbers run the risk of politicizing them more?" she asked.

~The Jedi are already quite politicized, Lieda. They know well enough the stakes - but they have an immensely powerful skifter in Padme'. And she herself is no naif when it comes to politics. I'll be cautious. You take care, and we'll try to meet soon - I think your mother would be proud if you were included in the New Loyalists,~ Plif sent.

Lieda blushed a bit, smiling with gratitude and slight embarrassment. "I'm just a volunteer coordinator for this evacuation," she said.

Plif waved a paw and sent, a smile in his voice, ~You're fighting for those in need, Lieda. Trust me, Mon would be proud of you. And look at it this way - we get you, Nial Organa, and Garm in the same room together, who knows what might happen?~

Lieda's smile became teasing as she replied, "You, Senator of Arbra, like to live dangerously. I'll be in touch. May the Force be with you."

May it be with us all, my friend, Plif thought as the call cut out, and he dialed an encrypted NRDF code - one that wouldn't arouse undue suspicion of how close he stood with the Jedi.

Let's just hope we're not too late in getting help to our friends ...

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Dantooine:
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"Leia - !"

"Mother," Leia said, hugging Padme' as they met at what had become the impromptu headquarters of an enormous tent city on the plains of Dantooine. They looked out over the figurative sea of tents, bonfires, and prefab buildings, and Leia squeezed Threepio's shoulder as he caught up with Padme', followed by Elegos and Danni Quee.

"I'm so glad you got out all right. Are Han and Chewbacca -?" Padme' asked, relief filling her features as she saw her son-in-law and his first mate head over from a large tent with various official-looking sentients entering and leaving it.

"Kre'fey says Jaina's downside. Gavin's gonna send her over - and we got a signal from Bey. The boys are coming in with Luke, Mara, Betsy, and Kyp," Han told Leia.

"Kyp? He's here without a fighter?" Leia asked, a little surprised but nevertheless relieved that her family would soon almost all be in one place.

A dull, void-like absence of the Force in the distance - combined with the continuing concern, fear, and discomfort of the refugees - reminded Leia that it might've been better if her children were far from here. But I can't protect them all the time anymore. They've grown up - we all have, she recognized, smiling faintly as Raynal caught up with her, Han, and Chewie from where he'd been talking with some other New Alderaanian pilots.

"Got that report you wanted - ah, Grandpa? Han? What's the best thing to call you?" the youth asked, nodding respectfully at Padme' as she looked at him with surprise, then - wistfulness?

"Han's fine, junior. This's your step-great-grandmother, so to speak - Padme', my grandson, Raynal Kieran-Organa. I had a daughter before I settled down with Leia, and it turns out she married -" Han said, as Padme' shook Raynal's hand.

"Niall Organa's your father! I can see a strong resemblance to your uncle Bail," Padme' said. She gave Leia a worried look, but Leia smiled back, while Raynal's expression turned thoughtful.

"Father - Bail - told me a lot of wonderful stories about you. He and Moth - Breha - were wonderful foster parents. I'm fortunate I had the time I had with them - and now you're back," Leia said, hugging Padme'.

And even now, it's still easier to call Bail Father than it is to think of Anakin Skywalker, Leia admitted, a little ashamed. She didn't want to hurt Mother's feelings, but even now, it was still hard to separate the goodness of Anakin from the heinousness of the armored beast whom Leia remembered Vader as.

Leia stepped back, and Padme' gave her a reassuring smile. "I'm not offended, Leia. I can only guess how difficult it must've been - must be - to deal with what your father represented. I'm glad Bail and Breha were there for you - and that Niall survived Alderaan's destruction. How - ?" she started to ask Raynal.

The teen blushed and said, "Long story ..."

He was saved as a pair of Lambda-class shuttles swooped in, finding spots near Elegos' vehicle, and Leia felt a wave of relief as she sensed Luke, Mara, Jacen, and Anakin reach for her. "They're here," she said, smiling as a landspeeder pulled up and Jaina stepped out.

"You're OK," the girl said, hugging Han, Leia, Chewie, and Padme'. She looked at Raynal, then raised an eyebrow and said, "OK, now this is going to take some getting used to. I'm too young to be an 'Auntie.'"

"You fly too good to be an old lady, too," Raynal said, shaking Jaina's hand, and Leia smiled as Jaina returned the gesture. The New Alderaanian boy glanced nervously at Leia and added, quickly, "Of course, age brings experience ..."

"Nice attempt at a save. You're definitely one of Dad's descendants," Jaina teased, ruffling Raynal's hair while Luke, Mara, Anakin, Jacen, Betsy, Kyp, Artoo and two other R2 astromechs, and a red-eyed, primitive-looking bipedal droid disembarked from the shuttles.

Leia didn't care about protocol - she hugged her sons, just glad they were all right. "I was so - but you're all right. Luke said you did well against those Yuuzhan Vong," she told Anakin, mitigating his blush at being hugged by his mother, even as he radiated relief through the Force.

"Thanks. I'm glad you're safe, Mom - well, that you got away. I don't think we can call Dantooine safe right now," Anakin warned, and Leia nodded at her youngest son's wisdom.

"You're right. But we're together, and we'll get through this," she reassured him, before turning to Jacen with a mix of relief and frustration. "And you ..."

"I messed up. I shouldn't have panicked, and if Uncle Luke and Master Durron hadn't shown up when they did ..." Jacen said, going pale while Leia looked at him intently.

He had a nasty run-in with something on Belkadan. Especially if he's calling Kyp 'Master Durron' and not sneering as he says it, Leia realized, settling for ruffling Jacen's hair.

"You're alive. And you're a little wiser. Now, come and meet your nephew - and your grandmother," Leia said, before hugging Luke and Mara as they reached the reunion. "Glad you two are OK - thanks for getting Jacen back."

"Any time. You're OK?" Luke asked, looking at Leia while Mara glanced at Padme' with poorly-disguised curiosity, and Anakin's emotions roiled with a mix of confusion, fear, love, and nervousness.

"Other than needing food, potable water, medical facilities, and fresh starships for a little under a million people stranded under the threat of an attack by hostile sentients, after having to leave Force knows how many others behind on an occupied planet? I'm fine. Let's finish the introductions, and then we're going to talk about Rey," Leia said, smiling with Luke as he watched Mara extend a hand to Padme'.

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"Have to admit, this isn't how I imagined this might go," Mara said, shaking Padme's hand.

She looks just like the fresco in the Imperial Palace, was the first thing through Mara's mind. The former Senator's resemblance to Leia was obvious, but there were traces of her in Luke's face, as well, if one knew what to look for - and Mara, as a former Emperor's Hand, was definitely trained in recognizing faces.

"I know. But then, I've gotten used to odd first meetings and reunions where the Skywalkers are concerned," Padme' tried to joke, and Mara decided she liked her mother-in-law.

The redhead cracked a grin and nodded at Luke. "That's the truth. Your son took 10 years to propose," she said, enjoying the blush she got from her husband. "And this was during a cave-in on a planet in the Unknown Territories."

Padme' smiled a little. "I didn't tell Anakin how I felt until we were almost eaten by wild animals on Geonosis," she said, and Mara laughed with her - then shook her head, smirking a little while Padme' looked at her with mild confusion.

"Sorry. Just - as hard as it's been for Leia to compare the memory of Vader to the life we knew Anakin Skywalker had, it's even more surreal for me. I knew him when he was - ah, well, in the suit," Mara explained, not sure exactly how to proceed.

I don't want to hurt her, but I did know Vader back in the day ... and I killed people for Palpatine ...

Padme' put a hand on Mara's shoulder, and the redhead could sense understanding - even acceptance - from her mother-in-law. "Luke told me about your past. I'm not about to judge, especially given that you were raised among Palpatine's court. And I'm able to talk about ... Vader. I have to face the reality of what he did, especially since ... well, Luke told me you saw Artoo's holorecording of Mustafar," Padme' said.

Mara nodded, gratitude quickly covered up by a smile, and she quickly hugged Padme'. "Thanks. For what it's worth, welcome back," she said, and the Naboo-born woman beamed, before turning to the Solo boys.

"Your grandfather had the same reckless tendency to follow visions, Jacen. I'm just glad things worked out for you - but next time, try not to be so eager?" Padme' gently teased Jacen, hugging him and standing back to look up at him as he smiled with her.

"I've learned my lesson - Grandma. Wow," Jacen laughed, happily, and Mara nodded approvingly as she sensed the boy's change. Whatever he'd seen - and later run into on Belkadan - had affected him, made him think.

Then, Padme' locked eyes with young Anakin, and Mara immediately worried.

The former Naboo Senator went pale, and the boy gulped when Padme' whispered, "The resemblance ..."

Uh-oh ...

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Padme' honestly thought she'd be ready for this - she was happy Leia had found enough good in Anakin to name one of her sons after him.

But he looks so much like him ...

True, there was more Han in Anakin's face than not - but the Skywalker features were obvious.

And the eyes ... he has Anakin's eyes.

But even as they echoed another Anakin's, Padme' saw these were different. And she knew exactly what she had to say, as she gently took Anakin's face in her hands.

"You're not him. You're wiser - I can see that, can tell that. The same darkness that haunted him doesn't haunt you. But you have to be careful not to give in to what chased him when he grew older. Stop worrying about what people say you're supposed to be, and live the life that's in front of you. That's the way to survive the weight you carry," Padme' advised her youngest grandson present, stepping back and squeezing his hands as Anakin smiled with tearful joy.

"Th-thanks ... Grandma," he said, and Padme' hugged him, smiling and crying with him.

She wiped her eyes, smiling as she hugged Jaina, and said, "Didn't mean to not greet you."

"Hey, it's a busy time. 'Sides, we'd better get back to the sitrep," Jaina said, stepping back - but not overly quickly, and Padme' was grateful for the warm smile her granddaughter gave her.

Sitrep ... how easily we switch to military jargon, Padme' thought, a little sorrow tinting her mood as she looked out over the tent city.

It was the eternal irony, that to defend peace, one must sometimes fight. But Padme' knew full well the importance of standing up for ideals, and she beamed again with pride as she watched her children and some of her grandchildren discuss the situation.

She turned to Luke and asked, "Before things get too busy - tell me about your and Mara's children?"

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Jedi Praxeum, Yavin 4:
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"... no, I understand completely, Senator. I'll share your concerns with the other Masters at once ..."

Something is up, Rey worried, listening cautiously outside the entrance to the comm room as Master Hamner, the Jedi "liasion" with the New Republic military, talked with someone by hypercomm. She'd learned who most of the Masters and Knights were by talking with Kylo, Tahiri and Valin, but wasn't sure she could remember them all - she'd forgotten a lot of names on Jakku.

But Rey had picked up the talent of figuring out who was the most important in a situation. And if Hamner talked to the government for the Jedi, that made him pretty important.

She started to slip away from the stone doorway, but winced when she heard, "Ah, Rey, isn't it?"

"Master," Reysaid, turning to face Hamner - there really wasn't much purpose in lying about it. Jedi figure this stuff out pretty easily, she figured, nodding with what she hoped was enough respect.

Hamner nodded kind of politely; he had grey hair with some brown stripes by his ears, with brown eyes, and an accent Rey thought was Corellian (she'd heard it sometimes while hanging around Plutt's bazaar). He kind of seemed like a grandfatherly type, and he smiled nice enough when he said, "Worried about your family?"

"Yessir. I know they do this kind of stuff all the time - save people - but if these Yuuzhan Vong mess up whole planets, and Jedi can't sense them through the Force ... how can they get out of there OK?" she asked, hoping she didn't sound too much like a scared little kid.

Even if I am scared a little ... Daddy, I just found you again ...

Hamner put a hand on Rey's shoulder and said, "I won't lie to you. Dantooine's in a lot of danger, and your family are in the middle of it. But trust me on this: the stories about your parents, aunt, uncle, and cousins getting out of insanely dangerous situations are not exaggerated. If I were prone to betting, my credits would be on your family thrashing the Vong to within centimeters of their lives."

"And they say Han Solo's the galaxy's best gambler," Rey thought aloud, smiling a little.

Hamner laughed a little, and nodded as they walked. He said, "You're going to fit in quite well around here, Rey. But - just in case luck is being fickle - why don't we go talk to some more of the Masters, and tell them what's going on on Dantooine?"

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to be continued ...

 

A/N: Another step forward, as the events of Onslaught in this AU finally come to an end ...

Also, the closing chapters of Onslaught were grim, and I've tried to make that less stinging here - but please, be aware this is a war story.

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"To be honest, I think I liked it better when the X-Men flew a plane from place to place."

"We all possess extraordinary powers, Havok. Why should Gateway's bother you anymore than, say, mine?"

"The problem is, Psylocke, it bothers me just as much."

-- Alex "Havok" Summers and Betsy "Psylocke" Braddock, debating teleportation and telepathy,
Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1, Annual 12

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Chapter 22: 25.6 ABY:
Dantooine, Outer Rim Territories:
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For a moment, at least, Luke flashed back to the Rebellion days - or even the start of the New Republic, looking around the hastily-erected command tent as staffers from the Ralroost's crew set up seats for Colonel Bril'nilim, the Twi'lek ground commander from the ship.

Except this isn't going to be noble, or pretty. Just a lot of fighting ... Luke worried, shaking his head at the latest holo-reports from the Ralroost's orbital scans. The good news was that wherever the third Yuuzhan Vong ship from Dubrillion was, it wasn't in Dantooine orbit.

The bad news was, there were enough Yuuzhan Vong, and their servants, on the ground already to make things very dangerous.

"Combined with the data we received from Apprentice Solo's recce of Belkadan, and our own NRI observers, we've been able to make an educated guess about the soldiers the Yuuzhan Vong are directing here on the surface," Bril'nilim said, his lekku twitching as an image of a bipedal, armored reptoid rotated over the holotank.

Leia, Mara, Han, Chewie, Gavin, the Solo children, Mother, Elegos, Danni, Betsy, Kyp, Bey, some of the Nagai, various NRDF ground troops, a good segment of Rogue Squadron, volunteer pilots and soldiers from the refugees, and Artoo and Threepio were crowded beneath the tent, mostly to get out of the drizzle. As if the overstressed conditions in the camp weren't bad enough - the evacuation fleet hadn't been prepared for having to land anywhere beside Agamar, so food was in short supply - the weather hadn't been cooperating.

Nor are the Yuuzhan Vong, Luke thought, a little chilled as he looked at the coral-like protrusions from the forehead of the reptoid, and Jacen and Danni both shivered a little.

"A necessarily quick rundown of the biodatabase aboard the Ralroost didn't turn up any of these species in our own galaxy. Best we can estimate is that these beings are a slave race of the Vong, being controlled by the coral ... implants," Bril'nilim said, distaste evident in his slightly-accented Basic.

He nodded at Danni, who stepped forward, not so intimidated as she'd been before. Extragalactic species were among her field of expertise, and despite her occasional concerns about being inadequate, Luke was glad she was on hand.

"Thanks to Jacen's input, we have to assume that the coral implants the Yuuzhan Vong are using to control their slaves don't allow for an override, or reasoning with them. As for the Yuuzhan Vong themselves ... I'm not holding out hope for negotiations, based on my personal experience at Helska," the xenobiologist warned, a haunted glimmer in her green eyes.

"They won't even try to parley with us?" one of the Rogues asked, and Mara repressed a snort while Jacen cleared his throat.

"They're definitely attacking first, asking questions later," Jacen warned. He rubbed at his still-fresh scar on his left cheek, and added, "I could've ended up like those poor people on Belkadan."

"Slavers, then. On top of murderers and conquerors," Kyp rumbled, contempt and focused loathing obvious in his tone. He took a deep breath before Luke could give him more than a worried look, and smiled cockily as he said, "Well, a straight-up fight isn't a bad thing."

"That depends on whether you're the one caught in the line of fire. We have to think of the refugees here on the ground," Jaina said, both reasonable and slightly disdainful. Leia and Mara exchanged a curious glance, but Luke didn't think his niece was being petulant - Kyp was a gadfly, after all.

"I am, Padawan," Kyp replied, using the new/old term for a Jedi apprentice, as Jaina looked at him with annoyance.

"Private is the title I've earned, Master. Respectfully, I'd appreciate you sticking to that. And we're getting off target. Colonels, what's the plan?" Jaina asked Gavin and Bril'nilim, deliberately turning away from Kyp before he could continue to argue.

Kyp hid a snort, as Mara glanced at him and Leia gave Jaina a look that was equal parts reprimand and worry. Jaina ignored it, and Gavin and Bril'nilim stepped forward to speak.

"We've managed to channel some of the refugees' nervous energies by putting the adults and older adolescents to work digging fortifications," Bril'nilim said, changing the holo. Lines of trenches, occasionally reinforced with Golan dish-style laser cannons and E-Web blaster cannons on tripods, became visible.

"And every able-bodied sentient 16 or over who can hold a blaster is being asked to hold the lines until we can get everyone back on the ships. It's remarkable we haven't had more protests - I'm grateful to Senator A'Kla, Her Highness Organa-Solo, and Lady Amidala for their efforts to work with civilian leaders among the refugees," Gavin said, a little awe in his voice as he nodded at Elegos, Leia, and Mother.

"We're all in this together, Colonel. These people just want to find a place of safety, and be reunited with their loved ones. The sooner we can evacuate to Agamar, the better," Mother said, both kindly but also with a determination that made Luke wonder just how many similar situations she'd seen during the Clone Wars.

There's still so much we haven't been able to talk about ... he thought, listening as Gavin continued to speak.

"Rogue Squadron and the civilian pilots will provide air cover, and ... in what will be a necessarily ugly role, whittle down the ground forces among the Yuuzhan Vong and their slave soldiers. I'm not going to pretend this is noble, but we're fighting for our people's survival," Gavin said, resolution mixing with remorse in his tone.

I just wish there was another way, Luke thought, shaking his head at the memory of Mindor - he'd been in Gavin's shoes, having to make the tough decision to fight an enemy who was being forced to attack. But lives were at stake, and a Jedi's role was to defend life.

"Admiral, have we heard anything from the NRDF or Senator Kolot?" Leia asked Kre'fey, who was visible via a holocomm link to the Ralroost.

"Negative, Your Highness. Glider of Decimation was coming after us to provide support, but they took a lot of hits. And if that third Yuuzhan Vong cruiser analogue shows up, we might have a slugfest on our hands - with less ship cover than we had at Dubrillion," the Bothan admiral warned, frowning a bit.

"Then we do what we can until the last ships are away. I'm assuming the noncombatants are loading up?" Luke asked Elegos.

"Indeed. Even a day's chance to stretch their legs and get some non-recycled air has helped spirits. As Colonel Darklighter noted, there have been some complaints, but the refugees mostly understand the situation. They are as eager to keep moving as we are," the Caamasi Senator said, nodding.

"Then I'll turn ground operations over to Colonel Bril'nilim. We'll be in touch as the time to takeoff approaches. Kre'fey out," the admiral said. His holoimage vanished, and Bril'nilim looked around as he changed the holo-image again.

This time, it was chilling - rows of reptoids, guided by Yuuzhan Vong in suits of armor, some kind of giant beetle-like thing behind them. Bril'nilim's lekku twitched as he said, "This was taken three standard hours ago - we're estimating at least 10,000 troops."

"Against a million?" one of the Nagai snorted, but Bey's dour glance silenced him.

"If the refugees were a million military personnel, I'd be inclined to agree. But the majority of the civilians on the ground here are just that - ordinary people, a mix of all walks of life, with children among them. Factor in that most of these people are scared, upset, hungry, and just lost their homes, facing mostly-unknown, ruthless enemies, and you're not talking about psychological superiority," Bril'nilim replied without anger.

Luke felt a chill run down his spine again, until Mara brushed his mind with reassurance. We're going to get through this, she assured him, and Luke echoed her sentiment.

He looked at his nephews and niece, and at Han's grandson Raynal, who'd slipped into the meeting with Lando after the latter had finished a meeting with the evacuation pilots. We have to - for the future, Luke agreed, thinking of Rey and Kylo back on Yavin, as well.

"So we need to basically smack down these attackers, get about a million people loaded onto ships and jump out of here," Han said, with his usual succintness. Leia glanced at him as he shrugged and added, "Just cutting to the chase."

"Assuming the Ralroost isn't surprised, and that there isn't another interdictor-class Vong cruiser popping in," Gavin pointed out. He glanced at Luke and asked, smiling thinly, "Don't suppose you have a Force feeling, Master Skywalker - or a former Rogue's intuitive glint?"

Luke chuckled a bit and clapped Gavin on the shoulder, not missing how much the younger man looked like Biggs. "All we can do is our best, Gavin. If I get any hints, you'll be the first I let know," he promised.

"It's appreciated. If you and the other Jedi - and Captain Solo - would remain here for a few moments after the meeting?" Gavin asked, and Luke nodded while Bril'nilim dismissed most of the others.

"This is what we discussed earlier - the possibility that Yuuzhan Vong might be slipping infiltrators into the camp?" Luke asked, remembering Yomin Carr and the disturbing living disguise worn by the Yuuzhan Vong advance agent on Belkadan.

Bril'nilim nodded, as Gavin replied, "I know you can't sense Yuuzhan Vong through the Force. But as we both know, not sensing something doesn't mean it's not there - pardon my bad grammar."

"Perhaps 'the absence of something can also indicate its presence' would be a better term, Colonel?" Threepio tried to interject. Most of the remaining people in the tent glowered or glanced at him, and the protocol droid sighed, "I should have remained on Agamar."

"Threepio, you've been a big help. A translator is just what we've needed with some of the refugees," Mother said, the sincerity of her praise both warming and surprising Luke a bit until he remembered that Threepio had worked with her closely.

"Thank you, Lady Amidala," the protocol droid replied, a little heartened, while attention returned to Gavin.

"So basically, you want us to use the Force to look for where the Force isn't, and investigate," Mara said, while Gavin gave her a grateful look.

"It'd be a huge help. I know we're talking about a lot of people to sort through, but if even one infiltrator gets in ..." Gavin trailed off, shuddering visibly at the end.

"Likewise, we could use Force-sensitive sentries on the front line to help with the pickets," Bril'nilim asked.

"Mara, you're trained in counterinsurgency - could you, Leia, and Danni sift through the refugees, maybe take some Noghri with you as backup?" Luke asked.

"And Nagai, if Bey's people are up for it," Mara asked, as Bey nodded.

"Jacen, Anakin, you're with me on the front lines - no heroics. Stay close, pay attention to what the colonel tells you," Luke ordered, giving Leia a reassuring glance as she caught herself before she could protest at her sons' reassignment.

"Yessir," both boys - young men, Luke reminded himself, noticing Jacen's gravity and Anakin's sharp focus - replied. Neither of them were treating this like a game, and it was both a welcome and sobering change in their personalities.

Growing up too fast, Luke thought, sighing inwardly as he turned to Betsy and Kyp. To them, he said, "Kyp's already volunteered to help coordinate the refugee pilots with the Rogues and the other NRDF forces from the Ralroost. Betsy, where do you think you'd be best suited?"

"I've been talking with Danni, and I think I might have a way to help disrupt the Yuuzhan Vong's control over their slaves - at best. At worst ... I've fought in some rather ugly situations when I was with the X-Men. If this turns into the slog we fear it might, I'd rather be in the thick of it, taking the weight of the fighting off of those who are ... shall we say, less experienced?" Betsy offered.

She doesn't want Jacen and Anakin to suffer the emotional toll this kind of fighting takes on a person, Luke thought gratefully as he nodded at the purple-haired telepathic Jedi.

"It's appreciated. I'll let you coordinate with Colonel Bril'nilim," Luke said, nodding as the Twi'lek male shook Betsy's hand.

"Any kind of jamming is something I'd appreciate. What did you have in mind?" Bril'nilim asked.

"Well, my telepathy is independent of my Force sensitivity. Assuming the Vong and their slaves have minds even remotely similar to most organics from this galaxy, I might be able to cloud their senses, jam telepathic communication, and so on," Betsy offered.

She turned grim as she added, "And if worst comes to worst ... I've killed before, telepathically."

Luke winced, as did Mara and Kyp, while the Solo children tried to hide their shock. That kind of mind-to-mind attack ... it'd be similar to what Jedi suffer when we feel someone die, Luke thought.

Bril'nilim became more serious, then nodded. "Let's hope it doesn't get that bad - but options are a positive. Let's go, people!" he said, and the remaining fighters scattered to their duty stations.

Luke lingered a moment, his hand brushing Mara's, and she said, "Stay alive, Farmboy. I don't want to have to explain to the kids how their father got killed by drone reptoids on a backwater planet."

"Not a chance, love. Be careful," Luke said, giving Mara a quick kiss as she, Leia, and Danni headed off with Bolphur, Leia's Noghri bodyguard, and a small knot of Nagai after Leia said farewell to her children.

"They'll be fine, kid. I'm gonna help Lando coordinate the evac - you three, be careful," Han insisted to his children, clasping his sons' wrists and squeezing Jaina's shoulder before motioning Chewie and Raynal after him. The Solo children gave Luke their farewells, also, and Betsy headed off with Anakin and Jacen while Kyp and Jaina joined Gavin and the other pilots. HK-47, who'd been waiting outside the tent, followed Betsy and the boys, a disturbingly large Merr-Sonn rifle in his hands.

That left Luke with his mother, the droids, and Elegos. "The evacuation plan's proceeding - we've done all we can down here. Where can we help?" Mother asked.

"Shouldn't you be on a shuttle?" Luke asked, protectiveness filling him even as he remembered seeing the holo Artoo had taken at Geonosis - his mother knew how to fight.

For that matter, the very Leia-esque look Mother gave Luke told him she wasn't going anywhere. "I'm only about a month out of stasis, Luke. Physically and mentally, I'm still 27, and I'm not going to let other people fight in my stead. Remind Ahsoka and I to tell you about the time we fought Aurra Sing on Alderaan when I had a blaster injury to my shoulder," Mother pointed out.

"Free-dweeep," Artoo chirped, and Mother patted his dome. Luke nodded, knowing he couldn't very well ask her to stay out of the fighting, and he looked at Elegos as his Caamasi friend smiled.

"If Lady Amidala - ah, Padme' - would allow me, I'd be happy to fight by her side. Admittedly, as a pacifist, I find this whole affair disturbing - but the greater sin would be in not helping protect those who are defenseless. Pacifism does not mean denying self-defense," the Caamasi said.

"I'd be honored, Elegos, thank you. Maybe we can use your shuttle's cannons to provide cover fire ... Luke, mind if we take Artoo and Threepio with us?" Mother asked.

"I can't think of any better place for them right now than with you. Be careful?" Luke asked, hugging his mother. She smiled, waving the droids after her and Elegos, and Luke headed after his nephews and Betsy.

The roar of priming starship engines could be heard in the distance, mingled with the sounds of cocking blasters and the scent of disturbed soil and ion wash. If the rain had been snow, Luke might've been reminded of Hoth.

Let's just hope this evacuation goes better than that one did, he thought, sighing. I'm not sure an ion cannon would be much good here ...

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

Despite knowing what she was - or wasn't - looking for, Danni still felt inadequate as she walked through the thinning encampment. Opening herself to the Force to look for Yuuzhan Vong hiding in the crowd meant she had to deal with the overwhelming emotional impact - fear, grief, resignation, anger, and so much else ...

How do better-trained Jedi do it? she wondered - then, she did a double-take, as a flash of pain, but dulled, came from a nearby tent.

A desire to respect people's privacy warred with her instincts, and Danni risked sticking her head inside the flap as she asked, "Hello? Is someone in -"

She shuddered, seeing three grey-skinned faces with false flesh hanging behind them like hoods, an odd absurdity to the clothes they were wearing over what had to be masquers. At their feet, three dead humans lay, and Danni leapt backward as one of the Yuuzhan Vong infiltrators slashed at her with claws.

No time to be civil ...

ExGal, by its nature, wasn't an organization given to training its members in advanced combat techniques. But neither did people who often lived on the edge of the galaxy fail to take combat training. Danni snapped off a blaster round, taking the first Yuuzhan Vong in the eye and dropping him.

To her relief, a purple-bladed lightsaber swung down, catching the second Vong on the shoulder and drawing a snarl of pain from him. A short, dark, snarling shape leapt past Danni, while Her Highness pulled Danni to safety and fired at the second Vong, dropping him.

"Good catch," Her Highness said - then, the older woman winced, while Master Jade-Skywalker's purple lightsaber illuminated the source of a deep cry and a sudden absence in the Force.

"Bolphur ..." Her Highness said, kneeling beside the slain Noghri while a knife hilt protruded from the third Vong infiltrator. Danni felt her grief, and also a measure of wariness - Noghri were among the deadliest, best-trained warrior species in their galaxy. If a Yuuzhan Vong could kill a Noghri so easily ...

"They're not going to find us that easy, Danni," Master Jade-Skywalker said, and Danni nodded silently.

"You're right. Let's find Baron-Administrator Calrissian and warn the rest of the camp patrols," Danni said, somehow able to find strength in the older women's confidence as Her Highness stood with a grim expression.

"Good attitude," Her Highness said, somehow able to suppress her grief. Danni envied her, and kept pace with them.

She wasn't entirely sure she was comfortable with who she was becoming, but she intended to live long enough to deal with it.

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

"Rogue Eleven reporting in," Jaina called, keeping pace with the rest of Rogue Squadron as they started to engage skips over the advancing Vong and reptoid forces. It was unsettling, the sense of muted life from below - but Jaina focused on the enemies she could deal with at the moment.

She did a barrel roll, snap-turning to vape her first skip of the conflict, listening to the chatter among the less-experienced refugee pilots.

"- didn't even see him turn!"

"Must be that freaky gravity drive - AAH -"

"STAY FOCUSED! These things aren't like snubs from our galaxy! Remember the briefing!"

At least someone's paying attention, Jaina thought grimly, shielding herself as the Force started to flicker behind her with something like the popping of flies that got too close to a campfire.

The ground assault had started, and she couldn't split her focus, even worried as she was for her family.

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

Jacen felt Jaina withdraw within herself, and wished her luck - the Force wasn't giving him many answers here. The dulled minds of the reptoids suggested they, at least, were within the energy field, but he felt chilled at their similarities to the humans who'd been implanted with coral on Belkadan.

"Remember, this is just a holding action. We'll be giving ground, but that's the plan," Uncle Luke reminded him, and Jacen and Anakin nodded as the enemy line advanced.

"Lady Braddock? Any idea what the situation's like?" Anakin asked. Betsy concentrated, while HK-47 took aim beside her, and the sounds of advance blaster fire started to split the night.

"There's definitely a central control web ... the walker behind them, the insect-thing. If we can take that out ..." Betsy suggested, and Uncle Luke commed a Lambda-class shuttle hovering over the scene.

"We'll give it our best, Master Skywalker," Senator A'Kla commed back, and turbolaser blasts filled the night - only to seemingly be devoured by something over the giant beetle-like creature at the rear of the enemy lines.

"Bloody hell. Dovin basals. Well ... if this doesn't work, it's been fun. HK, cover me!" Betsy said, charging forward, her purple lightsaber in her right hand and a purple energy blade of telepathic energy in her left.

Jacen watched in horror as the purple-haired woman plunged into the fray, HK-47 cackling maniacally as he blasted at the reptoids. But by then it was too late.

The enemy was upon them, and it was all Jacen, Anakin, and Uncle Luke could do to hold the line.

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

She knew she was walking a dangerous edge toward the dark path, but Betsy had been here before.

Admittedly, not in these exact circumstances ... but then, overwhelming odds, too few allies, and the lives of hundreds of thousands at stake? Yes, I've fought this fight before, she thought, slashing with her parallel blades as she fought her way through the reptoids.

What her lightsaber didn't cut physically, her psionic katana shredded telepathically. In this state, at least, Betsy was able to keep the sense of dying minds at bay, given that her telepathic focus was on her weapon. Her receptive telepathy was shut down, while her Force senses were open but balanced.

She had been an assassin for the Hand during her time in Kwannon's body; and later, a wielder of the Crimson Dawn shadow energy, augmenting her ninja training. Even restored to her original, British body as she was now, Betsy was still familiar with the dark call of battle.

It's nothing to do with what form I wear. This is skill ... and against enslaved foes such as these, not much skill is needed, she thought sadly, regretting the deaths of the reptoids. The analogy of lights winking out was apt, she thought.

And that weight was weighing on her, as much as she'd feared it would on Jacen and Anakin. Her Force sense was similar enough to her telepathy that the growing void gnawed at her ... and at her self-control.

The hot red fire of combat stoked within Betsy, but she tamped it down with the blue wash of the emotions of those she was fighting for, and her own self-control, as she focused on her primary target. Whatever the beetle-thing was, it was the center of a nexus of telepathic threads - clearly, the control center for the Yuuzhan Vong army.

Of course, it wouldn't be that easy. The reptoids had thinned out, and Yuuzhan Vong warriors started to rush toward Betsy, shouting battle cries in their eerie language.

Then the first of them went flying back as an orange energy burst the size of the average adult human head slammed into him.

Betsy glanced back over her shoulder, unable to repress a savage smile as HK-47 strode forward. "Statement: You Yuuzhan Vong dislike technology, I'm told," the assassin droid spat, taking aim with his ridiculously-oversized rifle.

"Declarative statement: Well, technology doesn't like YOU, either!"

The Vong scattered, throwing their strange bugs, as HK-47 opened up with strafing blaster fire and another deranged cackle. That left Betsy to concentrate on the beetle-thing, her psi-katana vanishing as she refocused her telepathy.

The creature drew closer, its mandibles clacking, but Betsy closed her eyes and gathered her strength - this wasn't going to be so much difficult as it would be empathically costly. The beetle-thing hadn't asked to be made a weapon, any more than the reptoids had.

But if we have a chance, it's in disrupting their control over the reptoids ...

A purple butterfly of telepathic energy appeared over Betsy's head, and she concentrated her trademark psycho-blast on the beetle-thing's mind - then fired.

It was the equivalent of a Death Star firing at a planet. The creature's mind imploded, its telepathic death-cry shaking the local astral plane, and Betsy dropped to her knees beneath the weight of the void before she shielded herself.

Surprise, rage, and confusion were the next things the telepath felt, as the reptoids gave loud cries, and Betsy looked over her shoulder with exhaustion and renewed sadness. It worked, she realized, thanking HK-47 as he helped her stand.

"Query: Are you functioning fully, Mistress Elizabeth?" HK-47 asked.

"I guess you'd term it a system overload, HK. Best analogy would be an - input surge," Betsy said, smiling thinly as the reptoids turned on each other. She shivered, adding, "I think we'd best get out of here before the reptoids decide to vent their frustrations on us."

"Regretful statement: As much as I was enjoying the renewal of combat operations, we are vastly outnumbered. I'm too fond of my functionality for a dramatic last stand, and I have no wish to see you terminated," HK-47 said, with equal parts sorrow and - to Betsy's surprise - warmth.

"Thank you, HK. I think," Betsy said, leaning on the droid while she tried to shake off her exhaustion. That last telepathic bolt had taken more out of her than she'd expected, and the empathic weight of all the combat wasn't helping matters.

HK-47 chuckled, replying, "Statement: You're welcome, Mistress. For an organic, you have a delightful grasp of when combat is necessary, and your effectiveness in the field is inspiring. You are far and above other meatbags - ah, organics."

That must be the strangest back-handed complement I've received, Betsy thought, wondering just how she and her odd new ally were going to make their way through the now-crazed horde of reptoids. She could sense Luke and the Solo boys in the distance, worried for her and struggling with the out-of-control attackers, while dull voids tinged with anger approached.

Wait - I can't sense the Vong through the Force, but their minds are detectable with my telepathy! Betsy realized, concentrating. She lashed out with what little remained of her mental strength, rewarded with a grunt as the nearest Yuuzhan Vong warrior fell over, mentally stunned.

Unfortunately, Betsy's exhaustion spiked, and she mumbled, "HK, I think I've pushed too far ..."

"Declarative statement: Fear not, Mistress Elizabeth - I believe reinforcements have arrived," HK-47 said, as the KCHOWW-KCHOWW of heavy turbolasers roared overhead, and ozone and ion wash filled Betsy's nostrils.

She looked up, the outline of a Lambda-class shuttle blocking out the rainy skies, and its ramp lowered. HK-47 rushed Betsy aboard, helping her into the cockpit, and the telepath slumped into the engineering chair as she looked around the dimmed control center.

"HK-47 commed us about your situation," Senator A'Kla said, and Betsy thanked Padme' as the Naboo-born woman gave her a packet of hydrade. "Rogue Squadron is about to start their first target run - we're to head for orbit as quickly as we can."

"But the front-line troops -!" Betsy asked, worried, until Padme' looked at where Artoo and Neal were chirping excitedly, and Threepio was listening at the comm station.

"The front-line troops are about to receive support, Lady Braddock!" Threepio exclaimed.

"The Glider of Decimation has landed troops - Senator Kolot has arrived with reinforcements!"

Despite her exhaustion, Betsy grinned ferally. "Ewoks," she laughed.

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

Whatever Betsy did, it helped - sort of ...

Luke was grateful that the press of the reptoids' advance had been broken, but the chaos of the now-directionless aliens was making it practically impossible to keep the line steady.

Jacen had taken a fist to his left eye, an ugly bruise forming around it, while Anakin's exhaustion was evident. Even the strafing runs from Rogue Squadron weren't thinning the attackers much - and now, Yuuzhan Vong warriors were advancing.

Then, a familiar sensation filled the Force - intent, and a kind of hunger.

Jacen glanced at Luke through his uninjured eye, cutting down another reptoid to cover the retreat of the closest NRDF troops, and asked, "Did you feel that?"

"Yes. It almost felt like -" Luke started to say, keeping an eye on the Yuuzhan Vong.

The tallest of the alien warriors snarled a challenge, pointing his amphistaff at Luke - then roared in surprise, as something darted past, hamstringing him.

The rest of the Yuuzhan Vong line cried out, or just fell, as the night filled with the sound of a familiar horn - and a whirling bolo shot past Luke's head to tighten around another Yuuzhan Vong's throat.

Anakin looked down and around, grinning as a sea of Ewoks rushed forward, brandishing spears, blasters, bows and arrows, axes, and other weapons. "YEAH!" the boy whooped, clapping the paw of an Ewok, while Luke managed a smile.

"Yub. Master Skywalker, need to go. Yub. Camp evacuated. Can't hold Yuuzhan Vong back for long," Kolot said, catching up with Luke and his nephews as the Ewoks reinforced the evacuation of the NRDF troops.

"We're just grateful for your help, Kolot. Thank you," Luke said, shaking the Ewok's paw as the Endorian Senator grinned and ran with him.

"Yub. Not alone. Called in old friends," Kolot said, nodding as the Falcon came around, its ramp lowered.

Luke's comlink crackled, and he grinned as he heard, "Red Five, this is Red Two. Any place some grumpy old pilots can find a good fight?"

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

"Yes ... oh, yes, they certainly can," Traest Kre'fey chuckled, listening to the com-call.

His bridge crew cheered as the Ralroost suddenly was surrounded by a mix of snubfighters, who threw themselves against the Yuuzhan Vong cruiser analogue that had come around from the far side of Dantooine. Granted, the sheer number of fighters wasn't probably going to be enough to offset the cruiser's presence, but any help was appreciated.

Especially the psychological advantage of Wedge Antilles leading volunteers, the Bothan admiral thought, gratified to see the refugee ships making their jumps to lightspeed. The Yuuzhan Vong hadn't had a chance to set up an interdiction field yet, and the sheer amount of turbolaser fire pummeling the cruiser analogue from both the Ralroost and the Glider of Decimation was keeping the enemy focused on survival instead of harassing the refugees.

"You want our galaxy? You're going to pay dearly for it," Kre'fey promised, his fur rippling as he watched the Yuuzhan Vong cruiser blossom with gouts of flame. The last few New Republic vessels - including two very familiar disk-shaped freighters and a few Lambda-class shuttles - escaped Dantooine's gravity well, and the admiral gave the order.

"Gather up our fighters and get us out of here. We've done what we can," he ordered, and he leaned back in his command chair. Part of him was galled at having to run, but he was more relieved that the refugees had, by and large, escaped.

And now, it's down to the politics ... Kre'fey thought, not looking forward to his next meeting with his distant cousin Borsk Fey'lya. There was a war, now, and there was no more time for political maneuvering - a strange statement from a Bothan, Traest recognized, but then he was atypical of his species.

We live in atypical times. Let's just hope Borsk recognizes that ...

--------------------------------------------------------
Calna Muun, Capital of Agamar:
--------------------------------------------------------

We made it ...

Padme' let relief flow through her, as well as happiness, as she sat on a bench outside the capital building, waiting for Elegos, Luke, and Leia to finish talking with the Chief Speaker of Agamar's congress. Agamar had, kindly, opened its arms to the fighters on Dantooine, as well as the remaining refugees, and everyone was taking the chance to rest and relax as they tried to figure out what to do next.

"Lady Amidala?" she heard, and Padme smiled with curiosity as a young man with cropped blond hair approached her. She recognized his uniform, her eyes widening as she remembered her former security forces wearing a nearly-identical outfit decades ago during the Battle of Naboo.

"You're part of the Naboo Defense Forces," she said, standing to shake the soldier's hand.

He bowed, awe radiating from him, and said, "Kyler Ardem, M'Lady. The Queen asked me to inquire if the reports we've heard were true ... you've really returned from the dead ..."

"Just stasis, Trooper, but yes, I'm alive. I suppose I should've foreseen this ... I didn't mean to evade Naboo. I want to visit home, but I've been concerned about the political impact it could have," Padme' tried to explain.

Ardem's confusion was replaced quickly, by wide-eyed amazement - then, realization, as he saw Luke and Leia approach, and he bowed to them. "Master Skywalker, former Chief of State Organa-Solo. Kyler Ardem, Naboo Defense Forces, on special assignment to speak with Lady Amidala," the soldier said, looking from the twins to Padme' and back.

Shock, and a new level of amazement, filled the young man's face, as Leia looked at Padme' with concern. "We're not - we haven't had a chance to figure out how to address this," Leia advised.

"I know, Leia, but neither can we really let it go any longer, either," Padme' pointed out. "And if we dictate the form of the message, then we can control it."

"I think it's time we let the galaxy know that you and Luke are my children - and that I visit home."

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

to be continued ...

 

A/N: I'm finally getting close to the end of the chapters I recovered from the Wayback Machine, so probably before month's end, there'll be a time-jump. For now, however, it's still SkySolo reunions.

And, the first hint of a crackship involving Her Majesty Amidala ...

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

"What right have I to live for myself? And yet, haven't I done enough? Haven't I earned the right? Betsy, there's a place here for you."

"You have your dream, Brian. I have mine. I cannot run away. Like you, I have found my true self, my destiny. I must fight, to protect those I care for."

- Brian "Captain Britain" Braddock and Betsy "Psylocke" Braddock, making life choices,
Uncanny X-Men vol. 1, Annual 11

*************************************************
Chapter 23: 25.6 ABY: Jedi Praxeum, Yavin 4,
Gordian Reach, Outer Rim Territories:
*************************************************

The painkillers and meditation techniques had helped her splitting head a bit - but Betsy's pain was one only time could really salve.

I suppose Luke's Order still has a place for me ... but it certainly doesn't feel very Jedi, fighting like we had to back on Dantooine, the telepath reflected, waking aboard the Angel's Wing as the hyperspace reversion alarm chirped. She dressed in her Jedi robes, thanking Neal and HK-47 as the droids greeted her and Yavin 4 loomed in the forward viewscreen.

""Query: Mistress Elizabeth, you seem distressed. While I sympathize with the desire to finish what we started in fighting the Yuuzhan Vong, it does make tactical sense to retreat in the face of superior numbers and firepower ... even if my emotional circuitry rages against the idea," HK groaned.

Betsy managed a weak smile as she let Neal handle the landing - she'd still need a few more meditation sessions to really be useful. "I suppose it's the nature of the fight we faced, HK," she said, taking the main chair and half-closing her eyes. "It wasn't a very fair fight, combatting innocent slaves. And even with the Ewoks saving us at the very end, we still had to play by the Vong's rules - kill or be killed. I'm more used to honorable battle than slaughter."

She glanced up at HK, wondering if anything she said would really impact an assassin droid, but after a moment, he nodded. "Observation: Given what you've related to me of your past as a superpowered crimefighter, and thus a desire to police instead of conquer, I can at least hypothesize your viewpoint. I have to admit, I am not the most objective conversationalist on this topic. My primary function mandates avoiding a fair fight when possible," he replied.

"I gathered that," Betsy said, keeping a wry tone out of her voice; HK might "only" be a droid, but she did respect artificial life-forms.

"I just hope we can find a way to even the playing field and keep the bloodshed to a minimum, or this will be a very long war ..."

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

Rey tried not to be too jumpy - but she couldn't help it. She was about to meet all of her family for the first time - well, again.

Kylo ruffled her hair, and Rey pretended to bat his hand away as he laughed, "Relax. They'll be happy to see you. I was, right?"

"You had t'miss me. We're part of triplets," Rey teased back - and then she grinned as she watched the Millennium Falcon, two Lambda-class shuttles, and an XJ-3 X-Wing approach the Praxeum's landing pad.

They're here, they're here - ! Rey thought, waving as she sensed other Jedi's Force presences get closer - she'd been practicing with Master Tionne, and Tahiri and Valin had helped too. Tahiri was waiting with Rey and Kylo, too, and the green-eyed girl watched closely as the ships came to a landing. "He's back," Tahiri said.

"Oh, brother," Kylo groaned, and Rey elbowed him. She liked Tahiri; the older girl had been really kind to her, and they'd talked about how their desert planets were alike and different (Rey knew she'd been born on Yavin, but hardly remembered it, and even as bad as Jakku'd been, it'd been home for a while).

Plus, if Tahiri was happy Anakin was back, Rey was even happier to get to meet him, finally.

The Falcon and the other ships finished landing, the XJ-3's cockpit opening first. Rey watched a girl a few years older than Tahiri climb out of the cockpit in an orange and white flight suit, removing her helmet to shake out brown hair and look around - and Rey knew her - !

Jaina! Rey thought, giving a little wave as Jaina saw her, Kylo, and Tahiri. Jaina smiled, a little surprised but kind, too, and she walked over as the Falcon and the Lambdas lowered their ramps.

"Oh, wow - Rey! I'm so glad you're back! - hey, Kylo," Jaina said, hugging the Skywalker kids quickly before squeezing Tahiri's shoulder. "Hey, Tahiri - you waiting for my baby brother?"

"Oh, that too. And I've been helping Rey. I didn't want her and Kylo to wait alone - the Masters are in some big meeting. Master Kam asked me to ask the Masters Skywalker, your folks, Master Durron, and Lady Braddock to meet with them right away," Tahiri said, trying to sound cool but totally failing when she saw Anakin.

He walked over, waving when he saw Tahiri, who fussed over the bacta splint on his wrist. Anakin hugged her before looking at Rey with a smile, and he said, "Rey! You got big. Artoo showed me a holo of you - glad you're here."

"Thanks, Anakin - Jaina. Tahiri told me about you guys, and Dad did too, of course," Rey said, grateful her cousins were being so nice.

They don't have to be, but they are, and it helps a lot, she thought, trying not to run when her dad left the shuttle. He hugged her and Kylo, then looked over his shoulder before smiling at Rey and saying, "I know there's a lot of people for you to meet, but if you want some time ..."

"No, Dad, I'm OK," Rey almost begged - she could sense her, SO close, and it'd been so long, she wanted to see her now ...

And then, there she was - a red-haired lady wearing a sleeveless black bodysuit with a LOT of blasters, vibrodaggers, and a lightsaber, who walked down the ramp and looked at her and Kylo before beaming.

"M-Momma ..." Rey whispered.

She didn't really remember the rest - just running with Kylo, and Dad and Mom hugging them, and everything was finally all right again.

After Rey stopped crying and laughing all at the same time, she looked up at her mom, and blinked - Mom felt tired, but full of energy, too.

She nodded, ruffling the kids' hair, and smiled her half-smile. "You noticed. I'm not 100 percent, but ... I've got some help, fighting this disease. And I promise, I'm not going anywhere," Mom said, taking Rey and Kylo's hands as they sat on a bench near the ships.

"I believe you, Mom," Rey said, leaning her head on her mom's upper arm. She blinked, remembering, then said, "The other Masters - !"

"They commed us about the meeting. You matter right now, Rey. I've missed too much time with you already. Kenth and the rest can wait 10 more standard minutes," Mom said, strong and kind and awesome, and Rey hugged her again - she really was home.

Kylo smiled at them, then pointed at where their aunt and uncle left the Falcon with a Wookiee - it's really Chewbacca! - and Jacen (who felt more tired than he should, Rey noticed), and a gold 3-PO droid, and there was Artoo behind them - and Grandma Padme'.

Leia smiled, and she felt really happy and kind as she almost ran to hug Rey and Kylo. "I've been wanting to see you ever since your dad told me - welcome home," Aunt Leia said, and Rey smiled with her, before looking at Uncle Han - he had that grin, the one from all the holos she'd seen of him.

"Hey, kid. I hear you call yourself a pilot," Uncle Han said, and Rey raised an eyebrow at him.

"That sounds like a challenge. You wouldn't let me fly the Falcon yet, though, right?" Rey teased back, hugging Uncle Han - yeah, he really was as astral as she'd thought he'd be.

"Got that right, short-stuff. But we can start the lessons after we get this meeting over with - this is Chewie, but I figure you've seen holos of him," Uncle Han said, and Rey smiled up at Chewbacca as he waved at her.

He kind of growled and barked a little, but he felt really kind through the Force, and the 3-PO (Threepio, Rey reminded herself) said, "Chewbacca greets you, Mistress Rey. As do I - I am See-Threepio, human cyborg relations. It is so good to see you safely home again. Artoo has told me about you."

"It's good to meet you guys, too - hey, Artoo!" Rey called, laughing as the astromech rolled over and chirped in a friendly way to her. "Aunt Leia, do you need Threepio? I want to ask him about what's a good present to give Ewoks."

Uncle Han grinned, and he got happier, as Aunt Leia smiled. "You can borrow Threepio for as long as you need, Rey. I think your uncle will be grateful," she said, kind of teasing Uncle Han, who shrugged.

"Really, Captain Solo. I continue to fail to understand your sense of humor - but I will endeavor to assist you, Mistress Rey, in whatever way possible. My understanding of Ewok cultural practices is, as you kindly suggest, among the highest-rated in the galaxy," Threepio said.

"Before you talk her ear off, Threepio, I'd better say hi again," Jacen said, and Rey hugged him - he did feel more tired, and Kylo squinted at him.

"Did you get beat up, Jacen?" Kylo asked, standing beside Rey. Mom frowned that frown Rey remembered - the one about "Don't just speak your mind" - bu Kylo shrugged, and Rey tried not to laugh. Her brother really hadn't changed.

"Not as bad as I could've, Kylo. I'm sorry I can't talk more, but I should probably check on my animals - maybe we can chat more later," Jacen said, stepping back and Rey and Kylo greeted Grandma Padme'.

"Astral to see you, Grandma. But weren't you busy with the refugees?" Kylo asked while they walked.

"The refugees are being helped by a lot of other people. For right now, I want to spend as much time as I can with my family ... and to ask, if you and your cousins want to visit my homeworld, Naboo," Grandma Padme' said.

"Really?" Anakin asked, and Rey nodded. She'd read up a little about Naboo ever since she'd learned Grandma was alive, and it looked like a pretty place.

"As much as I hope you can go," Master Hamner called, walking in with Master Tionne and Master Kam, "I'm afraid we have to ask Lady Amidala to join our meeting as well. It directly pertains to her."

You'll get to see her later. Don't be all clingy, Rey told herself. She looked over her shoulder as a few more Jedi left one of the shuttles, and a guy with really short blond hair cut like a soldier's walked with them.

"Whoa. I saw the holo, but Luke wasn't kidding - you are back, Rey," the brown-haired guy in the Jedi robes said, shaking Rey's hand. "Master Kyp Durron. And this is Lady Betsy Braddock."

"Nice to meet you - wow. Your hair's such a neat color!" Rey blurted when she saw the purple-haired woman who walked off the shuttle with Master Durron.

Ugh, I sound like a baby, Rey groaned - Tahiri had told her about Lady Braddock, and she probably got all kinds of compliments about her hair ...

But Lady Braddock didn't tease Rey. She smiled, feeling friendly through the Force, and said in what had to be the most Core Worlds accent Rey had ever heard (just without the snottiness some Core Worlders had), "Thank you, Rey. It's good to meet you, and I'd like to talk more, later. If you'll excuse us."

"Sure - thanks," Rey said. She was nice, even if I sounded stupid, she thought, nodding as the guy with the short hair looked around, a little confused.

"Stuck without anything to do?" Kylo asked, and the soldier smiled a little, then bowed.

"Kyler Ardem, with the Naboo Defense Forces. I'm a special agent tasked to investigate Lady Amidala's resurfacing. But now that I've confirmed that she is, in fact, herself, I'm at something of a loss until she returns to Naboo," he said.

"Well, come with us to the cafeteria. I'm starving, and the least we can do is be good hosts - besides, I want to get to know my cousin better," Jaina said, and Rey and Kylo grinned with her as they walked with Ardem, Threepio, and Artoo.

"Maybe Tahiri wants to - no, she and Anakin went missing," Rey realized, surprised, while Kylo rolled his eye and Jaina laughed.

"Don't worry, they'll show up. Eventually. If there's one thing that hasn't changed, it's Little Brother being attached at the hip. But that's a good thing - Tahiri's a good kid," Jaina said. "So, Dad said you're a pilot?"

"I had some simulator programs I recovered from wrecks on Jakku. They were mostly TIEs, 'cause the Empire had more ships shot down, but I've flown a few X-Wing sims," Rey said, glad to talk about something she knew more of.

They really like me ...

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

Thank you, Luke thought, grateful for how quickly his family had accepted Rey back home. For his part, he wanted to get back to his family as quickly as possible, talk with themr more - but Kenth wouldn't have called a meeting of the senior Masters if it wasn't critical.

And it is good for Rey to refamiliarize herself with her cousins, he thought, nodding as he looked around at the gathered Jedi - Mara, Kam and Tionne, Streen, Kyle Katarn, Kyp, Cilghal, Kirana Ti, Betsy, the Rodian seer Adlusha Kloj, and by holocomm, Keyan Farlander with the New Republic Defense Force. Han and Leia also found seats, as did Mother, who felt a little embarrassed by the respect the Jedi gave her until Leia whispered something to her.

"We won't keep you long, Lady Amidala - we understand your desire to see Naboo once more, especially after the stress of Dantooine. But we've been discussing how we can assist you in dealing with the inevitable revelation of your connection to Master Skywalker and Her Highness," Tionne began.

"Thank you, Master Solusar. I agree, that revelation is coming sooner than we might think - the Naboo government know that I'm back. Trooper Ardem, who met with us on Agamar, is an official agent of the Naboo, and I've been asked to speak with Queen Kylama as soon as I can," Mother said, folding her hands on the table before her.

Kenth nodded, and said, "As a former New Republic colonel, and the Order's liasion with the NRDF, I can attest to the need to control information. While I don't doubt the Naboo will welcome you, as we do also, I'm also sure I don't need to tell you that there are groups who would see the return of ... forgive me, Vader's widow, as an opportunity to make political points."

"Agreed, Master Hamner. I've talked with Leia and Luke, and I think I have a possible solution. If we lay our cards on the table - to borrow a term from my son-in-law - and get our message out there first, we can control the information about my 'return,'" Mother said.

"We're on the same page. Excellent. The question now becomes, how do we go about this?" Kenth asked, looking from Mother to Luke, then Leia, and back to Mother.

"The most satisfactory method would be to find a news source whom we can trust to be fair. At the same time, we need to be up front - as harsh as it's going to sound, I did fail to stop Anakin from falling. I saw it happening in front of my eyes, but I couldn't bring myself to intervene. There are going to be some accusations that are fair for people to make, but I don't want my children and grandchildren to be harmed by the inevitable finger-pointing," Mother said, sad but serious.

She's so much like Leia ... Luke thought, smiling as Mara squeezed his hand. She felt stronger now that they were away from the Vong, but Luke knew Mara also wanted to be back fighting.

"But who do we know among the media that we can approach? It's not like Jedi exactly have a press department," Kyle asked.

"There is one I'd feel comfortable with ... I did some research, on the way back from Agamar," Mother said, surprising Luke only for a second. She produced a datapad from her robes, and held it up to display an image of a well-dressed Chevin male.

"Perre Needmo? That makes some sense ... I just didn't think his Katunda-morning news show got that widespread a viewership," Leia said.

"Still, it's HNE, sweetheart. Galaxy-wide reception's what you're gonna need if you want to shut down the rumor mills," Han pointed out.

"This isn't entirely without benefit to Mr. Needmo, either. Think about the ratings spike he'd get, giving an exclusive interview to the mother of Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa-Solo, who just returned from the 'dead' to help save millions of lives in the evacuation of Dubrillion in the face of a deadly foe," Keyan said, smirking a little.

"Just to be on the safe side, we asked Master Kloj to consult the Force. As you know, his farsight and precognition is exceptionally well-developed. Adlusha?" Tionne asked the Rodian Master.

Adlusha nodded respectfully to Mother and said, "Lady Amidala's assessment is correct. I foresaw no calamity from her giving Mr. Needmo an interview. Whereas if she waits to reveal her connection to Master Skywalker and Her Highness ... the sooner you act, M'Lady, the better."

The slight warning tone in the Rodian's voice made Luke's danger sense ripple, and he asked, "Adlusha ... did you see something? Some danger in my mother's future?"

Adlusha spread his hands, concern seeping from him. "Shadows, Master. I fear no matter what your mother does, she will face enemies. But the nature of the threat remains veiled, and is distant at the moment. Hence my suggestion that she takes the initiative," he said.

"Thank you, Master Kloj - all of you. I appreciate your advice, and I'll make a call to Perre Needmo in a day at the latest. Maybe he'll agree to a location shoot on Naboo ... It'd be wonderful to show you Varykino. It's an estate in the Lake Country where I spent time with Anakin on several occasions," Mother said, smiling with such happiness that Luke couldn't help but smile with her.

Still, I want her to be safe ... maybe ... Luke thought, nodding as Mara glanced curiously at him.

"Mother, I know you want to keep a low profile, and keep things simple. But ... could I ask you to at least accept a Jedi bodyguard?" Luke asked.

The look Mother gave him was arch. "The last time I had a full-time Jedi bodyguard, I ended up marrying him," she said, and Luke and Leia both blushed. "Seriously, Luke, I'll be fine."

"Humor us? Even if what Adlusha's seeing is in the distance, I just don't want to put you at risk," Leia asked, squeezing Mother's hand.

"If it'll make you feel better, then all right. But I'd like to ask that it be someone unobtrusive, who's used to working in public. That'll mean no robes, but rather, street clothes," Mother asked.

Luke and Mara exchanged a look, and said almost as one, "Zekk."

"One of Jaina and Jacen's old friends. He's skilled in urban survival, thoroughly subtle, cross-trained in a variety of weapons, and gifted in the Force," Leia told Mother, and Mother nodded.

"Well, then, I'll meet with him after I've had a chance to talk more with my grandchildren. Thank you all - Master Tionne, we'll schedule a time to talk more about the Old Jedi Order, and Jedi I worked with?" Mother asked as the meeting broke up.

Even as it did, Luke had a flicker of something through the Force - a sense like a puzzle piece had just clicked into place. Mara glanced at him again and asked through their Force-bond, What is it?

Something ... I think Zekk's meant to watch out for Mother, Luke thought, pondering the sensation. It was already fading, and he kissed Mara's cheek as they walked - it was probably nothing.

Probably.

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

to be continued ...

 

A/N: I've been going a bit slow with updating this, and I want to get out of that bad habit.

So - Solobrats, FTW. (And a bit of Betsy ....

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"I believe I speak for all of us who are new arrivals to the X-Men - we stand with you, Storm - to the end!"

- Betsy "Psylocke" Braddock, on loyalty (even when your team must reluctantly trust Dr. Doom to save a teammate's life),
Fantastic Four versus the X-Men, issue 3

**************************************************
Chapter 24: 25.6 ABY: Jedi Praxeum,
Yavin 4, Gordian Reach, Outer Rim Territories:
**************************************************

She stood atop one of the parapets, marveling at the view of Yavin 4's primary and wondering how the red light affected the moon's wildlife.

Anything to avoid dealing with the reality of the situation, Braddock? Betsy chastized herself, a wry smile crossing her lips as she sensed approaching minds. She turned, nodding as Luke and Mara joined her, and the three sat at a table someone had set up to enjoy the scenery.

"We've barely had a chance to talk about what you've discovered on Dantooine - much less your own quest to find your home," Luke said in an apologetic tone. "Thank you for helping Mara, Betsy. If there's any chance she can use this 'Phoenix' entity to fight her illness, and you can help her control it ..."

Betsy nodded, glad to see Mara's expression turn wary. "Let's take one lesson at a time, Farmboy. Unleashing a rancor to fight a mastiff isn't the best idea. And this bird is rough," Mara said, dropping her mental shields a bit to let Luke and Betsy examine her thoughts and Force-presence.

Bloody hell - I was afraid of this, Betsy thought, frowning a bit. Mara's physical state was a bit better - insofar as the Yuuzhan Vong disease's spread and severity had been held back - but her friend's stamina levels were low, while Mara's mental strength was more force of will than anything else.

Luke looked horror-struck, until Mara squeezed his hand and reinforced her shields. "It's not as bad as it looks. It's just - the Phoenix likes to rattle the cage, so to speak. Especially when I use the Force for more than basic purposes," the redhead explained.

"Like when you try Force trances to push the illness back?" Luke asked, a little relieved when Mara shook her head negatively.

"More like telekinesis, Force jumps - the active powers. Say I just want to lift a caf mug? The Phoenix wants to reshape it," Mara explained, frowning.

Luke blanched, and Betsy sent to Mara telepathically, ~Might I have a 'chat' with it?~

~Go for it,~ Mara replied, letting Betsy enter her mind. The British psi looked around - Mara's mental living space seemed to be a mix of high-class Core Worlds chic and a weapons locker, with portraits of her loved ones and friends every so often.

Sitting on the "couch," like an unwelcome houseguest, was a falcon-like bird with fiery plumage, almost too bright to gaze at. It cocked its head at Betsy and inquired, WHY RESTRAIN? ENEMIES GROW CLOSER, STRONGER. HOST NEEDS CURE.

"Can you honestly say you won't try and eat a star?" Betsy snarked, a bit frustrated - Mara's metaphor about rancors and mastiffs was fairly accurate where the Phoenix was concerned. "You have to remember that your hosts are mortal. Especially one who's physically ill. She needs time to adjust."

PFAH! I COULD CURE HER NOW, SAVE FOR YOUR CAUTION, LITTLE SHADOWMOTH, the Phoenix snorted with derision, but also more precision.

Betsy cocked an amethyst eyebrow, measuring her response carefully. She'd do no good if she angered the entity to the point of squashing her mind.

"Do you remember the problems which occured the first time you offered to help a member of the Grey family? Replacing Jean with a replica, then the replica being unable to control the powers, and that being fracturing into Madelyne and so much starfire? And the Inferno all that led to?" she advised.

The Phoenix shook out its feathers, finally nodding. POINT TAKEN. I WILL BE ... MORE JUDICIOUS IN WHAT I OFFER, it sent.

Betsy nodded, leaving Mara's mind quickly - there was little point in trying to ask further questions of a Force entity with all the power of life itself when one had what one was looking for - and opened her eyes. Mara looked a bit healthier, while Luke looked between the women and relaxed a bit.

"I've advised the Phoenix to be a better tenant. And, in the process, it unintentionally all but confirmed my theory that I've traveled back in time," Betsy explained.

The Skywalkers traded a glance, and Mara asked, "How'd you manage that last part?"

Betsy returned her friend's wry smile and said, "I can explain, but it'll take a while, if you're in for more background on my crazy adventures."

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

Tenel Ka found Jacen finishing with his animals, and he smiled at her as he finished closing one of the cages. "Sorry I didn't come to see you when we arrived. It's been ... hectic," he said, joining her in the hallway outside his quarters and sitting on a bench with her.

"Fact. Your left eye looks like an overripe plam-fruit," Tenel Ka said, trying to keep worry out of her tone and failing. Jacen just shrugged, wincing a little as he felt the still-tender flesh around his eye.

"The healing trance I did on the way back from Dantooine helped. You think this was bad, it was worse before," Jacen tried to joke. Tenel's worry cut through his bravado as he looked at her in the Force, and they held hands as she looked intently at him.

"You are hurt. And not just outwardly," Tenel said, softly, and Jacen took a deep, shuddering breath. Of all of his friends, Tenna was the one who could see through him the most clearly - which was just one of the reasons why he loved her so.

"The fighting was ... it wasn't Jedi. It wasn't noble - we just slaughtered these enslaved reptoids the Vong were using as cannon fodder. We managed to protect most of the refugees who were stuck on Dantooine; I guess we made a difference for them. But - it was just ... so pointless, all the killing," Jacen tried to explain.

He wiped at his eyes - carefully, in the case of his left one - and mumbled, "And then I went and got captured on Belkadan. The Vong tried to implant me with a slave seed ... like the people they'd enslaved there. They felt sick, muted, through the Force ... so off. And in the end, I couldn't do anything to help them, either."

Tenel's warmth through the Force helped Jacen feel a little better, and she turned his face to hers. "Listen to me, Jacen. You cannot save everyone. From everything Master Skywalker, and my parents, have taught me about being a Jedi - about anyone who stands up to assist those who cannot help themselves - even the smallest effort matters. Failure in the course of an attempt is, at least, not a failure because of a lack of effort," she said.

"Tenel ... thank you. For believing in me," Jacen said, smiling a little. His lips twisted as he added, "I don't know if I can believe in myself right now. I followed my vision, and all it got me was defeated, tortured, and beaten up."

"The Force is just one aspect of who we are, Jacen. If we cannot find the answers we need within it, then we must look elsewhere - to each other, for example," Tenel said in a gentler voice than she usually employed.

Jacen looked at her - really looked at her - and whispered, "You've always been the one who steadied me. You keep me standing when I can't find solid ground, and right now ... I don't know if I can trust myself. I can't even trust the Force, and that ... that scares me."

He shuddered at the admission; at how the idea that the one constant in his life, the energy field that was as much a sense to him as his sight or hearing, could be wrong, or incomplete.

Tenel Ka put her arm around Jacen's shoulder, and just let him lean on her.

For the moment, the nearness of the girl he loved was enough to keep the memories and the fear at bay.

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

Jaina shivered a little at the bleakness that was coming off of Jacen through the twin-bond, and she was glad Tenel was there for him. Her twin would - hopefully - reach out for Jaina in time, but the fact that he hadn't opened up to Jaina in the first place spoke volumes about how Belkadan and Dantooine had affected her brother.

The Vong are changing more than the planets they're taking, Jaina recognized, thinking over her own shifts in attitude since the war's start about a month earlier. She didn't laugh as much as she used to, and when she did, it was more often with her fellow Rogue Squadron members.

Waving a lightsaber around seems sillier when we can't even sense the Vong through the Force. 'A good blaster at your side,' indeed, Jaina thought, smiling despite her mood as she watched Rey go through a training exercise with a remote.

Her cousin was strong in the Force, no doubt about that. And the girl had picked up basic Force control in as fast a time as most people expected Skywalkers to understand. But there was a ... rawness about Rey that made Jaina try to figure out just why she was sensing that from her returned cousin.

Rey was a little brash, a little more blunt in her Force use, and Jaina wondered about the difference in their styles as her cousin chopped her way through a deflection sequence.

It's her time on Jakku - she lost what ground she gained when she was really little. I've grown up around the Force, while she's just now getting used to it again, Jaina figured.

The remote winged Rey and the girl's cry of "KARK IT!" made Jaina hide a smile. That was another difference - even as much a person of action as Jaina was, her upbringing in a noble household had left a definite impression on her. She wouldn't have been so vocal in her surprise had she been the one who'd been zapped.

Well, maybe I would be now ... I'm more prone to speaking my mind, these days. Being in the military does that to a person, especially when your superior officers don't want any excuses or spare words, Jaina recognized.

She stopped leaning on the railing around the sparring ring and walked into it, calling, "Want a few pointers?"

"Yeah, thanks. I'm trying to track the dumb remote, but I can't focus. Maybe I'm doing it wrong ... or maybe I'm thinking too much," Rey said, taking off her helmet and sighing.

"Lot on your mind too?" Jaina asked, motioning the remote to return to the storage box. "C'mon, let's take a break."

Rey looked both embarrassed and determined - oh, now that's a stubborn Skywalker face, Jaina recognized - but she shut down her training 'saber and put it on her belt, before sitting with Jaina outside the ring. "Yeah ... guess I'm just still kind of overwhelmed by stuff," the girl said, elbows on her knees and her hands on her chin as she leaned forward, thinking.

"It's been what - a couple days since you came back home? It's OK not to figure everything out yet," Jaina reassured Rey.

Rey nodded, looking a little scared all of a sudden. "It was Dantooine ... hearing about it from Threepio when he helped me find the right piece of wood to give Kettch for his new spear. You guys were in real danger," the girl said, trying to be brave but not quite hiding her fear.

Jaina put a hand on her shoulder, reminded of how Anni Capstan had tried to help her. "Threepio exaggerates a lot. And even if he wasn't, we've been doing this for a while. I won't say it was easy, but we got through it," she said.

Rey pulled free, sullen all of a sudden. Jaina flinched a little at the girl's defensiveness and hurt, hidden quickly behind a shell of defiance. "And what if you don't the next time?" the girl asked, her voice trembling a little at the end.

"Rey ..." Jaina tried to explain - but she had to admit, her cousin had a point. The Vong weren't like other enemies Jaina had fought before. And there was something else, about Rey's question ...

"This is more than just the fight, isn't it? You just found us, and now you're afraid you'll lose us again," Jaina realized.

Rey blushed, but nodded, still defensive - clearly, she wasn't used to talking about her feelings. Uncle Luke warned us she'd grown up in basically alone ... being by herself so much must've made her have to be tougher, Jaina thought.

She felt a spike of empathy for her cousin, and winced inwardly as she thought about all the times she'd been moved around. "Rey ... we're not going to go away. I mean - we're not going to leave you on purpose - gah, this isn't coming out right ..." Jaina tried to explain.

The sudden, insightful look Rey gave her made Jaina blink. It was so much like Uncle Luke's expression that it was a little eerie. "You don't want to go away, you mean," the little girl said, and Jaina nodded, smiling a little.

"We finally get you home to help balance out all the goofy boys? You bet I want to stick around. I'll show you the ropes, give you some piloting tips, and help you with the Force stuff," Jaina said, and Rey finally smiled with her.

"I'd like that. Did ... did Mom teach you?" Rey asked, awe and hope in her voice.

"She helped me with some mid-level techniques, refining my 'saber skills, that kind of stuff. She's a good teacher, but she's strict, too - which is good. You don't want to mess around with a live lightsaber, or a blaster pistol or vibroblade," Jaina pointed out.

Rey nodded, her grin warming Jaina, and the younger cousin said, "Mom's astral. She can outshoot or out-yell anyone."

"That's Mara, all right. She does get kind of ... prickly, sometimes," Jaina said, laughing while she thought.

Another thing I don't miss, being in Rogue Squadron - Mara's wit is a little too barbed. And I've felt like I fit in more, when Mom's not around ... Jaina admitted, feeling a kind of sorrow all of a sudden.

I'm not really fitting in among the Jedi anymore ...

But she was a Rogue, now. And her cousin needed her, and Jaina did want to see Naboo eventually - she didn't have to be a model Jedi or Princess Leia's daughter all the time. Maybe not even most of the time.

I wonder how Mara or Mom will take that ...

Jaina hid a little smile at the idea, then stood with Rey and helped the girl with her blast helmet. "Let's try a few 'saber velocities first. Maybe if you practice Shii-Cho first, it'll help you get a better feel for deflecting the remote's blasts," she said.

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

to be continued ...

 

A/N: Another free night, and another chance to make some progress on this ...

This one will get a bit long, due to some blending of old chapters and the attempt to get things moving. However, I'm getting closer to being done with the old (rewritten) chapters, and closer to entirely new ones ...

In the meantime - some "why robes instead of armor," some Zekk, some snarky!Jaina, some media (!?), some Resistance ... and some Nom Anor ...

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

"You got slammed pretty hard, Psylocke - !"

"Not to mention that fall!"

"Fortunate I decided to exchange my old costume for this suit of armor. It absorbed the brunt of both impacts."

- Rogue, Allison "Dazzler" Blaire, and Betsy "Psylocke" Braddock, discussing costume adaptation,
Uncanny X-Men Volume 1, issue 232

***************************************************
Chapter 25: 25.6 ABY: Jedi Praxeum, Yavin 4,
Gordian Reach, Outer Rim Territories:
***************************************************

If there was one thing Betsy disliked about being a Jedi - other than the whole "discovering Force sensitivity in an encroaching war" aspect - it was the robes.

I'm more used to free movement. Unstable molecule bodysuits move with you, unlike looser clothing, she thought, performing another lightsaber velocity against a remote. She'd shed her tunic, and wore a sport top with her pants and boots, realizing how absurd she might look with the helmet on.

But I do want to be at least somewhat traditional in my training, also. Luke's Order certainly isn't as uptight as their predecessors were, but the remote is still a useful tool ... now, focus, Braddock, Betsy reminded herself, extending her Force-sense.

It was a different feeling than her telepathy, she'd realized; her psi-talent created a world rather like a detailed infrared scan when she closed her eyes, others' emotional and conceptual activity standing out like blazes of color. But telepathy stopped, or flowed through, inanimate matter. The Force latched onto and flowed through all matter in this galaxy - only rolling up against the Yuuzhan Vong like they were dams holding back a tide.

Betsy let the Force flow through her, deflecting sting-bolts for a few moments until she sensed approaching minds. She lifted the helmet's blast shield, shut down her lightsaber, and waved the remote aside, nodding as Kylo and Rey arrived, each in orange Jedi initiate coveralls.

"Lady Braddock? We just wanted to say thanks for helping our family get back from Dantooine," Kylo said, as he and Rey extended their hands to Betsy.

She shook their hands, smiling as Rey looked at her with widening eyes before blushing a bit. "Sorry, ma'am. I'm just wondering ...?" the girl trailed off, clearly too embarrassed to ask whatever question was driving her to fight a case of the fidgets.

Betsy held back a laugh - she'd sensed Rey's excited curiosity without even actively scanning the girl's mind (which would've been both an ethical lapse and an unnecessary exertion of Betsy's telepathy). "Yes, it's really purple, Rey. I dyed it years ago, and then ... I ran into some people who ... changed me. And after I ... regained my first body, the hair stayed purple," Betsy explained, being careful not to get too much into the darker details of her backstory.

No reason to traumatize two 8-year-olds with explaining the Hand, or Matsu'o Tsurayaba, or getting killed by Vargas and recorporealized, she figured.

Kylo blinked, then blurted, "But Jacen said you told him you died and got put back in your first body by some super-strong Force guy, right?"

Blast and curse loud-mouthed teenagers - ! No, that's not fair. I did share my past with Jacen and Jaina's age group, and I shouldn't be surprised I'm a gossip topic among the students, given my bizarre arrival here, Betsy mused as she shut down the remote and donned her tunic.

She gestured for the children to sit with her on a bench, and thought as she spoke. "Well, Jacen is fairly correct. The body which my mind was swapped into was slain by a swordsman named Vargas. He was afraid one of my teammates would kill him, and he was trying to send a message to my friends - 'stay away.' However, that 'super-strong Force guy' you mentioned, named Franklin Richards, caught my astral form before I went too far," Betsy explained.

Both Skywalker children's eyes were the size of saucers, and Rey whispered, "He gave you your old body back? From - from thin air?"

Betsy smiled at Rey, delighted at the girl's radiated awe washing away Betsy's take-it-for-granted view of the X-Men's seeming inability to stay dead. "Well, Franklin is very powerful. He's about Tahiri's age - or he was, when I vanished from my world and landed on Sernpidal," Betsy reflected.

Rey nodded, her eyes still wide, while Kylo asked, "Mom told me you're helping her fight her disease. Thanks. Will ... will she be OK?"

"I believe so, Kylo. I can't promise - I'm not a medical doctor, but I know something of the Phoenix entity which is inside your mother's mind. It's very powerful - but even without the Phoenix Force, I'm sure that Mara Jade-Skywalker will defeat this wretched illness," Betsy said, smiling at the kids.

Rey cheered, and Kylo brightened, as both children took Betsy's hands and pulled her after them. "Come to lunch, please? We want t'hear about your world and your friends! And how you recognized Momma!" Rey pleaded.

"Well, recognized is a bit much, but your mother does look like a dear friend of mine ... and I am famished ... " Betsy said with a laugh, going with the flow.

It's like afternoon tea at Jean and Scott's with all their children bouncing around, she reflected, letting herself enjoy the moment.

-----------------------------------------
Hangar Level:
-----------------------------------------

If anyone had asked Zekk of Ennth what he really thought about Yavin 4, he would've made sure to speak his mind well out of earshot of his Jedi teachers.

The fact was, he'd become a city boy a long time ago. Having escaped his volatile homeworld at a young age - and losing his parents - had taught Zekk to become adept at survival as he'd moved across the galaxy before finally settling on Coruscant for most of his formative years.

All that travel had made the young Force-user decide that he rather liked the relative predictability of the climate of Core World ecumenopoli. Sure, Coruscant was more dangerous the lower you went, but so was Nar Shaddaa. One usually knew what the weather was going to be on such worlds - Coruscant's winters rarely became more than chilly, except at the polar regions, while the summers were warm but not horrendously hot.

Yavin 4, on the other hand, was perennially moist. Almost worse than the highsummer stickiness of humidity clinging to ones' Jedi robes (and Zekk was eternally grateful to Master Skywalker for not mandating such garb except during high ceremonies), was the cold wetness of what passed for winter on the jungle moon. Granted, Yavin shone with life in the Force, but unlike duracrete and plasteel, life was messy and wet and complicated.

Probably why I've never understood Jacen's menagerie, Zekk thought, bringing his XJ-3 in from his latest mission. As one of the most senior apprentices, and one used to working alone in covert ops, he'd been asked by the Masters Solusar to double-check little-known hyperspace routes into and out of the Gordian Reach in case Yavin had to be evacuated in a hurry.

The very fact that Kam and Tionne Solusar, of all beings, were making emergency evacuation preparations had driven home the urgency of the new threat sweeping across the Outer Rim and toward the Core. The Yuuzhan Vong sounded like a threat specifically created by a vindictive universe to target the Jedi - Force-resistant pain addicts with a violent streak who thought nothing of enslaving innocents.

He flinched involuntarily at the memory of how much like a flitgnat Vilas had seemed to him, during their final duel aboard the Shadow Academy ...

No, even without the Force, I think I have too much of an idea of the Yuuzhan Vong to be comfortable, Zekk admitted, letting the maintenance crew work on his ship while he went to get cleaned up and changed into fresh clothes. By the time he felt presentable again - using Force-trances to get by on extended hyperspace mapping duties worked for extending field viability, but an X-Wing wasn't known for its refreshers - he'd checked the ultra-high-priority message he'd received from Master Skywalker.

Zekk,

I'm sorry to ask you to take on another assignment so soon after your work triple-checking the hyperspace routes through the Reach. I, and the other Masters, are very grateful for all your hard work, especially on an assignment that while producing useful data, may ultimately be unnecessary, the Master had opened his request with.

Zekk hoped Master Skywalker was right; if Yavin was hit by the Yuuzhan Vong, it could be disastrous, and having a variety of hyperspace routes for a quick escape was just part of what the Order would need to survive being hunted. They needed boltholes, reliable supply sources, trustworthy contacts ...

OK, now I'm thinking too much like the street kid I was. But make some notes just in case, Zekk reminded himself, turning back to his datapad as he walked to Master Skywalker's office.

However, as the coding on this message indicates, we need you for a very critical - and, to be honest, personal - duty. My family's recent trip to Polis Massa uncovered the truth about the fate of my mother, Padme' Amidala of Naboo. She's alive, and she's getting ready to speak to the galactic media about her relationship with my father - therefore, she'll need a bodyguard. Given your wide array of skills, we'd like to ask you to protect her. Please report to my office once you've had a chance to rest from your mapping mission, the message read.

Zekk raised an eyebrow - he was happy for Jaina and her family to find former Senator Amidala alive, but he wasn't sure how well he and the Senator would get along. She's got to be in her 70s, at least, right? Probably won't think much of a street kid with a lightsaber ...

He shook the self-pity back, frowning at himself. He was almost a Jedi Knight, he had turned aside from being the Darkest Knight, and he was being asked to help protect the mother of two of the galaxy's greatest heroes. He'd do his duty.

"Oh! Master Zekk - it is good to see you. Master Luke and Mistresses Leia, Padme', and Jaina are waiting for you in the main office," Threepio greeted, and Zekk made sure to shake the protocol droid's hand. For all his foibles, Threepio always tried to make Zekk feel like he was welcome, and that meant a lot to a kid from downside Coruscant.

"Thanks, Threepio. How've you been, by the way?" Zekk asked, waiting for the Noghri at the door to finish scanning him - clearly, they weren't taking any chances with the lives of "Lady Vader" and her relatives, even if Zekk was practically family.

"Oh, very busy. But well, thank you for asking. I have had many more opportunities to pursue my primary function, especially with translating for refugees on Dantooine and Agamar," Threepio all but gushed. Zekk didn't mind - if there was one thing Threepio was excellent for, besides making sure one didn't eat centerpieces by accident, it was catching up on gossip.

"Clean, except for the lightsaber," the Noghri said, and Zekk thanked the reptoid as the door hissed open to Master Skywalker's office.

"We'll have to talk more later, Threepio. Take care of yourself," Zekk told the droid, and stepped into Master Skywalker's office, bowing at the waist to show proper respect.

The mood in the room was somewhat tense, but it quickly grew welcoming, and Zekk returned Master Skywalker's smile as the older man stood to shake his hand. "Welcome back. And thanks for arriving so quickly. I know you've probably been looking to stretch your legs after a week cramped up in a cockpit," he said.

"I'll recover, Master, but thanks. Your Highness - Jaina," Zekk said, bowing to Leia (whom, even with her kindness, still made him feel a little out of place, although not on purpose), then returning Jaina's hug.

It was friendly, though, instead of the closeness they'd once had, and she felt different through the Force - more haunted, with more strength but hard-won. Real combat does that to a person, Zekk realized, looking down at brown eyes that were warm, but not in the same manner as they'd been.

"You've had the harder tasks," Zekk asked without asking, and Jaina gave him that patented Solo "whatever" smirk.

"Military life. Earned corporal at Dantooine. Before you know it, I'll be bossing around a whole flight wing. I'm glad you're OK - now, let me introduce you to my grandmother," Jaina said, with a speed that would've been brusque had it not been for the warmth in her voice and Force-presence.

No, she's definitely not the girl whom you served as her first crush, Zekk recognized with a bit of sorrow. They'd still go to the wall for each other, but the somewhat happy-go-lucky, smart-mouthed, deadly-behind-a-joystick girl he'd goofed around with on Coruscant - who'd brought him back from that ugly, molten-lava, idiot-killing place he'd been just a handful of years earlier - had grown up.

He was smart enough not to point fingers at who had likely been a cause of the severity of Jaina's changes. Zekk respected Master Jade-Skywalker, but the woman still unsettled him - it was an unfortunate, rather bigoted gut reaction, he recognized, left over from his lingering resentment at the Second Imperium. Mara was no longer an Emperor's Hand, but she had been Imperial, and her teaching style had made Jaina edgier, more blade-like. That, atop the crucible of combat with Rogue Squadron, had transformed Han Solo's daughter into someone closer to a light-side granddaughter of Darth Vader.

And I'm not sure I can follow her if she's going to walk that path, Zekk admitted, focusing as the room's other occupant turned from a holo of what looked like plains and shaaks.

And Zekk's expectations went up in an explosion not dissimilar to that of an incinerated TIE fighter.

The woman wasn't 70 - she wasn't even 40. Kark, she looked only a few years older than Jaina.

But the brown eyes were unmistakably like Her Highness's, and the smile reminded Zekk of Leia and Jaina both, with some hints of similar features in Jacen, Anakin, and Master Skywalker's faces.

Stasis - must've been stasis, you idiot, PAY ATTENTION AND DO NOT DROP YOUR JAW -

"M'Lady - Padawan Zekk of Ennth, at your service," Zekk said, bowing respectfully and making himself look at Padme' Amidala-Skywalker fully for the first time.

She was wearing a fairly plain burgundy dress, sleeveless as a concession to the Yavin heat but not strapless, with very practical boots visible at the edge of her garb. Her brown hair was pulled back in a functional ponytail, and a blaster pistol hung at her side.

Her smile, though, was the most lethal weapon, and Zekk knew exactly where Jaina had gotten her ability to disarm him. "Padawan. I've heard glowing reports about you - please, call me Padme'. And may I call you Zekk?" she asked.

"Yes, M' - ah, Padme.' I ... I apologize if I'm a bit ... awed. Your contribution to your family's features is evident," Zekk admitted - one of the better ways to save face, he'd found, was to be honest.

Padme' smiled, and Zekk felt another dangerous stab somewhere in the center of his chest. "Polis Massan stasis technology is among the most superb in the galaxy. I'm looking forward to working with you - perhaps we can discuss our itinerary in the library?" she asked.

"M'Lady, I'd be honored," Zekk said, falling in beside his new charge. He excused himself, noticing a sudden spike of odd emotions from Jaina, and felt both guilty and horribly embarrassed for a moment.

I ... I can get through this. I'm just guarding Jaina's grandmother's body - that is -

Zekk took a deep breath, keeping up with Padme' - whom he was finding easier and easier to call Padme' instead of "M'Lady" - and tried to focus on the task at hand. He was 18, after all, and almost a Jedi Knight - not some hot-blooded teenage street kid anymore.

Even if I have to draw on all my skills to protect the mother of my Jedi Master ... yeah. No pressure ...

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

Jaina had to fight a sudden, unsettling surge of - jealousy?! Zekk's like my brother, for stang's sake! she reminded herself.

She was even more annoyed at the flicker of amusement which snuck out from behind her mother's mental shields, and Jaina waited until the door closed behind Zekk and Grandma to look at Mom. "I really wish you'd stop radiating 'I know what you're thinking' vibes," she asked Mother.

Mother did the whole annoying "raise-the-eyebrow" thing and smiled a little - kind of kind, kind of "I know what's best for you," and Jaina called on the Force to reduce her sudden seething. "I just ... Zekk's a nice young man, and -" Mother started.

"And we're at war, and I don't have time for dating. Although, quite frankly, that's not a concern of yours," Jaina insisted, cutting THIS old discussion off at the roots - no, this was getting really out of hand, really fast, although she knew SHE was making it worse by growling so much.

There'd been a dam of duty and timing and necessity that'd held back her resentment toward her mother, and it was about to break, and Jaina hated that.

Mother looked surprised, but Jaina had had quite enough - she glanced at Uncle Luke, who just smiled a little and raised his hands. "I think this is probably not my place to be butting in," he said, and Jaina appreciated his wisdom.

Or maybe just common sense. Mother-daughter spats are no place for menfolk, Jaina thought archly, standing and putting her hands on her hips as she raised an eyebrow at her mother.

"Jaina ... I just want you to think of your future," Mother continued, and Jaina bit the inside of her lip - as if she hadn't been thinking about her future?

The dam cracked a little bit more, even as Jaina let her arms hang at her sides - she didn't want to rip Mom's head off, after all.

"I'm sorry I was so - nasty. I know you care, and you've been incredibly busy with important things. But so have I, and worrying about boys when we've got an undeclared galactic invasion to turn back at the same time that TWO-FACED Borsk doesn't send the whole NRDF, because he's playing political games to save his shaggy behind for another election cycle ... I'm just not looking to 'talk about my feelings,' OK?" Jaina blurted, blushing as she darted out.

She ignored Threepio, fighting back tears - Mom did care, but what good would girl talk do against the kriffing VONG, when they wanted to die and kill - ?

"WHOA. Where's the hull breach?" she heard, and Jaina winced as she stopped at an intersection of corridors, seeing Mara approach. "You look like you're about to rip the head off a gundark, and you feel like someone killed your wingman."

Jaina had been able to keep from shredding her mother - Mom, why don't I THINK of her more as Mom? she thought - but her self-control was frayed.

"Just - BACK OFF! NOW! I am so SICK of you and your 'mission first, ice-cold,' Imperial death-in-black-synth-leather STYLE! I let it infect me, and I can't even have a normal or semi-normal conversation with my REAL MOM, because I ran off to the military and all I can think about is how nobody sees the overgrown homicidal FORCE-BLANK PSYCHOS COMING TO KILL ALL OF US!!!" Jaina -well, screamed.

Did I just rant at my aunt, the ex-Emperor's Hand? she realized, wiping her eyes and gulping back sobs as she shook.

She blushed, ashamed and scared and angry, as she looked at Mara - who, Jaina realized with a sinking feeling, looked pale.

"M-Mara - I didn't - I ..." Jaina whispered, afraid for Mara as her aunt sat on a bench.

Clearly, Mara had been affected - Jaina hoped she wasn't having another attack - and the redhead managed to say, "You've been under an incredible amount of stress, so I'm not going to say the first thing on my mind. You've listed a few issues there, some of which are legitimate, some of which are - from a certain point of view."

The steel-hard tone in Mara's tone made Jaina ashamed, but worse was the flicker of hurt in her aunt's eyes - if Mara had been so affected ...

Jaina tried to speak, but the brief flash of pain in Mara's face vanished, replaced by a frightening, warning glare."I think we both need some time to ourselves to think about what we're going to say next, don't you?" she asked without really asking.

"... no," Jaina was barely able to say, shaking her head - she'd thrown down the gauntlet, after all.

She had to take responsibility.

She forced herself to look at Mara, who looked like she was about to say something awful, but Jaina just said, "I can't do this - I can't keep lashing out like this, because it's going to start with words and then it'll get physical and then I'll - end up Vader's granddaughter."

"I hope you and Rey are happy together again, Mara. I really do. I'm sorry I was such a rotten apprentice and a worse niece ... I'm leaving for Centax."

It was almost like someone else was making her move, but Jaina knew she didn't dare stop - so, she unhooked her lightsaber, dropped it, and walked away.

She blocked Jacen and Anakin's worried Force-calls, shielded against her mom, and gave Mara one more look - her aunt seemed OK physically.

But the confused, stunned expression on Mara's face was almost more chilling than any fears about the Yuuzhan Vong disease.

I'm sorry. But if I stay, I'm going to end up in a terrible place, and I WON'T hurt any of you like that, Jaina thought, hoping it was explanation enough.

She commed her astromech, keeping her voice tight and her target locked as she said, "Get the X-Wing ready. We leave NOW."

---------------------------------------------------
Galactic City, Coruscant, Core Worlds:
---------------------------------------------------

Jorm Alvic had come up through the post-Imperial media scene with a lot of hard work, a bit of luck, and trusting his gut instinct - all that, and befriending a Chevin who had the strongest moral sense of any reporter in the modern era.

Whether Perre Needmo came from a family of slavers whose deeds he felt he had to atone for, or he was just legitimately disgusted with the injustices in the galaxy, the Chevin really cared about making a difference in the galaxy. The fact that he was willing to work within the system to do just that sometimes hampered his efforts, but nobody could point digits and say that Perre was a hypocrite.

So, when Perre approached his human Coruscant U. media classmate about approaching HNE with the idea for an investigative series, Jorm had jumped on the chance. It'd taken a lot of hard work, sometimes risky - the galaxy had only been at peace for six years, and there were still brush wars in a hundred different corners, not to mention the return of the Mandalorians. But during the last decade, the Perre Needmo Newshour had earned a remarkable array of awards, and more importantly, a reputation for fairness and truth.

With all of that in mind, Jorm - now the assistant producer on the Newshour, and more importantly, the sentient whom Perre trusted to gauge the sincerity and legitimacy of interview offers - had been wary about the cryptic com message he'd found on his answering machine. The timing was suspicious enough, what with the newsfeed reporters running like scared nuna to follow up on the fallout of what was being called "the emergent invasion by mysterious extragalactic invaders."

Uine wants us to do interviews with refugees from Dubrillion and Dantooine, get a feel for the average sentient's angle on things. Which we want to do ... but if this other offer is right, we could have a key lead story ... if it's right, Jorm thought, waiting outside the cantina where his contact had asked him to meet.

His instincts were screaming that this was a set-up. The contact was too highly-ranked in the NRDF to be unaware of the risks in talking with the media, and his fairly unique situation put the contact in a politically precarious situation in light of the current conflict between the NRDF and the Chief of State's office.

But Jorm couldn't risk blowing this off ... especially if it led to scooping the sludgefeeds with what his contact had described as "potentially a history-making story."

Jorm's wrist-chrono ticked over; it was 17:00 hours. He walked in, letting his vision adjust to the dimmer light and his nose deal with the stench of t'bac and "legal" spice; Janson's Folly wasn't much different from other cantinas, in those regards.

Except that it was a pilot's bar. Sometimes frequented by some very big names, galactically speaking.

Such as, say, Keyan Farlander, commanding officer of the NRDF cruiser Mon Adapyne, and part-time Jedi Knight ...

Jorm found Farlander - now with greying brown hair, wearing a simple jacket over what looked like the shirt and pants of an NRDF officer's uniform - sitting in a booth near the back of the room. The emitter dish of a lightsaber was visible just beneath the edge of Farlander's jacket, and he nodded as Jorm sat across the booth from him.

"General. An honor - and something of a surprise. I'd have thought that the NRDF would be ... ah, discouraged from speaking with the media, even to share a message, given the current situation," Jorm asked, choosing his words carefully.

Farlander just smiled for a moment. It was a friendly enough smile, but with a hint of a dangerous edge that Jorm suspected had heralded the death of more than one TIE pilot.

After a sip of his beverage, he said, his Rimborn Agamarian accent cut through with Core Worlds inflections from years spent among the higher-ups of the NRDF, "That depends on whether you're talking with the NRDF's press office ... or to an officer who won't damn well be told with whom he can spend his free time. Line generals like me don't have as many political games to play, although there are some tunes even we have to dance to. But this is just an old snub jockey doing a favor for a friend."

He slid a datapad across the table, and added, his voice growing intent, "I wasn't joking when I told you this was a potentially history-making interview, Mr. Alvic. The details are on there."

Jorm started scrolling through the message and images on the datapad, raising an eyebrow at what looked like images from the Clone Wars. "This stuff was heavily censored by COMPNOR - and COMPOR before them. Are these clone troopers? This looks like battlefield footage, unedited battlefield footage," he said, growing more excited.

This alone could be enormous - the historians always jump on untampered historical holos from the Clone Wars!

Farlander smiled again, but shrugged, also. "My friends will be donating copies of this to Obroa-Skai and other historical archive sites. But it's the source of the material that's important - that, and who owned that source. This was just uncovered within the last month, in connection with, ah ... some rumors going around about a prominent member of the Naboo," the general said.

Jorm's heart stuck in his throat as he put the connection together, and he locked eyes with Farlander. "Are you saying ... this has to do with ...?" he whispered, glancing around without moving his head.

Farlander became more serious - so focused that Jorm felt a bit of a chill - and said, almost in a whisper, "The same source that - or rather, who - was storing that footage also revealed the survival of said member of the Naboo. Some very high-ranking friends of mine in the Order took a trip to the remote Outer Rim, and found the lady in question, alive."

"She wants to speak to someone in the media who can help cushion the blow of what she needs to reveal about galactic history."

Jorm's eyes darted back to the datapad's screen, and he scrolled down past a series of what looked like chronologically-ordered battles and other scenes, to a much more recent holo:

A brown-haired human woman, about his age, walking along a path in front of arguably the most famous temple complex in the galaxy, with Luke and Mara Skywalker, Han and Leia Solo following close behind.

The woman's resemblance to Master Skywalker and Her Highness almost knocked the breath out of Jorm's lungs, and suddenly, a lot of things started to make a great deal more sense.

Below that, a few simple lines had been scrawled in near-flawless penmanship - the kind taught in Core Worlds finishing schools.

Mr. Alvic:

I've asked General Farlander to approach you and Mr. Needmo because of your reputation, and your journalistic standards. As you've likely heard by now, Padme' Amidala, the former Senator of Naboo who was believed slain at the end of the Clone Wars, has resurfaced, alive.

We know why she was in stasis. We also know that the details behind her situation will be politically tricky for some to deal with. And we also are dealing with the fallout from those details.

Without putting too fine a point on it ... some of the details are key to the why behind the fall of the old Jedi Order. Those details are uncomfortable for some of us.

Nevertheless, as you and Mr. Needmo have continued to champion, the truth is critical. Sometimes that truth hurts. But if it's hidden, it can be used as a weapon by those who seek to manipulate and dominate society. Lady Amidala is, rightfully, opposed to that kind of manipulation, and wants the truth to be told.

Below is a proprietary comm-code key to contact Lady Amidala and arrange an interview. She's agreed to accept a location of your choice, and is open to answering any questions Mr. Needmo might pose. I give you my word, this is neither a trick, nor an attempt to win political points - we're committed to the truth being shared with all.

All we ask is a fair hearing in the court of public opinion. And we believe Mr. Needmo is the most trustworthy sentient to give us that hearing. We await your contact.

Respectfully,

Leia Organa-Solo, Princess-in-Exile of Alderaan

Jorm deactivated the datapad, unable to speak for a few seconds. The first thing he was able to ask Farlander was, "Can I keep this?"

Farlander nodded, smiling kindly now. "My response was about the same when I heard the nitty-gritty," he said.

That's putting it mildly ... Jorm thought, connecting dots - if the Princess of Alderaan was approaching him and Perre about this ...

He looked at Farlander again, a hundred questions jumping around in his mind - but Jorm could only say, "I'll have to talk to Perre. Immediately. But - ah - speaking for myself, I'd have to say hells, YES, we're interested."

---------------------------------------------------
Jedi Praxeum, Yavin 4,
Gordian Reach, Outer Rim Territories:
---------------------------------------------------

There'd been a flurry of comm-messages to set up the impromptu reunion, and Jaina's sudden, shocking departure to deal with - Gavin had reported she'd made it back to Centax physically unharmed, although he was still worried about her fitness to fly and her sudden wariness in conversations.

But Dantooine had reminded Luke that life was too short not to reconnect with friends, and Mara and Leia had told him in no uncertain terms that Jaina needed time - of course, Luke had wanted to help his niece, but Mara had quietly but firmly advised him that "you mean well, Farmboy, but she needs to sort things out before we can talk with her again, so just back off now that we know she's back at the NRDF safely, okay?"

And there were Kylo and Rey to talk with and comfort, and a hundred other administrative details, and students ... so yeah, Luke needed to relax.

"Kiro! Dani!" he greeted, hugging his old friends from the Rebellion days and walking with them from the landing pad toward the "Rebels' Reunion" he and Plif had helped organize.

"So am I - we owe you real thanks, Luke. There's someone we want you to meet - someone we'd like to ask you about teaching," Dani said, waving toward their Lambda-class shuttle. Luke nodded, surprised and joyful for his friends as a girl about Valin's age with blonde hair, reddish skin, and gill slits on either side of her neck caught up with Dani and Kiro.

"DaKira, right? It's nice to meet you," Luke said, shaking the girl's hand.

"Thanks, Master Skywalker. Like Mom said, I'd like to learn to be a Jedi. I don't need a rebreather helmet like Dad, but I do need to dunk myself every so often," DaKira said, walking with the adults and looking around the clearing with wide magenta eyes.

"Well, Yavin's got plenty of water. And we can adapt students' living quarters to their needs. As you can see, we have quite a wide array of species who are training to be Jedi," Luke said, trying not to sound too proud as he looked at his gathered students, family members, and guests. True, it was inspiring - but pride wasn't a good thing for a Jedi to have too much of.

Especially when we're not all of the same mind ... he considered, taking a quick assessment of the different groups scattered between the buffet tables and the main temple. Kyp, Octa Ramis, and some of the other, younger Jedi were standing apart, only occasionally talking with guests - not out of rudeness, but with a degree of discomfort.

Luke sighed, suspecting he knew the reason for that discomfort. At least some of Kyp's supporters must see this as an attempt to pressure them with the message that we need to work with the New Republic government, he thought, his mood improving a bit when he saw Plif telepathically chatting amicably with Padme', Jar-Jar, Garm Bel Iblis, Elegos, Lando, Leia, Han, and Bey.

Leia was the first to hug Dani and Kiro, sharing her friends' smiles, but Lando, Han, Bey, and Plif quickly greeted the couple also. "Ah, I see someone beat me to the punch - welcome back, Dani. It's wonderful to see you so alive again," Lando said, ever suave as he kissed Dani's hand.

"Thanks, Lando. And congratulations on the wedding," Dani said, waving in greeting to Tendra Risant-Calrissian as she walked over with Mara, Chewie, Jacen, Betsy, Anakin, Tahiri, Rey, Kylo, Artoo, and Threepio.

"Thank you - Kiro! You lucky sea-dog!" Lando said, not missing a beat while Luke, Leia, and Mara exchanged knowing smiles.

"Hi. I'm Rey," Rey greeted DaKira, who smiled and started to speak with the younger generation of Skywalkers and Tahiri - then, just as quickly, Valin, Sannah, Kettch, Seff, and several other of the older apprentices approached, and the young people headed off in their own knot.

"Probably didn't want to listen to us cranky old people remember the good old days. It is good to see you again, both of you," Bey said, a kind of worried expression crossing his face as he clasped Dani's hands gently.

She relaxed, both wistful and accepting through the Force, and said, "Bey, I don't blame you for what Knife - or Den Siva - did. It took me a long while, but I've faced my demons from the Nagai war. And you've always been a friend. I can honestly say that I can hold a civil conversation with Nagai. And admittedly, it took a long time to get to that point."

She's not haunted, at least, Luke thought gratefully, nodding as Han's grandson Raynal - who'd been hanging back at the edge of the party with his co-pilot, Drellis Thul, somewhat uncomfortably - started forward and greeted the new arrivals. Not being Force-sensitive or directly part of the Rebellion-era crowd, neither youth had been entirely sure they should attend, until Han and Leia had suggested that they could.

Besides, Drellis does have a relative here, too, Luke thought, smiling as he saw an animated Raynar greet Drellis with an enthusiastic handshake. The other Thul's smile grew, and within moments, the cousins were talking by themselves ... leaving a rather nonplussed Raynal to stand beside Han, trying to get a point in edgewise.

Perhaps predictably, it was Threepio who said, "Pardon me, Captain Solo, but I believe Master Raynal has a question."

"What? Oh - sorry, kid. We get talking about old counter-Imp runs, we keep right on going," Han said, and Raynal's effort to keep from shooting back with a retort was visible even without the Force.

Finally, the young man said, "I wanted to tell you, I got a message from Mom and Dad. They're coming in, with Aunt Lieda."

Well, THIS should be interesting, Luke thought, watching Han's amused expression become positively joyful - or as close to it as Han got. Leia, for her part, was happy, but also thoughtful, while Garm Bel Iblis was thinking deeply.

"An Organa, a Mothma, and a Bel Iblis, all in one place. How long has it been, Your Highness?" Garm asked Leia, who smiled as another Lambda-class shuttle came in.

"Too long, Garm. Too long indeed," Leia said, looking at Mother, who looked so wistful that Luke put a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"I'm fine, Luke. Just remembering another party ... one where Bail and Mon were there, helping your father and I greet the junior Senator from Roon. We were trying to put the brakes on the war effort ... listen to me, I must be boring everyone," Mother said, a little embarrassed again.

She still feels out of time - displaced. She shouldn't have to ... she should get to go to Naboo soon. Hopefully, that'll help her set some of her ghosts to rest, Luke thought, shaking his head as Mother looked at him.

"You never have to feel like you're boring me, Mom. We're here for you, whenever you need us," Luke assured Mother, and she hugged him, before turning to where the new arrivals were approaching.

Still, Mother's wistfulness grew as she saw the newcomers - a red-haired woman in her 30s who could've passed as Mon Mothma in her prime, and a tall, dark-haired man with a fine moustache who evoked a burst of sorrow and happy memories from Leia, with how much he looked like Bail Organa. On his arm was a woman wearing a pilot's jumpsuit, her face a feminine echo of Han's.

"Oh! Let me introduce - Lieda Mothma, and Their Highnesses, Prince Nial Organa and Princess Danielle Kieran-Organa," Threepio said, taking obvious pleasure in being able to do his duty a a protocol droid.

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

It'd been more than a year since Leia had seen Danielle, but at least she'd been prepared to greet her stepdaughter - the two had gotten along well when they'd met on Endor, and every so often when they'd reunite on New Alderaan.

But seeing Niall again ... he always looked so much like Father, Leia thought, calling on all of her political and Force training to keep tears from her eyes as she hugged her cousin and thought of her adoptive father, Bail Organa.

"You don't get away so quickly, cousin - let me greet Lieda, then you owe me an explanation for why we don't see you very often?" Leia only half-demanded of Niall as she turned to hug Lieda Mothma.

"Well, given the circumstances of my parentage - and the continued mercenaries of the Empire - I felt as that the other surviving heir to House Organa, I had a responsibility to keep out of the line of fire," Niall said, that annoyingly embarrassed smile of his returning as he clapped Raynal on the back once the boy walked over to him. Niall's expression became warm, and he said, "That, and raising my son. Of whom I'm very proud."

"Daaaad," Raynal said, blushing as his voice took on a very familiar tone - that of the universally embarrassed teenage male. It was one Leia had come to recognize frequently with her own boys, but she could detect the note of gratitude and affection beneath the complaint.

She returned Lieda's hug and said, "Thanks again for all your help with the evacuation assistance. You did an amazing job - Mon would be proud."

"Thank you, Leia. I wish she could've seen this moment ..." Lieda said, her expression filling with awe as she watched Mother approach. Mother looked amazed, also, then sad, but also smiled as she took Lieda's hands in hers.

"The resemblance ... Lieda, I'm very glad to meet you. I'm sorry about your mother and brother - Mon was one of my closest friends, and I'm more grateful than I can possibly say for all she did for my family," Mother said, her sincerity obvious as her voice caught a little.

Leia had to wipe a tear from her eye, as Lieda took a deep breath and managed a smile. "Lady Amidala ... thank you. Mother spoke of you often, of your kindness and your efforts for freedom. It's an honor - I've been privileged to work with your family, and to meet you is wonderful," the younger woman said.

"Please - like I've been telling everyone, call me Padme'. If you'll excuse me - I want to talk more soon, though, I promise," Mother said, and she and Lieda hugged quickly as Mother turned to Niall.

The expression Mother gave Niall, however, was bemused, and Leia raised an eyebrow at Niall's embarrassment. "M'Lady. You look as magnificent as ever," he said, bowing.

"And you've grown up well, Your Highness. My thanks to you and your family for sheltering Leia. And my congratulations on your family," Mother said, innocently enough.

She smiled a little teasingly, and added, "I should apologize for that energy ball Dorme' pelted you with."

Leia groaned, turning on a now bright-red Niall with an accusatory stare. "Tell me you didn't pester Mother's handmaidens! Sithspawn, Niall, I knew you had a troublemaking streak, but I didn't know it went back to the Clone Wars!" she demanded.

Luke looked confused, while Mara smirked and said, "As a courtier in the Imperial Court, His Highness was quite the playboy. But that was when he was an adult. I hadn't heard he was a naughty kid, too."

"I ... ah, was a page for Uncle Bail shortly before the Siege of Coruscant, and I may have accidentally stumbled into the guest quarters for the Naboo delegation in the Alderaanian embassy ..." Niall said, while Leia covered her face with her hand.

"'Agog with awe,' I remember Sabe' describing you as. I thought you were very sweet. Dorme' was embarrassed that she thought you were a Seperatist assassin," Mother said, covering her mouth with her hand to hide a smile.

"Heh. That's Niall," Danielle said, both teasing and kindly. To Leia, she said, "He's grown up, really - he's a good father, and an excellent partner, both in business and otherwise. Even if he is a little paranoid."

Leia relaxed a bit and hugged both Niall and Danielle. "I can understand. You wanted to protect your wife and son from the Imperial sympathizer of the week," she said, the old guilt flickering within her as she remembered all the times her children had been kidnapped, or nearly so.

"Well, that ... and, as you point out, the various angry ex-girlfriends, or their relatives, whom I upset over the years. Until I met Danielle, I was rather ... indiscriminate in my affairs," Niall said, running his hand through his hair.

"Ugh. Do we have to go over this?" Raynal pleaded, and Han chuckled as he hugged Danielle and shook Niall's hand.

"We'll spare the details. But ... there is something else I need to speak of - Master Skywalker, I've not told you the entire truth of my past, and that needs to change quickly, with the Yuuzhan Vong threat," Nial said, executing a perfect formal bow to Luke.

Leia caught Han's look of surprise and shrugged - she couldn't think of anything specific that Niall could've done to offend the Naboo, given how young he'd been during Mother's time as either Naboo's Queen or Senator. He was born in 31 BBY, after all ...

Something about that date made Leia concentrate, and she gasped as she asked, "Niall - this doesn't have to do with Aunt Tia's -?"

Niall became very grim, and nodded, while Mara's eyebrows rose. "The Vandron-Organa Scandal. Oh ..." the former Emperor's Hand said. "Gossips across the galaxy would kill to hear this."

"Indeed they would, Master Jade-Skywalker. To explain - my mother Tia Organa, sister of Leia's foster father Bail Organa, was pledged in marriage to a member of House Vandron, one of the leading noble houses of the Senex-Juvex Sectors in the southern Mid Rim. The marriage was a political arrangement; the Great Houses of the Senex-Juvex are run by slavers, some of the most ghastly in the galaxy, and they sought business deals and legitimacy in the Core by marrying into House Organa," Nial began, crossing his hands behind his back.

He blushed a bit as he added, "However, Mother had a secret affair ... with Halagad Ventor, who was under the Organas' fosterage and sought comfort after a horrific tragedy involving my grandparents. When my existence became known, Father was unable to handle the truth, and left ... to join the Jedi Order."

"THE Halagad Ventor!?" Tionne gasped, walking forward with Kam. "But he was - forgive me - captured and tormented by Vader ... and allowed to escape."

Niall nodded, while Raynal looked shocked and Luke sighed. "Halagad was eventually redeemed by members of the Rebellion. Niall ... I'm sorry you never had a chance to know him," he said, while Danielle squeezed Niall's hand.

"Thank you, Master Skywalker. Fate isn't always as kind as we wish it would be," Niall said, managing a smile. "Your kindness is appreciated, but I don't mean to dig up the past for the sake of salving old wounds. Instead, I have an unorthodox request - if somewhat in keeping with Father's story."

Realization swept over Luke as he glanced at Raynal, who'd turned bright red. "Dad ... I'm too old. And I don't even need -" the teen started to say.

"You need to be protected," Niall interrupted, less with anger and more with paternal determination. "And to learn all the skills you can to protect yourself."

Raynal sighed, while Mara and Luke traded an amused glance and Leia sensed her stepgrandson/first cousin once-removed flicker with the Force.

Luke nodded, clearing his throat as he said, "I won't make anyone join the Order, Niall. Raynal - of course you're welcome, but it has to be up to you."

Raynal scratched the back of his head before looking at his mother, who tilted her head and gave him a supportive look. Finally, the youth gave a purely Solo-esque smile and said, "Y'really think you can get this Force stuff through my thick head - 'Uncle' Luke?"

"He's done a pretty good job with the dummy, here, Raynal," Tahiri quipped, ruffling Anakin's hair while he yelped. "Give it a shot."

Raynal nodded, and Luke returned the youth's smile as Raynal said, "OK, then - Master Skywalker."

"Welcome to Yavin, Raynal. I'm sure you'll do fine here, and we'll do our best to help you," Luke promised, shaking the boy's hand.

Now only if we can get Jaina to call us, Leia thought, grateful to the Force that something was going right. For a moment, at least, even with the threat of the Yuuzhan Vong hanging over their heads, things were going right for them all.

Leia just hoped it would last a bit longer before the next crisis.

-----------------------------------------------------------
Oovo 4 Penal Asteroid, Outer Rim:
-----------------------------------------------------------

It was never well-lit in her cell, but Aurra Sing was used to that.

Nothing to give the prisoners much hope, she thought, more grateful that the life support was in good condition. Sometimes it wasn't, and the guards tended to be rough in transferring prisoners to the temporary cells.

She'd been stuck back on Oovo after her spectacular failure at the Jedi Temple's ruins, decades earlier, to kill Jax Pavan. The fall of the Empire hadn't commuted Aurra's sentence, nor had the death of the Dark Woman (a fact shoved in Aurra's face via a com from Vader himself) dulled her hatred for Jedi.

Hell, Vader's brat restarted the Order. The father was petty; the son, a moron, the chalk-skinned woman thought, disgust crossing her face.

That was when the door started to ... hiss.

Stang! Aurra thought, wishing not for the first time that the ysalamiri in the walls would have a spontaneous heart attack or something. Her biocomputer remained in her skull - the government hadn't been so cruel as to have it removed - but her Force powers were denied her by the Myrkr-born creatures.

Something like a welding arc sliced a hole in the door, and it fell outward - and Aurra blinked, surprised as she recognized a red-bladed lightsaber in the gloom.

That's not mine ... she thought, nevertheless leaving the cell as a dark-cloaked figure holding the weapon deactivated it and handed it to her.

"Those guards who could be bribed, have been; the others are ... incapacitated. I need a proven Jedi-killer for a sensitive mission," the figure said, his accent strange as he led Aurra down the hall toward the elevator to the small spaceport on the asteroid's surface.

"Well, leaving this rathole is a good start. I might even do this for free," Aurra chuckled, entering the elevator with her rescuer.

Two things troubled her - not enough to complain, or threaten the strange male. First, his accent was odd; he'd pronounced Jedi as if it were Jeedai.

And secondly ... he wasn't registering on her biocomputer.

Force-shielding? A replica droid? Aurra wondered, keeping a close watch on the male. She smiled as the Force returned to her, and she followed the male toward a waiting ship.

He threw his hood back, revealing a black-haired, middle-aged human ... but his skin seemed odd, as if it didn't quite fit. He looked uncomfortable, too, as they approached the ship, and said, "Your target won't actually be a Jedi, but she is being guarded by Skywalker's followers. And killing her will draw down his wrath, I warn you."

"Eh. I survived the old Order. Skywalker Junior's band of punks don't scare me," Aurra said, boarding the shuttle with her rescuer. "Who's the mark? And who are you?"

"The target is one who escaped you years ago - Padme' Amidala," the human said, taking the controls.

"And I ... I'm Pedric Cuf."

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

to be continued ...

 

A/N: At LAST, the end of the old chapters ... Thanks to everyone who's read this this far, both old and new readers - it's appreciated.

I'll try to keep updates coming as fast as possible, but RL is going to be busy these next few weeks. That said, I'm hopeful I should be able to keep things rolling on a semi-regular basis.

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

"I'm generating light on just the right frequency to fog any photographs and scramble any TV picture of us -- but what about the people who see our faces?"

"A variation on your theme - I'm telepathically 'scrambling' their perceptions of us so they'll remember their ideal image of a super hero, rather than the real thing."

- Alison "Dazzler" Blaire and Betsy "Psylocke" Braddock, on (ethically dubious?) ways to hide one's secret identity when not wearing a mask,
Uncanny X-Men Volume 1, issue 218

*********************************
Chapter 26: 25.6 ABY:
Offices of Perre Needmo Newshour,
HNE Corporate Headquarters, Coruscant:
*********************************

"Wait - wait, you want us to do a location broadcast?" Horst Uine - a rather small, rodent-faced bureaucrat of a human, and the chief producer of the Newshour - wheezed at the weekly planning meeting.

Perre's snout twitched in good humor, and the middle-aged Chevin anchorman chuckled as he replied, "Come now, Horst. You know our best work is done in the field. And the planet in question is a beautiful world out in the Mid Rim. If you're worried about danger - to us or the equipment - it's in the complete other direction than the invasion corridor."

"It's not the expenditure, Perre. You're worth every centicred, you know that - but I'm talking about the topic. I mean, seriously, Alvic, so what if some Senator from the Clone Wars turns up alive? We know Amidala's death was suspicious, sure, but she was known to use decoys. She's a Cresh-list mention at best," Uine said, turning to his assistant producer with a disapproving frown.

Jorm Alvic took a deep breath; he'd practiced his pitch several times, and run it past Perre before the meeting. "First, Princess Leia Organa-Solo contacted us about interviewing ex-Senator Amidala, Horst. Second, there's a ton of scuttlebutt going around Naboo about giving Amidala a huge welcome back party - I mean, planetary holiday size, shutting down the starports, Queen Kylama presenting Amidala with the key to Theed, BIG stuff. Third, look at this holo my source passed along from Yavin," he said, giving Uine a datapad.

Uine examined the holo, raising an eyebrow, and finally nodded. "OK, so she looks a lot like Skywalker and the Princess ... wait a minute ..." he said, looking up at Alvic with growing surprise.

Alvic nodded, smiling a little. "You see it too. The resemblance - between Amidala and the Princess, especially - is unmistakable. And fourth, the person who passed that on to me is a member of the Jedi Order. You know how infrequently they talk to the public ... or go behind the New Republic press apparatus," he said.

Uine finally nodded. "OK, so Amidala's big news. Organa-Solo's no small-time politico, though, even if she's out of the COS office ... what's in this for her?" he probed.

Jorm and Perre exchanged a subtle glance, and Jorm said, "Scroll through that datapad some more."

Uine looked doubtful, but did as Jorm advised. The producer read through the note from Leia Organa-Solo, his eyes growing wider, and he looked over the device at Perre. "Backstory behind the fall of the old Jedi Order ...?" he said, sounding stunned.

"The very fact that Vader's daughter was willing to set up this meeting, especially about a topic that she's publicly said time and again pains her - and understandably so - speaks volumes as to its authenticity and importance, Horst. I'm telling you, if we let this drop, we're going to both do a disservice to journalism, and insult some very powerful people, who lose nothing by going to another news outlet," Perre said, sincerity in each of his words.

Uine pulled a handkerchief from his shirt pocket and dabbed his forehead. "OK, so we're agreed this is legit and worth our time. But you still think Naboo's a good place for the interview?" he asked, as the meeting broke.

"One of the first lessons of real journalism, Horst - go where the story is," Perre chuckled amicably.

"Besides, who wants to miss a party this big?"

-------------------------------------------
Theed, Naboo, Mid Rim:
-------------------------------------------

I didn't think it'd be this hard ...

Padme' tried to keep tears from her eyes as the Lambda-class shuttle she, Zekk, Jar-Jar, Kyler Ardem, and Rey - now officially Rey Skywalker, confirmed as alive and legally in Luke and Mara's custody once more - were aboard came in for a landing at the Theed starport, followed by most of the rest of the family in the Millennium Falcon.

"Vine Tiger, this is Theed landing control. The Royal Court welcomes you home, Lady Amidala," she heard, and Padme' was unable to keep from smiling as Zekk brought the shuttle to a full stop. He smiled respectfully at her from the pilot's seat, and bowed his head as she rose from the co-pilot's seat.

"Zekk, please - there might be a few pleasantries we have to observe, but I'm not a politician or a queen anymore. I'm just going to visit some family, show Rey and the other grandchildren around, and catch up," Padme' said, looking in the crew compartment. "Rey, are you ready?"

"Sure, Grandma - ah, Padme' - uhm ... which do you prefer?" Rey asked, finishing smoothing out her Jedi robes. The girl had been hanging around Padme' more, once she'd had a chance to spend time with Mara and Luke. But now that Rey was wearing actual Jedi robes, she looked distinctly uncomfortable, and Padme' didn't blame her. The dress Padme' was wearing was more a recognition of the rank of the approaching welcoming committee than personal preference.

Stylish, I like. Overly formal, I had enough of after I stopped being Queen, Padme' thought as she helped her granddaughter adjust the collar of the Jedi overrobe Rey was wearing. Jar-Jar and Ardem were already prepared, the Gungan in recreated finery of his species, and Ardem in full dress uniform of the Naboo Defense Forces.

"If you're more comfortable calling me Padme', that's fine. Grandma's not bad at all, though," Padme' said, sharing Rey's quick grin. "I think you're going to like it here - we all need the vacation, after Dantooine."

It was bad enough from Elegos' shuttle, and I can see the toll the fighting took on Jacen, Anakin, and Luke ... just as bad as it was for Ani during the Clone Wars, Padme' remembered, as Rey thought intently for a moment.

"Yeah, everyone feels so ... gloomy. Like an afternoon on Jakku, standing out in the clouds and the static electricity. Naboo feels different than Yavin does - more like a stream. Kylo, Tahiri, Valin, Sannah, Kettch and I went to this one creek on Yavin where there were fish that were a dozen different colors!" Rey said, her youthful exuberance raising Padme's spirits.

The girl blushed, then, but Padme' put a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Don't feel like you have to act too grown-up yet, Rey. There's proper etiquette - which I'm sure you'll pick up quickly - and then there's Jedi ... composure. Trust me, the latter is a little too uptight - just be yourself, follow my lead, and you'll be fine," she assured Rey.

"Thanks, Grandma," Rey said, as the ramp lowered. Her blue eyes widened a little, and Padme' followed her granddaughter's gaze as the girl added, "Jar-Jar, you didn't say we'd have this big a welcoming committee ..."

"Uh - meesa not expectin' this-a many people either, Rey. Oh! Dis-sa must bein' the Queen. Yousa Majesty!" Jar-Jar said, leading the way down the ramp.

There were rows of Naboo and Gungan soldiers in full dress uniforms, flanking the shuttle now, while a sight that was both familiar and heart-tugging greeted Padme' when she followed Jar-Jar off the shuttle. The current Queen of Naboo, a girl named Kylama, stood near the nose of the Vine Tiger, flanked by five handmaidens and a mix of guards, high-ranking government officials, and some "average" citizens.

I really shouldn't be surprised. I even told Ardem that I'd be happy to speak with the Queen ... I just hadn't expected it to be so soon, Padme' figured, waiting until Jar-Jar finished bowing to the Queen (who, while surprised at his survival, greeted him with respect due a former Senator), then waved a hand back toward the group leaving the shuttle.

The rest of the family who'd been able to take time to visit Naboo - including Luke, Mara, Han, Leia, Kylo, Jacen, Anakin, Chewbacca, Artoo, and Threepio - had already disembarked from the Falcon, and caught up with Padme's group. The royal court rippled with surprise at the sight of the "Heroes of Yavin" (Padme' had found Luke's embarrassment at that title amusing), but it was a positive reaction, not negative.

"Too bad Jaina couldn't come, but Rogue Squadron was assigned to patrol work out by Agamar," Zekk said softly in Padme's ear.

I'm not sure Jaina would have come along anyhow - at least not in the mood Leia told me about before we left Yavin, Padme' thought, worried. She'd had her share of disagreements with her family at times, to be sure, but they'd always stayed in touch; Jaina's replies during the approximate week since her return to Rogue Squadron had been terse and almost rudely abrupt.

Padme' focused on the present - she'd have to sit down with Leia and Jaina once everyone was all together again in the same place. Right now, I have to greet the current Queen of Naboo ...

She stepped forward, as did Luke, Mara, Leia, and Han, and the five of them bowed to Queen Kylama - not all at once, but close together. "Your Majesty. My apologies for not returning to Naboo sooner, but I've been ... acclimating myself to the change in the times. The restored Jedi Order have been assisting me in that matter," Padme' said, grateful for the Queen's friendly smile - in fact, the entire court was genuinely pleased to see her.

"Completely understandable, Lady Amidala - and welcome, Masters Skywalker, Your Highness, and Captain Solo, and your extended family. Your visit is a wonderful surprise," Kylama said, not quite able to hide her awe and respect as she nodded to Padme's children, in-laws and grandchildren.

"Indeed, M'Lady - forgive my interruption, Your Majesty," said a man who almost made Padme' gasp - he was a spitting image of Gregor Typho, and Padme' remembered from reading up on her homeworld's post-Clone-Wars history that this was Gorthan Typho, the current Senator. He bowed to Padme', and added, "M'Lady. My family remembers your service, and your kindness. Please allow me to welcome you home - and the Heroes of Yavin to visit Naboo."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, Senator. We've been honored to get to know Lady Amidala ... and the truth behind how she survived the end of the Clone Wars," Luke said, glancing at Padme' for permission - they'd worked out in advance how this would go.

We can't avoid the truth for long, and it's better to face it now - especially if -

"Leia?! Forgive me, Your Majesty -" Padme' heard a voice call, and she tried not to gasp as a 50-something woman with still-brown hair stepped forward from the court to hug Leia, then look at Padme' with growing surprise and hope.

"Pooja ... there's something we didn't know. You and I are first cousins," Leia said, while Padme' tried to equate the adult Pooja Naberrie with the little girl who'd called her "Aunt Padme'" all those years ago.

Another ripple of surprise - this one, a bit chillier - swept the room, and Padme' stepped forward as Pooja's eyes widened. "Aunt ... you and Anakin ...?" the former Senator of the Chommell Sector whispered, finally hugging Padme'.

"It WAS him, wasn't it?!" another woman's voice - older - snapped like a whip, and Padme' released Pooja as her niece looked behind her. Another brown-haired woman, a bit older than Pooja and with similar facial features stood there - Ryoo, Padme' recognized her other niece, who beamed before glancing with embarrassment and sorrow at a yet-older woman in a dark dress.

Recognition swept over Padme' again, and her hands shot to her mouth as she breathed, "Sola ..."

Sola Naberrie - now in her 70s, part of Padme's brain calculated - nodded, unshed tears and a surprising aura of anger visible in her expression. "That man ... curse me for ever trying to pair you with him ... but you're alive ..." Padme's older sister said, sobbing a little at the end as they hugged, then stepped back to look at each other.

"I'm so sorry - I just - the galaxy changed, and there's so much - and the rest of the family -" Padme' tried to explain, as Sola took a deep breath and tried to smile.

"I guessed. Hard to miss those Skywalker eyes, and that hair - or your nose - in the face of the man who helped bring down Palpatine," Sola said, releasing Padme' for a moment to walk over to Luke. He started to smile, but Sola's sudden scowl - which only grew deeper when she looked at Mara - held him back from hugging his aunt.

Sola took a deep breath, then, and said, "I'm sorry - Luke. It's not fair to you to blame you for your father's legacy. But I still remember the shock my family took from the murder of my grandmother so soon after we thought Padme' was dead, and the Empire had something to do with Grandma Ryoo's slaying."

"WHAT!?" Padme' exclaimed, horror-struck - she'd expected her grandmother to have passed on by now, of course, but murdered?

"Perhaps ... we should allow the Naberries, Skywalkers, and Solos to speak in a more private setting about this matter," Senator Typho advised, and Queen Kylama nodded.

"There are private chambers in the Palace which you can use. Please, follow us," one of the ministers said, and Padme' thanked Zekk when he offered her his arm. She'd had no illusions this reunion would be difficult at times, but it was proving much more unsettling than she'd expected.

And Mom and Dad are probably dead, also ... she thought, blinking back tears.

One could go back home, but it was never the same, Padme' realized.

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

Even after forcing himself to sit down and go through the Imperial records left behind in Bast Castle, the Imperial Palace, and his father's fortress on Coruscant, Luke was still able to be shocked anew by Vader's legacy.

Malorum, he considered, sitting at a table with his family as his aunt Sola finished talking about the immediate aftermath of his mother's "death." He felt a pang of loss at the mention of his great-grandmother Ryoo Thule, and nodded with Leia when Sola mentioned Ferus Olin.

"... I suspect Kenobi asked Olin to help cover up your births. Grandma Ryoo never said exactly what she found when she prepared Padme's corpse for burial - or prepared the clone for burial, it sounds like, now - but the reports that Gregor Typho passed on to my parents and I before he vanished suggested that Padme' had been strangled," Sola said, sorrow mingling with empathy in her aura as she looked at Luke and Leia, and squeezed Mom's hand.

"I almost was," Mom said softly, and Luke shivered again at the memory of an angry young man with wild hair, his hand outstretched as hell rose behind him ...

Sola, Pooja, and Ryoo - my cousins, Luke remembered, happy that Leia had at least had a chance to work with Pooja in the Imperial Senate - all gasped as Mom told them in quiet tones about what had happened on Mustafar. Luke and Mara had made sure to tell Kylo and Rey about what'd happened, with some of the more brutal details edited out; Kylo looked annoyed that he couldn't hear every word, but Rey leaned closer to Mara on the couch.

"If this upsets you, let me know, OK?" Luke asked Rey.

"I'll be OK, Dad. But thanks," his daughter said, managing a brave smile even as she heard Mom talking about Mustafar. Luke was both proud of Rey, and a little protective - he hadn't been sure whether letting her and Kylo know the entire truth about Vader so soon had been a good idea. But as Mara had pointed out, the kids would've learned it sooner or later.

Better it come from us, Luke agreed, still putting a hand on Rey's shoulder while Mara whispered something to Kylo that made the boy stop pouting as much.

"I still can't believe ... I'm sorry, Aunt Padme' - Leia, Luke - it's just so incredible, and horrible, all at the same time. Anakin Skywalker was so kind to us when he visited ..." Pooja said, giving Leia a look of deep sympathy. "And what he did to Alderaan, and to the both of you -!"

"I've had a while to face it, Pooja, but thank you. I just wish we weren't bringing this mixed news, but I'm glad we're finally finding out the truth. For years, we never knew about Mother's side of the family, and then Betsy Braddock's arrival convinced Artoo to reveal the truth - and we found Mother alive," Leia said, smiling.

"I've heard some unusual rumors about this Braddock woman. Is it true she claims that the Clone Wars and Galactic Civil Wae are holodramas on her homeworld?" Corporal Ardem - whom Queen Kylama had asked to serve as a liasion between the visiting Skywalkers and the Naboo government - asked, somewhat warily.

"That and more, Corporal. Betsy's undertaking an investigative mission for the Jedi Order at the moment, but she said she'd love to visit Naboo. It's a beautiful world, Aunt Sola," Luke said, hoping he could ease some of the pain and anger in his aunt's heart.

He didn't blame her for her outrage at what Vader had cost her family. Had Luke not lived through witnessing his father's redemption, he thought he well could've cursed Anakin Skywalker himself - but Anakin had changed.

It's too easy sometimes to forget that there's an entire galaxy out there that doubts, at best, Father's return to the light. And reminders of his misdeeds linger to this day, Luke thought, looking at the datapad Ryoo had given him. She and Pooja had had children of their own, and already had grandchildren - the Naberrie clan had grown, despite the occasional Imperial glance over their shoulders during the years of Palpatine's rule.

To Luke's relief, Sola returned his smile, and he could feel genuine warmth from her. "You're welcome to stay as long as you want, all of you. I'm sorry for my rudeness at the hangar - it's just been a lot to take in, but I should've recognized that it wasn't any of your fault," she said.

"Thank you. I've lost other relatives to the Empire, also - my foster parents were killed by stormtroopers," Luke said, and he recognized his mother's glimmer of grief as they both remembered Owen and Beru Lars. Mom had known about their fate for weeks, asking fairly quickly about them after she'd emerged from stasis, and she'd cried as Luke had told her about what had happened to them.

Sola shook her head and sighed. "It's a point of planetary shame that we never rooted out and publicly executed that monster Palpatine. Even during the height of the 'New Order,' Padme', the people respected you more than they did him. As the years went on, we figured out most of the truth about him - not all the Sith business, but his public handiwork was enough to realize that we'd been the cradle for a fiend," she said, shame filling her voice.

"What could you have done, though, Sola? He was a Sith Lord, and a master liar. If the greatest Masters of the old Jedi Order could stand in the same room as Palpatine and not realize he was a Sith, the sentient on the street could hardly be expected to figure out the truth," Mom reassured Sola.

"Well, he's dead now. And he and his legacy can only make this reunion depressing if we let it. I say we be happy that we're all together again, and Aunt Padme's alive - and we have not just cousins, but some of the greatest heroes in the galaxy for cousins!" Ryoo exclaimed, her smile lifting some of the pall of the discussion.

"Heroes ... yeah," Anakin said softly, looking out one of the room's large windows at the plains below Theed. Luke could tell what was troubling his nephew - the carnage of the fight against the reptoids on Dantooine had driven home the reality of combat in both Anakin and Jacen's minds.

But both of them took somewhat different lessons away from that, I think ...

Jacen's confidence in his Force skill had taken a severe body blow; his lightsaber katas and basic Force practice had been erratic, at best, since they'd returned from Dantooine. Anakin's form wasn't so badly affected, but he'd reverted to the brooding thoughtfulness that had characterized much of his early childhood, when he'd feared becoming a monster like his namesake.

And hearing all of this about Vader - good or bad - must be bringing that back, Luke worried. He watched as Sola rose, walking over to her great-nephew's side, and put a hand on the teen's shoulder.

"I can only imagine the burden your mother set upon you by naming you after your grandfather - no offense, Leia, it'd be a weight for anyone to bear," Sola said, giving Leia a polite nod.

The Naboo woman turned back to Anakin and said, kindly, "Whenever you fear the shadow of your namesake, young one, remember this: There was once a laughing, protective, bright-eyed young man behind that armor, who loved your grandmother with all his heart and soul. No matter how much I detest what he became, that young man walked in the light. I had to remember that, and I hope you will too."

"I'll ... try, Aunt Sola. Thank you," Anakin said, smiling thinly as he returned Sola's hug. "I did face Vader's past once ... I guess I'm just getting a refresher course on what to keep an eye out for."

Kylo looked - and for a moment, felt - positively disgusted with Anakin, and Luke shot his son a warning glare. It was bad enough that Kylo sparred roughly in lightsaber training, and Luke wasn't about to encourage the boy's potential feud with his cousin - or Kylo's unhealthy fascination with Vader.

The Force rippled then, with excitement, worry, and concentration, filled with two familiar Force-signatures, and Anakin's face brightened with surprise and joy as the far door opened. Luke raised an eyebrow in surprise - he hadn't expected this either, but it might be just what Anakin needed.

"A thousand pardons - former Senator Naberrie, both Mrs. Naberries, Masters Skywalker, Your Highness, Captain Solo - I should have sent a message ahead. With the recent revelations about Anakin Skywalker's time on Naboo, I was hoping to ask if I might speak with the Naberrie family for the Jedi Archives," Tionne Solusar said, walking in with a slightly abashed smile.

She nodded at the blonde-haired, green-eyed girl beside her, who gave Anakin a supportive and warm look, and Tionne added, "My Padawan, Tahiri Veila, also asked if she could accompany me to learn about Naboo's culture and wildlife."

Mara's sudden, sharp cough/laugh of amusement made Anakin turn several shades of red, but Sola, Ryoo, and Pooja only smiled warmly as they waved the other Jedi in. "Of course, Master Solusar - we've bought several of your recordings of Jedi ballads. They're wonderful works. It's good to meet you both," Pooja said, shaking Tionne and Tahiri's hands.

Thanks, Tionne, Luke sent to his old friend as she started talking with his aunt and cousins. Strictly speaking, it was entirely understandable that Tionne would want to conduct personal interviews with his mother's relatives - it cut out a lot of possible misinterpretations between the interviewer and the interviewee.

But if Tahiri can help Anakin feel better about what he went through, who are we to keep them apart? Luke considered, smiling a bit as the talkative Tatooine girl chatted with Anakin, Kylo, Rey, and Jacen.

He just hoped the rest of their visit would be as positive, especially since he had a nagging sense at the base of his neck ...

I sense it too, Farmboy, Mara sent over their bond, her green eyes flicking toward the other large window in the room. The Naboo aren't the problem - there's some kind of staticky 'shadow' in the Force here. I don't think it's my ex-employer's creepy pall, either ... this is something else dark.

Not a lingering taint from Darth Maul's death, I hope, Luke worried. He'd seen anecdotal records about Obi-Wan's accomplishment in one of the holocrons Tionne had recovered, and Obi-Wan's own journal had described how he'd finally defeated his nemesis a few years before the Battle of Yavin.

Mara shook her head, rising and stretching to cover her more intense Force-sweep of the immediate area. No, this isn't Sith - I've sensed that particular blot before. This is more ... slippery, like the speeder bike oil you change out after 50,000 klicks, she sent, glancing at Zekk, who nodded grimly.

I think we're dealing with a part-time Force user, full-time assassin ...

------------------------------------------
to be continued ...

 

A/N: Wanting to be sure I don't fall behind on the main feature ...

And an action scene or two.

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

"Jubilee's fireworks took out the yacht's engines and internal power. Guards are up to us."

"Pardon my asking, o Fearless Leader, but is this supposed to be a problem?"

- Logan (the Wolverine) and Betsy "Psylocke" Braddock, sharing a bit of banter during battle,
Uncanny X-Men vol. 1, issue 268

**********************************
Chapter 27: 25.7 ABY, Varykino,
Lake Country, Naboo, Mid-Rim:
**********************************

The trip had been luxurious - well, when compared to being locked up in a cell for decades, anyhow.

Time to break the dough treats, Aurra Sing thought, focusing her scans on the sumptuous lakeside estate before her. Varykino had long been a stronghold of the Naberrie family, purchased quietly by Padme's parents before their deaths and passed on to Sola. It was isolated, with beautiful but rustic land around.

In short, a well-trained, well-practiced assasin could make such a place her own, especially with a classic Rehn-Orm biocomputer enhancing Force reflexes.

She paced herself as she looked for telltale infrared or laser tripwires, cameras, and microphones. If what Pedric Cuf had told her was true - and for all of his eeriness, Sing didn't mistrust him since his credit check had come back good - the Naberries had paid a small fortune to fortify the estate.

And there were more than a few Jedi lurking about, although most were asleep. Aurra ignored the younglings' Force-signatures - she wasn't there to slaughter children, although she did raise an eyebrow at the spike of darkness coiling about in the heart of the Skywalkers' son. The boy was ... seething.

Last thing any of us need is another Vader. But it's the brats' grandmother whom I'm after, Sing reflected, narrowing her scans. Funneling her Force-sense through the biocomputer should, in theory, bypass Force instincts of the Skywalker adults or Leia Solo and her sons, but Aurra was taking no chances.

~Innovative, dear, but even as experienced a huntress as you hasn't seen everything in the galaxy ...~ a telepathic, Core-accented voice lilted.

Aurra spun, trying to slam up her mental shields - and if she was facing a Force-specializing telepath, she'd have stood a chance.

Instead, something like a purple shadowmoth hammered against her defenses, and she struggled to ignite her lightsaber while a purple and cream clad figure danced out of the bushes, a purple lightsaber igniting in her left hand.

In the human woman's right hand was something like a translucent, purple-tinged, curved sword, blazing with amethyst energy, and Aurra blinked.

"A psi-construct? Just who are you, little Jedi? I'd've thought I'd hear of some telepath of your skill among Skywalker's foundlings," she mocked.

The human woman just smiled, assuming a well-executed Jar'kai two-blade stance, and replied, "Thank you for the compliment."

"As to who I am - my given name is Betsy Braddock. You, however, can call me Psylocke."

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

She'd been waiting to stretch her new wings against a real threat - the fights on Dantooine had been less art and more brutal survival.

A Jedi craves not fighting. Well, I'm afraid I was an action junkie long before I landed on Sernpidal, Betsy mock-grieved as she leapt at Sing.

The mission - aided by NRI, most especially Bey - had been to track down "Pedric Cuf," whom Mara and the other Masters suspected might be the mysterious Nom Anor. During the last decade or so, Anor had been linked to half a dozen small crises throughout the galaxy that, by themselves, had been messy but not a widespread imbalance - but they'd each caused enough political crises to destabilize considerable areas of space.

And not only did Anor show up at Rhommarool, but Mara was sure he was at Monor II, where she contracted her disease. Any link to an agent provocateur of the Yuuzhan Vong is one we must follow up on, Betsy reflected, her psionic katana deflecting Sing's wobbly first swing of a red-bladed lightsaber.

After that, there was no time to waste thinking - this was a contest of equals.

Betsy wasn't being egotistical - she definitely lacked as much practical experience as Sing in a contest of Jedi talents (after the Oovo IV breakout, she'd studied the Order's histories on the mysterious assassin). But she was as much a martial artist and swordswoman as she was a noble-born telepath.

And between Aurra's surprise at Betsy's initial psi-blast and the chalk-skinned woman's sloppiness in her 'saber form, Betsy had the initial advantage.

They locked blades - Betsy's telekinetic katana was holding strong, and she was glad she'd been able to hone that old skill after temporarily losing her telekinesis after Franklin Richards recorporealized her in a replica of her original, British body. "Tired yet?" she mocked through gritted teeth.

A flame flickered in Sing's eyes, and she spat, "Not even close."

Betsy threw a telekinetic Force-shield in the way of the Force slam - Sing wasn't playing around, which spoke to how much this fight was slowing her down. That was, of course, the point; Betsy, for all her skill, was just the distraction.

The towering, wild-ebon-haired figure in the dark blue robes who dropped from the porch roof and ignited a lightsaber the color of flame - he was the trap.

Sing spun about - her reactions were improving, and Betsy was hardly surprised; she'd only stunned the assassin telepathically, not wanting to scare her off. And truth be told, I'm still not fully in shape, she admitted, noting her muscles aching - she hadn't fought like this in a while since coming back to life.

Zekk, however, showed neither exhaustion nor pity, countering Sing's increasingly-wild slashes with powerful blocks, his face stony.

"Who are you, boy!? Skywalker's got some talent in his ranks, true, but you fight like you've ... come back from the dark ..." Sing trailed off, realization making her eyes widen as Zekk started to drive her toward one of Varykino's walls.

"It's not some place I want to revisit, thank you. And you're threatening the lady whom I've been charged with protecting," Zekk said, his tone neutral.

His eyes narrowed a bit when he added, "We want to hear about your employer, please. Before this gets messier than it needs to be."

Sing started to spit a retort, but she was clearly shaken; Zekk's impassivity was almost frightening, and his blocks and counterstrikes grew more powerful while Naboo security forces darted out of where they'd been in hiding. (The Skywalkers hadn't underestimated the soldiers' skills, but neither did they want to throw away innocent lives against a nigh-legendary dark-side Force user from the Clone Wars.)

Finally, Zekk managed to land a hit on Sing's right wrist, and she dropped her lightsaber, which shut off automatically. Betsy reached for it telekinetically after she "disspelled" her TK-katana, and Zekk spared her a nod of gratitude before holding his lightsaber near Aurra's throat.

She got the message, slumping, and let the Naboo guards disarm her as she growled, "Dedication is an honorable trait. You remind me of me."

"The difference being, I only killed one fellow Force-user," Zekk said, less judgment than exhaustion in his voice as he shut down his own 'saber. He hooked it on his belt, watching as Luke, Mara, Leia, and Han walked from the main villa - the Solo brothers, Tahiri, and the Skywalker children were safe with Padme.'

Han clapped Zekk on the shoulder and whispered something which drew a weak smile from the young man, while Mara raised an eyebrow at Sing and asked, "Pedric Cuf. Where is he?"

Sing gave Mara a disbelieving look, and the redhead shrugged. "I figured I'd try the polite approach first," she said - before slugging Sing with a right hook.

"MARA!?" Luke and Leia both gasped, but Sing just grinned at them before spitting blood at the ground, and Mara returned the assassin's smirk.

"Don't lecture her, you pale shadow of Skywalker. Your father knew the effectiveness of occasional force - small-Forn, although he was inspiring with his mastery of the Jedi arts," Sing mocked. "Glad to see the Emperor's Hand hasn't been entirely tamed by domesticity - that'd be a shame."

Mara's smirk turned positively icy, and Betsy could sense her friend's mind shifting like well-honed knives as she pierced Sing with a cold-jade stare. "Just keep it up, Nashtah. We'll see who's been tamed. Maybe I'll even introduce you to my bird," the redhead warned, holding up a hand dripping psionic sparks.

WHAT THE BLOODY HELL!? Betsy thought, borderline-horrified - Mara had been struggling to control the Phoenix Force just days earlier, and now - !

Luke, Leia, and Han also looked shocked, but Mara snuffed the Phoenix-flame after Sing whispered, "I think I'll take the NRI thug squad instead, thanks ..."

The Naboo security hauled Sing away, while Zekk looked from Mara to Luke and back, and Mara took a deep breath. "Don't think I want to try that again any time soon - but it's good to see the hard work's paying off. Firebird didn't even whisper at me that time," she said, smiling with an oddly renewed energy.

"Still, can we please not do that again any time soon?" Luke half-pleaded, walking with Mara as they talked in hushed, but energetic, voices.

Zekk looked at Betsy and accepted Sing's lightsaber from her, asking, "Lady Braddock - Betsy - there are rumors you're teaching Master Jade-Skywalker ... ?"

"Indeed. Like myself, Mara possesses mutant telepathy, seperate from but complimenting her Force-sensitivity. She's been tapping into a Force-entity of - forgive the hyperbole - literally cosmic proportions, which I encountered multiple times in my adventures with the X-Men on Earth and in space," Betsy explained, walking with Zekk and the Solos. "The Phoenix could theoretically cure Mara, but using it requires ... caution."

Hope flashed across Zekk's face, while Leia asked, "This 'Phoenix' - that's why you're proceeding so slowly? Mara's seemed healthier lately."

"Indeed. However, the price of rushing embrasure of Mara's psi-talent - of encouraging her to tap too deeply into the Phoenix's power before she's fully able to control it - would be catastrophic. The woman whom Mara resembles - Jean Grey - went through years of needless chaos, and her eldest daughter, Rachel, may well have to face the Phoenix when she comes of age," Betsy explained, telepathically sharing a synopsis of the Phoenix's more eclectic moments.

Leia and Han both blinked, and Zekk went a little pale. "I've played with flame as well. Forgive the pun, but it's too easy to be burned," he said, thoughtful.

"You've learned your lesson, though, Zekk," Betsy said, trying to encourage the younger Jedi. "And Mara is no neophyte, either."

"Once she achieves mastery of her fiery 'tenant,' I might almost pity the Vong ... if they weren't fanatically trying to kill everyone with a lightsaber."

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

- to be continued ...

 

**takes a moment to shudder at remembrance of the cartoon version of Jean Grey not having complete control of the Phoenix...**

That said... yay that Mara's getting healthier!!!!!!

 

Daena - Thanks. And yes, Cartoon!Jean - whether in the original from the '90s, or Evolution - never had an easy time with the firebird.

Mara, OTOH, is a bit more take-charge.

As to whether the Phoenix sticks around long enough to smack down the Vong is another story. But given that Ben Skywalker will show up eventually, I can promise there's a happy ending for L/M down the line.

 

A/N: A somewhat shorter (really! ) chapter, before transitioning into this timeline's version of Ruin (and don't expect everything to happen there as it did in Legends, either ... there's some fun coming among the grimness

But for right now, more Mara, media, and meanderings ...

(And, yes, a nod to Betsy's ... less practical costume era. Anyone who remembers the '90s' X-Men - or saw last year's X-Men: Apocalypse - will know what I mean. )

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

"Scoot, kiddo. I'm not having these quarters turned into your private battleground. I ask you, Betsy, were we ever so wild?"

"Some of us still are. No matter how hard we try to hide it."

Jean Grey(-Summers) and Betsy "Psylocke" Braddock, discussing how some things never change (after telling Tabitha "Boom Boom" Smith to take her fight with Bobby "Iceman" Drake out of the X-Men's spare living quarters in the X-Mansion's sub-basement),
Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1, issue 273

**********************************
Chapter 28: 25.7 ABY, Varykino,
Lake Country, Naboo, Mid-Rim:
**********************************

"Aww, c'mon, Rey. It's not that hard. 'Sides, you might need to know how to swim sometime," Kylo encouraged his sister as he treaded water.

Rey took a deep breath, then waded a little further into the lake, shivering. "I guess. You do it easier than I do, though," she said, trying to relax.

Kylo swam over to her, taking her hand. "You were just stuck on Jakku, that's all. I'll help, OK?" he offered, and Rey smiled a bit.

Both kids ducked as an orange-and-brown jet leapt past, cheering "Yi-yi-yi-yi-yi!", and Jacen shook his head from his towel on the shore.

"Jar-Jar?" Anakin asked his brother, who'd been appointed the unofficial lifeguard. The younger Skywalker descendants and Tahiri had been given the day off; Anakin and Tahiri were making the most of the sunshine and walking barefoot in the rich grass, while Kylo had taken it on himself to teach Rey to swim.

"Jar-Jar. That carbon-freeze didn't knock any of his energy out of him," Jacen quipped, keeping an eye on the Skywalker kids. "Stay close to shore, guys!"

"OK," Kylo and Rey both called, in that seemingly-universal tone of childish annoyance, and Jacen smirked a bit, remembering the Triad crisis ...

Jaya. I wish you were here, he thought, reaching down the twin-bond to his sister. As it had been for almost 2 weeks, the link was mostly quiet, with the occasional flash of annoyance - and, at times, fear, which was so unlike Jaina that Jacen had to fight the urge to go to Centax and beg to see her.

But I learned the risks of rushing into a situation at Belkadan. Maybe going to talk to Jaina'd be less dangerous, but from what Aunt Mara told us about their fight, trying to corner Jaina might only make her angrier. And that's the last thing any of us want, Jacen thought, focusing on his cousins.

A sudden crackle of lightsabers, though, broke the morning quiet, and the teens tensed until they looked down the beach and saw Mara and Betsy sparring.

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

With the lake right nearby, and the Naboo summer heat starting to rise, it'd seemed a shame not to be prepared for a quick dip after practice.

Nevertheless, I'm glad we agreed to stick to bondar crystal stun-sabers for this run, Betsy thought, dodging a swing from her opponent.

If Mara was feeling ill, she certainly wasn't showing it. Clad in a flattering, if modest, green one-piece swimsuit, her red hair back in a functional braid, she'd swapped out her usual purple blade for Rey's bondar-crystal blue shoto. Betsy, wearing a similarly conservative purple one-piece 'suit, had borrowed Kylo's green-bladed bondar shoto.

But each woman's off-hand weapon was what made this fight a bit unusual - Betsy wielded her psychic knife (left-handed instead of right-handed), while Mara had a fiery, not-quite-stable blade of pure telepathy in her own left hand. She'd gotten the basics of psi-blade formation easily enough.

Now, it was time to put her latest lesson to the test.

The lightsabers could block physical attacks, but dealing with telepathy meant needing psi-talents of one's own, or an incredibly strong will.

Of course, when two Force-sensitive telepaths with similarly strong wills clashed, things got even more interesting.

The women were about evenly matched - Mara's recent strides toward health, coupled with her own high level of fitness and training, and her honed Force intuition, more than balanced out Betsy's roughly decade-younger body and essentially equal level of combat skill. And as for telepathy - Mara learned fast.

They danced, flowing, clashes of psionic and lightsaber sparks flashing as much on the astral plane as in the physical, neither giving ground as the fight moved around the patch of yard. Some of the Naboo guards had gathered to watch, the more awe-struck trying not to gape, while Artoo recorded the match and Threepio made various noises (not necessarily helpful, but he meant well).

"You've - picked up the basics fast," Betsy praised Mara, managing to keep her fellow Jedi's psi-blade downstroke at bay (but barely).

Mara just nodded, concentrating as they held the "saber lock" - then, her blade pulsed, growing more coherent and sharper, and Betsy felt her blade shake.

"And sometimes - ghr - I improvise," Mara said, half-smiling as she tried to drive home her advantage.

It didn't last, less because of Betsy's attempt to spin away from the stand-off than because Mara's psi-blade shattered into sparks of psionic energy.

The energy flash made both women leap back - Mara with a look of frustation, Betsy with one of surprise - and shut down their shotos. Some of their impromptu audience applauded, until Chewbacca's roar and glower of disapproval scattered the guards.

"Thanks, fuzzball," Mara joked without heat, patting Chewie's upper arm before accepting a bottle of water from Artoo (who produced the container from the same hatch he usually launched Luke's lightsaber from). "And you, too. Thought I could enhance the strength of the psi-blade, try to overwhelm you, Betts."

"A masterful stratagem, but one perhaps better suited to more practice forming the blade," Betsy encouraged. In truth, Mara had nearly beaten her.

She's still getting better and better at this, though, the purple-haired telepath mused, smiling when Kylo and Rey sprinted over, cheering their mother.

"You were so astral, Mom! Come and swim with us, please?" Rey pleaded, and Kylo nodded as Mara returned their hugs.

"Well, with that kind of support, how can I refuse? Betsy, you coming?" Mara asked, walking with the kids.

"In a bit. I'm just glad I was able to find a 'suit that's more tasteful than my old 'focused totality of my psychic powers' days," Betsy quipped.

Indeed. It's one thing to dress for function over form, another entirely to flaunt form needlessly, she reflected, smiling at her wilder times.

She nodded at Artoo, then, and asked, "Can you replay the fight, please? I want to examine our fighting styles and assess how we did."

"Fretweep-bweet!" Artoo replied, activating his holoprojector. Betsy watched the match, her eyes narrowing as she processed the scene.

Mara's relying as much on strength as speed. Which wouldn't be a problem, assuming she had the core strength to spare, Betsy considered.

"M'Lady? Is ... everything all right? I regret I'm not much of a combat analyist. It's just not part of my programming," Threepio said, a bit sadly.

Betsy patted the protocol droid's shoulder, careful to not touch him for too long - his bronzium finish reflected heat quite strongly in direct sunlight - and thanked Artoo as the astromech finished replaying the sparring match. "I appreciate the thought, Threepio, but I've seen what I need," she said.

"Mara's come a long way, but I think perhaps a bit of patience is in order. Her telepathic skill is improving, and her Jedi abilities remain honed, but the finest warrior can be undone when they're not paying enough attention to their physical fitness ... and the Phoenix tends to mask one's weaknesses ..."

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

No, I understand, Betsy. Thanks for the update - I'll talk to Mara after we're done with the interview, Luke thought from the veranda.

He tried to focus past his concerns for Mara - he'd been worried that she was pushing too hard, when they still weren't sure whether the Phoenix was actually curing her illness or just holding it in check - and smiled as he sat with Leia and their mother, while the HNE news crew finished setting up.

"I'm grateful, once again, for the chance to interview you, Lady Amidala - and to once again see you, Master Skywalker, Your Highness, General Solo. It's an honor in these later days," Perre Needmo said, shaking everyone's hands before taking his own seat.

"Don't get me too much in the camera, big fella. This is Padme's show," Han said, grinning while Leia gave him a long-suffering look and Mom laughed.

"We've gotten past the initial 'how-do-I-talk-to-my-in-laws' hesitation, I see?" Leia retorted, drawing a mock-wounded look from Han.

The reactions from the HNE crew, though, were as amusing as they were telling - shock, disbelief, and in at least one case, awe.

For his part, Perre blinked, while Mom smiled graciously and said, "Luke and Leia are my children, Mr. Needmo. I was believed dead, but the Polis Massans switched me with a clone and placed me in stasis for decades, until Leia found and released me. We want to tell the galaxy the truth ourselves, so there's no question that the real truth is being told. I'm more than willing to discuss my marriage to Anakin Skywalker, and what I know of his ... fall."

"I ... see. This certainly makes your offer to speak with us quite a bit clearer, Your Highness, and I appreciate your willingness to tackle such a ... difficult topic," Perre said, polite as ever as he nodded to Leia.

"The honor is ours, Perre. You're an ethical being, and we appreciate what you've been doing for the people of the galaxy," Leia said.

"We're fully aware of the responsibility involved in dealing with Darth Vader's legacy, and better us than people who never knew him."

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

- to be continued ...

 

A/N: Another quick update - this one, transitioning from Onslaught to Ruin, and the tragic and absurd turns it'll take here ...

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

"Psylocke -- hear my thoughts -- tell Ali -- forget about me -- destroy Master Mold! This is our only chance - do it!"

- Rogue, telling Betsy "Psylocke" Braddock to have Alison "Dazzler" Blaire finish off one of the deadliest Sentinels (at the seeming cost of Rogue's life),
Uncanny X-Men, Vol. 1, issue 247

*************************
Chapter 29: 25.7 ABY:
Varykino, Lake Country,
Naboo, Mid-Rim:
*************************

The Lambda-class shuttle's arrival hadn't been entirely unanticipated - it was nearing time to return to Theed and leave for Yavin - but whom Betsy sensed piloting it was a pleasant surprise as she walked with the adult Skywalkers and Solos toward Varykino's small landing pad.

Leia's smile warmed as Jaina left the craft and even hugged her - the girl gave Mara a wary, polite nod, then stood to the side as the Caamasi Senator Elegos A'kla left the craft. He and Leia held hands in friendly greeting, but Betsy could sense the princess's happiness at seeing Jaina again shift to surprise and concern.

"Let's leave them to talk - I get the feeling they've a weighty topic to decipher," Betsy encouraged Jaina, walking with the girl (whom had, at least, hugged Han and given Luke a polite, even warm nod). Jaina still seemed very skittish around Mara, which made some sense, given the memories Betsy had picked up on in Mara's mind during their telepathic training sessions.

"Senator A'kla didn't say why he was so eager to see Mom, but it was the least I could do. And I suspect he had an ulterior motive in asking me to fly him here," Jaina half-quipped, half replied, leaning against a fence while Betsy looked at her. Jaina seemed more at ease, at least around most of her family.

And I don't dare perform an active scan without need, the telepath thought, just being present. If Jaina wanted to talk, she would.

Unsurprisingly, the girl smiled a very Solo smirk a second later, and said, "Go ahead and ask. Or I can just tell you, if you're being polite about mind-reading."

"I do try to hold myself to a high ethical standard, believe it or not. Some of my teammates at home tended to doubt my dedication to mental privacy. But some thoughts are simply too strong to block out ... and all it takes is the ability to read body language to tell you could do with someone to talk with," Betsy replied, giving Jaina a sincere, friendly smile.

Jaina nodded, a flash of gratitude crossing her face. "I've ... been taking some time to think. I'm still not ready to come back to the Order. But ... if I run from the whole 'Vader's granddaughter' thing, it's no better than if I embraced it. You'd think I'd know by now that I can't escape this stuff," she admitted.

She turned a bit red, glancing at Mara in the distance, and added, "And I was a schutta on repulsors to Mara, the last time I saw her."

"Although I can only claim to have 'seen' that conversation second-hand, you are occasionally allowed to be a teenaged girl every now and again. You've been asked to stare not only your death, but that of everyone you love and, possibly, the galaxy as you know it, in the face. If you hadn't vented, we'd be more worried," Betsy reassured Jaina, who looked at her with confused surprise.

Realization flashed across Jaina's face, and she looked at her boots. "You saw the fight in Mara's memories," she said. "I - I must've seemed -"

"You're incredibly brave, strong, and trying to hold everything together by yourself. The first two are admirable; the last, impossible for most adults. Believe me when I say that the stoic, striving, ice-cool-under-pressure types inevitably pay for the veneer of awesomeness. We'll help, if you allow," Betsy offered.

Jaina wiped her eyes, smiling weakly, and hugged Betsy. "Thank you, Betsy. It - it helps talking to someone who's - a friend not in the family," she said.

"Tschaa - I'm English, dearheart. We know about 'stiff upper lip,' and how much effort it takes. Besides, this whole situation reminds me of Scott Summers, and as much as I like Cyclops, he's a bundle of angst. How Jean puts up with him - ! And believe me, I've had enough angst for one lifetime," Betsy said, laughing at the memories that brought back.

"Walk with me. I'll share memories of the X-Men, and you can shake your head with that 'how are you still sane' look so many people give me ..."

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

"Elegos - ! This is suicide!" Leia pleaded - her old friend meant well, but what he was suggesting was nothing short of madness!

It's very noble, and very Caamasi, but I can't think it'll have any sort of a good ending, the Princess of Alderaan thought, fearing for the Caamasi as they walked the opposite direction of Jaina and Betsy (Leia definitely wanted to talk more with Jaina, but the girl seemed all right for the moment).

The Senator of Quence Sector smiled, letting some kind of colorful insect land on his outstretched hand as he replied, "I respectfully disagree, Leia. I vowed to give my life for my people and the New Republic. I don't plan on throwing it away needlessly. But if we don't engage with the Yuuzhan Vong, attempt to see if they have any intention - or even understanding of negotiation, then we're no better than their warriors are. There must be some kind of common ground."

Common ground? With beings who nearly enslaved my son and slaughtered innocents on Dubrillion and Dantooine? Leia wanted to shout.

She took a deep breath, steadying herself as much physically as in the Force - she was far better trained in the Jedi arts than many thought, but she'd kept it quiet to keep some skifter to herself - then parsed Elegos' statement. "You're a better soul than I am," she admitted, smiling with weak wryness.

Elegos started, but Leia held up a hand, adding, "You really are, Elegos. Or, at least, you're more patient. Yes, I'm a politician, a leader. But when it comes time to shoot - or swing a lightsaber - I'm as much at ease there as I am debating on an assembly floor. Since finding my mother, and especially since coming here, I've seen the parts of me that are Naberrie, and those which are Skywalker, heightened more than ever. I'm ... not always nice."

The Caamasi radiated support and said, "Leia, there are times where you are more than entitled to not be nice. I merely choose to direct my energies in less ... direct means for problem-solving. Part of this stems from what Corran told me of his encounter with the opposition on Bimmiel."

"Another fight where we nearly lost a Jedi," Leia exclaimed, a bit ashamed at her vehemence. True, Corran Horn and Ganner Rhysode had saved the lives of a university archaeology expedition, but the whole fight could've possibly been avoided if they'd understood the Yuuzhan Vong reverence for ancestors more.

And that's what Elegos is trying to say, she thought, realization making her eyes widen as the Caamasi smiled again.

"Forgive the gentle jab, but I believe this is a time where - ah, aggressive negotiations are not called for," he suggested, and Leia let herself laugh.

She nodded, hugging her old friend, and said, "Then, go with the Force, Elegos A'kla. I hope we meet again under better circumstances."

"I'll buy the first pot of tea," he said, walking with her back to where Jaina - who looked better, and who hugged Leia in greeting - stood waiting. There was still a distance between the girl and Mara, and Luke and Han both looked at something of a loss, but Betsy returned Leia's confident nod - Jaina was doing better.

"I'm sorry I can't stay, but Senator A'kla asked me to get him to a starport where he can buy a ship and prevent - ah, COS Fey'lya from keeping him from trying this mission," Jaina said, meeting Leia's gaze. "I'll be careful, I promise - I'm not even going anywhere near the Vong."

"I trust you," Leia said, meaning it. She had to give her daughter that kind of support - Jaina wasn't a little girl any more, no matter how fragile she might be beneath her durasteel exterior.

Jaina lit up, just for a moment, and hugged Leia again before hugging Han, Luke, and Mara - gingerly, but at least they did hug - and Betsy. The girl waved, running aboard the Lambda, and Elegos gave his farewells before boarding the craft.

A sudden flash of fear - not dark, as much as sudden and horrified - rippled through the Force, and the twins and Mara looked at Betsy as she watched the shuttle take off. "Betsy? You sensed something?" Luke asked.

The purple-haired woman nodded, unsettlingly pale, and Leia felt a flash of her own foreboding - not Jaina, please, she pleaded with the higher powers.

Betsy gave the Skywalkers and Solos an apologetic smile, and gently patted Leia's shoulder as she replied, "No - Jaina, I believe, will be fine."

"But my precognition ... it's so strong, sometimes it triggers, unbidden. And I'm afraid for poor Elegos. His nobility may come with a high price."

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

- to be continued ...

 

A/N: Apologies this hasn't been updated for a while. RL's been more than a bit busy.

That said, time to move forward a bit more, with a time jump ...

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

"On your toes, Lady Lancelot! This time, ah'm gonna ring your chimes for sure!"

"And how, pray tell, Rogue, will you ring chimes you can't even touch?"

"Spit - she did it to me again - telepathically confused me so ah'd tackle an illusion!"

- Rogue and Betsy "Psylocke" Braddock, discussing one of telepathy's tactical advantages,
Uncanny X-Men vol. 1, issue 239:

****************************
Chapter 30: 25.8 ABY:
Jedi Praxeum, Yavin 4:
****************************

She dreams, but it's not her dreamscape - this is hardly the first time her astral form's gone walkabout in another's mind, but it's never pleasant.

(As much because it offends her well-bred English sensibilities to enter another's mind without permission, as it is a lack of control over her powers.)

She's looking through someone else's eyes - the purplish fur visible at the corners of her host's peripheral vision implies whom it is she's visiting. The where is a bit more confusing, since there's what seems like a flicker of light through water

But the Yuuzhan Vong approaching her - wearing armor, some lackey behind him - approaches, then removes his helm. The commander, hideously scarred even by the Vong's standards - flicks his hair in the face of the lackey, who recoils a bit before being ordered away with the commander's helm.

Her host stands, curiosity, hope, and strength filling him, and she starts to pull away as wakefulness takes her - but the Caamasi senses her.

A quick flash of bemused honor and friendship draws a smile from her, but she fights back tears as he thinks, Into the breach, m'lady.

She flashes back to her own mind, weeping now, as the Senator walks with the Vong, and she fears this is the walk to her friend's death she foresaw.

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

"ELEGOS!?"

The scream ripped from Betsy's throat as she sat bolt-upright, still gasping in sympathetic shock, her mindshield threatening to fray under the strain.

Still alive, for now ... but I hadn't anticipated I'd form even a basic psi-link with him ... or maybe it was a Force-link, less than a rapport under usual circumstances? Caamasi are somewhat naturally Force-sensitive ... the telepath thought, trying to compose herself.

Unsurprisingly, the Force rippled with shock and concern - and the first hints of some realization - and she stood, donning a robe to go share the news.

Betsy left the Knights' wing - she'd not been officially knighted, but Luke had all but pronounced her a Jedi in fact after all she'd accomplished - and met a haggard-looking group of senior Knights and Masters in Luke's office. Corran Horn, especially, looked pale, and Betsy tried not to break down.

"He didn't tell me before he left. I suppose he knew I'd try to stop him, but - Betsy, we felt you cry out through the Force," Corran explained, as his wife, Mirax supported him.

"He's still alive, and made contact with the Yuuzhan Vong - a high-ranking warrior. That's all I could tell. I'm sorry, Corran," Betsy said, her voice quavering.

She wasn't used to showing weakness, but she'd come to respect and trust her fellow Jedi, as much as she'd trusted the X-Men. She smiled when Mara put a hand on her shoulder and said, "Betsy, you look like a Force Demon chased you."

Betsy nodded, thanking Tionne as the archivist passed out tea and Cilghal checked Betsy's vitals. "You're in a state of shock. Please, sit," the healer advised.

"Thank you, Cilghal. I ... sometimes, quite involuntarily, my astral form will wind up in another's dreams - or another's mind. It's not something I do for fun, and thankfully, it's not common. However, I suspect my vision of Elegos before he left Naboo may have established a link with him," Betsy explained.

She tried to center herself - not easily, with the ripples of shock and concern coming from the other Jedi - while Luke asked in a gentle tone, "Where -?"

"It's not very clear - I'm sorry. Here's what I saw," Betsy said, telepathically sharing the image she'd sensed (but sparing the others the details).

Corran blanched again, but out of barely-repressed fury this time, and he shot Kyp Durron a glare, seeming to dare the Deyer-born gadfly to speak. Kyp merely threw his hands in the air and said, "Hey, I respect Senator A'Kla. He followed his convictions - I might disagree with him, but he has courage."

"... thank you, Kyp," Corran managed, his color returning a bit. He gave Betsy a knowing glance, and asked, "Do they know about Garqi?"

"Not that I can tell. I didn't actually communicate with Elegos, other than his sensing me and thanking me for being there when he - surrendered. They didn't harm him, though, either, so ..." Betsy trailed off, her mindshield "cooled off" enough from the psi-shock to allow her to reinforce it.

Corran nodded, whispering something to Mirax as the gathered Jedi trailed back to bed. He'd lead a reconaissance mission to Garqi on the morrow, with a half-dozen Noghri and two "civilian observers" - Jacen and Ganner, an odd mix but a good one for dealing with the unanticipated - to try and find out more about the disturbing biotech used by the Vong to enslave their captives.

I shouldn't be so unsettled. But Elegos going to what's likely his death ... it's one thing for a warrior like myself to stare into the maw and steel ourselves. It's entirely another to see the best of us go marching toward the gnashing rocks, Betsy mused.

She managed to finish centering herself, noticing the Skywalkers watching her, and asked, "I appreciate the attention, but do I still look that shaken?"

"You're recovering faster than we'd thought. That's good ... just don't forget that we're here for you, as much as you've been here for us," Mara said.

Betsy thanked her, then squinted; her friend and student in the psionic arts seemed more tired, and not just because of the hour. "Mara, are you - ?" she began, raising an eyebrow when Mara smirked.

"The disease seems to be ... Cilghal isn't quite ready to say it's mutated, but the Force-countering is getting more complicated. I've had to slow down, and you know how I feel about that," Mara quipped, her frustration freshly evident.

Luke looked openly concerned, worry seeping from behind his shields, and Betsy nodded. "The modulation techniques I've taught you for the Phoenix energy are helping?" she asked.

"Just in time, too. I'm hoping after we get through this latest business with Garqi, we can speed up the lessons - I know, we can't risk rushing too fast. But my danger sense is screaming at me that things are getting more urgent," Mara said, the quirk at her mouth's corner turning bitter.

"Just make sure that scream doesn't have a raptor's edge," Betsy noted, gently, and Mara laughed as she reached to squeeze Luke's hand.

"Hey, my preferred color is black, not garish red and gold, thank you very much," Mara retorted, her humor returning.

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

- to be continued ...

 

A/N: Urgh. DRL's been very hectic lately - today especially *glares half-heartedly at car repair bill ... *

However, I can move this forward a bit more, at least through the end of Ruin ... and plant some seeds for the future.

Warning: Character deaths, hoojibs (yes, hoojibs) kicking shebs, and an adaptation of Carl Douglas' classic 1970s pop song.- my thanks to him -

As for hoojib combat prowess? Here's this classic Marvel SW cover:

http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/File:Mswc105cover.jpg

And, of course, the greatest hoojib of them all:

http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Plif

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

"There is a living consciousness within the robot! I sense it now! If I can solidify the psionic contact - perhaps take control -- !"

- Betsy "Psylocke" Braddock, adapting to changing circumstances,
Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1, issue 247

-----------------------------
Chapter 31: 25.8 ABY:
Jedi Praxeum, Yavin 4,
Gordian Reach,
Outer Rim Territories:
----------------------------------------

When the news came down, Betsy wasn't terribly surprised - she'd had another sleepless night, lost in Force-visions and precognitive flashes both, with a terrible sense of dread, but nothing clear in terms of advice.

All very frustrating, and not that easily pushed through, even with biofeedback techniques, she thought, wrapping her robe tightly around herself as she saw the returning members of the Garqi infiltration team disembark from a Lambda-class shutle, followed by Jaina.

Corran hugged Mirax, while Jacen and Jaina greeted Luke and Mara, but Betsy held back from them for now, glancing at Ganner Rhysode - who was quite changed.

He bore a fresh, rakish scar down the right side of his face, and he had a sardonic grimness about him which was light-years removed from the cocky telekinetic prodigy whose arrogance had sometimes set Betsy's teeth on edge. Ganner caught her glancing at him, and gave a polite tip-salute, thinking "at" Betsy, I'm fortunate that I survived ... and I learned a few lessons. If you want to take a "peek," go ahead and look.

~Very well,~ Betsy sent, curious. She repressed a gasp at Ganner's memories of his harrowing fight with the Yuuzhan Vong, then started to smile at the implication of a potential weapon against the Yuuzhan Vong's living armor - but winced at the information about the Vong's yorik coral experiments.

"Those - monsters!" Betsy blurted, crossing the hangar and balling her fists in outrage. "I fought nightmarish misuse of innocents as a member of the X-Men, but those - victims of the coral growths - !"

Ganner nodded, actually surprised at Betsy's anger, until he thought for a moment and asked, "I think I've been - unfair to you, Betsy. My apologies."

It was Betsy's turn to be surprised, as much by Ganner's humility as by his apology, but she said, "Thank you ... but unfair in what way?"

Ganner's half-smile was wry, but not mocking; Betsy could sense he was frustrated with himself, and had been thinking quite a bit on the way back from Garqi. "Here I am, the headstrong telekinesis show-off, and I was jealous of you as the new star pupil of Master Skywalker's. But when the sabaac chips were down, my fancy Force-skill counted for nil, and I had to learn the hard way not to be so arrogant," he said, fingering his scar.

"You're still alive, at least. And for what it's worth, I've had similar lessons ... thank you, though, Ganner," Betsy said, extending her hand to him.

He shook it, smiling more warmly before he gave the approaching Kyp Durron an annoyed scowl. Kyp stopped in his tracks, clearly confused, and Ganner sniffed, mumbling, "This isn't a conversation I was looking forward too ... Kyp is a great warrior, but he doesn't take 'dissent' from his supporters well."

"Do you want me to back you up? Kyp can be reasonable ... sometimes," Betsy suggested, remembering her mission to Tatooine and Nal Hutta with Kyp.

Ganner's half-smile returned, but it was still warm. "Thanks, but I doubt Kyp's going to get violent with fellow Jedi. He's not that immature - and now, neither am I," he replied, walking over to Kyp.

The men started a heated conversation, and Betsy left them to it - she sensed a flare of annoyance and concern from Jaina, who waved Betsy down and said, "Please tell me Kyp's not going to go crazy calling for bafforr pollen bombs for our X-Js, or having a snit fit about the Imperials showing up to help us - Ganner told you what he and the others found?"

"Yes, all of the horrible details. I'd hoped I'd not have to face horrific bio-manipulation like this ever again, but the Yuuzhan Vong seem especially fond of treating our galaxy's sentients as livestock. We need to discourage that sort of mindset with extreme prejudice," Betsy spat, crossing her arms.

She gave Jaina an apologetic look, blushing at her bluntness. I've let my manners go into the 'fresher, Betsy reflected, starting to apologize.

Jaina just squeezed her shoulder and smiled, radiating support. "It's OK. We're all running a little hot in the engines right now. I ... I need to talk to Mara. Things got hairy over Ithor, and it's reminded me ... I need to clear the air before things ... before someone I care about ..." she said, trailing off.

"Jaina - did you lose a squadmate?" Betsy asked, full of concern until Jaina looked at her with a relieved smile.

"No., but thaks for asking. I thought, though ... the landing craft, the Best Chance, seemed to crash on entry. It was deliberate, to fool the Vong, and Jacen had to shut down his end of the bond ... after Colonel Darklighter explained why it had to be done, it made sense. I just ... we're losing too many people, or coming close to losing loved ones, and I've been immature about how I'm dealing with it," Jaina rambled, finally taking a breath.

Betsy clasped Jaina's wrist in support; she was relieved the girl was thinking through her feelings, as well as letting herself feel. "You're growing up well - quite fast, and I think we'd all prefer you and your brothers and classmates had more time. But you continue to impress me," she said.

Jaina hugged Betsy, then stepped back with a lighter smile than she'd had in months. "Hey, you're the one who's helping Mara deal with some crazy Force firebird. Seriously, though ... thanks again, Betsy. For everything - helping Mara, telling us about Grandma Padme', everything. We'll talk more soon," she said, walking over to Mara while Jacen and Luke kept chatting, now quite intensely.

You're welcome ... now, let's hope we all get through whatever's coming, Betsy thought, deciding to research baffor pollen.

She nodded to Luke and gave Jacen a supportive smile as she passed them on the way to the archives, and heard the word "Ithor"

- *dark rain, turning the jungle a nightmarish shade, as the plants and animals and even the microbes clawed and screamed and struggled* -

and Betsy clutched at her chest as she leaned against the hatch frame - the precognitive flash was like a sledgehammer to her chest.

"BETSY!?" she heard, and she let Luke help her to sit on a bench as she struggled to compose herself.

Bloody hell, you're a noblewoman, an X-Man, and a Jedi! You slew a corrupt cross-time version of your own twin brother when he tried to attack you - you overcame the Hand's programming, and the loss of your eyes to Slaymaster! Yes, it's horrible, but it's NOT happened yet! she told herself.

The other Jedi gathered nearby, but not so close as to crowd Betsy, while Luke asked in a gentle tone, "You saw something about Ithor?"

"It's a jungle world?" Betsy asked without really asking. Luke nodded, and Betsy took a deep breath, continuing, "I 'saw' - its' biosphere - it was dying."

Horror swept across the others' faces, but - perhaps unsurprisingly - Corran recovered fastest, scowling. "It's possible. Nightmarish, but if anyone could ... devastate... a planet ... I wouldn't put it past the Vong's capabilities, based on what we saw on Garqi," he said, squeezing Mirax's hand as she looked at him.

"Then Han and Leia's mission to the Imperial Remnant just became even more critical. We have to draw the line at Ithor, and we'll need help," Mara said.

Betsy nodded, still stunned by the magnitude of what she'd seen, but centered herself and stood. "Count me in. I'm bloody sick of all these visions knocking me aft over teakettle, while the Yuuzhan Vong plunge Coreward. We've had warning enough; it's time to act," she said, drawing herself tall.

Kyp grinned in a near-feral way, while Ganner shot him a warning glance and Jacen looked even more concerned than usual. Luke and Mara both looked serious, while Jaina nodded, and Corran and Mirax held onto each other - it was all very ominous, and Betsy hoped she hadn't sounded cocky.

Luke smiled, then, and nodded. "You're right, Betsy. Let's gather our forces and see where Han and Leia are in their efforts. Kyp, would you and Corran join me, please?" he asked. The two often-opposing Jedi Masters traded a wary glance, then followed Luke, while Jacen blew out a sigh.

"This isn't going to end well," the teen muttered, ignoring Ganner's confused glance as he slipped away down the hall, and Jaina gave her twin a worried look.

"It's probably best to give him some space, Jaina. Jacen disobeyed one of Corran's commands - saving Corran's life, but Corran still called him out on it. Politely, and in Corran's defense, he was right to speak to Jacen about it," Ganner explained, holding up a hand to forestall Mirax as she tensed.

The antiquities dealer calmed a bit, replying, "You're ... a lot more equitable than you were, Rhysode. Thanks for watching Corran's back."

"You're welcome, Mrs. Horn," Ganner said, with real respect - drawing a bemused snort from Mara, raised eyebrows from Jaina, and a smile from Mirax.

"It's appreciated, Ganner, but Mirax is fine - I'm not that old," she quipped. "The respect thing is good on you, though."

Ganner scratched his scar again, half-smiling as he replied, "I was a member of a minor noble house back on Tyria - Teyr, in Basic. I just let myself get too much into the whole action thing, and got more than a little spoiled by success. My original mentor would've yelled at me for lowering my guard."

"Yeah, well - scars can be attractive," Jaina said, smiling as she waved Mara into a side room - then blinking as the redhead raised an eyebrow.

"You and him?" Mara asked her niece, who turned a shade of red nearly as deep as Mara's hair, while Ganner took a step back in a defensive stance.

"No offense, Jaina, but you're a little young yet for me," Ganner said, relief filling him as Jaina gave an incredulous laugh and shook her head.

"Let's get through this war, first, Ganner. And no offense to you, either - I can't imagine a future where you and I end up together," she replied.

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

Ganner and ME?! Seriously? I mean, he's cute, and nicer now that he's not so full of himself ... but guys are not on my scopes right now, Jaina thought.

She closed the door to the briefing room, sitting with Mara at the conference table, and playfully jabbed, "Glad to see your sense of humor's OK."

"I'm in remission, not unconscious. So - Garqi. Rough, I sense?" Mara asked - her shields were up, which Jaina ruefully supposed she deserved.

"It had its harsh moments. Some of which knocked the ... extra exhaust out of my head," Jaina replied, lowering her own defenses. "Mara ... I'm sorry."

Her aunt didn't, at least, cross her arms, and Jaina was grateful - then, surprised when Mara softly said, "So am I. Getting Rey back has been some of the best medicine I could receive. The lessons in controlling the Phoenix have helped too ... but I've been neglecting you. You're my apprentice - my niece."

Jaina reached over, squeezing Mara's hand, and was relieved as they opened to each other in the Force. Mara did feel tired, but not that frighteningly eroded sense she'd had months earlier, during the scary times just after Monor II - her aunt really did seem to be doing better, at least physically.

"I didn't make it easy. All this has been scary, in a way that none of the stuff before was. Without Betsy, we would've lost Chewie at Sernpidal, and then ... this mission on Garqi ... I thought Jacen was dead, even for a little while. It got through to me - people matter. We need to reach out while we can," Jaina said, fighting back tears.

Mara walked around the table and hugged Jaina around the shoulders, and they just stayed that way for a while. "Gavin speaks highly of you," she told Jaina.

"He's kind; I do well enough, but I've got something extra the other pilots don't, and it's really just enough to balance out my lack of experience," Jaina confessed, blushing at the praise and her own admission. "The Force isn't really a replacement for actual time behind the stick."

"Hmm. You're smart to realize that. Just don't ignore any of your skills," Mara said, sitting beside Jaina. "So - you thinking of staying with the Rogues?"

"... you mean, instead of being a Jedi? I ... was sort of hoping I'd have more time to decide ... but I guess time's at a premium right now," Jaina admitted, her hands in her lap - had the Masters decided she'd quit?

Well, I did drop my lightsaber in a snit fit weeks ago, Jaina reminded herself, wiping tears from her eyes until Mara put an unusually-gentle hand on her shoulder, and Jaina met her gaze.

"This isn't an ultimatum. Nobody here wants you to feel you have to give up one career path for another. Your ... declaration, back when you left your 'saber, got me thinking, too. I can be ... overly direct, even with people I care for. You know how good I am with being ... open," Mara said, growing ironic by the end.

Jaina let herself grin, grateful for Mara's acceptance, then grew serious and replied, "I was cruel, though. I'm sorry about how I said what I said."

"Apology accepted. Sometimes I do need to stare down the blaster muzzle to get the point, though," Mara said, her usual sass returning.

She reached to her belt, setting a cylinder on the table, and asked, "It's not against Rogue Squadron policy to have a backup weapon, right?"

Jaina took a deep breath; her lightsaber was right there, in front of her, and yet ... she couldn't help but hear a raspy rhythm in the background.

She forced herself to meet Mara's emerald gaze, and asked, "Do you think I'm mature enough to take it up again?"

"The very fact you're smart enough to ask means you should know the answer," Mara replied, typically letting Jaina find her own way.

That used to frustrate me, in training. But there's going to be times I can't rely on anyone else, either - that's what Mara wanted me to learn, Jaina admitted.

She blew out the breath she'd been holding, then looked at Mara. "This feels like it should be taking place in a cave of tree roots," she quipped.

Mara snorted, rolling her eyes. "You're not the Solobrat who usually has the Vader-phobia," she pointed out.

"True, but I don't have a cute blonde to smack sense into me when I start angsting over Granddad's awful behavior," Jaina said, fighting back a laugh.

It was an awful joke - Anakin deserved more respect for everything he'd wrestled with - but the release felt good, and Jaina took the lightsaber.

Mara nodded with approval, then winked and said, "Y'know, I could ask Artoo to sneak hair dye into Rhysode's shampoo ..."

"MARA!"

------------------------------------------
Ithor orbit, 3 standard days later:
------------------------------------------

"Ah - excuse me ... Lady Braddock?"

"Oh? Yes - Commander Fel. A pleasure to meet you," Betsy said, giving the commander of Force Spike a polite nod as she turned away from looking at Ithor. The world was blue, green, and incredibly beautiful, both visually and through the Force - if one didn't look too closely at the Yuuzhan Vong fleet nearby.

The meeting and dinner with the representatives from the Imperial Remnant and Chiss Ascendancy had been intriguing - in much the same way as watching a traffic crash from a safe distance. Borsk Fey'lya really had been as tetchy as Luke, Mara, and Leia had warned Betsy (she'd kept her distance from the Bothan Chief of State, although she had given him a respectful greeting - his mental defenses were exceptionally strong for a non-psi).

Betsy set aside reflection on Borsk to turn her attention to the young man before her. Jagged Fel was dressed in a perfect Imperial uniform, but with additional blue stripes which demarked his position in the Chiss military, while his military-cut hair featured a white stripe which, with his green eyes, reminded Betsy of ...

Oh, don't be absurd, Elizabeth. This boy couldn't possibly be connected to Rogue, she remonstrated herself - true, she was probably 15 years in her own past, but she had no definitive proof that this galaxy contained Earth somewhere in the Unknown Regions.

Just because Jagged did eerily look like a male version of Betsy's teammate from the X-Men didn't mean there was any actual connection ... probably.

Jagged nodded back, giving Ithor a look before opining in a soft voice, "I have ... rarely seen such pure life from orbit. The Ascendancy has ... beautiful worlds, but I sometimes lament my relative lack of appreciation for aesthetics. I was raised to be a warrior, by warriors - even if I do have regrets."

Betsy repressed a snort - Jagged was only 18, but she could sense his determination and "grimness," as Jaina had described his demeanor. He had fought, suffered, and overcome, and as a warrior herself, she could relate.

"You've got time to overcome those regrets, you know. I'm not saying it'll be easy, of course - I've seen possible futures ... we need to fight, to protect those who can't defend themselves," Betsy said, meeting Jagged's intense green gaze.

Jagged nodded, a flash of pain in his eyes for just a second as his mental defenses flickered. Even without actively scanning his mind, Betsy was almost overwhelmed by the weight of the young man's emotions - fear of failure, anger at the Yuuzhan Vong, old, deep grief, hope for the future, and a fascination for -

Oh. Jaina would be both flattered and a bit shocked at the depth of Commander Fel's feelings, she realized, hiding a smile while Jagged composed himself.

"It is - refreshing to meet someone with a practical awareness of our situation. I hope we can speak again - excuse me, please," Jagged said, bowing.

Betsy gave him her best "English noble" nod, noting Jagged's mental signature for future reference ... and raising an eyebrow as she performed a passive psi-scan (she'd been approached by security to help with monitoring for Yuuzhan Vong infiltrators, given her success against the Vong at Dantooine).

There's two sympatico minds to Jagged in the crowd! But that kind of connection is often based in blood relation, and there's only one known relative of Jagged's in this crowd ... Betsy remembered, giving Wedge Antilles a friendly nod as their gazes met. As Jagged's uncle, Wedge had been elated to learn of his nephew's existence, and had tried to buffer the rather abrasive attitude of the Ascendancy pilot toward the politicians present.

I don't entirely blame the military for their frustrations, but we can't throw away democracy for the sake of expediency. We can work with ... and sometimes around ... the more noxious politicos, if need be ... but I'm letting myself get distracted, Betsy thought, tracing the other sympatico mind through the crowd.

She bit the inside of her lip as she found whom she was looking for - and cursed herself for not noticing the similar eyes earlier - her target's eyes were green, the same green as Jagged's, even if their facial features were different.

Danni Quee gave Betsy a politely confused smile, and Betsy returned the expression with her best "polite acquaintance" expression, before fleeing.

There's too little evidence, and openly asking for a DNA test would both tip my hand and risk our alliance with the Imperials, Betsy decided.

Besides, Danni has been loyal ... and with the relative thaw between the New Republic and the Remnant, 'the enemy of my enemy' and all that ... for now.

Nevertheless, she made a beeline for Luke and Mara. There was good timing, and there was a failure to stay on one's toes - Betsy knew the difference.

---------------------------------------------------
Tafanda Bay herdship,
Ithor orbit, 8 standard days later:
-------------------------------------

"ARE YOU ALL COMPLETELY MAD!?"

~I believe, Chief, that the galaxy already went QUITE mad months ago. But then, THAT should have been obvious by the ... horror ... these Yuuzhan Vong inflicted on Elegos A'Kla,~ Plif, the hoojib Senator from Arbra, snapped at Borsk Fey'lya as the Bothan paced the main briefing room.

The one-week reprieve Corran Horn had managed to buy for the joint New Republic/Imperial Remnant task force had become an impromptu sort of mourning period, after the shocking brutality Shedao Shai had demonstrated in sending the Caamasi Senator Elegos A'Kla's bones back, decorated in gold and precious gems following Shai's execution of the self-appointed ambassador.

He wanted only to demonstrate our ideals, and to try to understand the Yuuzhan Vong - try to reach an accord. But I fear the galaxy the Yuuzhan Vong wish to create will have no room for souls such as yours, old friend, Plif mourned.

He looked at where another of his old friends, Luke Skywalker - Master of the Jedi Order - was comforting his still-stunned sister, Leia Organa-Solo, while her husband, Han Solo, looked out the viewport at the green world below them.

And, beyond the New Republic/Imperial Remnant flotilla, the asteroid-like Yuuzhan Vong fleet waited, as time slipped away quickly.

~Luke. I know Corran Horn wished to be the one to fight Shedao Shai. But I can sense his edginess - his repressed need for revenge. The last thing the Order needs, with Fey'lya literally looking over our shoulders, is for an innocent accident on the part of a Jedi Master to become a political ploy,~ Plif sent.

Luke smiled wanly at him and asked mentally, ~What do you suggest?~

~You remember the Tofs,~ Plif replied, the seed of a plan forming in his mind.

~We hoojibs aren't without our abilities ... and our own traditions. Both of peace ... and war ...~

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Hoojib quarters, T-minus 6 days to duel:
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Even if the idea of a group of intelligent, telepathic, energy-draining rabbits with antennae wasn't intriguing enough to Betsy Braddock - who considered herself already somewhat inured to craziness as a former X-Man - she would've wanted to see this.

I'm just very fortunate that I befriended Plif early on after arriving here, the purple-haired British woman thought, bowing to the young hoojib who greeted her at the entrance to the delegation's quarters.

~I'm Sniffler, M'Lady - Senator Plif told me about your noble title, and I'm honored to greet you. Your courage at Dantooine and Garqi is well-known, and it's always fascinating to meet another telepath,~ Sniffler thought, leading Betsy to the audience chamber.

~Likewise, Sniffler. I'm the one who should be honored, though - and as for Dantooine ... I was just lucky, to be honest,~ Betsy admitted ...

The carnage of the battle - her first real trial by fire as a Jedi - had rivaled or exceeded anything she'd seen as an X-Man. The only comparable amount of death Betsy had witnessed, even through others' eyes, had been during the Morlock Massacre, and that had been mostly one-sided; the professional assassins of the Marauders had found little challenge among the often weak and/or deformed mutant outcasts beneath New York City.

That wasn't WAR, Betsy thought, shivering at the memory of dying reptoids and Yuuzhan Vong, and before that, the desperate race with Luke, Leia, Han, Chewbacca, Jacen, and Padme' to rescue Mara and Anakin ...

On the other hand, if anyone had thought that Padme' Amidala-Skywalker had lost her combat skills while in stasis for almost 45 years, they'd been disabused of that notion by the precision of her blaster shots.

She'd managed to drop a couple of Vong from meters away.

Yet another reason Padme' and I get along so well - we're both noblewomen with remarkably lethal talents, Betsy thought, removing her outer cloak before bowing to Plif and his staff in the audience chamber.

~Elizabeth, welcome. I'm grateful you could join us. I understand you're a talented martial artist, and we're working on sparring practice. We have a plan to prevent the Yuuzhan Vong from committing some kind of dishonorable treachery in case our champion should lose against Shedao Shai,~ Plif said, radiating welcome and approval.

~I'll be glad to help, Plif. You've a tradition of martial arts?~ Betsy asked - she'd heard stories from Luke about hoojib combat prowess, but seeing was believing.

Plif seemed to blush, then looked over his shoulder, as a large - seemingly elderly - hoojib, with what looked like a beard, walked slowly from one of the bedrooms.

~This is Master Flopear - one of our greatest bun-fu practitioners. He has come with this class of hoojib commandoes, a mix of veterans from the Nagai-Tof War and younger hoojibs seeking to earn recognition,~ Plif said, and Betsy bowed to the ancient hoojib.

~Greetings, Knight Braddock. You are one of the few non-hoojibs who will witness this opening ritual for our sparring session. Floofle, Mopsal, Cotontal - begin the chant,~ Flopear called in a telepathic bass.

Betsy stood, watching as three hoojibs started to sway back and forth ... and she was shocked, amused, and almost elated to find they were humming a telepathic tune she recognized.

~Oh, oh, oh oh ... oh, oh, oh oh ...~

And the rest of the hoojibs started stretching ...

then bouncing, or jabbing at each other with their paws, and blocking, in martial arts maneuvers.

Everybody was bun-fu fighting
hoojibs as fast as lightning
In fact it was a little bit frightening
but they fought with expert timing

Betsy laughed, happily, and assumed a defensive stance - and started to spin, kick, and block, as hoojibs leapt at her and at each other.

It was a dance, and she was privileged to assist with it.

There were funky hoojib fighters from funky Arbra town
They were chopping Vong up and they were chopping Vong down
It's an ancient Arbran art, and everybody knew their part
From a feint into a slip, and kicking from the hip

Then the telepathic jolts started - not so strongly affecting Betsy, but she could sense the hoojibs' additional ability to undermine foes with telepathic attacks as well as rapid impacts.

Add in their energy-draining, and even blaster-wielding foes would have serious problems.

Everybody was bun-fu fighting
hoojibs as fast as lightning
In fact it was a little bit frightening
but they fought with expert timing

For her part, Betsy gave herself over to the "fight" - and smiled, as she sensed her hosts' cheerful approval.

There was funky Senator Plif, and trainee Sniffler, young
They said, 'Here comes the big Vong' - HUH! - let's get it on'
We took a bow and made a stand, started swaying with the hand
The sudden motion made me slip, now we're into a brand new trip
Everybody was bun-fu fighting

hoojibs as fast as lightning
In fact it was a little bit frightening
but they fought with expert timing

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Legacy of Torment,
Yuuzhan Vong fleet: T-minus 3 days to duel:
-----------------------------------------------------------------

"They send - animals?"

Deign Lian ducked as Shedao Shai - his hated superior - slapped the back of his head - again - and snarled, "These hoojibs are far deadlier than you comprehend, fool."

"This unworthy one begs your mercy, Great One," Lian whined, bowing - how he HATED this!

I am a servant of the Warmaster, yet I must bow and scrape to this zhaelor-obsessed coward. I swear, were I not honor-bound to serve ... Lian thought, disgusted as he watched Shai pace before the living-light image of a hoojib generated by one of the newer villips.

"These hoojibs fought a larger, better-armed species, the 'Tofs,' alongside the accursed Jeedai and their reluctant Nagai allies. The hoojib leader, Plif, was a friend of Elegos, and is said to have the ear of this Jeedai leader, Skywalker. They practice a kind of martial art that we would do well to pay attention to - and they possess telepathy, and can drain energy sources," Shai observed.

Lian dared to look up at that - telepathy?

Shai spared him an approving (condescending, Lian thought - look. "You understand the threat they pose. The yammosks are having a difficult time sensing these hoojibs - they shield, much like that purple-haired Jeedai she-demon Brah'daak who slew so many of our warriors at Dantooine just with her mind," the commander warned.

"These hoojibs could ... threaten our yammosks?" Lian asked, trying to keep his contempt out of his voice; the very idea seemed blasphemous, that something that should have been a prey species - a snack for amphistaffs - could threaten war coordinators!

But then, these Jeedai have surprised us ... Lian admitted reluctantly.

"If we are not careful," Shai agreed, turning back to the hoojib image.

"Thus, why I have accepted Plif's challenge to single combat. If I win, I regain my grandfather Mongei's bones; if not, I will have at least fought honorably."

And stupidly, Lian thought, his contingency plan ready - if need be, even a sacred, life-rich world like Ithor could be rendered sterile.

But not before Shedao Shai dies horribly and dishonorably.

Lian was too warmed by the thought to pay attention to the eyes blinking at him and his superior from a ventilation shaft ...

as the hoojib who'd snuck aboard from a rushed evacuation of Ithor psi-commed back to her superiors, ~Latest update, ready ...~

----------------------------
Duel date: Ithor:
----------------------------

The Ithorians had managed to evacuate as many of their people as they could - which, given Ithor's sacred nature in their belief system, had been quite a few.

Luke could respect that, and drank in the Force-backdrop of the jungle world; it was a lot like his memories of Arbra, although the far-distant forest world was more deciduous than the jungles of Ithor.

"Deciduous." I'm getting scientific in my old age, he thought, focusing - Shedao Shai and a Yuuzhan Vong who must've been his aide had arrived, and Plif was standing on his hind legs, sniffing the air.

Shai removed the scarlet robe he was wearing, revealing a golden loincloth and boots, along with the mask he wore, and pointed his amphistaff at Plif - the weapon hissed, and Luke couldn't help but worry.

"I am Shedao Domain Shai - this is my aide, Deign Domain Lian. He is my witness," Shai growled in pretty good Basic.

~I am Plif, son of Plardel, and this is my friend, Master Luke Skywalker of the Jedi Order. He is my witness. And behind me in the case are the bones of your ancestor, Mongei Domain Shai,~ Plif sent, and Shai nodded.

"You, at least, are honorable, Plif Domain Plardel. Elegos spoke highly of you - and I am glad of the chance to face a warrior. Now - we begin!" Shai barked -

and he rocked on his heels as Plif sprang.

Luke knew hoojib fighting techniques were formidable, but this was way beyond what he'd seen them do against the Tofs.

Plif was using the kinetic energy of his impacts against Shai to speed up his bounces and punches/leaps; the Vong warrior was barely able to deflect the strikes.

But it wasn't one-sided. That amphistaff was snapping and hissing, an ophidian sensing a lagomorphic prey creature (sentient or not), and even if the weapon was from another galaxy, it was a relationship Luke had learned about during free time spent studying.

And then, finally, Vong and hoojib let their guard slip -


the amphistaff managed to graze Plif's side, and the hoojib twisted in mid-air -

as Shai failed to keep his arm up -

and KRAK!

- it was over.

Plif landed, bruised and panting, at Luke's feet.

Shai keeled over, his neck at an odd angle, and he was dead.

~That ... was a little much,~ Plif admitted - Luke checked his friend's vitals, and saw the deep puncture wounds; he had to get Plif to a bacta tank and some anti-venin FAST.

He looked at Lian and asked, "What about his body? And Mongei's bones?"

Lian sneered - no love lost there, Luke figured, picking up Plif.

"Shai is no longer Yuuzhan Vong. I care nothing for a failure," the aide spat, stomping off.

~Well ... we won,~ Plif thought, as Luke raced back to his XJ-7.

~Let's hope you're right,~ Luke worried.

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

Lian was glad to be getting back to the Legacy of Torment, but he could sense something was wrong the instant his coralskipper hatch opened.

"Report," he barked at a subaltern - the glowspheres were flickering, and the entire ship had a strange telepathic feel to it that resonated in Lian's implants.

"Something is causing an energy drain, and the war coordinator is ... confused, superior," the subaltern explained.

Lian's eyes widened, and he ran for a villip -

and then the Legacy of Torment ... writhed, for lack of a better term.

And small, furry attackers started pouring from hatches and vents, before Deign Lian could bark orders.

Something small and fuzzy broke his kneecap, and that was the last thing he knew.

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

~FASTER!~ Fluffle - Plif's second in command - barked, as the commando teams swarmed Vong duty stations, overwhelming warriors and shapers and other Vong.

The strongest telepaths among the attack force were gathered with Betsy Braddock, who'd been allowed to join the infiltration squad ...

and they stood before a succession pool, as a still-shocked yammosk writhed beneath their mental exertions.

~We can't hold it much longer,~ Flopsae, one of the sergeants, warned Betsy, as she manifested her legendary psychic knife.

She elongated the weapon into a telepathic katana and smiled, replying, ~This won't take long.~

And Psylocke plunged the weapon home - as all hell broke loose outside.

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

"Those skip patrols are losing cohesion! FIRE AT WILL, COMMANDER!" Admiral Traest Kre'fey cheered, as the New Republic flotilla launched all fighters.

The Vong were flying erratically - and Kre'fey smiled over at his still-shocked cousin, Borsk Fey'lya, who was watching the surprise attack be turned utterly upside down.

"Hoojibs ..." the New Republic Chief of State whispered.

"Yes, hoojibs. And I hope, for your sake, cousin, that you'll heed Senator Plif's advice, and increase funding and minimize your interference in the war effort. These Yuuzhan Vong are still a serious threat," Kre'fey warned.

For the moment, though, he turned back to where Rogue Squadron and Jag Fel's Chiss pilots were leading the decimation of the Vong flotilla ...

while the Legacy of Torment started to heave to, floundering under New Republic and Remnant turbolasers as its dovin basals and plasma spitters were deprived of power by hungry energy-draining commandoes.

Hoojibs, indeed.

And Kre'fey toasted his furry friends with his cup of caf, while a Lambda-class shuttle blasted out of one of the Vong cruiser's holds.

------------------------------------------
Ralroost, T-plus two days after duel:
------------------------------------------

Plif coughed - he was grateful to Luke for being able to induce a healing trance in non-Force-sensitives, but the smell of bacta was going to linger in his fur for weeks.

I'll take it, the hoojib Senator thought, relieved to see Relal Tawron standing there with Flopear on his shoulder, Betsy beaming at him from behind a 2-1B as Luke, Leia, Han, the Solo children, Padme', and Chewbacca waved from the observation room.

"Senator, we are eternally grateful for you and your people. The hoojibs have - with the help of Knight Braddock - saved Mother Jungle!" Tawron, the Ithorian high priest cheered.

Plif blinked and asked, ~We -?~

Betsy opened the interior access to a viewport and replied, grinning, "See for yourself."

Plif thanked her as she picked him up, and let him see the deep black over the green disk below.

And the sun rose over the rim of Ithor.

Intact, still-living Ithor.

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

- to be continued ...

 

Bun-fu fighting! *snork!*

 

Cowgirl Jedi: I'm glad you enjoyed it. This was a fun little piece to write years ago (the parts with the different font were a standalone piece, which I really should have folded into the original draft of Amethyst but never did ...

That said, even though Ithor survived in this timeline, there were losses, which the next chapter will acknowledge. There just wasn't quite narrative room, what with everything going on (Plif's duel with Shedao, Jag's arrival, the hints of Jaina/Ganner which eventually come to fruition in Maelstroms, and the tease about Danni Quee's real identity ...

 

A/N: Been busy again this past week, but time for some updates ...

The focus shifts back to Betsy for a bit, as well as the new, coming threats in Agents of Chaos ...

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

"Storm wants a prisoner, for interrogation. That's vitally important."

"I'll get her one. But one is all she's gonna get. The rest are mine."

- Betsy "Psylocke" Braddock and Logan (the Wolverine), on duty and revenge,
Uncanny X-Men vol. 1, issue 212

***************************************************
Chapter 32: 25.8 ABY: Jedi Praxeum, Yavin 4,
Gordian Reach, Outer Rim Territories:
***************************************************

They gathered, hoods raised, as the bower carrying the bones of their friend was lifted toward the immense pyre towards the praxeum's edge.

With Caamas proper still a wasteland after the Empire's atrocity there, and Releqy A'Kla's reluctance to bring her father's remains home to Susefvi (protestors had distastefully decried Elegos' attempt to hold discourse with the Yuuzhan Vong as "typical Caamasi cowardice in the face of a deadly threat"), Luke had offered the Praxeum's grounds as a place to commit the Quence Sector's Senator to the Force.

Releqy was supported by Corran and Mirax Horn as the honor guard of six Jedi placed Elegos' coffin and bower on the pyre; Zekk conjured flames around one of his hands - combustion, one of the rarer Force powers but not inherently light or dark, had been part of his training at the Shadow Academy - and lit it.

Leia leaned her head on Han's shoulder, while Jaina and Jacen huddled together, and Anakin and Tahiri stood at Han and Leia's left. Chewie gave a soft, rolling yowl of respect, joined by Lowbacca at his right. Luke squeezed Mara's hand as they sat with Kylo and Rey, before the Jedi Master stood and led a recitation of the Jedi Codes, old and new.

There were some Jensaarai in the audience, and several New Republic Senators, as well as many members of the New Loyalist movement - Niall Organa, Lieda Mothma, and Padme' among them (the last in a purely-advisory role, given the sensitivity of her past). The public aim of the group was to continue supporting refugees.

Privately, they each had a direct hypercomm link to Wes and Callista Janson's Resistance group on D'Qar, and were helping move Jedi around, too.

And not just to flee the Vong - I'm off to Hutt space once we finish Elegos' funeral, to coordinate with Rotta and the Hutt cartels against the advancing Vong, Betsy reflected, watching the flames lick and greedily gnaw at Elegos' coffin. Despite (or perhaps in spite of) the lavish decoration which Shedao Shai had ordered for the Caamasi's bones, Releqy had respected her father's request for cremation.

Betsy patted Jysella Horn's shoulder as the girl clung to her brother Valin - the telepath had wanted to give the Skywalkers and Solos some space, as she composed her own thoughts, and the younger Jedi students delighted in the stories Betsy shared of her fellow X-Men and other Terran heroes. The Horn siblings gave Betsy grateful looks, and she nodded, as the crowd started to break up (Streen and the maintenance staff would watch the pyre).

There was a small meal afterwards in the cafeteria; Betsy didn't feel particularly hungry, but she did want to make sure she checked up on some of her friends. Helping to save Ithor had been a much-needed morale boost, both for the New Republic and the Jedi, but there'd been losses in that fight ...

Betsy grabbed a tray of food - she acknowledged her need to keep her strength up - and joined the Solos, Chewie, Lowbacca, and Tahiri in a small room just off of the cafeteria. "Luke and Mara aren't with you?" she asked Leia, thanking Anakin as he made room at the table.

"Luke's talking with Releqy before she leaves - we said a few words of parting with her - and Mara's having a check-up with Cilghal. Rey's afraid to leave Mara's side, or at least her general area, and Kylo ... I'm not sure where he got to after the funeral," Leia said, squinting a bit as she checked the Force.

Jacen muttered something not quite comprehensible, but it drew a sharp glare from Jaina, and her twin's expression softened. "Sorry," he said, louder.

"No... I am. It's just ... Ithor's still fresh, Jacen. Besides, Kylo's just a kid - bratty, maybe scary sometimes, but he's still our cousin," Jaina replied, sighing.

Betsy caught the girl's eyes, but merely sent telepathically, ~I'm sorry I didn't have a chance to talk to you sooner. Did Rogue Squadron lose pilots?~

She winced at the roil of fresh pain which crossed the psi-link, but Jaina managed to force a smile while wiping away tears. Anni was shot down, she thought.

Betsy gave a horrified little gasp, ashamed at her ignorance of Jaina's suffering - Anni Capstan had become a close friend of the girl's - but Jaina's smile grew stronger, and she reached across the table to squeeze Betsy's hand in gratitude. "It's OK. You were helping keep watch on Senator Plif," she said.

"Still, if there's anything I can do - ! I wouldn't have accepted the mission to be a liasion with the Hutt clans if I'd known this had happened," Betsy commiserated.

Jaina thanked her, and gave Leia a warm smile before saying, "I'm ... learning more about duty. We can grieve, but we have to honor those we've lost by continuing to move forward."

Pride and support filled Leia's expression, while Han nodded - then squinted when his comlink went off. "Sorry ... let me get this quick," he said, standing to check the message. Jacen's face flickered, but this time when Jaina glanced at him, the youth merely shrugged and went back to his nerf steak.

And unlike his siblings, Jacen's thoughts are better shielded, Betsy noted - not that she'd go poking around in any of the Solos' thoughts without need. (Telepathically communicating was one thing - that involved reading and projecting surface thoughts - but mind-probing was intrusive.)

"So - Betsy's off to work with the Hutts. Where's everyone else headed to?" Tahiri asked, obviously attempting to brighten the mood.

"I'm working with SELCORE, to help the refugees - Threepio's coming with me," Leia said, glancing at where the faithful protocol droid stood nearby, ready to help. "For right now, more active diplomats are working with the Remnant after Ithor, but I've been requested to be available if negotiations are needed."

"And I'm on mandatory leave for the rest of the week, after ... well," Jaina said, smiling gratefully as her mother patted her shoulder.

Anakin and Tahiri both gave Jaina supportive glances, and Betsy started to ask Jacen what he'd be doing, until Han coughed. "Ah ... I've got a request for help. From an old friend," he said, giving Leia an almost-apologetic look.

Her face fell, but she managed to smile as she stood and hugged him. "Things are quiet right now. You and Chewie -" she started.

"Chewie was gonna visit Malla and Lumpy. Besides, this might take me places where a Wookiee'd draw the wrong kind of attention," Han said.

Betsy kept quiet - her instinctual reaction was that this was a very bad idea right now - but Jacen cleaned his plate and stood, muttering, "Same as ever ..."

"You want to clarify that, Jacen?" Han asked in a not-very-asking tone, refusing to back down when the youth responded with a glare.

"Just that some things stay the same," Jacen replied in an even tone. He looked down at himself, almost disgusted, and added, "And some stagnate."

With that, the boy was gone, and Han and Leia exchanged a wounded, worried look, while Anakin glowered and Jaina shook her head. "He's -" she started.

"Got to have a boot put some place sensitive," Tahiri spat, disgust obvious on her face. "This is an older problem than the Yuuzhan Vong - Jacen's always had his head in the stratosphere, sniffing the Force. You've said it yourself. And now that he's dealing with the real galaxy, it scares him. Well, boo-hoo. I lost my parents when I was 3, and Her Highness lost her whole world. A few scratches and getting rescued by Kyp Durron don't count as trauma."

Jaina looked torn between defending her twin and agreeing with Tahiri, while Anakin was fighting a very serious attack of laughter. Leia just looked thoughtful, while Han, for his part, outright grinned, and said, "Kid, you're gonna go far when you finally graduate."

Tahiri grinned, squeezing Anakin's shoulder as she finished her plate and stood to leave. "Thanks, Captain Solo. Force be with you, wherever you're headed - 'Kin, let me know before you go anywhere, OK?" she asked, returning Anakin's happy gaze.

"Always, 'Ri," the boy said, turning several shades of red as his parents and sister gave him knowing looks. "What? She's my best friend!"

"Yeah, kid - same way your mom's my best friend," Han quipped, holding Leia's hands for a moment as real adoration shone in his eyes. "So ..."

Leia sighed, but kissed Han and nodded. "Go. Help your friend Roa. I'd feel better if you took Chewie or Lowie -" she started, echoed by Chewie's rumble.

"I know - I know -" Han said, turning to the Wookiee for a moment before smiling at Leia. "I'll call if I need anything. Promise."

Leia gave him a serious look, and Han kissed her, before hugging Jaina and Anakin, clasping wrists with the Wookiees, and thanking Betsy when she said, "I'll speak with Jacen. He might benefit from talking with someone outside blood relatives - I wouldn't take his attitude personally, Han."

Han just nodded, a flash of pain evident in his eyes as he left, and Betsy started to worry until Leia said, "He's always felt ... a little left behind, by those of us with the Force. And Jacen ... well, while Tahiri's explanation was more colorful than I'd prefer, Jacen's not always lived in the here-and-now, so to speak."

"You're always the diplomat and peacemaker, Mom," Anakin said without heat, standing. He kissed her cheek, leaving as he said, "'Ri was right."

Leia started to say something, but shook her head - Betsy could sense her friend's frustration with her sons' rivalry, but now wasn't the time to try and talk some sense into them. And whatever resentment he might have for Han, Jacen's more like his father than he wants to admit, the telepath thought.

She decided it was better to catch up with Jacen after she checked in with the Skywalkers - but, perhaps, not the most obvious one first.

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

"They hate us. Why shouldn't we fight to protect ourselves, however we have to?"

"Bwoot. Fre-teweep-bwteet-att," Artoo replied, worried, and Kylo patted his friend's leg; he didn't want to scare the astromech.

"Sorry. S'just ... the Vong keep spreading, and Mom's not getting better, and Jacen's acting all weird - weirder'n usual, anyway," the 8-year-old mumbled, checking his repairs to the landspeeder.

He didn't get to use the big tools - Mom and Dad said he was too little, yet, although Kylo knew Uncle Han'd let Jaina and Jacen and Anakin work on the Falcon - but it wasn't worth arguing over. Mom, especially, would just get her durasteel face, and Kylo knew it'd be pointless to pester her.

Kylo finished the repulsor re-install, then asked, "Can you weld that shut, Artoo? I'm not s'posed to use welding tools."

"Btweep!" Artoo agreed, and Kylo stood, looking around when he sensed ... her getting closer. He didn't dislike Lady Braddock, but he wished she'd help his Mom more with her sickness.

If Mom's got that firebird in her head, and it's helping her get better, then why not use it? Kylo thought, trying not to frown as Lady Braddock entered the hangar. He waved at her, wiping grease off of his hands, and sat beside her on a bench while they watched Artoo work.

"You left without supper. Weren't you hungry?" Lady Braddock asked - her mind felt like a running woolamander, always peeking around, even when still.

Kylo shrugged. "Mom asked Rey'n I if we wanted to eat before instead of after. 'Sides, I don't like sad stuff. I'm sorry about Senator A'Kla - he was nice," he said, a little sad now.

Lady Braddock nodded, then looked at Kylo, and he hardened his shields before asking, "Do you read everyone's mind, or is it that hard to control?"

She laughed, in that weird way some grown-ups got, but Kylo didn't think she was trying to be mean. "Apologies. Some minds are just harder to shield against than not," she explained, and Kylo nodded; that made sense.

"Mom 'n Dad tell me I shouldn't peek in other people's minds, either. I don't mean to - it's just so loud sometimes," Kylo tried to explain.

Lady Braddock nodded, and Kylo blushed as he added - almost without meaning to - "And sometimes I just get mad. I don't want t'hurt people ..."

"I find that it helps to count to 10, when possible. And when you can't, just try to think of what to do that can help the most people," Lady Braddock suggested.

Kylo pondered that for a minute, then shrugged. "I'll try - but Dad says we should do, not try," he said, sighing.

Lady Braddock patted his shoulder, and looked - and felt - sad for a moment. "Like with your mother's illness. I'm sorry we've not cured it yet, but the Phoenix ... it's tricky, Kylo. I wish we could make it simple, but one thing you'll learn as you grow older is that life is rarely simple, no matter how we try," she said.

Kylo nodded; she was being honest, at least, even if he didn't like what she said. Some adults just lied to make kids feel better, but he could see through that.

"Thanks, Lady Braddock," he said, hugging her quick - she kind of felt like she needed a hug.

"Maybe someday I can make life be simple, though."

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

And wasn't that an unsettling echo of his grandfather ... ? Betsy reflected moments later - Kylo was both eerily insightful and bright for his age.

She set aside her concerns for the moment - the boy had a decent enough heart, after all, and he was worried about his mother.

Whom - there she is, Betsy thought, easily locating Mara through the Force. It wasn't hard - she was well-attuned to her friend by now, and even if Mara's presence had diminshed so far as to be hard to find, Rey's worried, protective signature was never very far from her mother.

"Lady Betsy!" the girl cheered, running to Betsy's open arms for a hug. Kylo had the usual standoffishness of boys his age, but Rey was welcoming of her family and friends, which boded well for her reintegration into the wider Jedi after years of isolation on Jakku. "Mom doesn't feel good to me - she's thinner."

Betsy extended a Force-probe to Mara, who let her read her before the redhead appeared in the doorway to Cilghal's main lab, dressed in a robe. Indeed, Mara's Force-signature was diminished, while the presence of roiling hunger which manifested to Betsy's telepathy but not her Force-sense had grown.

Rey ran to hug her mother, who ruffled her hair - and, in the light, Betsy could see a new paleness in Mara's face which the former Hand had hidden at the funeral.

"Cilghal has ... news," Mara said, waving Rey and Betsy into the lab. Cilghal looked concerned, even as she returned Rey's friendly squeeze of her hand, but Mara sat on the edge of the exam table and added, "I'm not going to lie to my children, Cilghal, not when things change like this."

Like 'this'? Betsy worried, watching as Mara lifted Rey to sit beside her and put an arm around the girl's shoulders.This sounds ... grim.

Cilghal nodded, while Rey's eyes widened, and Betsy found a seat at one of the work stations. "Well ... what's changed?" she asked.

The Mon Calamari healer called up a holodiagram of Mara's body, nodes of greenish-black visible throughout her system, but held back with flows of gold-white energy. "As we've been attempting for the past few months, the Phoenix energy has augmented Mara's own Force-resistance of the Yuuzhan Vong illness. However ... miniscule, but notable, amounts of the disease have begun showing up in different areas of Mara's body," Cilghal explained.

A chill ran down Betsy's spine, and Mara nodded as Rey asked, "But doesn't the Phoenix-bird help keep the sickness from hurting you?"

"It does. But Cilghal believes the disease is mutating - changing. So far, it's not hurting me, but it's harder to keep it from doing so," Mara explained.

She opened to Betsy's Force- and telepathic senses, and the purple-haired woman repressed a curse. Whatever illness which was curdling inside Mara, it felt different now to Betsy - still that toxic, half-there half-hidden rot, but now with an edge which flickered around the firewalls of the Phoenix's energy.

~I can sense the difference, somehow - but how I can detect it telepathically is ... odd. An illness shouldn't have a mind, but this feels ... malevolent,~ Betsy explained, while Mara radiated agreement. ~Shall I ask your 'tenant' to see if it can help more?~

~It'd be appreciated, sure. The stupid bird's still loaning me power, but it's quiet when I ask it for more,~ Mara sent, allowing Betsy to enter her subconscious.

Well, Betsy tried - she shook, her astral form running into a metaphorically-solid wall of fiery telepathic energy, as the Phoenix rumbled, NO FURTHER.

~LOOK, you overgrown feather duster, Mara needs your help! The illness is shifting, mutating - ~ Betsy sent, letting her frustration color her psi-voice.

She got an impression of a rustle of vast, crackling feathers, and the Phoenix snorted. THIS ILLNESS IS AS MUCH PSIONIC AS IT IS TANGIBLE, LITTLE SHADOWMOTH. IF I RISK OPENING MYSELF TO WHATEVER IS LINKED TO THE DISEASE, IT MAY FIND ME - AND YOU DO NOT WANT MY HOST'S MIND TO BECOME A PSYCHIC WAR ZONE, WITH MY POWER PITTED AGAINST WHATEVER DRIVES THESE SPORES, it advised.

Betsy's eyebrows rose as she left Mara's mind - it wasn't the answer she'd sought, but it was additional infomation, which she shared with Mara and Cilghal upon emerging. "If it is spore-based, maybe there's a fungicidal or floricidal agent which can assist," Betsy suggested.

Cilghal nodded with excitement and said, "Mara, it might be time to take the next step we've discussed - consulting other doctors on Coruscant."

Mara looked like she'd protest, but glanced down at Rey, then nodded. "Not my favorite plan, bringing in more help, but it's worth a shot," she agreed.

She gave Betsy a shrewd glance, and added telepathically, ~If these spores are somehow part of a 'mind,' what do we DO about it?~

Betsy concentrated, trying to be sure she didn't accidentally upset Rey - whatever mutant telepathy the girl might possess remained latent, but she'd rapidly picked up Force-sensing, and was of course more attuned to her immediate family. ~We know the yammosks use telepathy,~ she replied.

~I'll reflect on this as I speak to the Hutts ... and, given what we now know about 'Danni,' it might be time to consult the Chiss, as well ...~

********************

to be continued ...

 

A/N: Well, RL's been busy again lately ...

But, here's a short update, which will be the start of a few more Betsy-centric chapters (but we'll get back to the SkySolos fairly soon ... another change from NJO canon is coming.

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

"Magneto may be the master of magnetism, but the worst he can do is kill us. Xavier can steal our souls and we'll never even notice."

"Do you truly believe that of him? Magneto is a demagogue - !"

"And Xavier is an idealist, therein lies his fatal flaw."

- Betsy "Psylocke" Braddock and Neal "Thunderbird" Shaara, debating the need to sometimes walk one's own road,
X-Treme X-Men vol. 1, issue 1

******************************************
Chapter 33: 25.8 ABY: Nar Shaddaa,
Hutt Space, Outer Rim Territories:
******************************************

Deals had been made, palms greased - metaphorically or otherwise - and Betsy had dyed her hair blonde for the trip (an utter irony, given that she'd been born as blonde as her twin brother Brian, but the Hand's machinations and her later recorporealization had left her with truly purple hair, even in her restored English body).

And so, the now-infamous Purplice Enlyst, wanted dancer-turned-Jedi-turned-Huttslayer Mark 2.0, is to stand kadijic justice ... sort of, she reflected, walking (she'd rinsed the hair dye out in time for her meeting, then changed into the dancing outfit and disguised herself as her Asian-appearing form).

Karrde had arranged a meeting between Betsy and the great heads of the Hutt clans - it turned out that Smorgasborga hadn't been all that liked (the Besadii kadijic still held quite a bit of influence among the great clans, having come out ahead in the power struggle that'd erupted more than 2 standard decades earlier after Jabba's death, but Smorgasborga's embarrassing excesses with slaves and spice were ugly marks on the Besadii standing among their peers).

So, I hold something of a place of dubious honor among the Hutts, and I have something of an "in" - but will they accept my petition for Rotta? Betsy wondered, waiting outside the entrance of an enormous Hutt fortress with Rotta, Ahsoka, Threepio, and Betsy's astromech, Neal.

"Fre-tweep? Btweep-weep-fblatt. Dwooo," the brown-red-and-white R4 (with an R2 dome) tweedled, while they waited to be admitted.

"Oh, yes, Neal, the situation is most fraught. I must applaud your perceptivity in this matter - Artoo would just rush in, probably slice the main computer, and do something with horrible ramifications," Threepio moaned, while Ahsoka smiled and Betsy and Rotta shared a glance.

"Oh, Threepio ... even with the memory wipe, you really haven't changed. Betsy, I'll trust you to take point - I'm here to protect Rotta, and I've ... got something of a bad reputation with the Hutts. I've been a little ... emphatic when I protected Rotta," the Togruta female explained.

<You were just doing what was necessary, Ahsoka. I'm grateful,> Rotta replied, smiling with young-adult confidence as the gate ground open.

A blue-skinned Twi'lek male in robes greeted them, flanked by two Gammoreans, and Betsy repressed a sudden urge to use Force choke - nobody had attacked them yet.

"Welcome, honored guests. I am Valak'kanar, major-domo of the honorable Borga Besadii Diori. Please, follow me," the Twi'lek said.

Betsy and the others exchanged glances, and the telepath nodded. "No way forward but forward, I suppose," she breathed.

The hallway was incredibly reminsicent of Jabba's palace from Return of the Jedi - darkened except for poorly-lit glow-globes every so often, and Betsy kept her Force- and telepathic senses ready for any sign of threat. The problem was that her precognition was consistently buzzing, ever since she'd landed with the droids on Nar Shaddaa and met with Ahsoka and Rotta - the Smuggler's Moon was just that risky.

~Ahsoka, I know your first priority is protecting Rotta. But can you extend your senses from your montrails, just in case? I'll be focusing on negotiations,~ Betsy sent telepathically as they followed Borga's greeting party into a large, circular chamber ringed by multiple daises and holoprojectors. (Betsy was relieved to note that there were no grates in the floor, so she hoped Borga was greeting them in good faith.)

Absolutely. And feel free to keep us psi-linked. If the Hutts have ysalamiri, your psi-talent might be the edge we need, Ahsoka agreed.

They bowed, as a total of eight Hutts slithered in, followed by retainers of various species. The other four daises lit up with holographic images of Hutt lordas, and Betsy watched as an enormous Hutt who radiated a sense of femininity rose to the highest dais.

<Let this petitioning session of the Hutt Ruling Clans begin. I, Borga Besadii Diore, welcome you, Purplice Enlyst, rebuker of the shameful and scandalous Smorgasborga - may his hedonistic name be stricken from my bloodline's rolls! - and wait to hear your petition,> the lorda rumbled.

Betsy bowed, and said - in perfect Huttese, since she'd been practicing and it hopefully would show more respect than asking Threepio to help - <My deepest thanks, o Great and Powerful Borga. I ask nothing for myself, but only that you consider the petition of Rotta Desilijic Tiure.>

The gathered lordas rumbled amongst each other, while a grey-bearded Hutt with a green stripe down its body growled, <LIES! Rotta has been dead for years, and Zorba's rancid 'will' was proven a fake. This whelp is nothing but a jeedai plant and - and liberator of slaves.>

Borga's large eyes slid over to the complaining Hutt, and she asked, <Are you so dismissive of blood that you'd deny the boy the chance to make his claim, Pazda? I agree, the insults to our slave markets must be addressed, but Enlyst is playing the game well. I'd hate to think you afraid of a human.>

Pazda actually started to sweat, while Rotta slithered forward and said, <My thanks, O Most Voluminous Lady Borga. I merely seek my father's holding on Tatooine and whatever funds remain in his coffers - my great-uncle has nothing to fear from me for making claims on his operations.>

The lordas rumbled amongst each other, while a rather scrawny Hutt at Borga's left whined, <And what would you do with such property, hmm>

He went silent when Borga glared at him, before she rumbled, <My apologies, fellow lordas. My offspring Randa is young, but he raises a fair point.>

Rotta sighed, not entirely without regret; he detested the Treaty of Vontor that enslaved the Klatoonians, Vodrans, and Nikto, but he was also a realist, Betsy had realized from talking with him and Ahsoka. <I merely seek to have a home, great lordas. I know I am the target of your scorn, but I must bow to the might of the Hutt Ruling Council. If you request, I will make recompense for the financial losses my actions have caused,> he offered.

Borga and the other great Hutts talked for a few more moments - with some protests from Pazda - but finally, the queen Hutt boomed with laughter. <You could not possibly pay all of us, young Rotta. But your humility - and promise to stay out of Desilijic operations - shows you have wisdom, despite your youth. Take Jabba's credits and his run-down fortress,> she declared, and Rotta and Ahsoka shared a quick smile.

Betsy and the others thanked Borga and started to turn to go, but the telepath glanced sidelong on the way out as Borga's offspring, Randa, slithered over to catch up with them. "Forgive me - Lady Enlyst," the young Hutt said in Basic, handing her a datapad. "My mother asked me to give you this."

"I ... thank you, lorda Randa," Betsy said, hiding her confusion. She waited until her party were all safely outside, then read the message:

"Lady Enlyst" - Your attempt at deception is fairly transparent to my infochants, but understandable. The times are not kind to jeedai, and I've seen the details of Dantooine. Skywalker and his acolytes might need our help.

While Talon Karrde is one of the few humans whom I respect, you have earned it as well, if only for your courage and honest respect for Hutt traditions. Should the time come when Skywalker's followers can hold their noses and come to us for aid, I will open the courts to you.

With regard,

Borga Besadii Diori

"Will wonders never cease?" Betsy mused, smiling. "I might just need this skifter -"

Then, her entire body shook - she wasn't being attacked, but someone whom she'd connected with often was being - shaken, at a cellular level -

"Betsy!?" Ahsoka exclaimed, helping the telepath to a bench. Rotta and the droids gathered nearby, but Betsy held up a hand.

"I - I'm all right. Something's happened to Mara, though ... but strangely, I'm not sure it's negative," Betsy explained, concentrating.

"Take Rotta to Tatooine, and I'll let Karrde know you'll need help cleaning out Jabba's old palace. I have to get to Coruscant."

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

- to be continued ...

 

A/N: Yes, I - and this 'fic - are still alive. RL's just been extremely busy lately, but I've got some time this week, so I can update this ...

Going forward, however, there will be considerable time jumps. This 'fic has sat fallow for far too long, and I still have to write the end of this timeline's Vong War some time this year. There's a lot I want to get to soon ...

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

"Heed your companion, Beast, and you will live to greet tomorrow's dawn. I have come for only one of you."

"Well, stranger, since you put it that way, I claim you for myself!"

- Vargas, and Betsy "Psylocke" Braddock, exchanging pre-fight position statements,
X-Treme X-Men vol. 1, issue 2

****************************************
Chapter 34: 25.8-25.12 ABY:
****************************************
25.8 ABY: Coruscant, Core Worlds:
------------------------------------------------

"... and so, whatever is in these tears drove the spores into remission - at least for now," Mara finished explaining as she and Betsy sipped tea.

Betsy mulled over all that had happened since her departure to help Rotta - Han running afoul of the newly-formed "Peace Brigade" Quislings who were aiding the Vong, then encountering the mysterious Vergere and her treacherous mistress, the Vong priestess Elan, and the plot to kill high-ranking Jedi.

"Well, I'm glad you're doing better. When I felt you reacting to the tears, I was concerned you were badly hurt," Betsy said, looking out across the Coruscant skyline. "We seem to have the Hutts watching our backs - or, at least, not on the Vong's side. And Rotta's reclaiming Jabba's Tatooine demesne."

"More allies, the better, especially after the latest developments. Losing Obroa-skai means the Vong have access to some of our deepest secrets - well, public information, true, but no information is ever totally useless. And the galaxy's starting to turn on Jedi sooner than I'd thought ... there's always some traitors in wartime, but I need to make it clear to Farmboy that we need a bolthole or seven. His - measures so far don't address the present threat," Mara replied, following Betsy's gaze and looking up into the sky.

Betsy just nodded; no one knew every possible listener, so keeping the hidden praxia established months earlier a secret was critical. Hopefully, the scattered Knights would be able to quietly gather new Force-sensitive recruits and begin teaching more Jedi behind the scenes, to keep the Order alive if anything cataclysmic struck the wider Jedi.

Still, as Mara says, it's in our best interests to make sure that doesn't happen, the telepath thought, looking into the living room.

Rey was playing happily at dejarik with Artoo, while Kylo went through a series of lightsaber katas with a remote. It was, on the surface, domestic enough.

Telepathically, though, Betsy could sense the children's - if not tension, exactly, then certainly their attentiveness, and she glanced at Mara.

The redhead nodded, replying via telepathy, ~They're doing better since I went into remission, but they're picking up on the increased concern, and watching for threats like they're in a warzone. I don't want them to have to worry so much, Betts - we've barely gotten Rey back, and she and Kylo are getting along, but they still haven't had as much of a childhood as I want for them. And, as if that wasn't worrisome enough ... my tenant is feeling its' strength again.~

THAT worried Betsy, and Mara let her perform a deeper-level psi-scan as the Phoenix Force rumbled, AWAKE! HOST STRONG AGAIN - FIGHT!

~Don't get so eager, you great feathered fury. First you were tearing through the spores, then you were dormant out of concern for Mara's health, and now you're twitchy again. Haste makes waste is accurate for both mortals and cosmic firebirds,~ Betsy tried to both flatter and calm the Phoenix.

The entity harrumphed, fading back into Mara's subconscious, while the redhead smiled wryly and said aloud, "I know how it feels."

"Yes, well - don't get too comfortable with it. As one action junkie to another, I can assure you there's a time to stand and a time to withdraw," Betsy said.

"Let me talk more with Ahsoka and Rotta, and sit down with the senior Masters on working on a Jedi escape pipeline. You're right that we have to plan."

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

The weeks flowed by fast, as the Vong slowly advanced and the Senate became mired in accusations and refugee assistance. There were times that Betsy felt like the galaxy was sinking in treacle, given how quickly she, Han, the Loyalists, and various other non-Jedi associates created what became called "the Great River."

The basic concept was simple - the primary group, centering on not-quite-strong-enough-Jedi Uldir Lochett and his new girlfriend, Knight Klin-Fa Gi, would ferry Jedi to safehouses towards the southern end of the galaxy, while Talon Karrde and others helped Cilghal and those few Jedi Masters who could be spared from the war effort to establish a more permanent hiding place for the Order's most vulnerable members, the younglings and the weaker Jedi.

Lando donated habitat modules and power units to begin creating a shelter in the Maw, the cluster of black holes near Kessel, while Deep Core worlds were assessed for a possible last-stand fallback in case things got particularly bleak. In a short time, things took better shape than Betsy had hoped; Rotta also volunteered his father's former castle on Tatooine, but that was held in reserve (Betsy and Mara agreed it was likely being watched by many eyes).

The busy work kept Betsy distracted from what was going on with the wider Order, especially the far-flung Solo children. It was the start of the 12th month of 25 ABY that she finally caught up with them, while walking with Luke and Talon Karrde during a visit to Yavin.

"... vengeance is a short-term motivator, Talon, and one that all too often tends to knock you off-balance at the worst possible moments. Believe me when I say that going in half-prepared and angry got me into more trouble than I care to remember," Betsy said - they'd been discussing Wurth Skidder's disappearance during the fall of Gyndine, presumably to either try and help local resistance fighters or infiltrate the Vong and attempt to do damage.

The infochant nodded in allowance, glancing over at where raised voices could be heard from a knot of Jedi of varying ages. "I can't disagree, Betsy. All the better to grab onto preparedness with both hands and embrace opportunities when they present themselves ... like this intellectual debate," Karrde quipped, raising an eyebrow as they saw who was debating.

Betsy let a bit of her frustration show as she saw Jaina standing between Anakin and Jacen - both brothers were red-faced and radiating frustration, while the gathered elder Jedi had a mix of concern, amusement, and exhaustion. Artoo bounded from foot to foot, tweedling relieved greeting as Luke patted his dome.

"What's the topic this time?" the Jedi Master asked, keeping his tone friendly - more "Uncle Luke" than "annoyed Leader of the Order."

Jaina practically radiated relief, replying, "Anakin's received an invitation to Centerpoint Station. The NRDF's looking to reactivate it."

Karrde let out a long, low whistle, while Betsy's precognition started to flicker like the wavefront of a distant train approaching. "Isn't that ... ?" she asked.

"The very powerful mega-repulsor-equipped space station in the Corellian system that can move planets or detonate stars? Yes," Kyp said in a dry tone.

Everyone looked at him for a moment, and the dark-haired Jedi Master rolled his eyes, throwing his hands in the air. "Just an infoshare, people, not a wish? Kyp plus superweapons equals bad poodoo. Believe me, I remember. I am the founder of Just Say No to Superweapons, thank you," he grumbled.

"That may be the single wisest thing you've said in years, Master," Jacen shot back with pure teenaged snark. "As for this invitation - Anakin can't go."

The younger Solo brother gave Jacen a purely Han-like glare of outrage, jabbing a finger for emphasis as he replied, "That's NOT your call! Centerpoint can be used for defense - I'm not for using it as a weapon! The interdiction fields it can generate could trap Vong fleets for the NRDF to finish off!"

"Once it's back online, it can be used for all sorts of purposes, offensive and defensive," Jacen shot back. "If you MUST go, I should go along."

Anakin began a fresh protest, while Betsy felt her vision shake - white starfire the length of worlds lanced through the void, scouring - and she gasped.

"Elizabeth ...?" Cilghal asked, helping the telepath to find her way to a bench. "Is it your precognition?"

"Yes - apologies, Cilghal, I need to hold onto this while I still can get the whole meaning," Betsy said, focusing past her fears.

The vision was already fleeting, but Betsy managed to latch onto a handful of certainties - Teneniel Djo, weakened and grieving; burning Hapan ships; a man with Han-like features and no compassion cackling as Corellia marched in time to his whims; Tenel Ka, driven from her lightsaber; and Jacen - Jacen -

Betsy restrained herself from attempting to throttle Jacen, shaking off the overlay of an older version of him with poison-yellow eyes.

"YOU," she demanded, leaping to her feet and jabbing Jacen in the chest, "are NOT GOING ANYWHERE near Centerpoint. Anakin must follow his destiny."

Jacen looked stricken, and Betsy felt a measure of guilt, looking around at their now-shocked fellow Jedi, while Anakin whispered, "Destiny?"

"Centerpoint will have to be fired - no, Luke, it's a certainty. Why and under what duress, I don't know, but ... Jacen, you need to stay out of this," Betsy insisted, gently but firmly, as she stood and Luke blinked.

Jacen still looked wounded, and Betsy took his hand - she hadn't meant to hurt him. "Come help me with the Hutts. You're insightful, and they're difficult to read through the Force - even my non-Force telepathy's not foolproof where they're concerned," she asked.

"I .. .all right. Your visions have been accurate before - and it's not fighting," Jacen agreed, still glancing at Anakin. "But who'll watch him?"

"I am old enough to go on one simple mission by MYSELF, thank you very much," Anakin harrumphed, stomping off.

Jaina, Luke, and Betsy shared a glance, and Betsy telepathed to Luke, ~I have an idea. You may not like it, but I think it's our wisest course with Anakin.~

Luke considered what Betsy shared with him, and hid a smile as he radiated approval. No, I think you're right, he agreed. Let me ask Kam and Tionne ...

---------------------------------------
Centerpoint Station, Corellia:
---------------------------------------

The next time I say I'm old enough to go on a mission ... maybe I should think before just opening my mouth, Anakin groaned inwardly.

Sure, he'd managed to get Centerpoint operational ... but the Corellian government had sent his twisted cousin, Thrackan Sal-Solo, to oversee operations.

Worse, the Vong fleet had feinted, attacking Fondor instead of Corellia like intelligence had suggested, and the Hapans were rushing to help.

Anakin shuddered at the sheer magnitude of what was being asked of him - he could save Fondor, the Hapans, the New Republic, with just one simple act.

But it's CENTERPOINT. I barely controlled the repulsors before, and now, the Corellians and NRDF want me to control the whole, linked system - ! It's too much -! he thought, taking a step away from the joystick control.

"What are you doing, boy!? It's imprinted on you, fire it!" Thrackan taunted, sneering.

"No! It's too powerful - don't let him pressure you!" Ebrihim and Q9 pleaded.

"What about us? If Fondor falls, Mrlsst could be next!" one of the Mrlssi forlornly begged.

"The Hapans and the NR fleet are getting pounded!" one of the NRDF officers exclaimed.

Anakin tried to move, to do something, but all he could hear was a sudden, rasping breath - and he was half-afraid the joystick he held might take life, wrapped in white Senatorial satin, as he stood and coldly watched a world die.

Then, the Force flared with answer - as Thrackan lunged for the controls, an orange-and-blonde blur leapt in his way.

Everyone went quiet, while Anakin's jaw dropped and the "blur" kneed Thrackan someplace sensitive, then bent his left arm behind his back in an incredibly painful-looking way, and intense green eyes met Anakin's stunned blue gaze.

"Dummy. I believe in you. And I didn't hide in your X-Wing's cramped cargo space to see you flake out," Tahiri insisted.

Relief, and certainty, flooded Anakin, and he radiated gratitude as he said, "You're my best friend, 'Ri."

She just grinned, nodding, and said, "I know. Now follow your instincts, Hero Boy."

He nodded, turning back to the wireframe diagram and preparing to fire, only vaguely hearing Tahiri say something threatening to Thrackan about "ancient Tusken punishment techniques for ragh-arragh who pick on their relatives."

With that, Anakin concentrated - feeling more like he was behind the stick of an X-Wing on a trench run than holding a helpless prisoner - and fired.

-------------------------------------
Fondor System:
-------------------------------------

Leia's visions of horror spiked, climbing to a peak - then, a strange certainty came over her, a quiet calm, as she peered past Commodore Brand.

He looked at her, confused, while the sensor station operator shouted, "SIR! We're registering a HUGE gravity spike - A THOUSAND KLICKS WIDE!"

"Anakin. He's done it," Leia breathed, watching the main viewer as a pillar of starfire lanced safely past the Hapan and NRDF ships - and into the Vong fleet.

The blast devastated - no, devastated was too weak, too small a word for the damage done to the Vong, as a handful of cruisers fled and coralskippers faced the wrath of the emboldened allied fleets. Cheers broke out across the bridge, and Isolder turned to Leia with an amazed expression.

"I had no idea ... Leia, you said 'Anakin.' Did your son manage this? Save my people's fleets, and Fondor?" the Prince of Hapes asked, smiling.

Leia nodded, reaching out with pride and comfort to Anakin as he radiated awe, triumph - and yes, a bit of sorrow - through the Force, and he thanked her.

She smiled as a joyful, boisterous counterpoint to Anakin's courage buoyed him, and embarrassed gratitude rang back - he wasn't alone.

"My son and his best friend accomplished this, Isolder - we all accomplished this, working together," Leia said, preparing her statement for the newsfeeds.

"We've accomplished a small victory. Let's make sure we capitalize on it, shall we?"

*****************

to be continued ...

 

Oh thank god. Fondor crisis averted.

 

A/N: Urgh. I'm very sorry this has taken so long to update; RL's been busy, and to be honest, I've also been lazy.

It definitely needs a time-jump; for now, here's a small update until I can get the bunnies to be more active...

Timeframe: During the short story Recovery, after the fall of Duro in 26 ABY ...

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

"I have you, girl."

"The more I struggle, the harder it HURTS!"

"You wanted to know, Alison, why we are necessary?! HERE is the reason! People like her, mutants like ourselves - for, if we don't stand up to defend them, who WILL?!"

- Elizabeth "Betsy" Braddock, saving Jubilation Lee (Jubilee) from a mutant-hunter's trap while defining the X-Men's mission,
Uncanny X-Men, vol. 1, issue 244

********************************
Chapter 35: 26.1 ABY:
Corellia, Corellian Sector,
Core Worlds:
********************************

"... I'd hate for anything to happen to you because of your - HGRKK?!"

Thrackan Sal-Solo's smarmy threat to the bed-ridden Leia ended in a strangled gasp, as a purple-robed arm wrapped around his throat.

His captor's other arm flashed with visible-purple telepathic energy, forging itself into a psionic blade that was driven into his right temple.

A sudden, gibbering twitch later, the now-drooling Diktat of Corellia slumped to the medroom floor, while Han grinned and said, "Nice entrance."

"And none too timely - and you brought Tekli!? Betsy, you're a sight for sore - well, my eyes are about the only part that doesn't hurt," Leia quipped, as Betsy telekinetically shoved Thrackan none too gently into a corner and let her Chadra Fan companion walk to the injured princess's bedside.

"That's part of why I'm here, Your Highness. Hopefully, I can speed up the healing process and we can get you to safety," Tekli squeeked, taking Leia's hand and concentrating. Han breathed a sigh of relief, which was more than Betsy could do - the telepath waved him over to a corner.

"Mara asked me to rendezvous with you; her condition's flaring up, so Cilghal's attending to her on Coruscant. Jaina's safe with the Skywalkers, and Jacen's back on Yavin - I'm sorry I wasn't at Duro. There was an ... extraction we had to perform on Tynna, and it took longer than I'd wanted," she explained.

Han nodded, his usual cocky self-assurance flickering as he saw Dr. Jasper Nimbi walk in, do a double-take at Thrackan, then grow wide-eyed at the sight of Tekli treating Leia. "Hey, the Great River's busy all over, I get it. I haven't seen Chewie in weeks since the Peace Brigade started targeting Wookiees for their ambushes of Vong supply lines. It's just ... this last round was a little scarier than I'd like, y'know? And Leia thinks she won't -" he said, cutting himself off.

Betsy didn't press him; Jaina had told her, tearfully, via a hypercomm message about how badly Leia had been wounded by Tsavong Lah, the Vong's Warmaster, when he'd tried to sacrifice the princess. For Han and all of his children - especially Jaina, who'd been seething with outrage at her mother's absence only days earlier - to be so worried, the events of Duro must truly have been harrowing.

No time to waste, she noted, managing a smile as she squeezed Han's upper arm and said, "We'll cross those bridges when we come to them."

"Ah - Lady Braddock?" the doctor called, and Betsy gave him an apologetic smile - she knew she'd breached medical and medcenter protocol both, but Thrackan truly was as smarmy as the stories had painted him; she felt like she needed a shower just from psi-knifing him, and that'd only been an instant.

"I'm sorry, Dr. - Nimbi? - we don't mean to 'hit and run,' so to speak. I'm sure you're aware of the critical sensitivity of Her Highness's presence, however. Anything we can do to stabilize her condition before moving her is necessary; I'd let her stay for as long as possible, but you can imagine the size of the target on the Solos' heads," Betsy explained, managing her best noble "grace under pressure" tone.

The young doctor nodded, glancing with awe as the sensors measuring Leia's vitals kept rising with uplifting consistency. "I'm sure. But she'll need continued therapy, even if your Jedi healer can prevent nerve damage before you take her offworld. And ... there's another issue. We have another sensitive patient," he said, leading Betsy next door to a room full of bacta tanks.

Betsy squinted, seeing a dark-haired human woman in her 30s floating in a tank - a Force-sensitive, nonetheless. "I do understand. You fear she'll be in danger also, if she stays?" she asked, placing a hand on the tank before turning to Nimbi.

He practically sagged in relief, nodding. "Her name is Eelysa - a real heroine of the Corellian Sector. Fighting pirates, and so on. She has a small circle of trainee Jedi who call themselves the 'Wild Knights.' They could bolster the Jedi's efforts - if you can get them out of the Sector," he whispered.

Betsy nodded; it'd take a revision of her plans, but there was no reason not to optimize the mission. "How do I contact them?" she asked.

Nimbi shrugged, starting to decant Eelysa as he replied, "I don't know, but I'd imagine Eelysa has a connection of some kind to them."

"And I do have a knack for tracking Jedi telepathically ..." Betsy said, smiling - she psi-checked Tekli, and smiled more at the Padawan's happiness.

I've managed to stabilize Her Highness, Lady Braddock! But I'm exhausted - I can't heal her more right now, Tekli thought.

~You've done more than any of us expected, Tekli. Thank you. Get some rest, and ask Captain Solo to join Dr. Nimbi and I, please,~ Betsy sent.

It'd take some deft maneuvering, but she'd been in tighter spots.

And it was still less ominous than the sense of flame she noticed around Mara's Force-aura and mental signature, even light-years away.

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

to be continued ...

 

A/N: Another step forward with this - I'm aiming, between time jumps and catching up, to end this one by the time it hits 40 chapters.

After that, there'll be a link to this Vong War's ESB - my story Maelstroms - and then, finally, the start of work on the end of this Vong War ...

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

"I don't like strangers inside my head." (Is this how non-psis feel in the presence of telepaths - naked and so utterly ... defenseless?)

~Don't worry - after the first moment, we'll be like old friends.~

"Oh? OH! I'd - forgotten - how beautiful!"

- Jean Grey and Betsy "Psylocke" Braddock, helping boost each other's psi-talents during the Inferno,
Uncanny X-Men vol. 1, issue 242

****************************
Chapter 36: 26.1 ABY,
Skywalker Conapt,
Coruscant, Core Worlds:
****************************

From the instant Betsy entered the conapt, she could sense what Mara had been attempting to hide at a distance - tension, and defensiveness.

"Lady Betsy!" Rey greeted, running to hug Betsy. The telepath smiled down at the girl, who'd celebrate her ninth birthday in a few months, but was taken aback by how quiet Rey became as she led Betsy by the hand into the living room.

They sat on the couch, and Rey looked around, finally whispering, "Mom was glad to see Kylo and me after she got home, but she's shut in her room, now. I don't think she's any more sick, but she's shielding through the Force, a lot. Dad took Kylo for some lightsaber training at the Temple; I've been studying."

Mara, just what are you about now? Self-reliance is all well and good, but frightening your family is NOT the way to go about it, Betsy fumed.

Aloud, she told Rey, "I'll talk to your mum, Rey. One way or another, we'll get her to open up about what's going on."

Betsy's shields pulsed with a welcoming, if mildly-annoyed, and almost anticipatory psi-ripple from Luke and Mara's bedroom, and she glanced toward it.

The door opened, and Mara - her Jedi overrobe thrown on over what looked like a nightgown - appeared, looking healthy, but also radiating a storm.

Betsy didn't charge into her friend-and-psi-student's mind, instead waiting as Rey walked to Mara, who hugged her daughter and said, "I'm sorry I scared you, Rey. I've just had a LOT to think about. I promise, I'll tell you what's going on after Betsy and I have a talk. Wait in the conapt, OK?"

"OK, Mom. 'M glad you're better - do you need your drops?" Rey asked, standing back and holding Mara's hands as they looked at each other.

Mara smiled a bit and shook her head in the negative. "I've already taken my dose for the day. But thanks for checking," she said, glancing at Betsy.

The "let's get this over with and not in front of the kid" look was obvious, and Betsy rose silently, squeezing Rey's shoulder in support as the girl turned to go. She looked back at Betsy and Mara, an unspoken question on her lips, then darted into her bedroom while Mara sighed and shook her head.

"I don't like scaring my kids. Kylo almost called me out at breakfast - 'you're lying,' he said when I told them I was fine. I was as proud as I was infuriated at his attitude," the redhead said, laughing a bit as she and Betsy sat on the edge of Luke and Mara's bed.

"Mara, just WHAT IS going on? I sensed more Phoenix energy roiling around in your Force-signature all the way over at Corellia, for pity's sake!" Betsy asked, letting her concern show.

She was stunned silent when Mara dropped her mental shields and Force-screens, sending, ~Fire. And life ... incarnating.~

Betsy risked a careful, gentle psi-probe and Force-scan, her concern turning to joyful SHOCK as she sensed just what - or who - Mara was hiding.

She grasped Mara's hands in hers, fighting back tears of happiness as she said, "A child ... Mara, I know you're worried -"

A snort of frustrated defensiveness cut her off, but Mara swallowed hard, a VERY brlef flicker of terror in her eyes before she crushed the emotion.

"Luke's happy. I'm ... I want this baby, Betsy, but - he, I'm pretty sure it's a he - is unintentionally wreaking havoc on my control over the Phoenix. It's like the new life within me is giving the overgrown avian a license to grow, and if it gets out of control ... I remember your stories about Jean Grey," she concluded.

Betsy nodded; Mara's concerns were certainly valid. "Perhaps I can reason with it. May I try?" she asked, and Mara nodded, lowering her psi-defenses.

~I certainly don't want it to vacate - Vergere's tears and my own Force-strength are holding the spores at bay, but I'm not going to say no to the Phoenix as a backup,~ Mara sent, as Betsy dove into her subconscious.

That strange sort of Imperial-era drawing room setting appeared, with Betsy manifesting psi-armor in the shape of her Australian Outback-era costume - armored bodyglove and hooded cloak - while the Phoenix sat on the back of the main couch, dripping fiery energy from its wings but somehow not igniting the furnishings. The Force-firebird tilted its head and sent, its' "voice" echoing, BRADDOCK. MY HOST IS WITH CHILD - GROWING STRONGER.

~Yes, I'm here to talk to you about that,~ Betsy sent, attempting to stay calm - the Phoenix had grown more powerful since her last visit, she sensed.

YOU DO NOT APPROVE? HER HEALTH IS STABLE. I SEE NO NEED TO INTERVENE - SOMETIMES I STRETCH MY WINGS. A HUMAN MIND, EVEN AS ONE AS STRONG AS MARA JADE'S, IS STILL A CAGE TO ONE SUCH AS I. THE PAST, THE FUTURE - THIS PRESENT IS LIMITING. AND TAKING THE CHILD AS A HOST IS NEITHER MORAL, NOR ... COMPATIBLE. HE IS MALE; I PREFER FEMALE HOSTS, the firebird sent.

Well, that answers that question, Betsy thought with a bit of wry amusement - she, with Tionne and Cilghal, had had a boisterous round-table discussion the last time they'd all been on Yavin about the abilities of Force-sensitive mothers to sense and affect their unborn children's health.

To the Phoenix, she sent, ~All we ask is that you give Mara some ... time to rest. To let the child grow and be delivered safely, before you - stretch again.~

The firebird shook its plumage with frustration, but finally nodded. I PLEDGE NOT TO INTERVENE UNTIL AND UNLESS I AM NEEDED. BUT KNOW THIS - SHOULD MARA BE THREATENED, OR SOME UNFORESEEN FOE OF MINE APPEAR, I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO ACT, it rumbled.

~That's more than fair. Human gestation goes by in an eyeblink at the time scale you're used to. Thank you for your patience,~ Betsy sent.

She retreated at a polite, but cautious, speed from Mara's mind and opened her eyes to see the redhead smirking at her. "It's - quieter," Mara said.

Betsy breathed a sigh of relief, then started to grin conspiratorially until Mara grew serious and said, "NOBODY gets told - except for my kids."

"But - certainly Leia! And Cilghal won't miss a pregnancy!" Betsy insisted, standing with her friend.

Mara made a PFFFT noise, rolling her eyes as she started to dress - she'd quipped before that Betsy had been inside her mind so many times that there was no point to keeping secrets about her body from the telepath. "Of course Cilghal knows. I wanted to keep it quiet from even her, but you know how father-nuna Farmboy gets ... and this time, he has a point. It's not just me," she admitted, lowering her emotional defenses for just a heartbeat.

Betsy put a hand on Mara's shoulder and extended reassurance as she said, "He'll be perfectly healthy. I've no doubt of that."

Hope flared in Mara's eyes, and she nodded. "I'll butcher all the devils in each Corellian hell if I have to in order to ensure it," she vowed.

Betsy blinked - a teenaged boy, with Luke's blue eyes, and Mara's red hair but sheared military-short, in a black coverall, fighting droids - then smiled.

"Somehow, I suspect this 'Skycrawler' will take more after you in the shebs-kicking department," the telepath reassured Mara as they grinned.

***********************

- To be continued ...

 

A/N: Keeping this moving ...

This particular chapter was a stand-alone I wrote from years ago, titled Colors in the Waiting. It was always intended to be bundled in with Amethyst, but I kept getting distracted ...

So, here it is, with some minor edits to account for the changed timeline.

Plus, a quote from a different member of the X-Men, one better-suited to this chapter's events ...

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

"Is something wrong, Professor? You look surprised!"

"Small wonder Cyclops, when I scan for two minds - and find three."

- Scott "Cyclops" Summers and Professor Charles Xavier, and the first hint of the child who will become Cable,
X-Men vs. Alpha Flight vol. 1, issue 1

**********************************
Chapter 37: 26.9 ABY:
Errant Venture, location mobile:
**********************************

Red:

She'd let Rey and Kylo visit, but doesn't want to upset them, even as she knows their uncertainty is worse - so she records voice messages set to a hologram of when she looked healthier.

It's the lack of bounce in her wavy locks that she notices when she looks in the mirror, or runs a hand through her hair.

And the threads of ... slackness, the lack of natural oils; some of it could be blamed on the pregnancy, on her passenger demanding his share.

More, though, she knows, is from exhaustion. Keeping the wall up now, more than ever.

It's no longer the fresh-cut bloom of blood, or the umber of Cilghal's darker patches - Mon Cals' skin isn't uniform, if one pays attention.

She knows part of this observation is her Hand training kicking in. And part of it is self-defense. Ignoring the growing sensation of ...

gnawing ...

at her bones.

But let Anor's cellular massiffs try to even sniff at her boy.

White cells surge, buoyed on waves of Force, and there's a scream of feral agony. The animals are scorched and sent howling.

She smiles a little coldly, despite laying in this damned medical bed.

And she feels/hears a little curious giggle - he laughs back.

So Mara's smile - despite the cracks in her pale-red lips - becomes warmer. And she shares time with her son.

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

Green:

It shouldn't be so fascinating, something so random.

But Cilghal has a strange - to her - interest in eye color.

Something so wildly unstable in genetics shouldn't be a pastime, especially to a Jedi Master. She has Mara to look after and share healing with, Tekli to pose unsolvable questions to in order to teach, the unborn boy to continue to marvel over in his freedom from the disease ...

Still. At times, even Force meditation doesn't keep her from despairing; Mara - her friend - is losing ground. Her womb is her last stand, a textbook case of a mother sacrificing herself to save her child.

At least with sentients, such an instinct has compassion and not just instinct behind it.

So, Cilghal takes her distractions while she can. And she posits:

Will the little one's eyes be green or blue, after the usual period of change which babies go through?

This supposes, of course, that nothing will go wrong in the next few weeks. Nature can be perversely cruel at the moment of greatest effort; a twist, a misplacement ...

no. There will be nothing wrong. Too much pain and suffering has already befallen the Skywalkers.

So far, Cilghal notes - even with the flimsi-thin, ice-pale skin showing the arachnid-webbing of veins, and the lack of vibrancy in hair - Mara's eyes remain a healthy green.

Defiant. A warrior-goddess on a hill, fighting rabid animals to protect her baby.

Cilghal hefts her shield and returns to her position in the phalanx.

She intends to make sure Mara can see her son's eyes.

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

Orange:

It's a simple, silly thing - certainly a droid could do it, and she could be in the creche, watching after the children who are here.

But for a former Senator, who enjoyed being a thorn in the side of the CIS and too-much enjoyed the secret, stolen moments with the Chosen One, knitting is a quiet, private pleasure.

Especially when it's for her grandchild who's coming into the universe. Even if it's hideous orange booties.

Really, Padme admits, she's overdoing things - but she never held her twins.

A baby. A baby, in the face of all this horror. What courage, her son and daughter-in-law have, to bring a child into these times.

Oh, she adores the unborn child's siblings - Rey's curiosity and kindness, and Kylo's intense certainty (if directed, it doesn't have to be a problem).

And their cousins, the teens; Jacen, with his philosophical puzzles. Jaina, with her defiant "I don't have man troubles" face, even as she maintains a coterie. And ... Anakin, who strives to save lives and struggles with his grandsire's truths.

The girl, Tahiri, is far wiser - hard-won, but no less real - than Padme was when her Anakin swept her off her feet. The pair of them will live long and be happy.

But the baby. Part of it, Padme admits softly, is jealousy - but also, moreso, triumph.

And a continuation, not only of blood but the restarting of her dreams of rocking a newborn in a garden.

She had such dreams. Another lifetime ago. Before ...

This year marks 45 years since her husband betrayed her.

Had it been with one of the handmaidens, she might almost have understood. The historians think they were all friends - and they were - but there was competitiveness, petty jealousy and bloodless cutting of words behind closed doors.

Hidden beneath white foundation and red lipstick and ornate robes. The Naboo are civil - but can hide strength and knives.

Instead, her trueheart murdered. Indulged in petty, revolting revenge.

In her name.

The grief-stricken sobbing by the site of his pyre vented her shock and horror - helped her face what Vader meant.

And she has a support system - the twins, of course, and the grandchildren, and Mara, Han, Chewbacca, the droids, and the Jedi. And Elizabeth.

To be able to indulge all those queenly fantasies of going out to a simple tapcafe with a friend and gossiping. Incredible.

Especially for a woman who should be a matriarch.

Padme's technically 72. She should be lined; greying-into-white hair; wearing frumpy clothes.

Instead, her daughter-in-law is facing death, while Padme looks barely older than Jaina.

She turns back to her knitting, and sends up a silent admonition to the Force:

Please let us all see this child born safely ...

It's a defiant, vibrant mental cry.

Aggressive negotiation isn't just for Jedi.

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

Violet:

"Well, I'm at a loss to explain it, actually," she says - it was genetic in the Kwannon body.

But she'd been a blonde in her original British body. Whatever's causing her hair to be purple now, after her reincarnation in what should be a replica of her first body, is a mystery.

Sort of like everything Betsy's faced since landing here.

Why Star Wars? Why in the middle of the worst, most horrid, war she's ever witnessed?

"Hey, you were put back together by a teenaged boy with too much power, who remembered you from when he was 4. Strange shavit happens," Mara says, sipping from a straw.

That Betsy has to hold the glass for her is telling and troubling. Her friend is getting weaker.

Except - in the Force, the rise of Mara's abdomen is glowing like a small star, walled off from the sickly-green-ebon coursing through much the rest of her.

And within the golden-white, is pure, innocent silver-white - too young to have color yet. A small body, with a mind so pure and warm and instinctively kind that Betsy can't help but smile.

She brushes him; greeting - and he calls back.

"ooh. Meshgroya player in utero. Kid kicks," Mara laughs - the effort is visible, but she'll not say so.

So like Jean. Yet her armor is external; Jean's is in her bones, Betsy recalls.

Of course, at no point in any of her pregnancies was Jean Grey-Summers deathly-pale and infected with a lethal spore.

But if Mara's not a Grey - or a cross-time analogue - Betsy will eat bantha poodoo.

With fresh beets. Always hated beets. Bloody hideous shade of red-purple.

The thought distracts her from her fears for Mara, and Betsy smiles, saying, "Speaking of sports, there's a game the X-Men played with regularity, called 'baseball' ..."

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

Indigo:

She doesn't quite understand why she's here.

Maybe because switching the lightsaber on-off, on-off - keeping the indigo spots in front of her eyes - was getting too disturbing.

"Blue-black" is a misnomer when it comes to a lightsaber, Alema Rar ponders.

The medcenter has, for the past few weeks, become the center of the Errant Venture - gossip flows in and out of it, like addicts coming and going from a ryll den.

Daeshara'cor's face flashes before Alema's eyes, and she lowers them; the grief is still strong for her deliverer.

Not as strong as that for Numa, but still.

"Alema?"

"Master Skywalker," she says - so much for the Force; he surprised her.

What surprises her more is the ... haggard ... look he has.

The bags under his eyes, she thinks perversely, could be used to distract female Yuuzhan Vong. They'd find them twistedly attractive - that, and his scar.

She shoves the bitterness aside and tries to find sympathy for him - but it's hard.

Luke nods, leaning against the wall, and says, "I deserve your disdain. I was rude and haughty to dismiss you as 'lost to the dark side.'"

"I ... thank you, for admitting that," Alema allows - he recognizes her pain. And she grants him recognition of his.

Mara Jade, at least, cared. Even if it was to chew Alema out over the debacle involving the Nebula Chaser.

Alema feels tears of shame start down her face - yes, Numa was lost. It hurt, feeling her death in the Force.

But all those refugees. How many lived? How many didn't?

A hand - tentative, uncertain - touches her shoulder, and Alema wipes her eyes. Looks into light-blue ones.

Ones weighed down by the weight of those indigo bags, and so much more.

"I wronged you, Alema. And once my family is safe, I'll work with you - with all the Jedi whom I've failed - and try to make amends," Luke - Master Skywalker - promises.

It's more than he did before. It's something.

"Thank you, Master. And I hope Master Skywalker and your son will be all right," she manages.

Again. It's something. A tentative step.

Alema never thought she'd dance again - dance in a good way.

It feels almost liberating.

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

Yellow:

There should be grunting, cursing, screaming -

this is bloody WRONG, Betsy thinks.

Mara is ... unnaturally colored; a sickly yellow-green, with hair so leached of flame that it made her want to take a red-daubed paintbrush to it.

This is her friend, her sparring partner, the wild heart that keeps the idiocy of the Old Jedi at bay -

and like with Sharon Kelly, so long ago, Betsy can't do anything but ease Mara's pain.

Instead, this labor is too damnably silent. And Luke starts, panicked -

the bloody EKG squeals, and Betsy shudders, stepping aside as Cilghal races forward.

"NO! Mara!" Luke cries - there's quick chatter between him and Cilghal, then some whisper-brush from Mara, barely detectable from Betsy -

and then Luke dives into the binary-star that is his pregnant wife and the unborn child still joined to her.

The disease is like some hideous mockery of a molecular cloud, hiding unborn stars within ...

but there's a joining, then -

and an unbelievably familiar GOLDEN FIREBIRD that blazes from mother and son, burning the disease away.

Healing. Knitting.

I PROMISED YOU I WOULD ACT WHEN IT WAS TIME, AND NOT BEFORE, the Phoenix huffs in an annoyed, but triumphant tone - and then it's gone.

THEN, there is a grunt, and a snarl, and Mara - healthy, her color restored and a ferocious mixture of joy and pain on her face - grabs Luke by his shirt collar.

"YOU," she roars - then she kisses him.

And pushes - then, then, the Force explodes.

Like a T-Tauri phase. Like life itself.

There's a cry -

then the little rituals, as the cry to the universe - I am HERE! - finishes echoing.

And a small, cooing figure is finally handed to an ecstatic Mara Jade-Skywalker, as Luke weeps for joy.

Betsy is still overwhelmed by the golden echo of the fiery bird, and its' sudden absence - not death, at all, but departure for other shores -

but joins in the question:

"What color are his eyes?"

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

Blue:

He sneezes - she smells funny, but she's warm. And familiar.

"Ben," he hears - big and tan laughs, and he waves a fist, gurgling.

He can't focus - just blurs, and there's so MUCH, of scent and sight and noise - but he grabs his blanket and tugs at it.

"I told you. They're grey now - but give it time. They'll be blue," big and brown-red says, gurgling in her own way.

"I think you're right," the one holding him says, and Ben snuggles in.

It's been a long journey. And it's just starting.

*****************************

- to be continued ...

 

A/N: Another (slight) update - RL has been lately, but I've gotten this scene composed ...

No actual Betsy in this one - instead, something of a missing scene, with Mara calling Kyp out over his actions at Sernpidal in Rebirth ...

led off by a very appropriate quote from the first superheroine of the Marvel Age.

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

"Be careful, Victor. A lioness is most dangerous when defending mate and cub and den. But there's no need to speak of challenges or proof - because this match is over ... and we WON!"

- Susan Storm-Richards (the Invisible Woman), telling off Victor Von Doom,
Fantastic Four versus the X-Men, Vol. 1, issue 4

*****************************
Chapter 38: 26.9 ABY,
Errant Venture:
*****************************

The NEXT time I decide to actually DO something about the Vong, I should probably be FAR away from the Skywalkers ...

Kyp still fumed - from Jaina's slap, from the accusations of "planet-killing AGAIN," from the hesitation of the Order to strike where the Vong were weakest - but strode with more confidence than he felt toward the Skywalkers' extra-large cabin. Sure, they needed more bedrooms because of their children, but it didn't hurt that they were on good terms with Mirax.

I shouldn't be so snippy. I could've thought more about how others would perceive the strike on the worldship, but why shouldn't we make things difficult for the Vong? They're slaughtering us - I'm NOT for killing innocents, but frustrating the Vong's infrastructure should be a permissible goal! he thought, ringing the doorbell.

The door whisked open, and a series of unexpected sensory impressions struck Kyp (at least one physically).

There were toys - bundled in a corner of the living area, not scattered unacceptably in a mess - but still, toys. Some were plas snubfighters, but a mix of softer, stuffed creatures and starships could be seen, amidst a smattering of building blocks.

Sheets of scribbled-on flimsi covered some of the tables, while what looked suspiciously like a gutted repulsorlift - complete with a set of high-grade repair tools - was sprawled on another table. The faint scent of something like sour milk could be inhaled, although it wasn't so potent as to offend; it was fainter, like the residents were used to it as a constant.

Sitting at the table, her arms embedded up to the elbows in the guts of the repulsor, was a brown-haired girl, who waved to Kyp and called, "Hey, Master Durron! Mom'll be right out - she's giving Ben a bath."

"Come in ... Master," Kyp heard an icy, young-male voice grind out, and he met a squinty brown gaze set in black bangs.

"... Kylo - hey, Rey," Kyp said, greeting the elder Skywalker children as he stepped into the living room. Both kids wore simple tan coveralls, but the difference between them was both obvious and subtle.

Even when she's frustrated, Rey's just better-behaved than her fraternal triplet, Kyp thought - while heavily shielding. (Kylo's telepathic prowess was both impressive and unsettling for a 9-year-old, even a Skywalker heir.)

For their parts, the kids both looked up at a flicker in the Force, and ran to greet the lady of the house as she strode in.

It was long a truism among the senior Jedi of Luke's Order that Mara Jade Skywalker could have wrapped herself in only leaves and still, somehow, be the most graceful, presence-filled sentient in the room. That hadn't changed; her stride, even broken by greetings to her elder children and gentle head-rubs or shoulder-squeezes, was a huntress' glide.

But there was a - not languid, but somewhat more relaxed, element to Mara's entrance.

This was her sanctum, these were her children ... and she wore a simple black overrobe, her hair piled up in a bun.

Even with the gently-squeaking newborn cradled in her right arm, the former Emperor's Hand exuded regal dominion.

Kylo and Rey both exchanged whispers with Mara - the elder Skywalker son grinned, viciously, at Kyp for just an instant - before retreating to their respective rooms. Mara nodded to Kyp, still not verbally greeting him, then sat on the couch.

Little Ben gave a slight noise - not exactly discomfort, but more of a "what's this now?", or so Kyp sensed. The baby radiated curiosity, general goodwill, and a sense of comfort - and, occasionally, a random, gentle Force-probe.

"He's already very strong," Kyp noted, hoping to start this off positively (and wondering just where Luke was).

"Thank you. Ben was able to actually help Luke and I burn out the coomb spores when I was cured. Betsy and Cilghal both also think the Phoenix Force had something to do with it. The big bird's departed, now, and probably for the best," Mara said, half-smiling for a moment as she shifted her position and cradled Ben. "Have a seat, Durron. Nobody dies today."

Well, THAT'S comforting coming from arguably the galaxy's STILL-deadliest woman ... he thought, finding a chair.

Kyp froze, feeling rather like a roach-rat caught in a felinx's stare, when he met twin emerald daggers glaring at him.

"Kyp," Mara said, in that FAR-too-reasonable voice he'd heard her use just before threatening HORRID vengeance.

"Ah - yes?" Kyp managed, struggling not to let his throat seize closed from sheer, gut-clenching TERROR.

"Luke is out. I sent him with Han and Anakin to go have a day of just relaxing - Farmboy is a very good father, but a little too overprotective, still, after the spores and the pregnancy and worrying that Rey might vanish again even though she won't. You and I, as two senior members of the Order, can have a simple, honest chat. Two adults, talking," Mara continued.

Kyp just nodded, not entirely sure where this was going, but expecting any moment now to be in pain.

Mara's very reasonable expression melted into a durasteel death mask as she said, "You deceived my apprentice."

"Hey, now -" Kyp started - but he stopped.

Not because he wanted to, or out of some burst of self-preservation, but because a telekinetic MOUNTAIN sat on him.

I can't move. This is - new, Kyp realized, meeting Mara's now icy green gaze - she'd never been this strong before.

"Now, normally, lying to apprentices is ... something I'd weigh my response to, depending on circumstances. Usually, I disapprove, because they're supposed to be able to trust us. Sometimes, though, you have to blur the truth a bit, or just refuse an answer to them because it might either hurt or endanger them. Sernpidal ... was none of those," Mara said.

She squinted, and the TK-mountain vanished - for the moment - as Kyp replied, "Don't we do asset denial to enemies?"

"Don't be disingenuous," Mara shot back, with the first hint of heat since Kyp's arrival, and Ben fussed a bit.

She held the baby to her shoulder and patted his back, as she continued, "You targeted their ability to care for innocents."

Outrage roiled inside Kyp for a moment, until he glanced about ... then shook his head, and smirked ruefully.

"Oh. You played me. OK, I get it - guilt the idiot planet-killer by showing him your kids, so he thinks of their kids," he said.

The TK-mountain returned, but he could speak - and let his frustration show as he added, "I'm NOT a MONSTER, Mara."

"Then stop acting like you're backsliding, you fool. We let you run around and harass the Vong because it serves two purposes - you undercut their supply lines and some military forces, and keeps you out of the line of fire of that murglak Rodan and his 'law-and-order-at-freedom's-cost' fetish. You underestimate how much the public loathes you," Mara spat.

She released him, actually relaxing a bit as she held Ben in her arms and rocked the now-cooing infant.

"You think I'm deadlier because I have more to lose. But so are the Vong if you fight as you have been," Mara warned.

"And, for all my fury at Nom Anor - and trust me, I will flash-fry him on this war's last day - I don't want all Vong dead."

A chill ran down Kyp's spine - Miko's death had been driving him, to do things that ... really weren't excusable.

"I'll ... think about what you're saying. I'm sorry about lying to Jaina; I just - needed someone with her skills," he said.

Mara shrugged, smiling at Ben as he made some kind of happy-sounding (or at least not-crying) noise.

"She's still young, Kyp. Fragile, although she'd claw your eyes out if you said that to her face. She's holding herself together with spit and fury and bailing wire, and if she doesn't go back to the Remnant with that stiff-necked Fel ... I don't know. But as mature as Jaina seems, she's got to eventually find a place to land, face her demons, and put herself together. Stang if I know when that'll be ... just don't hurt her. Or I will be right in line behind Han and Leia to hurt you," Mara warned.

There was neither camaraderie or humor in her voice by the end, and Kyp merely nodded; he understood her perfectly.

Mara brightened a bit, then, and nodded. "All right, then. Points made, lines drawn. Go do better," she said.

Kyp tried not to let his ego flare at being - dismissed - but rose as Ben whimpered. "I'll - do that," he replied.

"Good. Skycrawler here is hungry, and I don't think you want to listen to me singing as I nurse him," Mara retorted.

The idea of Mara SINGING - especially nursery tunes - almost unsettled Kyp as much as staring into his own soul.

"I ... wow. Can I just say, you have NOT lost a bit of your ability to scare the living shavit out of people?" he said, retreating.

Mara's smile was both classic Jade and utterly terrifying as Kyp glanced over his shoulder at her and Ben.

"Thank you - and watch your language, there are children present," she said, flashing teeth as the door closed behind Kyp.

*********************

- to be continued ...

 

"You think I'm deadlier because I have more to lose. But so are the Vong if you fight as you have been," Mara warned.
I don't know how I feel about that...

"And, for all my fury at Nom Anor - and trust me, I will flash-fry him on this war's last day - I don't want all Vong dead."
Just the military, right, Mara?

and if she doesn't go back to the Remnant with that stiff-necked Fel ... I don't know.
J/J shipper alert! Red Alert, Red Alert! This is not a drill!

 

DARTH_MU: Thanks for reading.

Mara's got a renewed understanding of how and why people are motivated to fight; the Yuuzhan Vong are, to be sure, different than humans in many cultural motivations, but we've seen them mourn the deaths of their innocents. (Nen Yim grieved for crechelings lost due to a hull rupture aboard a worldship, for example).

And Kyp, here, has unintentionally lost his way. He's certainly not the Sithling he was years earlier, but neither is he really dealing with his issues (his childhood on Kessel, accidentally killing his own brother, and so on). He just needs a nudge in the right direction ...

As for Jaina in this timeline ... I can say Jag definitely has a role to play in her future. But if you want more details, might I point you toward this fic's sequel, Maelstroms? (They were written out of order - the bunny for Maelstroms bit me before I decided to rework Amethyst : http://boards.theforce.net/threads/...-t-more-post-sbs-njo-finished-12-27.50042496/

- Thanks again,
Onderon1