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Chapter Text

Nirauan

It was the most important day of his life. 

As dramatic as it sounded, Jag couldn’t stop repeating those words in his head. He’d prepared all his life for this day, he’d worked for years to gain the respect of his peers and later his own command post. His home had always been the Hand of Thrawn and he’d grown up in close contact with the Chiss who lived there as if they were his own brothers and sisters. But he’d always known that he’d have to work twice as hard as they to get to where was today, and that he did.

Today, he would be meeting Grand Admiral Thrawn himself.

It had been joyous news on the base when they’d finally released him from the cloning chamber, but no one but the higher ups- which included Jag’s own father- has been allowed contact with the Grand Admiral. Jag had found himself having sleepless nights, tossing and turning as he wondered what this would mean for them now. His contact with the rest of the Galaxy had been fairly limited to Chiss Space. He’d fought in wars, of course, and he’d been on too many explorations to count, but he’d never been allowed anywhere near the regions where other humans lived. 

He'd wanted desperately to see that world, but he knew he’d have to wait for Thrawn to wake up and show it to him first.

“Thrawn will make this Galaxy a better place,” His teachers had always told him growing up. His father had insisted that they continued to serve him in the hopes of what his great intellect would bring to the darkness that plagued this galaxy. But even then, Jag still yearned to see the Corellia that both his parents were born and raised. He yearned to know what it was like to be a human.

Jag snapped to attention when the doors to his father’s office opened. Standing a few inches taller than his son, General Baron Soontir Fel was a large man who exuded every bit of confidence that a man of his calibre should. He was almost a reflection of Jag himself, except that he had an eye patch covering the eye that Jag had a scar trailing from into his hairline. A part from that, Jag would say they were almost identical save for the differences in eye colour.

“At ease, Colonel,” Soontir said coolly.

Jag nodded curtly before easing out of his salute, but he remained rigid and attentive with his hands by his side. 

“The Grand Admiral is excited to meet you,” His father said, eyeing him carefully for his reaction.
He wanted to jump out of his boots, of course, but he was far too well trained to show any sign of excitement at Soontir’s words of great praise. “Sir, I look forward to serving the Admiral well.”

Soontir nodded. “Excellent. Follow me, Colonel.”

Jag remained a few paces back as he followed his father from his office’s receiving room and into the office proper. Jag stood with bated breath as his eyes fell on the figure seated in the chair that he’d always seen only his father sit in. He was tall, even while seated, and his blue skin seemed to glow in the dim light that washed the room. Jag almost forgot his training, but it was too ingrained in him for him not to immediately snap a salute towards his commanding officer. And this was his true commanding officer, the reason that everyone on this base had for living.

“Colonel Fel,” Thrawn said in a low voice. “It is wonderful to meet you.”

Jag remained still as he replied, “Sir, it is an honour to serve.”

Thrawn nodded slowly before standing himself. “At ease, Colonel.”

“Sir,” Jag said curtly before lowering his hands to his side.

“I’ve been asleep for quite some time, you see, and I’ve had your father and Admiral Parck bring me up to speed in the time since I’ve woken up,” Thrawn paused as he began to walk around the table to stand directly in front of him, “I’m pleased with what has been done here.”

“General Fel and Admiral Parck have worked tirelessly to ensure that the Hand of Thrawn is up to your standards. We are well-trained, tested, and ready for combat at your word.”

From the corner, Jag’s father remained silent. It made him think that this meeting was not what he thought.

“So I have been able to observe, Colonel,” Thrawn nodded. “In fact, I was extremely impressed with the flight records and simulations from your fighter squadron in particular. The numbers that you’ve managed to pull off are some of the best I’ve ever seen.”

Jag beamed with pride. “It is to be expected from a servant of Thrawn.”

“I agree,” Thrawn nodded, “Perhaps if I had more loyal servants close to me in the past, I’d have completed my goals long ago.”

Jag managed not to openly grimace at the thought of the noghri who had betrayed the Grand Admiral and effectively ended his campaign to take back the Galaxy from the rebels who knew next to nothing about maintaining peace and order. 

“That will no longer be a concern, sir. No member of this base would dare to betray you.”

“Of course not. This base was a part of my plan, after all. Now, never mind reminiscing about the past. It is time to commence my plans.”

His heart began to speed up. “What are your orders?”

“I’ve thought long about how the New Republic managed to defeat the Empire over and over and I’ve come to the conclusion that there is a common thread among the defeats.”

“What thread is that, sir?” Jag asked when Thrawn seemed to retreat into his mind.

The Grand Admiral finally looked at him once more. “That thread, young Colonel, is the Force.”

“The Force?” Jag frowned. While he knew about the mystical nature of the Force, he’d never given much thought to it other than that it was a power far beyond his grasp and the grasp of those around him. They wouldn’t need it, either. They had Grand Admiral Thrawn, after all. But now he was saying that the Force was the reason for his downfall. How was Jag supposed to work around that?”

“Oh, colonel, worry not. The Force is not working against us,” Thrawn reassured him. “What is against us, however, are those who can wield it.”

Jag understood. “The Jedi.”

“Yes. Luke Skywalker and his Jedi will be the biggest obstacle to our victory. His Jedi sister, Leia Organa, who not only wields the power of the Force but also the power of the highest seat of government in the New Republic. She’s not fickle or motivated by greed like her predecessors which will make it to hard to topple their government if she’s at the wheel. She’s also responsible for the betrayal of the noghri people. She is not one to be trifled with,” Thrawn warned.

Jag took a moment to take it all in. He was ashamed to let his disappointment show, but he was looking forward to getting to see the New Republic for himself, even if it was in battle. “I see.

Before we can launch any attacks, we’ll have to destabilize the Skywalker twins.”

“Sharp thinking like that is why I have the utmost trust in your father,” Thrawn commented, his red eyes sharp as they peered into him. “And why I will be putting that trust into you as well.”

“Sir?” Jag asked in confusion. He was a Colonel, yes, but his experience was mostly limited to the cockpit of a fighter. He didn’t know what other plans the Grand Admiral could have for him.

“I’m sending you to the New Republic for a very important mission, Colonel. From there, you will infiltrate their ranks and prove to be a useful ally in my quest.”

Jag’s brain racked through all the possibilities. “Surely, they will know I’m a spy. My father’s service to you will be known to Luke Skywalker at least.”

“You will not be pretending to serve anyone other than myself, Colonel,” Thrawn scolded him for jumping to conclusions. “However, you are also sufficiently attached to General Wedge Antilles, are you not?”

Jag frowned. “He is my mother’s brother, yes.”

“Excellent, then that is how you will make contact. Make no pretences about your service to the Hand of Thrawn, but my return must remain a secret.”

Jag nodded. “Yes, sir. What will be the objective of my mission?”

“For now, you will be my eyes into their world. I don’t expect them to trust you right away, but I still need you well placed for the next part of my plan. Can you do this for me Colonel?”

He snapped a salute once more, “Yes, sir!”

From the corner of his eyes, he thought he saw his father’s hesitation, but Jag didn’t care right now. He was going to the New Republic and he was going to do it to serve Thrawn. This was indeed the day he’d prepared for his whole life, and he was more than reaping the rewards.”
-
The Imperial palace, Coruscant

Leia rubbed her temples from where she sat in her office. It had been a long day for her, as it always was as the head of the New Republic. While her children had grown up, she still missed the days she’d get to go home to them and de-stress with her husband and kids by her side. Now they were off all over the galaxy, discovering themselves and becoming their own persons. Leia smiled at the thought.

A buzzing sound brought her out of her thoughts. Leia pressed the button that would connect her to her secretary outside. “Yes?”

“Captain Tanner speaking from the Defence Patrol. Ma’am, there’s an unknown craft requesting permission to land in the Palace.”

Leia raised a brow. “Why is this something that I need to handle?”

“See, the pilot is claiming to be the nephew of the Wedge Antilles and has been searching for some time for him. He thought that by coming to the command centre he might be able to contact the General.”

As far as Leia knew, Wedge didn’t have any nephews unless…

Leia’s eyes widened. “Let him land. But be on your guard, Captain.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

Leia quickly made her way down the hangar to personally greet this visitor. If he was who he said he was, then Leia would need to personally see to it that this man be closely guarded.

According to Luke and Mara, Wedge’s sister had lived and ran off with her husband to the Hand of Thrawn. Leia couldn’t think of any good reasons why they would now send their son to the New Republic.

In the distance, Leia saw the man standing in front of the strange aircraft, his back turned to her as he conversed with the mechanics in the hangar bay. As if he sensed her presence, he was turning around slowly to come face to face with her. When she stopped a few feet ahead of him, the man- or young man, Leia now realised- was bending at the waist in a deep bow, a sign of respect for her position.

“My my,” Leia started, “If you were trying to convince me that you’re Wedge’s nephew, all this formality isn’t helping.”

The young man straightened and he seemed to be confused. Leia probed with him the Force. There wasn’t a hint of dishonesty or mal-intent within him, only the rigidity and determination that came with years of military practice. That surprised Leia, if he were military as his ship seemed to denote, he couldn’t have been anything other than fresh out of the academy. He didn’t look like he was any older than her twins.

The man nodded. “My uncle’s rebellious nature is well-documented, yes. However, I am still my father’s son.”

“Identify yourself properly, please,” Leia said.

“Of course, Madam,” Jag nodded politely. “I am Colonel Jagged Fel, son of Soontir and Syal Fel.”

“Colonel? To which military do you belong?”

Jag seemed to hesitate. “Ah, well, that would be the Chiss Expansionary Defence Force.”

She raised a brow. “I’ve never know the Chiss to send diplomats, much less human ones.”

“That is correct. However, I am not a diplomat for the Chiss. Like I said to the air traffic control, I am here to find my uncle.”

“Why not give him a call?” Leia asked although she knew that they would be estranged, if anything. She could detect no lies in his words, but she knew better than to think that meant he wasn’t hiding anything.

Jag’s confident air to seemed to crumble. “Actually, I’ve never met him. I’m not even sure what he looks like.”

“I see. I suppose your reasons for coming here are personal, then?” Leia had her suspicions, but chose to adress the man- the teenager, really- based on his words alone. She'd have enough time to investugate him while he was his visit.

Jag nodded. “Yes. I assure you, there’s nothing more to my being here than to get in contact with my uncle.”

“In that case, Colonel Fel, let me assist you with your quest.”
-

“Hey, no fair!” Jacen called out as he watched his sister slide past him to kick the ball into the goal post that he was supposed to be defending.

With a bright smile, Jaina pumped her fist in the air as she celebrated her goal. “Woo! It’s not my fault you suck at this.”

Jacen peeled the protective gloves off his hands as he walked out of the post and more on to the small field that they often used for games like these. 

“Yeah yeah, sports are clearly your thing, not mine.”

Jaina laughed at her brother’s sour mood before sneaking up on him to trap him in a head lock. He rewarded her with his thrashing, cursing at her to let him go. Jaina simply laughed before she released him, smirking when he fell flat on his back below her.

“Sucks for you, little brother. Maybe we should have an animal finding competition next so you can win.”

Jacen rolled his eyes at her, “Not everything has to be a competition, Jaina.”

“Nonsense,”Jaina said as she moved to sit beside her brother who made no moves to get back up. “How else would we have fun?”

“I agree,” A voice said from a few meters away. The twins jumped up when they identified it, running towards the figure that was now coming their way.

“Anakin!” They shouted in delight as the three siblings were not enveloped in a tight hug. 

“You didn’t tell us you were back from school,” Jaina scolded him. “I just got back from Corellia today and haven’t even seen Mom and Dad yet. If I’d known you were here, it would have been my first stop!”

Anakin smiled at his sister, “I didn’t plan on coming back so soon. You can imagine I’ve been learning quite a bit about mechanics on Borleias.”

“Ah,” Jacen sighed, “Look at our baby brother, Jaina. I bet he’s the top of the class.”

Jaina pinched his cheeks for the added patronizing effect, “I know he is. He’s seventeen years old and already in a prestigious Engineering Academy.”

Anakin frowned as he slapped Jaina’s hands away. “Says the brother who’s close to graduating from university at eighteen, and the sister who’s already in an elite fighter squadron.”

Jaina scoffed. “I’m only on call for emergencies, Ani. Mom doesn’t want me flying with them full time.”

“Yeah,” Jacen commented dryly, “So, instead she spends her days distracting me from my studies.”

Jaina ruffled his hair affectionately, “No. I spend my days fixing people’s ships for cash. When I have time off, I distract you from your studies. Like right now.”

Anakin laughed at Jacen’s grimace. “I’m so proud of us. When we left the Jedi Academy, I wasn’t sure what we’d be doing with ourselves. But it looks like we’ve all found our place somewhere.”

Jacen returned his smile. “Well, maybe not all of us. I was thinking of changing my major again.”

The frowns from his siblings made him recoil. “Alright alright, it was a joke guys!”

“They’re still not funny after all these years,” Jaina shook her head as she packed up her exercise bag. “I guess we should drop by mom and dad. They haven’t seen all of us together in months.”

Anakin nodded. “That would be a good idea. You know, I had to walk here from the space station. I hope at least one of you brought the speeder.”

The twins shared a knowing look before Jaina said, “Actually, the point of coming out here to exercise is that we don’t drive.”

Anakin’s face fell. “You mean we’re walking miles to get home?”

Jaina’s grin was bright enough to light up the evening sky. “Great idea! I was going to suggest we take the bus!”

“Ugh,” Jacen groaned, “Why did you have to say that?”

“Wait wait, I take it back,” Anakin’s eyes widened in fear.

Jaina shook her head, “None of that. In fact, let’s race.”

Without another word, Jaina was throwing her bag over her shoulder and taking off at a an even paced jog. Her brothers watched her go, dreading the run that they knew they would follow her on. The two brothers watched her go as they steeled themselves for the exercise, as Jaina called it.

Anakin frowned at his sister’s slowly disappearing figure. “Since when did Jaina wear short shorts out of the house?”

Jacen laughed as he clapped his younger brother on the back. “See, it took me a while to get used to, but you’re gonna have to come to terms with the fact that our sister is growing up.”

“Ew,” Anakin made a face. “Sometimes you just remind me that she’s a girl and it’s so gross.”

Jacen snorted. “You’ll get used to the short shorts soon enough. Now, come on. You don’t want her to embarrass us too badly when she wins, do you?”

Anakin’s scowl quickly changed to a wicked grin. “Of course not. I am going to win myself if I have any say in it.”

-

Stepping through the residential entrance of the Imperial palace, Jaina smiled when she took in the scent of what she’d gotten used to calling her home. While she and Jacen preferred their shared apartment on the other side of town, Jaina still considered this to be her real home. Wherver her parents were, that was her house as far as she was concerned. 

“Hey, Abbot,” Jaina waved at the security who tipped his head politely at her. He’d been working this job for as long as she could remember. Greeting him was just as much a part of coming home as anything else.

Jaina found herself roaming through the grand hallways, looking at the change in scenery that had taken place since she’d last been here. She was surprised that her brothers had yet to catch up to her but then again, she had picked up her speed about halfway here, and knowing her brothers, they’d probably stopped to catch their breath and maybe even get a bite of something on Coruscant’s bustling streets.

Jaina sighed softly as she thought back to Anakin’s comment about having it all figured out. Did she really? She wasn’t a full-time Rogue and neither did she have a stable job. Both her brothers were in school while she found a way to convince her mother to let her join the Rogues full-time. She was eighteen, of course, and free to do as she wished, but she would never want to do anything that would make her mother sad, even with all the rebellious spirit that people claimed she had. She had used it all up when she’d convinced Uncle Wedge to let her try out for the squadron against her mother’s wishes in the first place.

Jaina turned the corner as she continued to debate the possibilities in her mind. The Force tingled in the back of her mind, but she wasn’t fast enough to step out of the way before she was colliding head first with a stranger.

“Ow,” Jaina mumbled as she found herself on the floor. As she looked up, her breath hitched as she saw the face of the offender. The first thing she saw were his eyes, a beautiful emerald green that seemed to shimmer before her. The second thing she noticed, was the look of sheer horror on his face as he extended his hands out to help her up.

“I’m so sorry,” The man was saying, quickly grabbing hold of her hands to pull her back up into a standing position. Jaina felt like jelly as she allowed his strong arms to pull up her dead weight as if she weighed nothing but paper. And Jaina knew she weighed a lot more than paper.

Jaina’s brain seemed to remain frozen for a while as she tried to remember that this wasn’t one of those fairytale dreams but instead reality. “Oh, uh, no. It was my bad. I should have sensed you coming down the hall.”

The man’s expression turned into one of relief when she showed him no anger at having bumped into her. “No, no. I should have been more careful.”

“Aha,” Jaina giggled nervously before scolding herself. Act cool, act cool! Jaina repeated to herself. “I’m sorry, I don’t seem to recognise you. Are you a guest in the Palace?”

“Oh, yes,” The man said, remembering his manners as he let her hands go. Jaina frowned when she realised she’d gotten used to his touch. “The Chief of State was so kind to provide me with quarters here as I await the arrival of my uncle.”

Jaina’s heart fell to her stomach. He was some kind of diplomat or prince, then. Jaina hated those types. They were pretty and courteous, but always either empty-headed or harbouring some nasty secret.

“I see. I hope you enjoy your stay here.”

As she turned around to leave him be, Jaina remembered she was wearing her short shorts. She snapped back around, smiling nervously and hoping he didn’t see too much. She hadn't cast a thought to it while she roamed the streets of Coruscant but being face-toface with a handsome stranger was enough to make her feel self-conscious. The man didn’t really react though. He simply stood quietly with his eyes trained on her face. So, maybe he was the empty-headed type. 

“I didn’t catch your name,” Jaina added when he made no move to turn around to leave himself.

“Jagged Fel,” The man said curtly.

Jaina thought the name was familiar, “Fel…Like Soontir Fel?”

His eyes widened at her recognition. “You know my father?”

“No,” Jaina shook her head, “But my father did. He used to tell us stories about him when they both went to the Imperial Academy years ago.”

He frowned as his mind seemed to work through his questions. “Your father wouldn’t happen to be Han Solo, would he?”

Jaina smiled proudly. “He is, yes.”

“Ah, then you are Leia Organa Solo’s daughter, yes?”

“Mhm.”

“Please excuse my earlier behaviour,” He started as he gave her a shallow but courteous bow. “I was unaware it was you.”

Excuse his behaviour? Jaina thought he was the most polite fellow she’d met her whole life. He didn’t even take the chance to stare at her ass in the short shorts! She had planned on taking Jacen’s advice and stop wearing them outside of the house but clearly chivalry wasn’t dead among men.

“Right, right. I’m Jaina,” She said, more interested in something else. “If you’re Soontir Fel’s son, then that means you’re not royalty, right?”

Jagged seemed confused at her line of questioning. “Uh, no.”

Jaina grinned, “Great! Here I was thinking you were some dumb prince my mother had to be nice to else she offend your people’s customs.”

For the first time, Jaina noticed the corner of his mouth curl up into a half-smile. She did her best not to squeal right there. 

“I’m not a prince, no. As I said, your mother is doing me a favour.”

“Jagged, right?” Jaina commented waiting until he nodded a yes before continuing, “What has you roaming these halls?”

“Well, uh,” he said, sounding a bit embarrassed. “I wasn’t sure how to get to the kitchen? Your mother said that it was open all day but she didn’t leave any instructions as to how I could access it.”

Jaina laughed. “Oh, boy. You must have been starving in there before finding the courage to come out and look yourself.”

Jagged looked at her rather sheepishly for a man who before exuded a strict confidence. “Well, perhaps I was too afraid of offending the family of a princess by implying you were letting me starve.”

Her mouth fell open in shock. “Was that a joke?”

He looked at her with intense eyes. “Did it offend?”

She shook her head, “No, it was pretty good actually. Come with me, I’ll fix you up something real nice.”
-

They sat in the kitchen on the stools provided as they waited for the chefs to prepare the dinner. In the meanwhile, Jaina insisted they wait and chat right here while having a light snack to ease Jag’s hunger. Outwardly, she was just being a gracious host. Inwardly, she really just wanted to stare at his pretty face for as long as she could.

“So, Wedge Antilles is your uncle?”

Jag nodded. “Yes.”

“And you came all this way to meet him for the first time but you didn’t know how?”

“Yes.”

Jaina hummed. “That means you came here in a ship, right? Please tell me you flew your own ship.”

“I did, actually,” Jag nodded. “But it’s probably not what you’ll expect.”

“What is it? An X-Jay class cruiser, a Krayt-class fighter yacht?” Jaina asked too excitedly. Just the prospect of him being a pilot excited her.

Jag seemed to welcome her enthusiasm. “Even better. I flew here in a clawcraft.”

Her head cocked to the side as she failed to recognise that model. “There aren’t that many ships in this galaxy that I don’t know about.”

Jag seemed to smirk, “Well, you wouldn’t know this one. It’s the Chiss-style fighter craft.”

Her eyes must have given away all pretence of acting cool. So, he was a fighter pilot with a ship she’d never seen before. She would definitely have to keep him. “Wait, so when you said you’re from far away, you meant really far away. All the way in Chiss Space?”

“Yes. I’m not sure how much you know about the Chiss?” Jag asked her with the raise of a brow.

“Next to nothing, really,” Jaina admitted. “I just know that they’re very secretive and efficient people. Oh, and that Thrawn was one too.”

Something flickered in Jag’s presence at the mention of the name, something akin to zeal or pride. Perhaps Thrawn was famous over there.

Jag reined in the emotion quickly as he gave a simple nod. “That is quite little to know about an entire species. But I assure you that our ships are every bit of efficient and even better than the ones you fly in over here.”

“Our?” Jaina asked, also taking note of the arrogance in his tone. He had a very Imperial vibe about him, and while that should have sent her running, the overly-formal attitude and military-style discipline somehow proved to make her like him even more.

“Yes,” Jag tipped his head in acknowledgement, “I was born and raised into that society, and now I serve them with my talents.”

“A human raised among Chiss,” Jaina let the words mull in her mouth for a moment. “So, let me get this straight. Soontir Fel, a Corellian waste farmer’s son, who was the famous commander of the 101st, and not-so-staunch imperial who defected to the rebel side for a short time, moved all the way to Chiss space to- well, have you I guess- and you also happen to be Wedge Antilles’ nephew because your father happened to marry his long-lost sister.”

Jag nodded. “Yes.”

“You’re full-blooded Corellian, with Imperial parents but you were born and raised among the Chiss. That’s quite a bit of a heritage you have there,” Jaina commented.

“Is that strange?”

Jaina shook her head. “No. I think it just makes you more interesting.”

She felt another flicker in his presence, something she couldn’t describe this time, but she counted it as a win nonetheless. Jag never gave away too much though, as he kept his replies short and curt.

“You seem to be very interested in where I come from.”

Jaina shrugged. “Not really. I’m just wondering why my Mom would have put you up here.”

“Oh? Here I thought she was just helping me out,” Jag said carefully.

“My mother does that a lot,” Jaina pointed out, “But that doesn’t mean you get to be a guest here when you’re an unknown pilot from an unknown military.”

Jag nodded slowly. “So, you also expect treachery from me. I sensed it from your mother, but I didn’t think you’d also share her weariness.”

Jaina sat up straight as she pointed an accusing finger at him. “Why? Because you bumped into me wearing a tank top and my short shorts? I didn’t think you’d be so foolish to judge a stranger simply by how they were dressed. I hope the whole daughter of a princess thing didn’t fool you either, Fel.”

Jag leaned away from her, but he didn’t seem angry at her calling him out. “I’m impressed. You really had me here giving away a lot of personal information to a stranger.”

“You should be careful,” Jaina joked, “There are a lot of weird people in the New Republic. Who knows when you’ll find yourself a stalker.”

Jag let out a short breath of laughter. “Right. I should be more careful next time.”

“Good. I’m glad I could have taught you at least one thing,” Jaina slipped off the stool before throwing a wink over her shoulder.

“Where are you going?” Jag asked, gesturing to the half-finished snack that was between them.

Jaina didn’t turn back as she replied, “I’m a busy girl, flyboy. But I’m sure I’ll see you soon.”

With that, Jaina left the kitchen, ensuring she put in a little of the sway her mom had taught her to if she wanted to get a guy to look her way. Jacen was so wrong. She was never going to stop wearing short shorts.
-

When Jaina entered her family’s quarters, she was enveloped by the warm hug of her mother as she guided her to the dining room where they’d just begun dinner. 

“You should visit more,” Leia lamented as she always did when she saw her.

Jaina rolled her eyes, “Mom, you saw me last week.”

“It’s not enough,” Leia sighed to herself as she led her into the dining room. “I want to see my children everyday.”

Jaina sauntered over to her father who sat at the head of the table. She wrapped her self around his shoulders as she leaned down to press a soft kiss to the top of his head. “I missed you, Dad.”

Han gruffed, “What’s a man got to do to see his only daughter? At least Jacen and Anakin call regularly.”

She snorted she took the chair immediately to his left. “You know where I live, Dad. You could just stop by instead of complaining. Or wait,” Jaina paused to gasp dramatically, “You could call me first.”

“Jacen, when did your sister become such a smart-mouth?” Han asked with a shake of his head.

Jacen, who sat with Anakin, directly across from her, sighed. “Sorry, dad. You’re only just now getting the treatment poor Ani and I have been receiving all our lives.”

Anakin nodded in agreement. “Yeah, welcome to the club.”

“Oh please,” Leia commented as she sat in the chair beside Jaina. “Boys can never handle a little competition, can they?”

“Exactly!” Jaina agreed with her. “I keep telling them that but they just think I’m being difficult.”

“Competition, huh?” Han started, “That’s a woman’s way of saying she’s in charge.”

“And don’t you forget it,” Leia shot back with a mischievous grin.

Jaina’s face crumpled up in disgust, “Ew, Mom, please control yourself at the dinner table.”

The family shared a laugh together as the droid stationed in the room began to serve their meal. The conversation remained light as they ate, catching up one what they’d all been doing in the last few months. Anakin had quite a few stories about the Academy he’d recently started in the past year.

Leia’s nose seemed to finally catch a whiff of Jaina’s scent. “Your brothers weren’t lying when they said you ran back here after a game of kickball.”

Jaina at least had the decency to be embarrassed. “I smell that bad, huh? Oh well, you know I love working up a good sweat.”

“That she does,” Jacen commented bitterly as he thought about his sore ego from losing their earlier match.

Leia looked over her appraisingly. “Is this your usual workout outfit?”

“No,” Jaina said at the same time her brothers answered, “Yes.”

After levelling a glare their way, Jaina forced herself to smile at her mother. “Sometimes, yeah. I thought you said I should start dressing more like a woman and less like a mechanic?”

“Oh, I’m not complaining,” Leia said with a grin. “I very much approve.”

Han huffed in complaint, “I certainly do not.”

“Oh, hush,” Leia waved a hand of dismissal towards her husband. “Jaina’s just coming into more of her own.”

Embarrassed, Jaina tried to take back the conversation. “It’s crazy how much attention these shorts have garnered me. Sadly, it’s been mostly from my family.”

Anakin laughed. “Yeah, that must suck.”

“Speaking of attention these shorts have gotten me,” Jaina said as something popped into her mind, “What’s the deal with that Fel kid running around here?”

Leia raised a brow, “You ran into him?”

Jaina nodded. “Yeah. He said he was starving and was looking for the kitchen. The poor thing seemed too polite to ask anyone for directions so I had to help him out.”

“That’s interesting,” Leia noted, “I’m sure I had the kitchen send up something for him only a few hours ago.”

Interesting, indeed, Jaina noted. Either he had a real pilot’s stomach or he had somehow managed to lie to her without the Force detecting it. While she had warned him to be careful around strangers, clearly it was advice that she should have been taking herself.

“Do you think he’s up to something?” Han asked, already knowing about the situation. Her brothers, however, seemed confused. After explaining the situation to them, Leia finally got around to answering her husband’s question.

“I can’t be too sure. Wedge said he’d be here by morning, though, so I’m sure we’ll get more answers. I wanted to keep him here so we could keep an eye on him at least.”

Jacen nodded. “Good idea. Maybe we should have Jaina work out in front of him then grill him for answers.”

Growing angry, Jaina flicked her fork his way, sending her greens into his face as punishment for his offence. “I hate you.”

“Jaina,” Leia scolded her before getting back to the topic at hand. “I believe his sincerity in coming here to meet his uncle. Anything else about his goals, I’d have to ask Luke to question him.”

“Well, that better be soon,” Han said dryly. “If he’s anything like his father, he’ll have found a way to accomplish his goals without us even realising. Efficiency must be a gene in that family.”

Leia nodded. “Of course. But we have the Force and your Solo luck. Efficiency won’t ever scare us.”

-

In the past, he’d thought he’d inherited most of his looks from his father, but it wasn’t until he was standing in front of his uncle that he realised how much he took after his mother’s side. They weren’t identical, but Jag could see in his face that they were closely related. Looking at him brought a familiarity that he hadn’t felt since he was a child. He was looking up at his older brother, he thought, but he couldn’t remember the right eye colour to match make the scene match.

The attempt at remembering brought with it a pang of grief that he’d thought he’d long since stuffed down. But it seemed that being reunited with his living family reminded him of those he’d already lost. Wedge Antilles would never know that Jag’s brother resembled him greatly, nor would he ever get to know him personally. Yet, here Jag was, on orders to shake up this man’s world.

“Ahem,” Jag cleared his throat as he stared into the green eyes that could pass for his own. His uncle hadn’t said a word when he’d come in to the quarters Leia had provided for Jag. He’d only stood there, shock written plainly on his face as he tried to make sense of the situation. Perhaps he hadn’t truly believed that it would be his nephew he’d be meeting and instead believed it to be some trick. But clearly, Jag wasn’t the only one dumbfounded by their resemblance.

“I am Jagged Fel,” Jag continued, “You would not have met me before, but I am your sister’s son.”

“I’m sorry,” Wedge said, shaking his head as he came back to reality. “I just can’t believe that you’re standing here.”

In his culture, Jag would offer a bow towards a high ranking general, but in this part of the Galaxy he figured that an outstretched hand would do. “No problem. I understand that seeing me may come as a shock. It’s my understanding that you were unaware of my mother’s survival in Chiss Space.”

Wedge looked at his hand confused for a moment before he was pulling him into air-tight hug. Jag could only remain still, unsure of what to do about this kind of gesture. It wasn’t anything he had been prepared for in his training, but he also had to make Wedge believe that he was only here for personal reasons. According to Thrawn, the key to his espionage would be in gaining Wedge Antilles’ trust.

“I wasn’t,” Wedge answered when he finally pulled back from the embrace, one hand remaining on Jag’s shoulder in a tight grip. “That Syal, she- well, she’s been running away for as long as I can remember.”

Jag allowed his expression to lighten. There was no bitterness in Wedge’s tone, only relief that his sister was alive and well. Jag could trust any man who cared for his mother as Wedge clearly did, even if they were the enemy. “So, I hear. But I assure you she’s more than settled down.”

“Luke told me that your father was with the Chiss,” Wedge said, “But he had no way of confirming if Syal was with him.”

“Ah,” Jag nodded, “I’m sorry that your worries could not be assuaged sooner.”

Shaking his head, Wedge moved over to the couch, taking a seat and gesturing for Jag to do the same. “Never mind that. What are you doing all the way on Coruscant?”

Jag reluctantly took a seat beside him, unsure about getting so close. “Well, it’s not a good story.”

“What do you mean?”

Jag averted his eyes for the added dramatic effect. “Well, you see, I’ve run away.”

Wedge’s eyes widened. “You ran away?”

Nodding, Jag met his gaze. “You wouldn’t understand what it’s like over there. I guess…I guess I just needed to get away.”

His uncle eyed him carefully, not entirely convinced. “I don’t know much about the Chiss but I’m sure they won’t appreciate you abandoning your post.”

“They wouldn’t. I may be your nephew, but I’m still General- I mean Soontir Fel’s son. I’m on a leave of absence, you see. So, I thought I’d take the opportunity to see the outside world.”

“Somehow I don’t think that would be allowed either.”

Jag forced a smile. “It isn’t, but it’s better than abandoning your post.”

“Well,” Wedge sighed, “I can’t deny how happy it makes me to meet you.”

“Really? You would have loved to meet Davin, my older brother. He- well, he died in battle some years ago,” Jag said, internally scolding himself for getting choked up on the last bit. At least it made him seem more authentic. But he was going to have to work on his lying before he had to repeat this to any of the Jedi. Not lying- Thrawn would remind him- lying to the jedi was a bad idea. He was simply obscuring the truth.

Wedge’s face fell. “I’m so sorry to hear that, Jagged.”

“Jag,” he said, “My family calls me Jag.”

Smiling, Wedge clapped him on the back affectionately. “Well, then, Jag. I’d love to hear more about the family.”

-

“You want me to do what exactly?” Luke asked.

Leia fixed him a scowl. “Just talk to Wedge’s nephew and see if he can be trusted.”

“Why wouldn’t he be?” Luke already knew the answer, but it had been a long time since he and Mara had destroyed the base of the Hand of Thrawn and an even longer time since Thrawn had died. He understood Leia’s fears well enough since Thrawn had come too close to toppling the New Republic, but too much time had past and enough stability achieved for a single pilot from Chiss space to disturb any of it.

“I doubt Soontir Fel’s son coming here is anything short of an omen.”

“Did he say he’s from the Hand of Thrawn?” Luke asked.

Leia shook her head. “No. He claims it was eventually absorbed by the Chiss Ascendancy when they realised Thrawn was never returning.”

Luke shrugged. “Then why wouldn’t you believe him? Did you sense a lie?”

“No,” Leia started, “But he was too careful in his choice of words. I swear to you it reminded me of Thrawn himself.”

“That’s not surprising, given that he would have been raised among his people. I think you may be reading into this too much.”

“Any time you say that, it means there’s a lot more to it,” Leia frowned at her brother. 

Luke couldn’t disagree with that. “Alright, if it makes you feel better I’ll talk to him. What’s he supposed to be doing here anyway?”

“Apparently on something of a vacation. Except the Chiss don’t really do vacations so he’s going to be in trouble when he gets back.”

“I see,” Luke nodded. “Well, as I said earlier, he can’t cause too much trouble on his own.”

“I hope so,” Leia leaned back against her chair. “We’ll all have to keep an eye on him.”

-

Jaina was grateful for the transparisteel viewport that allowed her to see into the private gym reserved for those staying in the residential wing. She would usually be the first one here this time of morning so she could start her exercise for the morning before going out onto the streets of coruscant to find something to fix- or at least that was her routine when she was living here. Trying to forge her own path as an adult meant that she didn’t allow herself to use the facilities that were available to her simply because of her mother’s position. That meant paying for her own gym membership somewhere else and splitting rent with her brother.

But since they had dinner here the other night, she had ended up staying for a few more days at her mother’s wishes to watch over the Chiss-Imperial pilot that had also been a guest here in the last couple of days. Wedge Antilles had ended up vouching for him, and he had had made no suspicious moves in the time that he was there, but Leia was steadfast in her belief that something was off about him.

Jaina wasn’t sure if she should share that sentiment having spoken to him only once, but she could also admit that she had a strange feeling about him. The thing was, she just didn’t know if that strange feeling had anything to do with his insanely good looks-

She stomped out the thought, shaking her head as she continued her surveillance through the viewport. She was surprised to find the young man working out before the crack of dawn, but before she could barge in and claim her territory, she’d been distracted by the sight of him through the viewport. Okay, so maybe she was drooling a bit. It wasn’t her fault he was wearing an almost skin-tight blacktank top that showed off his muscular arms too well. The exercise shorts he wore also hid nothing, and Jaina was coming to find herself more than impressed with his physique. Hence why she was now acting like a creep and watching him work out for almost an hour now.

This was what her mother wanted, anyway. Someone to keep an eye on him at all times or something like that. She could definitely keep an eye or two on him.

Leaning over the wall, Jaina found herself resting on her folded arms, her eyes glued to his body as he pulled himself up and above the high bar for another pull-up. She could get used to this, maybe she should stick around home for a little longer-

“What are you doing?”

Jaina jumped up, her hand instinctively moving to the lightsabre clipped onto her belt as she faced the voice that surprised her. Before her eyes fell on him, Jaina recognised his presence through the Force and put on the scowl that he would have come to expect from her by now.

“Don’t scare me like that,” Jaina scolded him, her face flushing as she knew she had been caught.

Jacen was grinning from ear to ear. “Oh my gosh, you like him!”

“You’re so childish,” Jaina moved away from the viewport as she folded her arms across her chest. She wouldn’t have her brother embarrassing her for long. “What are you even doing here?”

“Looking for you, of course. I wanted to ask if you wanted to come with me and Anakin to the Conservatory today,” Jacen glanced back through the viewport, “But I see that you’re busy here.”

Jaina coughed awkwardly to take his attention away from the figure still enthusiastically breezing through his pull-ups. “I follow you to the conservatory all the time. It’s definitely Anakin’s turn to help you shovel manure and clean up after wild beasts.”

Jacen frowned. “Hey, it’s not their fault they were brought to this planet to be put on show. At the conservatory, we care for the animals that have been rescued from cruelty-”

Jaina raised a hand to stop him. “I know the sales pitch, so spare me. I just mean that Anakin can lend you a hand today.”

“I know. You have fun here,” Jacen said teasingly as he took off at a jog.

She resisted the urge to curse at him as he left but instead decided to turn her attention back to the figure that deserved it. But when her eyes were once more fixed to the viewport, she glanced around the room to find where the body she so desperately wanted to see had gone-

Something fluttered behind her, and Jaina was turning in that direction quickly. “Oh.”

Standing behind her was a very sweaty Jagged Fel, one hand holding a towel that was raised to his neck to wipe up some of the drops of sweat that fell so beautifully-

She blinked quickly as she tried to regain her composure. “Hello, uh, how are you?”

Jag’s eyes glanced down as if sizing her up. “I am alright. Was I holding up your time?”

“Huh?” Jaina’s brain could not keep up.

He tipped his head towards the gym, “You’ve been standing out here for some time so I began to think I was keeping you from coming in.”

She had forgotten that the transparisteel would have allowed him to see her staring at him. So, that meant she’d been making a fool out of herself for Force knows how long. 

“Ah, yeah, I didn’t want to disturb your mojo so I thought I’d let you finish before getting my own workout started.” Jaina applauded herself for coming off so cool. Hopefully he thought so too.

“Mojo,” He said slowly, “What does that mean?”

Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion before she remembered that the poor kid lived under a rock. “Your...flow. I didn’t want to disturb your flow.”

Nodding, Jag looked like he was storing that bit of slang into his memory banks. “I see. Well, by all means, don’t let me stop you.”

“Wait,” Jaina said before he could turn around and leave. “Where are you going?”

“Back to my quarters,” Jag said easily, “Your mother wouldn’t like it if I roamed around.”

Jaina’s hands found their way to her hips in a challenging pose, “Have you committed a crime?”

“Not to my knowledge. Why?”

“Then she can’t reasonably keep you here. She may not want you to wander around, but did she explicitly say that?”

Jag eyed her carefully. “What would be the difference? Either way it would go against her wishes.”

“Right, so you’ve finally made it to the other side of the galaxy like you’ve always wanted, but you’re keeping yourself locked up because you don’t want to upset your host,” Jaina shook her head in disappointment.

“Well, she is the Head of Government,” Jag pointed out.

Jaina waved her hand in dismissal, “Never mind that. How about I make you a deal?”

“Oh?” Jag raised scarred brow. “What do I have that you could possibly want?”

“An alien ship,” Jaina’s face broke out into an excited smile, “Let me see your ship and I’ll show you around Coruscant.”

Jag’s face was practically unreadable and Jaina also couldn’t sense much through the Force. She was beginning to think he would say no, and the sinking feeling that accompanied that thought was something she didn’t quite understand. After a moment, he finally said, “Alright. We have a deal.”
-

It was a marvel, really. Jaina had always liked the design of TIE fighters, but their lack of flexibility and little room for improvements had placed them lower down on her list of favourite fighter ships. But this modified TIE fighter- or clawcraft as Jag had called it- had all the advantages that the Imperial class ship had but without all the shortfalls. The technology on the computer was far too complicated and advanced for her to understand without Lowbacca’s help, and it didn’t help that it was all in a language that she couldn’t decipher. The guns on the ship were no joke either. The last thing she wanted was to be on the opposite ends of these lasers. She was truly impressed.

She jumped out of the cockpit, landing lightly on her feet with the aid of the Force beside a nervous-looking Jag. The root of his anxiety, she couldn’t be sure, but if he was like any other pilot he probably didn’t like someone messing around with his ship.

“Not bad,” Jaina commented.

Jag simply tipped his head in acknowledgement, “It is the best in the Galaxy after all.”

“You think this thing could outfly an X-Wing?” Jaina asked with a scoff. “No way.”

“I’m afraid it can. You only need to see her fly to believe it.”

In his eyes, Jaina saw that he wouldn’t be budging any time soon. He had absolute confidence in his ship and his ability to fly it. She’d love to challenge him to a match and knock him down a peg or two.

“What’s she called?” Jaina asked, although she was unsure if Chiss named their ships.

“Blue Flame,” Jag answered easily. “There’s no other name for a clawcraft of mine.”

Jaina sensed a story behind the name, but thought it would be better not to prod. She was sure she’d have more opportunity to get that information out of him. “Well, if you wouldn’t mind, I’d love to take your ship apart some time.”

Jag looked alarmed at her words, prompting Jaina to regret them. Perhaps it wasn’t the most lick pick up line that she’d ever thought of, but at the time it sounded good in her head.

“I- uh, I suppose if you can put it back together it wouldn’t be a problem.”

“Really?” Jaina grinned, “In that case, consider me your tour guide around Coruscant. There isn’t a single corner that I haven’t explored or at least heard about on this planet.”

She was surprised to see a hint of excitement behind his eyes and she was becoming more convinced that he’d lived a very boring and controlled life up until now. She held a certain pride in being the one to corrupt this child of Chiss.

“Oh, well, then I’d like to see everything.”
-

“Colonel Fel sent word that he arrived safely on Coruscant,” Soontir reported. “The last message indicated that he had successfully infiltrated the Palace.”

Thrawn sat in his grand chair, eyes closed as he was deep in meditation and careful planning. “Good. I’m entirely pleased that the Rebel Alliance has failed to root out all of the possible ways for us to spy on them from the Palace. I’m equally as pleased that Colonel Fel has found this particular method in such a short space of time. I look forward to his future reports.”
Soontir beamed with pride at his son’s efficiency, but there was a part of him that feared what would happen if he were found out. He knew it wasn’t his job to worry about those things as his commanding officer, but Jag was still his son. Although he had a duty to the House of Nuruodo, he still had a duty to protect his family.

“Yes, sir. Colonel Fel also indicated that he’s awaiting further orders as to how to proceed.”

“Hmm,” Thrawn contemplated for a moment. The language that they had chosen for their communiques was one they were sure no one in the New Republic, not even their translator droids, would be able to decipher. But Thrawn still erred on the side of caution to limit their messages to codes that did not convey the speaker’s words entirely.

“Tell Colonel Fel that I’d like to know everything about the Solo-Skywalker Clan,” The Grand Admiral finally said. “They are, after all, the key to taking down the New Republic.”

Soontir nodded before bending at the waist in a deep bow of respect. “Very well, Admiral. It will be done.”

Chapter Text

Jag’s eyes seemed to be fixed to the sky. Not because Coruscant had a beautiful star system to show for, but because the skyscrapers seemed to stretch into the stars. There were so many levels, alleyways, corner-stops. Every turn held something new and exciting, something that he’d never before seen. Csilla was beautiful and had become the most advanced world he’d ever seen after first leaving Nirauan as a child. Other planets he visited were nowhere near the level of advanced excitement and indiscipline that Coruscant seemed to hold. 

Jaina was a terrible guide. She changed her mind about their destinations every few blocks, and she stopped to show him anything that crossed her mind. But it seemed to be a part of the Coruscant experience and proved to actually be an enjoyable time for him.

“Try this,” Jaina was stuffing a fluffy pink looking cotton into his face. It looked like the wool of a wild beast but dyed in a childish colour to be more appealing to customers.

“Do I wear it?” Jag asked as he took the cone from her hand to get it out of his face. He looked at it sceptically as he tried to understand what this ball of wool could do for him and why she’d thrown away credits just to get it.

Jaina laughed aloud, her eyes closing in delight as she revelled in his ignorance. “Oh God, no. It’s a snack, so eat it.”

Jag frowned at it, “How?”

“Like this,” Jaina said before leaning forward to bite off a piece of the wool from his cone. “See? It won’t kill you.”

Jag slowly opened his mouth to take a small bite, surprised when it melted in his mouth into something entirely too sweet but still delightful. “Oh. It’s good.”

“It is, isn’t it?” Jaina grinned before she was grabbing his arm and pulling him along once more. “Come on, there’s still so much to see.”

Normally, Jag would have been uncomfortable with a stranger holding on to his arm so carelessly, but Jaina was something else entirely. She was so different from people back home or even the ones he met here so far. She was a determined and goal-oriented young woman who wasn’t afraid to go after what she wanted, but she also had this lack of focus and discipline that made her hard to predict. He couldn’t properly form an opinion of her until he gathered enough data to make an accurate prediction of her actions.

Jaina stopped suddenly, causing him to bump into her back as she stared across the street. “Hey. Have you ever been ice skating?”

Jag perked up, happy to finally show off something he knew. “Yes. I know quite a bit about movements on the ice. One of the Chiss Capitals is an ice planet after all.” He wanted to slap himself in the face for even saying that much, but Jaina didn’t seem to care. 

“Oh, okay. But have you ever been air skating?”

“Air skating?” Jag hadn’t heard of that.

Jaina pointed at the establishment across the street. “Over there is one of the coolest places I’ve ever been. My friend Zekk showed me some years ago and it was so fun that Jacen and I have to stop there every time we pass by.”

“Okay,” Jag nodded slowly, “But how do you skate in the air?”

“It’s not really skating per se, but the boots they give you sort of simulate the feeling of flying along the tracks on the rink. It’s technology that uses magnetism to have fun. The best part is that it’s totally dark on the rink except for the neon colours on the suits and boots. Sounds fun, right?”

Jag was unsure. “Why would such precious technology be wasted on something so useless?”

“Oh, you’re such a buzzkill. Why not use precious technology for something harmless and fun?”

He wasn’t sure what to say to that other than it was something the Chiss simply would not do. But that was why he had come here seeking another world, because the Chiss would never think of or do crazy things like this.

“I suppose we can go, yes.”

Jaina’s grin seemed to be plastered on her face. “Great.”
-

Wedge leaned back in the chair that Leia offered him in the Solo Apartment, a glass of whiskey that Han had pressed into his hand when he came in. It was a sign, man to man, that what Leia had to say wouldn’t be pleasant conversation and Wedge already knew it would be about his nephew.

Leia sat across from him, a weary expression on her face. “I know you said to trust him. But something’s off.”

“Leia, he grew up in a different place. He’s not going to be exactly like us.”

“I know that. Funny, that’s exactly what Luke said.”

Wedge smiled at the mention of his old friend. “Did Luke get the chance to talk to him?”

Leia shook her head. “I asked him to stop by today but when he came, your nephew was nowhere to be found. Find that suspicious?”

“No,” Wedge shook his head. “I assume he’s exploring the city.”

Leia huffed. “He didn’t even say anything to me about it.”

“I mean, he’s not a prisoner here, is he?” Wedge asked carefully.

“No!” Leia made a face. “Of course not. But still, he didn’t even ask for a guide.”

“I’m sure he’ll be fine. I really don’t think he’s up to anything. In fact, I wanted to break him out of the mould that Soontir set him in.”

“How do you plan to do that?”

“Well,” Wedge started, “I asked Iella to bring the kids here so they could all meet him. I figure if everything goes well I can ask him to stay with us for a while on Corellia.”

Leia’s face softened. “That sounds nice. In all my worrying, I suppose I forgot that he’s family.”

“It’s fine. There’s so much I missed out on in Syal’s life. Jag says that three of her children have died. Three, Leia, and I never even knew they existed,” Wedge said quietly.

She reached out to touch his arm. “I’m sorry. But it’s not your fault you didn’t know. They chose to live a remote life far away from us.”

He shook his head. “No. Soontir and Syal did, yes, but Jag and his siblings? They never asked for it. That’s why I want to give him the benefit of the doubt.”

Leia nodded. “Alright. I’ll have to trust you on this one.”
-
Jag stared at the food item in his hands. It looked pleasant enough, but he couldn’t even begin to identify the different colours and splashings on the small paper plate that held it. Air skating turned out to be more fun than expected, and he found that Jaina had a competitive spirit that matched his own. He found it intriguing to race with her along the tracks and although she had won this round, he assured her that next time would be totally different now that he had gotten the hang of it.

Jag wasn’t even sure why he said that. There probably wouldn’t be a next time.

“What is this one called?” He asked as he raised it to his nose to give it a quick whiff. The last thing he tried was a sliced potato on a stick and the one before was the delicious woolly cotton candy. There were so many snack foods available on Coruscant’s streets that he didn’t think he’d ever get to try them all.

“It’s an iced milk sandwich,” Jaina said as she bit directly into the frozen treat stuffed with candy and syrup. “It goes against all the exercise I do but it’s totally worth it.”

Jag was still unsure, but everything he tried up until now was good so he mimicked her earlier action and bit down into the sandwich. The cold from the iced milk shocked his teeth, but Jag had become used to extreme temperatures and so he was able to properly chew the snack without cringing. There was that sweet taste again, the one he couldn’t seem to get enough of.

“You like sweet things,” Jaina commented. “I do too.”

He nodded as he swallowed the delicious bite. “I did not remember that until now.”
It was the truth. One time before he’d enjoyed a similar treat, his childish heart full of excitement as he shared in the delight with- His mind blanked in the way it always did when that particular memory rose from his subconscious. He shrugged it off, opting to finish the treat instead of delving into the past.

“You poor thing,” Jaina laughed as she weaved her way through the busy streets. They’d been out for some time and Jag had asked to be taken back to the Palace before her mother became too suspicious of his whereabouts.

“Why do you pity me?” Jag asked as he caught up with her, throwing away the used plate into the public receptacle beside him. Jaina’s eyes followed his movement before she was covering her mouth to stifle her laughter.

He froze in place, wondering what he’d done wrong. “What?”

Jaina pointed at the receptacle, “This is not a trash can. This is for mail.”

Jag’s head whipped around to stare at the can in horror. He would have to correct this immediately, and without ruining the mail that was already in place, but the iced milk was probably already seeping into people’s mail. Jag reached out to remove the lid when he heard a stifled chuckle beside him.

“I’m kidding!” Jaina burst out laughing when his eyes glanced down at the now open receptacle. Jag could see that it was indeed a trash can.

He slowly put back on the lid, ignoring the curious eyes that watched him as he frowned at Jaina. “That was not funny.”

“Well, I didn’t expect you to actually try to take it out,” Jaina explained as her chuckles died down. “But boy were you scared that you broke the law.”

“Of course I was. I’m not trying to upset a foreign government,” Jag’s frown deepened.

“By accidentally dumping your trash in a mail box?”

“Yes. It may seem small to you, but that kind of disruption can set back productivity by-” Jag stopped himself when he noticed Jaina’s face still held the amusement from before. If he kept going she’d probably burst into laughter once more. He didn’t like being a joke, and although her laugh was pleasant to hear, he would rather not give her any more reasons to let it out.

“Wow, they really did a number on you over there,” Jaina said as she continued her trek. “I don’t even think the Imperials are this bad.”

He caught up to her step. “I’ll ask again why you keep insisting on pitying me.”

Jaina glanced at him. “It’s hard not to. What I’m understanding is that you grew up with an alien species who seem to be against everything human.”

“Yes,” Jag nodded, “I did. What is there to pity?”

“Well, I’m sorry to break it to you,” Jaina snorted, “But you are human. They must have destroyed every single part of you that yearns for something more than a boring life of following orders.”

“Following orders may be boring to you, but that is the only way for a society to truly thrive. Individuality and over expression are the weaknesses that will always bring down a civilisation.”

Jaina scoffed at him. “Really now? Then why did you even come here? To watch our demise as a society?”

Jag understood what she meant, of course, but she didn’t understand just how true her words were. “I simply wanted to see and judge for myself if the Chiss way of life was the right one.”

“And?”

He looked around as he thought back to the fun that he had today, to the new experiences that he could have if he stayed here before shaking his head. “I’m coming to understand how the New Republic will set itself up for failure.”

Jaina’s shoulders sagged. “Seriously? I thought you had fun today.”

“I did,” Jag admitted, “But this kind of lifestyle isn’t sustainable.”

“I do work, you know,” Jaina bristled at the implication that all she did was trapeze around the city. “I was just showing you some of the things we do in our down time.”

“Still. It shows the lack of discipline that will only lead to failure. You said you’re a pilot?”

Jaina nodded proudly. “Yeah.”

“How do you expect to get results while living your life like this? You should be in the sims daily or if not practicing formations with your squadron,” Jag said, not meaning to come off as if scolding her. But it was instinct to speak to her like she was another member of their military. He hadn’t ever known any other way.

Halting, Jaina turned to face him, an upset expression plastered on her face. “I don’t work as a pilot full-time, thanks to my mother’s meddling, but when I’m not flying I’m fixing something or training as a Jedi. You know absolutely nothing about how I live my life.”

Jag noted the rise in her voice. “Very well. But as a commander myself, I must note that your nonchalance and flighty behaviour does not suit the life of a pilot. It is simply my advice.”

“Not suitable for a pilot, eh?” Jaina glared at him, “Well, you can shove your advice up your ass, Colonel Fel. I’m sorry I ever took you on this excursion anyway. I hope I didn’t infect you with my incompetent Rebel tendencies.”

With that, she was storming off, moving too quickly for him to catch up to her in this crowd. Worse, he wasn’t sure exactly where he was. He hadn’t meant to upset her, and neither did he know that his words were even offensive. Perhaps he had treated her as if she were a member of his squadron or maybe she was too sensitive. But either way, Jag felt uneasy about the way she left. He didn’t like the feeling of things left undone, or words left unsaid.

Moving in the direction he saw her go, Jag quickened his step to catch up to her. He was not just going to let her get the final say.
-

Having found his way back to the Imperial palace, Jag had given up hope of finding his runaway guide. She was fast, clearly, and Jag wasn’t sure how much of that he should attribute to her Jedi powers or to her natural athleticism. Either way, Jag had quickly given up after searching through the communal areas of the Palace. She had mentioned that she lived somewhere else so perhaps she had gone home instead of returning here. He shrugged, realising that he shouldn’t have been caught up in trying to explain himself to her.

By this time, his father should have managed to send him another message. When he returned to his room, Jag had looked around to ensure that nothing was out of place. He didn’t put it past the Rebels to search his room and leave bugs to spy on him, but he also knew that if they did the chance of finding them would be slim. Still, he had to carry out his due diligence and check as best as he could.

Seeing nothing out of place, Jag settled in the little kitchenette where he opened the message that was deliberately left for him. His eyes scanned through the words, unsure where he could begin to decode. His eyes landed on one particular phrase that probably looked like gibberish to New Republic intelligence. He hadn’t expected Thrawn to want him to do something like this but it wasn’t his place to question it.

Jag sighed when he believed he’d finally made sense of the scrambled code in the ancient Chiss language. He didn’t expect to have to make nice with anyone other than his uncle but it seemed that his superior wanted to know everything he could possibly find about the Solo-Skywalker family. Jag closed his eyes in frustration as he wished he hadn’t managed to offend the Solo daughter just a few hours earlier. She was talkative and naïve enough to think that she had the upperhand in their interactions and that gave Jag room to keep her in the dark. He needed to get her talking to him again, and this time with valuable information.

But while young and naïve, Jaina was no fool. She would be immediately suspicious if he started to dig around her family. So, he’d have to make her believe that any curiosity on his part was genuine.

A soft chime distracted him from his thoughts. Jag looked to the front door as he stuffed the many pages of flimsy into the bag of food that catering must have delivered to him while he was away earlier in the day. He’d have to remember to go back to properly dispose of the flimsy, but he also knew that anyone looking would think it was just meaningless flight records.
He moved over to the door, checking the camera first, and was surprised to see that it was his uncle. Jag steadied himself as he palmed the door open, forcing a small smile to his face as the door slid up to reveal the full figure of General Wedge Antilles.

“It’s nice to see you again, Jag,” Wedge said as he stepped to the side to reveal a regal but serious looking woman. Ah, Wedge’s wife then.

“It’s nice to see you too,” Jag started before glancing over at the woman, “This must be Iella?”

She stretched out a hand to shake his, a warm smile spreading on her face. “So this is the know-it-all nephew that Wedge was telling me about? It’s nice to meet you Jag.”

He nodded, “Likewise.”

Behind Iella, two small figures popped out from behind her legs. Jag looked down into their small eyes. One had a dark blond hair with bright blue eyes that shone courageously. The other had contrastingly dark hair similar to his own and Jag found that her eyes held a familiar twinkle that he could recognise almost anywhere. Clearly the Antilles eyes were a strong gene that both he and she had inherited.

“Hi,” Jag found himself saying without thinking, his hand stretching out towards them. “You two must be General- I mean, Uncle Wedge’s daughters.”

The blonde one huffed as she stepped out of her mother’s shadow, her hands moving to her hips in a challenging pose. “And you must be Jagged.”

Wedge snickered behind him. “Syal, be nice.”

“Syal?” Jag straightened as he looked to his uncle.

“Yeah,” Wedge simply nodded. “I really wanted to honour her memory.”

For some reason it made him feel uneasy. “I see.”

“Myri,” Iella was saying as she affectionately patted the dark-haired girl on the back. “Say hi to Jag.”

The little girl- Myri, Iella had said- slowly inched away from her father to stretch her hand out to Jag. “Hi. I’m Myri.”

He took her hand in his, shaking it awkwardly as he contemplated what to do. This was getting more personal than he ever anticipated. How was he supposed to betray them when they worked so hard to make him feel like family.

“I wanted you to meet them at least once before you left,” Wedge was saying as they all moved in the living room. 

“Right,” Jag nodded as he moved to get them drinks. He wasn’t even sure what was stocked in the fridge. “I appreciate it.”

“So, Jagged,” Iella said as they settled down. “Wedge was telling me you also have siblings?”

“Yes,” He started carefully. His uncle must have also mentioned that some of those siblings had died so Jag decided to leave that out of the conversation. “Actually, I was just amazed at how much your daughters look like my sisters.”

“Really?” Iella’s eyes widened in surprise, “I thought the girls took after me more than Wedge.”

“They do,” Jag reassured her, “But Syal looks a lot like my baby sister Wynssa.”

Wedge chuckled. “Leave it to Syal to name her youngest after her stage name.”

“It meant a lot to her,” Jag said, unsure why he went on the defensive. “Wynssa Starflare was her name for a significant part of her life…I suppose she wanted to honour that.”

Nodding in acknowledgement, Wedge changed the subject as he sensed Jag’s touchiness. “What about Myri? I doubt you’d also say she looks like Wynssa since my two girls are like night and day when it comes to their looks.”

Jag coughed uncomfortably, “Uh, no. She looks…well, she looks a lot like what I remember of Cherith.”

The room fell quiet at the mention of her name. Jag didn’t know what else to say other than that her memory hurt more than he wanted to think about. It was why he could barely remember how she looked- until he saw Myri Antilles and he felt thrust back to his childhood where he’d see his older sister’s face more than his own. That was far into the past, so much so that his head throbbed at trying to recall the memory.

“Genetics can be amazing,” Iella broke the silence. “It’s one of the most special parts about families. At the end of the day, we all are a reflection of each other. Even when we’re not related by blood.”

Jag nodded slowly, swallowing the grief that threatened to come up. “I agree.”

“I heard you went out today,” Wedge said, “How did you like that?”

Jag raised a brow. Clearly people were keeping tabs on him after all. “It was an interesting outing. Actually, I have a question.”

Wedge gestured with his hand, “Go on.”

“Well, you see my guide today was a rather interesting study. I wouldn’t suppose you’d know anything about Jaina Solo?”

The married couple shared an amused look before Wedge met his gaze once more, a wide grin on his face and mischief in his eyes. “You went out with Jaina Solo?”

“Yes,” Jag nodded. “She offered to show me around Coruscant.”

“Hmm,” Wedge thought as he rubbed his chin. “Well, what do you want to know?”

Jag wasn’t even sure. Surely Thrawn wouldn’t care for silly details like her favourite colour or something easy to find like her birthday. “I just thought she was…interesting.”

“Interesting how?”

“Well, she didn’t even complete her task before she was storming away from me. I haven’t been able to find her since,” Jag admitted.

Iella seemed to be stifling a chuckle. “Did you say something to upset her?”

He threw his hands in the air as he allowed himself to release some of the frustration that had built up inside since she so rudely stormed off. “I assume so. Yet, instead of trying to have an adult conversation, she just storms off after refusing to hear my explanation.”

“That must really grind your gears,” Wedge said, the amused grin still on display.

“You know what? It does,” Jag said, folding his arms across his chest. “She’s the one who wants to meddle with my ship and proposed this outing in the first place.”

Iella finally allowed herself to laugh. “Wow, you must really like her.”

Jag froze. “What?”

“In the short time that I’ve met you, you haven’t spoken so passionately about, well, anything,” Iella said with a shrug. “Her walking away from you frustrates you for a reason, Jag. I don’t think you’re the type to get upset over just anyone.”

“I’m not,” Jag started before his sentence trailed off. An idea popped into his mind, one that he’d have never thought of without the help of his aunt. He’d have to thank her some time.

“I agree with Iella,” Wedge said as he placed a firm hand on his nephew’s shoulder. “Look, Jag, I think if you want to impress Jaina Solo you’ll have to show her that you’re not afraid of the challenge she poses.”

Jag nodded. “Right. But who said I wanted to impress her?”

“Oh, you don’t?” Wedge raised a brow, “Our bad.”

“No, no, continue.”

“You sure?”

“Yes,” Jag insisted. He’d already got the idea that the way to getting the necessary info on the Solos and Skywalkers was to befriend Jaina Solo. The problem in that lay his inability to make friends with someone so mind-bogglingly different than he was.

“Jaina’s always been a very independent girl since I first met her as a kid. She won’t be impressed by chivalry,” Wedge advised him.

“Okay, what would impress her then?”

Wedge sat back. “I think you already have. You said she was fascinated by your ship?”

Jag nodded. “Yes.”

“I know that Jaina has one desire in this life and it’s to be an ace pilot. That’s something you already are,” Wedge pointed out, “Show her that, and I’m sure she won’t be running from you anytime soon.”

That was right. In all her ramblings, Jaina always came back around to flying and it was the main reason he could even keep up with her in conversation. There was nothing he knew better than a pilot’s cockpit, and if that’s what it took to get Jaina to trust him, then he’d be more than willing to use it to his advantage.

He’d have to thank both Wedge and Iella one day. Not for adding extra guilt onto him for the betrayal he would eventually deal them, but for their assistance in doing just that.
-

“I haven’t seen you here in a while,” Jacen commented without looking up form his datapad. He was lounging on the rug in the small living room in his shared apartment with Jaina. 

His sister huffed, throwing off her boots as she plopped head first into the couch.

Jacen glanced up at her, contemplating sticking to studying before his conscience won over. Tossing the datapad to the side, he propped himself up by his arm. “Alright, what happened?”

Jaina rolled over so that she could stare at the ceiling. “Why are human males so stupid?”

Interesting, Jacen thought. Jaina hadn’t brought up a boy to them in- well, forever. “I don’t know. I figure I’m too stupid to know.”

Snorting, Jaina rolled her eyes at her twin. “You’re the exception. You’re the smartest person I know, besides myself of course.”

He grinned. “Right, right. But seriously, did some bonehead piss you off?”

Suddenly reminded of her misfortunes, Jaina sat up with a stern expression as she huffed again, “You know what’s wrong with men? They think they’re so smart when all it is is that they have no social skills!”

“Uh,” Jacen wasn’t sure where she was going with this.

Jaina turned her glare on him as she continued, “Just because I’m a stable person with a fully formed personality does not make me immature!”

Sitting up himself, Jacen started carefully, “Is something wrong with the Rogues? I know Uncle Wedge was here-”

“No,” Jaina shook her head. “You know they’re practically begging for me to stay permanently.”

“Then what is it?”

Jaina’s jaw was set in anger as she practically spat out the name, “Jagged Fel.”

“The Chiss kid?” Jacen asked in confusion. “What does he have to do with you?”

“He thinks he’s so slick, doesn’t he?” Jaina ignored his question, “But at the end of the day he’s more a child than I’ll ever be. Who doesn’t know what cotton candy is?”

“Jaina,” Jacen said, stifling a laugh, “I say this with love, but I think you’re freaking out a little bit.”

“How am I freaking out? He’s just a dick,” Jaina stood her ground.

Jacen shrugged, “Why were you even talking to him anyway? And about cotton candy too?”

When she finally realised his confusion, Jaina launched into an explanation as to how she was so greatly disrespected by Fel’s words and insinuations about her competence. Jacen listened carefully, ensuring he held back until she was finished.

He stared at her for a moment. “So, essentially you two went on a date.”

“No!” Jaina scowled at him, “I did him a favour.”

“You ate cotton candy and went air skating,” Jacen pointed out, “Sounds like a date to me.”

“Did you miss the part where he said what he said?”

“I didn’t. But what does it matter what he thinks anyway?”

“Because,” Jaina started before she fell quiet. “Well. I don’t know why.”

Jacen moved over to the couch, taking a seat beside her before wrapping his arm around her shoulders. “Oh, Jaina. I don’t think you’re ready for my diagnosis.”

She turned to look at him, her expression troubled. “What is it?”

Jacen looked her dead in the eye with the most serious expression. “I’m afraid you have the hots for him.”

“Ugh,” Jaina groaned as she threw his arm off her and moved away from the couch and toward the kitchen. “You are no help at all.”

Jacen grinned as he watched her go, raising his voice so she would hear, “Besides, maybe you should take his advice.”

“And do what? Live under a rock too?” Jaina called out before returning with a glass of water.

“No. You should be putting your all into flying if that’s what you really want to do,” Jacen said once she sat beside him again.

“You know Mom doesn’t want that for me,” Jaina said quietly.

“So?” Jacen shrugged, “It’s your life.”

Jaina shook her head. “Let’s not have this conversation again.”

He didn’t want to just drop it though. “Mom didn’t want me to start college so early either, but now she’s my biggest supporter.”

“Living in textbooks and running across the city to catch your evening classes is not the same as what I want to do. Mom is convinced I’m going to lose my life in a freak accident.”

“Okay, maybe it’s not exactly the same,” Jacen admitted, “But still, what’s the difference between that and anything she ever did? She was fighting the Empire from as young as she possibly could.”

Jaina finally faced her brother, the exasperation clear on her face. “That’s how parents are, Jacen. They want better for you than they had for themselves. And I agree with that line of thinking so I want to respect her wishes too.”

“Fine,” Jacen said as he picked up his discarded datapad. “Have fun searching through junkyards for stuff to fix.”

She punched him in the shoulder, hard, before she was storming off to her bedroom. He sighed as he watched her go. She’d have to take her life into her own hands, not sit and worry about what their parents thought she should be doing. But Jacen also knew she’d have to figure that out herself. All he could do was be there to help along the way.
-

Walking up the grand steps that led to the Imperial palace, Jaina kept her head high for the meeting she was called to. Ever since leaving the Academy, it wasn’t often that Uncle Luke called on them to act in their duties as Jedi. But he’d asked her to come to the Palace today for what he said would be a very special assignment, one that he promised wouldn’t take up most of her day.

Not that she had much to be doing anyway.

She smiled at her uncle as he enveloped into a big hug. He managed to be busier than her mother who had the whole New Republic to worry about. But as a Jedi, Luke Skywalker was

concerned with the whole Galaxy. It was hard to truly pin him down so Jaina was always grateful for the time she got to spend with him.

“So, what’s the big deal over here?” Jaina asked as he led her through the halls.

“Well,” Luke said cautiously, “I have to admit that there’s some meddling going on.”

Jaina raised a brow. “Is this one of Mom’s plans to get me to enroll in some uptight engineering school like the one Anakin goes to?”

Luke laughed, “No, I’m afraid that while your mother may be the instigator, it was me and another conspirator who dragged you into this.”

“You’re going to have be more specific,” Jaina said, a look of confusion crossing her face as Luke paused suddenly.

“Your mother wanted me to talk to Jagged Fel to see if he can be trusted.”

Jaina nodded. “Okay, but what does that have to do with me?”

“Well, I put it off for a while since Wedge vouched for him,” Luke explained, “But then I spoke to my old friend yesterday and he mentioned something interesting to me.”

“Which is?”

Luke looked her in the eye, “That you and his nephew went on a date.”

Jaina’s jaw dropped open. “We did not!”

“That’s what Wedge said,” Luke raised his arms in defence. “He was probably just exaggerating but you two did go out the other day, didn’t you?”

“Well, yes, but it wasn’t a date.” Jaina’s cheeks felt hot. Her Solo luck must have run out if the reason her uncle called her here was to deal with that pompous, arrogant, son of a-

“I want you to be there when I talk to him,” Luke said simply.

“But, why?” Jaina asked confused.

“Wedge said he thinks his nephew is fond of you. It’s the perfect way to throw him off balance while I test his honesty.”

“Uncle Luke, I really don’t want anything to do with this,” Jaina took a few steps back. While she and Jag didn’t part on good terms, she’d rather not make things worse between them.

“He’s as suspicious of us as we are of him,” Luke reminded her, “Remember there is a possibility that he could be a spy for Thrawn’s people. We shouldn’t let that possibility slide because we’re afraid of stepping on toes.”

Sighing, Jaina found herself agreeing with her uncle. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, she had felt something off in the Force. She hadn’t wanted to ascribe such a feeling to the Chiss-raised pilot, but she had to at least ensure that he could be trusted. If her uncle thought she could help to ascertain that, then she should do just that.

“Alright, I’ll help.”

They walked a few more steps before Luke stopped at one of the conference rooms, palming the door to open to reveal Jagged Fel seated comfortably at the table in the centre. He rose, revealing to Jaina that he was in full military uniform, as he saw them before bowing in respect for the Jedi master- and maybe for her too.

“Master Skywalker,” Jag said to Luke before his eyes were darting towards her in confusion. “I thought this would just be a meeting between me and you.”

“Jaina is a young Jedi, soon to be a Jedi Knight in her own right. It would be good for her training to be here,” Luke explained as he gestured for them all to sit.

“I see,” Jag said simply as he resumed his seat. “I must admit that this is a bit intimidating.”

Jaina snorted. “I didn’t know there was anything that scared you.”

“I understand,” Luke said, raising a hand to silence his niece’s snarky comments. “Where you’re from you wouldn’t have much experience with Jedi.”

Jag nodded. “I’ve only heard stories. Is this the part where you melt my brain with your mind?”

Luke smiled. “No, I don’t know anyone who can do that. You understand that your presence here makes some people nervous.”

“I do. But I’m not sure how else to convince anyone that I mean no harm.”

She didn’t sense a lie, so that must have meant something. But perhaps her uncle had sensed something else as he continued to press. “Tell me exactly what happened to the Empire of the Hand after I left Nirauan.”

“Oh,” Jag’s eyes widened in surprise at his question. “What does that matter?”

“We’ll see,” Luke answered simply, “But it’d go a long way in convincing me that you really have no ill intentions.”

Jag shifted uncomfortably in his chair, and Jaina could sense the inner conflict brewing within him. Did that mean something? Jaina wouldn’t know.

“To tell you those details would betray the oath that I made to my people,” Jag said carefully. “I don’t mean to be difficult, but I simply cannot say.”

Luke raised a brow. “Even if it would gain our trust?”

Jag nodded. “Yes. There are people living in places in this Galaxy that many from the New Republic couldn’t even dream of. Trillions of beings, living and working in their own sphere, invisible to you all. How could one pilot betray their trust by giving away the only thing they have?”

“Is that so, Colonel?” Jaina finally spoke up, “Why come all this way then? Your presence here alone betrays them.”

He turned to face her, his expression hard and emotionless. “That may be true, Jaina. But I’m sure you would understand being young and acting on emotion.”

That cocky little- Jaina thought before she was leaning forward in her chair to glare at him. “Your alibi is weak. You should have strengthened it up before coming here.”

“There’s no alibi because there’s nothing to hide,” Jag insisted, his eyes narrowing into their own glare.

Luke simply looked between them, more amused than interested in continuing his line of questioning. Jaina wasn’t finished though.

“Maybe your superiors should have trained you better. Your social skills are poor,” Jaina started, “Not to mention your facial expressions could use some work-”

“Been staring at my face, have you?” Jag countered, his tone just as heated as hers, “I thought that was only when I was working out.”

“You little-” Jaina growled at him before Luke finally intervened.

“Okay,” The Jedi Master rested a hand on the table between them. “Clearly there is a lot going on here that I don’t know about. But there’s still an objective of this meeting, isn’t there?”

Jag cleared his throat uncomfortably as he shifted his gaze away from Jaina, his face reddening in embarrassment after having allowed himself to be goaded into an argument. “I apologise, Master Skywalker.”

Luke leaned back in his chair. “If you can’t give away the secrets of Chiss Society, then allow me to ask you some blunt questions.”

“Of course,” Jag agreed, “Provided that it doesn’t call for me to give away anything then I’ll be happy to answer.”

“Very well,” Luke folded his hands in his lap. “Who do you answer to?”

“General Baron Soontir Fel,” Jag answered easily.

“What about Admiral Parck?’ Luke asked.

“The Admiral passed away a few years ago,” Jag said simply. “I can’t tell you any more than that.”

Luke nodded solemnly, “What about Stent?”

“Stent?” Jag asked, a bit of hesitation seeping through.

“Yes, what about him?”

“Well, I don’t answer to him if that’s still the question. As for his whereabouts, I couldn’t tell you even if I knew.”

Luke hummed. “Do you still serve Grand Admiral Thrawn?”

Jag remained silent for a moment before nodding slowly. “Although we are a part of the CEDF, those of us who were born and raised into the Empire of the Hand will always live in service of the Grand Admiral.”

Jaina scoffed as she muttered under her breath, “Of course he’s a brainwashed soldier.”

“But Thrawn died many years ago,” Luke said, eager to understand the young man’s motives, “And his reappearance was a hoax. Your father must have realised that eventually.”

Jag nodded. “You’re right. Thrawn died, betrayed by the noghri, and his reappearance some years after was indeed a hoax.”

“Then why do you still claim to serve him?” 

“Because,” Jag began, “Thrawn is much more than just his living body. We follow his ideals and principles so that he may live on through us-”

He was interrupted by Jaina’s sudden laughter. Her head was thrown back over the chair as she held her stomach. “Oh my god, you’re a fanatic!”

“Jaina,” Her uncle said with a frown.

Jaina quietened her laughter as she sat up straight once more, turning to her uncle as she said, “Uncle Luke, I really didn’t suspect him of anything before but this is just unbelievable.”

“Is it?” Luke challenged her, “Wouldn’t many call us fanatics because of our belief in the Force?”

“Sure,” Jaina conceded, “Except that the Force isn’t supposed to be an actual being who for whatever reason we’ve decided is akin to a god.”

Jaina’s gaze returned to Jag once more who had remained silent and expressionless as she laughed at his beliefs. “Thrawn is dead by your own admission but you live your life chasing the ideals of a man who never lived to achieve them. No wonder you ran away from home.”

“Then why say you suspect me now if I’m just a harmless fanatic?” Jag asked, giving no indication of being irritated by her mockery. Jaina had to give him that, he definitely had thick skin.

“Harmless fanatic?” Jaina raised a brow, “There’s nothing harmless about someone who’s willing to live his life in servitude of a dead man.”

Jag’s eyes finally narrowed in annoyance. “What do you want from me?”

“Me?” Jaina pointed to herself, “I’m just doing my job as a Jedi.”

“Okay, Jaina, you’ve said your piece,” Luke said to her. “Colonel Fel, please excuse my niece’s untoward behaviour.”

Jag simply nodded. “All is forgiven. Anything else you’d like to ask?”

“Not right now, no,” Luke said. “I didn’t sense any lies from you today, but I still haven’t asked you the most important question.”

“Why not ask it now?” Jag asked.

Luke shrugged, “In my years as a Jedi I’ve come to determine the ways in which people obscure the truth from the Jedi. I believe you that you’re merely keeping the secrets of your clan, but I also wouldn’t be surprised if you were keeping something else too. But until that is closer to being revealed, you may not even know that you’re lying to me.”

“I’m not sure I understand, Master Skywalker,” Jag said honestly, “How can I lie about something without knowing?”

“Don’t worry about it,” Luke shook his head. “But when I do ask you the question, I hope you’ll still be willing to answer.”

Frowning but seeing no other way around it. “I see. I think perhaps my presence here is truly unwelcome.”

“I wouldn’t say that,” Luke disagreed.

“You don’t have to save face, Master Skywalker,” Jag shook his head. “My uncle asked me to go to Corellia with him. I wasn’t sure about going but it seems I’m causing too much of a stir around here.”

Jaina didn’t know why, but her heart began to sink. Maybe she had been too harsh on him with her earlier judgement. She also couldn’t deny that she had looked forward to a friendship between them, even if he was as irritating as itching powder. 

Luke nodded. “I understand. You’re welcome to stay as long as you’d like, but I think Corellia would be good for you. You’ll get to see the place your parents grew up.”

A small half-smile came to his face. “I agree. That’s why I agreed to go.”

Standing, Luke shook his hands with the young colonel before he was facing his niece once more. “I think maybe you and Jag have some things to say to each other.”

Before either could protest, Luke was gone and they were alone in the conference room. Jag turned to face her, face still unreadable as he looked her over. 

Jaina folded her arms over her chest. “Are you going to pretend like I offended you into running away?”

Jag raised a brow. “You think I’m running away?”

“That’s exactly what it is,” Jaina frowned. “Just because I stormed off the other day.”

“That’s rather self-centred of you to think I’m leaving because of you,” Jag said with an air of mockery to it. It definitely grinded her gears but she’d had enough of proving him right when it came to her maturity.

She rounded the table to stand directly in front of him, smiling on the inside when he instinctively moved into her space too. “Don’t be daft, Jagged. I know it annoyed you when I walked away from you.”

“How would you know that?”

“I have the Force,” Jaina answered simply. “You can’t hide nearly as much as you think you can from a Jedi.”

Jag stared her down for a few moments before quietly laughing to himself. He took a few steps back, allowing some air to pass between them. “It’s Jag.”

“Hmm?”

“I don’t really like being referred to by my full name,” Jag said, “It’s usually what my mother says when she’s upset with me. So, call me Jag.”

“Jag,” Jaina said slowly, tasting his name on her tongue. “I think I like that.”

He tipped his head. “Good. Goodbye Jaina, I doubt we’ll see each other before I leave for Corellia.”

She grabbed his arm to stop him from leaving. “Wait.”

He raised both brows but made no move to pull his arm from her grasp. “What is it?”

Jaina licked her lips as she braced herself. “You’ll be following Uncle Wedge, then?”

“Yes, he offered to show me around Starfighter Command’s base over there.”

“Uncle Wedge also happens to oversee the Rogues,” Jaina said as her heart picked up. Maybe this was the opportunity she was waiting for. The Force was handing it to her on a platter.

Jag nodded. “Yes. I wanted a chance to at least sim with some of the New Republic’s best.”

“Why, so you can take this information back to your superiors?” Jaina asked carefully.

“No,” Jag smiled again, his soft half-smile that made her breath catch. “So, I can confirm that I really am the best in the Galaxy.”

That arrogance, Jaina noted, that could easily just be well-earned confidence in his own abilities, Jaina didn’t know what to do with it. She wanted to wipe it off his face, either by beating him in flight or by any other means. He lit up that competitive spirit in her, the one that could barely be fanned by her brothers in their non-compliance with her competitions. But Jag... he seemed to challenge her in every way. She wanted to test him for as long as she could, to see just how worthy he was of the arrogance- or confidence- he exuded.

Then if he passed, she’d let herself feel any and everything else for him too.

“In that case,” Jaina said, her eyes locked on his. “I’m sure you wouldn’t mind if I came along.”
-

A few days later in the hangar bay of the Imperial Palace, Jaina slung her bag over her shoulder as she approached the figure she’d been excited to meet since the last time they saw each other. He turned to greet her, putting down the hydrospanner he had in his hand as he made last minute checks to the ship.

Jacen had been excited for her when she had told him she’d be going to Corellia to train with the Rogues indefinitely but he’d badgered her endlessly for the reason why she’d suddenly changed her mind. He was rather amused to find out that she’d also be travelling with the mysterious chiss pilot but she had insisted that he kept that bit a secret. Her mother wouldn’t be pleased to find out that she’d left without saying goodbye, but if Jaina was going to stick to her guns she didn’t want the added guilt on top of it.

“Hey,” Jaina said as she picked up the abandoned hydrospanner and got to work. In the last few days, he had let her tinker around with his ship while he stood back and asked her questions about the galaxy. For a fellow as smart as he was, it made Jaina feel great to be able to teach him so many things. 

“Hello there,” Jag said as he took a seat on the crate beside her. “Today’s the day we leave.”

Jaina nodded. “Yeah. Uncle Wedge agreed not to tell my Mom until after we’ve gone too.”

“Explain to me again why she can’t know?”

“Because,” Jaina sighed, “I’m her only daughter and she doesn’t want me entering into a dangerous profession. She had to live her life on the run when she was my age. She doesn’t want the same for me.”

Jag shrugged. “I understand a mother’s fear well enough. Mine didn’t want me to enlist either.”

“Really?” Jaina allowed the shock to show on her face. “I find it hard to believe that you weren’t born in a uniform.”

Jag laughed, a sound that she was becoming accustomed to, “It’s hard to believe, I know, but I was once a child too.”

“What made you decide to go?” Jaina asked as she tightened some of the bolts she’d unscrewed the day before. “Wanted to be just like Dad?”

“No,” Jag answered, “I was more of a hostage than a student at first.”

“A hostage?”

Jag nodded. “While my father was trusted in the Hand of Thrawn, the same couldn’t be said for the rest of the Chiss. They allowed my father to integrate into their society on the condition that I attend one of their Academies. That way, if he betrayed them I would die along with them.”

“Woah,” Jaina paused as she looked to him. “That’s pretty dark.”

“Perhaps,” Jag admitted, gesturing for her to continue her work. “But in the end I proved myself to them in my own right. That’s how I earned my command position and squadron.”
Jaina marvelled at his achievement. While she never doubted her abilities, Jaina wasn’t naïve enough to think that her ability to be a ‘part-time’ rogue wasn’t granted to her by way of her many connections to the New Republic Military. Jag had to work from scratch to prove to a hostile and xenophobic people that he belonged. Perhaps he wasn’t as arrogant as she believed.

“That’s rather impressive,” Jaina said. “You must be a great officer.”

At her words of praise, she noted the way Jag’s face seemed to flush. “Ah. Thank you.”

“I’m sure there’s lots that you can teach me once we get to Starfighter Command,” Jaina said as she picked up a rag to wipe the grease off her hands. “If you’re willing to take on a rookie, that is.”

An uncharacteristic smirk found its way onto Jag’s face. Jaina thought it made him look more attractive than before, and she’d seen enough of him to be amazed that that was even possible.

“Well, I’m not a member of the New Republic Military, so I’m sure I’ll have a lot of time to show you the ropes,” Jag said, stepping into her space. 

Jaina swallowed nervously as he did, unsure of what to do next. Jagged Fel was not the type to cross boundaries, especially in a place where anyone could see. But the hangar was currently empty, save for the two of them, anything could go. Jaina leaned into him, biting her lower lip as she stared into those emerald eyes that seemed to call out to her. All she had to do was move a few inches closer, diminishing the gap between them and simply-

“You two look ready to go,” Wedge’s voice called out as he strode through the hangar. Jag jumped back and away from her. Jaina cursed to herself for getting so caught up in the moment before stepping out of the clawcraft’s shadow to greet the General.

“We are. I just finished making sure Jag was ready to fly,” Jaina called out confidently, ignoring the way her throat had closed up from being so close to him.

“She wouldn’t have to do that if she didn’t spend her time messing with it in the first place,” Jag clarified as he accepted the awkward hug from his uncle.

“Well, I’m sure you two wouldn’t mind but you know you both can’t travel in the clawcraft, right?” Wedge asked teasingly.

Jaina rolled her eyes, “Ha ha, very funny. I’ll be taking my own ship.”

Wedge glanced at the X-Wing in the corner. “Excellent then. I’ll send over the coordinates for us to rendezvous with the Rebel Dream. I’ll be taking the yacht with Iella and the kids while you two can fly your personal craft.”

Jag nodded. “Yes, sir. I mean, Uncle Wedge.”

“Jaina?” Wedge asked, “Can you beat some informality into this one please?’

She grinned, “Sounds like fun.”

“And Jag? Could you teach Jaina how to function in a chain of command, please?” Wedge said to Jag.

The young man simply nodded. “I would be happy to, sir.”

Parting ways, Jaina took one last look at Jag before she was moving over to her own ship, helmet under her arm as she watched him climb up the ladder to get into the cockpit. When he was settled, Jaina leapt up using the Force to land gracefully in her own ship. She knew Jag’s eyes were on her, so she turned to look at him through the viewport of his ship, winking before slipping her helmet on and powering up her ship.

Tone it down, Solo, Jaina reminded herself. He still had a lot to prove to her. Hopefully he’d be able to before he eventually left.

And hopefully he didn’t take everything with him when he did.
-
 

Chapter Text

Jaina gazed out at the vast expanse of space, a small smile on her face as the Rebel Dream transported them to Corellia. The flight to the rendezvous point was uneventful, except that she kept having this feeling that Jag was trying to race with her. Since she was never one to turn down a challenge, even one she wasn’t sure existed, Jaina had to show him that she did indeed have the faster ship. Well, Jaina still wasn’t sure if he was actually in competition with her but she did get here first regardless. 

And Jaina was sure he very much noticed that.

She didn’t have time to tease him about it, though. As she landed in the hangar of the star destroyer she was ushered quickly to the pilot’s lounge where she met up with her fellow Rogues who had welcomed her back with open arms. It felt like home, really, as she settled with her old friend Anni Capstan who had joined the squadron around the same time as her. She quickly fell into a routine, training with her squad mates over the last few days. She didn’t want to admit that she’d missed the arrogant pilot who accompanied her in that time. While she knew he would join them in the simulators from time to time, he never allowed himself to be seen- and that included her.

“Jaina,” Anni called out, waving a hand over Jaina’s eyes as she brought her back to reality. “You still have your head in the stars, it seems.”

She laughed as she turned to face her friend. “You know me. I’ve been dreaming about them for my whole life.”

“Well, don’t get too comfortable. Colonel Darklighter may let us get by with our antics but we still have to maintain our reputation as the best in the Galaxy,” Anni said with a grin.

“Of course. Don’t think I’ve let my skills wane just because I haven’t been flying with you guys,” Jaina reminded her.

“Oh, I have no doubts about that. You kicked my ass in the sims this morning,” Anni shook her head, “I can’t believe I’ve been training consistently all this time and you still beat me.”

Jaina laughed. “Don’t worry about it. It’s simply in my Solo genes to be so lucky.”

Anni looped her arm through hers. “So. Who’s the mysterious player who keeps beating us all.”

Jaina frowned. “That would be Jag.”

“Jag?” Anni’s brows furrowed in confusion. “Who’s that?”

Jaina looked around, ensuring no one was close enough to hear them. “This is locker stuff, okay? You can’t tell a soul.”

Anni made a motion mimicking a zip over her lips. “I swear.”

“Good,” Jaina leaned in closer as she lowered her voice. “Jag is Wedge’s nephew from Chiss Space. He’s…honestly Anni, he’s amazing. I’ve been trying to beat him for the last few days but I haven’t even come close.”

“Why’s he hiding?” Anni asked.

Jaina shrugged, “Well, he’s not really hiding. He’s just not...social. The reason I asked you to keep quiet is because he probably wouldn’t like people asking him questions about the Chiss. It goes against his oaths or something like that.”

“I see,” Anni nodded. “So, is he cute?”

Jaina made a face. “Anni, seriously?”

“I recognise that face,” Anni pointed an accusing finger in her face. “That adoration is for more than his skills in a cockpit.”

“Okay, okay, I admire a bit more than his flying skills. But as I said, he’s terrible at being social and, well, human,” Jaina said. 

“So?” Anni bumped her with her shoulder. “There doesn’t have to be talking involved when you’re with him.”

“Anni,” Jaina scowled, “Come on, don’t be gross.”

“I’m not!” The brown haired girl defended herself. “We’re all adults here. What do you think pilots do for fun?”

She felt her cheeks redden at the thought. “Okay, well, I know that. But Jag isn’t like that.”

Anni laughed. “You know there isn’t a type of man who doesn’t like sex, right? Or woman if we’re being honest.”

Stepping away from her friend before she exploded with embarrassment, Jaina turned around with the shake of a head. “Jag isn’t very human, so, no need to worry about that.”

“What about you?” Anni asked. “Maybe that’s the key to getting him out of your head.”

“Doubt it,” Jaina commented dryly. “The best thing is to wait for him to go home.”

“Oh boy,” Anni shook her head as she rounded on her once more to take a look at her now fully flushed face. “You’re really gonna be in trouble if you sit around and wait.”

Moving over to grab her helmet from the couch she’d left it on, Jaina made her way to the door that exited the pilot’s lounge. “I think I’m worn out from this conversation. Are you up for another round of sims?”

Anni grinned. “And get my ass kicked by you and your boyfriend? I’d love to.”
-

Jag had managed to get word out that he’d be travelling with his uncle aboard the Rebel Dream. They’d spent a few weeks circling Corellian space and he’d had the privilege of overseeing the squadrons train with his uncle- as well as spending time with his Jedi friend. He wasn’t sure if it was the right direction to take his mission, but he couldn’t think of a good enough excuse to decline Wedge’s offer. If he had, then his whole reason for being here would have fallen apart. He was sure that Thrawn would understand that at least, but he feared that there was some other solution that only his genius would think of. For now, Jag would have to operate independently, maintaining his previous orders but calling the shots on his own until he found a way to discreetly contact his home base.

“You’ve been here long enough. What’s your assessment of the ship?” Wedge was asking him. Jag looked out at the command deck, noting the hard-working men and women diligently performing their duties at their various stations. He nodded in approval.

“All seems in order by my estimate,” Jag said simply.

“You thought we’d be run like pirates, didn’t you?” Wedge teased.

Jag sighed, “Actually, yes. I’m impressed with how efficient everything runs. There’s room for improvement, of course, but there always is.”

Wedge laughed lightly, “There goes my know-it-all nephew again lecturing me about order and discipline. I still can’t believe Syal mixed our rebellious genes with Soontir Fel’s.”

Jag smiled, getting used to his uncles jabs at his father. There was clearly more history there than his father had ever told him, but he could tell that it was all in good jest. “Yes, well. Mother may be a bit more free-spirited than Father, but she appreciates the beauty in orderly things.”

“Hmm,” Wedge hummed before a thought came to him. “Why do you call your parents ‘mother’ and ‘father’? It’s just a bit odd.”

“Oh,” Jag tilted his head in thought. “I never realised that until now. I suppose in Basic that would be the most formal and respectful way to refer to them in the context of being my parents.”

“Ah, I take it that Chiss is your first language, then.”

Jag shrugged. “Not exactly. I don’t remember learning Chiss so that must mean that I was taught from a young age, but it’s also not the only language we’d use at home. I suppose that I’m not used to referring to my parents affectionately when speaking to anyone outside of the home.”

Wedge nodded slowly. “I see. What other languages do you speak at home?”

“Chiss,” Jag started, “Basic, Corellisi, Durese-”

“Syal taught you Corellisi?” Wedge asked with a small smile.

Jag nodded. “Yes. She wanted us to have something to ourselves, something that no one else would understand.”

“You know, your mother ran away from home when we were kids,” Wedge said.

“I know.”

“She must have told you that she hated it where we lived,” Wedge said softly, ensuring his voice didn’t carry to his subordinates below. “She wanted more than the life our parents could offer. So she ran away.”

Jag hoped his expression conveyed his sympathies. “It wasn’t an easy decision for her.”

“I hope not. I never really got to know her because I was so young at the time. Then a few years later, when I’d managed to get out of the wastelands and visit the city, I saw her on holo.”

“She never came back home before then?” Jag asked. He had never thought his mother would withhold any of her past from him, but he had to admit that his knowledge of how she became an actress was incomplete. He didn’t blame her for leaving out details, he would have been too young to understand before and when Jag was old enough to know he was too busy building his career. If anything, it was his fault he didn’t know until now.

Wedge shook his head. “Nah. Our mother would have never let her leave again if she did. By the time I’d seen her on holo, our parents had already died in an accident. I didn’t think it made sense to bother her after that.”

“I see,” Jag said, surprised when he felt a pang of sadness. Family had always been something so important to him so he found it difficult to ignore the pain of the loss of family he’d never met.

“Mother always told me that she thought you died in that accident. It wasn’t until you made a name as a Rebel pilot that she realised you survived.”

“I know,” Wedge placed a hand on his nephew’s shoulder. “We made peace with everything during that short time that she and your father had left the Empire.”

“But then she left again,” Jag pointed out. 

“I understand her reasons. Soontir had been kidnapped and taken to the Hand of Thrawn, I know that now. Given the choice, I don’t blame her for choosing to reunite with her husband. Actually, around that time she would have already had your older brothers.”

Jag perked up. “You knew Davin and Chak?”

Wedge shook his head sadly. “I didn’t, sorry. They never brought them with them.”

“Right,” Jag’s shoulder sagged in disappointment. He was always looking for someone who would have been old enough to know the brothers he barely had a chance to know. “They would have been on Corellia. My father still had family there at the time.”

“What about now?” Wedge said, excitement stretching across his face. “We can go meet them if you’d like-”

“They wouldn’t want to be found,” Jag said quickly. “Ysanne Isard made sure of it when she was after my family. There’s probably nothing left on that estate.”

“I’m sorry,” Wedge was saying, giving his shoulder a firm squeeze. “I didn’t know.”

Jag nodded. “Of course. But thank you anyway. I appreciate being able to stand with you here now. I know that Leia Organa does not trust me so you’re putting a lot of faith in me.”

“Leia has seen a lot,” Wedge waved a hand in dismissal. “She’s experienced betrayal and has fought hard to build the new Republic. Thrawn came the closest to toppling that, so it’s understandable why your presence on Coruscant made her nervous.”

“But I don’t understand how she thinks one pilot can topple the New Republic. Are you that weak that someone as insignificant as myself can cause a stir?”

Wedge shrugged. “Kid, crazier things have happened. It’s underestimating little guy, as you put it, that got the Emperor thrown down the power shaft of the Death Star.”

“Ah,” Jag conceded that point.

“I have to ask though. Do you want to see the New Republic fall?” Wedge was looking at him carefully.

Jag was suddenly grateful that Jaina wasn’t around. He didn’t need a Jedi here to sense if he were lying. While Thrawn had instructed him to avoid doing so whenever possible, there were times

it couldn’t be avoided.

“I want peace and order in the Galaxy,” Jag answered. That part was true, it was just that he believed that only Thrawn could ensure that. “Where I’m from, we don’t think about the New Republic.

Every threat from the edges of this galaxy passes through us first. We ensure that nothing ever comes to your fragile government that bickers over politics and petty rivalries. We don’t think of those things. We simply maintain order and peace in our sector.”

Jag turned to properly face his uncle. “No, I don’t want to see the New Republic fall. But I don’t particularly care if it does.”

“Interesting,” Wedge said quietly. “In that case, I’d better hurry up and get you to see Corellia.”

Afraid that he’d offended him, Jag asked, “Why?”

“Because,” Wedge began with a grin, “If you stay here for too long, the Rogues will drive you crazy enough that you’ll truly hate us.”

Oh, a joke, he thought. Jag forced himself to laugh, making it sound natural to the ear. That was a close one.
-

Pulling off the helmet, Jaina powered down her simulator as she hopped out quickly to chase the fleeting presence. She didn’t want him to get away from her this time by staying to complete the training set, but she’d just have to take a reprimanding from Colonel Darklighter later. 

“Hey, wait!” Jaina called out as she noticed his figure turn the corner. He stopped in his tracks, turning around slowly to face her.

“Oh, hello Jaina,” Jag said simply.

She hated the way Jag referred to everybody by their title, but when it came to her it was always just call her Jaina. She’d have to work harder to get him to see that she wasn’t just some entitled privileged kid.

“Have you been avoiding me?” Jaina regretted the words as they came out, cringing at how pathetic it sounded to her own ears. This wasn’t going to help her cause.

Jag looked confused. “No. Why would think that?”

“Well, I’m gonna assume that you don’t know anyone else on the ship besides me and General Antilles, but you always run away from me after simming.”

“Oh. General Antilles told me to keep a low profile so I’ve been trying not to run into your squadron mates.”

“Right,” Jaina nodded, internally chiding herself for jumping to conclusions. “So, um, how have you been?”

Jag raised a brow, and Jaina could swear she saw amusement twinkle in his eyes. “I’ve been just fine. You?”

“Mhmm,” Jaina hummed. “Just great. If I’m being honest I don’t find this squadron thing hard at all. We sim, we patrol, we eat, and nothing else.”

“Ah, that’s because you have no enemy to fight,” Jag pointed out. “These are peaceful times which makes for a very boring military.”

Jaina tried not to take it the wrong way. “Makes sense. That’s why I never bothered to join full-time in the first place. I guess all we have to do right now is wait for the next threat to come up.”

“Or wait for your leaders to pull you into some completely avoidable conflict,” Jag commented. “That happens far too often in the New republic.”

“Are you insinuating that the Chiss don’t have politicians?” Jaina asked, her tone getting a little heated.

“They do, just not in the way that you’re thinking. The Chiss only deal with other Chiss. Disputes aren’t hard to solve when you live in a homogenous society.”

“But you mentioned fighting wars before and visiting hundreds of planets in the Unknown Regions. How could you have done that if you only deal with other Chiss?” Jaina asked, more in curiosity than anything else.

Jag sighed, “Well, that doesn’t mean that we aren’t threatened. You probably couldn’t even begin to imagine the galaxy out there. There’s a lot that you’ve probably never heard of that we’ve stopped before it could ever reach your ears.”

Rolling her eyes, Jaina let out a long breath. “You know the arrogant attitude is getting pretty tired. I know you think I’m immature and all, but you could at least talk to me like I’m your equal.”

Jag had the decency to look apologetic. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know that I was coming off condescendingly.”

“Yeah, well, it’s hard not to see you like that when you keep patronizing me. I admit that I have a lot to learn but you’re not that much older than me.” Jaina shook her head a she turned around to head back to her squadron. “Sorry for wasting your time.”

“Jaina, wait,” Jag grabbed her arm to stop her. “I wasn’t trying to upset you again.”

She glanced down at his hand until he removed it. “You keep doing it though.”

“I just-” Jag sighed. “I don’t know what else to do. You want me to behave like I’m someone I’m not and I’ve never been a good liar.”

Jaina sensed the honesty in his words and his presence was apologetic and earnest. “Maybe I’m being too sensitive.”

He shook his head. “No. I think I get under a lot of people’s skin, not just yours.”

“Oh,” Jaina snorted, “There are other people you annoy? I’m hurt.”

Jag shared a small smile with her. “My apologies. I’ll be sure to expend all my annoying energy on you in the future.”

“Lucky me,” Jaina rolled her eyes once more.

He seemed to be debating something with himself before he finally spoke up again. “How about we fly some drills together later. I’m sure I have some tricks that could be beneficial.”

That brightened her mood. “Tricks? In addition to vaping me every chance you get in the sims, you want to teach me tricks?”

Jag nodded, “I did say I would help you develop as an officer, didn’t I?”

“That’s actually rather kind of you, Jag,” Jaina softened. “So, thank you.”

He seemed to grow uncomfortable at her thanks, “Ah, well. Consider it paying you back for the excellent tour on Coruscant.”

“Will you be needing a guide on Corellia? I could take over from Uncle Wedge, and I happen to know quite a lot of planets well.”

Jag’s half smile became a full one for the first time she could see. It was as beautiful as she’d imagined in her dreams.

“I’d love that.”
-

After another short simm session with Jag, Jaina stealthily made her way back to her shared quarters. She wasn’t doing anything wrong, but they had developed a bit of a late night routine when they knew people wouldn’t see them. Some days they’d practice in the simulators, others would have them simply talking. Jag would tell her stories about the Unknown Regions while Jaina opted to showing him all the strange and wonderful things about her side of the galaxy.

“So, people actually watch other people go about their mundane lives,” Jag had questioned her when she somehow ended up explaining the concept of reality-holo to him. 

“Yep,” Jaina nodded, “Except they create drama for ratings so it’s not boring. Still mundane though.”

Jag had looked puzzled still. “Do you watch?”

“Of course,” Jaina declared with a proud smile, “How else could I give you the scoop otherwise?”

“The scoop?”

She laughed. “The tea, Jag. The drama.”

Thankfully Jag had enough sense to know that this was as far as his understanding would reach. She thought back fondly to that conversation and many others when he’d once again bested her in flight. She’d come quite close to vaping him tonight, but he’d had what seemed like a lifetime of experience over her that allowed him to get in. After deciding to call it a draw, she and Jag parted ways once more. Their partings tended to be awkward. If it were any other friend, they’d share a friendly hug. But Jag wasn’t just any friend. She feared the feelings that would descend over her if she’d gotten that close to him.

The halls were quiet as she sauntered to the Rogue’s floor. There were cleaning droids roaming around, ensuring that the ship remained spic and span. One stopped in front of her, its antennae scanning her boots before it sprayed them with a burst of liquid.

“Hey!” Jaina protested as it began to scrub her boots. She definitely needed to take care better care of her shoes. She hoped the rest of her didn’t look so dishevelled. She allowed it half a minute to scrub her before she moved a few steps over to her room, punching in the code that allowed the door to slide open for her.

Before she could enter, a wave of sadness hit her and she suddenly felt demoralised. Jaina stepped in, palming the light switch on to determine the source of the sudden emotion to see a small figure curled up on her bunk, her face turned to the wall. She moved toward her roommate without hesitation.

“Anni?” Jaina called out as she sat on the edge of the bed, her hand moving to the other girl’s shoulder. 

Anni sniffled in response but said nothing. Jaina felt on edge, the strength of her friend’s emotions overwhelming her. This was the hard part of having her powers. She didn’t know what had the girl so unusually upset, but Jaina was able to feel every bit of through her connection to her.

“Anni,” Jaina said again as she brushed the hair out of her face to reveal red and swollen eyes. There was even the faintest hint of a mark forming on her cheek. Jaina felt her blood boil at the sight. “Tell me what happened.”

Again, Anni said nothing. Jaina leaned over her to get a good look at her face. “Anni, I swear that I will help you. But you gotta talk to me first.”

“How can you help?” Anni’s voice was quiet but dull. Jaina almost didn’t recognise it.

Jaina pulled the other girl into a sitting position, grateful when she complied and finally looked in her eyes. Thankfully her eyes didn’t hold the same dullness as her tone, but Jaina couldn’t overlook the overwhelming sadness trapped in them. Then her eyes trailed over to the red mark she’d seen on her cheek and confirmed that it was indeed a bruise.

“Well just to start, I can kill the bastard who hit you,” Jaina said, her eyes fixed on the bruise.

A small smile spread on Anni’s face. “You don’t have to do that.”

“Oh, but I do,” Jaina insisted. “Just tell me who did it.”

“My boyfriend,” Anni admitted, “Well, my ex-boyfriend now.”

“I’m glad to hear he’s an ex. He’s not a part of this squadron, is he?” Jaina asked, worried that she’d have to kill someone on her squadron.

Anni shook her head. “He isn’t. You wouldn’t even know him. We had a fight, and I got my own hits too. But Jaina, I really don’t want you to do anything about it.”

Jaina couldn’t contain her anger. “So this prick can walk around this ship without facing any consequences?”

“What consequences, Jaina?” Anni raised her voice as she shrugged off Jaina’s hands. “We both know you’re not gonna kill anyone.”

“I would for you,” Jaina said earnestly but she knew Anni was right. As much as she wanted to, if Anni weren’t in immediate danger, she could never allow herself to kill someone out of anger.

Anni’s hand came up to cup Jaina’s cheek. “It’s over between me and him. He can’t hurt me again.”

Jaina’s own hand covered Anni’s. “He still can’t just get away with it.”

“All I have is a red mark on my cheek. Believe me, I checked. Nothing’s going to happen to him if I report it.” Anni grimaced at the thought. “That’s how this place works. You give your body over to fight for the cause and the very people you’re supposed to be fighting along are the ones that hurt you.”

Jaina didn’t share her scepticism but she did know that if Anni made any kind of complaint that it would be an uphill battle with a big reward of nothing at the top. “That’s why you should let me at least beat him up.”

“As much as I’d love that,” Anni smiled at the thought, “That pussy would then file a complaint against both of us.”

Jaina knew she was right. “I’m sorry, Anni. You didn’t deserve this at all.”

“That’s just what dating men is like,” Anni sighed. “You think you know them and as soon as you let your guard down, they betray you in the most foul way.”

Jaina hadn’t ever dated anyone so she didn’t know personally if Anni’s statement was true or just her unfortunate experience. It made an unfamiliar feeling creep up on her, like a warning that she could face the very same thing. That, she didn’t want.

“Is it?” Jaina asked curiously. 

Anni seemed to appreciate the change in topic. “Well, not every guy. I’ll admit this was my first bad experience.”

“What were your other experiences like?”

Anni pinched her cheek, ignoring Jaina’s protests. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“Ow,” Jaina managed to pull free from her grasp. “Forget I asked.”

Anni looked at her funny, “Jaina?”

“Yeah?”

“Have you even kissed anyone?” Amusement twinkled in the girl’s eyes.

Sputtering, Jaina quickly answered, “Of course I have! Jeez, Anni, I’m not five.”

“Okay,” Anni didn’t give up, “You have gone to at least third base right?”

“No,” Jaina admitted, her cheeks heating up with embarrassment. “To be honest, I don’t have much experience at all.”

“Aw,” Anni gushed over her, “Not even with kissing?”

Jaina shook her head. “I’m afraid not.”

Anni moved closer to kiss her forehead. “That’s all I can give you at this time.”

“Gee, thanks,” Jaina rolled her eyes as she felt her skin tingle where Anni’s lips just left. “Next time, you can go for the lips.”

Anni gasped, “Jaina Solo! With those moves, I’m surprised you’re so inexperienced.”

Blushing once more, Jaina’s eyes averted from hers. “Well, the problem is that I can’t say that stuff to guys I like.”

“Hmm,” Anni hummed. “Like with the chiss kid, right?”

“Let’s not go there,” Jaina sighed. After what happened to Anni she wasn’t in the mood to think about boys. After all, they show their true colours once they gained a girl’s trust. Anni didn’t press but instead shifted so there was enough space for both of them to fit comfortably in the bunk. Jaina was happy to lie with her, slinging an arm around her friend who so desperately needed the comfort. She was happy to give it to her.

What happened to Anni was an anomaly. Sometimes, people betray you. Sometimes they lie to you. Jaina already knew that. Why then, was her mind stuck on Jagged Fel?

-

There wasn’t much time for slumber. Jaina had been comfortable listening to Anni’s breathing slow as she drifted off and it wasn’t long before Jaina joined her. Perhaps an hour or so passed before the alarms were blaring through the speakers of the barracks. The two girls were up instantly, moving to slip into their flight suits and join their comrades outside as they rushed to the hangar bay.

Through the Force, Jaina couldn’t sense any explicit threat but she’d gotten the feeling that there was fast-approaching conflict. Colonel Darklighter was already in the hangar bay as the squadron filed into positions before their commander.

“Alright, Rogues. It looks like our trip here was too easy,” Gavin Darklighter said with a confident smirk on his face. “It appears that we’ve got at least two squadrons circling around Corellian airspace.”

An arrogant voice spoke up, “Were they waiting on us?”

Jaina turned her head to take in the speaker. Ganner Rhysode was a young Jedi Knight who also happened to be a Rogue. Jaina had liked him when she was first recruited to join the squadron but had quickly found herself turned off by the man’s arrogance- as well as his constant insistence that she was only a Rogue because of who her family was. That crush died very quickly.

Colonel Darklighter nodded, “It seemed this renegade group got word of the Rebel Dream’s arrival and wanted a taste of its greatest.”

Ganner snorted. “So they wanted to die.”

“Why would they want to attack us?” Jaina asked, ignoring Ganner’s dismissive tone.

“Good question, Jaina,” Gavin said before shrugging. “But I’m not going to wait around for an explanation. To, your ships. General Antilles will attempt to de-escalate but we have orders to be prepared to defend if needed.”

Without another word, the twelve members of the squadron took off at a jog to their respective ships. Before Jaina reached hers, she felt an arm grab hold of her shoulder. Spinning around,

Jaina was greeted with the smug grin of Ganner Rhysode once more.

“Some advice, Solo,” Ganner started, “Leave the questions for the adults.”

Jaina wrenched her arm from his grasp as she glared at him. “Touch me again, Rhysode, and you won’t have hands.”

She enjoyed the way the much bigger man shrunk. It was an empty threat on Jaina’s part, but he didn’t know that. He didn’t back down completely. “Try not to die out there.”

Before Jaina could reply, Anni was stepping between them. “Impossible, not while I’m flying her wing.”

She smiled at her friend, noticing that the mark on her face had already faded. It was comforting to see her behave like her usual self, even if Jaina knew it was mostly an act. 

“Alright, Capstan,” Ganner grinned, “I yield.”

“Good,” Anni rolled her eyes as she looped her arm through Jaina’s and led her to their ships.

Getting settled into her ship, Jaina quickly loaded up her systems and did a quick check-off that she was ready for flight. She took a deep breath. Calm down, Jaina. A lot was on her mind. She knew that the best way to deal with people questioning her place on the squadron was to simply perform, but she couldn’t pretend like it didn’t get to her. Colonel Darklighter is the one who recruited her to be a Rogue in the first place. It’s not like her parents pulled favours for the spot. Her mom was so totally against the idea that it was ridiculous that people would even suggest it!

Sure, her special arrangement was unconventional, but the Colonel had said he’d allow anything to have her on the team.

She shook her head. Now wasn’t the time to worry about what the likes of Ganner Rhysode thought. He was always chasing a hero’s dream. Clearly being a Jedi Knight wasn’t enough and he had to be a Rogue as well. And she’d have to put up with him being condescending to her in both cases.

Jaina’s X-Wing lifted smoothly from the hangar’s bay and out into the expanse of space, following the squadron’s formation. As expected, she could see the threatening ships on her radar. They were in a rather clumsy formation, nothing like the close knit formation of her squadron.

“Maintain positions and await orders,” Colonel Darklighter’s voice said over the comm. Jaina simply clicked in response as she took a glance out the viewport to see Anni reliably on her wing.

She sat still as ordered and time began to pass. It felt more like a patrol than a firefight. But perhaps Jaina spoke too quickly as blaster fire soon came their way. Quick orders were yelled through the comm and out of instinct she was flying into battle.
-

On the command deck of the Rebel Dream, Wedge sighed as the transmission between the rogue ships cut out. Pirates, then, he’d decided. This would be an easy victory for the Rogues but Wedge hoped they wouldn’t have any casualties.

Behind him, his nephew stood alert, his arms crossed behind his back as they watched Rogue squadron intercept the blasterfire from the unfriendly ships. He didn't recognise the model, but if they were pirates they'd likely foraged and altered existing ships to throw them off.

“What do you think?” Wedge asked. He seemed to have brought his nephew out of deep thought.

“Pirates don’t usually fly in squadrons,” Jag said simply.

“You’d be surprised,” Wedge said dryly. “But they’re definitely pirates. Were they hired by some insurrection-esque faction to behave like a military? Yes. But they’re still sloppy pirates.”

Jag tipped his head in acknowledgement. “I’m familiar with how rebellions start. Perhaps not as familiar as you.”

Wedge grinned at the jab, “Aye, are you calling me a dirty rebel?”

His nephew didn’t satisfy him with a visible reaction. “Not at all. Just one who is familiar with the origins of rebellion.”

“Sure,” Wedge said before turning his attention back to the battle at hand. The Rogues were doing fine. They hadn’t lost a ship unlike the very sloppy and clearly untrained band of pirates who had already lost half theirs. Wedge shook his head at the senseless loss of life.

"Do you recognise the ships? It's similar enough to a B-Wing, but there are too many differences," Wedge asked his nephew.

Jag didn't give anything away, but he caught the way his eyes narrowed as if asking himself the same question. Finally, he said. "No, I don't."

From the corner of his eye, he saw Jag’s expression finally change. “What is it?”

Jag was silent for a moment before he pointed at a particular squirmish. “That one right there. He’s trying to lure the Rogues out.”

Wedge took a glance, “So?”

“It just seems odd,” Jag started, “I thought this was more of a suicide mission, but it seems that there’s an objective.”

At that moment, the two men observed the explosion that took place in the same corner that Jag had just pointed out. Stunned, Wedge didn’t move for a second as he saw the two Rogues who had been caught in the blast barely zoom past. One X-Wing was clearly badly damaged. Currently the other Rogues were stuck on other side of the battle, almost trapped by the enemy.

He opened his comm quickly. “Darklighter.”

“Yes, sir,” The colonel’s voice said immediately.

Wedge gave him the sector’s coordinates. “Get your Rogues out of there. They’re releasing shadow bombs.”

As if just checking his radar, Darklighter’s voice came back with a hint of agitation. “On it, Sir. But I’m afraid ten and eleven will have to help themselves until we can get out of this furball.”

The comm line went silent as the battle continued and what Wedge had thought would be an easy win had soon turned into an effective blind side. What the goal was, Wedge couldn’t be sure, but he was ready to deploy the emergency squadrons to assist the Rogues.

“Jag, I’m going to ask you to-“ Wedge said before realising that his nephew was already gone.”
-

Gritting her teeth, Jaina jerked the controls of her X-Wing to keep on Anni’s right where her shields had been badly damaged by the shadow bomb. If Jaina didn’t have the force, she would have been caught in it herself. She had lost some percentage of her shields but she wasn’t as badly damaged as Anni.

“Get back to the ship, Ten,” Darklighter’s voice came through the comm.

“I’m fine,” Anni insisted.

“Capstan, this is an order,” Gavin said firmly.

A rumble startled Jaina from behind as they suddenly had half a dozen more ships blocking their way back to the Rebel Dream. They had reinforcements.

“Won’t be easy, Colonel,” Jaina said. “But I’ll get her back in one piece.”

“No heroics, Solo,” The Colonel warned them before clicking off.

“Jaina?” Anni’s voice sounded. She sounded scared, uncharacteristically like her.

“I got your back,” Jaina assured her. “Just fly course and I’ll blast them out of your way.

Anni didn’t respond, simply staying her course as Jaina did the dodging and weaving. Her finger stuck on her trigger as she released laser fire into ship after ship that dared threaten them. There was one in particular set on targeting Anni’s weak side and Jaina had trouble avoiding his fire while also preventing Anni from getting hit.

The Force tingled. She felt the urge to move, she needed to move out of the way now. But if she did, then Anni would die. Jaina bit down on her tongue to keep from following the instinct that the Force had sent her. Then the explosion came, rocking her ship hard enough that she almost collided with Anni. Another shadowbomb.

“Jaina!” She heard Anni’s voice call out over the comm. “Jaina!”

“I’m okay,” Jaina said as she checked her ships vitals. Not good. Her shields were now down and he’d managed to get one of her engines. She could still fly, but there was no way to save Anni and herself. She checked her radar to see that the rest of the Rogues were still stuck behind the blockade of fighter ships that prevented any of them from coming to their aid. The best bet would be to split up and hope to split the blaster fire between them both.

“Anni, get back to the ship,” Jaina said as she steered her ship off course, breaking her formation with Anni’s.

“Jaina, don’t do it,” Anni warned her.

“Go!” Jaina urged her before cutting off the comm line. They didn’t have the time to argue about it without both of them dying. But if Jaina could draw them out, then Anni would have a chance to get back to the Rebel Dream. She cursed herself from having allowed herself to get in this situation, but she’d followed Anni’s wing into this melee that had proven to be a trap.

Her X-Wing rocked once more as she tried to manoeuver around the half a dozen ships that trailed her. She reached out to the Force, allowing it to envelope her and guide her movements. It was like giving up control, and yet her senses were sharper than ever and her decisions made without evena second’s worth of thought. Maybe she could make it out of this after all. She just had to ensure that Anni did first.

Something zoomed past her viewport, faster than any other ship that she’d seen that day. Her eyes widened when the nimble craft spun at that speed, its lasers shooting past her own ship and into the troublesome enemy that had already hit her twice with shadow bombs. The ship zoomed past her once more as it took up position on her wing. In the span of another breath, she finally recognised the craft

“Rogue Eleven,” She heard from the comm. 

“Jag?” Jaina asked, although she’d already recognised his clawcraft.

He responded first with a click of acknowledgement. “I’m fairly sure you were ordered to return to the ship and not attempt any heroics.”

Jaina flushed even while in the middle of battle. “You heard that?”

“I’m afraid I did. Follow me,” He replied simply.

Jaina didn’t have much of a choice as she followed Jag’s rather unconventional flight path. He used a circling tactic, one that she’d recognised from their many simulators sessions together.

He’d slowly return her to base as he circled an enemy one by one, taking them out while keeping a good enough distance to avoid any shadow bombs.

“Good plan,” Jaina cursed herself for not thinking of it first. But in her ship’s current state, she couldn’t afford such a risky venture. Jag was fresh not to mention far more experienced than her. She’d trust him to get her out of this.

As she watched the enemy ship’s dwindle one by one, amazed by Jag’s precision, she finally felt the panic that had welled up inside her subside. Anni had made it back the base, and Jaina finally believed that she would too.

Taking one last shot at the ship that trailed Jag, she managed to get the last kill off their trail before she made t back behind the protective shields of the Rebel Dream. Breathing a sigh of relief,

Jaina steadied herself as she flew towards the hangar bay once more. On her radar, she could see that the other Rogues had managed to free themselves from the blockade and turn the fight over into their advantage.

She opened the comm line once more. “Thank you, Jag.”

She could see his clawcraft through her viewport, almost protectively guarding her ship although they were no longer in the active firefight.

“Don’t worry about it.”
-

Jag climbed out of the cockpit of his fighter with haste. He wanted to make it out of the hangar bay and back on to the command deck before a certain Jedi girl tried to catch up with him. What he did was reckless and unsanctioned by his superior officer, but he had moved out of instinct. He couldn’t just let Jaina die, could he? He’d done his quick analysis and had seen that she and her wingmate would be unable to weather the enemy blasterfire by themselves. General Antilles would have of course deployed reinforcements but Jag knew they wouldn’t be as fast as he could. He couldn’t risk-

“Jag!” He heard a voice call to him. He took a deep breath before turning to be greeted by the face of Jaina Solo. She had run to catch up to him and he was surprised by the look of relief. He’d expected her to be upset with him for being reckless, but he supposed she truly was grateful for the save.

“Jaina,” he said simply before turning back and continuing his quick pace.

“Hey, wait!” Jaina called out as she caught up to him. “I just wanted to say thanks.”

Jag nodded. “You did. Over the comm, remember?”

“I know,” Jaina agreed. “But you helped me save Anni and that’s something I can’t say thank you enough for.”

He raised a brow, curious about the relationship between the two. He understood the closeness between comrades but he couldn’t estimate how much was due to the general slackness of the New Republic or just Jaina’s tendency to become over-attached. He decided to spare her the lecture about becoming too attached to one’s comrades in war.

“Shouldn’t you be checking on your wingmate?”

Her cheeks flushed. “Uh, yeah. Um. Well, bye Jag.”

He nodded once more, “Goodbye, Jaina.”

With that, he made his way back to the command deck without incidence. It wasn’t until he approached General Antilles that he became aware of the heat that permeated from him. He wiped a hand across his brow to remove some of the sweat. Did that happen while flying? Or was it at the sight of Jaina Solo’s dishevelled appearance-

“Well, well, well,” Wedge’s voice thankfully interrupted that thought. “That was quite rebellious of you.”

Jag simply sighed. “I apologise for my insubordinate behaviour. It won’t happen again.”

Wedge placed a firm hand on his shoulder. “Worry not, my overly formal nephew. I won’t tell anyone about what you did.”

“I don’t usually do things like that but I feared the turn that the battle would take.”

His uncle raised a brow. “Jag, there was no chance that we’d lose. Despite their tricks and reinforcements, we had squadrons on standby plus the guns on the Rebel Dream. Colonel Darklighter is cleaning up now, but the fight is pretty much over.”

Jag ignored the heat rising to his cheeks, “Yes, well-“

“So you were worried about a specific pilot in particular,” Wedge said with a grin.

He remained silent as he compiled his thoughts. “I think it would have been a shame if anything happened to the two young pilots who were separated from their comrades.”

“A shame indeed. They were lucky you were willing to rush out ahead of their reinforcements.”

Jag cleared his throat. “Do you have any idea who sent them?”

“Insurrection is like a rite of passage in the Corellian system. There’s always some rogue faction attempting to gain military power. If I had to guess, it’s probably related to that. I’ve already instructed the colonel to keep at least one alive for questioning.”

A rite of passage, Jag thought grimly. And these were supposed to be his people?

“I see. I suppose this won’t interfere with our trip planetside?”

“Not at all,” Wedge grinned. “We’ll take a shuttle down as soon as we’re cleared. The girls are quite excited to show you around.”

That brought a smile to Jag’s face. “I look forward to it.”
-

Jaina kept a straight face as she and her friend received a dressing down for straying off their squadron’s path. It wasn’t Jaina’s idea, she was flying Anni’s wing and followed the more experienced girl’s lead. But it almost cost them their lives and Jaina knew their lecture was more out of fear of that possibility than any act of insubordination.

“Good flying today, Solo,” Colonel Darklighter commended her. “I want the rest of the Rogues to take note of how you should stick by your wingmate through even the toughest battles.”

Ganner snorted. “Even though she had to be rescued?”

Darklighter glared at him. “Let’s not tally up saves shall we, Rhysode? It wouldn’t be nice for you.”

She swallowed down the laugh that threatened to erupt from her. She didn’t like Ganner, but she didn’t want to have conflict with anyone, especially not her squadmate. 

When they were dismissed, Jaina had to quicken her stride to keep up with Anni. “Hey.”

Anni didn’t even turn to face her, just continued on her way back to their shared quarters. Jaina frowned, remembering what had happened last night and how shaken up she must have been.

“Why is everyone running away from me today?” Jaina asked as she turned her walk into a run to circle and stop in front of the her friend. Anni was holding back tears, and seeing the sight for the second time in the last twenty-four hours simply broke her heart.

“Jaina, just give me some space please,” Anni asked as she brushed past her. Jaina didn’t give up though.

“These things happen, Anni,” Jaina tried to get her to see, “We made it out alive.”

Anni whipped around with a fierce glare behind her eyes. “I almost got you killed, Jaina! I keep fucking things up!”

Jaina shook her head. “Anni, we all make mistakes. Please don’t let this eat away at you.”

“That’s easy for you to say,” Anni’s face twisted into a deep frown. “If you make a mistake, all is well. They’ll make excuses for you. But I have to earn my spot as the only girl who’s here.”

She took a step back. She’d never heard Anni express any sentiment like that towards her. Apparently it wasn’t just arrogant Ganner Rhysode who thought she didn’t belong here. “Okay, Anni. I hear you loud and clear.”

With that, she turned on her heel and went in the opposite direction. She heard Anni call out to her, saying “Wait, Jaina,” but she didn’t bother to hear her out. Anni was upset, she knew that. But the truth tended to come out in moments like this. If Anni wanted to be left alone, seen as thought she couldn’t understand ‘what is was like to be the only girl in the squadron’, Jaina would leave her to it.

The problem was that Jaina wasn’t sure where to go. She didn’t want to hang in the pilot’s lounge, nor did she want to impede on Anni’s alone time. The answer came when her commlink began beeping. Answering, Jaina was greeted with a warm voice.

“Jaina,” Jag started, “It’s time to pay up.”

She was confused. “For what?”

“I’m in need of your tour guide skills,” Jag said, his tone laced with mischief. “It seems my ship didn’t fail me earlier despite your tinkering. In fact it seemed a little faster than usual.”

Jaina beamed with  pride. “Of course. I told you I’d fix that junk right up.”

She was rewarded with a soft chuckle. “Excellent. So, I’ll see you in two hours time then? General Antilles has arranged a shuttle for us to go planetside.”

Jaina wanted to say no. After the day she had, it seemed natural to want to be alone. But he’d made a compelling argument; she did indeed owe him guided tour of Corellia.

“Aye, aye Colonel,” Jaina replied simply before clicking off the comm. 
-

Jag had taken to packing a simple overnight bag. While Wedge had offered him a room in his home on Corellia, Jag didn’t feel comfortable staying away from his ship for too long. After all, he didn’t know when he’d receive word that he’d need to fly from his superiors.

He sighed deeply as his mind wandered to his mission. Truthfully, Jag was unsure of the prospect of conquering the New Republic. The people here were so culturally different that he didn’t think that the discipline of the Chiss would keep anyone in line. In fact, the rigidity would inspire rebellion even in the most docile of people. The ambitions of Thrawn weren’t his to question, but he’d always thought that the more time that had passed the less utility there would be in expanding any further.

Shaking his head, Jag decided to focus on the task at hand. He’d felt nervous about being around Jaina Solo earlier but he’d wanted nothing more than to see his ancestral home. Jaina was fun and easy going, something that he’d come to appreciate whenever he’d had down time. So he’d endure the parts of her that made him uncharacteristically nervous.

A soft chime signalled him that someone was outside. He moved over with his bag slung over his shoulders, palming the door and was surprised when he looked straight ahead and saw no one. Wedge had said he would send someone to escort him to the shuttle.

“Hey! Down here,” A small voice called out and Jag lowered his gaze to see the black hair of his cousin. A smile spread across his face as he got the chance to take in her familiar features once again. You know her, a small voice whispered in head. He ignored it, not wanting to deal with the fuzzy memories now.

“Hi, Myri,” Jag stepped out of his quarters, allowing the door to close behind him. “Are you my escort?”

The little girl nodded excitedly, slipping a hand into his. “Mhm. Follow me.”

As obedient as ever, Jag allowed his young cousin to lead him from the residential quarters that he’d been allowed to stay in as a relative of the general. Jag was sure that if he weren’t in this wing, she wouldn’t have been allowed to escort him. But it was a closed off section of the star destroyer that only the commander and his family had the privilege of being in. In fact, once they exited this wing it was more him escorting her than the other way around. He felt happy that his uncle trusted him enough to do this. But it made things way more complicated than Jag was able to handle. He couldn’t bear the thought of hurting someone as innocent as she- someone who resembled his beloved Cherith-

“My dad says you have siblings too,” Myri asked him. “Do you like them?”

Jag nodded, feeling mute before finding his voice. “I do. Very much.”

“Syal gets on my nerves,” Myri huffed. “She always teases me.”

“Older sisters do that,” Jag reassured her. “They wouldn’t be an older sister if they didn’t.”

“What’s your older sister like?” Myri asked innocently, not knowing the can of worms she was opening. Jag stared into her eyes as a reminder of just that. Cherith never lived long enough to look anything else but like the nine year old beside him.

Jag swallowed the lump in his throat. “She was only a year older than me, so I didn’t get teased as much.”

“Can I meet her?”

“I’m afraid not,” Jag shook his head. “She’s somewhere far away where we can’t contact her.”

Myri gave him a soft smile, one that made his heart ache even more. “That’s adult talk for saying someone’s dead, isn’t it?”

“Oh,” Jag scolded himself for trying to coddle her. “It is, yes. Sorry.”

“It’s okay, Jag. I’m not a baby. I understand death,” Myri said as she squeezed his hand comfortingly. Did she understand death? Did that mean that his Cherith knew what happened to her?

Jag managed a sad smile. “She died, a long time ago. I honestly wouldn’t know what to tell you she’d be like if she were still here. In a lot of ways I can’t really remember her.”

“Really?” Myri’s eyes widened in surprise.

He nodded. “Really. When you’re really young, it’s hard to remember things before a certain age.”

“Was she sick?” Myri asked. He admired the young girl’s ability to draw information out of him. Perhaps she’d be his greatest weakness.

“No,” Jag answered simply. “It was an accident.”

Myri knew not to press any further. “It’ll be okay, Jag.”

He looked down into the girl’s eyes once more, allowing the wave of sadness that washed over him to transform into relief. Jag didn’t believe in gods or any higher power. But when he looked at his cousin, he wondered if she was sent to remind him of the sister he’d lost years before.

Could such things be possible? 
-

After a long day of sight-seeing, Jag was content to settle down into the room that Wedge had graciously dubbed his own as long as he was on Corellia. He dropped the bag in the corner after pulling out a holocube that he’d ensured he brought with him. As he sat on the bed, a knock on the doorframe brought him out of his thoughts. He looked up to see Jaina Solo with her usual smirk.

“Hey, you haven’t had enough of me yet, have you?” Jaina said. She had tagged along with the Antilles family as they showed Jag the most notable parts of the city on the main world. He found being around her comfortable this time. She was also really good with Syal and Myri in a way that made Jag smile. He liked to see his girls happy-

“No,” Jag returned her smile but said nothing more. Jaina invited herself in, perching herself on the edge of the bed as she glanced at his holocube.

“What’s this?” She asked curiously. Jag finally looked down as he saw the images pass by.

“My father’s only belonging from Corellia,” Jag admitted. He held down on the main side of the cube to keep a single image in place. He used his free hand to point at the woman with dark hair matching his own. “That’s my grandmother.”

Jaina’a eyes widened. “She’s here on Corellia, then? We can go see her.”

Shaking his head, Jag didn’t want to get his hopes up. “I’ve no way of knowing if she’s alive.”

“Right,” Jaina’s excitement shrank as she thought about it more carefully. “Sorry.”

Jag looked up at her with an honest smile. “But I did want to go looking for her and whoever else might still be there.”

“Do you?” Jaina matched his gaze. He was ashamed about how lost he felt in those soft brown eyes.

“I do,” Jag nodded.

“Did you ask Uncle Wedge?” Jaina started. “He probably knows Corellia better than me.”

He shrugged. “Truthfully, I didn’t want him to think that I wasn’t satisfied with just meeting him. But I want to know about the Fels just as much as I do the Antilles.”

“I doubt he’d think that. But as your tour guide, I accept the responsibility in leading this mission.”

Jag’s smile got even wider. “Thank you, Jaina. Honestly, I’m not sure where to start.”

“Well, is your dad from the main world?” Jaina asked, gently taking the cube from his hand as she searched the images for any clues.

Jag was embarrassed that he didn’t know. “I- well, I’m not exactly sure.”

He didn’t like the way Jaina’s eyes showed pity. “He didn’t tell you much about his home, did he?”

“It was always this fervent love for the Chiss,” Jag found himself saying, “I was taught not to look back, only forwards.”

“Yet here you are,” Jaina commented as her eyes fell to the cube once more. She seemed fixated on one particular picture. “Is this sweetcane?”

Jag followed her eyes. “I believe that’s the kind of crops they’d grow. The Fels were a farming family.”

“You should have led with that,” Jaina grinned. “There’s five main planets in the system.”

He knew that. “Corellia, Selonia, Tralus, Talus and Drall.”

“Oh, you paid attention in class,” Jaina laughed. “But what I mean is that Corellia is the only one with the climate to grow sweetcane. So at least we’re on the right planet.”

“That’s reassuring,” Jag admitted. He was impressed she was able to deduce that from one picture. “But where do we even begin searching?”

Jaina flashed a wicked grin. “That’s where the holonet comes into play.”

“The same holonet that you watch trashy reality-holo and argue with strangers about each episode?” Jag didn’t think there was anything useful to find there.

“Yes, Jag,” She said with a roll of her eyes, “All it takes is a simple search.”

A few minutes later, Jaina had left and returned with her datapad. Turning it on, she opened up a search engine and typed two words- Fel Corellia. Jag was surprised to see thousands of holopages appear, many of them about his own father dated back to when he was commanding the 101st. 

“Woah,” Jag allowed his surprise to show. Jaina had an air of confidence around her. She was always happy to show him something new.

“Okay,” Jaina started as she filtered her search, “I’m seeing a lot of junk around here. Let me just...aha! This one is about a farm.”

Jaina tapped the link, bringing up a local newsletter about the town’s farming prospects. They read through carefully. Jag was getting bored reading about the mundane lives of farmers before he noticed his name. 

~ Sweetcane prospects have declined since the fall of the Empire. Since the advent of artificial sweeteners, beings no longer gravitate towards the natural sweetness of the cane and instead opt for the cheaper and mass-produced version. The Fel family, once the main producers of sweetcane in the Astrilde Bottomlands, closed down the last estate to produce the crop almost ten years ago. ~

“Astrilde,” Jag said slowly, “That’s the town then?”

Jaina smiled. “Bingo.”

He suddenly felt nervous, unsure about what he’d find. That nasty feeling welled up in him, the same one that plagued him when he thought about the lies and betrayal he was committing. He couldn’t bear to meet another family member whom he’d end up betraying. But if he didn’t betray them, he’d end up betraying the only family he’d known for most of his life.

“What’s wrong?” Jaina asked, sensing his distress. He had to remind himself that he couldn’t afford to let his defences down around a Jedi. But he couldn’t help himself around her. He wanted to tell her everything, confess his wrongdoing and beg for forgiveness- No. He was a servant of Thrawn. He had to continue with this mission. But he needed to also do this first.

“Just nervous,” Jag said. It was the truth, after all. “You wouldn’t mind coming with me?”

Jaina’s hand covered his, the touch sending lightning through his body. “Of course.”
-

Jaina was a resourceful girl, Jag realised. He had planned to simply ask Wedge to borrow the speeder, but Jaina insisted that if they wanted their excursion to remain a secret that they’d have to steal it. And steal they did. Jag was unsure as he watched her hotwire his uncle’s speeder but he had to admit that he enjoyed the thrill that came with watching her.

He allowed her to drive as a reward for her hard work. You couldn’t stop her anyway, he reminded himself. It didn’t matter that was older or outranked her. Jaina simply did whatever she wanted simply because she wanted to. It was the very thing he was raised against doing, the thing he was taught was always unacceptable. Yet, when she did it he found himself in awe of her freedom- of her spirit.

“What kind of music do you like?” Jaina said as soon as they were in the clear. She used her datapad for directions since while she knew Corellia well, she wouldn’t know exactly how to get them to the near-abandoned town. 

“I don’t know what you mean?” Jag said as he leaned back in passenger seat, his head turned out the viewport to watch the journey.

“Well, it’s a six hour drive,” Jaina pointed out, “I hope you don’t expect us to sit in silence for the entirety of it.”

Jag frowned, turning to look at her. “What can we do about that?”

She laughed at him. “Listen to music, Jag. Jeez, you’re dense.”

“Right,” Jag flushed a little at his lack of social skills that she loved to point out. “I don’t know.”

Jaina’s eyes furrowed in confusion. “You don’t have music in Chiss space?”

“Of course we do,” Jag said defensively, “It’s just- well. I grew up kind of isolated from wider society for a while. Then I joined the military and there isn’t really a lot of music there.”

“Oh, you poor thing,” Jaina said with a soft smile, “I’ll just have to teach you the joy of music.”

“I like music,” Jag clarified, “My mother is not just an actress, but a singer and musician as well.”

Stopping at the light, Jaina finally allowed herself to look into his eyes, “Really? Do you play too?”

Jag nodded. “I do actually. My mother taught me keys.”

“That’s so cool,” Jaina’s smile widened into an excited grin, “Can you sing as well?”

“No,” Jag said with a chuckle, “I’m afraid my musicality goes only so far as a single instrument.”

Jag felt enamoured when she joined in on his laugh. When the light changed, she continued her drive as she said, “Oh, boy. Now I want to hear you sing.”

“No way,” Jag shook his head. “But I do want to hear you sing.”

He noticed the way her cheeks reddened. “Well, I’m not that bad actually.”

“Oh?” Jag became even more curious. “Usually you start bragging about your talents at the first opportunity. What makes this one different?”

With both hands on the wheel, she shrugged. “It’s- I don’t know. It’s kind of girly I guess.”

“You are a girl,” Jag pointed out simply.

“Thanks, Captain obvious,” Jaina rolled her eyes. “It’s hard to explain.”

Jag turned his gaze back out to the city once more. “Well, we have six hours to waste so...might as well try.”

Jaina contemplated it for a second. “All my life I’ve wanted to fly and build things. I love being a Jedi, and I love being a girl too, but those have always been my passions.”

Jag nodded. “So what makes singing too girly?”

“It’s not,” Jaina clarified. “But whenever I do what I love, they call me a tom-boy. When I do something a little different, like singing or dressing up, people start calling me a princess. Words like spoiled start going around. There’s nothing wrong with being girly, and I want to embrace the side of me that is. But people don’t respect girly, especially in my field.”

He understood her well enough. Pilots were mainly male and they tended to the side of bravado and hyper-masculinity. “That sounds more like their problem and not yours.”

“Easy for you to say,” Jaina sighed. “No one questions your competence and you’re just as much of a nepotism baby as myself.”

Nepotism baby, Jag couldn’t help himself from smiling. She really was funny. “Fair enough.”

“It’s like, I have to go above and beyond to prove that I belong when the only thing that should matter is that I’m good at flying. If I deviate from the script even a little bit, suddenly I’m a spoiled little girl who’s better off being a princess.”

Jag couldn’t exactly relate to her circumstances but he understood through his own personal experience. “Being the only human among Chiss can be like that sometimes. Even when you outperform them, you’re still seen as lesser for the parts of you that are human.”

Jaina’s expression softened. “I like the parts of you that are human.”

He wasn’t sure what came over him when he moved a hand to cover hers, mirroring what she’d done earlier. “And I like the parts of you that are girly.”

Jaina’s hand folded around his, properly interlocking their fingers. “Then we should both try not to supress those parts of ourselves.”

“Agreed,” Jag gave her hand a squeeze. No matter what his upbringing taught him, it seemed that the longer he stayed around her, the less he’d be able to suppress his human feelings. They were silent for a while until Jaina decided to put on some music as she originally wanted. The instrumental was soft and he appreciated the soft hum of Jaina’s voice as she sang along to the lyrics in low voice. She did have a nice voice. Sweet and girly like she said, but not delicate. He wanted to hear more of it. What did her highs sound like? Her lows? How would she sound singing something bold and dramatic?

He wanted to hear it all. When it came to Jaina Solo, he wanted the full experience. That was something that he could finally admit as he found himself staring at her the entire ride. She was beautiful, he admitted. Her hair flowed perfectly down to her collarbone, perfectly shaping her pretty face. He admired her side profile, grateful for the view that the journey provided him. He admired the gentle upward quirk of her lips as she continued to mouth the words of every song she put on. 

He closed his eyes finally as the time sped by. He was happy to fall asleep with her voice playing in the back of his mind.
-

Astrilde was a small town. Not the most technologically advanced, it had speeder lanes that weaved through the quiet village. It didn’t have the bustling market scene like Jaina was used to for these kinds of places. There was a lot of foliage and the air smelled fresher to Jaina’s nose than in the city proper.

She had stopped by the village centre to ask about the sweetcane estate nearby and was disappointed when they said that it had burned down years ago. Still, Jag insisted that they be pointed in that direction. So over the hill they drove as Jaina delivered Jag to what might be his family.

They parked the speeder by the closest thing to a lot before the two continued on foot. There were small houses along the way. Jaina didn’t even think they were built with steel much less permacrete. It was definitely the type of village that had remained mostly untouched by development.

Upon reaching the last home in the lane, the pair were greeted by an old man with a typical farmer’s hat hovering by the porch.

“Aye,” The man said, “You two aren’t from ‘round here, are ya?”

Jag stepped forward and greeted him with a small bow. “We aren’t. I’m looking for the Fel family.”

“The Fels, eh?” The man raised his brow. “What do you want with ‘em?”

“My family, sir,” Jag said. “I am Jagged Fel.”

“Well, I can take you to the last Fels I’d ever heard of ‘round here.”

Jaina noticed the way Jag’s eyes lit up. It spread warmth in her heart. The man picked up his walking stick, slowly moving around them to take them further up the hill and off the path. Jaina didn’t sense any danger from the obviously frail man but she did keep her lightsaber close enough in case he tried anything funny.

As they trekked up the hill, Jaina noticed the old man stumbling. Before she could assist him, Jag had swooped in, supporting the man with one arm as they continued. A smile found its way to her face. She had come to learn a lot about Jag, but she was coming to learn that his heart was bigger than he let on. She saw how kind he was to Syal and Myri and now with this random old man that needed his help. He acted on instinct, just like she would.

“Almost there,” The old man, Jeter he had said his name was, drawled out. When they emerged at the top of the hill, Jaina’s eyes widened as they were greeted by a single tombstone. Her heart sank for Jag who she felt no obvious emotion from.

“I’m sorry, fella,” the old man said quietly. “Fels died out a long time ago.”

Jag’s expression remained stony as he let the old man down gently. He moved over to the stone, his hands brushing over the vegetation that grew over the inscription. Jaina didn’t know if she should go any closer so she decided to allow him his space.

“The cane got burnt out during the war,” Jeter continued, “It was the Empire’s way of sticking it to the peasants.”

Jag finally spoke. “They died in the fire?”

Jeter shrugged as he slowly sat on a boulder. “Some of ‘em. Some ran away, never to be heard again. A couple of ‘em stayed here in the Bottomlands. But it was tragedy after tragedy in this old town.”

Jaina watched as Jag simply nodded. He fell to his knees in front of the grave, his eyes shut tightly. Jaina felt her own eyes water as she finally felt something from him in the Force. Grief. He felt grief. Unable to stay away, Jaina moved to kneel beside him, placing a hand gently on his back. He looked up at her, his eyes strong and dry in contrast to her own desire to cry. So, she pulled him into a hug, one that returned fiercely.

“I’m sorry,” Jaina whispered in his ear, one hand moving to stroke his hair as he buried his face in her neck. She didn’t see him cry, but she felt the tears slowly drip onto her skin.

He didn’t say anything. He didn’t sob or bawl. He remained still her arms as she soothed him. Her mind thought of an Alderaanian ballad about grief. The lyrics spoke about their genocide and suffering, the loss of family and homeland. But it was a hopeful song, one that her mother would sing to her to remind her that family lives on through those who survived. So she started slowly, singing the words to him so that they may provide him the same comfort that they had her many times before.
-

They walked back to their speeder, hand in hand. Jaina was afraid he’d rip her hand off with how tight his grip was, but she knew that he was just shaken up by the loss of his family. She knew what he felt was complicated. He’d come all this way to find them and they’d died long ago, not even knowing that he existed. That’s the life that his parents chose for him- a life away from his own.

“It’s getting dark,” Jag said simply. She noticed that the sun was beginning to set and she knew they wouldn’t make it back to the city before dark.

“We can make it to the next town over,” Jaina suggested, “Then find somewhere to stay there for the night.”

Jag shook his head. “It’s fine. I’ll drive to give you a break.”

She didn’t want him taking that on right now she deflected. “You don’t have a valid license to drive in the New Republic.”

Jag raised a brow. “I didn’t know you cared about following the law?”

“But you do,” Jaina shot back as she removed the keys from her pocket. “I’m driving.”

He didn’t fight. “Very well.”

The drive back was silent. Jaina didn’t put on any music this time, allowing Jag the space to think in silence. She didn’t know what to say to make him feel any better. It frustrated her to feel so useless when all she wanted was take him back into her arms and-

Is that what she wanted? When she had hugged him earlier, it had been out of instinct. She didn’t think carefully about her reasons for it or why she held his hand on the way back. But Jaina had known for some time that her feelings for him would soon blossom into something more. And now it seemed that the flower was beginning to bloom. 

They stopped in the next town as darkness fell over the planet. She used the emergency card that her mom gave her to pay for a room in the small inn that advertised. She was embarrassed though when they entered the room. There was only one bed.

“You can have it,” Jag said before she could. “I’m okay with the chair.”

Jaina shook her head, “You need a good night’s rest after today.

Jag simply smiled. “You’re very difficult, you know that right?”

“I do,” Jaina beamed with pride at his accusation. But then Jag was looking at her funny. Matter of fact, he wasn’t his usual self-assured and arrogant self. He seemed vulnerable in a way that

Jaina couldn’t explain. Through the Force, it was like he was bleeding emotions. Seeping through the fresh crack of the barriers that he’d put up around her. All she needed to do was give him a push and maybe that wall could come right down. Then Jaina could finally trust him, she could allow herself to fall for him.

“Thank you for today,” Jag said. “I can’t- I just don’t think I could have gotten through today without you.”

She smiled, moving closer to him rest a hand on his shoulder. “You did really well, and I’m glad I could be there for you.”

She felt a pang of guilt wash over him. She wasn’t sure for what but his eyes held a sadness in them that distracted her from the feeling.

“Jaina,” Jag breathed and suddenly the distance between them had become almost non-existent. She leaned into him, the hand on his shoulder moving to gently cup his cheek. He leaned into her touch, his eyes closing as if he’d never felt anything softer. They were close enough that they could feel each other’s breathing. Their lips were close enough that a single movement from either would bring them together. So, Jaina did just that.

She closed her eyes as she gently pressed her lips to his, grateful when he didn’t push her away. Instead he leaned into it, kissing her back softly as the room remained still around them. Jaina felt her feet take off the ground, or maybe she just imagined it. Her heart sped up as he continued to kiss her with more passion, then the most beautiful part happened. She felt his walls come down and with it she was flooded with a single emotion- love.

He loved her. Jaina felt it as clear as she could sense with any other sense. And then her own heart soared, pouring out her own feelings. He didn’t have the Force himself, but she hoped that she could show him she felt the same with her kiss. They held each other for what felt like hours, but she knew that exhaustion would soon overcome them. The single bed made no difference when they were so deeply intertwined

When he lay her down on the bed, their fingers interlocked as they let sleep overcome them, she didn’t want to be anywhere else in the galaxy.
-

Were her eyes green like his? He asked himself, searching and searching for the answer that should have been stored carefully in his mind. He hated himself for forgetting but more so for being unable to remember. The memories were painful, he could acknowledge that even deep in his subconscious, but the only thing he’d wanted to remember from that day- were her eyes wide and naive until the very end, or did they stain red in death? All he could recall was white a sheet that quickly stained red.

-

When he woke up he was wrapped up in the arms of Jaina Solo. He smiled down at her sleeping form, brushing a lock of hair out of her face. He didn’t know how someone like him fell for someone like her, but once he did he didn’t think there was any turning back. Because the truth was that he yearned for love and family more than he did any promotion or position. He yearned for the freedom that Jaina had, and he wanted nothing more than to share it with her. Their excursions so far had shown him that. He wanted to be with her.

As if literally popping the bubble of his fantasy, his pager beeped. That wasn’t supposed to happen unless someone wanted to make contact. Jag’s eyes closed as he let out a long breath. Not now. Not when he’d allowed himself to fall in love with her.

He carefully separated himself from her as he grabbed his pager and stepped outside their room. He made his way out of the inn before finally answering, two clicks to let them know he was alone. In a second, he saw a cloaked figure appear in his peripheral view. The being kept his cloak on but Jag could see that the being’s skin was blue- a Chiss. So, Thrawn was having him watched all this time. He didn’t know why that left a sour taste in his mouth.

“Colonel Fel,” The man said simply, “Aka mentu monacten sha.”

Jag grimaced as he recognised the code words. He responded, switching to his native language. “What are His orders?”

“You are to leave Corellia as soon as possible,” The man said, handing him a strip of flimsi. Jag took it, unrolling it as he did so. His heart stopped as he read the message.

“I can’t do this,” Jag said without thinking.

“You must, Colonel Fel,” The Chiss said before warning him. “Thrawn is watching. Don’t worry about your ship. The Grand Admiral will provide you with another.”

Jag wasn’t worried about his ship at all. Instead he worried about everyone else on the Rebel Dream. His only relief was that the Antilles’ were currently planetside. “When does he expect the package?”

The chiss man finally looked up, his red eyed gaze piercing him. “When Corellia falls, you will be reinforced. But you must ensure that the package is en route long before then.”

A lump developed in his throat, one that wouldn’t go down no matter how hard he tried to swallow it. If this Chiss were already here, Jag couldn’t be sure how many others were already in place. Suddenly the hired pirates from the other day made sense. Their attack that seemed to close in on Jaina and her wingmate... Thrawn could attack any day now.  

“How much time do I have?”

“Twelve hours,” The Chiss said, sliding a vial to him. Then he was gone.

His knees felt like jelly, and he wanted nothing more than to sink into the ground below him. It was happening too quickly. He couldn’t betray Wedge, not after everything he’d found here. Then his mind went to Jaina. He felt his heart break into a million pieces when he thought about what she’d think once she discovered his betrayal. She’d hate him. And she’d be right to. His eyes looked down at the piece of flimsi that he knew he should already be burning, fixated on the last line.

Jaina Solo is the package. Bring her to Nirauan.

Chapter Text

White.

The frozen tundra on which they just landed, was as white as a sheet as the history books said it had always been since the beginning of time. Csilla was the main planet in Chiss space, home to the seat of government as well as its wealthiest and most prominent families. It was a great honour that he was allowed to be there as a human. He was reminded of it almost every day, even at his young age.

He was eight years old, wide eyed and naive. His black curly hair that his mother had always adored was starting to straighten out, just as his legs started to lengthen. He was still a long way from any rapid growth spurts, but his father reminded him that when he became a man he was to accomplish great things.
It was his first time seeing the ice planet, having grown up in the wilds on Nirauan. He didn’t understand why his father had packed them up and taken them on vacation here. They’d never gone on vacation. He’d never left the base on Nirauan until now. 

Flying in his family’s yacht was wondrous for the little boy- he didn’t even know his parents had a yacht! He was so distracted by his father showing him the mechanisms of the ship that he’d forgotten to ask why they’d never been allowed to leave before. And when they made their final descent into Csilla, he was too distracted as he gazed through the viewport at the mammoth of a planet they were about to visit.

But Outside was cold. Not the cold that the air units on the base would sometimes provide, but bone-chillingly cold. The blood in his veins felt icy even, and he was sure he could hardly feel his skin. He clutched his winter coat tightly to him as he was exposed to the environment, grateful that his father had helped him put on the extra layers before disembarking the yacht. His father had said he had an important meeting to attend, that they only had a few hours to explore before they’d have to wait for him on the yacht. But he was grateful for the time that he got.

He stood in the city centre, his neck craned as he gazed upon the buildings that were so tall he thought they stretched into space. He’d never imagined that you could build upwards; he’d only ever seen the base on Nirauan that did all its building and expansions underground. There were lights too, some flashing and others steady. They all shone on him, illuminating his face in an unnatural way. He’d only known the bright fluorescent lights in the base or the bright tropical sun that beat down the few times he’d been taken outside. The sky was dark, but the city’s lights lit it up enough that he could almost mistake it for daytime.

“Wow,” Cherith said beside him, her hand locked in his. She was nine, one year older than him, but her curls had remained intact. Her eyes glimmered in the artificial light and he wondered if his looked as glossy as hers did. Their mother told them to hold hands at all times so that they wouldn’t get lost, but he had never had any trouble holding his big sister’s hand. They’d always done everything together so he didn’t mind sharing this new experience with her.

He was at a loss for words himself, but he kept moving when his father ushered them to a colourful building. Inside, there were chairs decorated in wacky shapes and at the centre was a counter where people lined up for some gooey treat that left the children smiling and the usually grim adults fawning over their offspring.

“What is it?” Cherith asked their father. She usually did the talking for the two of them.

“A treat,” Their father responded. He proceeded to buy one for each of them- he’d never seen money be used before! There were so many firsts he was seeing. But he didn’t dwell on it long, because the treat was the best thing he’d ever tasted. It was...sweet! So sweet and creamy that he didn’t even mind being scolded for making a mess of it over his face. He licked it off his fingers, even, happy to enjoy every last bit of it. Cherith similarly finished her own, and the two children found themselves leaving with matching grins.

This was the best vacation ever! He wondered why they didn’t have treats at home or why they spent all day locked in their family quarters. There was so much out in the world to see, but he’d never known what his family was even doing on Niruaun in the first place. Waiting for Thrawn, he was always told, but he didn’t understand why when there was a whole galaxy out there.
He leaned his head on the viewport of the speeder, Cherith excitedly gazing through her own, as their father drove them to their next destination. He had seen that there was a space emporium that allowed children to fly simulators and he’d begged his father to take them. His father said that they had simulators at home on Nirauan and that when he was old enough he’d train in them, but he couldn’t wait for that. After seeing his own father fly, he had to get a taste of it himself. 

His eyes remained wide as he glanced down at the city below them, the speeder having climbed to the highest of the lanes- a high way, his father called it- that led to their destination. There was so much to see, so much to do, on this planet. But they’d only had a few hours left before his father’s meeting and then they’d go back home.

His father hadn’t said the word home. He had actually said back to the base- because they didn’t live in a house or an apartment. They lived in a family suite in the barracks of a hidden military base. He attended lessons with a holographic tutor who taught him military tactics and politics in addition to galactic languages and complex mathematics. He wasn’t allowed to leave the suite either, for the base was a place of work for the adults. The children were to remain hidden and educated until they came of age such that they may serve. And that service was to the Great Grand Admiral Thrawn who would soon return to them.

They ate military rations for breakfast and dinner. There was no lunch or snacks, even though his mother had sometimes managed to secure ingredients to cook them a meal from Corellia. He knew many things about the galaxy from his education- but he didn’t know details about how life was actually lived. Not a life outside the base, at least.

For a moment, he looked to his sister excitedly. His eyes shone with question, their secret unspoken language understood between them. She gave him her sweet smile that provided him with warmth that was somehow stronger than the heating in the speeder. But her eyes- what did they look like again?-

“Papa,” Cherith was saying in Corellisi, “Are we almost there?”

Their father spared a glance to the backseat, smiling fondly at his two youngest children, “Almost, sweet pea. We have-“

He didn’t remember what was said after that, because a bright light had blinded him. Then there was a blaring horn that made his ears ring, his father’s voice had said a bad word, and he felt something push against him. Pressure was the only way to describe it- and then there was nothing.

When he woke up, he thought he was once more under the fluorescent lights of the base and that he’d missed out on the flight simulators at the space emporium. But he quickly found that this place was not his home but instead a medical ward. He had a headache, a pounding throb that reminded him of the pressure he’d felt just before everything went dark. Looking around, there was no one in the room with him. When he’d gotten sick in the past, his mother had at least always sat with him until he got better. Now he was alone.

He managed to stumble out of bed, his legs felt wobbly but they worked as he willed them to take him to the door. The pounding in his head made his vision difficult, but he powered through as he was determined to find out what had happened. He caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror and frowned. He had a bandage wrapped around his forehead and there were nasty blue marks that marred his cheek and jaw. A hand moved up to touch the marks and he found them to be tender. His clothes had also changed- he had put on his favourite, and only, jacket today but it was now replaced with a bland ill-fitting gown that reached his ankles. 

He shook his head, wincing at the pain it caused, as he reached up for the door controls. As it slid open, he heard only wailing in the hallway. Panic welled up in him as he recognised the voice as that of his mother’s.

Two doors down from him, his mother was weeping on her knees as two Chiss nurses tried to help her to her feet. Jag found his heart sinking at the sight. He hadn’t seen his mother cry since he was told that he’d lost his older brother. He didn’t remember losing him- he didn’t even remember his face. 

One of the nurses glanced up at him, and he was surprised not to see the blank expression that Chiss adults always held. Instead, her eyes shone with pity- but he didn’t know why. He shakily moved closer to his mother, wondering why she was even here with them. She’d stayed back on the base on Nirauan while his father took them on this trip. Because someone always had to stay back, he was told. He didn’t understand that either.

“My baby,” His mother cried, her voice weak. “My Cherith.”

He stopped in his tracks, cursing himself as he realised that he’d stopped holding her hand. Is that why mother was crying?

The nurse finally reached him, placing a hand on his shoulder as she brought him the last few steps towards his mother who looked up at him with wet eyes. In them, he saw a darkness that he’d never imagined in her light blue eyes. It was just one more thing to add to the ever-growing list of things he did not understand.

“I’m sorry, Jag,” his mother managed to say as she enveloped him in a fierce hug. He allowed her to hold him, breathed in her scent that let him know that he was safe in her arms. But then she spoke more words that he didn’t understand. Words that rattled him to his core.

“Cherith,” His mother sobbed, “She didn’t survive the accident.”

“What accident?” Jag asked, his brain still not processing. His mother pulled back, shaking her head as she said the words that shattered his heart.

“The supply truck lost control. There wasn’t anything your father could do,” She continued to weep.

Jag didn’t understand that either, but the only thing he cared about was seeing his sister. “Where’s Cherith?”

His mother’s eyes closed, tears falling freely as she braced herself. “She died, Jag. Cherith is dead.”

Blinking, Jag finally understood. He’d understood because he’d learned about death before, had been told of its permanence, its finality. If Cherith had died, then he would never see her again.

She was gone. She was dead.

His mother continued to sob, but he stood still. His headache was now far away, just as his heart seemed to fade from him too. Through his eyes, he saw nothing. Not his mother’s crying figure or the bright fluorescent lights above them. Instead he looked up at the Chiss Nurse’s eyes. 

He saw only red.

-

Jag’s legs felt like jelly as he made his way back to the room. What the Chiss operative had told him felt like a blow to the chest, one that knocked the wind out him. Of course he knew Thrawn had planned to invade, he was sent here for this very purpose. But now that he was to act, he struggled to find justification for it. To betray Jaina’s trust and take her to Chiss Space all while Thrawn’s forces attacked his family here on Corellia- his heart sank into his stomach and Jag had the sudden urge to vomit.

He couldn’t do it, he realised. But it was his mission. It was his duty.

His hand shook as he reached for the door controls, unsure of what he’d say to Jaina. Before he could, the door swung up to reveal Jaina on the other side. She was dressed and ready to go, but her eyes held concern as if she could sense his internal struggle.

“What’s wrong?” Jaina asked. 

Jag willed his hands to stop shaking as he lied, “Nothing. Let’s get back to General Antilles.”

Jaina’s brows furrowed, a deep frown setting in as she sensed his lie. “Jag, seriously. You’ve gone pale.”

“I’m fine,” Jag pushed past her into the room, unable to hold her gaze. “I just-“ he stopped, reminding himself not to say anything objectively false, “I think I’m going to be a sick.”

Guilt washed over him as Jaina’s questioning stare became one of deep concern as she moved over to him. She placed the back of her hand over his forehead to check for a fever. “Oh, no. Is your stomach upset?”

Jag nodded weakly, “It feels that way,”

“We have to find a doctor,” Jaina insisted, wrapping an arm around his waist. His eyes closed, willing his body to cooperate as he tried to calm himself down. Having her so close didn’t help.

“No, I think I will be fine,” Jag shook his head. “Let’s just get back before it’s too late.”

She stared at him, unconvinced, but eventually let it go. Perhaps she knew that nothing was wrong with him physically, but she probably attributed it to what happened yesterday. The gnawing pain of grief returned as he remembered. His family had died out on this planet while he was hidden away in the Chiss sector. Would they have lived if they were here? He’d never know the answer, just as he’d never know them.

Jag was grateful for a silent trip back, Jaina opting to keep the viewport down to give him fresh air as she drove. He used it as an excuse to turn his face away. He couldn’t risk her finding out anything more from his expression. He really did feel sick for every last second of the journey because he knew that he’d have to make a decision today. A decision that would change everything for him.

He didn’t have the heart to face his uncle as they arrived in the city capital. He wanted nothing more than to take the first shuttle back to the star destroyer where he’d collect his ship and just fly. He didn’t know to where. It couldn’t be home- No, he could only ever return if he brought Jaina Solo with him. He could go to Csilla where he was officially a citizen and member of their military, but he’d have to plead his case as to why he’d defect from his post on Nirauan. He’d have to beg them to rein the clone of Thrawn in, to make him see sense-

But since when did he question Thrawn?

“Your uncle will know a doctor,” Jaina was saying as she parked on the street by the Antilles residence. Jag willed himself to step out of the vehicle and walk with her to the front door. Before they got there, he noticed his cousins playing in the front yard. Syal held a light green ball with mismatched markings that had clearly been placed there by the two mischievous girls during play time. Before Jaina could announce their arrival, Syal was throwing the ball right over their heads and Myri, a flash of dark hair matching his own, raced past them to catch it. He turned to call to her as she sprinted out the gate, determined to catch the ball as she stepped out into the low zone speeder way. 

His eyes glanced a speeder down the lane, the driver’s foot clearly heavy on the pedal as he soared away- and directly towards Myri. The girl jumped in the air, catching the ball with a triumphant grin. She held it high as she faced him, her smile warm and her eyes a light brown that glimmered in the sunlight. Her eyes were brown- Jag’s heart leaped to his throat- her eyes had been brown.

The speeder’s horn blared in the back of his mind, just like it did in his memories, but the little girl’s instincts weren’t quick enough to process the impatient signal from the driver who should have been able to brake. But Jag was no longer a helpless child, and despite the lump that formed in his suddenly dry mouth he called out to the girl, “Ch-“ he caught himself, “Myri, look out!”

His legs moved faster than his brain as he took a long stride to reach her, his hand grasping the back collar of her dress as he yanked her out of the speeder lane and into his arms, just as the speeder zipped by- uncaring that he’d nearly hurt a child while clearly breaking the speed limit for a low-level lane in a residential area. Myri crashed into Jag and he wrapped her into a tight cocoon with his arms. The impact made them fall to the sidewalk. He felt that pressure all over again- the same one that caused his vision to go black.

But he willed himself to look as he unfolded his arms to see a shaking little girl in them. Her eyes shone with the same brown colour that he hadn’t been able to properly form in his mind all these years. She was safe. She was alive.

“Don’t do that,” Jag breathed, his voice hoarse. “Don’t ever do that again.”

It was then he noticed Jaina knelt at their side, and Syal stood in front of them with guilt in her eyes. The blond girl said, “I didn’t mean to throw it so far!”

But no one was upset with her. Not Jag. Myri shakily removed herself from Jag as she stood up. She then turned around and enveloped her sister into a hug, telling her that she was alright and unhurt. Jag’s heart winced as he saw them- he wanted to be able to do the same. To hold his big sister and have everything be okay. But he could not turn back time. He could not bring his sister back from the dead.

Jag watched silently as the two girls made their way inside, hand-in-hand the way he and Cherith would. Jaina was looking at him with questions in her eyes, but Jag decidedly avoided her gaze. When they entered the Antilles home, he saw the two girls explaining what had happened to their father and Wedge’s eyes shone with gratitude as he saw his nephew. Jag despised himself for it, knowing he was a traitor to this family if he followed his orders and a traitor to the family back home if he didn’t.

“Thank you, Jag,” Wedge breathed out as he hugged his nephew, Jag still in his arms. “These girls seem to love giving me a scare.”

Jag only looked at him blankly when he pulled away, unsure of what to say. Too many things had shaken him up today. He hadn’t the slightest clue what to do or say that would be the right thing.

“Jag?” Wedge asked with the same concern that Jaina had.

“I’m fine,” Jag said once more. 

“You’re not,” Jaina protested with her arms folded, “You need a doctor.”

“A doctor?” Wedge’s eyes widened, “We have to go to the hospital now. Come on.” The older man was already moving to grab the keys to his speeder.

“No,” Jag started weakly although he felt the bile rise in his throat once more.

“Jag, let’s just get this checked up,” Jaina said as she took his hand, uncaring that Wedge noticed the new closeness between them.

“No,” Jag repeated, his eyes closed as he willed his stomach to settle.

Wedge was placing a hand on his back as he nudged him to the door. “Iella is upstairs, she can stay with the girls. But Jaina’s right, we should at least make sure this isn’t anything serious-“

“No!” Jag found himself shouting as he tore himself out of their grasps. He heaved a heavy sigh, his eyes finally open to take in their shock at his outburst. But he’d had enough of this. He didn’t deserve their concern, their love. He was a liar and a traitor to them.

“No,” Jag said again, the words coming out as a sob. “I have to go.”

Jaina slowly moved towards him, her eyes sad as he flinched when she got too close. “Jag, we’re here for you.”

“You shouldn’t be,” Jag bit back coldly. He had to make them see that caring for him had been mistake. “I am fine and I will be going back to my ship.”

Wedge remained where he was, his eyes darting between him and Jaina as he assessed the scene. Jaina didn’t seem to notice him as she closed the distance between them, her hands coming to cup his face. “I don’t understand. Did we do something wrong? Did I-“

Her question was cut off by a crack in her voice. She was hurt, and he’d dealt the blow. He shook himself out of her grasp once more. “I- I have to go, Jaina.”

When she finally stood back, her eyes still filled with pain, he made himself leave. He didn’t look behind him as he shut the door or as he stumbled onto the sidewalk, unsure of how he was going to find himself back onto his ship. The Chiss operative was probably tracking his every move, noting that he was leaving by himself and not with Jaina Solo. But he couldn’t think about that, the only thing he could focus on was the vomit that ripped through his throat. He’d only had time to bend over at his waist to release it into the bush nearby.

-

Jag found himself wandering alone in the streets of Corellia. He knew where the spaceport was, but his legs never took him there. Instead, he was trapped in a daze, battling within himself for the right answer. He found himself in a quiet park situated above the city skyline. He had a perfect view of the city that was unaware that come tomorrow, they might be under siege. He looked up to the stars, silently pleading for an answer to his question. But the city’s lights shone so brightly that the stars didn’t show. It was as dark as a Csilla night, as dark as it had always been when Jag needed them to provided some divine answer to his problems.

Myri was his like sister born again. He’d almost forgotten how Cherith looked until he saw Myri that day they were introduced. He had lost a part of himself on the fateful trip to Csilla. One mistake from a careless driver had taken away piece of his soul, and here he was contemplating betraying the little girl that had made him remember his precious sister again.

If he didn’t carry out Thrawn’s orders, he would be disgraced and never allowed to return home. And then his family- Jag felt his stomach stir again- he didn’t know what they’d do to them. He never knew as a child why at least one member of the Fel family was always required to be on base, but he’d learned later on in his time at the military academy in the chiss expansionary defence force. He was a member of the Nuruodo family and as such allowed to attend the academy, but he’d soon learned that the price of his acceptance was merely a way of keeping Soontir Fel loyal to the Chiss- for if his sons were at their academy, in their army, then he’d think twice about betraying them.

He had been a hostage. And it was why the family wasn’t allowed to leave Nirauan together. One of them had to stay back to act as that hostage, a reminder to never betray the Hand of Thrawn. 

The price for saving his family here on Corellia, for not betraying Jaina, was to damn his family to a fate that could be lethal. 

His parents had had one last child after him, a girl born while he was away at the academy. He hadn’t spent enough time with her, hadn’t been able to connect as he’d spent time fighting in wars for the Chiss. Her name was Wynssa and she looked nothing like him or Cherith. She had her mother’s blue eyes and blond hair, a stark contrast to his dark colouration. His parents could take care of themselves. But Wynssa could not. She would be the hostage. If he chose to spare Myri, then Wynssa may die.

Jag pulled out the vial that the Chiss agent had handed him earlier. He’d been tempted to throw it away, unwilling to use it against the woman he’d come to care for. But he couldn’t lose another sister- he couldn’t.

His chest tightened as he came to his decision. He would carry out his orders.

-

Jaina strode through the halls of the Rebel Dream, Anni on her tail, as her thoughts raced to discover the reason Jag had run off on her. Did she make him uncomfortable with her gestures? Or did he regret kissing her the night before? None of it made sense, but Jaina felt a new emotion for the first time. Rejection. She felt insecure about herself and her actions. After all, she’d never been in any kind of relationship to know if she was making the right moves or not. But obviously she’d done something wrong. That was the only way Jag could turn away from her now.

“Have you seen Colonel Fel?” Jaina asked the girl hot on her heels. Anni hadn’t left the star destroyer since they reached Corellia, so maybe she’d seen him return- and leave. Jaina’s stomach knotted at the thought. He wouldn’t just leave without saying goodbye, right?

Anni shook her head, “No. His ship is still in the docking bay, though. I just came from there when you commed to let me know you were here.”

Relief flooded her. “Oh. Thank you.”

Anni eyed her carefully before she spoke. “I don’t know if I like the two of you becoming so close.”

“Why?” Jaina almost gave herself whiplash as she searched Anni’s eyes. “Do you know something I don’t?”

“No, probably not,” Anni admitted, “But you two haven’t known each other for long. I’d just be careful giving away your feelings to a man you just met.”

Jaina didn’t disagree with her words, but she couldn’t deny the connection she’d felt with Jag. “I haven’t given anything away. I just- I guess I’m just trying to get to know him- I’m trying to see if I should trust him after all.”

“I don’t want to discourage you,” Anni started, her eyes distant as if she recalled her last experience with a man. She knew personally what it meant to be hurt by one. “Just be careful, Jaina.”

She stopped in the hallway, coming to face her friend as she embraced her. It was a comfort to herself and the other girl, a silent promise that they’d support each other no matter what happened behind closed doors. Before Jaina could pull back, she felt a looming sense of danger creeping up behind her. She stiffened, opening herself up to the Force as she prepared to defend herself and Anni from the threat, but found herself confused as the sense of danger felt familiar. She let go of Anni and whirled around, her hand going to the lightsaber hooked to the tool belt on her waist. Her eyes widened as she took in the figure. It was Jag.

He looked at her apologetically, but the sickness that had plagued him was nowhere to be seen. He carried no visible weapons, had no ill intent in his expression as he approached her- so why had her danger sense gone off?

“Hello, Capstan,” Jag said to Anni politely before speaking directly to Jaina, “Can we talk alone?”

Jaina found herself nodding mutely. She gave Anni’s hand a squeeze, assuring the other girl that she was alright as she tried to figure out the man before her. His walls were back up, no more was he the open and vulnerable teenager that he’d allowed himself to be with her last night. She wondered what had changed.

Jag waited until Anni was out of sight before speaking. “I’m sorry about earlier. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“What happened?” Jaina asked. She needed answers to her questions.

“I’m not used to be fussed over,” Jag started, “After everything that happened, finding out my family has essentially died out, and then Myri almost getting hurt- It overwhelmed me.”

No lies, Jaina detected, but his walls were still up. Maybe he needed time before he could be completely open with her. She understood that being vulnerable went against everything he was taught. He wouldn’t be ready for a relationship, Jaina understood that now. It wasn’t anything she said, it wasn’t her own inadequacy. But she would wait for him, wait to give away her feelings, just as Anni had just advised her to do. Jaina finally relaxed. “You had the quite the day, I understand.”

Jag gave her a weak smile, “I want to apologise to Wedge as well and- I would really appreciate your help. Will you accompany me back to planetside?”

Jaina had just made her way back to the Rebel Dream and figured she’d run drills with Anni to keep her skills sharp. But Jag was looking at her with pleading eyes and she knew that he had difficulty expressing his emotions. She could help him out this last time and no longer worry about romance between them. She’d focus on the squadron and let things happen naturally. He was still her friend, after all.

She nodded, “Of course I can. When’s the next shuttle leaving?”

Jag smiled as he led the way back to the hangar, “In the next ten minutes, I’m told.”

-

As they boarded the shuttle, Jaina was surprised to see that Jag would be piloting. She supposed being the General’s nephew came with perks and she didn’t question him when he took a seat in the pilot’s chair. She loved watching him fly. He had such an interesting flair to his skills that was almost uncharacteristic of the rigid ways of the Chiss. He was fast, unpredictable and maybe even a little insane. It made her like him even more.

Jaina was seated at the navigation station as they completed their pre-flight checks and then departed from the Rebel Dream. But she noticed something then, and the Force seemed to scream at her that something was wrong. She double checked what she was seeing before she spoke, “You’re off course, Jag. Remember the landing coordinates nearby your uncle’s place would take us in the other direction-“

Jaina jumped back on instinct, as if the Force had moved her and not her own will. Jag had lunged for her, his hand swiping to grab her but she’d moved out of the way before he could. Her danger sense was ringing off the chart so she unclipped her lightsaber and raised it towards him as both a question and a warning.

Jag’s face was a mix of shame, guilt and something else she couldn’t figure out. Determination, she thought. He was determine to grab her and she had no idea why. “What the hell are you doing?”

But before Jag could reply, Jaina felt a stinging sensation along her arm. Glancing at it, she noticed a light scratch that stretched the length of her forearm that was beginning to bead with blood. It was then she noticed the dagger in his hand. It was more like a dart, but it dripped with a clear fluid that she was unable to identify. Fury boiled inside her as she realised what he’d done.

Her lightsaber hissed to life, forcing Jag to slowly back away from her until he’d had no room to go anywhere else. Jaina’s eyes blazed as she closed the distance, hoping it scared the living hell out of him. How dare he cut her?

But before she could curse at him, she felt her vision become hazy. In front of her, Jag was no longer in the centre of her vision but to the left and right at the same time. As she turned her head to find out which one was him, she began to see in triples, then multiples of him until she couldn’t make out anything before her. He knees buckled and she found herself falling to the ground as the Force screamed at her to run.

The last thing she heard was a voice. “I’m so sorry.”

-

Anni paced within the confines of her tiny quarters, her short legs managing to make a few strides before she was met with the durasteel wall and had no choice but to turn in the opposite direction. Back and forth she went, just as her mind. She’d seen Jaina board the ship with the human-chiss pilot, her eyes had widened when she noticed that they’d be travelling alone. She knew he was the general’s nephew, but something was off about him being given command of an entire shuttle to himself. Jaina was a Jedi, she could take care of herself, but Anni couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong.

She stopped her pacing, holding her head in her hands as she tried to come up with a plan. She’d be too late to follow them, and Jaina hadn’t been answering her comm. If they were indeed on their way to Corellia, then they’d be well within range, right? Something was wrong.

She made her way out of the room as she thumbed her comm on once more. “This is Anni Capstan, Rogue ten. I need a direct comm line with General Antilles.”

As she moved through the halls, making her way to her ship, she argued with the comms director until he finally yielded and allowed her a quick call. “General Antilles, I’m sorry for the unexpected call.”

“It’s not a problem, Anni,” Wedge’s voice sounded, “What do you need?”

Anni hesitated for a moment. “I haven’t heard from my wingmate. I’m worried something might have happened on her trip.”

“Trip?” Wedge sounded confused, “I thought she was on the Rebel Dream.”

A shudder passed through her, that feeling that she’d been fighting this entire time. “She and your nephew boarded a shuttle bound for Corellia over an hour ago. But she’s not answering her comm.”

Wedge was silent for a moment and she heard something shuffling in his background. “My nephew was piloting this shuttle?”

Anni nodded, then remembered to answer verbally. “Yes. He was.”

“That-“ Wedge’s voice came out rough, “I didn’t authorise that...”

Her eyes closing, Anni felt her heat beat behind her lids. Jaina wasn’t safe, she was in trouble, she had to save her-

“Sergeant Capstan,” The authority in the general’s voice snapped her out of her daze.

“Yes, sir.”

“I will sort this out, just stay with the Rogues-“

A deafening alarm bellowed all around her. Every speaker in the hall carrying its message. There were enemies approaching, and not the pirates they’d dealt with before. Anni turned to face the viewport and dropped her commlink as she beheld the sight. Not one, not two, but three massive star destroyers were emerging from hyperspace with their squadrons in tow. She didn’t immediately recognise the ships, no, but then she glanced to the clawcraft that sat abandoned in the hangar of the Rebel Dream, the clawcraft that belonged to the man who had disappeared with Jaina.
-

Coruscant

“We have to find her,” Jacen was saying as his mother paced her office floor, arguing with advisors via her commlink. She’d have to address the senate soon, to decide what they’d do about the invasion of Corellia- the Chiss invasion.

“That’s a given,” Anakin said. He was calmer compared to his brother’s nervous energy. “We just have no idea where to start looking.”

Jacen closed his eyes, reaching out into the Force for his sister. She was alive- but very far away. He didn’t sense anything else from her which meant she could be unconscious. Acid raised to his throat at the thought. When Wedge had called them, regret and apology lacing his voice, he’d explained the situation as briefly as he could. Jaina had disappeared with his nephew and Corellia was currently under attack by Chiss forces. 

Their mother had done something that she rarely did- she cursed. She cursed herself for not treating Jag Fel as the obvious threat he was. She cursed him for taking her daughter away from her. Perhaps she was meant to be a hostage, Jacen thought, but he couldn’t understand how Jaina had allowed herself to be captured by a single pilot. He felt sick when he realised that she probably went willingly.

“Listen,” Anakin was saying, “Mom will have to go about things through official channels and she’ll be busy with the attack on the New Republic. The press would tear her apart if she focused on Jaina right now.”

Jacen nodded, feeling mute as he worried for his twin. He understood what Anakin was saying. They’d have to search for her themselves, and Force help Jagged Fel when they found him.

Knowing their mother might discourage them, the left her office chambers without another word, and made their way to the hangar bay. They’d need the Falcon for this journey.

-

She was scared to be here. It was so cold around her, as if she’d forgotten to get dressed before going outdoors in a Hoth snowstorm. She’d never felt cold like this, and she hadn’t realised how terrifying the cold could be. 

But she wasn’t exposed to even the worst of it, someone had bundled her up in the warmest of furs that struggled to fend off the frost bite. She reached out into the Force to know who had gifted her with this well-meaning but weak defence against the cold. It was probably the same person who had brought her here in the first place. 

As she tried to open her eyes, she found that it only brought a pounding to her head and she realised she had very little awareness of her body- apart from the fact that she was cold. So instead, she buried her consciousness out into the Force. She was in a strange place but there was no stranger with her. This person- she had felt his soul before. He’d shown it to her, he’d opened up and let the walls down so that she might see that he was only a child at heart. He was good, he was pure, even though a darkness threatened to corrupt him. She’d felt this the other night when they were alone together. She’d kissed him and assured him that she had seen him for who he was. And he was the same even now, even though he’d brought her into the cold.

He’d find his way, she knew. So instead of calling for the power to fight him, to run, she let her body rest as it fought the poison that was burning through her. She let her mind rest knowing that his good would win.

Chapter Text

Doing the right thing was never an easy choice to make. Many martyrs had given their own lives for their cause, and many heroes sacrificed to earn their title. Jag didn’t see himself as either, but yet he stood at the crossroads nonetheless.

Jag knew that she would hate him once she fully awoke and realised what he’d done. He already hated himself for it. The poison that had soaked the dagger he used to cut her- Gods, he cut her. He had to stuff the guilt down, remembering that he had a mission to complete. The fate of the galaxy depended on him to complete it. But the poison he’d used wouldn’t cause any permanent damage, and Jaina would be physically well in only a few hours. They’d travelled almost three days now, Jag only managing to sneak an hour or two of sleep as he had to remain focused, especially when they arrived at their destination. Thankfully when they did, Jag had been able to move her to a more comfortable bed where she could recover fully. 

There was a tray of food on the table in the centre of the room. Jag had already taken a bite out of everything to make sure it wasn’t poisoned when Jaina woke up so she could eat it without harm. Now, he waited for her fury when she did. But if she didn’t wake up soon, he’d have to go to the very important meeting that he’d put off, assuring their hosts- or maybe captors- that he needed to ensure his companion was alright before he made his next move.

Another hour passed, and Jag could only remain in his position in the chair across from the bed, his eyes glued to her face as he watched her sleep peacefully. He had allowed the droids to clean her up when they arrived, leaving the room to allow her privacy as they changed her into fresh clothes and lay her to rest peacefully on the bed. They’d offered her a concotion to wake her up sooner but Jag didn’t trust them to inject her with anything that he couldn’t verify himself was safe.

Her lips were slightly parted as she breathed, a soft snore escaping her nose. He felt his heart warm he watched her eyes closed in what seemed to be a peaceful dream behind them. She wasn’t afraid, thank the Gods, but she would be angry once she woke up. Still, Jag was happy that she was going to be okay. And he’d keep it that way.

A knock on the door, a firm rap that let him know that he’d been given enough time already. Jag stood from the chair, placing the back of his hand on her forehead as if to just make sure she was warm enough, safe enough. Her skin was soft and the ghost of it still lingered as he forced himself to leave the room, onwards to do what he thought was right.

-

He stood in the centre of the dais, the representative of the High Ruling Families of Csilla surrounding him. Red, he saw. Deep red eyes boring into him from all angles, ready to throw him out, to imprison him for his wrong-doings.

“Colonel Jagged Fel,” The Syndic from House Cspala spoke, “You were allowed to join our military as a member of the House of Nuruodo, where you fought in our wars in both Naporar and Cioral. You were honoured with medals and awards that usually went to actual Chiss. Yet your family maintained its roots on Nirauan.”

Jag nodded, “I served you faithfully and gratefully.”

“And now you tell us that the Hand of Thrawn has been harbouring a clone of Thrawn, and that this faction of House Nuruodo has aided this unsanctioned and unethical act.”

He glanced at the Aristocra for House Nuruodo, who kept his face impassive. Jag knew that the activities of the Hand of Thrawn had only been allowed to go on under the orders of the ruling family. Their activities, their base- Thrawn himself- had been funded by them after all.

“My family has lived on Nirauan for as long as I’ve been alive. We rejected your gracious offer to live on Csilla because we were dedicated to the cause of the House who accepted us into the Chiss.” He paused, steeling himself as he fixed his gaze to the Aristocra’s eyes. “Yes. The Hand of Thrawn is loyal to this clone of Thrawn.”

Mutters sounded around him as some of the families expressed their distaste in the blatant disregard for the Ascendancy. The Aristocra for his family, Falow was his code name, finally bristled at the negative chatter. He glared daggers into Jag, but he didn’t back down under the pressure.

“The activities under the Hand of Thrawn are well contained under the jurisdiction of the Nuruodo family,” Falow interjected in his attempt to silence his colleagues. “As the Ruling Family which provides this Ascendancy with its military might, may I remind you that we have our various projects under lock and key. It is a shame that Colonel Fel would disgrace his house by revealing its secrets.”

The Syndic was not impressed, however, “The matter of raising a clone of Thrawn does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Nuruodo family, as we have not approved this technology for use in our military. The right to cloning technology was awarded to House Sabosen many decades ago.”

Falow bristled again, but he yielded with a respectful bow. “I apologise for our House’s indiscretion.”

“Jagged Fel,” The Syndic addressed him once more, “Is it true what our intelligence tells us? The Hand of Thrawn has launched us into a war with the New Republic?”

Jag nodded. “I did not see the fleet myself, but I believe it was on its way to Corellia just as I had departed.”

“And this clone had ordered you to bring him the daughter of Leia Organa to him?”

“Yes,” Jag said, trying to keep his tone even at the mention of her. He still wasn’t sure if the Ascendancy planned to seize this grand opportunity at glory or if they’d stifle the Hand of Thrawn as he had hoped. The fate of the galaxy lay in their decision, that was why instead of handing Jaina over and trying to talk sense to his similarly brainwashed family, he’d get to the Ascendancy first and convince them otherwise.

“I do not know what his plans are for her, but once I realised what he sought to do to the New Republic, I decided to bring her here instead.”

The Syndic was quiet for a moment. “Colonel Fel, how do we know you’re not here under the orders of Thrawn? Why would you risk your family’s safety by betraying him?”

Because it was the right thing to do, Jag had realised the minute Jaina had fallen into his arms, unconscious at his own doing. No, it was before then, when he’d finally remembered Cherith’s eyes by properly looking into Myri’s. The Hand of Thrawn, the Chiss, had taken so much from him. The cost of being loyal servants had robbed him and his siblings at the chance to live. She was nine when she died, albeit an accident, because they’d been hidden away from the wider world. His brothers had died in their wars. He didn’t want to risk losing the rest of his family, Wynssa, his mother, his father, but the Antilles were his family too. And although he’d just met them, he wouldn’t forsake them. He couldn’t.

“I’ve come to disavow the Hand of Thrawn,” Jag said as he knelt at their feet, the words coming out shakier than he’d planned. This was the hardest decision he’d ever had to make. He’d hardly made any before, choosing to follow orders and ask no questions. “I surrender myself to the Ascendancy and beg you to stop Thrawn from tearing this galaxy apart.”

-

Anakin was a worthy contender for the next pilot of the Millenium Falcon. His father had protested, of course, when the two boys insisted on going without him, but Leia had calmed him down and convinced him that she needed him by her side as they scrambled to ready the New Republic’s defences. Corellia was losing, badly, and the reinforcements that were to be sent were stuck in a blockade with the Chiss forces. So far, Leia had been unable to get any word from the Ascendancy as to their intentions or terms, but while Leia hoped for a truce, the Senate wanted blood.

The worlds of Corellia had been evacuating most citizens from the main world as war raged above their atmosphere and Anakin’s heart sank at the thought of little Syal and Myri struggling to get out themselves. They hadn’t heard much from Wedge since his initial call, but he’d imagine the man must have secure his daughters before going to war.

Beside him in the co-pilot chair, Jacen was a ball of nerves as he remained submersed in the Force as he held on to the tendril of Jaina’s presence. They were to go the Ascendancy on behalf of their mother, and in that time, they hoped to find Fel and kill him for kidnapping their sister.

Well, they probably wouldn’t kill him since that was of the dark side, but they’d definitely make him regret what he’d done.

In a few minutes they’d drop out of hyperspace and from there they’d try to obtain contact with the Ascendancy and land as diplomats. Force, they didn’t even know where they were going. Their aunt Mara had instructed them how to get to Nirauan, but they had no way of knowing if that were where they’d find Jaina. Wedge had sent them the data obtained from Jag’s clawcraft, and while the flight data was scrambled and jumbled, Anakin had managed to use the fuel usage and hyperspace durations to calculate to his best estimate where the Chiss Worlds could be found. Another gamble, considering Jag could have come from Nirauan, but he had to try.

As they dropped out of hyperspace, Anakin breathed a sigh of relief that they hadn’t been immediately incinerated by a star, but instead they were in view of a system that the ship’s navigation made no note of. That was a good sign.

The comms table beeped, the sound startling Jacen out of his stupor. He moved quickly to answer. A stern voice sounded in a language that neither of them understood. Anakin prayed that it was Chiss.

“This is the Millenium Falcon,” Jacen was saying, “We are seeking safe passage to the Chiss home world as diplomats of the New Republic. We bear a message from Princess Leia Organa.”

The comm went silent for a moment before the same voice returned, now speaking in perfect Basic, “Identify who is on board, Millenium Falcon.”

“Captain Anakin Solo,” Jacen started before giving his brother a silly grin, “Engineering student. Co-captain Jacen Solo, no major identified yet.”

When Jacen released the talk button, Anakin allowed himself to share a laugh with his brother. He was happy that despite Jacen’s anxieties he had still managed to make a joke. They’d get Jaina back and she’d join in their laughter again, just as they had many times before.

“Millenium Falcon,” the voice began once more, “You have been granted a provisional allowance to land on Csilla. The coordinates have been sent to you, and you will be escorted by a squadron of fighters.”

Anakin caught the sight of the fighter ships zooming past them with awe. He’d never seen ships move that swiftly- and nimbly. The Chiss fighters were something to behold, and Anakin had to remember he was on a mission and keep flying amongst them. Be cool, he reminded himself, you can fly too.

Jacen sent two clicks back in response before remembering that he didn’t know if the Chiss used the same codes they did. “We copy, uh, what was your name again?”

They didn’t get a response and Anakin figured it was deliberate. They were getting an opportunity that many would never get, a chance to see Chiss Space. He hoped they lived to tell the tale. But before he could dwell on it further, he felt a familiar presence as they drew near their coordinates. Jaina was here. His heart raced as he felt her presence brush past him, she was calm, confident too. 

Beside him Jacen breathed a sigh of relief and he knew his brother had felt it too. They tried to ask her questions, but they got nothing in response, not even a flicker. All they knew was that she was safe, and that had to be enough for now.

“I thought they’d blow us up,” Jacen said, unsure of how this meeting would go.

Anakin shrugged, “Maybe they want three Solo hostages instead of one.”

Jacen grinned, “Jokes on them. They’ll want us gone within the hour.”

“That’s the plan then?” Anakin returned his grin as they came upon the massive sphere of ice that they were being led to. “Annoy them into freeing her?”

“It’s been known to work from time to-“ Jacen’s speech cut off as he properly laid his eyes on the ice planet before them. He’d never seen anything like it- technology thriving on a place that would normally ice out any communication cables, and be a general pain to do anything. The skyscrapers weren’t as tall as those on Coruscant, but the architecture was a marvel of engineering. Anakin had studied many ways to build, but he’d never come across anything like this.

The buildings were interconnected with continuous walkways that he assumed provided warmth in what must be an unbearable cold. But even still, there were speeders out in the frozen tundra, their engines built to withstand the ice as they zoomed through their lanes. He found himself curious, wanting to see it all.

They followed the squadron across the planet, until they reached a fortress a far distance away from the rest of the civilization. They were directed to land in a hangar around the side of the grand fortress, and from there they would answer all questions asked of them.

“Ready?” Jacen asked as they stood before unopened hatch, lightsabers clipped to their waists.

Anakin took his hand and squeezed, grinning when his brother completed their secret handshake with a bump of fists. “Always. Let’s get our sister back.”

-

Her eyes opened, revealing her to be in a strange place. The room was grand, similar to the quarters that were offered to distinguished guests at the Imperial Palace back home, but the decor let her know that this was a place she wasn’t familiar with.

Jaina wiggled her toes, grateful for the spry response that let her know her body was still under her control. She swiftly got out of the bed, her body missing the warmth of the covers that she’d thrown off. There was a heating unit in the ceiling but Jaina’s bones still felt cold. She glanced at herself in the mirror. She was wearing a dress, not one she recognised, but it flowed down to her ankles. The top had a simple cut but she found that it had accentuated her collarbones while giving only peak into her v-line. The dress flattered her, suited her well, but she wondered how the hell she’d even gotten into it.

Before she could ask anything else, her stomach rumbled and Jaina found herself moving over to the table that had what looked like a meat pie and an opened bottle of what looked like water.

She eyed the food despite her gnawing hunger, but through the Force she sensed nothing dangerous from it. Still Jaina unfolded the piece of flimsi that lay beside the tray. 

Dear Jaina,

I know that you must hate me, and for good reason. I have betrayed your trust and brought you to a strange place. I have hurt you...

Jaina paused reading as her memories caught up to her. She and Jag had boarded a shuttle on the Rebel Dream, and she had found them going off course- and then he had lunged for her, leaving a scratch along her arm that had been just enough to allow whatever poison to invade her bloodstream. She felt anger rise in her at the thought, but she had been submersed in a peaceful dream-like place. There she’d felt the Force brightly and it had told her not to be angry or afraid, and that she was on the right path. She was being taken where she needed to go.
Even still, Jaina had to swallow down the bitterness at Jag having betrayed her. She’d been warned not to trust him, that he could be a spy, and she had ignored that because of how she had grown to feel about him. It had felt so real, Jaina fought back the urge to cry. What she’d felt from him was real.

She continued to read.

I was sent to scout in the New Republic to gain your trust so that I might report back to Thrawn. My household has been complicit in cloning and raising him to continue his invasion of the galaxy, and sending me to you was a part of that plan. I do not expect your forgiveness or understanding, but I would like to help you in saving your world.

I brought us to Csilla, against Thrawn’s orders, in hopes to convince the Ascendancy to order the Hand of Thrawn to stand down and face punishment. Unfortunately, they may choose to punish me instead. If they do, I’ve left in place your route of escape. Your lightsaber is in my trunk, hopefully untouched by our hosts.

I’m sorry, Jaina, that you had to find out about me this way. But it was real for me too, despite my lies. The food is safe to eat. I took a bite of everything to make sure. Please eat, if you can trust that I won’t betray you again.

Love,

Jag.

She stared at the flimsi for a moment, and willed herself to remain still. In just one letter, Jag had betrayed her, apologised and already put a plan in motion to correct it. Sitting down in the chair before the table, Jaina chose to devour her meal instead. She was starving for Force knows how long while she had slept. The food was safe, like Jag had said, but Jaina wasn’t sure what her next move would be. Perhaps Jag had been punished like he mentioned and she was left in this suite that she could only assume was at the courtesy of the Chiss. Would they keep her here as a hostage to blackmail her mother? Or was she of some other value to them?

Answers would soon come as the door to the suite lifted. Jaina dashed out to the trunk in the corner, lifting it open to find her lightsaber intact as that familiar presence walked in. She stood defensively, weapon in hand as she faced him.

“Jaina,” Jag breathed, smart enough to keep his distance. But then he let his walls down and Jaina could feel his guilt poring into her. He didn’t expect forgiveness, but he’d had a new drive in him, one in which he had intended to make things right.

“Explain everything to me,” Jaina said, “No more lies, just tell me what happened.”

And he did. He started with the existence of the Hand of Thrawn, about their mission to clone and revive their fallen leader. He explained his upbringing, his training in the Ascendancy, the wars he’d fought in and the family he’d lost before he ever understood what it meant to die. He told her that he’d met the clone himself and had been personally ordered to infiltrate the Imperial Palace. Then he explained the message he’d received on Corellia, the orders to bring her to Thrawn, and that by now the Corellian system was sure to be under siege. 

Jaina didn’t interrupt, her mind reeling at all this information. Her heart pained her as she realised that this meant that Anni was flying alone, without her wingmate to protect her. She had to leave, had to find her before it was too late-

Then she felt two more familiar presences. her brothers were here on Csilla! She reached out to them, sending them assurances that she was fine, and was grateful to receive the same in return. Finally, she met Jag’s gaze, his eyes pleading with her. She found herself softening as she wondered what she’d do in his position. He hadn’t known anything else.

“What did the Ascendancy say?” She asked instead, unwilling to allow herself to be fooled again.

Jag’s expression changed into one of relief. “They agreed to stand against Thrawn. They’re meeting with diplomats of the New Republic now to announce their stance. I don’t know his plans, but I can bet he was counting on the Ascendancy to stand with him.”

Jaina couldn’t hide her own relief, “And Corellia?”

“I can’t be too sure,” Jag looked away from her, ashamed, “I’m told General Antilles is holding them off, but the Hand has formed a blockade in the sector to prevent any aid from getting to them.”

“You damned your family to die,” Jaina growled at him, remembering that such a stand-off could mean that Anni had already died.

“Which one?” Jag spat back with the same viciousness that she’d dealt him. His eyes had hardened as he glared at her, “My family on Nirauan will likely die as my punishment for betraying Thrawn. And my family on Corellia might die if the Hand wins.”

“That’s no one’s fault but your own,” Jaina didn’t back down, “All their deaths, every death that results from this is your fault.”

Jag’s glare broke, his eyes once more avoiding her as he internalised her words. He took a step back, his hands balled into fists as she saw something she hadn’t thought would happen- tears formed in his eyes.

Turning away from her, Jag’s voice was quiet. “I know.”

Then he left the room, saying nothing else as she stood their frozen in shock. She hadn’t meant those words. She only said them because she wanted him to feel the hurt that he’d dealt her. But it wasn’t true- Force she’d just told him it was his fault his family died.

She fought against her better senses when she ran after him, turning only a few corners before she collided with him. She wrapped her arms around him to stop him his tracks, ignoring the scandalised gazes of the Chiss- she’d never seen on in real life- who watched them.

“I didn’t mean that,” Jaina breathed, her voice muffled as she pressed her face into his chest. “I didn’t meant it.”

Jag was stiff in her embrace and she could feel his confusion through the Force. She was an idiot, she knew, for running after him. For giving him another chance after what he’d done. But Jaina herself couldn’t imagine what she’d do with the threat of her family’s lives at stake- she hadn’t known how to answer that question until now, but she would have done the same.

“Jaina,” he breathed once more as he suddenly returned her embrace, his arms tight around her. “I’m so, so sorry for what I’ve done.”

She nodded, “I know. I know.”

They held each other for a few long moments before she forced herself to pull away, looking into his eyes which held a sadness that nearly broke her heart. He closed them as guilt rose the surface, unable to look her in the eye.

“I’m going to get you back home,” Jag started, “I can handle everything else here.”

“What are you going to do next?”

Jag still avoided her gaze. “I go home. I face Thrawn.”

“Why would you do that?” Jaina folded her arms across her chest. “I thought the Ascendancy was giving you a pardon?”

“They are,” Jag nodded, “But I can’t leave my family behind to die. If- When Thrawn finds out-“

“He’d kill them?” Jaina’s eyes widened, “Despite everything your father has done, he’d kill them?”

The words seemed to rattle him. “I don’t know what he’ll do. Perhaps he’ll let my father live, but he’ll kill my mother or sister to remind him why betrayal is an unforgivable offence in the Hand.”

Jaina felt anger rise in her once more, but this time directed towards the Chiss maniac who threatened to destroy everything. “Then I’m going with you.”

“No,” Jag held out his hand, “That’s exactly what he wants, and I don’t know what his plans are for you. I can’t risk you getting hurt.”

“But you can risk your family?” Jaina questioned him.

“We’re already involved,” Jag insisted. “You are going nowhere near him.”

Jaina frowned at him. “You can’t tell me where to go, Jag. You have already involved me and I would like to finish this.”

Jag breathed out a frustrated sigh at her stubbornness, “Jaina, I will never forgive myself if you don’t come out of this alive.”

“Oh?” Jaina found herself smiling, “Does that mean you’ve forgiven yourself for what you’ve already done?”

“No-“

“Then what difference does it make if I go?” Jaina shrugged, “You already won’t forgive yourself.”

She felt Jag’s stubborn resolve wear as he tried to come up with a response. She hadn’t forgiven him, not yet, but she wasn’t about to allow him to kill himself by surrendering to Thrawn. Not when he gave her a chance to end this war before it could really start. 

“Fine,” Jag shook his head, “But I’m telling you this is a bad idea.”

Jaina smiled, looping her arm through his as she led them back to the room. She’d need to put on some sensible clothes before they set off and he was the only one who knew his way around this place. “Excellent. Now let’s get me out of this ridiculous dress and into some pants and go find my brothers.”

-

Jaina tried not to suffocate as her brothers squeezed the life out of her with their crushing hug. They’d both grown so much taller than she had ever realised, not until she was currently being overpowered by their loving embrace. She was finally let go, and she grinned at them as they stood in the hangar of the Chiss fortress. The High Ruling Families had allowed her brothers to bring forth peace terms from the New Republic and now they had officially joined hands as allies against the Hand of Thrawn. Despite the connections with House Nuruodo, the Household had deployed their fleet to break the blockade on Corellia and allow the New Republic Forces to finally aid the Corellian fleet.

“Where is that slimeball?” Jacen said with dark eyes.

Jaina smiled at his protectiveness, “He’s currently securing our passage out of here.”

Anakin eyed her carefully, “You’re not as angry as I thought you’d be. Didn’t he kidnap you?”

“Sort of,” Jaina shrugged, “But he brought me here instead of Thrawn and then secured an entire fleet to help the New Republic, so I guess I can forget that little detail for now.”

Jacen’s eyes softened, “The Ruling Families did say that he’d already convinced them. Why the change of heart?”

“Oh, come on Jacen,” Anakin gave her a mischievous smile, “Isn’t that obvious.

Jaina found herself blushing as she caught his meaning. “Jag is a good person. He did it because he didn’t want to see the New Republic fall.”

“Yeah,” Anakin agreed, “And he didn’t want to piss you off any more than he already has. Smart man, I’d say.”

Jacen shook his head in disgust, “Let’s just get out of here. The sooner we’re out of Chiss Space, the better.”

“You guys go ahead,” Jaina said, “I’m sure dad misses the Falcon.”

“You’re not coming?” Anakin raised a brow.

“No,” Jaina stood tall, “I’m going to Nirauan.”

Jacen’s jaw fell open, leaving his mouth gaping at her in disbelief, “What? You’re going to Thrawn himself?”

“Yes,” Jaina defended herself, “I’m going to have Jag bring me to him so I can find out what he has planned.”

Anakin was also in disbelief but she knew she had a better chance convincing him than Jacen. Her younger brother frowned at her. “It’s too dangerous.”

“Perhaps,” She agreed. “But this is the best way to get in covertly.”

Then, Jacen finally spoke. “We’re going with you.”

“No. He’d see right through it if you came along.”

Anakin scratched his chin, “No, Jacen’s right. We have Jag bring you in as his prisoner and surrender you to Thrawn. You can find out his plans while Jacen and I destroy the base completely.”

Jaina looked weary, “How do you plan to do that?”

“We got some advice from Aunt Mara before coming here,” Anakin said with a wicked grin, “She knows all about blowing that place up.”

Jacen moved into her space, his hands coming to rest on her shoulders. “Let’s do this together.”

The last thing she wanted was to drag her brothers into this mess, but she looked into her twin’s eyes and saw that there was no convincing him to let her do something dangerous alone. She gave him a firm nod, “Just promise me something.”

“What?” Jacen asked, his eyes questioning what other condition she’d have.
Just then Jag Fel strode into the hangar, a hulking metal trunk in tow as he approached them. Jaina applauded his bravery for not faltering as two pairs of Jedi eyes glared daggers into him.

“Don’t kill Jag.”

-

The silence was thick in the Millenium Falcon. Her brothers had insisted on cuffing Jag while they flew, determined not to let him pull any tricks on them. Still, he’d had to remain in the cockpit as he helped them navigate to Nirauan. The planet was located one sector away from the Chiss worlds. Jag said it was close enough to be managed by the Chiss but far enough that House Nuruodo could have hidden its true purpose from the rest of Ruling Families.

Jaina sat on the armchair of the co-pilot’s seat were Jacen sat, his eyes laser focused on Jag who remained in the navigation chair, his wrists held together by a pair of stun cuffs. Jaina would have preferred treating him with dignity, but she had allowed it for the sake of keeping peace. Jag hadn’t minded being treated like a criminal anyway.

“They aren’t going to like that I’ve returned in the Millenium Falcon,” Jag decided to break the awkward silence. They still needed to iron out the kinks in their plan. “But let’s just say that this is how I managed to lure you away from the Rebel Dream.”

Jacen’s eyes narrowed as he said lure, but Jaina lay a hand on his shoulder to relax as she spoke, “That works. Jacen and Anakin can remain in the boards below deck until they get the chance to spread out and join us.”

Jag looked at her skeptically, “Are you sure they won’t be discovered in the sweep?”

Anakin scoffed from the pilot’s chair, “This ship has smuggled the finest of spices through even the Old Empire’s strictest borders. It can hide a couple of dummies with lightsabers.”

Jaina could have laughed at Jag’s grimace at the reminder of her father’s old profession. It sure did come in handy at times. He seemed to recover as his eyes moved to the large trunk he’d brought aboard. “The charges are in there. It’s a standard, easy to set-up system. Simply place them at key points, remember to lock in each one, then they can be detonated remotely once you three are safely away.”

You three, he’d said. Jaina frowned when she realised he had no intention of surviving the blast. “Are you sure you’re okay with destroying the base? Your home?”

Jag eyes became distant as he responded, “The Hand of Thrawn will only regroup and continue their work. It’s the surest way to end this for good.”

“We could just kill Thrawn,” Anakin suggested, noting Jag’s wince at words he would have been trained to see as blasphemous.

“We don’t know how many more clones they have,” Jag shook his head. “Killing Thrawn didn’t work the last time.”

“You think they could have more?” Jaina’s eyes widened at the thought of an army of Thrawns, one waiting in line to take the place of the one ahead to complete their goals of galactic domination. She shuddered.

“I’ve lived there my whole life but even I haven’t seen the full extent of the base. There are many parts that are restricted and I’d never tried to find out what was behind those doors.” Jag seemed ashamed to admit to his blind allegiance.

“How will we know where to lay the charges?” Jacen asked, his eyes still boring holes into Jag’s skull.

“I can draw you a schematic of the base set up,” Jag raised his cuffed hands into view, “But you’d have to let me out first.”

“I thought you didn’t know the full extent of the base,” Jacen challenged him.

“I don’t. Not from the inside at least. But it was easy finding out the rough shape and size of it the times I’d gone up above ground to hide as a child.”

Jaina grinned, impressed that Jag’s curious spirit hadn’t been too stifled by the suffocating society, if you could even call it that, that he grew up in. An underground base, Jaina reminded herself. He’d been raised hidden away so much that he’d have to run away and hide to see the sun as a child.

“Fine,” Jacen yielded, “But you better be good at drawing.”

Jag gave him a small half-smile as he was uncuffed. It was only ever a point of pride for her brothers to remind him that they didn’t completely trust him. Jacen provided him with long sheet of flimsi and writing tool which Jag accepted without complaint and began his work.

Jaina watched him make an outline, his hand expertly making strokes along the flimsi as if he’d done this many times. He would pause to think, calculating in his head the relative distance of one end to another as he drew a detailed schematic with his estimated measurements included. From what Jaina could see, the base had an irregular shape but Jag had known where to estimate each section that he knew. Weapons room, flight bay, manufacturing, and then finally Jag outlined the residential wing- he froze, and Jaina remembered that Jag’s family would be there.

“We’ll get them out,” Anakin said before she could. Jaina beamed at her brother’s good nature. He had always been every bit of the hero that she’d hoped to become ever since learning their family’s history. “When we go to lay the charges, we’ll take them with us.”

Gratitude flooded through Jag. She had a good sense of every emotion he’d felt since he let his walls down earlier. He didn’t expect his family to have a chance at life, and here was Anakin Solo promising to be their saviour- even after he’d betrayed them.

Jacen nodded. “We can get your mother and sister. But I’m sure your father will be at Thrawn’s side.”

“Let us handle that,” Jaina said, not wanting Jag to have to grapple with facing his father as a traitor, “You two focus on that part.”

Jag’s spirits fell and she realised that it was too late. A whirlwind of emotions plagued him as she continued his rather impressive drawing. She couldn’t dwell on it long, as she needed to focus on doing her part and getting back home to her own family in one piece.

She found Jag’s eyes staring at her in question but no words were passed between them. She could only send him her comfort through the Force and hope he understood what the brush meant. She would put an end to the Hand of Thrawn, even if it meant killing his father in the process. 

She only hoped that when that time came, Jag was still on her side.
 

Chapter Text

Soontir Fel remained silent, standing on the right side of his superior as the Chiss advisors poured in for their planning meeting. Despite the grim nature of the Chiss, excitement was the common emotion in the room as many had spent years dedicated to this cause. The amount of credits it had taken to clone Thrawn alone- most of which came covertly from the House of Nuruodo. The investors had come from their payout and they wanted the New Republic to do the spending.

He had to ignore the part of him that disagreed with Thrawn’s plan. He trusted the man’s intellect and had dedicated not just his, but his family’s lives, to serving it. But he was still a man who had found himself serving the selfishness of the Old Empire and could not deny that he’d seen parallels. Thrawn would never be Palpatine, and while Soontir had thought the Chiss cared more about their own sectors than anything else, he’d come to learn that many of the advisors in this room might have something to do with stroking Thrawn’s ambitions.

“Once Colonel Fel returns we can put the next phase of our plans into motion,” One such advisor was saying. Soontir never wanted his son to carry the huge burden that had been sprung on him, but the entire base knew that he was the only individual who could have a chance at infiltrating the New Republic. 

Thrawn hummed. “Yes. It’s taking him rather long, don’t you think General Fel?”

Soontir stifffened as he tried to read the play. “Our agent reported that he indeed left the New Republic with Jaina Solo. Alone.”

“Perhaps the Jedi has overpowered him,” Thrawn suggested in a flippant tone. Soontir knew it was meant to throw him off.

“I assure you, my son- Colonel Fel will complete his mission,” Soontir reassured him, although it was mostly just bravado. A million things could have gone wrong between his son’s departure from Corellia to here. He had to take care to remain his composure as the ever-present worry about losing another child to the Chiss tried to occupy the forefront of his mind.

He had to continue to serve. He’d lost too much to turn back now.

“Very well, General,” Thrawn said before adressing his advisor, “Is the chamber ready for our guest?”

The Chiss nodded, his lips quirking into a smirk. “We’ll be ready to begin as soon as she arrives.”

-

The stretch of stars that once seemed endless came to an abrupt halt as the Millenium Falcon dropped out of hyperspace. Jaina double checked their current coordinates with their destination from her seat at the navigation table as Anakin eased them to careful pace. They didn’t know if they’d meet any unfriendlies out here. Jacen had opted to give Jag his seat in the co-pilot’s chair as the Chiss-raised man had guided Anakin through a complicated series of jumps that he insisted would need to be on the ship’s log data to make this journey believable. Instead, Jacen stood behind him with his hand firmly on the hilt of his lightsaber as he watched him.

“Steady,” Jag was saying, his tone having become emotionless the closer they got to Nirauan. “There are satellites hidden on some of these asteroids, some that look like debris, that will trigger alarms if you move too quickly.”

Anakin nodded, “What’s going to happen when your base asks us why we’re trying to land?”

“I’ll speak,” Jag said, “As long as I give my code they’ll let us land without any trouble.”

Jacen’s eyes narrowed. “And we’re supposed to trust that you’re not turning us over while you communicate with your kin in a language we don’t understand?”

Jag simply nodded, no longer having the spirit to argue or defend himself, “I’m not sure what other choice we have.”

“There’s a translator program,” Jaina spoke up, wanting to diffuse the hostile atmosphere that her brothers insisted on creating around Jag, “Let me just load that up and it should have at least the basics of the Chiss language.”

Anakin flushed, “I didn’t realise this hunk of junk got the translator update. That would have been helpful before landing on Csilla.”

“You wouldn’t have known,” Jaina typed into the computer at the navigation table, “Because I only installed it recently.”

Jacen smiled, his sister’s resourcefulness always managed to save their hides from disaster. While he had no way of knowing if Jaina’s program had a modern translation of the Chiss language, it was better than having to trust Jag Fel. 

Fel relaxed in the chair, his eyes closing as he seemed to be steadying his breathing. Behind him, he caught Jaina’s concerned glance. He didn’t understand Jaina’s willingness to forgive him.

Whatever happened between them on Corellia... well, he’d have to ask her if they managed to get out of this alive.

“Approaching,” Anakin’s voice interrupted his thoughts. Jacen’s eyes flickered out the viewport. Nirauan wasn’t a grand sight to see. It wasn’t the marvellous sight to behold that Csilla was, and Jacen couldn’t find anything special about it. In terms of size, Jacen estimated it to be the size of a moon. There was no sign of civilization from the surface, just a tangle of trees and vines with no end.

The comm station began to beep and they all quietened themselves as Jag answered. A stoic voice was heard, the tone even but authoritative as it spoke in an alien language. Jacen couldn’t distinguish a single word. He glanced to the comms station as the screen showed the program’s translation.

'YT-1300, Name identify then purpose to give'

Jaina gave them a meek smile at the wonky translation but Jacen thought it was good enough. At least this way, they’d get the general idea of the conversation. Once he was given the signal from Anakin, Jag answered them back. He switched to his native tongue effortlessly. Jacen noted the same stoicness and even tone that was heard through the comm come out in Jag’s voice.

It was slightly different from the Chiss they’d heard on Csilla, but he chalked it up to differences in dialect. From there, they listened as the Chiss voice said a short phrase in response to Jag.

'Special name'

Jacen wasn’t sure what that meant, but Jag had scribbled down his own translation onto the spare flimsi he’d had from drawing the base. Code words. Jacen nodded, gesturing for Jag to go ahead.

“Aka mentu monacten sha,” Jag spoke slowly. Jacen’s eyes were glued to the screen as it translated for them. 'My life is forfeit without service to the Hand'. A chill went down Jacen’s spine.

What kind of indoctrination had the young man gone through? Beside him, he felt Jaina’s mood sour as she too read the translation. There was sadness and also some anger mixed in. He only hoped that when the time came down to it, Jaina remembered that she was dealing with an enemy and not let her personal feelings for Fel get in the way.

The voice on the comm sounded again. 'Arrival we wait for ship must search land in tree shade for inspection'. After a moment, the voice spoke again. 'Welcome home.'

Jag merely sent a click in response before turning off the speaker and ending the transmission. “You two need to get beneath the floor boards. They want us to land in the tree cover bay- it’s an outside hangar hidden in the jungle- and from there they’ll search the ship.”

Anakin nodded, trusting the man’s interpretation. “And we can get into the base from this hangar?”

Jag pointed to the detailed map he’d drawn as he pointed at a specific region. “From the hangar there’s a lift that would you take you to this corridor. From there you can begin to lay the charges.”

There were no lies detected through the Force but Jacen knew better than to ever underestimate Fel again. Still, he had no reason to start an argument when they were rapidly approaching the planet. Jag took the captain’s chair as the three siblings exited the cockpit. Standing over the Falcon’s now open smuggling pits, Jacen knew this was his last chance to warn Jaina.

She sensed his mind on her as she spoke first. “I know, Jacen.”

He gave her an exasperated look, “You didn’t even hear me out first.”

“But I already know what you’re going to say,” Jaina shook her head, “Jag betrayed me, I won’t forget that. But he’s helping us destroy his home and that has to count for something.”

“I agree,” Anakin said, taking Jacen’s arm as he hastened their way into their hideout. “But Jaina, if it comes down to saving him or getting out-“

Jaina cut him off before he could finish, “I know, get myself out of there.”

Jacen simply stared at her through the cramped compartment of the smuggling pit, his eyes pleading with her to follow her head and not her heart. But he knew that Jaina would struggle to make that choice, even after everything that happened. His sister was just too good for her own sake.

Jaina gave squeezed their hands quickly, “Remember to slow your breathing and heart rates. They might have the technology to sense lifeforms.”

“Got it,” Jacen replied quickly. As Jaina moved to lift the floor board into place, he found himself saying. “I love you Jaya.”

She smiled at him softly, her eyes darting between her brothers. “Love you too.”

Then the floor board came down and they were left in darkness.

-

Jag focused himself on making the final descent into Nirauan. He’d flown this route too many times to count, but each time it had always been with a sense of dread. He was never returning home, but to his prison. The prison where the family that he had left were also trapped. It gave him reason to return from every mission.

One Fel must always be on the base, was something that he’d always been told and didn’t understand until he came of age. When he himself was the hostage at the Chiss military academy, that was when he’d understood. Someone had to stay at the Nirauan base at all times so there’d be leverage for the Fels to come back. He could never run away, because they’d use a family member as retribution for abandoning his post. He wondered if his father felt the same way, if that was why he’d never packed the family up and left. He wondered if Davin and Chak knew when they flew to their deaths fighting in Chiss wars. Did they know that if they deserted and saved their own lived that Jag would have been killed for it?

Cherith certainly hadn’t known. She lost her life in an accident that Jag knew his father had never forgiven himself for. Perhaps the guilt of her death had made him vow not to let her loss go in vain. Sadness washed over him as he remembered- finally remembered- her face. He finally remembered her eyes. He’d blocked it out, perhaps his way of dealing with the pain, and the length of time that passed helped him to forget. But he’d been vividly reminded of her loss when he met Myri, and then more so when she had that close call. 

It was her that inspired him to make the decision to break the cycle. There would be no more Fel hostages on Nirauan. No more Fel lives lost in service to this wretched hellhole that he’d been raised. No more after him-

Jaina stepped back into the cockpit. He pulled himself together, although he knew she could sense every conflicting emotion in him. She moved to take the seat beside him, and simply stared out at the nothingness that was his home planet.

“You’ll have to cuff me,” Jaina said casually, “To make it look believable.”

Jag shook his head, “No, I won’t do something like that to you.”

She rolled her eyes, “Now is not the time to prove yourself to me.”

“That’s not what I’m doing,” Jag insisted as they flew low over the canopy of trees. He didn’t need to follow the coordinates on the navigation system. He knew this route by heart. “We’ll tell Thrawn that you came here with me willingly, that we stopped on Csilla because you wanted to see the ice planet, and now wanted to see my home.”

“Will he believe it?” Jaina asked, skeptical.

“Our flight data shows that I took you to Csilla. He’ll want to know why it took me over a week to bring you here.”

She hummed. “I suppose that makes sense. So...what? We’re going to walk in hand-in-hand? As if you tricked me into coming here?”

“Something like that,” Jag mumbled before a thought hit him. “Actually, I have a plan.”

-

Jaina floated down the ramp, a wide grin on her face as she took in the mechanics who eyed her from their work stations. She’d make herself look as wide-eyed and naive as they expected a young human girl to believe. Playing to their biases was how they’d convince the base that Jag managed to deceive a Jedi so thoroughly. She made a show of viewing the hangar, but really she marked every potential exit for them as well as how many they’d have to fight when it came time to leave.

“A whole wing of clawcraft,” she squealed as Jag hurried to match her pace. He pulled on her arm as she almost came too close to a ship.

“Remember, we have to meet my dad,” Jag said in a low whisper. “That’s the only way they’d let you stay here.”

Jaina grinned at him, “Of course. So where is he?”

The lift to the back whooshed, the doors sliding open to reveal a host of Chiss, all in matching uniforms and piercing red eyes. They flanked the man in the centre, a man who Jaina thought looked like an oversized Jag with an eye patch.

“Colonel Fel,” Soontir said as he stepped out of the lift, his entourage maintaining their formation behind him. 

Jag stepped forward, placing an arm defensively in front of Jaina. “I brought a guest, General. Jaina wanted to see my home world and fly with my squadron.”

His father lifted a brow, but he followed his son’s lead, “Jaina?”

She took that as an opportunity to go for all the acting awards. “It’s so nice to meet you! Jag told me you had an eyepatch, but he didn’t mention it’d make you look like a pirate. I’m Jaina Solo.”

Soontir bristled at her uncouth nature. “The daughter of Han Solo and Leia Organa, I’m aware.”

“General Fel,” Jag was saying, “I believe there’s someone Jaina has to meet before we can let her stay.”

Jaina knew that it was all an act, but she hated knowing that Jag couldn’t even call him father while surrounded by the Chiss. It had to be general, it had to be formal, even if they thought he was trying to sell a lie to a naive girl.

“Yes,” Soontir said, eyeing Jaina for any signs of weapons, “Come with me.”

Jag was silent during the journey on the lift while she took it upon herself to ask as many insensitive and tone-deaf questions required to convince them that she was a vapid teenage girl. The annoyance in the lift was palpable, and she took that as a sign that she’d been doing a good job so far.

They walked through the corridors, Jaina recognising the layout from the schematic Jag had drawn and left with her brothers. As they passed the residential wing, she saw Jag’s longing to stay and warn his family to leave before things went south. She wanted to take his hand and comfort him, remind him that her brothers had promised to get them out. But she knew she couldn’t here. He had to look as disinterested in her as possible.

“You and Jaina Solo have become rather close,” Soontir said in a low voice for only Jag to hear. Well, it would have only been Jag if Jaina hadn’t used to the Force to augment her hearing.

“I had to in order to bring her here,” Jag replied. His voice sounded cold, as if that were the only way to keep himself from combusting. She sent him a wave of encouragement through the Force, hoping it would help him hold on for just a little longer.

“Good work,” His father commended him and said no more. She could feel Jag’s disgust at the commendation, unsure if he felt undeserving of the praise or ashamed to have essentially kidnapped her. It was probably both.

They passed through many chambers that required Soontir Fel’s authority to open. They came across the last area that Jag had outlined on the map. Jag had said he believed this was where

Thrawn had been cloned, but he’d never been allowed anywhere near it. She steeled herself as Soontir opened the final door, leading them into a dark chamber.

Her danger sense sent shivers down her spine, her hair was standing on edge as the floors illuminated beneath them and lit a pathway for them to follow. She now had two Chiss standing behind her, their hands on their weapons as they waited for the signal to apprehend her. She didn’t dwell on it long as she was soon distracted by the rows of bacta tanks that lined their pathway.

Jag’s breath hitched, “Clones.”

Then Jaina’s eyes widened as she realised they weren’t bacta tanks. They were cloning chambers. She gave thanks to the force that they were empty, but she wondered then what would be the point of having so many. Who did they plan to clone?

They arrived at the centre of the room where the Chiss Grand Admiral sat. He was flanked by his advisors, and security, as his red eyes peered into Jaina as if inspecting the quality of goods.

She shivered again under his gaze, her thoughts racing as she wondered what exactly he wanted with her.

“Colonel Fel,” Thrawn said in basic, “You do not disappoint.”

Jag executed a deep bow at his waist. He straightened after a few seconds before saluting his commanding officer, “Sir. My life is forfeit without service to the Hand.”

Jaina resisted the urge to vomit at the words that had shaken her when they came up on the translator program. His life was worth so much more than service to a madman. He was worth so much more.

Thrawn was now regarding her, now seemingly uninterested in his loyal servant. “Jedi Solo. I’m told you came on your own.”

She managed to look wide-eyed and confused, “I did but- I’m not sure exactly what’s going on here.”

Thrawn smiled, a sickening sight. “Colonel Fel, please introduce us.”

“Jedi Jaina Solo,” Jag started, seemingly trapped in a trance as he followed his orders, “You stand before the greatest mind to have graced this galaxy. You stand before the saviour of all beings, the architect of society and the enforcer of order. You stand before Mitth'raw'nuruodo, Grand Admiral Thrawn.”

Jaina allowed shock to wash over her face. Her jaw hung open as she took him in, as she pretended to realise that she’d been betrayed. But Jaina had already had the time to process through

Jag’s betrayal. What she really felt was sadness. His introduction to Thrawn was a carefully rehearsed speech that he’d clearly been made to recite before. She felt sadness for having been the one to burst that bubble, and now for wondering if he still meant those words.

“You’re supposed to be dead,” Jaina muttered, remembering to maintain the act.

Thrawn’s sickening smile remained. “My mind lives on in this new body. Just as yours will.”

She felt Jag come back to himself at the words. “Sir?”

“I do not expect to defeat the New Republic so quickly. No, I intend to have an army of Jedi to help me do so.” His eyes seemed to pierce into her deeper than before, “And Jaina Solo will be my prototype for my Jedi clones.”

Her heart sunk at his words, never having imagined that this was the reason he’d brought her here. He didn’t intend to win any battles, it was all a distraction so he had the time to clone her into an army. She instinctively took a step back, but found herself in the grasp of the Chiss soldiers behind her. She could have escaped, but she didn’t know what the play would be. Should she escape now and leave Jag behind? But if she did, he would die with everyone else here, and her brothers would need more time lay all the charges. She decided to wait.

General Fel wore a similar expression of shock on his face, “It took years to clone you, sir. The New Republic will come to our door before we could manage to raise an entire army.”

“We have perfected our technology,” Thrawn reassured him. “Our fleet can hold them off in the time it would take get at least a battalion of Jedi clones. There’s still the matter of deprogramming and reprogramming them to our liking, but our scientists have completed their experiments and are confident they will get it done.”

“You will never get to clone me,” Jaina said fiercely, making a show of attempting to rip herself out of the grasp of her captors. “I’ll die first.”

“You will die first,” Thrawn agreed. Her danger sense rang like an alarm bell as one of the soldiers stabbed a needle in her back, straight for her spine. Jaina froze, her body paralysed as the soldier pulled back on his syringe to obtain a sample of her neural fluid. She fell to the floor as they let her go, seemingly uncaring about her now that they got what they needed.

Jag rushed over to her, “Jaina!”

She wiggled her toes first, grateful that they responded to her command. Jag lifted her to her feet and she shakily allowed him to hold her up as her back throbbed and the Force screamed at her to run. 

“Colonel Fel, please kill Jaina Solo,” Thrawn said flippantly as he was handed the syringe. “Now that we have the live sample, we can harvest the from her corpse.”

Jag’s grip on her slackened, “What- Why would we kill her?”

“She’s too dangerous to be kept alive. Additionally, her naive little act has me questioning your loyalty. So prove yourself to me now and put a blaster bolt in her head.”

He’d known this whole time. Jaina willed her body away from Jag, scared that he’d follow through. What reason did he have to help her now? He could go crawling back to Thrawn and beg forgiveness, his family could carry on as they had before, and all he would have to do was betray her one final time.

Jag stood on shaky legs, his hands balling into fists as he spoke, “No.”

All eyes moved to Jag, including his father’s, as they observed his refusal. He was taking a stand against everything he’d ever known, against his ideals, and against his own family. He was doing that for her.

Thrawn simply sighed, “Human emotion is such a fickle thing. At least you managed to complete your mission before becoming a traitor.”

“I will not allow you to kill her,” Jag said, his words coming out breathy, “Nor will I allow you to clone her.”

“Jagged!” Soontir bit out, “That is enough. You need to decompress after spending time with the Rebels. Admiral, please forgive my son’s insolence.”

“No, father,” Jag stood his ground, “We can’t go on like this. We can’t live amongst these people who despise us for who we are. We are human, father. And they’ll use us until we have nothing else to offer and then discard us.”

“Not now, Jag,” His father hissed, moving to stand in front of his son as if to shield him from Thrawn. Jaina called upon the Force to strengthen her, to heal her wound and prevent any permanent damage. She locked eyes with Jag as she straightened, his beautiful eyes that she’d fallen in love with were filled with apology. He nodded ever so slightly, letting her know that their plan was complete.

Closing her eyes she reached out to the Force in two directions- the first to snatch the syringe from Thrawn’s grasp- and the second to grab her lightsaber from where Jag had hidden it on his person, snapping it to life as she cut down the Chiss soldiers who moved to restrain her once more. She was knocked over by one, the syringe flying over her head and caught by someone else before she could right herself.

Jag held the sample, his eyes wide as he drew his own blaster. They locked gazes once more and Jaina understood the silent message he wished to convey. He would fight with her to the bitter end.
-

Anakin stretched his legs as he and his brother emerged from the pit where they’d just managed to stow away from the Chiss who came aboard to search. They sensed many souls stirring in the hangar, and he feared the bloodshed that might occur as he and Jacen tried to weave their way through. 

“I got it,” Jacen said as if reading his mind. While the twins had their own bond, there had never been any doubt that all three shared a special connection in the Force. He watched his brother move down the ramp, heard a yelp that was quickly cut off before his brother was dragging an unconscious Chiss soldier back into the Falcon.

Jacen grinned at him, “I didn’t think it would be that easy, but here’s our new uniforms.”

Anakin shook his head, moving down the ramp to capture the soldier who’d come running to check what was going on. He placed the man into a firm chokehold, cutting off his speech before he quickly subdued him to an unconscious state.

They stuck out like sore thumbs as humans, but they’d walked confidently in the uniforms of the fallen Chiss who they’d stowed away on the ship, stripping them of their identification badges as well. Anakin carried the schematic Jag had drawn close to his chest as they took the lift down into the underground base.

“I’ll start laying the charges,” Jacen was saying, “They’ll realise what we’ve done soon enough so we need to be quick.”

Anakin nodded, reaching out to feel Jaina’s presence deep within the base. She’d probably made it to Thrawn right now and he said a silent prayer that she’d make it out alive. “I’ll get the Fels.”

Jacen hesitated for a moment, “Do you think they’ll come willingly?”

With a shrug, Anakin waited for the lift door to open before stepping out and handing Jacen the map. “Go. I memorised the way to the residential wing and back. I’ll meet you back on the Falcon.”

“What if Jaina needs help?” Jacen asked, undoubtedly stirring in worry for his twin.

“Trust her, Jacen,” Anakin reminded him as he took off at a jog, “Just as she’s trusting us.”

There were suspicious glances as he darted through the halls, and he’d had to take down three soldiers who were brave enough to confront him. Anakin winced at the bruise to his side from a particularly hard punch that had been thrown his way, but he managed to pull the unconscious bodies into a supply closet before continuing on his path.

He used the badge to gain entry to the residential quarters, reaching to the Force for the memory of the map that Jag had drawn. His feet moved on their own as the Force guided him to the Fel family suite. The residential wing looked as depressing as the rest of the base did. Durasteel on durasteel, no windows, no natural light. Anakin halted before the door, preparing himself for a fight as he rang the bell.

He felt two souls stir, and then one was moving to the door to open it. When it did, he saw no one, his eyes glancing into the suite that was the most human he’d seen since being here. It was a large receiving chamber with well potted plants blooming flowers as they decorated the bland durasteel. 

“Down here!” A small voice said and Anakin looked down to see an angry child glaring up at him. “Who are you?”

Anakin flushed at his poor manners, “Where’s your mother?”

“Right here,” He heard a female voice call as she entered the receiving chamber. The woman was tall, almost like a model, and had beautiful but aged features. She had the same blond hair as her daughter and piercing blue eyes that Anakin had to admit were stunning. “Who are you?”

Anakin snapped himself out of the trance that the beautiful woman’s presence put him in. She was older, sure, but Anakin had always been a Wynssa Starflare fan and he thought she looked even more striking in person. “My name is Anakin Solo, and I’ve come to save you.”

“Save me?” The woman, Syal, had scoffed. “What exactly are you saving me from?”

Anakin glanced down at the woman’s child, her mini-me who mimicked her stance and expression as they managed to make him feel intimidated. He didn’t have time to be starstruck though, so instead he launched into explaining to them exactly what was going to happen within the next hour.

“Jag,” Syal breathed as she processed, “He’s going to make it out, right?”

“He will,” Anakin lied, not knowing for sure what decisions would be made within the Hand of Thrawn, “And your husband as well. So let’s get moving.”

“Wait,” Syal halted him, clutching Wynssa close by, “Why should I trust a boy who’s about to destroy our home?”

Anakin looked around the dreary residential wing, unable to see how this could pass as a home. “You have to,” he said simply, “If you don’t then you and your daughter will die here.”

Syal was still for a moment before she looked down at her child, her only daughter since the passing of her older one. Anakin noticed the way her frown deepened and recognised the Antilles features that he hadn’t noticed before. 

The woman looked up at him, eyes hard as she nodded. “Lead the way.”
-

Jacen wiped the sweat from his forehead as he emerged from the broiler room, laying the last of his charges that would ensure this place crumbled into nothing. He reached out to the Force, sensing Anakin was already back on the Falcon and preparing for their departure. Jacen scurried past the questioning gaze of the technician who’d let him but was now suspicious of the human man as he attempted to leave the room. Jacen flashed him an apologetic smile before his hand came down to chop his neck, knocking him unconscious as he made his way out. Then he felt his blood run cold. Something happened to Jaina. He stood still in the corridor, his heart yelling at him to go to her. But she sent a brush of assurance his way, urging him to complete his mission and trust her.

Jacen continued his run, making the turn back to the hangar, praying that he wouldn’t regret it. In a quick decision, Jacen reached for the emergency alarm on the side, pulling the lever down which sounded a blaring horn throughout the base. That should give them enough cover to slip out of here and maybe help Jaina escape.

As he made it back to the hangar, technicians and mechanics alike were scrambling towards the source of the alarm. It allowed him to slip into the Falcon where he helped Anakin remove the fallen Chiss they’d stored there earlier.

“I got it,” Jacen said to his brother, nudging him towards the cockpit, “Just be ready to leave when Jaina gets here.”

Anakin had a worried look on his face, no doubt sensing exactly what he had earlier. “I’ll give her a few minutes then I’m going back.”

“No,” Jacen insisted, holding the detonator in his hand as he handed it to his brother, “I’ll go. You be ready to blow this place and get back to Mom and Dad so they know what happened.”

Anakin scowled at him, “I’m not leaving without both of you. I would never-“

“Anakin!” Jacen shouted, “Let your older brother and sister take care of this.”

They stared into each other’s eyes, hard-headed and strong-willed until Anakin finally yielded. “Fine. I’ll start up the ship.”

Jacen sighed in relief, sparing a glance at the woman and her child who remained quiet and huddled up in the corner. He didn’t expect them to be trustful, but he hoped Anakin had explained the gravity of the situation to them. He felt their panic and their worry, but it wasn’t for themselves. Then Jacen finally understood Jag’s hesitancy and his betrayal. Jag had a family too, and they worried for him just as he worried for them.

Jacen would get his sister back to safety, he reminded himself as he took off once more, and he’d help them get their family back too.
-

Blasters were fired and the chamber became filled with shouting and smoke. Her lightsaber, a soft violet, lit her path as she tried to make her way to Jag. He was fighting though, she sensed, he was fighting his own people in the hopes of getting her out of here. She felt her brothers through the Force, they were nearing the completion of their own mission, so she only had to draw this out for a bit longer until making their escape. Jaina had promised her brother that at this moment she’d leave Jag, but they both knew that she had no intention of keeping her word. She wouldn’t let him die thinking that his life meant nothing. She wouldn’t let him die belonging to the Hand of Thrawn.

Reinforcements were pouring in, blocking their only exit. A formation of soldiers surrounded Thrawn, preventing her from plunging her lightsaber into his chest without taking a barrage of blasterfire to her own body. She hid behind a clone tank, grateful that they hesitated to destroy their precious technology. She sensed Jag two rows behind her. He was crawling, trying to remain hidden. She reached out into the Force, grateful that he had opened himself up to her so she could understand. He was laying two extra charges in this room. They hadn’t planned for this but she was grateful that he felt the same way she did. The cloning facility had to be destroyed completely.

“I wouldn’t do that, Colonel Fel,” Thrawn’s voice sounded. Jaina remained hidden behind the tank as she watched it play out.
Peering through the gaps she saw Soontir Fel on his knees, hands over his head as a Chiss soldier held a blaster to his head. Her heart leapt into her throat and she had to plant her feet to the ground to keep herself still.

“Come out now,” Thrawn commanded.

She felt Jag’s panic as if it were her own. She felt him stand up from his cover and step into the light where Thrawn’s soldiers pointed blasters his way. Jaina weaved her way through the cloning tanks until she could see the charges. She reached out with the force, flicking the switches to ensure they were ready for detonation. They weren’t synced with the detonator her brothers had, which meant that there would be a countdown to their explosion- a timer was going and Jaina didn’t know how long until it would go off. But she couldn’t focus on the impending explosion, not when Jag was in danger.

Thrawn stepped out of the shadows of his security detail as he regarded Jag directly. He almost looked sympathetic. “It’s been a very stressful time for you, Colonel Fel. Hand over the sample and all will be forgiven.”

Liar, Jaina wanted to scream. She wanted to go out their swinging and drag Jag away from the man who had taken everything from him. But if she did that, the Chiss with the blaster rifle pressed into the back of Soontir’s head would pull the trigger. And Jaina didn’t know what she would do then. When she promised that his family would get out safely, she knew that Soontir would be a challenge, but she had made it anyway. How could she face him if she failed to deliver on that promise?

Jag’s hand tightened on the syringe, his eyes trained on his father whose eyes pleaded for him to just hand it over. Jaina wouldn’t blame him if he did.

“I can’t do that,” Jag managed to get out despite the obvious lump in his throat.

“You would sacrifice your father’s life for the Jedi girl?” Thrawn challenged him, “The man who made you who you are today?”

Jag looked at his father, his eyes filled with a grief that Jaina didn’t think he’d ever let his father know. “I wouldn’t do it for her. I’d do it for me. For Cherith, and Davin, and Chak. For everyone I’ve lost to you, Thrawn. My family whittled down to nothing. And for what? So that you may kill us when we are no longer useful. I refuse.”

His father closed his eyes, a silent acceptance of Jag’s decision. She felt the man’s guilt, his own struggle to justify what he’d put his family through. Soontir spoke, not to Thrawn, but to his son. “I understand, Jag. I’ll pay that price for you, for all of you.”

Jaina knew he was referring to his family. She felt a brush from Jacen, the signal that it was time for them to leave. She could sneak out now and fight her way back to the Falcon, but she couldn’t bring her legs to leave Jag here to die.

“Very well, Colonel Fel,” Thrawn said as he signalled the soldier to shoot. Jaina squeezed her eyes shut as she reached through the Force, trying to slowing the man’s finger before he could pull-

A bang. Then a thud. She wasn’t fast enough, and now Soontir Fel was dead.

Jag fell to his knees, helpless as he merely gaped at his father’s limp body. Jaina moved then, igniting her lightsaber once more as she defended Jag from the blaster bolts that came his way. She stood before him, shielding him from Thrawn as she cut down his soldiers one-by-one, until the only thing that stood between her and the admiral was air itself.

“What a mess,” Thrawn sighed at his downed soldiers. Jaina had managed to knock most of them unconscious but she hadn’t been able to avoid killing a few. The ones who pointed a gun to her head or dealt a lethal blow her way, she had no choice but to strike to kill. Now, she had to deliberately kill the last attacker. She had to strike down Thrawn. The Force flowed through her, assuring her that it would not be an act revenge or anger, but to save the Galaxy. She had been brought her for a purpose.

She held up her blade, pointed towards him as she said, “I stand before you Grand Admiral Thrawn to put an end to your madness.”

Behind her, Jag was trembling. Still on his knees as he muttered to himself in a language she didn’t understand. Thrawn gazed at her lightsaber in awe. “I knew you’d be the right choice for my clone army.”

“It ends now,” She insisted.

That sickening smile reformed on his face, speaking to himself more than anyone else. “How is it that I am always bested by the Force?”

Jaina didn’t have the heart to answer him. “I do not want to kill you.”

Thrawn ignored her as he continued to stare into the blank ceiling as if something that only he could see were there, “It was so masterfully crafted, each time. Perhaps it is my destiny to die betrayed by my underlings.”

A blaster bolt flashed millimetres past her, as it found its way between Thrawn’s eyes. She froze as she watched a hole burn through his skull as her weapon remained uselessly raised against a dead man. Jaina swung around to see Jag’s blaster firmly grasped in his hands, steady and aimed at the Chiss. A breath escaped her as Thrawn’s body slumped to the floor, finally remembering herself as she rushed to gather Jag in her arms.

“I had him,” She chided him, “You didn’t have to do that.”

Jag lowered his blaster, accepting Jaina’s embrace as his eyes moved back to his father’s corpse. He simply said, “I had to.”

“We have to get out of here,” Jaina pulled him to his feet, his heavier weight proving a challenge for her, “Come on, Jag.”

He shook his head. “I can’t.”

She glanced back at his father’s body, hating herself for having to be short with him, “You have to. Or else his sacrifice will be in vain.”

“I have to die here with him,” Jag was saying, his composure crumbling as he stumbled over to hold his father’s body. Jaina grabbed him by his arm, pulling him away once more. 

“Jag! Your mother and sister are waiting for you on the Falcon,” She didn’t know if it was true, but she was willing to say anything to get him moving, “They need you!”

Jag’s eyes finally flashed to her as he seemed to gather himself. “My mother. Wynssa.”

Jaina dragged him back along the lit pathway and through the chamber as his legs finally picked up the pace. “We need to get them out of here, remember?”

Jag nodded, coming to and finally taking off at run beside her. Jag led her through the base, obviously still shaken as he ran headlong into her brother. He shakily righted himself as he came face to face with Jacen who looked annoyed at having been knocked into. Jaina didn’t waste time with any reunions as she simply grabbed both their arms to remind them to keep running. 

“Thrawn?” Jacen asked as they raced through the corridors, the chaos on the base allowing them to get by relatively unscathed among the Chiss who were unaware about what was to come.

Jaina nodded, “Everything’s taken care of.”

“What about my family?” Jag asked, his eyes glancing down the hallway that would lead to the residential wing, “Are they out?”

Jacen nodded and relief flooded through Jag despite his despair. Jaina couldn’t dwell on it though, the charges that Jag had placed in the cloning chamber weren’t hooked up to their detonator system. With how deep the cloning system was, the timer that was quickly running out to their detonation would be the catalyst for all the charges to go off- even if they didn’t clear the place first.

In the hangar bay, the doors opened secondary to the alarm that had sounded and Jaina found herself pulling Jag up the ramp of the Falcon once more. He took one last glance at his home before he allowed her to pull the ramp up as she shouted to her brothers.

“Go, go, go!”

Strapped to the seating provided in the Millenium Falcon’s seating lounge was a small girl, no more than nine years old with bright blue eyes that held fear within them. A flash of blond hair whirled past her and soon Jag was enveloped in the arms of a woman much taller than she. Syal Antilles had moved with a grace that only an old holo-star had. She held her son to her close, pulling back as she read the sorrow in his eyes.

“Where’s Soontir,” Syal breathed, her eyes darting between her son and the Jaina. Her heart sunk as she stared into her eyes, the same blue that Wynssa had, that soon widened with understanding. Her nails gripped into Jag’s shoulders, leaving marks on his uniform as her son finally let the tears flow from his own eyes.

“I’m sorry, Mother,” Jag whispered, his voice barely heard over the engines roar as Anakin lifted the Falcon out of the hangar and back through the canopy of trees once more. 

Jaina watched as they both fell to the floor, Syal holding her son to her chest as he sobbed. Her heart broke as she watched the family that had already lost so much continue to lose again. She moved over to Wynssa, unstrapping her as she allowed the little girl to go and mourn with her family.

Jaina moved to the cockpit with one final glance, hoping that when they got back to Coruscant, Jag wouldn’t hate her forever.

Anakin flew with ease, reaching the atmosphere of Nirauan before a blaze of fire erupted before their eyes. The ship rocked with them as the force of the blast reached the highest points of the atmosphere just as the Falcon managed to enter the planet's surrounding space. Anakin glanced at the detonator, knowing he hadn’t been the one to set it off before casting his gaze to his sister.

Jaina stared through the viewport, watching as fire blazed up from underground, the charges Jag laid in the cloning chamber catalysing a series of explosions through the base until the ground above it crumbled, burying whatever was left of the base. Charges that both she and he had set to ensure that the Hand would never rise again. 

Jaina closed her eyes as she felt the lives become one with the Force, and allowed the guilt of what she’d done to wash over her. Jacen placed a hand on her shoulder, reassuring her that they’d circumvented a galactic war, that the Force had guided them here to restore balance.

She felt Jag’s presence too, small and defeated in the bay of the Falcon. She’d destroyed more than just the base today. Anakin flew them far enough into space before he pulled those infamous levers, setting them into hyperspace once more and brought them home.

Some of them, at least.

Chapter Text

One month Later

It had been exactly one month to the day that Jaina had destroyed the Hand of Thrawn. The battle over Corellia persisted for another two weeks, the Hand’s fleet not believing their leader to be dead. The Chiss Ascendancy had swiftly swooped in, almost completely decimating the remainder of Thrawn’s forces before signing a peace treaty with the New Republic. Leia had been suspicious at the ceremony commemorating the end of the war that never began as she shook hands with the representatives of each High Ruling Family, Aristocras and Syndics they were called, not trusting that the Chiss invasion was indeed over.

As part of the peace treaty, the Ascendancy had recommended pardoning Jagged Fel. They plead a passionate case for his release so that he may continue to serve them after having proved his loyalty to them. Leia had agreed to the pardon, but made no moves to release him from her custody just yet. Still, the Chiss representatives left without fuss, insisting that they had no intentions of become either allies or enemies of the New Republic.

Crisis had been averted and her children had led the way. She worried endlessly until they returned, The Falcon still in one piece and her children with minimal injuries. The Fel family, however, didn’t arrive unscathed. The Senate had insisted on placing them on House arrest, and Leia had decided to house them in Jag’s old quarters to keep them comfortable. Jaina had explained everything to her, including how Jag had essentially saved the Galaxy. The young man, however, had little words to say. When interviewed, he gave simple yes or no answers. There was no hint of the confidence and determination that he held when she first met him. He was simply defeated.

She knew what it was like to lose a father, and maybe that’s why she decided to pardon him. Or perhaps it was because of Jaina’s insistence. Even still, she didn’t know what to do with him.

Handing him over to the Chiss might have been the best solution but she also had to consider his mother and sister. Wedge had insisted that he would take them in, and Leia couldn’t justify separating him from his family.

Her husband placed his hands on her shoulders, giving her a well deserved massage as he tried to soothe her worries. Han leaned down to kiss her cheek as he said, “Everything will be fine.”

She turned her head to capture his lips in a swift kiss. “I know. I’m still deciding what to do with Jag Fel.”

Han perched himself on her desk, reaching to grab the holocube that displayed a picture of their children, bright eyed with wide grins. “I certainly don’t want him around Jaina.”

Leia gave him an exasperated look, “Because he kidnapped her?”

“Exactly,” Han nodded, “What kind of father would I be if I let that slide?”

She laughed. “You do remember that you once kidnapped me, right?”

Her husband flushed at the reminder, “Yeah, well...That’s different. He was trying to take over the galaxy.”

“But he didn’t. He saved it instead,” Leia pointed out. “For that alone I think he deserves a second chance.”

“He can get his second chance, just away from my daughter,” Han gave her his signature cocky grin, letting her know that he was mostly joking.

Leia sighed, “I think we both know better than trying to stop Jaina from doing anything.”

“She and her brothers really showed out on Nirauan. We’d still be fighting if not for them.”

A smile made its way to her face as her eyes landed on the holocube. No matter how much she had tried to shelter them, they would always be destined to come into their own as heroes. All three of them, so bright and full of the Force. They would accomplish much more.

With that, she closed the folder before her. She wouldn’t be sending Jag Fel away, not unless he expressed any desires to go. She looped her arm through her husband’s and allowed him to escort her out. Another crisis averted, indeed. It felt like just another footnote in the long story of her life.

-

“You’re not gonna touch your food?”

Jaina snapped out of it, having gotten lost in her head as she’d had so commonly in recent times. “Yeah, sorry. Just still waiting to hear about the casualties from Corellia.”
She had fought her mother’s decision to stay out of the action on Corellia. Leia was unwavering and insisted Jaina had done her part and needed to trust everyone else to do theirs. But really, Jaina wanted to storm her way through the blockade and fly with her squadmates- fly with Anni. Her heart sunk as she thought of her friend. Wedge had been too busy fighting Thrawn’s fleet to send any word- not about a single pilot at least. And in the last three weeks, she’d been forced to wait for a message to ease her anxiety. She thought Anni would have reached out by now, not unless...

“Jaina,” Anakin said again, his hand coming to touch her arm as if grounding her in reality. “You need to eat.”
She stared down at her plate and found she didn’t have much of an appetite. When they returned to Coruscant, they found themselves being hailed as heroes but yet so quickly treated like children once more. The Imperial Palace was on high alert and she and her siblings had been confined to their living chambers to prevent them from scurrying off to play hero once more.

Beside Anakin sat his best friend, and not-so-secretly his girlfriend, Tahiri. She was one year younger than him but they’d all trained together on Yavin where they became close. Jaina hadn’t seen Tahiri in a while considering the girl insisted on completing her Jedi training on Borleias where her brother was also conveniently pursuing a degree in engineering. They held hands underneath the table, their affection obvious to anyone who knew to look.

“It is not for you to be the only hero,” Tahiri stated. Their mother had allowed her to join them in their confinement, knowing how close she was to her children. “You have to save some of the heroics for others.”

Jaina cracked a smile at her attempt to encourage her, “I know. I just hate sitting and waiting for a message I don’t know will ever come.”

“What does the Force tell you?” Tahiri asked, “Can you feel her?”

Jaina had tried to many times before. But Corellia was too far away and Anni’s force presence had never been strong. She closed her eyes once more, hoping to get even a sense- yet she felt nothing in that direction. She didn’t know how to interpret it.

Before she could reply, Jacen came running into the living suite holding a datapad as he almost crashed into their dining table. “We got word from Corellia.”

Jaina stood up abruptly, “Anni?”

Her twin shook his head, “Sorry, nothing where that’s concerned. But General Antilles is on his way to Coruscant. They’ve managed to clean up all the rogue fighters and captured all relevant persons. Apparently they’re sending them back to the Ascendancy as per the treaty.”

“I guess better to let them deal with their own people,” Anakin murmured. 
She sat back down in her seat, deflated. Jacen moved to take her hand, squeezing it in reassurance. “Uncle Wedge will let us know once he gets here. Just hold on a bit longer.”

“Is he going to take his nephew with him?” Tahiri asked. Anakin winced, cursing himself for forgetting to tell her not to mention the Fels. She hadn’t seen him since they returned to the New Republic. Jag Fel had refused to speak to her and it was still a sore spot for Jaina. Her brothers tried to reassure her by claiming that he was merely drowning in both guilt and grief, but it didn’t help that Jaina unfairly put that blame on herself.

Jaina shook her head, her mood somehow lower than before. “We’ll just have to wait and see.”
“He’ll come around,” Jacen’s voice was warm and comforting. “He just needs time.”

She didn’t know what she expected from Jag. He had betrayed her, yes, but he’d more than made up for his mistakes. He’d lost so much in such a short span of time, his whole life becoming a tragedy. She wanted to support him through it, but despite what they’d gone through, she had to contend with the idea that maybe she hadn’t known him after all.

But it was real, a voice in her head said. It was real for you both.

“He’ll need a lot more than time,” Jaina said, her voice lowering as she silently prayed for closure for her friend. “The least I can do is give him the space.”

-

There was a lot of crying.

Wynssa wailed at odd hours of the day. His mother would attempt to console her but end up in tears herself. Jag learned on the first day that he wasn’t welcome to mourn with them, not without an argument breaking out.

“You did this,” His mother had spat out at him one evening when the silence began to drive them all up the walls. Her eyes watered even as she glared at him, “My Soontir, your father, is dead because you chose them.”

Jag had averted his gaze, nodding mutely. He’d accepted her fury without complaint. He accepted the blame for the deaths of his colleagues, comrades and father. They had nothing here in the New Republic, and their fates lay in the hands Leia Organa Solo. So, they waited. For weeks they were confined to these quarters, no contact from anyone except when they’d receive their meals. It was mostly silent, except for when they bawled- or brawled.

Wynssa bit him two days ago. Her teeth sunk into his skin so deep that she drew blood from his arm. She’d growled at him while her eyes shed a rainstorm of tears. She declared that he was a traitor. He had stared down into her rage-filled eyes and wondered how he would live with himself knowing that she hated him. His mother had scolded her before sending the girl away as she moved to dress his wound. It was the first bit of comfort that she’d provided him since their confinement began. She gently cleaned it, placing a bacta salve on it before wrapping it gently. Then she stood up and walked away, locking herself in her bedroom where she sobbed for the next few hours. 

Jag had allowed them to take the bedroom, preferring to sleep on the floor of the living quarters. He didn’t allow himself the sofa, either. He didn’t deserve the soft comfort it would provide. He would lie awake for hours, staring at the ceiling as he saw Thrawn do before he had killed him. He relived that day numerous times. He relived choosing for his father to die. He relived the anger that had overwhelmed to the point of reaching a cold calmness. It was that calmness that had him raise his blaster and kill the being he had worshipped as god. 

When he had met Thrawn’s gaze, revenge and hatred in his eyes, the Chiss chose to mumble to the ceiling after announcing his displeasure at being killed twice now by loyal servants. Were the answers to the universe written in the skies? Was that the source of Thrawn’s brilliance and thus his recurring downfall? Jag asked himself the same questions every night. He would wonder what would have happened if he had prioritised getting his father to safety instead of destroying the cloning chamber. If he had, perhaps his father would be here with him now. Soontir would yell at him, maybe even beat him, but he’d take that over what he experienced now.

He lost track of time eventually. He wondered if the rebels wanted him to take his own life in this room, he’d certainly thought about doing so, but decided not to further traumatise his sister. Instead, he’d played through his life as if it were a movie behind his eyes. There were few happy moments. Those had died with Cherith in that accident. There was little laughter, he noted, within his memories. It wasn’t until he got Coruscant that he’d noticed more smiles.

Jaina.

She had made him laugh so hard that he’d sometimes have to clutch his abdomen. She had frustrated him, entertained, and eventually she had stood by him when the Senate called for his head. She proclaimed his virtues, declared him a hero before the court, and had earned him a pardon. He had unknowingly let Jaina Solo into his heart, allowed her to see who he was on the inside, and yet he betrayed her. He couldn’t face her now that he’d paid back that debt. He didn’t deserve her.

The door bell chimed, and Jag forced himself to get up and receive their meal. He had lost track of time, but he was sure that food had been sent up a few hours ago. He was shocked then, when he opened the door and it was his uncle standing on the other side of it.

Wedge looked like he’d aged a few years, his eyes a little harder and his beard scruffy as he probably hadn’t found the time to shave while he was busy fighting the war Jag brought to his doorstep. He didn’t seem angry, though. His eyes were sad, but Jag didn’t know for what.

He got his answer when he was pulled into a tight hug, his uncle nearly squeezing the life out of him. Jag remained still, unsure of what was happening. He thought Wedge would curse him- he’d ask him to leave and never come back. But instead, he hugged him. Jag felt something stir in him, the emotions that he’d stuffed down for too long. His arms moved to return Wedge’s embrace, and he buried his face in the man’s neck as he allowed himself to cry.

“I’m sorry, Jag,” Wedge was saying and Jag hated to hear it. He should be the one apologising, not his uncle.

“It’s my fault,” Jag said between sobs, “I betrayed you. I betrayed everyone.”

Wedge pulled back, his hands firm on Jag’s shoulders as he regarded him. “There was nothing you could have done in this situation that would have pleased everyone. Nothing.”

“But-“ Jag started but Wedge cut him off.

“You did the right thing, Jag,” Wedge said with all the authority of a seasoned General. Jag almost crumbled when he realised how much it reminded him of his father. But before he could react,

Wedge’s eyes darted to the side before widening. Jag turned around to see his mother by the doorframe.

“Syal,” Wedge muttered as his arms fell from Jag’s shoulders. He crossed the threshold to her and the two held each other firmly. Jag watched his mother cry in her brother’s arms, and watched as he apologised to her too, comforted her over the loss of her husband.

“I don’t know how this all happened,” Syal said, “I don’t know what to do without him.”

Wedge brushed her hair out of her face, “I’ll be here for you every step of the way. I want you to come live with me and my family.”

“You’d do that?” Syal asked in disbelief, “After all the times I’ve run away. All the times I chose Soontir and his ambition...after becoming your enemy, you’d do that?”

“I’d do it every time,” Wedge admitted, “And you have never been my enemy.”

Jag finally spoke up, “I thought we were to be handed over to the Ascendancy.”

His uncle turned to face him, one arm still wrapped around Syal’s waist as if she would collapse without it. “Leia has decided that the choice should be yours. As it is, you’re all free to choose your own destinies.”

Jag had never had that freedom, and he didn’t know what to do with it. He only knew how to follow orders and be a good soldier. “You should go, Mother. You and Wynssa should go with Wedge.”

“What about you?” She asked. It was one of those rare moments where resentment didn’t stop her from showing concern for him.

“I will go back to the Ascendancy,” Jag said, “I’ll continue in the CEDF.”

Wedge’s face fell in disappointment, “Are you sure?”

He wasn’t. It wasn’t what he wanted, but he hadn’t a clue what he would do otherwise. So, he nodded. “Yes. I am.”

-

The Grand Hall of the Jedi Temple had never been so festive. Decorations littered the walls and pillars, and musicians played a lively tune to honour the distinguished guests. From behind the curtain, Jaina felt somewhat anxious as she snuck a glance at all the well-wishers who’d come to support them.

She was dressed in her Jedi robes, her white pair, and stood before the mirror. Her mother had styled her hair before they got to the temple, adorning her with Alderaanian braids and bundled them on top of her head. Jaina smiled at herself, liking the way it brought out her feminine features. Beside her, her brothers had a similar nervous energy, but they stood beside her as they looked at themselves. Anakin wore his brown robes and Jacen black. It had always been the three of them against the world, and she was honoured to share this ceremony with them.

Jacen peeked through the curtains, gasping before quickly shutting them. “Tenel Ka’s here.”

“Did I forget to tell you?” Anakin said with a grin, “This time remember to ask her out, okay?”

Jacen flushed at Anakin’s teasing, “She’s a princess. I can’t ask her out.”

“Why not? She came all the way to celebrate with you but you don’t think she’d go on a date with you?” Anakin raised a brow.

Jaina wrapped a comforting arm around her twin, “Don’t listen to Anakin. Not everyone can be as smooth as he is with Tahiri.”

The mention of the girl’s name brought an uncharacteristic flush to Anakin’s cheeks. It didn’t matter that his siblings knew they were together, the thought of her always managed to make him blush.

“It’s time,” Their uncle said, interrupting their moment. “Are you all ready?”

They looked to each other before nodding in agreement. Luke beamed with pride, especially at his two apprentices as he said, “You’ve all done so well. You deserve it.”

The music changed, the trumpets switching the melody to a celebration march. Jaina stepped out first into the Grand Hall which was full of well-wishers and observers who wanted to view a Jedi celebration. The aisle was lined by Jedi Knights who had their lightsabers lit and raised up to form an arch for them to follow. She walked through, smiling at her peers as she walked towards the dais where her uncle stood as the Master of the Jedi Order. 

Her brothers were right behind her, stopping to greet their friends with a quick wave. Jaina smiled as she approached the front rows where Anni sat, beaming with pride at her friends. Anni brought her hands to her lips before blowing a kiss towards her. Jaina caught it and brought it to her heart, grateful that her friend was still here with her and that she’d come all this way for the ceremony.

Finally, her parents sat in the front row. Their hearts bled their love for her through the Force. She made sure to return the sentiment, even if only her mother would feel it. They stood before the steps of the dais smiling at their aunt and uncle before they knelt.

Luke’s voice boomed through the speaker as he addressed the crowd, “Today, we celebrate the Jedi’s three newest Knights.”

The crowd roared in response and he waited a few moments before proceeding, “Jaina Solo, Jacen Solo and Anakin Solo are heroes of the New Republic and a shining example of the very best a Jedi can be. The courage they displayed not only cemented their skills, but saved the galaxy from what could have been a brutal war.”

Jaina winced at the mention. She still hadn’t accepted everything that happened over a month ago. There wasn’t enough time for her to process the implications of Thrawn’s plans to clone her, or what would happen to Jag-

“Jedi Jaina Solo,” Mara’s voice said softly. The older woman had noticed her slipping and caught her, just as she had when she trained her to be the Jedi she is today. “Today, I honour you with the Medal of Valor. It is not because you fought valiantly, although you did, but because you have advocated for the weak and stood up for all beings involved. For that, you are our hero.”

Jaina had to squeeze her eyes shut to keep from crying. Mara’s words touched her deeply, and gave her the reassurance that she was on the right track. That she was good.

Luke proceeded to knight her brothers, while Mara knighted her. An old tradition of a Jedi master being the one to promote their pupil. The crowd cheered loud enough that Jaina thought she’d go deaf. They all linked hands from where they stood on the dais, smiling at their friends and family who showed up in support. Jaina glanced at the crowd once more, disappointed that a particular someone was absent.

-

Jag stood outside the doors of the Jedi Temple, listening to the ceremony as the people cheered. He couldn’t bring himself inside, unsure if they’d reject his presence or mock him for his loss. But she’d sent him a letter inviting him to come and support her before he left for Chiss Space. He hadn’t planned to accept, but he knew that this would be his last chance to see her. There was still so much uncertain between them and he didn’t think he’d forgive himself if he didn’t give them a chance to at least say goodbye.

He stood patiently, waiting as the ceremony continued on and settled more into a party. When people started strolling out, he chose to sit on one of the steps hidden away by a bush. He still hadn’t figured out what to say.

“Have you figured out the answer?”

Jag jumped, his hand moving to the blaster that wasn’t on his waist. Jedi Master Luke Skywalker was standing over him with curious eyes. He shook his head, “I’m not sure what you mean.”

“When we met months ago, I said I would ask you a question that determined whether you could stay or should leave.”

Jag nodded. “You said you would ask it when the time came. Unfortunately, I wasn’t who I said I was.”

Luke raised a brow, “Oh, but you told me no lies that day.”

“I obscured the truth.”

“You did,” Luke agreed, “But you were exactly who you said you were, just as you are now and have always been.”

Jag didn’t have time for the Jedi mind games. “I see. Out of curiosity, what was the question going to be?”

Luke gave him a smile, “It doesn’t matter now.”

“Humour me,” Jag insisted. The older man merely patted his shoulder as he continued down the steps, his gaze moving to an approaching figure. Jag turned behind him to see Jaina exiting the hall, her arm looped with Anni’s as the two girls chatted excitedly. His heart sped up at the sight of her.

“You’ve already answered my question, but since you want to know what it was,” Luke paused before finally asking him, “Are you a hero, Jagged Fel?”

The words echoed in his skull. He would have answered yes to the question if he were asked in that meeting months ago, but now he hesitated. Everything he knew had been a lie. The Hand of Thrawn, his very existence, had been a lie. But when it came down to doing the right thing, Jag had chosen to save the galaxy at the cost of his own life. He understood what the Jedi Master was telling him. If the answer were still yes, then he should stay.

He never got to verbally answer him. When Jag finally looked back at him, he was gone. But then his eyes locked with Jaina’s and he was back to feeling unsure. She said something to her friend who gave Jag a suspicious look before letting her friend go. Jaina walked over to him, apology in her eyes as she sat next to him.

“Hello,” He managed to get out.

Jaina seemed happy to just hear his voice. “Hi, you.”

“Congratulations,” Jag found himself saying, “You will be an excellent warrior in addition to an excellent pilot.”

She smiled at him, that soft smile that he’d first seen during the first tender moment they shared. “Thank you. I hear you’re leaving.”

He nodded. “It’s best thing for me to do.”

“Is it?” Jaina’s eyes were sad again, “Jag, I- I don’t want you to go.”

“Why?” Jag searched her eyes for the answers, “I betrayed you and everyone here who showed me hospitality. I don’t know the first thing about being human. I don’t understand anything about your world. What reason do I have to stay?”

“Because you’re my friend,” Jaina said softly.

“I lied,” Jag found himself saying, “I lied to gain your trust.”

As if not willing to take him for his word, Jaina reached into her pocket, pulling out a crushed up piece of flimsi. She unfolded it, revealing Jag’s own handwriting, “No. It was real for you too.”

She had kept his note. She brought it back all the way from Csilla.

Jag forced himself to look in her eyes, that soft brown that called to him. A new pair of eyes that he longed for in his dreams. He felt himself choke up as emotions flooded him and he finally admitted, “It was real for me too.”

Jaina pulled him into a hug as if she’d been holding herself back. Her lips moved to his ear, brushing against it gently but enough to give him chills. “Stay.”

Jag wrapped his arms around her as he breathed in her scent. He didn’t understand her forgiveness, didn’t think himself deserving. But he hadn’t felt this alive since his father had been killed. He hadn’t felt joy in so long. But she’d brought it back to him with a simple hug. It was real for her too.

So, he pulled back and gazed into her eyes that held so much affection for him. The corner of his mouth turned upwards into a smile, those muscles feeling unfamiliar as he’d gone weeks without using them. She brought a smile back to his face. 

Despite all the pain and suffering he’d endured, he knew that he had made the right decision in the end. Sometimes what was right was the difficult option, but he’d sacrificed everything to make sure that no one else would have to suffer what he had. The answer to Luke’s question, the truthful answer, was yes.

“I’ll stay.”

-

EPILOGUE

“Jaaaaaaaaag-“ The little girl cried out as he lifted her into his arms. Myri laughed enthusiastically as he settled her on his back, weaving through the garden’s hedges as they searched for the clues set out for them.

“Try that one,” Myri pointed to a rock. Jag laughed, moving to turn it over and comforting her when no clue had been hidden underneath it.

“I told you, no one’s hiding clues under a rock,” Jag continued their little walk, happy to carry his cousin on his back. 

“That’s what you say now,” Myri huffed, “Until you find it under a rock!”

Before he could reply, two twin heads of blond hair came stamping up to him. He braced himself as Syal- the younger Syal, that is- spoke, “I said no talking!”

Jag looked at his teammate hanging off his back sheepishly, “Oops.”

The other blond girl, his sister Wynssa, stood as if she were the mirror image of her cousin. The two girls had come to enjoy wearing matching clothing as they claimed that they were going to become twins by trying to look the same.  “The point is that you find the clues without talking.”

Myri whined, “That’s no fun!”

“Shut it!” Syal snapped at her sister. “It’s my game so I make the rules.”

Jag couldn’t help but stare in amusement as the three girls held their little stand-off, complaining over the rules of the game that had clearly been made up on the spot. Myri whispered in his ear, “She always does this.”

Jag set her down, kneeling to match her gaze as brushed her messy black hair out of her face. He allowed himself a moment to look into her eyes and remember Cherith as she’d been in the past. Those beautiful golden brown eyes. He felt an emotion stir in him that he’d struggled to feel since the loss of his father- perhaps the loss of his siblings- happiness. He was so happy that Myri was alive.

“May I make a suggestion?” Jag said as he finally tore himself away.

“No!” All three girls, even his partner in crime, insisted. Jag laughed and let the girls figure out the game on their own. He looked over to the porch where he spotted his mother watching them.

Her smile had yet to return, but Jag would never know how to heal the rift between them. He walked over slowly, taking each step until he was beside her.

“Wynssa is doing well,” Syal, the older one, said to him softly. “She’s happier out here.”

Jag didn’t want to say anything to upset her so he simply nodded. There were days where she was the mother he'd always known, and then others when he couldn't recognise her. But he understood that grief changed people. He would only wait for her to forgive him- if she could ever forgive him.

“Much happier than on Nirauan,” Syal continued, her eyes fixed on some distant point that Jag couldn’t see. “Were all my children unhappy there?”

His heart broke as he realised the guilt his mother carried. But he would not lie to her. “We didn’t know anything else.”

“We took that away from you,” Syal said, her head craning up to see the clear sky. “Not even a chance to see the sun.”

“I suppose it made those times even sweeter,” Jag said. A memory flashed before him. He was taking the lift from the underground base up to the surface for the first time. Davin held him in his arms, while Chak held Cherith. They snuck out that day, taking their younger siblings out to see the sun and explore the jungle. They’d had a picnic by a river, had learned to climb trees, and seen wild animals for the first time. His brothers, who had been his heroes, had known exactly what he knew now, that life on Nirauan had robbed them of their futures. His heart pained him to know that his brothers had died before they could have done anything about it.

“It feels like it was all for nothing,” Syal continued, “There were many times I begged Soontir to leave. So many times that we should have. But we stayed because we were promised something greater than what was out there. Now-” her voice cracked, “Now it feels like it was for nothing.”

He reached out to take his mother’s hands, “We can’t get them back. But we can live for the family we have left.”

“It feels like an insult to their memory.”

“We’d have to live in order to remember them,” Jag said, reassuring himself as well as his mother. “We are the only ones who can remember them. We have to live for that reason alone.”

Syal finally turned to face her son, addressing him on Corellisi, the language she’d use as their unique love language when he was a child, “I am sorry, Jag.”

He gave her a sad smile, replying in turn “I’m sorry too, Mama.”

-

Jag was nervous as he laced up the boots he’d been provided. It had been almost a year since he’d first done this activity and he’d managed to come back only a few times to practice. Now, was the moment of truth. It was time to beat Jaina at air skating.

When the whistle was blown, Jaina sped off and he trailed behind her. She was like a flash of lights as her suit illuminated the way before her in the dark chamber. Jag had to hold his breath in awe of her movements, of her gorgeous face softly lit up by the neon lights.

But he would not be caught off guard for long. He picked up his pace, making his strides longer and the aerodynamic boots swept him away and ahead of her as they reached the final lap. He was growing tired but Jaina was right on his heels, desperate to make a final push. He closed his eyes as he dashed pass the finish line, claiming his victory much to the dismay of his competitive companion.

“I- I did it,” Jag muttered, pulling off the helmet, “I won!”

Jaina halted to a stop, pulling off her own helmet as she panted, “Finally, I thought you’d never get good at this.”

He smirked at her, “You’re mad.”

“I am not,” Jaina huffed but he was too distracted by the flush that cascaded from her cheeks down her neck. Controlling his emotions had become difficult for him in the past year but as he looked at her beautiful face, he finally let that resolve crumble. He surged forward, kissing her without another thought. She wrapped her arms around him, deepening the kiss as they floated mid-air in the arena.

Eventually, Jag pulled back when he needed air. He was pleased to find Jaina grinning from ear-to ear. “What?”

“I was beginning to think you’d never kiss me again,” Jaina said, her hand moving up to caress his cheek. He leaned into her touch, grateful.

“I was scared,” Jag admitted. “I was scared that I’d ruined things forever.”

“It been almost a year, Jag,” She smiled, “I think it’s time that we can put that behind us.”

“I don’t want to ruin our friendship,” Jag found himself making excuses, “I don’t know anything about romance or dating-“

Jaina cut him off with a finger to his lips. “We can figure it out. Together.”

Jag was not a man who could offer her anything. He’d lost his position and his home. He didn’t have any dashing charms to sweep her off her feet, or any riches to buy her expensive gifts. He was simply a pilot, trying to make something for himself as he started over in this new society.

“You are enough,” Jaina said firmly, as if reading his mind. “You will always be enough.”

He closed his eyes as he leaned his forehead against hers, allowing the connection they had built provide the reassuarance and warmth that he had lacked all his life. She trusted him, even after everything that happened. It was time to trust himself too.

Jag pulled her to him once more, capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. He hoped that she could feel the intensity of his emotions-of his love for her. As if to answer that question, Jaina broke the kiss. Her lips still pressed to his his as she whispered, “This is real for me.”

His heart soared at her confession, their own language that conveyed how much they loved each other. No one would ever know the faith that they’d put into each other to get to this point here, to be suspended mid-air holding on to the other as if life depended on it.

“This is real for me too.”