Padmé Skywalker watched her daughter closely, praying silently that in the following days Leia might return to the confident woman she knew she had once been. But the Alderaani princess grew steadily more reserved, and even the continuing affections of her family didn’t seem to be able to pull her back from the brink of despair. She was a lost soul, grieved at the very depths of her being. Padmé would have given anything to be able to heal her. Yet she knew where the root of this pain lay. It was developing steadily in Leia’s womb, a constant reminder of the abuse she had suffered. This problem was not one Padmé could mend. A mother’s love could only go so far.
“I’m worried that this defeat foreshadows future ones,” Leia mused quietly, watching her sons and husband debark from the Millennium Falcon in the hangar of the Pillory. The two women stood on the observation deck above them, anxiously awaiting news. Watching a battle was one thing, but being in it gave a totally different perspective.
Padmé pursed her lips, shaking off the apprehension Leia spoke of. A negative outlook never helped anyone. “We did the best we could with what we had. When we are at full strength, it will doubtlessly be a different story.”
“I hope so,” Leia responded. Her eyes were on the tall figure of Han Solo. He made his way across the hangar to the turbolift that would carry him to where Padmé and Leia waited. Anakin and Jacen followed, Chewbacca close behind.
The former smuggler was another facet of the many sided difficulty her daughter was in. They had been spending more time together in past days, but it was strained at best. Their repartee was that of strangers, not a couple married almost two decades. Padmé knew Solo was trying, but his efforts often fell short. She didn’t blame him, really, it was not an easy thing he was attempting to overcome. But if the marriage failed, she feared for the already shaky mental health of her daughter.
The turbolift behind them opened, and the crew milled inside. Leia pulled a smile from some deep place, and opened her arms to her husband. Han came to her wordlessly, enfolding her in a hug. Their limbs were both stiff with tension. The source of that, at least, was easy to guess at. Leia had begun to show, if only slightly. Pulled close against him, Han would be able to feel the bulge of the child she carried that did not belong to him.
Padmé greeted her grandsons with relief. “Thank the Force you made it,” she drew them both into her embrace. Both were a head taller than she, and fairly dwarfed her between them. “I was so worried.”
“So was I,” Leia moved away from Han and gathered her sons to her. Their greeting was markedly less awkward.
“We’re all fine,” Han hooked his thumbs through his belt and leaned against the transparisteel observation window. Chewbacca came to stand beside him. “Luke and Mara are on the Galactic Voyager at an officers’ meeting. Jaina’s stationed planetside with the Rogues.”
Leia sighed in relief. “Good, now maybe I can have a few nights’ sleep without worrying about everyone. Now what’s this about a meeting? Why aren’t you there?”
“Because,” he wrapped an arm around her waist, and made a good show of being casual about it, “I’d rather be here with you.” The phrase was followed by a lop-sided grin that could have charmed a rampaging wampa.
Leia smiled in return, and seemed to relax a little in his arms. “And I’d rather have you here. But don’t you think they’ll need you?”
“They’ll manage, I’m sure,” he promised with a wink. “Besides, me and Anakin and Chewie have some repairs to make,” his countenance became more dismal when thinking of the damage to his beloved ship.
“What about Jacen?” Padmé questioned, throwing a look at her oldest grandson. She knew he wasn’t one for mechanics, but she didn’t think Han should disregard him so blatantly.
“I’m going to the surface,” Jacen told her. “A lot of the injured Hapans were brought to MedCenters in Chume’Dan. I’m going to go help out.”
She smiled at him, pleased with the character he was already exhibiting. The family she and Anakin had created had blossomed into something beautiful despite all, and that warmed her aging heart. The only thing she could think of to improve upon this dynasty of hers was the presence of her husband to bask in it with. It had been a lifetime, but she would carry his memory and their love for all her days. She would never, ever stop missing him. “Go then. They will need you.”
He nodded to her, and then to his mother. “You’re right, I need to go soon if I’m going to be of any help. Mom, just comm me if you need anything.”
“I will, Jacen,” Leia smiled. “Be careful. And check on your sister, if you get the chance.”
He stepped into the turbolift, and when he turned back to face them there was a smile on his face. “I’ll try.”
“So,” Leia began when he was gone, “do you have any idea what the next move will be?”
Han rubbed a hand down his face wearily. “We’re going to be parked here for a while, from what I gather. I’m sure Ackbar or Wedge or somebody has a trick up their sleeve, but for now we’re just protecting Hapes and the Queen.”
“The Hapans joining the war effort can only be a good thing,” Padmé added her voice to the discussion. “We can use all the numbers we can get.”
Leia nodded in agreement. “The Baci will not fall easily. I would think,” her eyes took on a far off expression, “that any normal commander would strike at us here very soon. But Cale… no, I don’t think so. He’ll stay put at Thrakia for a while yet; he’s too confident in their army to realize the scope of the threat we present.”
Han’s stance immediately became uneasy at the mention of Cale Wilos. Padmé saw Leia’s face fall as she realized her mistake, and tried to hurry and cover for her child’s blunder. “Leia, maybe you should be at this meeting on the Voyager. If strategic moves are to be made, you would have the best knowledge of our enemy, and that is an essential resource.”
Leia looked uncomfortable at the suggestion. “Do you think?”
Padmé inclined her head sagely. “They’ll need your input. Han, could you take us there in the Falcon? It would be the quickest way.”
“Yeah,” he scratched the back of his head dubiously. “Sure. If,” he eyed Leia, “you really think you’re up for it.”
She took a long breath and blew it out slowly. “Yes, I can do this. I want to help. And if my knowledge of Cale will bring a swifter end to this nightmare, then I am more than happy to be a resource. Anakin, comm Luke and tell him we’re on our way.”
- * *
The day of the defeat over Thrakia had been a solemn one on Hapes, as well among the motley group of rebel defectors. There had been conferences and policy sessions, debriefings and hastily made schedules. At the end of it all, Jaina and Tenel Ka had finally been able to return to the princess’s rooms, where they could at last speak in private.
“So tell me,” Tenel Ka began as she flopped down on one end of the massive bed, “how long have you been with Rogue Squadron? Is it as wonderful as you had always hoped?”
“Better,” Jaina smiled, and climbed onto the opposite end of the mattress. She had found time at last to shower and change into clean clothes, and felt and looked much better than she had earlier in the day. Yet the cleaning had not managed to rinse away all the disappointment from the recent loss. “I’m right where I want to be.”
Tenel Ka grinned back sadly as she sat up into a cross-legged position, mirroring Jaina’s pose. Her one hand began to absentmindedly take down the cluster of braids knotting her hair. “I am glad for you, Jaina. I wish I could tell you the same. I feel so…” she gestured helplessly, at a loss, “trapped. The person I am is being drowned by the princess I am expected to be.”
“Your mother,” Jaina began, “you said she was sick. What’s wrong?”
The red headed woman’s eyes focused on a point on the wall. “I can’t tell you exactly. She has been worn down by years of ruthless politics, of trying to defend her very life from the people she is trying to serve. It has taken a toll on her health. She just can’t handle all the duties of Queen Mother anymore.”
Jaina glanced at her fingernails in deep thought. “Will she recover?”
Tenel Ka’s reply was a mere whisper. “Hapes has taken the warrior spirit from her. I don’t know if that’s something you can get back.”
Jaina understood her fear immediately. If and when Teneniel Djo stepped down, Tenel Ka would take her place. Her friend knew that she would then face the same trials as her mother, and Hapes would try to steal her spirit as well. It wasn’t the kind of fate a warrior should ever have; wasting away in majestic robes with no hope and an unshakeable duty. “Are you ready to take the throne, when your time comes?” Jaina asked softly.
The daughter of Dathomir sucked in a deep breath and lifted her head, her eyes intense. “These are my people, and that is my crown, whether I want it or not.”
“If we don’t make some progress against the Baci soon, I’m afraid it might be a moot point,” Jaina exhaled noisily.
“Don’t say things like that.”
“I’m sorry,” Jaina apologized. “I’m just really stressed lately.”
“I’ve heard rumors,” Tenel Ka nodded. “Things about your family, your mother. Was she imprisoned by the Baci?”
“Yes,” Jaina was tight-lipped, unsure if she should spill the whole story. But there was no one to talk to about these things, and she knew she could trust Tenel Ka to be discreet. It might be worth it, just to get things off her chest. So she proceeded to tell her the whole sordid story, ending with Jacen’s plea to reconcile with Leia.
Her friend was quiet through it all, but the skin around her eyes hardened grimly the longer Jaina spoke. “This is very unfortunate,” she said when Jaina was done. “I am so sorry, for you and her. But Jacen is correct, you must speak with her.”
“I’m going to,” Jaina promised. “I just haven’t had the time yet.”
“You should make the time. We are battling for our very existence here, Jaina. Who knows whether we will be here tomorrow? Life is too unpredictable,” Tenel Ka advised gently.
Jaina ran a shaky hand through her hair. “You’re right. Tomorrow. If I can’t leave I’ll write to her.”
“What of these Chiss?” Tenel Ka said after a time, trying to fill the silence. “Where did they come from, and how did you get them to help us?”
A blush faintly colored Jaina’s cheeks. “They’re a powerful species from the Unknown Regions. I kind of kidnapped one of them and, uh, ransomed him for their help.”
Tenel Ka’s eyes grew wide with shock. “Jaina please tell me you have developed a taste for Jacen’s bad jokes.”
Her friend laughed lightly. “No, I’m afraid not”
“Who did you kidnap?”
This time the redness on her face was bright. “His name is Jag Fel.”
“Oh no,” Tenel Ka blew out a loud breath. “I know that look, Jaina Solo. Like father like daughter, I suppose,” she smirked, knowing better than most the details of Han and Leia’s courtship. “All right, tell me all about him.”
Jaina collapsed onto the bed with a moan. “I’m so stupid. And crazy. I mean, I know I’m going to end up hurting at the end of this, because he’s going to go back with them and I’ll stay here where I belong. And if things keep progressing the way they are…I’m not going to be able to let him go, Tenel Ka.”
“You could always keep him at blaster point,” she joked. “That’s how you got him here.”
Jaina laughed despite herself. “This is serious! Tell me what to do.”
“Do you love him?” all mirth was gone from her tone.
“It’s too soon,” Jaina shook her head. “But I think I very easily could, someday.”
“Jaina,” Tenel Ka reached out and took her hand, pulling her back up into a sitting position so that they were facing. “I don’t have much experience with this kind of thing, but I pride myself on being a rational person. The way I see it, you have two choices. You can keep seeing this Jag and decide if your feelings are strong enough to work through the inevitable problems. But if you do that, there are no guarantees that the outcome won’t be the same, and you will be left heartbroken. It is a slim chance that things could turn out otherwise, if he is truly allied to these Chiss.”
Jaina tore her eyes away, but did not interrupt.
“And if not,” Tenel Ka continued, “you would be very wise to distance yourself from him now. You can’t let yourself fall in love with him. I tell you this because you are my friend, and I can’t stand the thought of seeing you in the kind of pain this could bring.”
“I don’t know if I can do that,” Jaina whispered at last.
“Then I think it’s probably too late,” Tenel Ka responded. She let go of Jaina’s hand and lay back on the soft pillows, rolling onto her stomach and resting her chin on her crossed wrists. “But it’s a woman’s prerogative to be crossed in love at least once in her life, I suppose,” she laughed, trying to lighten the mood.
Jaina smiled appreciatively. “I guess so. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
“There would be something wrong if you did.” Her gaze drifted in thought. “I think I would like to meet this Jag Fel.”
“I might be able to arrange that,” Jaina winked.
“Good. Maybe I can live vicariously through you, since I am doomed to a political marriage,” she smiled playfully.
“We’re quite a pair,” Jaina giggled. “I’m condemned to suffer a life shadowed by unrequited love, and you’re destined to marry the highest bidder.”
“I wish I had a glass of wine, so I could toast to cruel fate,” the princess laughed in reciprocation. “Ah well. I’m tired, let’s go to sleep. It will all still be here in the morning.”
- * *
“It’s time we began staging our own traps, instead of falling into them,” Tycho Celchu stated bluntly, pressing one palm firmly against the glossy block tabletop to emphasize his point. “We need to be fighting the Baci on our own terms.”
“Agreed,” Mara Jade Skywalker seconded his point. “Has the new ground assault equipment been acquired yet?”
“They have,” Wedge Antilles nodded, glancing around at the gathering of officers. To his left sat Ackbar, and continuing around in that direction was Tycho, Luke and Mara, and Airen Cracken. The circle completed with Iella, who sat on Wedge’s right. “And Chiss weapon’s construction has begun on Contruum as well.”
“I thought Colonel Fel was stationed here,” Luke interrupted, frowning.
“He is. The first stage can be completed without him, according to Jag. He’ll inevitably have to return in the later phase, but for now Spike Squadron is fine where it is,” Wedge answered calmly. He didn’t know his nephew very well, but he had been around him long enough to know that Fel was a sensible man. He trusted his judgment.
“So this new ground arsenal,” Mara steered the conversation back on track. “You’ve commissioned all the weaponry Luke suggested?”
“I have,” Wedge nodded. “And thanks to General Cracken, here, they’re all brand new.”
“It was Contruum’s moral duty to assist,” Airen waved off the praise. “Now we need to focus on implementing them.”
“The problem will be drawing the Baci into that kind of fight,” Ackbar rasped from the opposite end of the table. “So far they have only engaged us once in a surface battle, and that was because they were attempting to recapture Princess Leia.”
As if summoned by his words, the doors to the conference room swept open and Leia marched inside, followed by Han and Padmé Skywalker. “Sorry we’re late,” Han grinned apologetically. He pulled a seat out for both women, and then took the one between them.
“No problem,” Wedge smiled back. “We were just talking about how to draw the Baci into a ground assault.”
“Why a ground assault?” Han frowned, confused.
“We’re using weapons proven to be affective against Force users,” Tycho explained. “It should be no problem to beat them like that.”
“Don’t be too sure,” Padmé interrupted unexpectedly. They all turned surprised eyes on her, and she didn’t shy from them. “The Baci are very versatile. They’ve been engaging the CEDF for years.”
“That reminds me,” Luke piped in, “why isn’t there a representative from the Chiss here?”
“Ambassador Nuruodo declined our invitation. They are here only to assist, nothing more,” Wedge explained with a sigh. He would have persuaded Jag to attend, but the boy had been stationed planetside after the assault.
“Mother is right,” Leia added her voice to the cause. “It’s going to be a hard fight, no matter what. They are formidable in all aspects.”
“The woman I engaged on Tatooine wielded a lightsaber,” Mara added quietly. “I’m guessing it was a replica of Leia’s. If they did that once, they will do it again. They could even begin to mass produce them. We have to be ready for that eventuality.”
“The sonic weapons and scatterguns should all be effective against lightsabers,” Luke assured her.
“So the real problem, like Ackbar said, is finding a way to get them to fight us like that,” Wedge laid the main issue on the table. “Ideas?”
“You need bait,” Han spread his hands in a shrug as he posed the most obvious solution.
“But what?” Iella spoke at last. “We have nothing that they want.”
“How about Princess Leia?” Ackbar offered. “They came after her once, perhaps they will do it again.”
The unhappy looks he received from Han and the Skywalkers sent everyone else aback. “No way,” Han shook his head forcefully. “Not happening.”
“Captain Solo, we would not let her be in any real danger. We would only make the Baci think she was there for the taking,” Ackbar explained. “It would be no more perilous than the many other ruses Leia has willingly participated in over the years. What do you say, Princess?”
Wedge looked to the usually headstrong woman, and instead saw a frail figure that seemed to shrink in her seat. Whatever the Baci had done to her had changed the very essence of her character. “I’m not sure,” she whispered, her throat bobbing as she swallowed.
“Leia hasn’t yet made a full recovery,” Luke explained, coming to her rescue. “I’m not sure it’s such a good idea.”
“I’m not sure the Baci would want her back that badly anyways,” Wedge agreed. “They only came after her the first time to prevent her from bringing us their intel, right? Obviously it’s too late for that.” Han and Leia both looked uneasy and secretive, but did not disagree.
“All right, we just need an alternative. Same principle,” Iella offered. “But who, or what?”
“The Queen Mother,” Airen suggested suddenly. “If they want the Consortium, they’ll want rid of Teneniel Djo. Do you think she would be willing?”
“There’s only one way to find out,” Wedge spun in his chair and faced the holoprojector to the side.
- * *
Jaina’s eyes shot wide open at the sound of a knock on the bulky doors to Tenel Ka’s suite. The one armed Jedi was already up and answering the call by the time Jaina had sat up and rubbed away the sleep from her eyes. “What is it?” she asked as Tenel Ka shut the door.
“The Queen summons me,” she explained grimly. “Do you want to come with me?”
Jaina considered it for a heartbeat and decided that if it was important enough to call Tenel Ka in the middle of the night, she wanted to be there. “Let me change.”
“No time.”
Jaina sighed in frustration. “Okay, let’s go.”
Less than a minute later they were out of the suite and hurrying down the silent corridors to the Queen Mother’s rooms. Jaina busied herself on the way by pulling her hair out of her face and into a tail on the back of her head. It was cold in the palace, but the sudden since of urgency had left her feeling warm, even dressed only in athletic shorts and a tank.
The two female guards posted outside the Queen’s rooms let Tenel Ka pass without comment, and the two Jedi shut the door behind them. Inside, Teneniel was pacing the room worriedly, arms clasped tight around her middle. She looked up, startled, at their entrance. “Tenel Ka,” she embraced her daughter quickly. Her appraising gaze then turned to Jaina. “I would ask your name, but your face is too much like Leia’s to leave any doubt. Welcome, Jaina Solo.”
Jaina bowed respectfully. “Thank you, Queen Mother.”
Teneniel promptly forgot her and turned all her attention to Tenel Ka. “I have just received a transmission from the Pillory. General Antilles has made me an offer. I need you to help me decide.”
“What is it?” Tenel Ka gripped her mother’s shoulder worriedly. Jaina watched the exchange with interest, noting how the Queen seemed to be resting on Tenel Ka’s advice and opinion.
Teneniel’s inhalation was shuddering. “They want to use me as bait against the Baci. It won’t be too dangerous, but there is risk.”
“What are the specifics?” Tenel Ka pressed.
“They want to draw the Baci into a fight on the surface instead of in space. They’re confident in their ability to defeat them in that capacity.”
“Will there actually be any chance that you could be killed?” her daughter’s face was stern and calm, completely in control.
“There is always a chance,” Teneniel waved it off. “But it will be minute. What should I do?”
Jaina’s friend wavered for a moment, indecisive. She closed her steely gray eyes, and Jaina could feel her searching the Force for answers. When she opened them, she could see the decision had been made. “We should do whatever we can to bring a swift end to the war. We will make sure you are well protected,” she assured Teneniel.
Her mother nodded, accepting her child’s decision. “I’ll comm the General.”