| abstract
| - Leia flew awake with a jerk, her eyes wild and hair matted to her head with sweat. She gasped into the night, shivering and struggling for breath. Her hands clutched the sheets like claws, on the verge of tearing them. The Force was singing inside her head, bright and open and loud. Something was about to break, she could feel it in the depths of her bones. Han stirred beside her, his snoring giving way to a startled grunt. “Leia?” “I’m fine, Han,” she had already swung out from under the covers, and bare feet treaded quickly to the closet. She pulled out a standard brown Jedi robe and threw it over her shoulders. A clasp appeared in her hand, and she swept her short hair back in the best imitation of a tail she could muster. “You don’t look fine,” he protested, sitting up in bed. The covers fell to his waist, and he scratched at the fine hairs on his chest. “I have to talk to Luke,” she said while pulling on a pair of nondescript trousers. She moved for her boots. “Something’s happening.” “I’ll come with you,” he offered. Leia’s mouth opened to protest, but suddenly she clamped it shut. Whatever was about to happen, she wanted him there. He had been her strength over the past weeks. No matter what came, she was going to need his support to survive. If only one good thing had come from her trials with the Baci and Cale, that was it. She finally knew the true depths of which she loved and needed her husband. “Hurry,” she said. While he scurried to find his clothes discarded earlier in the night, Leia retrieved her lightsaber from the bedside table. She ran it through her hands gently, as if it was the finest of shimmersilk. She had bonded to the weapon, like a true Jedi, and now only when carrying it did she feel whole. It was an extension of her body, and a small part of her was in constant anxiety over keeping it close. Han finished dressing and they exited the Falcon without comment. The hangar where the old freighter was berthed was empty, since most of the shift crews were on their sleep cycle. The bright lights overhead buzzed in the silence. They moved to the turbolift and headed to the area of the Pillory provided for the Jedi quarters. Eventually the lift came to a stop, and Leia snaked through the crack in the door as soon as it became big enough for her to fit through. Han was close behind. Soon they came to the Skywalker apartment, and Leia banged loudly on the hatch without a second thought. She waited a heartbeat and then bellowed, “Luke!” at the same time pounding on their Force bond to rouse him. A moment later the door slid aside to reveal a very sleepy and grumpy looking Mara. “What the hell is going on? Did someone die?” “Sorry,” Han apologized for them both, looking sheepish. At the same time Leia brushed by her sister-in-law without a word and marched into the apartment. Mara gave Han a curious look, he shrugged, and she moved aside to let him enter as well. Luke had just come out of the bedroom, struggling to get the sash of his robe tied. “What’s wrong?” he demanded of his twin. “That’s what I’m here to find out,” she panted. “You know the urgency I was telling you about the other day? It’s gotten worse, so bad I feel like something is going to jump out and pounce on me any second. You have to help me.” Leia looked panicked, confused and upset by the situation and inexplicable feelings assaulting her even in sleep. “All right, just calm down. Find your center. Be the eye of the storm, hold fast to your peace,” he was speaking in that strange, mystical tone of voice he affected when drawing deeply on the Force. As ordered, Leia closed her eyes and tried to find her center, the strong core of herself Luke had taught her to rely on. A quiet peace wound its way through her body, but it didn’t completely dispel the anxious feeling. “Are you calm?” he asked. “Yes,” she breathed, eyes still closed. “Tell me what you’re feeling.” Instead of verbalizing it, Leia stretched out through their sibling bond, born in their mother’s belly, and let him experience the shrill sense of peril hovering over her. She could tell he was rocked by the intensity of it, and at the same time curious. She could feel no similar awareness in him, which meant she was the only one sensing any danger. He pulled back from their connection, and both of them opened their eyes at the same instant. “I feel nothing,” he confirmed her assumption. His gaze flickered to Mara, who was studying them with deep concentration. “Do you feel any danger?” She shook her red mane once, arms crossed over her chest and fingers dug into the soft fabric of her robe. Han just looked baffled. “What’s going on?” he questioned, terribly inept among the Force-users. “Leia has been feeling the shadow of some sort of impending attack for a while now. The strength of it has multiplied during her sleep,” Luke said, his eyes on his sister, like she was a puzzle to be solved. “This has to mean something,” Leia insisted. “Why don’t you check with Wedge,” Mara suggested, then padded into the kitchenette and started up the caf machine. “Maybe what you’re feeling isn’t centered on you specifically, but with all of us.” “Maybe,” Leia said, but sounded doubtful. If that was the case, then Luke and Mara should be feeling something too. “It would be worth a try,” Han shrugged his opinion, rocking back casually on his heels. “I’ll get dressed, and we’ll all go,” Luke backed towards his bedroom. Mara finished pouring her cup of caf and said, “Me too, not like I’m going to be able to go back to sleep after this. You all are welcome to the caf,” she waved at it, then traipsed after Luke. Han fixed himself a cup, but Leia declined. She just stood in the middle of the room, trying to trace her feelings to something. It was so undefined in origin, but the target seemed clear enough: her. Shortly Luke and Mara emerged from their room, Luke in his standard black Jedi attire and Mara in one of her signature jumpsuits. The foursome left the apartment quietly so as not to disturb the sleeping Jedi in surrounding rooms, and hurried to the fore of the Star Destroyer to find Wedge. In contrast with waking Luke and Mara, there wasn’t a long wait after knocking, and Iella Antilles answered her door looking very much awake. She sighed at the sight of them, as if she had been expecting it. “Come on in. I guess Wedge commed you. I’m sorry, I told him it could wait until morning.” “No, he never said anything,” Luke stepped inside first, hands clasped serenely between the folds of his oversized sleeves. “We’re here because Leia feels some sort of imminent danger. We were concerned it had something to do with the war.” Iella’s blue eyes flicked across each one of them, open mouthed, before she clamped it shut and motioned them to follow her across the apartment. The Antilles’ suite was spacious and comfortable, but not anywhere near extravagant. They trailed Iella single file through the living room and into a small office space, where Wedge was studying a miniature holo image of none other than Cale Wilos. Leia felt herself tense at the sight of him. He wore his white uniform and a smug smile, and those black eyes seemed to stare straight out of the holo and into her soul. Her heart felt squashed in a vice, and the feeling of danger intensified to a sonic pitch. Han’s big hands steadied her shoulders, and she leaned back against his chest, taking comfort in that warmth. It was silly, but she had to keep reminding herself she was safe, it was just a holo, he couldn’t touch her. Wedge looked up at the appearance of the three Jedi and Han, startled. “What are you all doing here?” “I’d be willing to bet my lightsaber it’s the same reason you’re up at this hour,” Mara scowled at the image of the Baci Premier. “I just got this an hour ago,” Wedge sighed, looking old. “Why don’t you all take a seat. I’ll play it back for you.” He took a second look at Leia’s ashen face and seemed to reconsider. “Unless you don’t want me to. I mean, it’s—” “It’s fine,” her voice was steady, and she stepped forward and took a seat beside him. Luke let Mara have the other chair, and he and Han stood. Wedge pressed play. Cale’s image jumped and reverted, then started a regular cycle from the beginning. He began to speak in Basic through a heavy accent. The voice ripped at Leia’s insides. “Greetings, leaders of the resistance army. I am Premier Cale Wilos of the Baci Nation. This message is for Jedi Master Luke Skywalker.” He paused, as if waiting for everyone but Luke to leave the room. “I have a proposition for you, Master Skywalker. I am tired of this war our peoples have been waging, and I have come up with a final solution to end it all. I propose a ritual Baci duel, between you and I, with lightsabers, one week from now at a planetary system of your choosing. You may board my flagship, alone, without fear of harm. If you kill me, our forces will withdraw and leave this place forever. If I win, you let us claim the planets of our choosing and sign an agreement to stay away from our people. If you agree to these terms, send a response within twenty four standard hours. I will be looking forward to seeing you in person.” He ended with a smile, venomous as a snake. The holo fizzled into nothingness. The air in the small office was tense and quiet. It was Han that broke the spell. “Well isn’t that a load of shavit.” “It’s a trick,” Mara turned to her husband, and Leia thought she saw pleading there in her jade eyes. Mara didn’t want Luke to go. “They’ll kill you.” “They’ll try,” his face was set and eyes hard, and Leia knew that look too well to believe anyone would talk him out of it. “You can’t be serious,” Mara was a cross between fury and desperation. “I have to do it,” he turned to her, his gaze tender. His fingers lifted to brush a stray hair off her face. “There’s too much at risk not to give this a shot. I have to go, Mara. I could end the war here and now.” “Luke,” Wedge piped in, chagrined, “I don’t think this is wise, either. We can find another way.” “Yeah, kid,” Han drawled negatively. “I kinda agree.” Everyone seemed to wait for Leia to echo her agreement. She stared her twin a moment, something unspoken in that glance, and said, “I’m coming with you.” A ripple of shock ricocheted through the room. “Neither of you are going,” Mara persisted. “This is insane.” Luke’s eyes were on his sister. “They told me to come alone.” “He’ll let me be,” Leia promised, a dangerous edge to her voice. “He’s too much of a coward. Besides, he’ll like the thought of me watching you die, making me suffer.” “You,” Han turned to his wife, “are not going anywhere. You’re in no condition. And there is absolutely no way in hell I’m letting you go back to that man. Never. I can’t believe you even want to!” Leia grabbed his hand and kissed the knuckles softly. “I don’t want to. It’s the last thing in this universe I want to do. But I finally understand what the Force has been telling me. This is what I have to confront. I have to go. I have no choice. Please back me up in this.” “I appreciate the offer, Leia, but I don’t think it would be good for you. You’re still too close to the darkness,” Luke added his voice to the cause. She swung her head to face him, feeling betrayed. “You’ll have to tie me up and strip me of the Force to keep me away,” she answered right back, hard as durasteel. “No,” Han waved his arms emphatically. “No, no, no. Nuh-uh. You’re not going, and that’s final.” Her eyes flashed at him suddenly. All previous thoughts of tenderness and need were quenched by her conviction. “I am not a child, and you are not my keeper! This isn’t your decision to make, so stay out of it.” He seemed taken aback by her harshness, and she felt bad for it immediately, but refused to back down. They could make amends later. “Then I’m coming, too,” he crossed his arms. “No offense, Han, but they’d probably just shoot you,” Luke spoke up. “I’d like to see ’em try,” he was staunch, cocky, typical Han. “Now hang on a second,” Wedge raised his voice above the din. “Let’s think this through. Let’s say Luke does go,” that earned him a sour look from Mara. “We could pick Contruum and spring our trap on them there.” Luke nodded, liking the idea. “That has promise. I’ll kill Cale Wilos, effectively destroying their head of command, and the fleet strips them of their shields and decimates the whole navy. We win in one fell swoop.” “I still don’t like this,” Mara was defiant. “And I’m still going,” Leia reminded them. “I’m more than willing to go,” Luke was talking to Wedge, ignoring the protestations of the women on either side of him. “Should I make the arrangements?” his friend asked. “But remember, I don’t want to pressure you into it. We’ll find another way if you want out.” “I can do it,” Luke seemed confident. “I wouldn’t go if I didn’t think I could. I feel the Force at work in this. This is what I’m supposed to do.” “I’ve seen them duel before,” Leia interjected, looking at her brother. She had to convince him she would be of use, somehow. “It’s a ceremonial fight in an arena. They use it to solve arguments between clans.” She paused, then said, “I need to go with you, Luke. Not just for me but for you. I can feel it, this is what I’ve been preparing for. Can’t you?” “I’m not going to be responsible for losing you to them again,” he took her hand and squeezed, but avoided the question altogether. She wasn’t going to let him off that easy. “You won’t,” she swore. “I promise. I would kill myself before I endured that again. But it’s not going to come to that. I know it.” “You can’t know. The future is always in motion,” he said. “But what if every possible future still leads to one point in time, one result?” she asked. “Isn’t it possible that in this instance, all roads lead to the same destination?” “And what destination is that?” “Cale dead,” she was expressionless. There was a very long silence where no one knew exactly what to say. Han looked ready to hit something, Mara ready to hit Luke, and Luke and Leia in a strange sort of staring contest. It was a battle of wills, and everyone waited on the edge of their seat to see the outcome. Luke broke first. “All right. I’ll take you with me.” The uproar from both spouses was loud and passionate, but Leia only sat and smiled at the Jedi Master and mouthed the words, “Thank you.”
* * * “I can’t believe you’re doing this to me.” Mara hadn’t looked at him since leaving the Antilles’ apartment, and the declaration was the first word she had spoken. Her anger ran across his skin with the same shocking energy as Force lightning. He hated it when Mara was angry with him. She swept into their quarters like a hurricane, slinging her boots off with such vigor he was afraid she was going to chuck one at him. Thankfully she refrained, and disappeared around the corner into their room without a backwards glance. Luke followed her, chagrined. “I’m not doing it to you Mara. It has nothing to do with you, and everything to do with serving the Force. I’ve made a commitment to the Jedi—” She spun on the spot, face contorted in anger and one finger jamming into his chest. “You made a commitment to me! Don’t you remember our wedding vowels? And I have to tell you, Luke, I was really hoping the ‘til death do you part’ thing would come a little farther in the future.” He winced at the strength of her ire. “I’m sorry,” he kept his voice low and steady, hoping to diffuse things. “The last thing I ever want to do in this life is hurt you. But you have to understand that in this situation I have to think about more than myself, more than you and me.” Her countenance was morphing from red fury to wet-eyed distress, her mouth turning down all of its own accord. She ran the back of her hand over her face and sniffed. Luke felt her pain as is own, deep in his chest. He was half afraid to touch her, because losing a limb wasn’t off the table when she was like that, but he braved the storm and pulled her close to him. She melted into his chest, soft sobs racking her form. Luke nuzzled the top of her head, soothed her through the Force. “I love you,” he whispered into her hair. She spoke tightly into his chest, “I love you too. I can’t lose you, Luke. Not now.” His brow furrowed, something about that giving him pause. “What do you mean, now?” She tensed both physically and emotionally, withdrawing ever so slightly from him. There was a piece of her she held at bay, kept closed off, and he didn’t understand that. Part of the magic of their relationship was how there were never, and could never be any secrets. They were completely open. “Nothing,” she squeezed him tighter. “I just meant that I can’t lose you now, after everything we’ve been through. You have to promise me you’re coming back.” He closed his eyes and concentrated on the smooth feel of her hair under his cheek. She was being emotional, and rightly so, but he was still a little taken aback at how easily she was weeping over him. It only made the guilt worse. “I will. No matter what, I’ll come back to you.”
* * * Two days later, everyone who was anyone had stuffed themselves into the biggest conference room the Pillory had to offer. The lucky got chairs, but most were stuck standing around the massive table. There were beings off all shapes, sizes, and military rank, but they were all there upon request from Admiral Ackbar and General Antilles. Each of them was to serve a specific purpose in the battle ahead. Jaina wasn’t sure whether she was there as a squadron commander, a Jedi, or a part of the Solo/Skywalker family. She guessed it didn’t really matter, either. She was there, and that meant she got to find out a little sooner than everyone else what was up. Three figures jumbling through the door caught her wayward eye. The tallest was her twin, the other Anakin, and squeezed protectively between them was Padme. Jaina waved them forward, and she watched with mild amusement as Jacen and Anakin tried to push through the throng towards her. Finally they made it, and Jaina jumped from her seat straight away to let Padme sit. The old woman smiled at her gratefully and patted her hand. Jaina felt a sudden burst of affection, and was overcome with a sense of thankfulness to have found her. It was amazing to her that in so short a time, Jaina loved her grandmother that much. An unexpected hush fell over the crowd before she could speak with Jacen and Anakin, and Wedge stepped forward. The lights dimmed, and a projection of the planet Contruum jumped from the middle of the table. “In four standard days we will be launching what we hope is the final attack on the Baci invaders. The engagement will take place over Contruum, so the new shield stripping technology from the Chiss can be employed. I have assurances from Colonel Fel the weapon will be ready.” He let that sink in a minute. “There are several things that are going to happen here that you all need to be aware of. First, Master Skywalker and Princess Leia will be infiltrating the Baci flagship, the Dintellion.” Jaina felt her chest tighten in shock and fear. What are they thinking?! Her thoughts were reflected in Jacen and Anakin. Luckily, they all had enough sense to save their protestations until later. Wedge was still talking. “They will be admitted safely, and the purpose is for Master Skywalker to duel the Premier, Cale Wilos, for the fate of the galaxy.” Those few words were filled with a sort of sardonic lilt. “We have no way of ensuring the Baci follow through with their promise—I know if Luke doesn’t make it we will not—so at some point I will give the signal to engage. Basically, the whole duel is a ruse to draw the Baci into our trap. “When we attack,” Ackbar stepped in, “we’re hoping the Baci shields will be down, and you will have an easier time subduing them.” Wedge nodded to the Mon Cal legend, then continued, “The shield strippers have a short range, and the device itself is small enough to fit inside a normal space yacht. Our plan is to have a one-man crew on a ship with this technology fly close to the fleet, very indiscreet, then turn it on. It will need to be a good pilot in case the Baci catch on to where the problem is orginating.” “A Jedi would be best,” Luke spoke up from somewhere near the front. “Then we could have complete comm silence. We could have another Jedi on the Pillory to mentally relay the order.” “I’ll do it,” Anakin shocked them all by raising his hand. He didn’t shy from the curious eyes that turned his way. “Just you?” Wedge looked dubious. “I thank you for your bravery, Anakin, but someone with a little more experience—” “Will be needed in battle,” Anakin cut in. “They all have somewhere more important to be. I’m a really good pilot, and I know how to flip a switch.” That elicited a little chuckle from the crowd. “And Jacen could be the one on the Pillory, so it would be easier for us to communicate over that distance because there’s a bond already there.” He nudged his brother with one elbow. “Anakin,” Leia eased out of her chair, “I have faith that you can do this, but I’m not too crazy about having you out there alone.” He flushed a bright red with embarrassment. Jaina didn’t blame him. Being called down by your Mommy in a war meeting wasn’t exactly every teenager’s dream. “I’ll go with him,” Padme said softly, providing the third blindside for Jaina of the day. “Or I’ll do it myself, and you can consider him my Jedi protector,” she winked playfully at her grandson. He smiled at her in gratitude. The suggestion seemed to satisfy everyone. Even knowing her only a few months, no one questioned Padme’s determination or competency. Her reputation from the Old Republic had carried over to the New, and been supplemented by recent acts as well as the respected Skywalker name. “That’s settled then. Now, after the shields have been killed, a second, significantly larger Jedi infiltration team will board the Dintellion and attempt to take control of the vessel, as well as assist Master Skywalker and Princess Leia if need be.” Wedge’s gaze turned back to Jaina’s aunt. “Mara, is your party ready?” She nodded curtly. “Yes. I’ll be taking half the numbers in the Jade Sabre, and the rest will be shuttled by Han in the Millennium Falcon.” Ever so briefly, her eyes met Jaina’s. “Vornskr Squadron will provide cover for us.” Jaina felt a smile creeping along her face. It sounded like the perfect arrangement for her. She would get to be right in the middle of it all. “Is everyone clear on the sequence of event?” Wedge raised his eyebrows. There were nods and affirmative noises. He clapped his hands once. “May the Force be with you, and remember to pick up your specific orders on a datacard from Colonel Celchu before you leave.”
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