[fic] Renewal

[Kado Sunrider]

The thing is Jaina has had two men, Zekk and Jagged Fell circling her for so long, and neither has gotten very far with her. While I can see her wanting a shoulder that isn't family to cry on, it didn't feel right for her to fall head over heels in such a short time.

 

As for something to work with, download Open Office, which is a system that mimics the older word, and is free.

oh cool, thanks for the Open Office suggestion. It is true that Zekk and Jag have been hounding her for a long time, but she admitted that she loved neither of them anymore, partly because she had changed, and partly because they were always at each others throats over her.

 

Ghel is strong and intelligent, not to mention rational, (at least up until the dark side bit) calm and understanding to an unbelievable degree.

 

Anyways, Chapter Ten is coming right up, got about ten minutes more editting to do before I throw it up here.

 

BTW, Mach, thats three posts from you in one thread. Excluding the main thread, thats got to be a record or something.

[Kado Sunrider]

Shedu Maad, the Jedi Sanctuary on the edge of the Hapes Consortium, contrasted starkly with the dull colors of the Transitory Mists. A lone starfighter drifted towards the rocky ball at speed, slowing down just before reaching the upper atmosphere.

 

"Unidentified Freighter, this is Jedi Master Corran Horn. If you do not have business here--"

 

"Master Horn, this is Ghel Thek."

 

There was silence on the comm for a few moments.

 

"We'll meet you in the hangar."

 

That doesn't sound good. I thought.

 

I pulled the craft into a sharp dive and headed for the sanctuary's hangar. I slid the large craft carefully into a berth and popped the hatch, preparing for the worst Worst case scenario, they banish me from the Order. I walked down the hatch and around the side of the freighter to see Masters Corran Horn and Luke Skywalker standing there waiting for me.

 

"Master Skywalker, Master Horn." I said with a bow. "I have returned."

 

Luke shot Corran a glance that the younger man returned in kind.

 

"We can feel the darkness in you, Ghel." Master Skywalker said. "But we can also feel the light, something happened to you, a vision, or a meeting. It brought you back to the light. However we cannot in good conscience allow you to rejoin the Order."

 

My heart sank, I knew this was coming, but it still hurt. I dropped my head in silent defeat.

 

"At least," he continued, "Until you have told your story to the council, at which time your fate will be decided."

 

I looked up into his face, a huge grin spreading rapidly across my face.

 

"Thank you, Master."

 

Luke nodded and turned away, heading back into the base.

 

"For the time being, you'll be confined to your quarters." Corran said. "But I wouldn't worry about that, shouldnt take too long, we havent been doing much around here except preparing to leave."

 

The question that I had been waiting to ask my master sprang to the forefront of my thoughts.

 

"Do you think they will let me rejoin the Order?" I asked.

 

He glanced sidelong at me with an intense gaze.

 

"I won't deny that I can see the darkness in you, and the places where it has burst forth. But I can understand your pain. Mirax was once kidnapped and I believed her dead, and I too came dangerously close to the dark side on many occasions. I had Corsec training for dealing with loss that you didnt have." He put his arm around my shoulder as we walked out of the hangar and into the brightly lit hallway. "But I wouldn't worry. We both felt the light inside you, and its beating back the dark. It will always be there, as will the temptation, but you'll learn to control it."

 

We were standing outside the door to my quarters now, and the door slid open. I walked inside and turned to face my former Master.

 

"Its good to see you again, Master."

 

"It has been far too long, hasn't it?" he said with a grin before the door slid shut.

 

 

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

 

 

The door slid open and I continued to stare at the ceiling, going over my narrative that I would shortly be delivering to the Jedi Council. I knew I should have cared more about who was barging into my room, but I didnt even bother to reach out with the force and find out, I was to focused on my planning. Suddenly, there was a brush of lips against mine and a warm body settled down on top of me.

 

"Ghel, I've missed you."

 

My eyes were still closed, but I could feel the uncontrollable smile appear on my features.

 

"Jaina." I said. It was a statement, not a question.

 

"Let me in, Ghel. Let me help you. I know you have to appear before the council before they let you back into the Order."

 

I sighed and dropped my mental barriers, allowing Jaina's mind to mix with my own, sharing thoughts and images, feelings and emotions until we were almost one person.

 

You see? Master Horn believes that they will let me back in, but Im not so sure. I've done a lot of evil in a short time.

 

Ghel, you and I both know that the Jedi preach forgiveness, and if they both felt the light in you, they must know you have been redeemed. I still want to know how, and I can feel that you're concealing it from me.

 

I had concealed Jacen's appearance until a time at which I could gather the remaining Solo clan together and tell them his final message.

 

I will tell you, but not now, and not until your parents are back from wherever they are with Allana.

 

There was a sharp knock at the door, and Jaina rolled off me.

 

"I think its time." she spoke in barely a whisper.

 

We walked to the door and I pushed the switch, on the other side a young jedi apprentice stood waiting.

 

"Mr. Thek, the Jedi Council is waiting for you."

 

Mr.? Oh well, I suppose Im not really a Jedi anymore. Yet.

 

I followed silently after the padawan, feeling Jaina's eyes on the back of my neck.

 

No matter what happens, I love you.

[The_Catto]

I have a feeling that they will let Ghel back into the order but I also like to think of how his future will turn out if they deny him.

Interesting indeed.

 

A nice chapter Kado. It gave pretty much no inclination as to what Ghel's fate will be and that was good. It keeps us waiting for the next chapter!

9/10!

[Kado Sunrider]

Thanks for the comment BFA, I've been thinking lately, (I know, you've warned me about doing that.) and I've come to realize that the only reason I write at all is so that people can get a smidgen of enjoyment from my writing. BFA, I hereby dub you official Patron of my works. Without you, I doubt I would still be writing this one.

 

Back to the grindstone for Chapter 11!

[The_Catto]

!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for this honour!

 

It's been my pleasure, Kado

It's an awesome read of a story and I'm glad that you're continuing in writing it!

Looking forward to chapter 11 and the announcement of Ghel's future!!!

[Kado Sunrider]

((Its a short one, more of an bridging section that leads to the next part of the story. Taking a break from writing Chapter 12 to post Chapter 11!))

 

 

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

 

 

The door slid open and I entered the circular chambers. Situated in a semi-circle before me was the Jedi Council.

 

"Thank you for coming before us today, Ghel." Luke said from the seat directly in front of me. I nodded in return and waited for the Grandmaster to continue.

 

"There is no doubt to all of us here that you have experienced darkness, and that darkness still besets you. However, we can also feel the light that is beating back the darkness. Corran felt you change while on your mission, and when you did not return and Jaina did, we feared you had fallen. It is the wish of the council that you relate your exploits to us now, before we pass judgement."

 

I sighed. "As you wish, Master."

 

"You may begin your tale at the point at which you last saw Jaina, we know what happened up until her release, but we dont know what happened after."

 

"I awoke to find myself being dragged down a hall by two guards, carrying ysalamari to negate my force abilities." I began. "I was tossed into a dark chamber where I was met by a fellow force user. He tortured me, when I finally got a glimpse of his face, it was my fathers. He used an ooglith masquer."

 

I stared at the ground, but could feel some of the council fidgeting.

 

"He told me Jaina was dead and then incapacitated me with Force Lightning. The last thing I remember was the unnatural hatred that was flowing through me. I do not know how long I lay there unconscious, but when I awoke I was screaming with rage. The Ysalamari was gone, and I brutally murdered the man guarding the door. I... rampaged, through the facility, mercilessly killing anyone who opposed me until I was outside the central chamber. Another man, presumably his apprentice stood waiting for me with a cadre of guards. I killed them all, again without mercy, and proceeded into the chamber. The duel was short quick and brutal, but I didnt let him go easily, not for killing Jaina. I overloaded his brains with his own painful memories." I looked into Lukes eyes, shame welling inside me.

 

"After I departed, I traveled to Coruscant, where I attempted to find the knowledge, presumably contained in a Sith holocron, of Darth Caedus. I did not find what I was looking for, and continued my search to Hapes. The holocron was cleverly hidden in the bedchambers of the Queen Mother, after retrieving it, I was forced to kill 3 Hapan commandos to escape. I assume Tenel Ka has relayed this information to you." Luke nodded, and I continued my story. "I traveled to the asteroid where Mara was killed, once more looking for traces of Darth Caedus. When I arrived, I tried to meditate, but was... interrupted."

 

Luke stared at me with a probing interest.

 

"Jacen." he said.

 

"Yes, he appeared to me as a Force Ghost. My initial thought was that he was there for retribution of his sisters death. However, he told me, that in his last moments, when he sacrificed himself to save Tenel Ka and Allana, he was redeemed."

 

"Just like my father..." Luke muttered softly.

 

"He told me Jaina was alive, and turned me from my dark path, instilling in me that it would only lead to death and destruction. I did not believe him at first, I must admit. The defining moment, I asked him if he was serious, and he replied, with a Solo grin, 'Do mynocks chew power cables?' I knew at that point that he was Jacen, and not Caedus, come to haunt me."

 

Luke was grinning, grinning as I had not seen him do since the birth of Ben.

 

"Have you told Han, Leia or Jaina?" he asked suddenly.

 

I shook me head.

 

"Ghel, please step outside while the council deliberates."

 

I walked out the door, feeling slightly better than I had in days. Telling of my dark deeds had released some of the tension upon my soul.

 

* * *

 

"Ghel Thek, by the authority of this Council, you are hearby reinstated as Knight of the Jedi Order."

 

Relief flooded me, but I did not allow my emotions to show. I bowed low, then straightened and looked into my masters face. He was grinning. Several of the Masters stood and excused themselves, having other business to attend too. At last, only Corran, Luke and myself were in the chamber.

 

The pair approached and Corran wrestled me in a rough bear hug which I returned whole-heartedly. So much for acting like a Jedi. Luke stood there watching us with his customary childish grin on his face.

 

"Ghel, I'm going to tell Han, Leia and Jaina tonight." Luke said. "Its their right to know."

 

I nodded my agreement, and he walked out of the chamber. My master and I turned to follow. I listened while he told me about the short discussion that had followed me leaving the chamber. I was surprised to find that the vote had been unanimous for me to rejoin. After he excused himself to find his son, I walked along in silence, my mind drifting back to Jaina.

[Kado Sunrider]

((Well, its only BFA and I who still read this, but I'm still going to continue posting. However, some feedback, even if its just something along the lines of "hey Kado, keep up the good work." That would be amazing and keep me going.))

 

 

 

I awoke to find Jaina running her fingers through my hair. I smiled.

 

"Don't you know how to knock?" I asked quietly, my eyes still closed.

 

She hit me softly on the chest.

 

"knock, knock." she said, mocking me. Even with my eyes closed I could see the beautiful smile playing across her lips.

 

I opened my eyes and sat up. Before I knew what was happening, she had me in a tight embrace, kissing me passionately. When she finally leaned back, I put my arms behind my head and flopped back down on the bed. I breathed a sigh of contentment. That's never gonna get old. She walked to the small chest that held my few possessions and grabbed a pair of sweats.

 

"Come on, Lover Boy. Lets get some training in." she said, cocking her head to the side in a playful manner.

 

I slid sideways out of bed and force called the pants to my hand. I'd gotten over Jaina seeing me in only my undergarments long ago, but it still amused me to watch her stare at my chest when I was getting dressed. I pulled the loose-fitting pants on and called my lightsaber to my hand before clipping it too my belt.

 

"Ready?" she asked.

 

"Lets go." I replied, holding an arm out so she could hold on to it.

 

Minutes later, we arrived at the main training hall at the Jedi Temple. It was crowded with Masters and Knights alike, it didn't look like many of the younglings had gotten out of bed yet. Two weeks. I thought. Two weeks since I was accepted back into the Order. We proceeded to a clear area near the center of the room, finally finding a clear area in which to work.

 

"So," I began. "What is it today?" I asked, leaning as far back as I could, reaching almost a ninety degree arc.

 

"Lightsaber practice." She said, a mischievous look in her eyes.

 

"Again? How many times do I have to lose?" I said playfully. The last time we had sparred, I managed to circumvent her all-out attack and land quite a few lethal strikes to her back and side.

 

She gave me a look that reminded me sharply of her mother, and I grinned.

 

"Alright, alright. As long as you don't get mad at me for winning and I still get my massage."

 

She laughed softly before settling into her favored position. As I settled into mine, I glanced around and noticed that most of the rooms occupants had stopped their training to watch. Most rested nonchalantly, watching from a distance, but some of the younger knights had gathered on one side of our sparring area, watching intently.

 

I felt a prickle of the Force and brought my lightsaber up in a sweeping block that parried her initial assault. I sidestepped, avoiding the knee she brought up that would have taken me out of the fight in a most unpleasant manner. About a week ago, I had developed the strategy I was using now to counter Jaina's full-body rampage. I would use my right hand to block her ferocious lightsaber swings, while using my left to deflect and avoid her bodily attacks. Suddenly, I switched to the offensive, moving my blade in a series of blows that pushed her backwards. I saw an opening and brought my saber down on her neck, but she managed to catch the attack near the hilt and we pushed against each others weapon, locked in that stance.

 

"So I was thinking I should cook dinner toni--" I said before she thrust a knee into my gut.

 

I involuntarily keeled over, and felt her bringing her weapon down for a slash at my back. I slipped into the Force and grabbed my training saber where it lay on the ground. The blade activated, flying up to parry Jaina's attack while I was still bent over. I could feel the blade pushing Jaina back and away from me by the ferocity of the attack she could not counter with physical blows. I straightened and called the saber back to my hand.

 

I beckoned her forward, and she lunged at me with renewed vigor. I allowed her to push me back, fast at first, then slowing as we neared the edge of the mat. When my feet stood on the edge of the training area I leapt over her, landing facing her and reaching in to strike. She parried my blow with low block and we locked blades for the second time. With speed only a force-sensitive could have managed, I slid to her side, the blades traveled up and over her head as she protected herself from my sliding attack. When the blade was directly above her head, I shoved her lightsaber up as hard as I could with the Force.

 

She was caught unprepared, having put much of her attention on stopping the blade from coming towards her and not up. The blade deactivated when it left her hand and I leapt into the air, caught the blade and flipped, landing neatly on the mat, facing away from Jaina. I turned around and grinned at her. She looked disappointed that she hadn't been able to beat me, but I could tell that she was already calculating how to counter my latest strategy so she could exploit it next time.

 

A few of the knights were cheering, but most of them looked to be in stunned disbelief. I could read the expressions on there faces. They were whispering among themselves now, I heard one of the humans in the group ask his friend quietly, "How did he beat the Sword of the Jedi?"

 

I walked back to Jaina and slipped a hand around her waist.

 

"You know, I've decided that I'm going to let you win when we spar in public, if only to save you some face." I said jokingly.

 

She smiled. "You just don't want to admit that these two victories have been flukes." She said as she poked me hard in the chest.

 

Grinning, I leaned towards her ear and whispered, "Come on, lets go get some breakfast, I'm starving. And then I believe you owe me a massage." I said. She groaned, but I could tell she was looking forward to some private time.

 

The cafeteria was nearly always empty this early in the morning, but to our surprise, Han and Leia were sitting at a table near the front of the chamber, both nursing cups of caf and looking like they had just gotten out of bed. Leia looked up and waved us over, and as we walked over, I saw Han reach for a small roll covered in icing. I reached out with the Force and pulled it from his hand, calling it too me. He turned and reached for it as it flew through the air towards me, missing it by inches as it sailed onto my open palm.

 

"Now, now, old man, can't have you eating stuff like this so early in the morning or your keel over and die on us." I said with a grin before taking a bite.

 

I sat down opposite Jaina next to Han who punched me in the shoulder and grabbed the roll back from me and tore into it with gusto. Leia, who had been watching amusedly when I had taken the sweet, rolled her eyes and took another sip of caf.

 

"So what are you two doing up so early on this fine morning?" Jaina asked.

 

"Lando called us for help, again." Han said tiredly. "Something about unexplained malfunctions at his YVH Factory on Metellos."

 

"Maybe Jaina and I can come with you. I've got no missions to go on, just training and meditating, I think it would be good for me too stretch my legs. What do you think, Jaina?" I asked.

 

"Sure, I wouldn't mind getting out of here for a couple weeks." she replied wistfully, taking a sip of caf from her mothers cup and handing it back to her.

 

"You two are welcome to come along." Leia said cheerfully. "We planned on leaving this morning so we'll leave as soon as you're packed."

[Alkonium]

I really liked it. Good use of elements like redemption, love, betrayal, and revenge, which I've always felt were some of the most prominent themes in Star Wars.

[Kado Sunrider]

Thanks Alk! I agree with you whole-heartedly. I've always felt that Star Wars was a conglomerate of almost every theme I can think of, which is probably why its so successful, every emotion you can think of is portrayed in our favorite universe, which makes it easy to get lost in.

[The_Catto]

Sorry for the late reply Kado!

 

I knew Ghel would get re-instated! Awesome!

 

The training duel between Ghel and Jaina was fun to read about. Especially when she cut him off in mid sentence, lol.

 

A nice couple of quiet chapters, Kado.

A comfortable read; I likes

[Kado Sunrider]

Thanks BFA, I don't find quiet chapters as fun to write as the action packed ones, but I didn't want to jump right in to another fight so soon after his dark side excursion. No hints as to what's going to happen at Lando's factory, but you might find it interesting, plus I'll be introducing another character!

[The_Catto]

Another character you say?

Hmm ... I am intrigued.

 

Can't wait.

[Shuttle Atlantis]

Well I have been watching stories on this site and haven't said anything about them. Maybe I should start now.

 

I really liked this last chapter, but I had trouble understanding some of the actions they did. The bit with him and the pastery with Han was amusing. Keep it up and I'll keep reading.

[Kado Sunrider]

Thanks Shuttle, glad I could get you to leave your lurker den.

 

I dont plan on stopping this story anytime soon, so be prepared to keep reading.

[Kado Sunrider]

(I can't believe its been almost two years! Well here it is. Chapter 13!)

 

I sat behind Han in one of the passenger seats in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon and rested my elbow on the armrest. I looked to my right and winked at Jaina as I motioned with my hand and the lever that Han was reaching for shot forward and stubbed his finger. He swore angrily and then looked back at me as I put on the most innocent face I could muster. On the other side of the cockpit Jaina was trying and failing to contain her laughter while Leia had a small smile on her face. I shrugged and grinned at Han as he turned around and the battle scarred freighter lifted off the landing pad.

 

“It’s going to take us a couple days to get to Metellos,” Han said, “Lando always had a way of choosing obscure planets for his business enterprises.”

 

“It helps when your businesses are as varied as Lando’s.” Leia replied in a slightly dignified manner.

 

“It’s what you get when you marry a smuggler, Princess.” Han looked back at me and winked. “I’d take Lando over some of your political friends any day. Those conversations would put a angry krayt dragon to sleep. At least his conversational skills extend beyond political banter.”

 

As the two continued to argue I looked over and caught Jaina’s eye and jerked my head towards the back of the ship. She nodded, stood and turned to leave and I followed her away from the bickering couple. Over the years, the Falcon had undergone a lot of restorations and modifications. At the moment, it looked like a military supply depot that was slowly being converted back into a home. On the table in the lounge an ammo crate sat between a stack of plates and a lamp that looked as if it had fallen off the table one to many times.

 

I sat on a couch in the lounge and she laid down with her head in my lap. As I played with her hair she shared memories from her childhood, playing games on the Falcon with her brothers, the first time her dad had let her fly the ship, and other stories. When she came to Jacen’s name she would pause and I would send her thoughts of peace until she continued on with her story.

 

Some time later we returned to the cockpit to an unpleasant silence. Leia looked as if she had been crying and Han was looking particularly guilty. I could tell from the atmosphere of the room that their argument had brought up the touchy subject of Jacen. Even though they had learned from Luke that Jacen had been redeemed and had returned to the light, the loss of their second son had left a visible mark upon Han and Leia. At times, both seemed battered down by the burdens of the universe.

 

“You kids doing okay?” Han asked nonchalantly.

 

I glanced at Leia who was staring into the blurred star lines of hyperspace.

 

“Yeah, just great.” I said.

 

“Mom,” Jaina said, “Will you come help me cook something for dinner? I’m not as good in the kitchen as you and I think these two will thank you later if you help.”

 

Silently, Leia stood and followed her daughter obediently out of the cockpit. I slid into the co-pilots seat and glanced at Han.

 

“Han...”

 

“I brought up Jacen.” he said.

 

“I’m sorry.”

 

“Luke told us the whole story. Those jokes were always a bit ridiculous.” he said with a sad chuckle.

 

I didn’t know how to reply so I stared silently out the viewport.

 

“Ghel.”

 

I turned to look and met Han’s probing stare.

 

“Yeah, Han?”

 

“Do you love her?”

 

I thought back to the feeling I had experienced when she had entered my room after I had returned to the Jedi outpost on Shedu Maad.

 

“Yes. I do.”

 

----------

 

The dark skinned and extravagantly dressed man who stood waiting for us on the landing pad was easily recognizable as Lando Calrissian, the galactic entrepreneur and old smuggling companion of Han Solo.

 

“Han, you old pirate.” Lando said as he strode forward and embraced his old friend in a bear hug.

 

“It’s good to see you, Lando.”

 

“Leia, you’re looking beautiful as always.” he said with a slight bow as he kissed her hand.

 

“You lousy scoundrel,” Han said with a playful shove, “go attend to your own wife.”

 

“Can’t, old buddy. She’s out of the system overseeing the recovery of our Kessel operation.”

 

Lando caught my eye and gave me a sly wink as he said, “Jaina, aren’t you gonna introduce your friend here?”

 

Jaina, who had been smiling at the banter exchanged between the two friends, blushed and hurried to introduce me.

 

“Lando, this is Ghel Thek. Ghel, Lando Calrissian.”

 

He took a step in my direction and offered his hand, which I accepted.

 

“Pleased to meet you, Son. I knew your father well. He was a good man.”

 

“Thank you sir,” I replied, “but the pleasure is all mine. I’m not sure most of us would still be alive if it weren’t for your YVH droids.”

 

“I don’t believe that one bit,” he said with a chuckle, “You look like you can handle yourself in a fight. Now if you’ll follow me, I’ll take you on a tour of our command facility.”

 

With a regal flip of his cape he turned and led our small party inside the droid factory.

 

------

 

After we had finished our tour of the facility and were shown our quarters we met Lando in the control center to find out what problems had been plaguing his factory.

 

“It started a few standard months ago,” he began, “Droids that were waiting to be shipped out were being destroyed by something. I had my scientists analyze the remains and they determined that the accuracy of the blaster marks indicated that the assailant was a droid, but we didn’t have definitive proof until 4 standard days ago.”

 

At this, he pressed a few buttons and a security hologram appeared on the screen. The video showed a YVH droid striding through a storage facility blasting away at the inactive droids with calculated efficiency. After clearing the room the droid turned, stared directly at the camera and then fired a single shot that turned our view to static.

 

“The attacks have been getting steadily worse,” Lando continued, “Two days ago a pair of workers were killed while on duty. I’ve had all personnel evacuated until the situation is resolved. Other than the fact that the rogue droid likes to go after the newest droids off the line I don’t have any solid leads for you to follow. I’d also like to find out who reprogrammed the droid and apprehend them if possible.”

 

“Don’t worry Lando,” Han said, “We’ll come up with something. A rogue droid should take three Jedi less than a day to hunt down.”

 

“I think this might be harder than you think, Han.” Leia replied. “We’ll rest up and get a fresh start in the morning.”

 

“Great,” I said, “I’ve been looking forward to some action.”

[The_Catto]

Ahhhhhh. Too long it has been my friend!

When I got the pm I was like ... "Oh" ... In trying to remember the story you were referring to. And then it was "ohhh" when I realized and then that turned to "Ooooohhhhhhh! Awesooooooome!!"

 

And you know what? ... I wasn't disappointed!!!

The back and forth between the characters was well written and a lot to what I remember from reading the NJO series. Good job and this chapter shows you have clearly not lost your talent!

 

Now ... enough brown-nosing!

 

Only one thing.....

 

I thought you said it was going to be a long chapter!?!?!?!

 

 

 

[Kado Sunrider]

Indeed it has!

 

As it stands the chapter is 4 pages in my word program. This is actually just about half of what I wrote as Chapter 13, but it really needed to be separated into two different chapters. The benefit of that is you'll be getting two updates in half the time!