Jai had just been wandering about the room of the palace, takeing in the grand surroundings. The little group had slipt up: Tex was off talking to that mysterious older man, EJ and Fearsons were chatting quietly to each other, Tec had ventured outside somewhere, and Owen & Cairo had escaped to the balcony.

Jai walked out on the veranda and onto the stairs that lead down to the gardens. She sipped the glass of red wine that she held in her gloved hand and sat down on the steps. It was peaceful out there...the bad playing softly in the background, the sound of water rushing in the distance, the creatures of the night singing little eerie melodies...yet, it was rather lonely. Her mind wandered to her husband, Biggs Darklighter II, and she wondered what he was doing right now. Fighting a Sith? A Vong? Or flying amid the stars? Or discovering a new world or new civilization?

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Why'd I have to fall for a Jedi who's never home?<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

A tear fell from Jai's sea green eyes as she looked out over the gardens. She sighed sharply and wiped it quickly from her cheek. She wasn't going to cry. She wasn't going to break down. Not her. Not a Solo.

With that, she strode back inside and searched the crowd for Tex...he always cheered her up. She finally spotted him and that mysterious older man, and strolled over...

His blue eyes took in her face....the gears seeming to turn in his eyes as he studied the young woman. His glass came to his lips quietly, watching the two young people interact. the recognition hit him slowly, but he had spent many long years keeping his compusre, it didn't even register in his eyes.

"yes, i was here long before the reconstruction effort began. I was younger than, i wa still flying combat missions then. I was here before there was need of a reconstruction. I served as an advisor to a group of engineers designing things for the Naboo Royal family. I fell in love with this planet, the cities are beautiful, the open plains are a marvel to drive across." He put his finger to his lips, tilting his head to listen quietly. He seemed to listen for a second, before starting to smirk.

"hmmm, that is most odd...."

Cairo had ventured out onto the balcony with Owen, where they had came across Tec.

"Yes, Tec...what are you doing out here all alone? Why, aren't you enjoying the party?"

" I can see where you could fall in love with this planet very easily." " I apologize if I brought back memories that weren't pleasant." "I just wish to learn all that I can about this place." And, you seem like a man that has knowledge about this place and, many others." Tex said with a smile. At that moment Jai walked over. " Good here comes Jai Tex said.

" Hey Jai" I would like to introduce you to John." I'm sorry John I don't know your last name?" Tex said.

" You can't hide any feelings from me, even with a smile. You can try, but it's just not gonna work. Well, maybe, in some cases, but not in this instance. How many times have I told you that he's just a friend, and that's it?" Raven asked, laughing.

Shaking her head, she then grinned.

" You do remember how to dance, don't you?"

He grinned, remembering the words he'd said to her on their first mission. She had mentioned how she'd flown before...and he had, very specifically, asked if she remembered how to dance. This won her a grin.

"Oh I know how to dance," he said, moving his arms around her and moving his feet gently to the music.

"The question is...can I dance in this hell-stricken uniform?" He smiled and stole a kiss from her gently.

"So how do I look anyway? I haven't had anyone comment this thing all night."

On a nearby landing pad, a sleek black craft landed smoothly. The ship was of Naboo design, one of the famed Royal Starships. One of the larger versions, a full hundred meters long. It was an old ship, but a lot of work had gone into upgrading it and keeping it maintained. As was the case with most older ships, it was far from stock, though it still held the famed Nubian hyperdrive. Two hatches opened and lowered to the ground, one from the passenger area and the other the cargo space. The usual banter following a long trip commenced as crewmen began unloading a few things that would be needed, particularly the speeder.

From the other hatch a few people exited, mostly crew, except for one. He was a tall Gand, and for once he was dressed rather nicely, though still in his usual black. It wasn't often Jander Sunstar attended parties, and it had been ages since he had been to Naboo. Some people thought his black clothes were a bit much, too dark when combined with the midnight blue of his carapace, a color limited to his tribe amongst the Gand, but he liked it. His clothes were very nice and he’d had his carapace decorated in ornate black designs. Though he looked like a noble for the moment, nothing of his movement came across that way. Every movement me made without intentionally changing it reeked of military and martial training. The Gand was obviously a warrior.

Checking his cloak to make sure it’s fitted properly, Jander approached the speeder, now fully prepped and took his seat behind the controls. It wasn’t the newest model but it was kept looking nice, and performed outstanding. Starting it up, he took off for the palace. It was a short trip, and approximately ten minutes later the speeder pulled up in front of the palace. Sunstar hopped out and another Phantom who had rode with him took it off to be parked, completely ignoring the valet. The Gand marched up the steps, his long cloak barely keeping off the ground as it trailed behind him. Two doormen opened the doors as he approached and standing tall he walked inside. He’d gotten less than three steps when the herald began speaking.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I now present Jendar Nosfu Sonstaa, Leader of the Phantoms and Kaalif of the Arahj Kaalif’taa. Also known as Jander Sunstar of Gand.”

His head spun with the introduction. Behind his depths of his compound eyes Jander was furious. He clenched his fists inside his cloak as well. Somehow they’d not only found out about his titles, but his Gandish name. Things like this were not supposed to happen. The Kaalif made a mental note to find out what had gone wrong and closed his eyes for a moment, bringing forth a touch of his Findsman meditation he’d learned many years ago to calm him. Once finished the double lids of his eyes fluttered back open and he quickly scanned the room. The party had certainly drawn some big wigs of all sorts, particularly from amongst the force-using population. Jedi, Rogue Jedi, Shadow Jedi, Sith, the whole gamut of the force was in attendance.

These weren’t of interest to him right now. Off in the distance, near the bar and what appeared to be Sabaac tables Jander thought he saw someone familiar. A better glance confirmed it. Striding through the room gracefully, he made his way closer to a small group having a conversation. As he closed he saw the group was made up of a woman and two men talking. He knew the woman, as a Solo she was famous, and one of the men was his reason for approaching. The other was an unknown.

Reaching their sides, the Kaalif bowed slightly as they turned to see him. “Greetings one and all. Lady Darklighter, we have not had the pleasure of meeting. As the herald said, I am Jander Sunstar of Gand.”

While a warrior, Jander was chivalrous, and he took her hand and kissed the back before releasing it. Turning to the men he spoke again. “John, it’s good to see you again. Checking in on old haunts it seems?” He smiled, and while waiting for a reply spoke to the third man. “Now you sir, I don’t believe I’ve met, nor had the privilege of hearing of you before. Please, introduce yourself.”

"The names Terex B Datoo" Tex said as he stuck out a hand. With the other hand he pulled Jai a little closer to his side. <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Something doesn't set well with me about this guy Tex said,to himself. Your over reacting just like you did with John to many smuggling mission Tex told himself. <!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> "And you are?"

"I thought that was a Nubian i heard, you need to retune the Ignition chamber, there is a bit too much variance in it, Jander. Tex, my last name is Sheridan." I trust the design i let you have are working out well Jander?"

He went back to sipping his wine, continuing to study Jai, his eyes slowly studying her. he smiled once, then turned back to the two men, sitting back on the bar stool.

Jai was about to greet that mysterious older man, whom she now knew as John Sheridan, but just then a stranger walked over. She smiled and just about blushed as Jander kissed the back of her hand.

Jai glanced questioningly at Tex as his hand had slipped around her waist and tugged her over to him a bit.
<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Crazy Datooinian, what does he think he's doing?<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

Darklighter smiled at Jander and spoke, "Mr. Sunstar, it's a pleasure."

She then felt Sheridan's eyes on her, reflexes held over from her days as a Jedi. No matter how hard she tried, an old expression rang true: Once a Jedi, Always a Jedi. It was times like this she wished those odd sensations would just go away. Yet...
"Mr. Sheridan, is it? Jaina Darkligher, Sir...I'm an old friend of Tex's, whom you seem to have struck up a acquaintance with."