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Topic:
In Name Only (H/L-AU Post-ANH) - Updated 7/19/07 - Demons in the Nighttime
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LadyPadme
Title: Manager Emeritus
Registered:
Sep '02
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Date Posted:
2/13/05 8:04pm
Subject:
In Name Only (H/L-AU Post-ANH) - Updated 7/19/07 - Demons in the Nighttime
- Date Edited:
7/19/07 6:04pm (42 edits total)
Edited By:
LadyPadme
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Disclaimer: All characters in the Star Wars universe are the sole property of George Lucas. Just borrowing from his creations for entertainment purposes; i.e. George owns the playground and I'm just playing in the sandbox.
Summary: Set just before the Alliance moves its base to Hoth, a wealthy Rebel benefactor requests help in uncovering a spy, and Leia is asked to take the investigation mission, but there's a twist: She has to be married, first.
Author's Note: I was hoping that I'd have much more story ready by now, but unfortunately, my muse has been VERY uncooperative. Therefore, for now, I'll be posting once a week, generally on Tuesdays. The first post is set today in honor of Valentine's Day, and the next post will be on Tuesday, February 15, then weekly thereafter, as long as I have posts available.
- Oh and another note: This story (like Convalescence) was inspired by J_Girl's wonderful Of Love and Marriage. Enjoy!
-----signature-----
Crest MD Naimé Evil Twin of Gabri_Jade  When a baby smiles the world is happy  In Name Only http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/18395678 Battlestar Galactica rocks! http://boomergirl.proboards102.com/index.cgi - For Sharon/Helo lovers
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KnightedRogue
Registered:
Aug '04
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Date Posted:
2/13/05 8:08pm
Subject:
RE: In Name Only (H/L-A/U Post-ANH)
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Told you I was camping out! 
Can't wait!
*KR*
-----signature-----
School ... work ... three dance teams ...
The insanity's just a by-product.
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LadyPadme
Title: Manager Emeritus
Registered:
Sep '02
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Date Posted:
2/13/05 8:08pm
Subject:
RE: In Name Only (H/L-A/U Post-ANH)
- Date Edited:
7/13/05 2:01pm (1 edits total)
Edited By:
LadyPadme
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Chapter One
“Princess,” General Rieekan greeted as the door to the conference room slid open. “We have a visitor.”
Princess Leia Organa paused in the doorway and glanced toward the other occupants seated at the table. Most of the usual suspects were there: Rieekan, Mon Mothma, and General Dodonna, but there was also another man at the table, someone whom Leia didn’t recognize, but whom she realized must be someone of importance as she glanced toward his entourage of four elaborately dressed guards.
The visitor was a distinguished looking man in his late forties or early fifties. He had handsome features and some wings of silver in his dark hair and he was dressed in an elegant but understated manner. He smiled and rose when she entered the room.
“Hello,” Leia said extending her hand forward with an uncertain smile. “I’m Leia Organa.”
“Princess Leia,” the visitor said as he bent over and kissed her hand. “What a pleasure to meet you at last. I’m Zorel Pradian.”
“Zorel—“ Leia started and then paused. “You mean you’re—“
“This is His Majesty, the King of Visuvius,” General Rieekan clarified.
“The pleasure’s mine,” Leia said with a genuine smile this time. The Visuvius Cluster was one of the Alliance’s greatest clandestine supporters. Over the past few years the king had donated trillions in credits as well as several starfighters and cruisers to the Alliance’s cause, and more than once, he’d given aid that had helped the Alliance out of some very sticky situations. “Welcome, Your Majesty.”
The king shook his head. “My dear, please don’t stand on ceremony with me. Please call me Zorel. I had the pleasure of meeting your father a few years ago—an admirable man. Please allow me to convey my condolences on his untimely death.”
“Thank you,” Leia said softly, adding, “What brings you here?”
“Actually, my dear, I was rather hoping the Alliance might be able to help me.”
Swiftly, Leia looked around the room at the others wondering if the king had already told them what he wanted. She had a sudden feeling of foreboding. Whenever their allies demanded quid pro quo it was always trouble.
“It’s not that bad, my dear,” the king said with a chuckle. “I’m not asking you to return a starfighter or anything. However, I do need some assistance. You see, for some time, I’ve suspected that there’s a spy within my court—someone who is feeding information about our activities to the Emperor. I came to request your help in uncovering this spy.”
“Oh, I see,” Leia said, feeling vastly relieved. “I’m sure the Alliance would be willing to offer you every assistance in—“
Her words trailed off as she realized that everyone else sitting around the conference table seemed to be looking at her in an expectant manner.
“What is it?” she asked warily.
There was an awkward silence around the table for several seconds before Mon Mothma said: “With your years of diplomatic experience we thought that you would be the best candidate to run this mission.”
“Oh,” Leia said noncommittally. While she had run many successful missions on behalf of the Alliance and generally welcomed such assignments, there was something in the faces of those around her that made her very uneasy about accepting this assignment. “Why do I get the feeling there’s something you aren’t telling me?”
“Well, there is a catch,” General Rieekan said. “For starters, you’d have to go to Visuvius, and you might be there for some time.”
Before Leia could respond to that, the intercom chimed. “General, Captain Solo is here.”
“Good. Send him in,” Rieekan said.
A moment later, the door slid open and Han Solo entered the conference room. “Princess, Generals, Mon Mothma,” he greeted. He looked around the room toward King Zorel. “And—?”
“Your Majesty, this is Captain Han Solo,” Rieekan said. “Han, this is His Majesty, King Zorel of Visuvius.”
Han sat down on the chair nearest him, which also happened to be the one next to where Leia sat. He inclined his head toward the king. “Hello,” he said casually before he turned and arched his eyebrow at Leia.
Leia rolled her eyes, understanding instinctively the implication. “Another royal,” was what he meant.
“Han, His Majesty is here to request aid from us in uncovering a spy in his court whom he believes is feeding information to the Empire,” General Rieekan explained. “We’ve asked you two here for your assistance in this matter.”
“Most of my current assignments are up to date if you’re worried about having someone else take over my work,” Leia said to Rieekan, although she had the distinct feeling that this was not the problem.
“Leia, what do you know about Visuvius?” the king asked. He arched his eyebrow, and Leia had the feeling that he was secretly amused.
Leia recited the facts she knew about Visuvius: It was the capital star system in a Mid-Rim cluster of twelve systems—the Visuvius Cluster—situated along the Corellian Trade Route. Its original language had long been lost and the denizens spoke Basic. Its main exports were trade goods: it was famous for its Visuvian silk and finely crafted transparisteel that was flimsiplast thin and stronger than durasteel. It was a fairly prosperous group of star systems and it was a monarchy. The current Visuvian Royal Family had ruled the Cluster for over a thousand years.
Other than the basic galactic astrography and history, Leia knew very little about Visuvius. She knew that King Zorel’s father had been assassinated five years ago, and there was some suspicion that the Empire was involved in the murder. It was because of those suspicions that King Zorel supported the Alliance so generously.
“So far so good,” the king said, approving what Leia had said, “but I don’t think you know much about our culture.”
“I’d be happy to learn whatever was necessary to help me blend into Visuvian society,” Leia offered, feeling a little embarrassed to be caught unprepared.
The king smiled. “You need to do a little more than that. You see, our society is very old and we cling to our traditions very fiercely. With foreigners we give some latitude to allow us to trade and establish relations with other galactic star systems, but if you were to come to Visuvius for this mission, you would need to be able to blend in with our society and follow our rules and customs completely.”
“Of course,” Leia agreed, surprised. Why was he telling her this? She would never dream of going into another star system and flouting their native customs.
“Our laws are very specific regarding the roles of men and women,” the king clarified further. “Our women are not allowed to be without a male protector. Every woman is under the protection of a man. Either her father, her husband or her son or some other male relative.”
“Well, what happens to women who have no protector?” Leia asked.
“Very few women have no male relatives at all to call their own, but those who do have the choice of entering a Protectorate house or leaving the system. Many of the younger ladies leave the system, and some return after finding a husband elsewhere. The older ones tend to prefer a contemplative life of seclusion.”
“Are you saying that women are not allowed to go out in Visuvian society unless they’ve got a male protector?” Leia asked, astounded.
Unfortunately, at that moment, she caught Han’s eye, saw the amusement twinkling there, and rounded her indignation onto him.
“What’s so funny?” Leia demanded.
“The image of you walking six paces behind a man,” Han smirked.
Leia crossed her arms. “I’m not amused, Han.”
“Our laws are not a matter for ridicule,” the king said indignantly.
Han sobered instantly. “I’m sorry, your Majesty. I meant no offense with your laws and customs.”
The king turned back to Leia. “You’re correct. Only women who have a male protector are allowed to enter society.”
“They need a man with them to leave the house?” Leia asked.
“No, my dear,” the king clarified. “Of course not. No Visuvian man would have peace if that were the case. Our laws in this regard exist solely for the protection of our women—as I said before, they’re old laws. These laws date back to the time when the systems within our cluster were at war with each other. Our women were constantly being taken as spoils of war, and this system was designed to protect them. Women only need to have a protector, someone they can call on for aid. As long as they have a protector they can move about freely in society.”
Leia tried to keep her face neutral, although the feminist within her balked at the idea of women being subjugated by such archaic and unfair laws. “And what exactly is the role of women in your society?”
The king seemed to have sensed the spike in Leia’s hostility. He fixed her with a sharp gaze. “Our women are not slaves. They lead full and rich lives. They work, they raise children, and they do what other women throughout the galaxy do. Several women serve in our parliament and three women are in my Royal Cabinet: my Secretary of Education, my Secretary of Agriculture and my Secretary of Health. Our former Senator to the Imperial Senate was a woman, as well.”
“So to undertake this mission, Leia needs a husband,” Rieekan clarified.
“She sure needs something,” Han muttered.
“Wait a minute, are you saying I should pose undercover with someone else as husband and wife?” Leia asked as a sudden horrific realization came over her. She swung about in her chair toward Han. “You’re not asking that I go with him posing as his wife are you?”
Han opened his mouth apparently ready to protest as well, but was forestalled by the king.
“No, my dear, ” the king said. “Unfortunately, that won’t work. As sovereign, I must uphold our laws honorably. I cannot allow you to come to Visuvius without a true protector, even in this instance. You would need a truly legal marriage.”
“Now wait just a minute—“ Han began, but again he was cut off.
“I’m sorry then, Your Majesty, but this won’t work.” Leia shook her head firmly. She turned toward the others. “Who else have you got in mind for this mission?”
Mon Mothma side-stepped Leia’s question. “As I understand it, the marriage needs only to be legal, is that right?” she asked the king.
“I am not a proponent of sham marriages,” the king answered. “By our laws, the marriage needs to be legal; there must be a legal, verifiable marriage certificate issued by a star system within the galaxy that would hold up in court on Coruscant. However, as to whether or not it’s a true, consummated marriage, only the participants in the marriage itself could verify that. I wouldn’t presume to pry in such a situation.”
Before either Han or Leia could protest again, Mon Mothma rose swiftly from her chair. “I’m sure we’ll be able to find a way to make this all work out, your Majesty. General Dodonna, would you care to escort His Majesty to his quarters and give him a chance to get some rest before dinner? We can discuss this issue further at that time.”
General Dodonna rose and escorted the king and his guards out of the conference room. The door had barely slid shut behind them when both Han and Leia began their vociferous and indignant protests.
-----signature-----
Crest MD Naimé Evil Twin of Gabri_Jade When a baby smiles the world is happy In Name Only http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/18395678 Battlestar Galactica rocks! http://boomergirl.proboards102.com/index.cgi - For Sharon/Helo lovers
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QueenOfAces
Registered:
Jun '03
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Date Posted:
2/13/05 8:21pm
Subject:
RE: In Name Only (H/L-A/U Post-ANH)
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LadyPadme: It's great to see you writing H/L stories again!!! I'm sure Leia will be thrilled about what you've concocted for her in this little tale. Just what every girl dreams of--a sham marriage so that she can go undercover! Then again, she is marrying Han--not a dream she would admit to having, but I'm sure they'll find a way to work it out (after considerable angst, of course).  Good start!
-----signature-----
Women frustrate men because they're too complicated. Men frustrate women because they're not complicated enough.
Beginnings: http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=11980726&replies=43
Undercover Operations (see bio)
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HanSolo29
Title: Manager:
• Fan Art
• LFL Projects/ Indy IV
Registered:
Apr '01
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Date Posted:
2/13/05 8:39pm
Subject:
RE: In Name Only (H/L-A/U Post-ANH)
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Glad to see you finally had time to start this one up, LP! I'm sure this mission will cause all sorts of problems for poor Leia - especially the whole marriage thing.
And interesting cover art - I like! 
-----signature-----
"One little spark of inspiration is at the heart of all creation."
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:13
TK-2685; Garrison Carida, 501st Legion
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TKeira_Lea
Registered:
Oct '02
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Date Posted:
2/13/05 8:41pm
Subject:
RE: In Name Only (H/L-A/U Post-ANH)
- Date Edited:
2/14/05 6:38am (1 edits total)
Edited By:
TKeira_Lea
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ACK!
So fast!  Eeeep!
Imagine my surprise when I found this...of course it was those cool colors that drew my eye ( Very romantic/valentiney ) Saw it and jumped for joy. 
Anyway, excited to see you posting a new story.  I'm sure it will live up to my expectations...except the lack of Luke/Mara. (  Hugs Kima ) 
Better read and reply huh?
edit: BACK!
Read it and loved it. Good to see Han and Leia at their classic ESB best
Han sat down on the chair nearest him, which also happened to be the one next to where Leia sat. He inclined his head toward the king. “Hello,” he said casually before he turned and arched his eyebrow at Leia.
Leia rolled her eyes, understanding instinctively the implication. “Another royal,” was what he meant.
*snickers*
So utterly Han 
“She sure needs something,” Han muttered.
ROTFLMAO! *wipes eyes* Oh my!
General Dodonna rose and escorted the king and his guards out of the conference room. The door had barely slid shut behind them when both Han and Leia began their vociferous and indignant protests.
I can hear the sputtering and spewing in my head. Great start!
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
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Bri_Windstar
Registered:
May '02
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Date Posted:
2/13/05 9:05pm
Subject:
RE: In Name Only (H/L-A/U Post-ANH)
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I love it, LP! This is so classic Rebel-era H/L.
And the premise is just so great, the perfect thing to get such a rise out of the both of them.
Count me in 
-----signature-----
Mediocrity- it takes a lot less time and most people won't notice the difference before it's too late. * OMG! SO RIDICULOUSLY AND AGGRAVATINGLY PERFECT!- Gabri * 11010110101000101011 
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TheBeardedLady
Registered:
Sep '04
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Date Posted:
2/13/05 9:26pm
Subject:
RE: In Name Only (H/L-A/U Post-ANH)
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What kind of story would it be without me here making idle threats and sending you those death threat PMs you love so much?
Let's have happy this time eh? H.A.P.P.Y. You know how I felt about that long seperation. Let's not make me that unhappy again. Please?
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princess_meg
Registered:
Jun '04
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Date Posted:
2/13/05 9:48pm
Subject:
RE: In Name Only (H/L-A/U Post-ANH)
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Now this is what I'm talking about! This is the kind of H/L torture I enjoy.
. . . popcorn . . . anyone?
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Sara_Kenobi
Registered:
Sep '00
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Date Posted:
2/13/05 10:07pm
Subject:
RE: In Name Only (H/L-A/U Post-ANH)
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You got this going. It looks great.
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RebelMom
Title: TFF Secretary
Registered:
Apr '00
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Date Posted:
2/13/05 10:29pm
Subject:
RE: In Name Only (H/L-A/U Post-ANH)
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So the fun has begun. Looking forward to it and I hope your muse starts to cooperate.
-----signature-----
Short Story: Pressure Point http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/26961243/p1/?7 Jacen Solo and Anakin Skywalker - as it should have been. TFF: Cheryl
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GreatOne
Registered:
May '03
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Date Posted:
2/14/05 4:42am
Subject:
RE: In Name Only (H/L-A/U Post-ANH)
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Enjoyable to reread this first chapter! Can't wait for more!
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dm1
Registered:
Jun '04
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Date Posted:
2/14/05 5:28am
Subject:
RE: In Name Only (H/L-A/U Post-ANH)
- Date Edited:
2/14/05 5:29am (1 edits total)
Edited By:
dm1
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Oooh, this is going to get good! Can't wait for the next post to see what goes on in the Council after this bombshell. I bet someone is going to insult Han's "worthiness" and Leia isn't going to stand for that one! Nope, she doesn't care about him, doesn't want him and certainly doesn't love him! (Right....)
Welcome back, LP, and let the fun begin!
By the way, I love the cover art. What a nice wedding portrait!
-----signature-----
Internet Mom to HSG!
Hey, HSG, watch those explosives, be careful!!
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JediFalcon
Registered:
Feb '02
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Date Posted:
2/14/05 6:14am
Subject:
RE: In Name Only (H/L-A/U Post-ANH)
- Date Edited:
2/14/05 6:14am (1 edits total)
Edited By:
JediFalcon
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I can't wait to see where you take this
more soon
-----signature-----
Rogue Three in FFC Rogue Wing, Ward rm #306 Council Member of the Lightside Master to Stridarious Crimson makes my heart go Master of BYS AHBY The Impeccably Patient Drugged-Out Lunatic of the Skies I wonder whats my purpose in life
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jedi-lelila
Registered:
Jun '03
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Date Posted:
2/14/05 6:25am
Subject:
RE: In Name Only (H/L-A/U Post-ANH)
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Great start LP!!! This new story sounds very funny and entertaining.
Can't wait for chapter 2!
~Lelila 
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYBODY!!!!
-----signature-----
Ghosts From the Past http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=12695606&replies=0 In love with the most wonderful man in the Galaxy I love you darling
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zsuzsa
Registered:
Mar '03
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Date Posted:
2/14/05 6:38am
Subject:
RE: In Name Only (H/L-A/U Post-ANH)
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IT STARTED!!
My favorite OT time with Han and Leia undercover as a married couple. What more can I ask for...
Zs.
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