Beyond - Legends Lightforce

I would just like to say, at this point; Carrie Fisher was my life's inspiration, my literary muse, my soul-sister and my friend. There is a huge hole in my heart now that she has gone. I will miss her tweets, her wacky humour, her staunch championship of the underdog despite her many personal demons. I haven't known how to continue with my current novel (an original story with a main character based on her) or how to reconcile Leia without Carrie but, after many days of tears (which still flow as I write), I have decided that to stop now would be to dishonour her and to continue will keep her memory alive. I hope the rest of Lightforce is not too traumatic for Leia/Carrie fans and I hope you all stay with me.

 

Han and Chewbacca made a long sweeping approach to their landing strip on Takodana, taking in the picturesque forests, mountains and lakes. Leia came to join them in the cockpit, a sandy-coloured cloak over her jumpsuit, ready to disembark into the crisp late autumn weather. She leaned over Han's chair to look out of the view screen.
“It's beautiful,” she enthused. Han nodded.
“It's a wild, unspoilt beauty but, yeah. It's nice,” he agreed.

Leia sat down behind them.
“So, tell me about this friend of yours,” she enquired.

He looked back at her; took in her cloak, her raised hood that was reminiscent of the one she wore when they first met. He thought, if Luke could see her now, Jedi-like in her robes save for the lighter coloured cloth, he would certainly be pressing the Jedi training agenda.

Her eyes expectantly awaited an answer.
“She's an old friend, an ex-smuggler.” Chewbacca grunted gently. “Yeah.” Han agreed, his eyes widening. “Very old. Like, over a thousand years old,” he emphasised. Now it was Leia's turn to widen her eyes. “She's quite a character; takes a bit of getting used to, but you'll like her,” he continued.
“Where have I heard that before?” She was cynical, Bespin springing to mind.
“Chewie and I have been buying specialist parts here for years and we can trust her. She's a great source of information. Knows what's going on... everywhere! At least, if she doesn't, she knows who to put you in touch with who does.” Leia nodded. “She runs a colourful watering hole now. Not your usual haunt,” he nodded his head at her “but you'll have to turn a blind eye to some of it.”
“I survived Jabba's palace didn't I?” she reminded him.
“Someday you'll have to explain to me how you did that.”


Managing to single-handedly kill a crime lord several times larger than herself was no mean feat and was still a mystery to him. He had been blind from the carbon freeze for the whole episode, and she hadn't elaborated on any of it. He was very familiar with Jabba's licentiousness and aware of the repugnant way he treated the women he enslaved. He didn't want to imagine what had happened to her, but guessed that Leia must have found the strength to teach him a lesson and succeeded in doing what hundreds of disgruntled minions and contractors had tried and failed to do before her. The difference was that they were all afraid of the Hutts and, if there was something that had to be done, Leia just got on with it, fear or no fear.
“You don't want to know.” she replied quietly.

#


Leaving 3PO to guard the Falcon, they walked the short distance from their landing spot round the forest hugged lake towards an imposing stone, castle-like structure bearing the flags of almost every kind. Leia marvelled at it's architecture, wondered which species had originally built it and whether subsequent occupants had added on to it's battered structure. Perhaps it had always belonged to Maz. Han had said she was over a thousand years old.

As they rounded the corner of the castle, a gigantic stone statue came into view. It could hardly be missed, dominating the top of the entranceway; a female figure, of a species Leia didn't recognise, practically dressed with her arms held high in a welcoming manner.

She craned her neck to look at it as they approached the doorway and hoped the receptive pose of the statue was indicative of the hospitality they could expect inside.
“Maz.” Han informed her, pointing at the statue as they climbed the stone steps to the entrance. “Ready?” he asked her. She nodded.


Han pushed open the heavy wooden doors to the castle and entered the cavernous room beyond. Leia was hit by a wall of sound and smells. The room was crowded, every nook and cranny filled with a myriad of different beings, some of which she recognised and others she didn't. There were bound to be a few she hadn't come across before in her diplomatic travels, this was the Outer Rim after all.

All were imbibing an assortment of drinks, some inhaling smoke from dubious looking bubbling contraptions on the tables and all conversing noisily in their various languages. Music filled the gaps in the conversation and she noticed the band, made up of five different species, in the corner. It smelled like a Devaronian brothel; a mixture of bodies and sweet, intoxicating spice.

The dingy room was splashed with strips of daylight descending from the high slit-like windows set in the stone walls. Added to this, the scattering of tables and high bars were each lit with burning fuli-oil lamps which gave off a dim orange glow and a smoky haze that contributed to the thick atmosphere.

Leia tried not to breathe too deeply while she grew accustomed to the stale air and she looked subtly round the room, eyes searching the darkest corners out of both curiosity and habit. She hung back a little way from Han, letting him go first into his familiar territory and he turned to make sure she was still behind him.

He saw her scanning the room from underneath her hood. He had seen her do this at Senate gatherings; gauging the company, making observations she might need later and checking the exits – not unlike his own mild paranoia.

He took her hand and squeezed it gently.
“They look like a rough lot but it'll be fine. You're with Chewie and me,” he reassured her. “Maz will look after you. She's a very old friend,” he reiterated.
“Less of the old, Solo!” a loud accented female voice bellowed as they all turned in it's direction.


Her booming voice didn't match her appearance and nor did the statue on top of the castle give an accurate impression of her stature. Perhaps a foot shorter than Leia, she had wrinkled orange skin, the texture of tanned hide, and a large round face with eyes covered with a form of magnifying goggles. Practically dressed, as per the statue, she looked every bit the smuggler but, Leia thought, oddly friendly.
“Hi Maz.” Han greeted her as she approached, wiping her hands on a cloth and shoving it in her back pocket. She shook Han's hand and then spotted Chewbacca and her face lit up.
“Chewie, you handsome hunk of Wookie. It's good to see you.” Chewie growled a greeting, bending to pat Maz on her leather pilot's cap as she wrapped her arms round his leg in a hug. “Go and get yourself a drink – on the house as usual.” She gestured to a large bar in the middle of the room. “Have to keep my boyfriend happy.” She directed this last part to Han.


Leia moved forward a little to let Chewbacca pass and Maz now concentrated all her attention on her. Leia hadn't taken her eyes off the older woman and now this same interest was being returned. Han looked between the two of them and took his cue to make an introduction.
“Leia, this is Maz Kanata. Maz, this is Leia.” he said simply.
“I know who she is.” Maz said indignantly, throwing him a scornful look. “Leia Organa. It is good to finally meet you.”

Leia looked at Han with mild surprise that Maz already knew her but Han just looked resigned to the recognition. Despite her knowledge, Maz didn't stand on ceremony and she found that refreshing. She extended her hand from underneath her robes and shook Maz's offered, jewellery laden hand.
“And I, you, Maz. Han has told me so much about you.” Maz laughed raucously.
“None of it good, I'm sure. Don't believe everything he tells you. Why are you keeping company with this old smuggler anyway. He'll lead you into trouble.” Han lifted his eyebrows, offering Leia his arm.
“Oh, she's capable of getting into trouble all by herself,” he retorted.
“Ha! I'm sure,” Maz conceded loudly. “Come, let me get you some refreshment.” She looked around the room cautiously “And a quiet seat where we can talk without being overheard.”

She beckoned for them to follow her as she picked her way through the crowded room to a round table at the back.

Leia leant towards Han and grinned.
“I like her.” she informed him.
“Great!” he replied, deeper resignation on his face. “Why do I get the feeling I've just put two conspirators together?” Leia laughed and let him lead her through the crowd.


Settling at the table Maz selected, Han pulled out a stool for Leia and positioned himself to one side of her, his back to the wall, where he could see the whole room at once. His natural caution kicking in again, he liked this arrangement. This way, there were no surprises.

Maz waved her hand towards the bar for drinks, the bangles on her arm jingling, and very quickly, a young Twi'lek girl delivered three glasses and a jug of steaming liquid to their table. Pouring each of them a drink, she passed one to Leia who sipped it politely. The effect was instantly euphoric and Leia's head spun a little. It might have been the cloud-like vapour from the drink aiding the transfer of the intoxicant into her bloodstream or the fact that it had been a while since they'd had their meal but she made a mental note to pace herself and put the glass down.

Han was intrigued by the way Maz was still intently interested in Leia. She had been watching her face very closely like someone had just shown her an interesting artefact that she was so fond of collecting. Leia hadn't yet removed the hood of her cloak and it alluringly framed her face, her long dark hair, loosely braided, spilled down one side of her neck. In this half-light, he thought what a strikingly beautiful profile she had and, in her simple, woven robes, the air of her brother about her; calm and spiritual.


Maz's voice broke his pondering.
“Now. Let me look at you, child.” She took Leia's hand but was still examining her face with friendly interest. “You have the look of your mother.” she said decisively and unexpectedly.
“My mother?” Leia wasn't expecting the old smuggler to open with that. She didn't know much about her mother herself and certainly couldn't remember her face clearly. “Did you know her?” she asked, not breaking Maz's gaze.
“Not personally, but by reputation and archive records, of course. Queen Padmé Amidala of Naboo was a strong, principled and determined woman. An influential member of the Imperial Senate.” Maz informed her knowledgeably.
“Huh!” Han made a surprised noise that meant that he wasn't surprised at all by this information. Maz could have been describing Leia.


Han was correct about Maz being a good source of information. She was obviously well genned on all the gossip and history of the galaxy. Leia thought she would like to come back another time and have a longer conversation about some of her historical reading. She imagined how fascinating it would be.

Han watched how Leia looked at Maz like she was studying an ancient document in the archive library on Coruscant. He hadn't imagined for a minute, these two women would get on so well.
“Your father, Bail Organa... a good man. I helped him on more than one occasion when he needed to run covert supplies through here to aid the rebels. He was always more than generous.”

Leia was learning something with this encounter. She had run secret supply missions for the Viceroy herself but hadn't heard of this contact.
“Thank you for that... but he wasn't my father.” Leia corrected her, looking solemn again. He was a good man and she missed him, hated having to admit her real heritage.
“I know who your real father was.” Maz obviously decided that her view of Leia's face was suddenly inadequate because she stood up, putting her wrinkled hands on Leia's cheeks and peered into her eyes until she was almost nose to nose with her.
“I can also see what he did to you.”

The conversation was taking a very personal turn. Han, who had been reclining in his usual relaxed pose, arm over the bench back, leant forward, elbows on the table, ready in case Leia needed rescuing. She seemed relaxed enough though; hadn't looked away from Maz once, as if there was an invisible connection. He wondered how they were keeping it up and he was beginning to feel uncomfortable. He was well aware of Maz's Force sensitivity. He had given up trying to keep things from her years ago because she always sniffed out a deception, much like Leia did. He just hadn't imagined this is how their meeting would go. It was by far the strangest encounter he had seen so far. How was Leia so motionless and calm?
“I see the pain in your eyes, child.” Maz broke the silence. “You feel the burden of your legacy and the anguish of a million lives. You cannot escape your heritage but you must forgive yourself for events for which you are not responsible.” Han watched for Leia's reaction. Her gaze unwavering, her dark eyes reflecting the flickering light of the fuli-oil lamp.
“I am responsible,” she confessed quietly.
“How so?” Maz asked gently.
“He tortured me for information, then punished me when I didn't provide it by murdering them all.” There was suffering in her voice and tears welled up in her eyes at the memory.

So this is what had been eating away at her for the last four years. She thought the destruction of Alderaan was her fault. She had been horribly tortured by a man she later discovered was her own father. It was quite a lot for anyone to deal with, even someone with her mental strength. Han wanted to hold her; tell her everything was alright but right now he felt like an eavesdropper to a secret conversation.
“You didn't kill them. That was someone else's act.” Maz insisted. “If you had talked, the rebellion would have failed, would have been discovered, and millions more would now be dead at the hands of those beasts. Those whose lives were saved would thank you for your sacrifice and your strength.”

Leia looked at the old sage like a child being reassured by a parent. Maz had managed to reach her innermost secrets that she had not revealed to anyone else and she had known her five minutes.
“You are the light in the galaxy, Leia. The legend of the twins spreads to the Outer Rims and brings hope.”
“The problem with becoming a legend is that legends are infallible, and I have made many mistakes,” Leia replied. “I don't know that I can live up to the responsibility.”

Maz sat back down on her chair, seeming to no longer need to search Leia's soul. She rested her hand on Leia's reassuringly.
“You must trust yourself. Trust the Force.” She pointed a finger at her, punctuating her point. “I see the tremendous love in your heart. Allow yourself a chance at happiness and the light will grow, deny it and it will be extinguished.”

It was at this level of emotional tension in a conversation, Han considered, that Leia would normally turn and walk away to protect herself from looking weak, but she surprised him by echoing Maz's earlier body language and placing her small, elegant hands on Maz's face.


The calm serenity came over her again, giving her the knowing look in her eyes he had seen so often, of a woman much older than her years. Barely out of her childhood when he had first met her and a good ten years younger than himself, she had already experienced horrors he couldn't imagine and yet, her strength kept her going where he would have lost his mind. It was he, now, who couldn't take his eyes off her. He saw her for the woman she was, her defences stripped away, her masks of defiance, diplomacy and icy coldness gone. He wanted to marry her.

Letting each other go, the two women looked more relaxed, the odd moment over.
“I think we are going to be great friends, Maz.” Leia said to her, smiling.
“I know so, Leia.” Maz assured her.

She looked over Leia's shoulder as if suddenly aware of the crowded room. “I think you are beginning to attract attention. We don't get royalty in here that often.” Leia looked furtively round and saw several curious eyes on them. Maz beckoned to the Twi'lek girl again.
“Go with Mala, child. I have prepared rooms upstairs for you both where you will be safe.” The girl picked up Han's bag and Leia collected up her own. “Let me keep your man a moment longer. I have much to discuss with him.” Maz added. Leia nodded and leant across, putting her hand on Han's shoulder and kissing his cheek.
“I'll see you later then.”
“I'll be up in a bit.” he assured her.


#


Han and Maz both watched Leia's departure through the archway and up a large stone staircase, in silence.
“That's a good woman.” Maz said decisively when Leia finally disappeared from view, jabbing a wrinkled, ringed finger in the direction of the stairs. Han just lifted his eyebrows in agreement, covering his mouth with his hand. He met Maz's gaze. “Oh, Han.” she chuckled knowingly. “You've got it bad.”

It was his turn to feel exposed now and he looked down at his drink in an attempt to avoid her unmasking eyes. He failed.
“Of all the women in the galaxy you could have fallen for. You had to fall for that one.” She laughed raucously.


He stared diffidently at her. Sure, he could have picked a cantina girl, a dancer, perhaps even a thief – he'd certainly had the opportunity and plenty of offers but, somehow, they had never been right. None of them were the woman Leia was. He sat quietly, letting Maz have her fun at his expense.

She turned sagely again.
“I sense dark times ahead for her and she is going to need you.” If he had ever had a mother, in his distant past, he would have wanted her to be like Maz; always knowing; always on hand with the right advice. The things he had told her in the past – she always steered him right. He looked up from underneath his eyebrows.
“I don't want to lose her Maz. Not ever. I just don't know how to help her.” he confessed. He could take her where she wanted to go, protect her as best he could but more than that, he was lost.
“Do what you are doing.” Maz reached over and covered his hand with her small ageing one. “Love her. She needs your love or the darkness that haunts her will consume her.”
“I do love her.” His eyes widened earnestly. “In fact, on that subject, I need your help with something.” Maz patted his hand.
“I know. I will help you but first, we need to discuss the other reasons you are here. You need parts for your ship and, perhaps, information?” She asked this as if she were making a guess but Han knew she already knew she was right.
“Chewie will let you have a list of parts. Let me know the price or, at least, which one of this crew we have to haggle with.” He jerked his thumb at no-one in particular and the room as a whole. “What can you tell me about the other thing?”
“Nothing.” She was blunt. She sat back in her chair and waggled her hand. “Well... almost nothing.” Han rolled his eyes just a little.
“Almost nothing? I need to know the 'almost', Maz, not the 'nothing'.”
“OK.” she conceded, leaning forward again. “I can tell you that there have been some new visitors in Al-Adreen recently. You remember that place?” Han nodded.

An hour or so by speeder from Maz's castle, he had frequented the large settlement's cantinas quite a number of times and negotiated parts with some of the local dealers, even played a few games of cards there when he was looking for a bit more excitement. Most of the inhabitants of the dusty, run-down settlement were there to stay under the radar and he was always happy with that as he was usually doing the same thing.
“What sort of visitors?”
“I don't know but not Imperials. I would certainly hear about that.” She was adamant. “It's changed a bit since you were last there, though. Too many pirates and ex-slavers. Not the sort of place I like to do business but, you know what it's like. Sometimes you have to resort to it whether you like it or not. They still run a good game there, though. You should join one.” She waggled a finger at him. “You might pick up some more information.”

Han hadn't played Sabaac for a while but he was tempted. He might even earn some credits for parts out of it.
“Can I borrow a speeder?” he enquired.
“Of course.” Maz said generously. “Whatever you need, Han. You know that.”

Han subconsciously looked upwards as he thought of Leia waiting for him upstairs. He should tell her he was going to see what he could find out but then she would insist on coming and, with the warning of pirates, he wasn't happy with that arrangement, at least until he'd checked it out first. Besides, she wouldn't approve of his gambling.
“Go.” Maz encouraged. “Chewie and I will look after Leia.” She read his thoughts again. He smiled warmly and stood up.
“Thanks.” She waved her hand dismissively at him and went to join Chewbacca at the bar.

 

Chapter 22



Maz had arranged very comfortable rooms for Han and Leia. Rustic but surprisingly comfortable semi-circular sofas surrounded a large round sunken fire pit which burned gently and warmed the cold stone chamber. What little furniture there was was of solid wood construction and held one or two ornaments. Through a wide archway and up a couple of steps, a huge bed stood on it's own, scattered with pillows and covered with thick fur rugs.


It had looked so inviting and Leia had laid down on it as soon as Mala had settled her into the room and left her to herself. However, a couple of hours of reading her datapad to catch up on news and Senate reports Blake had sent her was now getting tedious and she wondered what had happened to Han. Throwing the datapad on the bed, she left the chamber and made her way back down to the bar area. Chewbacca was still propping up the bar but there was no sign of Han.


“Chewie, where's Han?” she enquired. Chewbacca was torn between his loyalty for Han and his fondness for Leia but decided that this was Leia and she was in front of him so it was better for him to tell her what she needed to know and worry about Han later.

“Why didn't he tell me he was going?” she asked after Chewbacca got her up to speed, although she was pretty sure why he hadn't. Chewbacca elaborated on the information gathering trip, the fact that Han wanted him to make sure she was safe while he checked out the town and, oh yes, there was a card game at his favourite haunt. Leia raised an eyebrow.

“Sabaac? Really? Oh, great!” She was not impressed. How was this going to help the investigation? “Chewie, I want you to take me down there.” Chewbacca growled that he had been told to make sure she was safe.

“Well, I'm going down there so, if you want to keep me safe, you had better come with me then.” she insisted. She called Maz over to their side of the bar. “May I borrow a speeder, Maz?” The old woman studied her for a moment.

“You going to Al-Adreen?” she asked.

“Yes. I'm going to find Han before he does something stupid.” Maz laughed. “Well, if you must go, I suggest you don't go dressed like that.” She waved her hand at Leia's pristine jumpsuit. “The place is full of pirates. You might want to blend in a little more.” Leia looked at herself then turned to run back upstairs to change.

“Chewie, don't go anywhere without me.”


She wasn't gone more than a few minutes and, when she returned, Chewbacca growled his amusement and appreciation. She was dressed in a black strappy, very tight fitting top and leggings covered with a short hide black jacket. The top was part of her basics but it seemed to serve it's purpose. A gun belt, containing double blasters, slung across her hips just about hid what would otherwise have left very little to the imagination. Her hair was loose and she had applied slightly more make up than usual. She held her arms out for their approval. Maz chuckled loudly. Leia's transformation was drastic. She looked every bit the pirate; a rather attractive one but she certainly didn't look like she should be messed with and her giant Wookie sidekick completed the picture.

“I can see why Han likes you and the Viceroy would have been very proud.”

“Thank you. Will I blend now?” Leia asked.

“No. I think you'll be noticed but you look the part all the same.” Maz smiled.


#


Al-Adreen was every bit the pirate den of iniquity Maz had warned of. If Leia had expected Mos Eisley or even Jabba's palace, she was deceiving herself. The darkness of the late evening and the distinct lack of any kind of street lighting made the low buildings look ominous, the only light emanated from a variety of neon signs that adorned the fronts of the drinking establishments, of which there were several. Leia wondered why one street needed so many cantina's but judging by the multitude of nefarious characters spilling out of the doorways and tipping into the street, they all seemed to be equally well frequented.


Both getting out of the speeder, Chewbacca's low guttural rumbling indicated his concern for her safety. She squeezed a furry arm gently.

“It'll be OK, Chewie. Just stick close.”

Her eyes wandered up the street, trying to ascertain which bar she thought would be Han's favourite. Chewbacca waved his arm up ahead of them so she began walking, her hand resting on her blaster, occasionally dodging an unsteady reveller. A fight had broken out inside the Golden Credit as was evident by a single blaster shot and an unceremoniously ejected and recently deceased Arkanian, a burning hole where his lungs once were. Leia and Chewbacca looked at each other and picked up the pace a little. She glanced at the cantina names still guessing; the Dodgy Deal? No. The Lone Star? She wouldn't pick that one either. Chewbacca turned towards a large and well lit building, set down from the street and approached by a narrow set of white plaster steps, on which lay several of the clientèle, much the worse for wear. She raised an eyebrow ironically at Chewbacca. The Scoundrel's Sanctuary. It figures.


They stepped over the drunken step-hoggers and entered the noisy, smoky bar. The room was large but it was difficult for Leia to pinpoint Han. A multiplicity of species crowded round card tables each with a Sabaac game in progress, their central holo-screens sending blue light up to the ceilings. She was too short to see over the heads of most people and was relying on Chewbacca to locate Han in the crowd.


A rotund and bearded man moved unsteadily towards her as she moved further into the room. Spilling his drink as he walked, he leered at her and she gave him her best cold stare.

“Here's a pretty morsel.” He slurred but didn't get to finish as Chewbacca swatted him into a rowdy group to their left with the sweep of his arm.

“Thanks.” she said gratefully. He nodded and growled.

Chewbacca proved to be a rather effective path clearer as they moved through the bar, shoving anyone who looked vaguely like they would get too close to Leia or bearing his teeth to ward them off. Any others, she put off with a fierce look of her own. She didn't have Chewbacca's teeth but she could do a pretty good job without them.


Towards the back of the room, where she might have guessed he would be, Han was sitting at a card table with three other players, lounging in his usual nonchalant manner, Sabaac cards in hand.

“Let's find a table nearby, Chewie.” Leia requested. She just wanted to observe for the moment. Chewbacca selected one with a good view of the card table but far enough away as to not alert Han to Leia's presence. The table's single occupant studied his drink but his contemplation was rudely interrupted by a furry arm removing him from his seat by his collar, leaving the table free for Leia. She sat down.

“Remind me to bring you next time I want a seat at my favourite restaurant.” she said appreciatively to her furry companion.


They watched the card game for a few hands. Han lost a couple and won a couple and all the while he chatted to his opponents; a meek and mousy looking Androvian whose pointy ears twitched every time he had a bad hand, a weathered older woman with so much face furniture that Leia couldn't work out whether the woman had once been attractive or not, and the last opponent, a very large, horned Devaronian with piercing yellow eyes. He seemed to be the most challenging of Han's opponents and had an equal pile of winnings in front of him. Devaronians were well known for their criminal tendencies and Leia surmised that Sabaac was high on their list of pastimes.


While they watched, Chewbacca briefly described how Sabaac was played, at Leia's request. She wanted to better understand the action taking place. Han was renowned for his skill at the game, even winning his prized Millennium Falcon in a game against Lando Calrissian but she had never thought of asking about it.


Getting a hand of 23 either negative or positive points seemed an easy enough task but factoring in the randomisation of the cards at various intervals by the establishment, causing them to change face value, the double pot betting system and the timing of calling hands, it became an edge-of-your seat game with large stakes. She listened carefully to Chewbacca's explanation of what was happening, how the cards thrown through the holo-screen were then fixed in value and could not be randomised and how there were several prime sets of cards guaranteeing a win. She watched Han watching his opponents for their 'tells' and selecting his moves accordingly. Much like my Senate negotiations; judging personalities, keeping your information close to your chest and knowing when to make your move before someone does something random or stupid. She understood it completely.


Leia's eye-line was disrupted by a tall Zygerrian female stepping up to the Sabaac table and leaning seductively on it for a moment. Saying something inaudible above the noisy crowd, she wrapped her arms around Hans neck and sat on his lap, her feline features and body language giving away her desires. Leia bristled slightly but remained where she sat. To be fair, Han pressed himself as far back in his seat as he could with his arms spread so that it couldn't be construed that he was returning her advances. She ran her hands through his hair and nibbled his ear. That was it. Leia decided to make her move. Chewbacca gurgled a warning that she might want to remain seated.

“I think that's gone far enough, Chewie, don't you?” She approached the table, remaining unseen until she was standing next to it, although the Zygerrian's head still blocked Han's view.


The next thing Han knew, the Zygerrian, who he wished would pick on someone else, suddenly stopped her caresses and raised her head slowly to reveal a blaster muzzle pressed to her temple. He looked round his seducer's body to seek the owner of the blaster and his jaw dropped with pleasant surprise as his eyes soaked up the petite and more than familiar figure of the princess. This was certainly a new and not at all unappealing look and he liked it. An appreciative smile appeared.


He scanned her body from her legs in her skin-tight leggings, up past her gun belt (trying not to pause his gaze too long), up to her leather jacket and uncharacteristically low cut top which flattered her very attractive form, half hidden by the full length of her hair, and continued up to her face which displayed ten hells worth of fury. Leia glared at the Zygerrian female and waggled her blaster muzzle for the interloper to leave, which she did fairly quickly. Leia then turned her glare and a raised eyebrow on Han, who was still trying to locate any words, at all, in his brain. She indicated with her blaster for him to move up on the bench seat and she sat down next to him, her furry bodyguard stationing himself behind her.


A leering smile spread slowly across the Devaronian's face, showing all of his yellowed, misshapen teeth as Leia locked eyes with him coldly. This was her one chance to position herself within the group as uncompromising and dangerous, commanding respect. Chewie did his part, rolling back his lips slightly to expose his sharp teeth. She had done this many times before and was confident in her icy coldness and the steadiness of her stare.

“Do you want to introduce us to your friend?” the leering Devaronian asked Han without taking his eyes off Leia.

“I don't think we need to share any more information than is necessary. I like to keep things strictly business. Don't you agree?” Leia answered for Han, who was still gawping.
The Devaronian nodded respectfully.

“I agree.” he said.

“Please, don't let me interrupt your game.” Leia waved her hand over the table. The dealer dealt another hand to everyone.
Leia met Han's amazed look. “Close your mouth. You look like you're catching Mynocks,” she ordered under her breath. He snapped his attention back to the game.

“What are you doing here?” he muttered out of the corner of his mouth.

“Making sure you don't get into trouble.” she whispered back. He raised an eyebrow and looked from his cards to her then back at his cards.

“Trouble? Me? Never.”

“You looked like you were doing a pretty good job of it when I arrived.” she replied, jerking her head in the direction of the Zygerrian female who had now turned her attentions to a player at another table.

“Her? That was nothing. I was waiting for her to get bored and leave.” He placed his stake and took another card.

“She'd have left alright, once she'd got her hands on your money, although what she thought she would find in your ears I have no idea,” Leia glared. “Is this what I have to expect dating a smuggler?” She echoed his question to her on the Chandrila promenade.

“Hey, sweetheart. It was strictly no hands. You know I don't want anyone else touching my ears,” he smoothed, giving her outfit the once over again. “Are you going to still be wearing that when we get home later?” He directed his smouldering eyes and crooked smile at her.

“Don't push it!” she countered. His smile broadened. Did she have any idea that being angry just made her more attractive to him? “So exactly what information have you managed to gain from this little exercise?” Leia challenged, still at a whisper.

“Not much yet. Maz was right. There are far too many pirates here for my liking and they won't give up any information, even to me. The woman on my right is no friend to authority, especially the Empire. She mentioned an unusual amount of law enforcement on the streets which is preventing her normal trades. It seems peculiar to the last few months so that may be worth checking out. Our friend opposite is a different matter. I wouldn't put it past him to be in league with any child stealing gundarks. Devaronians will do absolutely anything for money, even dealing in slaves and the Zygerrians...” he indicated the woman at the other table with his eyes “well, as you probably know, they're notorious slave traders and there are quite a few of them here. I haven't built up a rapport with our friend yet to feel comfortable asking him anything directly.”
So no new information then.

“Are you at least winning?” she asked wryly. “How much do you need for repairs?”

“I need quite a bit but, I'm doing OK. A few more rounds and I might make most of the money I need.” Leia looked weary.

“Why didn't you just ask me. It's surely got to be better than risking everything in this fine establishment.” She was sarcastic.

“Hey. I used to like this place.” he defended. “Besides, I like playing.”

Leia smiled briefly. She knew he liked it. It was the thrill of the randomness and unpredictability, the challenge of profiling the other players and besting them. She could quite understand that feeling.


Another round was about to begin and the Devaronian leaned ominously forward, his teeth fixed in an ugly smile.

“Why don't you let your lady friend play?” he asked Han. “I don't feel comfortable with someone at the table who isn't prepared to play.”

“She doesn't play.” Han was firm. Leia saw an opportunity. She rested her hand on his.

“I only play if the stake is worthwhile.” she said coldly, her face stony. The Devaronian's grin widened at the challenge.

“And what would you consider worthwhile?” he enquired, tilting his horned head and drinking in her body with his yellow eyes. Han shifted in his seat. Leia subtly squeezed his hand to keep him calm.

“I might consider some information.” Leia posited. “I may have some live cargo that I need to find a buyer for.”

Live cargo was a term commonly used by pirates to mean slaves. She'd learned that over the years she had spent doing what she could to disrupt their trade. “I might be willing to play for a good contact.” Han stared at her. Smart. The Devaronian nodded, still smiling.

“I see. I might know of such a contact. or perhaps we could do a deal between us that would suit you.” Leia looked like she was considering the offer. “What would you be willing to stake if you lose?” He asked the million credit question and one she was racking her brains to think of an answer to even before he asked it. She threw it back at him.

“What would you consider?” she asked. It was a dangerous question. Han made a fist under her hand and she touched his leg with hers under the table. She didn't think the Devaronian's smile could get any wider or uglier but it did.

“I have heard that your companion has a very fast cargo runner. I would consider that.” Han looked down and shook his head. This wasn't going well. “And... “ the Devaronian continued. “an evening in the company of such a fine looking woman.” He stretched his arm out and gestured at her with his long and yellowing sharp-nailed hand. She could see Han's warning glare out of the corner of her eye and Chewbacca curled his lips back and snarled.

“All this?” She traced her own figure with both hands “for just some information? That's going to have to be some contact you offer me.” She ran her hand seductively through her hair, pushing it back from her face.

Her expression could still kill a man at twenty paces, Han thought. He covered his mouth to hide his smirk. He wasn't sure why he was finding this amusing. Leia was playing a dangerous game but she was playing it so well.
“Very well.” Leia agreed. The Devaronian leant back grinning. He called a serving girl over.

“Get my new opponent a drink.” he ordered. Now comes the test Leia thought to herself.
This was standard for diplomatic situations and card games it seemed. Weighing up your opponent accurately was the first move in any game. Putting them on the back foot was the next.
“A Mandallian Narcolethe for the lady.” he demanded. Han's hand moved from his mouth to his forehead, covering his eyes. So there was room for a brain in the Devaronian's thick horned head after all. Getting the opposition drunk – a smart move.

“Do you even know how to play Sabaac?” he asked her worriedly.

“Never played.” she confirmed matter of factly. His eyes widened.

“You know what you've staked on this game?” She looked sardonically at him. “What happens if you lose?”

“I don't intend to lose.” She said determinedly, then, more reassuringly, “Trust me. I know what I'm doing. If I mess up, I'll buy you another Falcon. You might just have to feed me for a few months while I pay Mon Mothma back.” She smiled thinly.

“Never mind the Falcon. What about the other bit?”

“Then you'll just have to protect my honour.” she teased. He groaned.

 

Loving this!

 

Chapter 23



The dealer called for Leia's initial stake and she reached into her jacket inside pocket, pulling out a small pouch and tipping five thousand credits onto the table in front of her. Han choked on the drink he was sipping.

“I came prepared.” she whispered under her breath.

The fresh drinks arrived including the Narcolethe for Leia. The Devaronian waited expectantly. She was going to have to drink it and do it in a way that ended any further challenge from her opponent. Han and Chewbacca watched. She kept eye contact with the Devaronian, picked up the glass and downed the drink in one, putting the glass back down hard on the table. It tasted like she'd just sucked all the acid out of the Ion Flux batteries, burning like a volcano all the way down her throat to her stomach. She had to use all the control she could muster not to behave in a manner unbecoming of a princess and unacceptable for a hardened pirate and spray it back out all over the other players. How did Han drink this stuff? It was revolting. She remained expressionless. Han let out a relieved breath and the Devaronian laughed.

“A worthy opponent.” he decided. Chewbacca growled an agreement. Not content with winning at Dejarik, she was going to take everyone on at Sabaac now. Han looked incredulously over his shoulder at Chewbacca and whispered to Leia.

“You're gaining quite a fan there.” The corner of her mouth hinted at a smile then it disappeared when he said,

“Shall I get you another one of those.” His eyes indicated her empty Narcolethe glass.

“You must be joking.” she whispered emphatically. “That stuff will eat you from the inside out.”

The dealer passed out the first two cards, everyone put their initial stake in the pot and Leia looked at hers to see what she had, remembering what Chewbacca had told her earlier that evening. A positive Ace of Sabers and a negative Endurance of Staves. She calculated that as positive seven points in her hand with another card to come out. Han put his second stake in the pot as did the Devaronian and the woman with the metal face piercings. The mousy Androvian folded with a disgruntled snort, packed up his winnings and left the table. She placed another credit in the pot. She may as well see the next card. She watched the cards as they were dealt face up this time. Han got a Balance of Flasks and the Devaronian a Queen of Sabers. Leia's was another Ace, giving her positive twenty two points. Close enough she thought. The Devaronian's cheek twitched. He thinks he has a good hand, Leia noted. At that moment, the house randomised the cards, their value and denomination changing as she held them. Now she held two Evil Ones and a Commander of Coins equalling a negative score of eighteen. Still respectable. The older woman threw her cards down in defeat and sat back. Han pushed his cards through the holo-display and called with positive eighteen. The Devaronian showed his negative fourteen and Leia her negative eighteen. Han smiled at her.


The next three rounds went similarly, Leia winning one and Han winning two. The older woman had lost most of her money and Leia calculated she probably had another round in her then would be out. She had been watching the cards carefully, seeing what came out and calculating what was left. It seemed a fairly logical game save for the randomisation but, if one timed it right and called before the randomisation, a win could be secured, especially if the randomisation occurred after her cards were pushed through the holo-display because it held her score and randomised everyone else’s.


Second to last round and the older woman retired from the game. Leia was dealt The Star of Staves, an Endurance and a positive 2 of Sabers, giving her a Pure Sabaac. The Devaronian had been dealt a Demise of negative thirteen points and Han folded. Leia took the lead, quickly pushing her cards through the holo-display and calling the game. The Devaronian grinned as he showed his cards; a pure Sabaac. It was a draw. He nodded with respect at her.


Han sat back. He had been watching Leia's game. She had been holding her own, learning quickly and now a Pure Sabaac hand. It was the last hand in the round and he wanted to see what she would do with it. He waved at the dealer to pass him over and lounged with his arm along the back of the bench seat behind her.

“You're not playing?” Leia enquired. He shook his head.

“Thought I'd watch you.” he grinned. “Besides, I need to be ready to get you out of here when you mess up.” She narrowed her eyes contemptuously but inside she was hoping that didn't happen. She placed her bet. It was the last hand so she thought she would risk a few hundred on the first cards. Han covered his mouth and met her gaze. Chewbacca gurgled. She was dealt an Evil One and a Star totalling negative thirty two. Chewbacca covered his eyes and moaned. She locked eyes with the Devaronian. He leaned forward.

“I'm looking forward to our evening together.” he said lasciviously.
Leia didn't react. She had worked out that the next card that came up to be dealt to her would be a negative three. It didn't look good at all. She decided to bluff, shoving two thousand credits into the pot. Chewbacca moaned louder. Han looked from her to the Devaronian. He seemed to hesitate then counted his own coins and matched her bet. The cards in her hand randomised. Han sat up. She had an Idiot, zero points and a Queen of Flasks, negative two. She needed to be right about the next card. She remained totally stony. The card was dealt face up; a three of Coins. She moved like lightening, shoving her cards through the holo-display before they randomised again. She had an Idiot's Array. An unbeatable hand.


Han grabbed hold of her and hugged her until she was completely squashed.

“I don't believe it.” he said elatedly. “I've only seen that hand three times in all the time I've been playing this game.” Chewbacca growled and threw his head back, laughing. Leia looked at the Devaronian.

“I think you owe me some information.” She leant forward on her elbows, sipping the spice wine she'd ordered to cover the taste of the Narcolethe.

“Would you consider selling your cargo to me instead? I would give you an excellent price.” he entreated with a sneer.

“I'm sure.” Leia replied. “However, I have heard there might be a new buyer in Al-Adreen. I would like that contact.” She sensed the Devaronian's reluctance so she sweetened the deal. “I'm sure you understand that I need to be certain of who I am doing business with. I move a lot of live cargo and I need discreet and reliable trade routes so that I don't have to deal in person. If your information proves genuine, I might consider passing my trade through an agent, such as yourself, on a more permanent basis.” The Devaronian's yellow eyes lit up at the prospect.


Han listened in silence. Why had he worried about Leia's ability to handle herself. Rhetoric was her skill after all. He had no doubt she could out-think the Devaronian but getting her out of here afterwards was another matter. It was a good job she was handy in a fight too. Even so, he was very pleased she had brought Chewbacca with her. She had cleaned the pirate out of at least one cargo loads worth of credits and was now working information out of him and pirates didn't like to lose.


Leia felt like she was a teenager again on one of her incognito missions for the Viceroy; setting up supply lines as a front for passing equipment to the Rebellion, although they were more humanitarian missions and less criminal. She despised slavers. Some criminal activity she could almost understand but slavery was the most contemptible. The quicker she could get information from this horned, leering demon, the better.

“There is one new buyer of live cargo.” the Devaronian elaborated, having judged that Leia's offer of future business was credible. “But he is particularly interested in young cargo. He doesn't take much but pays a reasonable price.”

“How do you contact him?” Leia asked.

“I don't have a name, of course.” He bared his rotten teeth at her, alluding to her earlier reluctance to swap identities. “But, if I have anything, he can usually be found once a month in here; always sits at the far table.” He gestured toward the other side of the crowded cantina. “He's not due for another week but, if you are in a hurry, you can find his colleagues around quite often. They look too much like law enforcement for my liking so I wait for him.” Leia and Han glanced at each other. Law enforcement? He hadn't said Imperials and a pirate would know one – probably even do business with one. That, seemingly, the end of his information, Leia sat back, wine still in hand.

“Thank you. I will probably wait the week. I assume I can also find you here should I wish to conclude our business discussion?” He nodded. Looking pleased with himself, he gestured a flourishing farewell with the brush of his sharp-nailed hand up his forehead and left the table.

Han gathered up his credits and scraped Leia's large pile towards her with his arm. Their winnings were attracting attention and Chewbacca was grumbling a warning, making sure he placed himself between Leia and the rest of the room.

“If you've finished picking up pirates, Your Highness, I think we need to move.” He stood up to go.

“Oh, for goodness sake!” Leia snapped at his comment, pocketing her credits and standing. “I got some information didn't I? Next time you need someone to do the talking, ask me first.” She stepped past him.

“Look, we all know you talk a lot” he quipped “but I want to speak to you about your card playing.” Leia glared at him over her shoulder. He didn't get a chance to discuss it further. Their movement through the crowded bar was becoming more uncomfortable.

“Chewie!” Han directed Chewbacca's attention to a couple of would-be accosters heading in Leia's direction. Chewbacca made short work of re-routing them.

“If we come back here to investigate this contact. We need to bring backup.” Han instructed her worriedly. He kept an eye behind them. He was certain a small group had followed them from their table. A fat and multi-scarred humanoid pulled Leia towards him slurring something at her but was met with her blaster muzzle under his many chins and thought better of his advances. Han steered her back towards the door.

“Stay close, Leia.” he said into her ear.

Pushing their way out onto the street, Leia felt the cooler and cleaner night air in her lungs, realising for the first time in hours just how stifling and noisy the Scoundrel's Sanctuary had been and also just how much her head was swimming from the effects of the Narcolethe and spice wine. She hadn't had much of the latter; she didn't like to drink much, but the former had finished her off before she'd begun and had only been tempered by her deep concentration on the Sabaac game. Now outside, her ears ringing, she swayed slightly and put her hand to her head. Han caught her with a firm arm round her waist.

“You alright?” Then he looked into her now squinting, unfocused eyes. “Oh, dear.” He looked very amused.

“Stop it!” she scolded, hitting his arm weakly. He glanced behind them to see the same suspicious group he'd spotted in the cantina following them up the street. They tried to look casual when he looked at them but they weren't subtle and he knew they would make their move as soon as they reached a quieter part of town.

“Chewie, we've got some admirers. Pick up the pace. We have to get the princess out of here.” Chewbacca growled an acknowledgement, waving his arm in the direction of their speeder which was parked up ahead.

“Great. You and Leia go together. I'll get my speeder and catch up with you.” Han instructed. Jogging to the speeder, Chewbacca jumped in and hit the ignition while Han picked Leia up and sat her in the seat beside Chewbacca so that she didn't have to climb up, then he slapped the back of the vehicle.

“Go, Chewie.” He drew his blaster as a warning to the unruly group but they seemed disinterested now that the main source of their desired income had left. His speeder wasn't far and he was very soon on the way out of Al-Adreen and catching up with Leia and Chewbacca.

#

The hour's trip back to the castle did wonders for Leia's head, the cold wind blowing away the cobwebs and clearing her thoughts. She leant against Chewbacca's warm arm, occasionally closing her eyes. She let her mind drift, wondering how Luke was, where he had hidden the Star. She tried to picture him, reaching out to see if she could locate him but she couldn't feel her brother's presence anywhere. Her mind must be still clouded by wine. Either that or he was too far away.


Feeling an emotional pang, she realised how much she missed her twin. Had she always missed him, even before she had known he existed? She believed she had. They had been together for a while inside their mother, so how could it be otherwise. She breathed deeply and smiled, letting her heart expand, sending loving feelings out into the star-speckled galaxy. Perhaps he would pass by and feel them.


#


The cockpit of the X-Wing was quiet, the lights on the console blinking dimly, the majority of power being directed to life support and star chart information gently flickering across a small screen, as the ship sped through hyperspace towards Takodana.

Luke's eyes opened suddenly, something bringing him out of his meditative state. His heart swelled.

“Leia.” He felt his sister making contact, her love all-embracing. “I love you too.” Artoo beeped expectantly. Luke smiled. “Yes Artoo, and you. I'm going back to sleep now.” With an affirmative whistle from the little droid, Luke closed his eyes and sank back into his meditation.


#


Chewbacca lifted Leia out of the speeder. She wrapped her arms round his waist in a tight hug.

“Thanks for looking after me, Chewie.” He hugged her back, gurgled a goodnight and loped off in the direction of the Falcon. Han and Leia entered the castle, stepping over the odd sleeping customer, and climbed the large stone steps to the rooms on the upper floor.

“How's your head?” Han teased. Leia gave him the briefest of sideways glances.

“It's fine.” she said, curtly.

“I thought you took that Narcolethe very well.” he praised. She wasn't in the mood to be patronised.

“Did you expect me to do otherwise?” she challenged. “That stuff's freighter fuel. You shouldn't drink it.” she advised.

“Talking of things we should and shouldn't do.” He stopped her walking with a gentle touch of his hand on her arm. “Sabaac? Where did that come from?” he asked dumbfounded.

“It's fairly logical. Once you have the measure of your opponents, you can predict what they will do, calculate what card is coming up next, then all you have to do is time your move. Exactly like politics.” she spread her arms.

“You counted the cards?”

“Of course.” she said, disdainfully. “Don't you?” He shook his head in amazement. He was realising they had more in common every day. “I remember who says what at each Senate meeting.” she continued. “Cards are easy.” She took a now heavy bag of credits from her inside pocket. “Will this be enough to pay for the new parts for the Falcon?” Han grinned.

“More than enough but, Leia, do you realise how much money we could make playing Sabaac together?” Leia scowled, pushing the bag of coins hard into his chest.

“Don't be greedy!” she scolded, turning and walking crossly down the corridor to their room. Really? He was trying to suggest she take up gambling? Typical! As far as she was concerned gambling houses were almost always run by organised crime, not something she agreed with funding, not to mention the terrible social consequences that it had. Not satisfied with what they had, he had to push it. Han followed, struggling to keep up even with his longer legs.

“But this could be a good source of income for us. I just thought...” She had rounded the corner in the corridor out of sight but her angry voice carried well.

“I suggest you stop thinking!”

Once the war was over, it could be so much fun travelling round playing the tables. They could earn a fortune. He had to work on those unshakeable morals of hers.

“Come on, Sweetheart. You have to admit it's a fun idea; just you and me, flying round the galaxy together.” Leia turned in the doorway to the room, blocking his path.

“What's wrong with honest hard work?” she asked. “Why are you not satisfied with having just enough. You have to go too far.”

“Gambling's not dishonest.” he defended. Leia raised an eyebrow. “Anyway, I was talking about fun. I don't think you know how to have fun.” It was like poking a Rathtar with a stick.

“Turning me into an immoral gambler, dragging me from one seedy bar to another, isn't my idea of fun.” she glared. He leaned his tall frame on the door frame, inches from her, one arm on the lintel and looked down at her, the familiar devilish smile playing on his lips.

“What is your idea of fun? Maybe we can try that.” He admired the fire flashing in her eyes, the colour of her lips as she shouted, the way her angry gestures made her body move in a strangely sensual way.

Leia felt flushed and knew it wasn't just from her anger or the wine. She felt his warm breath blowing her hair gently and felt her body responding to his. She ran her tongue over her lips. She was either going to hit him or kiss him. She couldn't decide.

Han's smile broadened.

“Oh. That's your sort of fun.” he goaded playfully. When she looked indignant he waggled a finger at her lips she had just wetted. “That's your 'tell', Sweetheart.” Hit him, she decided.

“Well, you'll just have to imagine it.” she provoked and slammed the door on him.

Spinning round to face the room, her hair sweeping over her shoulder with the movement, she slammed her fists on the sofa back and rested there a moment, breathing deeply. He knew just how to wind her up to the point of screaming, he was intensely antagonising. What angered her more was that he was so annoyingly handsome. His physical presence drove her insane and she was pretty sure he knew it too, using it against her at every opportunity, making it impossible for her to win. It always flustered her. She grabbed at her head with both fists and made a muted frustrated noise then turned and opened the door again, holding on to it with one hand. Han was still standing in the same position, waiting, watching his own finger casually trace a crack in the door frame. He just raised his eyes to meet hers. She shook her head admonishingly.

“You drive me completely crazy!” she told him, grabbing his shirt and pulling him into the room. He wrapped his arm tightly round her waist and kicked the door shut behind him with his foot.

 

This.

 

Still making my way through the early installments of this, but thought I'd leave a note. I really enjoyed your characterization of Leia (and of Luke and Han as well). It's great to see something that focuses so much on her, and the fact that there seems to be a really intriguing plot as well is wonderful. And the tie-in to TFA is nifty; it's good to see more works incorporating the new films even though I love Legends as well. Really looking forward to reading through the rest when I have the chance.

 

Chapter 24



Brushing the matted, straw-coloured hair from her eyes, the little girl tried to mingle with the rest on the crowded narrow street, wishing to be part of the background, unnoticed. Seven standard years, two of them spent alone, had taught her a degree of self-sufficiency, slight of hand, blending in. She looked hungrily at the food stalls but warily at their often burly keepers. She had received a beating from them enough times when she hadn't been skilful enough to help herself without being seen. Not having eaten for a day or two, she had to find something today to help her ward off the cooler weather.


Distracted by the tantalising smells, she walked into a large man, laden with boxes, and stared at his face while he shouted something rude about beggars being in his way. She followed his course down the street with her eyes for a moment before continuing to wend her way through the hustle and bustle.


Up ahead, a speeder pulled into the side near the town square and it's pilot alighted nimbly, leaning back in to fetch a bag from the seat, the strap of which she now pulled over her head and across her tunic-clad body. The girl paused behind a barrel of fruit for a moment, fascinated; taking in every detail of the woman. She had never seen a woman as pretty as this one in her life. She moved gracefully and her dark hair was braided in twin loops at the back of her head. The little girl touched her own hair subconsciously, feeling it's grubby coarseness with her fingers.


The woman made her way down the street, pausing at this stall and that, examining the faces of the traders and the shoppers alike. She was obviously new to the area and the little girl stared in awe. She remained motionless, her mouth slightly open as the woman stopped at the same fruit stand. Then, the woman turned her head and looked at her and the girl noticed her kind, caf-coloured eyes and her bright smile.


“Hello.” The woman was talking to her, examining her grubby appearance as she did so. The little girl didn't answer. “Are you hungry?” the woman asked gently. She selected a large, red Degri fruit, bought it and crouched down to hand it to her.


The girl looked down at it, wide-eyed and a smile spread across her dirty face as she took the fruit. The pretty smiling woman stood up and continued down the street and the little girl watched until she had disappeared from view.

Very few people had been kind enough to give her food before. She took a large bite, savouring the juice as some of it escaped from her mouth and ran down her chin.


Continuing to eat as she walked towards the town square, she was lost in the ecstasy of her prize and oblivious to the approach of a uniformed man until her arm was grabbed and she was dragged roughly towards the square where other uniformed men waited.

“Thief!” the man holding her was accusing. “It's time we cleaned the streets of you vermin.”

She hadn't stolen anything today. The pretty lady had bought her the fruit. She began a high-pitched protest, kicking her legs at him and trying to free her arm, drawing stares from other, unsympathetic townsfolk. No-one wanted to help a thief. Then, above the shrieking, an authoritative female voice shouted.

“Stop!”








Chapter 25



Leia woke early with no thoughts other than those of the investigation. They had disturbed her dream time and now urged her out of bed. She slid deftly out from underneath Han's arm and went to the refresher, gathering up clothes that were strewn on the floor from the previous night's urgency.


The fire pit had spent itself and the cold air in the stone room chilled her. When she had showered and redone her hair a short time later, Han was still asleep. He had had more Narcolethes the previous night that she had had spice wine and could probably use some time to sleep it off.


She watched him breathing as she pulled on her leggings, his arm stretched across her side of the bed, one leg wrapped round the rugs, his head buried in the pillow. His clothes, much like hers, had been abandoned, in fact, they had both made quite a mess of the room. Sofa cushions littered the floor and a side table she half remembered them bumping into in the throws of passion had it's ornaments still in disarray. She picked them up and rearranged them. Rugs on the steps to the sleeping area reminded her they'd been there too. She smiled to herself and bit her bottom lip. A night in his company was ten times more pleasurable than spending it catching up on Senate committee reports on her data pad. Eugh! Committees. She needed adventure. Tucking her blaster into her waistband and covering the whole thing with a tunic, she grabbed a bag and made her way downstairs.


Maz let her borrow the speeder. It hadn't taken much persuasion, just a kind but resolute look that precluded discussion. She pushed the throttle of the speeder fully forward, wanting to feel the wind in her hair.


#


A mouthful of Wookie fur was not how Han liked to be woken up, especially when the Wookie was loudly vocalising his annoyance at his sleepiness and was roughly grappling his head.

“What, Chewie?” he shoved Chewbacca's furry arms away. “I'm awake. I'm awake. Quit it will ya?” He swung his legs over the side of the bed, rubbing his hand over his face to brush away imaginary cobwebs. Chewbacca gesticulated towards the little balcony and threw the doors open, still vocalising.

“She did what?” Han exclaimed, rushing to the window. Leia's speeder was leaving the complex and heading out in the direction of Al-Adreen. He whirled round, throwing his arms up in exasperation. “Wait for back up, I said. She didn't even wait for me!” He threw his clothes on quickly and gathered his blaster and gun belt in his arms. “Come on, Chewie.” he called angrily over his shoulder.


Chewbacca watched him walk quickly down the corridor, struggling to put his belt on as he went, hearing him mutter something about “head-strong woman” and “death of me”. Chewbacca growled more gently and lumbered after him.

“You let her have a speeder? You know she's gone back to Al-Adreen by herself?” Han asked the last rhetorical question crossly as he passed Maz cleaning glasses at the bar. Maz shrugged.

“She's a big girl. I can't stop her.” She was indifferent.

Han kept walking, pointing a warning finger at her as if to say they would be talking about this later. Maz simply leant on the bar and watched him go.


#


Reminded suddenly of riding the speeder bikes with Luke on Endor, Leia tutted at herself. That was another time when she had impetuously dashed off on her own, headlong into danger. Han would probably have plenty to say about her doing it again, once he woke up. Still, if she hadn't done what she did on Endor, they would never have met the Ewoks and the whole mission might have ended very differently. Looking back, she was grateful that the Ewoks had accepted her so readily, making clean clothes for her, caring for her like one of their own. Perhaps her fondness for Wicket had helped. Anyway, she was just going to explore, maybe see what she could find out. Nothing more. Han could moan all he liked. She appreciated the sentiment but letting people do everything for her all the time while she remained at a safe distance made her feel stifled. Right now, she needed to let off some steam and waiting around for everyone else while the kidnapped children were in trouble nagged at her.


Little over an hour's travel brought her to the outskirts of Al-Adreen. She slowed the speeder and negotiated the main streets until she neared the central square and pulled in to the side, jumping out and grabbing her bag. Pulling the strap across her body, she looked around.


The town looked different in the daylight. It's low, mud and plaster buildings were not unlike many others she'd seen on other, dryer planets during her travels but had an altogether contrasting influence literally creeping in as the landscape of rocks and lush vegetation had been incorporated into the architecture. Some buildings were almost completely covered with foliage, others built using huge boulders as walls. It was hard to tell which had come first the buildings or the organisms. Both seemed established and melded together.


The inhabitants were thankfully a little less colourful than they had been the previous evening. The intoxicant influenced pirate element had diminished with the sunrise and a more civilised crowd were going about their daily business.


The best strategy, she decided, was to explore the trading areas first and she began with the nearest narrow street, tightly packed with cloth covered stands and open fronted establishments. She stopped at the occasional stall when something caught her eye, examining the faces of the merchants and passers by alike. If she could get into a friendly conversation with someone, she might get more information out of them than they had out of the more guarded smugglers.


Stopping at a fruit stand, she became suddenly acutely aware of eyes on her and glanced round to see a dirt-smeared little girl of about seven or eight, eyes intently fixed on her. The little girl looked extremely underfed and the look in her eye was one of sharp watchfulness that only came with living on the streets. Leia's heart melted a little.

“Hello.” she ventured. The girl didn't answer. “Are you hungry?” She didn't need an answer to that, it was obvious the girl was starving. Reaching into her bag for credits, she bought the largest and most appetising fruit she could find and crouched down to hand it to her, smiling encouragingly. If no-one else did something for the little girl today, she would at least have had something to eat.


Leia didn't have time to do more. Other children were still in dire trouble. Her pitifully small good deed done, she rose and continued down the street, a cool breeze causing her to shiver. Perhaps the pretext of buying a warm wrap of some kind might open up a conversation with a merchant and she saw just the stall up ahead, a very round, personable looking woman in attendance.


Leia smiled at her, running her fingers over the cloth garments on display.

“This one would suit your eyes.” the merchant offered, noting her feigned interest and passing her a reddish-brown jacket.

“Thank you. It is a lovely colour.” Leia flattered. It was actually a lovely colour but she wasn't seriously in the market for more clothes. Still showing interest in the garment, she let her eyes wander round the other shoppers. “It must be tourist season.” She made polite conversation. “There are so many people here today. I expect you get a lot of tourist trade with your beautiful clothes. They are such good quality.” Leia was trying to win her over and it seemed to be working.

“I get some tourist trade,” the merchant replied. “It's hard these days. Too many pirates in the area scaring off decent folk. You're the first new person I've seen recently.”

“I have friends here.” Leia didn't really lie. Maz was a friend now. “I like to visit every so often. Is there no security to protect merchants like yourself from the criminal elements?” She was fishing a little.

“Not on a large enough scale.” the merchant complained. “Although they seem to be having a purge on shoplifters and beggars at the moment. 'Bout time too. Lose most of my revenue if one of 'em manages to get something off my stall. Been roundin' 'em up and clearin' 'em out.” She was more enthusiastic about this.

“Oh?” Leia decided to push her luck a little further. “I expect that's a local law enforcement initiative then. Enterprising of them to look after their local trade.”

“Don't know about that.” the woman chatted. “Not seen these ones before. Don't think they're local but I don't pay much attention to who's who so long as they do something.” The merchant turned her attention to another customer.


So there were strangers in the area, possibly rounding up children like the one she had met earlier, tapping into the local pirate trade to get extras, if their information from last night could be relied upon. The law enforcement could be the same group mentioned by the Devaronian. The little girl would fit the profile and under the guise of cleaning up the streets of undesirables, they were taking children who wouldn't be missed. Clever.


Leia felt she ought to pay the merchant for her conversation by buying the jacket, even though she had no use for it. She opened her bag to find credits.

“Oh, please. Let me get that for you.” a familiar and sarcastic voice made her jump. Han handed over some money, took her elbow and steered her away from the stall so they could talk.

“What are you doing here by yourself?” he scolded. “I said we needed to wait for backup before we came back here. You could have at least waited for me or Chewie.” Leia didn't like his tone.

“Han, you don't get to make decisions for me. I can take care of myself. I don't need you to constantly babysit me.” He was irritating her and she turned and walked away to blank his reply. Han looked up at Chewbacca in disbelief before following after her. If Chewbacca could have raised his eyebrows, he would have done. Instead, he grumbled a little and followed them, wearily dragging his feet.


Han caught up with Leia and stepped into her path. He realised he had made a wrong move when her all too familiar look of challenging defiance parked itself on her face, but, as usual, he didn't care.

“Listen to me, will ya?” Leia folded her arms and shifted her weight to one hip, jacket still clutched in one hand. “I'm not babysitting you. But what happens if you walk into one of our friends from last night?”

“I have a weapon and you know I can use it,” she retorted.

“I know that, but you can't take on everyone.” Although he knew she would give it a good go. “If your little expedition had gone wrong, you could have been kidnapped and sold before any of us knew you were missing.” Han listened to himself. When had he become the sensible one? Maybe it was when he'd seen how many pirates there were here the previous night. Smugglers were one thing but pirates were lowlifes even by his standards and the thought of scouring the galaxy searching for her for the next couple of years, well, he didn't want to think about it.

“You're being ridiculous,” she snapped.

“Ridiculous? Am I?” He raised his eyebrows incredulously. “Hey. Don't get me wrong, I know you like looking for trouble.” He gave her a crooked smile “and I love looking for it with you but, if we're going to start blowing stuff up together, it would be nice to have a little extra back up, that's all.”

“It hasn't come to that. I've only been gathering information. I found out how the children are being removed unchallenged. I just need to find out where they're being taken.” She paused and raised her eyebrows. “Then you might get to blow stuff up.” Han's smile broadened.


The piercing sound of a child screaming snapped Leia out of her irritability. Her senses heightened, she shoved the jacket she was holding at Han and began running towards the square and the direction of the noise, noticing just in time to stop herself, the uniforms of the officers at the centre of the disturbance; blue, smart, Alderaanian. She ducked quickly behind the cloth covering of the last trade stand on the street and peered round it. She recognised the screaming child as the one she had met at the fruit stand and one of the six officers she had counted was man-handling the little girl towards an enclosed vehicle.


Han and Chewbacca, caught up with her. She turned to Han about to say something but he pre-empted her.

“Yeah, I see them.” He had noticed the uniforms too. Leia was riled. She had always had great pride in the security forces her family had founded on Alderaan. This wasn't at all the intention for them. They were peacekeepers not oppressors. The more she watched, the more incensed she became.


The little girl began struggling and kicking and Leia heard the officer accuse her of theft – of the fruit she had bought for her. The officer raised a hand to strike the child. That was the last straw. Han spotted Leia's breaking point and grabbed for her arm to stop her, just too late. She stepped out from her hiding place, shaking off his hand and walked determinedly out into the square.

“Stop!” she ordered.

 

Chapter 26



The startled officer looked in her direction, still holding the child by the arm. Relief spread across the little girl's face when she saw Leia.

“What do you think you're doing?” Leia demanded of him.

“Clearing thieves off the streets, ma'am. No need to bother yourself with this vermin.” he replied, not releasing the child but seeming to respond to Leia's unmistakeably authoritative voice.

“This child is no thief. I bought her that fruit. Unhand her immediately.” Leia barked, separating the officer from his prize with both hands.

The other uniformed men began to move towards them. Han dropped Leia's jacket and he and Chewbacca drew their weapons, keeping them low, observing for the moment. Han didn't want to start anything more attention grabbing than Leia had already started unless it all went wrong. She could bring a whole platoon of troops to it's knees with that voice but he wasn't sure how long the stunned obedience would last with this particular group. He watched her body language and listened to her tone as she manoeuvred the little girl behind her and the officers into a group as if she were giving them a troop inspection. He shook his head and the corner of his mouth creased into a smile. A foot or more shorter than any of the men in front of her, her tone and expression demanded their full attention.

“You are a disgrace to that uniform.” she continued, looking from one to the other. “Security Forces are meant to protect people not bully them. They especially don't strike defenceless children.” She put one hand behind her back and motioned to the little girl to move towards Han, who beckoned silently to the child to run to him.


The child safely out of the way, Leia turned her thoughts to the enclosed vehicle. She had to make sure no more children were inside. She continued her grilling, uncertain herself as to how long these men would put up with her. Getting close enough to study them she now didn't believe they really knew whose uniform they were wearing. They looked like hired guns, not military personnel and the only reason they were paying attention was the shock factor of her abrupt interruption and the tone of her voice. Her blaster was tucked underneath her tunic and annoyingly inaccessible in a hurry. Her eyes flicked to the officer's weapons, noted their position and way they were attached. She had begun to draw a curious crowd so decided to gamble on the fact that the officers wouldn't fire on her in front of them.

“I don't think you know what uniform you are wearing. What's your rank and designation?” She fixed the officer last in line with her eyes as she moved closer to the vehicle, putting her back to it and signalled Han behind her back to ready his weapon. He read her warning and knew she thought she was treading on thin ice.

“Get ready, Chewie. She's about to blow it.” Leia had manoeuvred herself so that the officers' were now facing away from Han and wouldn't see him come up behind them.

“Lieutenant of the Alderaan Security Forces.” the officer gave his false rank.

“If you are really from Alderaan, you would know who I am.” Leia remained authoritative, holding them as long as she could. If she could just open the back of the vehicle before they blasted her off the face of Takodana. The men looked at each other confused.

“Open this vehicle and let me see how many more so called thieves you have.”

“Step away from the vehicle, ma'am.” one of the officers demanded.

“I am the Commanding General of the Alderaanian Security Forces, Lieutenant and I order you to open the back of this vehicle.” Now I've blown it. Leia thought. The officers looked at each other, then at her small frame and smirked. Non-uniformed and tunic-clad, maybe it was a little difficult to believe. Her credibility vanished. They moved toward her, tired of the distraction. She picked a target, put the balls of both her hands on his chest and shoved hard, grabbing his blaster out of it's holster as he unbalanced. Firing twice, her bolts hit home and two officers went down. Chewbacca fired his bowcaster and took down the rest.


Leia yanked the latch of the vehicle door open to expose the frightened faces of a handful of children.

“Run.” She thumbed over her shoulder for them to make their escape.

The ensuing chaos from the blaster fire not only created panic among the crowd of onlookers but also attracted the attention of more security as three more vehicles entered the square from the opposite streets at high speed. One, in particular, made Leia's heart sink. She whirled round, searching for Han in the screaming crowd and picked out Chewbacca running towards her, knowing Han was nearby.

“Stormtroopers!” she yelled. Han looked in their direction as he ran up to her, saw them unload a laser cannon tripod from the back of their vehicle. They were in serious trouble.

“Get in the truck!” he ordered, steering her towards the empty vehicle and jumping into the drivers seat. Chewbacca leapt in the back, firing wildly out of the open doors.

Han peeled away and headed down one of the narrow streets, sending people scattering to get out of his way and taking out several trade stands with the side of the vehicle.

“So much for your casual information gathering trip.” he shouted at Leia. She glared back at him, hanging on to the front console of the truck.

“This is not my fault.” she insisted.

“You had to march in there, didn't you?” He veered sharply to avoid a speeder full of stormtroopers, heading down an even narrower street and just managing to miss driving straight through a group of startled traders. “Get out of the way!” he yelled out of the window, waving his hand at them. Leia grabbed on to anything that stuck out to stop herself from being thrown out of the door.

“What did you want me to do? Just leave those children in the truck?” she screamed. “Somebody had to do something.”

“Yeah, well you've done something alright.” he agreed angrily, pointing up ahead in astonishment at another group of stormtroopers, this time on foot, who had set up a laser cannon and began firing it at the truck. He veered down another alley. “Where did these stormtroopers come from?” he exclaimed, exasperated. Chewbacca roared something from the back as he was unbalanced, hitting his head on the side of the truck.

“Oh really, Chewie? The ride's uncomfortable? Hang on, I'll slow down so you can enjoy the scenery!” he snapped sarcastically. Leia rolled her eyes angrily.

“Look out!” she shouted, pointing up ahead. At the end of the street, another truck came to a stop, completely blocking their path and Security Force officers leapt out, showering them with blaster fire. There was no where to turn the truck. Spotting a narrow alleyway just visible between the tarpaulins of two trade stands, Han came to an abrupt stop, spraying dust from the truck wheels as he did so.

“We'll have to abandon this thing and go on foot.” He fired out of the door then reached in and grabbed Leia's arm, pulling her out of the truck after him. “Chewie, hurry up!” he said, laying down covering fire while they all ducked into the alley.

It was dark and cramped but they negotiated it at a run until Han ducked into an empty doorway, just large enough for the three of them, to catch his breath.

“Is this your kind of fun?” he enquired of Leia antagonistically, his eyes widening for emphasis. She narrowed her eyes at him. Pressed uncomfortably between Han and Chewbacca, she tried to think logically about the situation, get a bearing on their position in relation to a reasonable escape route. The square where she'd left her speeder was probably crawling with troopers by now. They could make their way to the far side of Al-Adreen and find a place to lay low until nightfall, then steal another transport or perhaps hope for the troopers to leave and retrieve their own. It was all a bit vague.


Chewbacca was shifting uncomfortably, his head having to bow quite a bit to fit in the doorway. She brushed his hot fur out of her face with the back of her hand.

“If we stick to these narrow passages, we could work our way back round to the square, find a transport maybe.” she suggested. Han nodded vaguely, looking furtively down the alley to make sure no one was coming. He wished that C3PO could fly the Falcon on his own. He could airlift them out of here. Some kind of remote calling device would be very useful. He would have to ask Maz if there was such a thing, have it fitted as part of his new repairs. He really had no ideas other than what Leia had suggested. Once again, they were flying by the seats of their pants.

“Let's move then.” he said, skulking out of the doorway and along the alley, blaster thrust ahead of him in case he was surprised.

 

Just because it's the weekend and I wanted to give you a treat. Here's the next chapter a little early.



Chapter 27



The narrowest alleys were intersected by larger streets, making it impossible to stick to the shadows completely. The main streets all led back to the square and, as such, were often haunted by a squad of troopers or security forces, the better to catch their quarry. They managed to negotiate quite a number, dodging laser fire, until they ended up in a more residential area at the north end of the square, the more spacious and less adorned buildings offering much less cover than the cluttered trading areas.

“I think our speeder is parked near here. I recognise the area.” Han looked at Chewie, who growled in agreement. “We might be able to reach it if we cross the next two streets, past these houses.”

“Are you sure?” Leia questioned.

“No, I'm not sure.” he snapped, turning to glare at her, “but what choice do we have?” He leaned out into the next main street to check if it was clear. It wasn't. Four stormtroopers spotted his movement and blaster fire hit the ground and the wall by his head. He fired back.

“They've got this whole place surrounded. Where did they all come from anyway.” He was getting really concerned about the whole situation. If they'd been here all along, Maz would have heard something. He fired off another couple of wild, frustrated shots up the street.

“Someone must have called them in.” Leia assumed. Or maybe they'd been here the whole time just not making their presence known. That would presume a hidden base and one not too far away explaining the speed of their arrival on the scene. She didn't bother discussing this idea with Han. She crouched down and fired round him. As she did so, the smell from her vision hit her nose, followed by blackness, which blotted out the view of her immediate environment, and then fire and smoke. It was gone again in a second and she put her hand on the floor to stop from falling over. The vision had gone unnoticed and she was thankful it wasn't like it had been on Chandrila. This was not the time to be incapacitated. Han ducked back in to the alley, turning to Chewbacca.

“Let them have a couple of shots from your crossbow, will ya. Then we'll make a run for it.” He gestured to the alley opposite theirs. Chewbacca leant the bowcaster round the edge of the building and fired a few shots. It caused a crater in the street and scattered the nearest troopers, allowing time for them to dash for cover unnoticed.

The next street was no better. Coming out between two mud houses, their route continued across the last wide street but that meant crossing the path of the stormtrooper's laser cannons, two of them set on tripods at the end nearest the square. Calculating their route, the troopers from the previous street had joined their colleagues, anticipating the appearance of the trio and the cannons were firing at regular and alternate intervals, ensuring that their route was completely blocked. Debris from the blasts flew out of nearby walls and the noise was deafening.

“This is insane! We're completely pinned down!” Han exclaimed as another laser bolt hit the ground, throwing up clouds of dirt. “We need to get across there.” He indicated the alley opposite about fifty yards from their current position. It would only be a matter of time before they were blocked in from behind as well and then it would be all over.

Leia leant round the wall and fired off a couple of shots randomly. There was no time to aim as the volley of bolts from the troopers was unrelenting.

“I told you, we needed to wait for backup!” Han shouted at her above the noise.

“We didn't have time to wait,” she yelled back. Their proximity to each other in the alley as they jostled to fire at their attackers meant that they were shouting in each other's faces. “Those children can't wait!”

“You always want to save everybody. You can't always do that. You haven't thought this through. We're going to die here!” He waved his finger in her face. “When I say we need to wait for back up, I mean it.”

“Well, congratulations! You must be so pleased you were right!” She jabbed a finger in his chest. “Anyway, who died and put you in charge?” A blast hit the wall beside her head, spraying her with mud and plaster. Han grabbed her arm and pulled her back further into the alley.

“You know what? The Force forbid I should give you advice and you actually take it.” He was angry now, partly at her stubbornness and partly at being in such a seemingly unwinnable position. He always liked an exit strategy, even if it was talking his way out of trouble and, right now, there didn't seem to be one. He flung his arms up in defeat.

“What's the point? You're always right. You don't need me. I could be sitting in the trading station cantina on Coriva right now negotiating a sweet deal to make Chewie and I some serious cash”. He spread his arms to emphasise his point. Chewbacca had worked his way round to the next narrow alley down and now let off a violent volley of bolts from his crossbow, making a run for the alley opposite while Han fired wildly to cover him. He growled loudly at Han that he would cover them while they did the same but neither of them was listening.

“I had another life before I met you, you know. One where I could make sure I didn't follow some crazy woman into the middle of an impossible fight.” Thoughts of his life before his involvement with the Alliance filled his head and he delivered his last sentence with more conviction than he had meant. Leia looked furious and genuinely hurt. Her lips pressed together into a thin line as if she were fighting to stop her emotions from boiling over. She looked at him for a brief moment then leant out into the street and fired several shots, hitting two stormtroopers who flew backwards into one of the cannons. Chewbacca growled his appreciation at her shooting.

“Why don't you go back to it then?” she challenged. “If I'm so crazy, just leave! I can manage by myself. I might even get more done.” Another explosion went off far too close to them and part of the front wall of the house disintegrated causing them both to duck back into the alley covering their heads. The troopers took a few seconds to recharge the cannons and Han took the opportunity to run and skid to a stop on the ground behind a stone water trough in the middle of the street, firing madly as he went.

He shouted back at her.

“Is that all you can say? After years of me putting my life on the line for you?” He waved his gun at her angrily.

“Stop waving that thing around and fire it!” Leia scolded at the top of her voice. She fired towards the troopers and so did Han, hitting three more before their shots were returned ten fold and they both shielded themselves. “Now I know how you really feel, how much you resent me, why would I make you stay?” She shook her head in annoyed astonishment. “All this time, all you've ever wanted to do is leave! Great! That's just great! Why I ever let you get to me I have no idea!” She was pacing and waving her arms at him. A sure sign she was really cross.

He stared disbelieving at her for a moment then held his blaster above the water trough and fired off several shots. She was an infuriating woman, he thought. So wrapped up in her cause that was about to kill them both that she couldn't see he was afraid he would never have a life with her. She'd completely misunderstood what he meant.

“Leave?” he yelled incredulously, spreading his arms wide in amazement. “Leave? I don't want to leave you!”

Leia paused her pacing to fire up the street then looked over at him, her eyes still flashing with anger. Ducking to avoid another bolt that hit the trough, he stared at her intensely.

“Leia, I want to marry you!” He waited for her reaction but she just stood staring at him, her mouth open. She seemed to have forgotten they were in a fire fight and her blaster hand hung by her side.

“What?” She took a few seconds to process what he had said then began pacing again. He watched her and frowned. She was muttering to herself, hitting her forehead with the palm of her hand. He expected a tirade where she told him what an idiot he was and what on earth was he thinking? How could he expect her to marry him when he was such a moon-jockey. Instead she shouted, “And you wait until now to tell me this?” waving her hands in the direction of the battle.

“I've been trying to talk to you for days but we haven't exactly had any time to discuss it.” As Leia let off another volley of shots, a trooper fired a bolt that hit the wall dangerously close to her head, singeing her hair and covering her in dust. “Are you trying to get your head blown off?” he screamed. “Get over here! Chewie, cover her!” Both Han and Chewbacca lay down covering fire while Leia belted over to the water trough and flung herself on the ground next to him.

“You really pick your moments.” She shook her head. They both leant low with their backs against the trough, breathing hard, adrenaline flowing. Han put one hand behind her head, pulled her towards him and kissed her quickly and hard. “Marry me, Leia... if we live long enough that is.”

Chewbacca growled in a frustrated manner at them that they should shoot now and get married later. They both stared into each other's eyes. She was covered in dirt; in her hair, smeared across her face. Blaster in hand, she was beautiful.

“OK, hotshot. But on one condition.” She got up on her knees and fired over the trough, taking out another trooper.

“What's that?” he asked, joining her.

“We don't spend our honeymoon anywhere near here.” She flashed him a smile and made a dash for the alleyway where Chewbacca was waiting. Han followed, diving into the alley just as the laser cannon fired at the water trough, exploding stone, water and dust all over the street and obliterating the spot where he had just been sitting.

 

Chapter 28



Weaving between buildings, squeezing through cluttered back alleys, they ducked into an arched entranceway out of sight.

“We're not finished with this conversation.” Han stated. He was breathing hard, looking occasionally out into the alley to check the coast was clear. Looking back at Leia, he wiped dirt from her cheek with his thumb. He was trying to convince himself that there would be time later, that they wouldn't both die here and when they got back, the Senate, the Alliance could all hang while they put themselves first for once.

“I love you.” he said with all the feeling he could put into it, smiling thinly. Al-Adreen wasn't where he wanted to end his days but if this was to be the last time he told her, he wanted her to know he meant it. He expected her to come back with their usual flippant banter of I know but she just put her hand on his cheek.

“I love you too.” They briefly shared a look that meant they both wished to have longer, somewhere else. “We'd better move.” Leia brought them back to the job.

They crept slowly up the alley towards the light of the last obstacle that was the street ahead. Han pressed himself against the wall, holding his arm out behind him to move the others back so they wouldn't be seen. He peered out into the street quickly, counting unfriendlies, holding up a handful of fingers and pointing in one direction and a couple more for the other direction.


Leia nodded her comprehension. A sickening feeling suddenly washed over her. She knew what was coming and it accompanied her sharp intake of breath. The blackness, the smell, but this time another figure was standing with her. She blinked through the smoke to make out the face but it was unclear. Then it was gone again, like the annoying flickering of a faulty holo-display. Han had looked back, hearing gunfire behind them, and seen her steady herself on the wall, her face paling.

“Chewie, stay alert.” he instructed, grabbing Leia's shoulders and peering into her face. By the time he did, she was back with him. “Now? Really?” he asked her.

“I can't stop it.” she exclaimed. Shouting started behind them in the alley and Chewbacca began firing to protect their backs. They had been discovered. Han looked back towards the street where the troopers had been alerted to their position by the sound of gunfire. They had seconds at most.


Thoughts flashed through Leia's mind. The visions were a warning, the fake document likely a trap, the two most probably linked. A feeling of inevitability came over her.

“We can't get out of this together. You have to leave me here.” she told Han. He looked at her like she had lost her mind.

“No. If anyone is going to do something like that, it's me.” he countered.

“I got us into this.” she replied. “I have a feeling they are looking for me anyway. Leave me and go for help.”

“There's no way that's happening!” he insisted. “You're stuck with me, Sweetheart.” He fired towards the now approaching troopers. Leia shook her head at him. Chewbacca growled an alarm that the assailants behind were closing in.

“Chewie, we need to make a run for it. If we don't make it, leave us here and go get help. Bring the Falcon.” Han instructed his friend. Chewbacca growled his loud dissatisfaction with this plan, vocalising that if anyone went for help, it should be Leia. She put a calming hand on his arm.

“The chances are I wouldn't make it, Chewie. These visions are crippling me. It has to be you. Find Luke.” Chewbacca sounded mournful.

“We go on three.” Han ordered. “1... 2... 3...” They all burst into the street, Leia firing one way and Han firing the other, Chewbacca coming out backwards behind them covering them from behind. They could see the speeder but they could also see more reinforcements rounding the corner.

“There are too many of them.” Leia exclaimed, dropping a couple of troopers with her blaster fire.

“Go, Chewie!” Han yelled, pointing towards the speeder as they lay down covering fire for him and he ran to safety. Leia watched as the officers who had followed them into the alley, now spilled out onto the street behind them. Han lay his hand on her blaster arm to stop her firing.

“That's it.” he decided. “If we don't surrender, they'll shoot us.” He knew when to cut his losses and quit. They both held their blasters up in surrender as Leia looked over her shoulder to check Chewbacca's progress. He had reached the speeder, looked briefly back at them and then was gone just as her view was blocked by troopers surrounding and disarming them.

“What shall we do with these two, sir?” a stormtrooper asked a security forces commander. The commander eyed Leia, considering. She looked defiantly at him, still disgusted at the use of her proud uniform.

“We've been instructed to keep this one alive.” Leia and Han exchanged glances. “Bring them both and put them in the transport.” he ordered.

They were roughly marshalled towards the waiting transport vehicle which already contained five frightened young captives and Leia's brow twisted into a worried frown as she looked at their faces. Han helped her into the vehicle before climbing up and sitting on the bench seat opposite her. The door slammed behind them, darkening the inside of their mobile cell and the sound of a locking mechanism thunked loudly before the vehicle lurched into life.


He examined the inside of the vehicle, looking for clues to an escape route. The metal bodywork was far too solid, with even the narrow slit-like windows being covered with a mesh screen. The only exits were either the doors through which they had just climbed or through the front cockpit but even that was well sealed from the back with another metal mesh reinforcement. He huffed and looked round the faces of the children. Most were quietly scared but one, whose face looked familiar, sobbed, the path of her tears, cleaning her otherwise grubby face. It was the little girl Leia had tried to save. Leia put her arm round her.

“Don't be frightened.” she smiled to reassure her. “What's your name?”

“Jak” the little girl sobbed.

“I'm Leia.”

“Are you going to help us?” Jak asked hopefully, remembering Leia's earlier kindness. Leia took a deep breath in through her nose and breathed out slowly, looking at Han. He returned her gaze. She didn't want to lie and get their hopes up but she didn't want to frighten them more either.

“I will do what I can to help you.” she replied. “In the meantime, you have to all stick together and help each other if you can. OK?” She looked round at the other children who nodded silently. They sat in silence for a while. Han reached a hand up behind him and stuck a finger through the mesh on the window, rubbing away at the dirt and dust to clean a view hole. He peered out. The settlement of Al-Adreen had long gone and been replaced by dense forest terrain. He didn't know the area well but guessed from his sparse knowledge that they were heading into the Adronian Jungle. There were no settlements here at all, put off by the thickness of the vegetation, large rocks and aggressive wildlife. He frowned and turned back to face Leia. She was leaning her head back against the side of the truck as it bumped and shook it's way through the vegetation. She looked thoughtfully at him.

“You should have left me.” she scolded gently.

“We're partners aren't we? Do you really think I'd leave my future wife stranded.” he smiled thinly.

“I've been in this situation many times before and escaped. I trust you to come and save me not to be stuck in here with me.” She shook her head, affectionately admonishing. “You're such a gonk sometimes.” He raised his eyebrows considering this description, pursed his lips slightly and nodded.

“Well, hopefully Chewie's less of a gonk and manages to track us. Otherwise we could be lost in this jungle for weeks.”

Leia suddenly shot both hands up to her temples, squeezing her eyes tightly shut, the pain searing through her brain excruciating as she tried to stifle an involuntary noise. Han sat forward, putting his hands on her knees for reassurance. Here came the vision again. At least she was starting to recognise when it was about to happen. Trying to remember some of the teaching Luke had attempted to impart to her in the past few months, she slowed her breathing, making it deep and long, rested her head back on the side of the vehicle and held onto the bench seat with both hands. It was a vision, that was all. The breathing would control the pain. The image of the figure appeared in front of her. She concentrated, focusing through the smoke. She had control over this, it didn't control her. She moved forward towards the figure, bringing it into clearer view. It was a man, caped, wind wildly blowing at his moustache and neatly manicured beard. Pax. She opened her eyes quickly as if waking suddenly from a bad dream.

“OK?” Han asked, concerned.

“Not really.” She placed a hand on his. “I feel like I'm going insane.” Han looked sympathetically at her.

“Pax is behind all this.” she announced decisively.

“Are you certain?”

“Yes.” She felt a slight relief at her certainty. Some of this was starting to make sense. Han sat back on his seat, looking thoughtful.

“I wish you'd warn me when you were about to do that. It's scaring the frack out of me.”

“I hardly get a warning myself” she countered. “I didn't ask for any of this, you know. I suppose it's another thing I have to thank my father for.” she looked rueful. “Are you sure you want to marry Vader's daughter?” Han smiled.

“I trust you not to turn into a genocidal maniac.” That wasn't funny and he looked at her deadly serious face. He tried to lighten the mood. “Maybe cut black out of your wardrobe.” he added. She snorted slightly but couldn't quite manage a smile. She hoped Chewbacca could locate Luke. She shut her eyes and concentrated. Luke. She thought as hard as she could. I need you. Her mind drifted, tried to imagine his face. Luke. She thought she saw him, imagined him turn to look at her. She opened her eyes again.

“Did he answer?” Han asked. She didn't realise she'd said Luke's name out loud.

“It's not a holo-vid call you know.” she chastised. He rolled his eyes. It was like listening to half a holo-vid call. “I'm sorry.” she apologised gently. “I'll give you some warning before I do that as well.”

 

Read up to Ch 7 so far, and this just keeps getting better! I really like the way you've characterized the trio of Leia, Han, and Luke in the wake of ROTJ. It's neat to see them working through a lot of the things that happened in the film.

The Imperial transports that are kidnapping children... that makes me think of Finn. This might be early for him to have been one of those kids, but I'm not sure on the timeline. In any case, I can imagine Leia's horror at not being able to stop it from happening. That does seem to be her curse, to see too much evil and only be able to prevent it sometimes.

Liked the background on Blake, and how she respects Leia so much (perhaps to the point of being a bit of a fangirl in her younger days -- that job interview was great ) but is absolutely able to tell her when she's wrong too.

 

Thank you for your comments. I am glad you are enjoying it so far.

I am also glad that the kidnappings remind you of Finn as, although this would be far too early for him, I intended for it to link to future events illustrated in TFA. This would be the forerunner for later events, perhaps the 'experimentation' that will lead to the full blown First Order.


There was so much to be told in between ROTJ and TFA and so much groundwork to prepare for the events in TFA, I felt I wanted to cover some of it. I am currently writing a second novel set a little later but also have a short story on here called The Betrayal that is set when Leia is in her 50's.

 

Chapter 29​

The transport lurched and tipped forwards, giving the sensation that they were going down a steep slope. It got markedly darker inside the vehicle. Han peered out of his view hole again in time to see a patch of light disappearing from view.


They came to a stop and shortly afterwards, the thunking of the lock accompanied the rear door opening. They were ordered out of the vehicle into a damp cave, vegetation hanging from outcrops of rock, kept lush with water that ran gently and dripped off the cave wall. At the lowest part of the cave, a metal hatchway had been cut into the rock face revealing a brightly lit corridor beyond.


Leia hugged Jak to her as they were all filed towards the open hatchway and through into a sophisticated hidden underground base. The hatchway slid shut behind them as the last child was guided through at the end of an officer's blaster. This is why there had been no sign of stormtroopers on Takodana. They must have been hiding out of sight until now. Leia was quietly pleased that one good thing to come out of all this was that they had shown themselves and now would probably have to abandon this site as well as the one on Thyfeera.


They were led through a maze of corridors containing closed hatchways, most giving no hint as to what was on the other side but a few had small view windows. Leia tried to see inside each one but they were steered too quickly past them. Han had hung back behind all the children as a partial protective measure and she hoped his extra height would afford him a better view.


Taking advantage of a scuffling amongst the children as one of them tripped, she moved quickly to one of the doors and stood on tiptoe to look through the window, taking in as much information as she could. Rows of children sat in front of vertical holo-displays, each with headsets on that blocked any peripheral vision and each display flickering with changing information and images, although they were directed away from her so she couldn't make out the content. She was shoved sharply in the back by a blaster rifle muzzle and continued to walk, glancing back to catch Han's eye. He was indeed looking surreptitiously through all the windows as he passed, frowning occasionally at what was inside and he caught her eye, a troubled look on his face.


They'd been walking for several minutes and Leia got the sense that they were slowly descending as they passed from one corridor to another. The light in these latter tunnels was significantly dimmer now and the doors windowless and blank. They came to a halt next to one, the troopers separating them from the children. Jak was pulled roughly from Leia's arms, causing her to begin crying hysterically, reaching her arms back in Leia's direction as she was dragged away.

“It'll be ok. “ Leia tried to reassure her but her face showed how much this was hurting her to watch the little girl's fear. Han took her hand and squeezed it, her worried eyes imploringly looking into his face.

“We'll come back for them.” he whispered as they were moved on at gunpoint.

Bringing them to a halt outside a room further down the tunnel, their guards slipped wide metal bracelets onto their forearms which sealed as they were clasped together, a little light blinking green on a tiny console on the back. Han examined his, turning his arm over in puzzlement but, once they were directed into the room and he saw the larger console by the door and a metal strip embedded in the wall, it all became clear.

“Magnetic.” he quietly explained to Leia as she looked at hers.

Apart from the metal strip, which ran the whole circumference of the cell at roughly Han's shoulder height, the room was completely white and featureless with no windows and rather aggressive lighting embedded in the high ceiling which gave it the buzz and feeling of a clinical medical centre. The thick metal door hissed shut behind them.

“Did you manage to see anything in those other rooms?” Leia asked quickly, wanting to clarify her thoughts.

“Yeah.” Han had been quite disturbed by what he'd seen. “They've got kids strapped into those contraptions like the one they used on us on Bespin.” Leia recalled the electro-shock treatment Vader had used on them to lure Luke into a trap.

“I saw holo-vid screens with directed images. Rows of them.” Leia told him. “Those were two popular, and highly illegal, methods of Imperial torture and conditioning.” Her face twisted with deeply worried thought and she folded her arms round herself. Han put his arm round her shoulder and hugged her to his chest. She looked pale and it occurred to him that she was being reminded of past experiences in rooms like this one. She clutched the back of his jacket tightly.

“This is bad.” she said quietly into his shirt.

“Hey, let's not get black just yet. We'll think of something. We always do.” he encouraged, holding her head to him protectively. Luke had said a similar thing to her a week ago. She was definitely the pessimist she realised and Han was ever the optimist, or the opportunist. Whichever one got them out of this situation, she didn't care. Still, the situation did seem hopeless.

“Chewie's never going to find us down here.” she pointed out. Han gently moved her away from him, opening one side of his jacket and grabbing hold of a lump in the lining between thumb and forefinger.

“Chewie and I have an emergency back up.” he smiled. She looked at it, her mouth opening in amazement.

“A tracker?” she asked. He nodded.

“I activated it in the transport. Never had to use it before but he should be able to trace it from the Falcon, if he remembers it's there, of course.”

“Han, that's actually...”

“Smart?” he interrupted, anticipating her surprise at his ingenuity. She chuckled.

“I was going to say judicious.” It wasn't like Han to plan ahead. He liked the excitement of spur of the moment, the thrill of flying by the seat of his pants. Smart he was. Resourceful, certainly but, run from it, sell it or, if in doubt, blow it up were about as far as he liked to plan. This showed caution and foresight.


She was still showing open-mouthed admiration when the door hissed open again to admit first two security forces officers and then a more familiar and unwelcome face. Leia's stance immediately stiffened and her expression became one of anger.

“I knew you were behind this. I didn't want to be right.” She confronted the caped figure of Delcar Alde, his security raising their laser rifles and pointing them in her face at her aggressive approach, halting her in her tracks. “You're hurting these children. Why?” she questioned. He waved his hand at the officers to lower their weapons and back off and they stood by the open doorway, blocking any chance of escape.

“This” Delcar flicked his hand dismissively in the direction of the rest of the base. “is just a business arrangement.”

“A business arrangement?” Han exclaimed, raising his eyebrows incredulously. “What business would torture kids? And what sick individual would agree to it?” He grabbed the duke by the lapels of his uniform, pulling an arm back and making a fist, preparing to hit him. The guards moved quickly, grappling him over to one wall where they pinned his arms to the metal strip and hit the wall console. The lights on the bracelets round his wrists changed to red as the magnetism took hold and he was fastened to the wall unable to move.

“Now we've got rid of your bodyguard, perhaps we can have a conversation.” The duke was deliberately ridiculing. Leia raised her eyebrows, leaning her head forward in hostility. Han had been on the receiving end of this hostility before.

“Oh, you think Han is the one you need to worry about?” she challenged. Han hoped she would lay the duke out flat but as rifles were still trained on her, knew she wouldn't risk it. Instead it was to be a battle of wills. He didn't know much about the duke but his money was on Leia in that fight. The duke make a derisive noise.

“Your empty threats are pointless Organa. You have no power here.” His body language was intentionally intimidating but Leia didn't back down or step back. “You're not as clever as you think. You may have foiled my attempt to get the Killian Star but your curiosity has got the better of you. I knew you wouldn't be able to resist that ancient text and that you'd turn up here eventually.” Leia nodded, still defiant.

“You're right. I was blinded by my love of our home world and my trust in our friendship. I made a mistake on Chandrila and, until an hour ago, didn't associate you with that ridiculous document. It took me precisely ten minutes to realise it was fake and suspected it was a trap. If it hadn't been for the children, I wouldn't have been here. Rest assured I won't be making another mistake. Don't underestimate me Duke Delcar.” she spat.

“What? No Pax?” he mocked.

“You lost the right to informality when you betrayed me.” she pointed a finger at him. “We were friends, grew up together. You tried to have me killed and tainted the reputation of my peacekeepers.” Her face twisted with contempt and disgust. “You've conditioned them to become assassins, haven't you, like you're doing with these children? Why? Just tell me that.” She really wanted an explanation and hoped it was an easier one to swallow than pure greed.

“As I said. This is a business arrangement. I simply oversee these facilities, testing conditioning techniques for a group of people who are in a position to offer me what I want in return. I am not interested in their agenda or the outcome of the experiments, although, if the results are effective, they will be in a position to supply me with an army so perhaps they are useful people to be allied to.”

Leia and Han exchanged a like-minded glance. Who could possibly be funding an operation like this? A desperate remnant of the Empire, a maniacal fan of the regime or just a slaver with enough resources to feed a twisted obsession? An army of obedient soldiers? Leia frowned. From children? She thought the idea of clone armies was reprehensible enough but there was no word to describe this.

“But you seem to have access to stormtroopers.” she posited. “and whichever deluded security force officers you have persuaded to follow you. Is that not army enough?”

“Stormtroopers have a limited life span as the cloning facilities are all gone. This method has more longevity.” So someone had long term goals. Leia began to feel hot from the horror of it but a few things were still unclear and her mind raced, mentally flicking between facts she already new and theories she was coming up with, as if she were flicking through reports on her datapad. She needed to get more out of him without exposing any of her existing knowledge just yet.

“I won't let you get away with this.” she threw at him. He closed the gap between them and grabbed her chin hard with his hand, forcing her to grab his forearm. She winced at the pressure.

“You have forced me to abandon two facilities but it's of no consequence. I will still get what I want and you have a part to play in that. In fact, this way will be far more satisfying for me.”

Han yanked hard on his wrist restraints in an attempt at loosening them, unsuccessfully.

“Take your hands off her.” he warned. Delcar let go of Leia and moved to stand in front of Han, his face intimidatingly close but just out of reach of any kind of physical rebuttal Han might have considered.

“What do you think you are going to do from there?” he goaded Han.

“Why don't you let me out of these” Han spread his fingers wide to indicate the bracelets “and let's find out.” His eyes widened in challenge.

“Don't worry, Solo. I'll get to you, in good time.” Han imagined the pleasure of breaking the younger man's nose and wished he would inch his face a little closer, within head-butting range, but no luck. He turned his attention back to Leia, gesturing the guards forward again. They followed his silent order, grabbing both her arms and pinning them either side of her head to the magnetic metal strip on the opposite side of the room which accepted her bracelets with a securing thud. Furious, she looked at them, twisting her arms in a futile attempt to squeeze her hands free. The duke laughed scornfully.

“There's no escape, Your Highness.” he mocked. She glared at him, her fighting instinct kicking in.

“I've escaped from chains before. You're going to pay for this.” she said venomously. He smiled.

“Is that a death threat, Vader's daughter?” Leia was shocked. Where had he got that information? She thought that was a close-knit secret. “You're surprised I know? I've known a long time, perhaps even before you. You and I should be on the same side.” It was her turn to sneer now.

“You are deluded. I am nothing like my father.”

“With that temper of yours, is it so far removed an idea to consider? Perhaps, with a little persuasion, you can tap into your dark side.”

“I'll die before that happens.” she assured him. Han felt the truth of this statement. Turning to the dark side was her worst fear for herself and her father's betrayal of the Jedi one she would do anything to prevent repeating. She would certainly finish herself off if she ever saw it happening. Leia changed the subject. “I can't believe you're doing all this for a little bit of power. It's so sad. What can you possibly have been offered that makes hurting so many people worthwhile?” Han was right. He was just a little despot but she had a feeling he was feeding something much more evil with his greed. Delcar looked ruffled for the first time since he had entered the room. She had managed to hit a nerve.

“You speak of power so lightly because you've had it all your life. Money, position, adoration. I had to watch you wielding power in the Senate from the age of thirteen. Why should you have been given that and not me? You didn't even deserve it. You were not born to that throne.” He was pacing, angry. Han watched the duke unravelling. Trust Leia to find the raw spot and poke it.

“You're jealous?” She gave a disbelieving laugh. “Of what? Of a childhood devoid of freedom, of the loneliness and inevitability of duty or, perhaps, the pressure of responsibility for millions of lives? Which one were you hoping for most?” She hated that people never understood that a position like hers was not fun and luxury. It came with sacrifices. The desire for power was a misguided one and it was saddening that the whole galaxy ran on it; power to control, power to influence. With power should come responsibility and service to others, she truly believed that, hoped she lived by it. It shouldn't be an excuse for oppression and torment. Besides, Senate committee meetings; who actually enjoyed those things? Monotonous and long-winded affairs. She certainly didn't wake up thinking all she wanted to do today was thrash out regional government issues with hundreds of individual planetary systems for hours. They were a necessary sufferance for democracy.


Han shifted uncomfortably where he stood. The level of the magnetic strip was a little too low for his height and he had to bend his knees just enough for them to hurt. Leia had the opposite problem. Her arms would soon go dead from being held at a higher angle. He had listened to her description of her royal position. He hadn't looked at it from this point of view. He had assumed that because she was good at what she did, she must also enjoy it but was beginning to see there was more to it than that. She would never fail to fulfil her duties and responsibilities to others as she saw them but he began to understand why she was so attracted to his adventurous nature, why she sometimes sighed when he told her he was leaving on one of his slightly dubious missions; not because she wholly disapproved but because half of her wanted to join in. She never spoke of it, just took the burden on her shoulders and moved forward.

“I don't understand your jealousy and I refuse to believe that's the reason for all this.” she continued. The sentiment was juvenile and it was just this sort of hard-done-by attitude that allowed the seductiveness of the dark side to plant it's seed in the mind. “House Organa has fostered a trusting relationship with House Alde. My father put your father in an influential position. It would all have come to you one day.” she affirmed. The duke, who was still pacing, turned angrily to face her.

“I didn't want to wait for your charity. I wanted the throne. I tried to secure it the usual way but you refused my proposals.” Leia lowered her head and shook it slowly in defeat. In hindsight, her intuition had served her well all those times.

“To be given the throne is a privilege that requires you dedicate your life in service to your people in return, not subject them to a life of enslavement. The throne should really go to the best person to rule not to someone just because they were born to the right parents. You need to prove your worthiness and you're not doing a very good job of showing compassion so far.” Leia jerked her head in the general direction of the children. “You would simply have become a puppet for whoever it is that has promised you these things.”

“Believe it or not, Organa, there are people who disagree with you there. People who believe in the royalist system, who believe that giving power to one pure bloodline cuts out the inexperienced and inefficient democratic time wasting and maintains order.” Today Alderaan; tomorrow, the Empire. Leia thought ruefully.

Han voiced what she thought.

“You don't think your business partners would give you a whole Empire do you? They'd use you as a mouthpiece then squash you like a bug when the time came. Don't think you're the first to make that mistake.” He'd been listening to this idiot for ages and now wanted to cut to the chase. The duke turned to Han but pointed at Leia.

“You think she would have been better?” Han raised his eyebrows in silent affirmative consideration. “She isn't worthy of it. She has spent years on the pretence of humanitarian missions when all the time, she was running guns to the rebels. She's a glorified smuggler. Maybe that's why she's chosen you.” There was bitterness in his voice. “The throne was mine by right.” He looked at Leia again. “but you sacrificed Alderaan for your self-righteous cause and took that away from me. Unfortunately, your intention to sacrifice yourself along with it didn't work and he saved you.” He pointed at Han now. “forcing me to come up with other plans.” Leia looked pained.

“I simply sacrificed myself for the success of the mission. I never intended for Alderaan to suffer but it happened and I can't change that. Even if I could, you wouldn't be in line for the throne...” Her voice trailed off and Han saw comprehension in her face. “But you're not an Alde are you?” Her recurring vision played over in her memory, his image and the crests suddenly becoming clear. “I'm not the only one with a hidden history. You're a Thul.” She didn't know the whys and the wherefores but was certain of it. The vision had warned her of their involvement, shown her the historical atrocity that came out of their alliance with the Sith – the battle against the Jedi. The duke's stance became proud, his chin raising at her realisation.

“I was fathered by a member of House Thul, unbeknown to anyone but my mother. She prepared me for my eventual ascension to the throne, feeding me with information she gleaned from my father's position as Bail Organa's aide. I have been biding my time.” The duke elaborated.


Han thought back to their conversation on the Falcon about the feudal history of Alderaan. Was Leia right about the Sith involvement in this facility? He didn't know the exact detail of her vision but she had that look suddenly that Luke sometimes got when information mysteriously revealed itself to him, distant but oddly probing at the same time. She looked the duke in the eye.

“The Sith have promised you a Senate seat and a profitable trade route... in return for...” Her eyes seemed to fog over. “the crystal and a reliable method of mind-control.” She refocussed, still looking deep into his eyes. “You have someone in the New Republic government.” Han tensed. This was all sounding like history repeating itself, just when they thought things were beginning to improve. Leia's warning of complacency had some foundation.

The duke seemed satisfied with her summary of the situation. He moved closer until he was pressed threateningly up against her and spoke into her ear.

“Very good, but don't waste all that power on me. I need you to use it to get me what I want.” Leia met Han's eyes and just stared. A blackness began to creep into her very being, chilling her.

“You need Luke.” She fixed Han's gaze. “And for that you need... No!” she breathed. Han watched the colour drain from her face and fear fill her eyes. He examined his bracelets more intently, hoping for inspiration as to how to break the magnetic connection. Her expression was unmistakeable. She needed help and quickly. Hurry up, Chewie, he thought desperately.

“Leia. Look at me.” he entreated. Her eyes refocussed on him, squinting as if it was hard to do. “It'll be OK.” He tried to sound optimistic, to encourage her not to be frightened but she knew something he didn't and shook her head at him that it wouldn't be.


The duke beckoned the guards and a low humming sound filtered from the corridor outside into Han's ears. Leia started to struggle against her restraints, yanking her arms down as hard as she could, twisting her body and pulling at them when the first attempt failed. She stared in panic at the doorway as the hum got louder and Han looked too, craning his head to see what was approaching.

“Pax, you don't need to do this.” she implored, returning to the more familiar name trying to remind his sub-conscious of their friendship. Her worst nightmare was about to be repeated but, as the interrogator droid floated into the room, it's terrifying hum filling her ears and transporting her memory back to the Death Star, she realised this was an altogether different machine, more sophisticated, upgraded. The door slid shut behind it, closing them all in and the feeling of claustrophobia that Leia seemed to have developed in recent years began to suffocate her. She continued pulling down on her restraints, in the vain hope that somehow she would be stronger than the powerful magnet, feeling welts appearing on her wrists from the rubbing. Panic wasn't going to do her any good she tried to tell herself. Control and defiance; they had both served her well in the past. She stopped pulling.

“You won't get anything out of me with that.” she stated angrily. “Others have tried and failed.” Yes, that was probably enough defiance to make herself feel stronger. The duke raised an eyebrow.

“I am aware that you are one of the few people to resist one of these but this one is different, more powerful. I have been developing it and thought you would make an excellent test subject. Leia watched the liquid pain amplifier and hallucinogens trickle through tubes in the side of the droid, filling the syringe on it's needle arm.

“Why don't you leave her alone?” Han drew the duke's attention to himself. “She doesn't know where Luke's put the crystal.” Leia's torture on the Death Star and her considerable resistance to it's pain and mind-control were much whispered about in the Alliance, by everyone except her. She fought a silent personal battle with the experience, one that Han knew caused the nightmares that led to her walking the base in the middle of the night unable to sleep, pretending she had work to do, brushing off her meagre two hours sleep as if it were normal for her. She didn't think he knew about them but he did; had heard her crying in her sleep from the next berth on the Falcon and had gleaned a little information from Blake when he asked about her welfare. He never pressed Leia for information and didn't want her to have to relive the horror in front of him now.

“If you must test that thing, test it on me.” he encouraged the duke.

“Han, no!” Leia beseeched.

“I don't need any information from her General. I just need to activate some of that power of hers and call her brother.” The duke adjusted the controls on the droid as he spoke. Leia closed her eyes. She didn't want Luke to come now, hoped he hadn't heard her call him in the transport. He would walk into another trap like on Bespin.

“Someone's been feeding you Wampa dung, pal. She can't do that.” Han lied as casually as possible, putting a smirk on his face as if the dukes assumption was ridiculous. “Luke's long gone with your shiny ball and ain't coming back.” The duke looked at him, a thin smile on his lips.

“I've seen her use it, Solo. You forget I've watched her with that orb for years. But, even if you were right, her pain is going to be so considerable, Skywalker will feel it from whichever side of the galaxy he's decided to hide in.” Leia pressed her lips together and her brow furrowed. That was true. Luke would feel it, whether she called him or not.


Han wasn't giving up. He'd decided the duke was a self-pitying howlbelly and he would push the guy's buttons until he blew, buying Leia time to be rescued. A little of her Force potential on the magnetic strip console would be handy right about now but he didn't think her abilities worked in the same way as Luke's.

“So, you're going to pick on a girl?” Han emphasised, raising his eyebrows. “I thought guys like you were supposed to be honourable but you're just a whining coward. Picking on women and children make you feel big does it?” Leia knew what he was doing. She gave him a warning glare for him to stop it and mouthed no behind the duke's back. He looked from her back to the duke. “Come on, big guy. You must hate me enough to want to give me some payback. It can't be easy for you – a beautiful woman like that choosing me over you. I mean, what does that really say about you?”

“I must admit, Solo” the duke nodded, still adjusting levels on the side of the interrogator. “I would greatly enjoy killing you. I was going to save you for last but maybe I should make her watch you die first.”

“Don't listen to him, Pax.” Leia insisted. “He wouldn't last five minutes.” She was challenging, daring him to torture her instead, undoing what Han was trying to do. He spread his manacled hands out at her and made a what-the-hell-are-you-doing face. She ignored him.

“Think what they would say about you.” she continued. “The man who managed to break me.”

“Leia. Stop it!” Han ordered. She didn't look at him.

“Perhaps you don't think you can do it or, maybe, you're afraid of me.” Her face mocked him. Han didn't understand it. Why was she signing her own death warrant? Why wouldn't she let him save her?

“Don't do this, Leia.” he pleaded as she won the duke's attention back.

“It's touching to listen to you two trying to save each other.” The duke mocked them both. “I think I'll just take her from you, Solo. Then I'll kill you and then her brother.” He directed the droid forwards and stood back to let it do it's work. It's humming intensified and the needle arm extended towards Leia's manacled forearm. She looked over at Han almost apologetically, sympathetically, her body now calm.

I love you, she mouthed as she closed her eyes.

 

Chapter 30


Leia closed her eyes against Han's distress. If she couldn't prevent him from witnessing what was about to happen, she could at least block him out and pretend he was somewhere else. Fairly soon she wouldn't be able to see anyway, maybe wouldn't remember he existed. The liquid hallucinogens and nerve toxins were circulating, freezing cold in her veins and soon the pain would begin. The despair in his eyes told her he didn't understand why she had done this, why she couldn't let him continue his gallant self-sacrifice, but her training in resistance techniques had helped her the last time and, perhaps, even her Force abilities, both of which he lacked. He would certainly die but she held a small glimmer of hope that she could endure the pain long enough for Luke to save them both.


She could hear Han yelling, somewhere in the distance as the mind altering drugs took away the control of her limbs and she struggled to remain standing. Luke she thought her brother's name into nowhere. He would come for her whether it was a trap or not so, before she lost her mind as well, there was something she wanted to do. Her memory traced the route they had taken through the underground cave, picturing where guards had been placed, the number of doors in each corridor, the number of corridors, until it reached the door behind which they were trapped; visualising the position of everyone inside. Leia. I'm coming. Hold on. Luke answered. She snapped her eyes open just as the second needle entered her arm, injecting her with the all too familiar pain serum, a chemical burn appearing at the entry site.


Her muscles spasmed involuntarily, making her body rigid, her face contorting with pain. She could hear herself screaming now. Every nerve in her body felt like it had been dipped in acid and set alight, an inferno searing up her arm and burning every synapse in her brain. Either the pain or the hallucinogens, one or the other, brought on the vision.


Temporarily free of the manacles, she fought her way through the smoke of Alderaan's past, stepping over the burning bodies of both Jedi and Sith alike. She moaned with deep-seated, unbearable pain and checked herself. No, it was her other self, back in the cell. Bile filled her mouth either from the pain or the smell of burning bodies. She could no longer tell the difference. The figure of the duke drifted into focus through the smoke and she headed towards him with purpose, grabbing her arm as the introduction of more toxins back in the cell caused the intense pain she had foreseen. Alderaan's destruction would soon be upon her and, when it happened, she was going to take the duke and the House of Thul with her as her ancestors had done. Stumbling and fighting to stand in the expected earthquake, she clutched the duke's uniform in a tight grip.

“You should join me, Vader's daughter. We could rule the galaxy together,” his voice echoed.

“I will die first and I'm taking you with me,” she heard herself savage.

As the ground opened up in her envisioned environment to swallow her in it's molten lava core, she pulled the duke with her, watching as their flesh began to burn. In her cell, her skin appeared to blister and she fought the hallucination in her mind as her body gave up. Luke, hurry.


When Han had heard brief mention of Leia's torture in the past, he had never imagined something as horrible as he was witnessing. He was finding it hard to believe this had been done to her by her own father. It was no wonder she couldn't forgive him as readily as Luke had. Watching her suffer like this was worse than having to go through it himself, and he was filled with anger, at the duke for hurting her, at himself for not protecting her and at Leia for throwing herself on her sword.

“Are you ready to tell me where the Jedi has taken the Star?” the duke asked her, not really sounding like he expected an answer. Leia managed to raise her head and look at him. Was she laughing? Han was flabbergasted. It was just discernible as a laugh.

“You need to move,” Leia whispered to the duke. “or you're going to die,” then she lost consciousness.

#

Chewbacca fired bolts from his bowcaster, making every shot count, clearing any stormtroopers Luke didn't clear with the wave of his hand. Although they had traced Han's distress signal to the cave and had landed the Falcon on top of the rocks surrounding it totally unseen, Luke made no attempt at stealth now, walking boldly down the centre of the cave, hood raised and robes flowing. A forward thrust of his hand as he approached the hatchway to the base, buckled the thick door and ripped it from it's rock frame, the whine of stressed metal echoing round the damp cavern.


Chewbacca kept his distance, covering Luke's back. He only needed to fire occasionally as Luke moved through the corridors like an invisible tornado of which he was the epicentre, hurling troopers and security forces away from him and leaving them unconscious. Chewbacca picked off the unfortunate few who chanced into the corridor after he had passed by.


Luke tried to clear his mind of everything but Leia's memory map she had been smart enough to send him before the nightmare he had foreseen in the Dagobah cave had begun. Unfortunately, he was also feeling her pain and seeing her hallucinations and compartmentalised them, concentrating his Force power on ensuring clear passage through the corridors.


From a door just to the left of him a young officer in a security forces uniform came out to find the source of the commotion and now raised his weapon. Luke gestured with his hand, raising the officer off his feet and choking him, dropping him again when he felt him lose consciousness. His intention was not to kill unless it was absolutely necessary as he didn't know which of the Alderaanian security forces were imposters and which were being unwillingly influenced.


Hold on, he thought to his sister. He felt nothing in return, her hallucinations weak and his sense of her fading. She was losing her fight. He picked up his pace, pausing outside a blank, unidentified doorway, shifting his gaze from the floor ahead to the door itself. This was the one.

“Stand back, Chewie,” he motioned Chewbacca. Pushing his palm forward, he imagined the door as soft, pliable material, moulding itself in answer to his demands. It buckled and whined, propelling inwards at such force it embedded itself in the wall opposite, taking with it a security officer and the caped figure of Duke Delcar Alde. Surprise slowed the second guard and Luke dismissed his intended attack with a flick of his hand, knocking him out against the left hand wall.


He walked purposefully towards his sister, waving his hand again to disable the magnetic strip console, releasing Han and Leia from their prison.


Leia's limp body crumpled to the floor and he crouched beside her, raising her head and shoulders up with one arm as Han ran to her side and grabbed her hand.

“Leia,” Han tried to raise her. He looked at Luke's hooded face. Luke seemed to be scanning her body for damage with his free hand moving quickly across each limb, inches from her. “Kid, tell me she's alright,” he demanded reassurance but, when Luke didn't reply, he rubbed her hand as if trying to warm her up. He felt her fingers twitch. It was almost undetectable and, unsure whether it was a response to his touch or merely a reflex, he peered at her pallid face just as her eyes flickered open weakly and she looked at her brother.

“What took you so long?” she scolded breathlessly. Luke formed a thin smile.

“Your map was a little fuzzy,” he chided in return. A tiny smile crept on the corners of her mouth and she swore at him – in her head, as she drifted back into unconsciousness. Luke looked worried. He turned to Han.

“She needs medical attention urgently.” Han moved to pick her up but before he had a chance, Chewbacca growled at them to get out of the way and scooped her effortlessly up in his furry arms. Han knew his Wookie friend well enough not to argue. Leia's self-appointed woolly protector had taken over and even he wasn't going to get in the way. Chewbacca's superior strength meant he could run faster with her anyway. He retrieved a blaster from the unconscious guard, glancing back at the crumpled and bleeding body of the duke. He was about to leave him, whatever his status but Leia's voice in his subconscious halted him and he rolled his eyes. She would have checked if he was alive before she left. He felt the duke's neck for a pulse. He was dead. Han wasn't sorry.

“Well, she told you to move, pal,” he said under his breath.

Chewbacca jogged as quickly as he could, Leia in his arms, the others following. Han was painfully aware of the urgency of her situation but something was niggling at him, his promise to Leia playing at the back of his mind.

“Wait!” he shouted to the others as they got to the exit hatchway. “I need to do something.” He had seen a conduit further back that looked like it had power cables running from it and ran back to find it. Shielding his eyes and firing his blaster, he exploded a hole in the side of the outer container. As he had suspected, the damage shut off the power, opening the doors to some of the hatchways and blank doors, releasing the children held behind them.

“Han!” Luke shouted. “We need to leave now.” Han checked the children were beginning to come out of the cells and then ran to catch up with Luke. He resolved that he had unfinished business here but, right now, Leia was a priority.


C-3PO's reaction at the sight of his mistress on their return to the Falcon, was not unexpected and Artoo whistled pitifully.

“Oh, Princess Leia!” 3PO exclaimed, waving his arms. “Chewbacca. Somebody. Tell me what's going on.” He followed them down the corridor, no one responding to his enquiry. “No one tells me anything. I'm always the last to know.” Chewbacca pushed past him and went straight to the life support bay, placing Leia gently on the bunk. He growled mournfully to the others that she was in a very bad way and freezing cold. 3PO blustered in the corridor, craning his metal body to look past them, curiously.

“What's happening? Master Luke. Please tell me if the Princess is alright.”

“3PO it would take too long. She needs medical treatment and we're going to get it. Why don't you find some blankets for her,” Luke suggested, to give the droid a job. He tried to move in to assess the situation but had trouble getting round Chewbacca who almost completely filled the med bay and was extremely reluctant to leave. He turned to Han for assistance. Han wanted to help too but the three of them and a droid fighting over looking after her wasn't helping. Luke was the best one to take care of that.

“Chewie. Come and help me,” he insisted. Chewbacca shook his head and roared. “Chewie, you're not helping. Let Luke do his thing. I need you in the cockpit.” Han ordered his friend. Chewbacca looked at Leia and back at Han, then followed him out of the med bay.


Luke grabbed the pile of blankets that 3PO had brought, covered Leia and wrapped her burnt arm and sore wrists with bacta patches from the med kit. Sending 3PO away on another errand, he pulled the fold out seat from the wall and sat next to the bunk, checking readings from the life support data computer overhead. She was barely alive.

“Where are you going Leia?” he asked quietly, placing his hand gently on her forehead. There are people here that love you. Don't leave. He thought. He rested his head on the side of the bunk for a moment, exhausted from his exertion. There was no time for proper meditation that usually made him feel revitalised, it would take a matter of minutes to get to Maz's castle and medical assistance. A hand rested on his shoulder and Han's voice was soft but concerned.

“How's she doing?” He looked at the life support data screen, flicking through the data with his other hand.

“She's not good,” Luke was honest. Han took a deep, steeling breath in and swallowed hard. “She needs proper medical attention.”

“We're landing shortly, taking her to an old residence Maz leant me. It's out of the way, where she'll be safe. There's a med droid available there.” Luke nodded. “I was intending to borrow the place later so it's a bit rustic but it should be more or less ready.” He paced backwards and forwards through the med bay door, running his hand nervously through his hair, rambling thoughts spilling out. Looking at Leia, her skin ashen and her body drained of life, he wanted more than anything for her to wake up and yell at him for something.

“I can't understand why she did this. She just threw herself on the mercy of that maniac for me, knowing what it was going to be like.”

“Of course she did,” Luke said confidently. “She loves you. Are you really surprised she did it?” Han listened, examining Luke's face. Perhaps he wasn't surprised, he was just in denial.

“I asked her to marry me,” he announced to Luke ruefully. “but then this happened.” Luke turned to look sympathetically at him. “I thought Maz's old place would please her. I was gonna take her there in a couple of days for an escape from all this but now, it's all different.” Luke could feel his friend's distress. If Han was a less stoic man, he may have cried about now but he just looked thin lipped and agitated.

“That's great, Han. Hold on to those thoughts. She needs you to keep them going. We'll fix this,” he reassured him, standing and giving Han's shoulder a firm, bolstering squeeze. Han took his hand and slapped him on the upper arm.

“OK. Yeah, we'll fix it.” He smiled briefly and breathed out heavily. Luke watched the Han Solo, completely unphased expression cross his face but knew inside he wanted to punch holes in every panel in the Falcon. Chewbacca growled their arrival at their destination over the comm. Han gestured to Leia with his finger.

“Get her ready, I'll send Chewie back up for her. It'll be quicker than getting the hover-sled out.” Luke bowed his head in acceptance of his instruction and began separating the wires and tubes from the med computer ready for transport as Han ran down the corridor to the cockpit.

 

Have I mentioned yet that I like this story?

 

Chapter 31​

The night air was cold when they disembarked, a slight but biting wind transporting the icy chill through their clothes. Luke looked around him as he came down the ramp. The landing platform was in the large courtyard of a small but picturesque castle, imposing towers and balconies festooning the walls, and the large stones of its architecture seemingly held together with cascades of climbing plants. It looked like an ancient, undiscovered relic but for the decorative flame torches that lined their entrance, and the lighting coming from inside the structure that hinted that someone was home. The whole building was nestled in a protective circle of small, lush mountains and built into the side of one. The calling of forest animals was the only sound Luke could hear. It was beautiful and peaceful.


The diminutive figure of Maz Kanata was waiting for them as they descended the Falcon's ramp.

“I didn't know you would be here,” Han greeted her. She waved a dismissive hand as if it were nothing.

“I had to bring the medical droid. When you said it was urgent, I wanted to get it here quickly.” She glanced at Chewbacca carrying Leia in his arms, saw the severity of the situation.

“Hurry, this way.” She marched off, beckoning them to follow.

Leading them through wide, arched, stone corridors and up deep steps, they eventually turned into a room where a medical droid and equipment was waiting, and settled Leia into the large bed at one end.


Although seemingly open to the elements at various points where the balconies overhung the courtyard and the outside face of the building, the inside of the castle was strangely warm, its lighting bright and cosy, and comforting fires burning in large stone fireplaces in rooms they had passed on the way. The paintings, hangings and ornaments were few, but Luke noted their quality and appreciated the keen eye of their collector.


The droid began its work, helped by Mala, the Twi'lek girl from Maz's bar, and another young humanoid girl.

Han paced again as they waited for the report from the droid, splitting his route between the chamber and the balcony attached, his hand making a mess of his hair as Leia was connected to wires and tubes for life support.

“I had no idea those beasts were here the whole time,” Maz stated in disgust. “I pride myself in knowing what's going on. I will have to step up my informants.” She was frustrated. “The Adronian Jungle you said Chewie?” Chewbacca nodded. Maz shook her head. “No one goes near that place. That will have to change now.”

“From what we can tell, they have been fairly secretive all over,” Luke reassured her. “They kept their operations small and scattered. If it hadn't been for Leia's tenacity, we might not have uncovered what was going on.” Han held his arm out towards the bed.

“And look where it's got her,” he said angrily. Maz looked at him empathetically.

“Han, she's been fighting slavers even before she was fighting the Empire. You didn't expect her to drop it once she'd picked up the scent did you?” Han stopped pacing and looked at Maz, considering her matriarchal comment.

“No,” he sighed.

“It's unfortunate that her friend ended up mixed up in it,” Maz continued.

“Some friend,” Han snorted.

The medical droid interrupted them, its mechanically produced voice delivering the much awaited report.

“The princess' condition is critical. I can find no physical damage but, for some reason, she is not responding to stimuli. I am afraid there is nothing more I can do for her.” The droid moved back from the bed to allow Han and Luke to take up vigil either side of it.


Han pulled a chair out with his foot and sat on it, engulfing Leia's lifeless hand in both of his. The sense of grief he was beginning to feel made every minute thing much more noticeable. He studied the slenderness of her hand, and how the bones underneath the skin formed lines on the back of it; how her nails lengthened her fingers. Her body, stripped of her outer clothing so that the sensors could be attached, dressed in her basics with a blanket over her, seemed so tiny now in the large bed. It was hard to believe, looking at her, that such a small frame was capable of such ferocity. He looked at the detail of her face. The hydro-steamer had made a quick job of cleaning the dirt and dust from it so that her wounds could be dressed. Her simple beauty regime kept her skin pure, the odd freckle and blemish making her who she was, her chocolate eyes hidden behind her eyelids and long eyelashes. His heart ached.


“This isn't happening,” he whispered. “Luke. Do something,” he pleaded with his future brother in law. “Please.”

Luke had been considering the problem himself. He was feeling desperate deep inside. His sister was dying and he was sure there was something he ought to be able to do. If Ben or Yoda were here, they would know the answer, but since he and Leia had been given their sibling revelation, Ben and Yoda had left them alone. He had been reading lots of historical accounts of what was apparently possible with the Force, but hadn't witnessed any of it or tried it himself. He considered Han's face while he mused.

“There is something. I don't know if I can do it, and there are risks,” he informed Han.

“Are the risks greater than this?” Han gestured to Leia. “She's dying.”

Luke shrugged. He didn't know what might happen, but it probably couldn't be worse than this.

“Then do it, kid,” Han encouraged earnestly. Chewbacca growled an agreement. Maz stepped forward, touching Luke on the arm.

“You have the power within you,” she assured him. “Believe in it and use the light.”
Luke looked at her with fresh eyes. Had she met Yoda? She certainly sounded like him and, now that he thought about it, her appearance was rather reminiscent of him too. Maz turned to Han.

“Remember what I told you about how you could help Leia?” Han thought back their private conversation in the bar. He nodded. “Well now would be a good time to help.” She reached over the bed, having to climb up slightly to reach, and took one of Han's hands, placing it in Luke's, making a connection between the two men and Leia.


Luke looked at what she was doing and resolved his decision.

“Ready?” he asked Han. Han nodded again. Luke placed his hand just above Leia's forehead and shut his eyes. Now was the time for the belief in the Force that Yoda spoke of so frequently. He did believe. He believed that he didn't want to lose his sister. He believed in what he had seen accomplished by the Force in the last few years. He believed in the strength that had grown inside him, especially since facing their father and resisting the Dark Side above Endor. Above all else, he believed in the love he had for the people in this room, and he let it fill him, slowing his breathing and disappearing inside himself.


He entered a featureless environment, completely white. He could see Leia up ahead of him, dressed in a customary simple white dress, facing away from him. He called her name but she seemed distracted by something and didn't hear him. Leia, he called again. This time she turned her head, her smile broadening when she saw him. She turned to meet his approach. Where are you going? Come back with me, he encouraged. She continued to smile, taking his offered arm. He led her back the way he had come, although he had no idea of the direction. He just imagined Han and the others waiting for them. Their progress was slow as if something was holding them there. He looked down at his sister's face, and she returned a knowing and accepting look as if she were letting him know it was okay for him to leave her. He frowned. I'm not leaving you here. You need to help me Okay? She tilted her head at him, smiled, nodded and they continued walking.


Han thought about Maz's comment and the conversation he had had with her in the bar about how he could help Leia; how his love could save her. He watched Luke's face, thinking of his love for her, and hoping against hope that somehow Luke could tap into his feelings and use them. Maz was watching Luke's hand above Leia's head with a satisfied expression. Han turned to see what had caught her interest. A light shone from Luke's palm, lighting Leia's face, increasing in intensity until it had spread across most of her upper body. He had no idea what Luke was doing but it wasn't for him to question it any more. He had been derisive of the Force a few years earlier, but now he'd learned to keep quiet. He had his own faith that, whatever Luke was doing, would work.


After what seemed to Han like an age, Luke opened his eyes and removed his hand, the light fading from the room. Han looked enquiringly at him. “Luke?”

Luke took a deep breath, the intense strain he had undergone, lining his face. He had managed to bring her back to a point he was satisfied with, had felt the Force healing her nerve endings, eradicating the emotional pain that would come with memory. That was all he could do without risking her mind or her life.

“I think it's going to be Okay. She won't feel the pain of the experience, but I didn't want to risk damaging her memories by trying to remove this one. We'll just have to wait for her now.” He sat on the edge of the bed, taking Leia's other hand.
The two men sat quietly for a long while, until Han sighed heavily.

“If we get through this, I was going to ask if you could marry us,” he informed Luke. “Thought I might as well ask you now, whatever happens. I think she would like that, and Maz said there's an old Jedi shrine at the top of this mountain. Sounded appropriate.” Maz nodded in agreement. “I haven't asked her but I'm sure it's what she would want.” He was rambling again, he could hear himself, but was trying to be regain some optimism.

“It would be my honour,” Luke smiled. “Better ask her, though, when she wakes up or we could both be in trouble,” he teased to lighten the mood. Han's familiar grin began to show again.

“Afterwards, I told her I would show her the beaches and crystal swamps on Corellia, maybe visit Coronet City and take her to some fancy restaurants,” Luke smiled at his future brother-in-law.

“Sounds great. She'll love that Han.” He appreciated the thought Han had obviously put into all of this.

“Giant flowers of Tamborra Major,” Leia's weak and husky voice added, her fingers tightening on both their hands. Everyone in the room brightened, and the medical droid moved to check readouts on its data console.

Leia opened her eyes, trying to blink away the searing light that was blurring her vision. Someone had put lead weights on her eyelids and run her body over with a mole miner. She attempted to move and gave up instantly. Han leant forward, a big smile on his face.

“You have no idea how good it is to hear your voice. I thought I'd lost you.” He kissed her hand and stroked her hair back from her face.

“You can't get rid of me that easily,” her speech was still laboured. “You asked me to marry you and I'm going to hold you to it, flyboy.” She tried to smile but it didn't really work. She turned her head to look at her brother, pulling his hand so that he leant down closer to her. “Thank you,” she breathed in his ear. He smiled and sat back up.

“Anytime,” he teased.

“Did I hear you insult my map, Skywalker?” she chided, remembering his comment in the cell. He grinned.

“Did I hear you call me something in foul, unprincess-like language, Organa?” he chastised in return. Now she managed to smile. She closed her eyes again. Her eyelids were far too heavy to keep open. Luke rubbed her forearm. “You'll be asleep for a while. Enjoy the rest,” he said gently.

“She's stable now. All life signs normal,” the medical droid reported. Maz patted Luke's arm, admiration on her face.

“I knew you could do it,” she smiled proudly.

“I'm going to make sure she stays asleep for a while,” Luke told the rest of them. “She'll be able to make a full recovery. I estimate she should be awake again in approximately three days.” He turned to the medical droid. “Keep her on life support until she wakes up, and let me know if anything changes.”

“Yes, sir,” the mechanical voice replied. Luke waved a hand over Leia's face, putting her in a deep sleep.

“Right,” Han jumped up, feeling a new lease of life. “If we've got three days, there's some stuff I need to do.” He looked round the room, pointing at 3PO. “Golden Rod. Get Commander Blake here as soon as possible. Leia's going to need her.”

“Yes, sir,” 3PO didn't argue. He shuffled from the room. “Come on, Artoo,” he called to his counterpart over his shoulder.

“Chewie. I need to do something important for Leia - I'm going to need your help.” Chewbacca growled and nodded. “Luke,” he paused, smiled appreciatively and reached over to shake his hand. He wanted to thank him but knew it was unnecessary. Leia was Luke's sister. Luke wanted to help her as much as Han did. Still, he would be forever grateful the kid had some power. “I have a quick errand to run, then I wondered if you would come with me on a quick trip to Chandrila. There's something I need to do in person.” Luke was curious.

“Of course,” He didn't press the issue. Han would explain in his own time.

“Maz, can you keep an eye on Leia until Commander Blake gets here?” Maz nodded.

“You've got your old sparkle back,” she cackled. “Of course. You don't need to ask me.”

Han smiled appreciatively.

“Come on, Chewie,” he beckoned the large Wookie, and swept out of the room on a mission.

 

And when Han is on a mission .... watch out.