Hello all, this is SphinxScribe! If you have not read Breaking Boundaries (which I would recommend going to read beforehand, but is not completely necessary), or perhaps need a refresher, here's the background information: Anakin was rescued by Luke from the Death Star, and had his injuries repaired by the Force. Padmé was recovered from carbonite and the couple are now living together on Coruscant with their four-year-old son Jinn. Leia and Han are engaged. Shattering Silence takes place about two years after Breaking Boundaries. Hope you all enjoy! Reviews are loved!

Chapter One: An Explosive Dinner Party

"I can't believe you're really dragging me here," Han murmured out of the side of his mouth to Leia as they waited outside the Coruscanti reception apartment for a butler to receive them. "Where's Luke when you need him?"

Leia turned to look at him, noting the way he was straightening his vest. It was one of the few times she had ever seen him this dressed up, and he looked quite handsome. Still a bit rugged –and perhaps a bit scruffy, although she would never tell him that– but really quite handsome. "You'll be fine," Leia said to him, amusement on her lips. "It's only a dinner party, and they know you're my fiancé. You'll be welcomed."

Han did not seem to find her words comforting. "This is a politicians' dinner," he said, adjusting his hold on her arm. "I don't think I'll ever feel at home."

"You'll have to get used to these once we're married," Leia told him in warning, although her smile did not die. "They'll be plenty of Council dinners in the future."

After a beat of silence, Han replied casually, "Who says I won't be home with the kids?"

Leia looked up abruptly at him, the smile fading from her face in surprise. It was the first time he had ever mentioned having children together. Han, however, did not seem to have been caught off guard; he had spoken as if was the most natural thing in the world. She replied quietly, "Do you want to have kids?"

Just then, the grand door to the reception apartments swung open, and a male Twi'lek stepped out, dressed in traditional robes. Although a bit disappointed that her question had not been answered, Leia turned her attention to the butler and put on a gracious smile.

"Welcome, Senator Organa and General Solo," the Twi'lek said fondly as he stepped aside to allow them into the foyer. "May I take your outerwear?"

As the Twi'lek helped her remove her shawl, Leia looked around the room, taking in the elegant foyer. It was large and grand, with white columns around them and crystal chandeliers above them. Soft white light was everywhere, sparkling off of a tray of wine glasses to her right, shining off of the tinkling crystals above them, and glittering off of Leia's silver gown. All in all, it was very impressive. Leia glanced over at Han, who was looking around the room in awe, seeming less-than-comfortable as the Twi'lek proceeded to take his coat.

He leaned over to Leia, his eyes still fixed on the chandelier as if it was about to attack them. "How long are the dinner courses, exactly?" he murmured in her ear worriedly.

Leia did not have to answer Han's worried inquiry, however, because the Twi'lek announced warmly, "Chancellor Mothma and the other senators are waiting in the adjoining chambers. They are ready to receive you."

Leia smiled graciously at the Twi'lek, and took Han firmly by the arm. Han was as clueless as a Gungan, and looked desperately lost. They moved to the left, where a large white arch marked the entrance to the reception room.

At their entrance, the members of the dinner party stood up from their chairs and moved to receive Leia and Han. Mon Mothma was at the forefront of the group, and she greeted them warmly. They were, after all, good friends, and had remained in a friendly relationship even though Mothma was now Chancellor of the New Republic. Each proceeded to also welcome Han, who, much to Leia's relief, seem to warm up to them.

As they came to greet them, Leia noted that all members of the dinner party had already arrived. The invitees were the members of the Provisional Council, the first Inner Council of the New Republic, of which she was also a member. Their greetings were all warm; she had grown close to the other members of the council over the past five years since the Republic's formation. There were eight of them in total, and they were all very much alike in their politics and mannerisms. Many of these members Leia had known for even longer than the five years since the Council had been established; many, such as Admiral Ackbar and Mon Mothma, she had known through her work with the Alliance.

Mothma soon after suggested they sit down to dine. That being said, the members of the party moved to enter the adjoining dining room, a large and spacious area with a long and elegant dining table. The table was set with a white cloth, and shining utensils glistened beside pristine platters. Small light fixtures hung over the table and on the walls, bathing the room in bright and cheery light.

The party was seated, and soon dinner and conversation progressed as normal. Leia balanced her attention between listening to the politics and observing Han's body language to make sure he was beginning to feel comfortable among whom Leia considered to her some of her closest friends. She was half afraid he would not be able to enjoy himself at the dinner, especially among all the political talk, but she soon saw he had made fast friends with Doman Beruss, a close friend of Leia's who was also from Corellia. Soon, she was glad to see his smile, and began to relax herself.

"It is a scandal," the Bothan Borsk Fey'Lya was saying to the table shortly after dessert had been served. "After all these years, the New Republic has been trading with a planet that still smuggles slaves."

"The Republic is not to blame," Mon Mothma replied in her soft but stern voice. "Antal 4 hid their slavery well, and we did not know until late that such a peaceful planet has been deceptive."

"I must compliment you, Chancellor, on your handling of the situation," replied Admiral Ackbar. "With this new bill, many other planets will think twice about keeping slaves."

"Or perhaps will try harder to hide them," Mothma returned. "Now that trade has stopped with Antal 4, it will be very damaging to their economy."

"Is really true, Chancellor, that there is an opposition to this bill?" inquired Elomin Indriummesegh, stroking the horns on his head. "Such an opposition might be considered immoral…"

Leia's attention faded off, and she found her mind drifting away. Oftentimes, the political talk bored even her. The new bill the Republic was passing was very controversial, and Leia had already listened to both sides thoroughly.

As she glanced up from her plate, she saw that Han was smirking at her from across the table. Realizing that he knew she was not paying attention, she blushed, and his knowing smirk widened. He looked away from her, turning so it appeared his attention was towards the head of the table, where Mothma was continuing their conversation.

Suddenly, Leia felt something prodding her feet underneath the table. Not able to see what it was because of the long tablecloth, but assuming Han was responsible because of his silent and innocent smirk, she shot him a sharp glance. They weren't about to play footsie at a Council dinner!

Han pretended not to see, making Leia all the more peeved. She was frustrated not because his attention bothered her, but because she was slightly enjoying it. She moved her feet out of the way, and struggled to maintain a senatorial façade while a guilty smile slowly and defiantly crept over her features. Han could always make her smile, even when she wasn't supposed to or it wasn't appropriate. She supposed that was what she loved about him, his genuine signs of affection. He had even chosen to come to a boring political dinner with her, all because he loved her. Leia's smile softened, becoming shyer. With their wedding in only eight months, there was much to look forward to.

Just as her smile had died and she had returned her attention back to Mothma, however, the unexpected happened. The whole room exploded.