CHAPTER 1:

Han Solo's eyes gleamed as he surveyed the new "toys" the Alliance had just acquired. It wasn't often a shipment like this came in. Usually they got medical supplies, weapons, or the ordinary war vehicles and ships. But this shipment, Han ran his tongue along his bottom lip, this shipment was definitely not the usual. Han casually wandered over to a small one-man vehicle with two wheels and a mean-looking engine. He hadn't seen one of these in years, not since he was a young kid on Corellia. Han pulled at his chin. This vehicle was an antique. How did it end up in the possession of the rebels? Who cared, Han amended. It was there, and that's all that mattered. He reached out and lightly ran his finger along the chrome handlebars.

"Don't even think of it!"

Han closed his eyes, hoping the source of that voice would just go away. He had always been lucky, but when it came to the person who owned the rather-irritating voice, his luck was never that good.

He turned to face the princess, "Think of what?" He raised his eyebrows and gave her the most innocent look he could conjure up.

Leia's eyebrows lowered dangerously, "I know what's running through your soit-size brain, so you better stop thinking it."

Han's expression slipped into a smirk faster than Leia could react, "So you know what runs through my mind." He leered and leaned in toward her, "What am I thinking right now?"

The princess crossed her arms over her chest and her teeth clenched together, "Uh-huh. And you better stop thinking it before I plant my fist into your stomach."

Solo took a step back and held up his hands, "You'd hit me for thinking about what it must be like to ride one of these?"

Leia blinked a couple of times. It obviously wasn't the response she was expecting. Han crossed his arms and smugly smiled down at her.

But the princess recovered. "Yes," she stammered. "Yes, I would. So don't even think about it."

"So are you out here to guard the new shipment?" He shifted his weight on his hip, "Worried that the likes of me might climb onto say…that one over there," Han indicated the vehicle he was admiring with a nod of the head, "and have a little fun?"

"No, of course not," Leia glanced at the odd-looking contraption with the chipped blue paint. She forced herself to focus on Han, "Aren't you the one who's supposed to be guarding the shipment?"

Han held out his arms, "Guilty as charged." He straightened up and tried to look military-like, "Just doing my job, Your Worship." He saluted her.

The princess looked around, not quite sure he was "just doing his job". He had that glint in his eyes, that glint that usually meant that he was up to no good. The hangar was pretty much deserted. Leia bit her lip. Whoever thought choosing Han Solo to guard any shipment of supplies the rebels obtained was a good idea should be demoted.

Han could read her mind from the way her large brown eyes flicked back and forth. "Just ask General Reikken," Han smiled. "I'm pretty sure you can find him—"

"I know where he is," Leia interrupted. What was Reikken thinking? Surely he didn't think Han was that trustworthy. Not that she didn't trust Han, but Han was a smuggler. Last she looked, smugglers smuggled things, things that didn't belong to them, for gangsters and other unsavory beings. Smuggling was illegal. Her eyes dropped to the dirt floor. What she was doing, leading an insurgence against the established government, was just as illegal as smuggling, she supposed. She snapped her eyes back up at Han. What she, the rebels, were doing may have been illegal, but it certainly was more honorable than smuggling.

Her chin slightly rose, barely noticeable, but Han noticed. Han rolled his eyes and relaxed his stance, "So, Your Most Holy of the Holiness," he narrowed his eyes on the sour face of the princess, "what are you doing here? Planning to steal something?" His eyebrows pulled up as he anxiously waited for her reply.

Leia rolled her eyes. "Of course not, Captain," she snorted. "I came here to inventory the shipment," Leia held up a datapad Han hadn't noticed she was carrying.

Han's disappointment flickered across his face for a moment, but then he smiled and bowed, "Inventory away, Your Highest of—"

"Oh, shut up!" Leia pushed passed him and tried to get to business.

But that didn't deter Han; it only ignited a flame under him. He followed the girl as close as he could, looking over her shoulder.

The princess stopped in her tracks, "Don't you know anything about personal space, Captain?" She put her hand on his chest and pushed him harder than Han thought possible. He was forced to take a few steps back. "I know that you are a manner-less, foul-mouthed nerf-herder, but surely, you must have some sense of personal space."

"Nope," Han glared down his nose at her. "Never have." He stepped closer to her, "Care to teach me?"

Leia tried to push him back again, but Han was ready this time. When she failed to move him, she decided to be the one to retreat, "I'm very busy, Captain Solo. I know you don't know anything about being busy, but some of us take our jobs seriously."

Han looked hurt, "You don't think I'm taking my job here seriously?"

The princess eyes roamed over to the vehicle Han was admiring when she came in. Then she looked at Han, "No," she glared into his eyes, a smirk of her own planted on her face. "No, I don't think you are." One hand found its way to her hip as if to emphasize her words.

"What do you mean by that?" Han frowned. He wasn't sure why he cared if Leia thought he was responsible or not, but her comment stung him. He crossed his arms over his chest again and shifted his stance as he awaited her answer.

"I don't know!" Leia admitted. "You just don't look like your guarding anything."

Han huffed. She was just looking for anything to criticize and was obviously grasping at strings. "Really," he looked around and then back at her. "Please, Oh-All-Knowing-One, show me the correct way to do my job."

The princess' large eyes widened and then returned to their normal size a she tried to regain her composure, "Look, Captain, I don't have time for your nonsense—"

"So doing my job properly is nonsense."

Leia's cheeks puffed out, "Just let me do my job properly."

Solo stepped back and exaggerated a formal bow, "As I said, Your Mighty Highness, inventory away."

The princess rolled her eyes and went to work. Han leaned against a large crate and watched her do her job. Her hair was pulled into a tight bun at the nape of her neck, the hair style Han dubbed as her "I'm-one-of-the-guys-do". As usual, a few rebellious strands found their way out of the constricting hair clips and flopped around in the wind. And as usual, she swiped them out of her face without much thought. Some of the errant strands caught the light of the morning sun, and a copper halo appeared to hang over her head as if she was one of those deities painted on the walls of the ancient temples on Vemhont.

Han was entranced. His hazel eyes wandered to the line of her neck. With her head bent down studying the datapad in her hand, Han got more than a gander at the pale skin at the nape of her neck. A raised brown mole was the only imperfection on her smooth skin, but Han wasn't sure he'd call it an imperfection. The princess absently tapped the stylus on her pouty lips, and Han bit his lower lip as he watched the stylus drum its cadence. When her eyes fell upon the datapad her lashes delicately fluttered against her cheeks.

Han blinked a few times and shifted his weight. He glanced out the hangar door to clear his mind. It was still early, but the heat was already rising. The rocky terrain offered no shade from the glaring sun. It was going to be another unbearably hot day. Without realizing it, Han's eyes found his way back to the princess. For once her attire acknowledged the uncomfortable climate. She was wearing a faded green T-shirt that stretched over her curves and camouflage cargo pants that were tucked into her laced-up boots. It was the casual uniform of rebel grunts, and Han wondered if she was trying to show that, despite her royal upbringing, she was no better than they were. Or maybe it was just too hot for the formal uniform of the crusty High Command. Han shoved his hands in his pockets. She was the only member of the High Command that took on such menial jobs as inventorying supplies. Maybe she wasn't as snobby as Han liked to think.

The princess stopped in front of the vehicle Han was admiring earlier, and her face screwed up into a question mark. Solo took her confusion as an invitation, and he sauntered over to her. He positioned himself behind her, purposely invading her personal space, "What's wrong, Your Worship? Don't know what this is?"

Leia kept her eyes on the foreign contraption, "And I supposed you do?"

Han was disappointed that she didn't react to his close proximity. But then, it could also be taken as a sign that she didn't find him as repulsive as he thought she did. He smiled to himself, "As a matter-of-fact I do."

She waited for his answer, but he didn't say anything more, and she wondered how long her patience was going to last. She whipped around with one eyebrow raised, "Well?"

Leia was taken aback by his proximity and almost lost her balance. Han was satisfied and lingered there a little longer, "It just so happens that that is a classic mode of transportation invented by renowned Corellian engineers. It's a vehicle that has withstood the test of time, that rides like no other—"

"Just tell me its name so I can log it in my datapad!"

"Excuse me, Your High-highness," Han held his hands up. "I thought you were interested in the finer details of this there vehicle."

Leia was certain smoke was pouring out of her ears. "Obviously, I'm not," she said through her clenched teeth. "Can you, please, just tell me its name so I can log it in and finish my job!"

Han did his best to look offended, "So you're telling me you don't enjoy my company?"

The princess pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes, "Not in the least."

"Oh, fine then," He turned his back on her and smiled as he started to walk away. "If that's how it is…"

Leia crossed her arms and stomped one foot. "Why are you making this difficult?"

"What difficult?" Han returned to his spot and leaned against the crate.

The princess sighed, "Just tell me what that thing is."

"No 'please'?" Han turned his head to the right but kept his eyes on her, "I know someone else who needs to work on her manners."

Leia pinched the bridge of her nose between her thumb and forefinger, "You know what? I really don't care what that thing is called anymore." She pivoted on her heel and headed toward the exit. "Have a nice day, Captain."

"It's called a motorcycle," Han called after her.

The princess froze and slowly turned around. Han took a step toward her with his hands held out, "It's a motorcycle."

Leia's lower lip slipped between her teeth, and Han knew he had caught her attention. He beckoned to her, "Come 'er. You wanna see how it works?"

She hesitated, and Han held his breath. She looked over at the motorcycle and then back to Han. Leia then took a couple of uncertain steps toward him. Han tried to contain his elation, "Come on. It's really easy to turn on."

"I don't know…" Leia protested but continued to walk over to him and the motorcycle, "I've got things to do."

"Well, if you got things to do…"

Leia's eyes found Han's and then looked back at the exit. Han's shoulders slumped; he had lost her.

But to his astonishment, the princess laid the datapad on one of the crates and took confident steps the rest of the way. "I suppose I have some time," she conceded.

Leia ran her fingers over the chrome handlebars in the same manner as Han did. Han's eyebrows jumped up, but then his countenance settled into a smile. This girl was full of surprises.

"She's a beauty, huh?" Han said, but he wasn't sure if he were referring to the motorcycle or the princess.

"I don't know," Leia tilted her head. "I've never seen one before. Motorcycle, you say?"

"Yeah," Han dusted off the seat. "Here," he held the handlebars and ushered her with his free hand. "Climb on."

Without protest, Leia climbed on as Han held the bike steady. He turned the key that was already in the ignition. "Now push that peddle down hard," he directed.

She looked down and stretched her toe as far as she could, "I can't reach."

"Here," Han climbed on behind her without a second thought. He was so caught up in getting the motorcycle to work that he didn't monitor his actions. He felt her body go rigid, and he was certain she was going to bolt. Before she could climb off the bike, he grabbed the handlebars and slammed his foot down on the peddle. Although she pulled as far away from him as possible, she stayed mounted on the bike. Again, Han felt like he gained some ground with her. Han gave the peddle a few more beatings with his foot before it came to life, "Ha-ha!" he whooped with excitement.

Leia's hands quickly found the handlebars as Han pulled the bike off of its kickstand. She fought to balance herself, "Han…"

"Careful," he made sure her hands were not on the throttle. "Turning this," he twisted his right wrist to activate the throttle, and the engine roared, "regulates your speed." Han sat back and held the bike steady with his weight. He was feeling quite comfortable on the rebels' new toy. "Here," he pointed to the lever that hung over the throttle, "is your brake. That's pretty much all you need to know."

"Know for what?"

"To make it go," there was a lilt in his voice.

Leia shook her head, "I don't think I want it to go. We're not even supposed to be on this…motorcycle."

"Do you see anyone around?" he watched the princess look around. "See? No one."

"Han…I'm not sure this is a good idea."

"There's plenty of room around here. I thought you wanted to ride it."

"I don't recall ever saying I wanted to ride it," Leia glanced back at him.

Han's eyes made a half-circle before settling back on her, "Not out loud. But I can tell." He was taking a chance here. He held his breath and readied himself for her retreat.

But no retreat ever came. The princess turned her attention to the controls of the motorcycle, "I don't think there will be any harm done if we rode it around here. After all, we should make sure it works." She mischievously smiled.

"That's what I was thinking," Han nodded. This was going better than he ever expected. "I think you should do the honors."

Leia licked her lips, "I'm not so sure…"

"Aw, come on," he coaxed her. "It's easy, and I'll be right behind you to make sure nothing goes wrong."

"Alright," she looked around. "Where do my feet go?"

Solo looked down, "On those peddles." But that wasn't going to work since her feet didn't quite reach the peddles. Figures, Han sighed. "Here, I'll control the peddles. The peddles are used for shifting anyway, complicated stuff. You be in control of our speed and breaks, kay? You know, teamwork."

"Teamwork."

"That's the spirit!" Han laughed, "Ready when you are."

The princess twisted the throttle and the motorcycle pulled forward out of control. She pushed down the brake, and Han figured that was going to be the end of the fun. But Leia was not one to give up. She released the gas to the engine slower, and they were off with a wobbly start. Once Leia got her bearings, the ride was much smoother than Han ever expected. She adapted quickly, and he found himself liking this new quality he discovered in her. Han loosely rested his hands around her waist, and she didn't seem to notice. He chuckled to himself. She must be enjoying herself. And Han was pleased with himself, though he didn't understand why.

Leia guided the motorcycle around the various obstacles in the hangar. She picked up some speed but was certain not to go too fast. The vehicle was louder than she expected, and she worried they'd get caught. The more she thought about it, she worried about being caught doing something she wasn't supposed to be doing with Han Solo. When they neared their starting point, Leia brought the bike to a shaky halt.

"Okay," she let go of the handlebars. "That's enough."

Han quickly replaced her hands with his before the bike dropped and unwittingly trapped her on the bike, "That's all?"

"That's what I said, Captain," the princess said. "Now if you'll let me off…"

Han frowned, "Alright." He turned off the motorcycle and let go of the handlebars.

The princess tried to slide off of the vehicle with as much grace as possible. Han watched as she tried to regain some of her regality.

"That's too bad," Han snapped his lips as he put the kickstand in place and dismounted the bike.

She took the bait, "What's too bad?"

Han sucked at his cheeks, "It's too bad you didn't see with this little baby can really do."

Leia's large brown eyes fell upon the motorcycle and her brow knitted in thought.

"I would think that Reikken would find it helpful to know the full capacity of this vehicle," Han reasoned. "That way he can plan how he's going to use it." The princess rolled her eyes at his ridiculous reasoning, but to his surprise, she said nothing. He took the opportunity to continue, "You're the one doing inventory. You should be the one to test it out. You know, so you can put it in your datapad over there." Leia didn't even bother to glance at the discarded datapad. Han fought to contain his elation, "And since I'm the one who knows how to work it, it only makes sense that I test it out with you. So, you know, don't hurt yourself."

"Aren't you supposed to be the one guarding it so that no one goes steals it?" Leia planted her hands on her hips and raised an eyebrow at him.

"That's another good reason I should go out with you to test it," Han folded his arms over his chest. "That way no one can accuse you of stealing it. I can…say, guard it while you're testing it out." He waggled his eyebrows.

"And what about the rest of the shipment?"

"Aw, come on Leia," Han sighed. "It's five in the morning. Who am I guarding it from? The rebels? Don't you people trust your own soldiers, those same soldiers who are willing to give their lives for your cause?"

"It's not that," Leia argued. "And it's their cause, too."

"Then what is it?" Han was exasperated. "Are you afraid the natives are going to come in and steal from you? Have you even seen anyone on this godforsaken rock?"

Her eyes narrowed on him, and he braced himself against the tirade he knew was about to come at him. She sucked in her lips and sighed, "You do have a point."

"What?"

"I said, you do have a point," Leia admitted. "The closest civilization, if you want to call it that, is eight hundred five kilometers away from here. That's why this is an ideal place for a base."

Solo nodded but wasn't sure where she was going with this. She seemed to have done a complete one-eighty. "So," he pressed his lips together for a moment as her words sunk in, "I've been out here guarding this stuff, and there's not anyone I was guarding it from?"

Leia smugly smiled at him, "Looks like that's the case, Flyboy."

Han's hazel eyes widened in anger, "You people have a weird sense of humor."

She sighed but kept smiling at him, "General Reikken is worried someone will try to steal something. I just agree with you. Your job is pretty much pointless." She snickered, obviously getting a perverse pleasure from this fact.

Han's anger slowly simmered away, "So then….who's it gonna hurt if we take the motorcycle out for a ride?"

"If we take it out, we'd be the ones stealing it."

"Technically, we'd be testing it out." Han smiled wickedly at her.

She returned the same wicked smile, "Yes, and it does need testing."

"It's still early," Han looked around. "We'll get it back before any notices it's missing in the first place."

Leia feigned pondering his point just to keep him in suspense. She glanced around the hangar herself just to make sure no one was around, "Just as long as we're not too long."

Solo rubbed his hands together and climbed onto the bike, "My turn to drive it."

The princess pulled herself up onto the bike and wrapped her arms around his waist, "I hope you know what you're doing."

"Yeah, me too," Han muttered as he revved the bike, and the pair headed out into the early morning.