Title: Him and That Stupid Smile

this is a short viggy in which Leia gets to slag Lando Calrissian. I never really liked him anyway. Disclaimer...I do not own Star Wars. I just spend an unhealthy amount of time obsessing over it.

'Miss Organa,' there is a cool mechanical voice behind me and I turn around to see a droid standing in the doorway. 'Mr Calrissian wants to see you.'

I frown. There is something not right about Lando, even after he saved our skins on Cloud City. He always seems hesitant when he talks, and he speaks slowly sometimes, like he's talking to a small child. Like he's choosing his words carefully whilst in my company. Well, if he's trying not to swear, that's fine by me, but somehow I don't think that's it...

'Miss Organa,' the droid tries again. I shake my head to clear it. 'Of course,' I tell it. 'Lead on.' The droid takes me to the recreational area of the Rebel Base, in a corner where we can't be overheard. Lando is waiting for me, somewhat anxiously. 'Leia,' he says, jumping up as I approach. 'So glad you could come...'

'What is it?' I ask, trying to read his expression.

'Sit down,' Lando gestures to a vacant chair and I oblige by lowering myself into it. Lando takes a deep breath. 'First, I just want to say how glad I am Han was rescued from Jabba's palace.'

So you should be, you evil little thing, I think scathingly, but I suppose, somewhat reluctantly that I do owe him one for going undercover in Jabba's palace...

'And?' I prod. Lando bows his head. 'And I wanted to give you some advice. I hear that you and Han are...'

I wait. An item? Together? I don't supply the words for him. A part of me likes to see him squirm.

'Are involved,' Lando says finally, slightly delicately. I nod silently and he continues, 'and I wish to...warn you.'

'Warn me. Right.' I say flatly. 'I know all about Han being a smuggler. He doesn't try too hard to hide it, you know. Something you two have in common. But unlike you,' I add suddenly, 'he doesn't do anything for the Imperials. Anything.'

The words slice him, I can see, but I'm not sorry. Lando has to regather his strength and continues, 'let's look at it like this,' he says finally. 'If you are a delicate, beautiful, rich flower, Han is... he is the over-excited Tauntaun who will step on you.'

I feel the anger rise in me and I stand. 'What are you saying?' I demand fiercely. If he DARE try...I'll...I'll...

Lando goes pale. 'I didn't mean to upset you...but...'

'But what?' I say loudly. 'Han will ruin my reputation? Just because I'm seeing an EX-smuggler...'

'I'm not saying that!' Lando rethinks. 'Actually...yes, that is kind of what I'm saying...' he tries a feeble smile, the smile that wins so many over... I want to slap him so badly I wouldn't be surprised if my hand was twitching.

I deliberately narrow my eyes and stare down my nose at him. It's a pity I don't have half-moon glasses to make it more impressive. I remember, from when I was about eight up until I was fifteen, there was a librarian who worked in the library at the Alderaan palace. She had that look just ETCHED onto her face. I don't think she could help it. She was always carrying about four heavy books at a time, and when she glared at you, you couldn't help but fear she was going to throw them all at you.

If I had four heavy books, I would throw them at Lando. But I don't, so I search for the next best thing. The chair, maybe? Or the table...that'd be HEAPS better...no, I'd better not do anything to disfigure his face. We need his smile, otherwise we'll never win over the Almandi system. Damn it. I feel the anger rising inside me...how DARE...

I can feel something rising inside me, like a storm. I want to lash out, my anger like a tornado destroying everything around it. It want the storm to overtake me, I want its thunder to be heard as far away as Coruscant, I want the clouds to block every sun from here to Tatooine. I want the lightning to pierce the heart of any being who dares defy me...

I don't think it's Lando I'm even angry at any more. My hand grips the back of my chair. I could probably lift it with one finger. I feel invincible...I feel...

"There is no passion, there is serenity."

I look around suddenly, to see who spoke, but I can't see anyone. It's just Lando, myself and a few of those Rebel pilots...but most are too dim to string three words together, let alone seven. The words are repeated, over and over.

'Can you hear it?' I say to Lando sharply.

'Hear what?' he asks. I can see fear in his eyes.

As the voice fades, so does my storm. I take a deep breath and shout, 'first of all, Han Solo is a changed man, Calrissian. If you can't see that he's changed for the better then you're as dim as a pile of bantha droppings! Secondly, I know it may be hard to face, but I do love Han. And finally,' I take a step forward and grab his collar. 'I do not wish to have the respect of those who judge a woman by the people she chooses to socialise with. People,' I raise my voice, 'like YOU!'

A Rebel tactician sticks his head through the doorway, rubbing his forehead. I let go of Lando's collar as he says, 'if you don't mind, Princess, I don't think it's a good idea to have a shouting match here.'

'I apologise for the Princess' behaviour,' Lando cuts in smoothly, flashing his winning smile. The tactician softens considerably and gives me a pointed look. 'Don't do it again,' he says to me angrily, then turns to Lando and says with a smile, 'good day, Mr Calrissian.'

I don't spare Lando another glance. I turn on my heel and walk away.

Damn Calrissian and his stupid smile.

Should I continue this? Let me know.