Disclaimer: I own nothing and gain nothing from this story.

How to Lie Convincingly

"The pure and simple truth is rarely pure and never simple." – Oscar Wilde

At 0500 hours Leia Organa woke with a start, grabbing frantically at the threads of her dream that were already slipping away. Yes, Alderaan had been in her dreams again tonight; of that she was certain. The dream had been consistent ever since the destruction of her home world; so much so that she need not try and remember everything as she was doing now, for the memory was real enough that she could piece everything together herself. But tonight-- tonight there was something unmistakably different.

There was an unexpected calm, as if everything that had hinged on that one defining moment suddenly fell into place. The dreams – and the memory – were certainly horrific; but if so, where were these good feelings coming from?

Before the Death Star, Leia Organa had her life laid right out before her feet. Her life was countless routine after countless routine, but that was how it was supposed to be. And she accepted it.

Now things were different. The carpet had been yanked out from underneath her. She had gone from proper princess to rebel and renegade, and her dreams would not let her forget it. It was a difficult life, but Leia was able to cope and adjust. After all, if she let the façade down, she would certainly look weak. That was not what the rebellion needed. As a prominent figurehead, she was integral in inciting troop morale. They needed to look to her to find strength. Nothing would stop her from giving it to them, emotional baggage or not.

She abruptly halted her train of thought and scoffed at her own ridiculousness. After growing up in a world of rules and logic and rationality, she should not be analyzing something as silly as a dream.

Leia sank back down onto the pillows and let out a breath she did not realize she had been holding. Rubbing her eyes a little too roughly, she tried unsuccessfully to go back to sleep.

Even though she wanted it to, this dream did not leave her mind.

At 0700 her comm. unit beeped.

"Organa."

"Hiya, Princess."

"Good afternoon."

Pause.

"Captain, was there an intended purpose in placing this call?"

"Anything to hear your voice, princess."

"Perhaps you will refrain from using this frequency in the future. I don't know how you bypassed the encryption but I assure you--"

"Oh, how she wounds me! Scoundrel, remember? A simply encryption like that isn't going to stop anyone. Or maybe I'm just smarter than I seem."

"Could've fooled me."

"Oh, your worship, please. You're killing me with the kindness. Really, I can take no more."

"I'm in rare form."

"Yes, I agree."

Pause.

"Well, look, I gotta go finish repairs. Remember, we take off at 0600 tomorrow morning."

"I'll be there."

"And I'll be waiting."

She could almost see the wink.

Leia was anything but eager about this upcoming mission with Han Solo.

Her mission was to infiltrate the weapons reserves on the Empire-controlled planet Celeene. But having the face of Leia Organa and traveling to a planet teeming with Imperial forces was not conducive to success. Still, upon hearing about the mission, she readily accepted. After all, she really had nothing to lose.

The High Command knew of Han's personal interest in her safety, so they recommended that he not only pilot the mission, but pose as her husband for the duration of the trip. He would need an excuse to be with her everywhere. Assuming that identity would allow him to be close to her at all times, day and night.

At 0600 in the morning, she would become Mina Nobi, and Han Finn Nobi. Or Mrs. Finn Nobi. Or Mrs. Han Solo. Oh, great.

Celeene was located in a very remote sector and little was known about it. Leia, after her briefing, had done her best to read up on all she could about the small planet. From what she could gather, they had extremely strict gender roles, so sending her (a woman) as the diplomat was out of the ordinary. In fact, it was a miracle that they agreed to send a woman at all. Perhaps having a man with her on the mission couldn't hurt.

Han Solo. That was one man she had yet to figure out. Leia was uncannily skilled at reading people, but his image, to her, was blurred. He was so different from every person, politician or not, she had ever met. Sure, he was extremely rough around the edges, but she had a bet with herself that there was something beyond the hardened exterior. Maybe this mission would be a chance for her to delve beyond, to really get to know and understand someone. They would be in close quarters, after all. While growing up on Alderaan, Leia was formally introduced to everyone she met. She stuck with polite conversation. She curtsied here, shook a hand there. She never really got the chance to make her own friends (save Winter, but she was different). But those formalities were no more. Now she had the chance to see whether Han Solo really had another side to him or not.

0400 hours.

Leia had not slept at all so far. Though she was loath to admit it, she was nervous. What if she failed? Her whole world had been destroyed and it had been all her fault. She could not bear the pain of guilt if she failed the Alliance too. What would become of her? It would be all her fault. Again.

0605 hours.

"I dunno, pal. She's usually early. I'm gonna go see how she's comin' along."

Chewbacca whuffed his acknowledgement as Han started off to the princess' quarters.

Han was pretty eager about this mission. He longed to be closer to Leia, and this would be his perfect opportunity. He no longer denied it to himself that he cared for her. He knew there was a different person beyond her thick shell.

Han knocked three times. "Hey, your highness! Care to grace me with your royal presence? We're losing our lift slot!"

No answer.

He knocked again. "Princess!"

Nothing.

Han ran a hand down his face. He raised his fist to knock again when the door slid open to reveal Leia along with her luggage. Han took note of her appearance. She looked very tired and disheveled and barely acknowledged him.

"Wow. I had no idea her highness had such wild nights." He commented.

"You'd be surprised, captain."

Silence.

"I apologize for being late. I needed to get a few more things together."

"No problem, sweetheart. Smugglers aren't exactly the poster children for punctuality anyhow."

"Punctuality. That's a big word for you, isn't it, captain?"

"Ha ha. Now is that any way to speak to your husband?"

Pause.

"We aren't there yet, Solo."

Oh my goodness. This little bunny just wrote itself. I intend for the writing to focus more on personal thoughts rather than use the voice of an omniscient narrator—if I decide to continue this.

As always, thoughts, comments, feedback welcomed! Feel free to poke holes!