A/N: Hey there! Here it is, (finally) the sequel to Aftermath. This story is going to have quite a few references to both Aftermath and One Life to Gamble, so if you haven't read them, I suggest you do so first. This one is going to be fairly long, with several sub plots. At least, I think so. I have a plot in my mind, but no clear idea of what's going to happen between Point A and Point B. I guess I'll have to wait and see like everyone else!

Like the other three stories in this series (Square Pegs, Gamble, and Aftermath) this is AU past the last movie. Also, in case you didn't know, I don't own any of the Star Wars franchise. If I did, I would be sipping lemonade on my own island instead of writing this. The rating is T, mostly for safety's sake, although there may be some implied stuff.

Without further ado, I present to you A Careful Application of Pressure.

Chapter One: Plans Are Set

"You told him what?"

"Don't overreact, Han. I just said that you'd take him to Taledan. It'll take a week at the most."

Han took a deep breath. "Let's just ignore the fact that you volunteered me to carry your brother across the galaxy for a minute. Why in the Seven Hells would he want to go there?"

"One of the smuggling ships he intercepted was carrying a barqual." Leia smiled fondly at the name. "A native species of Alderan that is now very endangered. There's a rare species preserve on Taledan that's agreed to take it, but they need it before breeding season starts next month."

"Is there a reason they're sending a Jedi to do this? It sounds pretty simple."

Leia grinned guiltily. "Actually, I ordered him to."

"Leia…" Han groaned.

"You and Luke need to start talking again," she said firmly. "And this is the perfect opportunity. You can't avoid each other for six days on the same ship."

"Look. He's the one giving me the cold shoulder. Why should I have to take time out of my schedule-"

"You're on vacation, meathead."

"That's beside the point."

It was Leia's turn to be exasperated. "You two used to be best friends. How can you just throw that away?"

"By remembering that he carries a light saber, that's how. It's not like I can make small talk if he turns the other way every time he sees me coming."

"You could at least try."

In his typical stubborn manner, Han threw up his chin. "I'm not going."

"You don't have a choice. I've already issued the order."

"That's not fair."

"Get used to it. Now quit being a baby and pack your bags. You leave tomorrow." She shut off the comm screen before he could find another excuse.

"So how'd he take the news?"

"Better than I expected," Leia said, sitting down at her desk.

Her secretary nodded. "So your house is still standing."

"Yes. The only blown roof was his. So what've I got today, Felda?"

Felda looked at her computer screen. "Let's see. You need to call back the Twi'Lek Artists Guild before they send someone to break down your office door. Then you have a meeting with Senator Obrakin, at 11, and a therapist appointment at-"

"Wait. I didn't set up an appointment with a therapist."

Felda pressed a few keys on her keyboard. "No, you didn't," she said. "Han did, last night."

Leia couldn't help but smile a little. "Not bad for a meathead."

"Should I cancel it?" Felda asked. Her second set of arms reached for the comm.

"No, it's alright. I'll go. I deserve it, after throwing him in a ship with Luke for a week."

There was a knock on the door. "Who is it?" Leia called.

"Senate Security."

She knew that voice. "Come in, Bill."

Officer Jeffersom, looking neat and professional in his new uniform, stepped through the door. "Morning, Senator. Morning Felda."

Felda said something nearly inaudible that may have been "You too."

"Can I help you?"

"No. I was just making the rounds, and I thought I might stop by. To thank you, again, for getting me this job."

"Speaking of your job," Leia said, "Maybe you should be getting on with it."

Her professionalism no longer phased him. "Of course." He smiled and saluted. "Goodbye, ladies."

He door closed. Leia looked over at her gold-skinned secretary. Her head was propped up on one hand, staring at the spot where Jeffersom had been. Another set of fingers toyed with her many short black braids.

"He looks nice in that uniform, doesn't he?"

"Yeah…" she said softly. Suddenly, she sat up straight. "I mean-" She crossed one set of arms, put the others on he hips, and glared at Leia. "If you're trying to get something out of me, you're going to be disappointed."

"Oh, I've already seen enough. He's a nice man."

"Maybe he is," Felda said neutrally.

"Go ahead and deny it. I can tell you from experience, it doesn't get you anywhere."

"I don't have anything to deny."

"Sure," Leia said with a smirk. But the gears in her head were already turning. If she played her cards right, Luke and Han wouldn't be the only ones bonding this week.