A DAY AT THE RACES: ROCKET SLEDDING

Chapter 2

"You don't have to do this, sweetheart," Han said to Leia as they prepared to leave for Jarik's race. "I think it'll be okay, but I know how stressed out his races make you feel."

"No, I told him I'd be there, and you know how often I go back on my word," Leia promised.

"You said you wanted to see when I was wrong," Han reminded her with a slight sly smile. "And then you said you'd take it back. That's the only time I can remember." He wrapped his arms around Leia and pulled her close to his chest. She listened to his steady, strong heartbeat as he kissed the top of her head.

Leia looked up at Han. "Is it wrong for me to wish that my youngest child would pick a different occupation?"

"Not at all. Hey, much as I like races, it unnerves me a little watching him take the same chances I did, and then some."

"You had no choice in the matter. Jarik does."

"I know how he feels, though. Can you say 'adrenaline junkie?'"

"I know you can." She shook her head sadly. "All right, let's get going, and hope for the best."

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Jaina, Jag, Jacen, Tenel Ka and Anakin were already seated when Leia and Han arrived.

"Hi Daddy," Jaina said, giving her father a peck on the cheek. She had an intensely worried expression on her face. Then again, there was no such thing as a non intense emotion for Jaina.

"Hang in there, sweetie." He hugged her tightly. Jag slipped his arm over her shoulder. Jaina Solo Fel did not cry easily, but she looked right on the verge.

Tenel Ka, Jacen and Anakin were sitting quietly. Anakin had his eyes closed. Tenel Ka was massaging Jacen's hand to calm him. It was obvious he was more than a little upset, as were Tenel Ka and Anakin.

Han privately wondered if it had been better if they'd said nothing to Jarik. Jarik didn't spook easily, but Han was betting he was feeling some of it now. He resented it, but kept his opinions to himself. He just hoped that whatever happened out there, Jarik would be fine.

One thing was for certain: Jarik lost far more graciously than Han ever had. He didn't like losing, but for Jarik, it was more about the act of racing itself. He loved the mechanics of various racers, loved the rush of wind in his face, and he loved the jolt that motion gave him. He was always happy to take the prize money, and he'd won a fair bit of it, but he shared with his two closest friends who were racers themselves or, to be exact, his friend Quall. Sarkon had been forced by his parents to attend university. So now it was just Quall and Jarik. Jarik never said anything, but while he was close to Quall, Sarkon had been closer to him and was the better racer.

Rocket sledding was not like other forms of racing; every participant had a unique starting point and a course to follow. They would encounter other sledders along the way. The terrain was difficult and the sleds had to stay no more than half a meter above ground at all times. Injuries were common and death was known to happen.

The Solo family was a study in high anxiety as the announcer read the racers and their start positions and courses, his image cast enormous on the jumboholo. The entire family clutched each others' hands as Jarik's position and course were announced.

"I hope we're wrong," Jacen said softly.

"Me, too," Han murmured. "Me, too."