"You have arrived on the second floor," the automated voice announced.
The smooth steel doors opened to reveal the second floor of the New Republic's headquarters on Chandrila. Han hovered at the back of the lift for a few seconds before exiting the platform with a resigned sigh.
Eleven long months until my next vacation, he thought.
As his long legs carried him through the bustling lobby, he took comfort in thinking about an upcoming trip that he had planned. Just yesterday, he had submitted his paperwork for his return to racing at The Corellian Cup in two months. Chewie would be back from visiting his family by then. They planned to visit their old haunts after the race. He had even asked some of his former smuggling buddies to meet them for drinks at Smoke n Spirits, his favorite bar in Bela Vistal.
Han became immersed in a daydream as he headed toward the corridor that led to his barely-used office. It would be a fantastic homecoming. He could already picture himself enjoying aged brandy while swapping wild stories with his friends. Just wait until they heard about all his heroic feats during the Rebellion.
Then someone spoke her name, and he snapped to attention. A woman in the receptionists' area had mentioned her.
"It's a shame what happened to Princess Leia," the woman had remarked.
"I'm not surprised" her co-worker shot back. "War changes people, seldom for the better. It's the rare person who comes out of a war unscathed."
He relaxed after realizing it was just the usual chitchat. When weren't people gossiping about her? Without breaking his stride, he continued walking to his office.
On his lunch break, Han walked to the recently opened deli across the street from work. He had eaten there last week during their grand opening, and while the Nerf sausage had tasted rubbery and dry, the sexy brunette managing the joint had piqued his interest. If he turned on the Solo charm today, he would have a date with her by the weekend.
Han scowled when he entered the busy restaurant and saw it was packed with hungry patrons. He guessed no one had warned them about the lousy food yet. Standing in back of the long line, he scanned the place for the manager and spotted her right away. She was navigating through the crowded diner while balancing several milkshakes on a tray. He'd decided to strike up a conversation with her after lunch when she didn't look so flustered.
"Ya know, she'd have probably lost her crown by now if her planet still existed," remarked the man in front of him. Han recognized him as a New Republic mechanic.
"She wouldn't be in her current situation if she hadn't lost her planet," his female companion pointed out. "Poor thing. Imagine feeling responsible for all those people's deaths. No wonder she's a mess now."
Solo lost his appetite for lunch and the sexy manager. Screw it. He'd just grab a sandwich from a vending machine.
"Gonna be a few minutes late for my class," he told his receptionist after returning to his office.
"I'll let them know," she answered quickly. The older woman was used to his legendary mood swings.
Han closed the door, threw himself into his chair, and shut his eyes, savoring the calm before the storm. He didn't want to know what she'd done this time, but he had to find out. Someone was bound to mention it to him, and he should be prepared for anything.
Feeling a great deal of resentment, Han switched on his data pad. Her newest stunt, whatever it had been, had probably already lit up the holonet. He typed her name into the search box and tried to ignore his upset stomach while waiting for the results to load.
Nothing.
"That can't be right," he muttered out loud.
He rubbed his face in frustration. Reluctantly, he browsed several celebrity-obsessed sources but found only one new article on her. Wendle Miner, a revolting columnist who had amassed a small fortune covering Leia's exploits, had written about her that morning.
Presto! Princess Leia's Vanishing Act
Where is our problematic princess? The rambunctious royal has maintained a low profile in recent months. The once magnanimous monarch hasn't been spotted at her usual hangouts in weeks. Have the New Republic's stuffed shirts finally reined in the prickly princess? We hope not. Lawless Leia is more fun when she's causing scenes at-
Han flicked off his data pad. He regretted reading even one syllable of that loathsome reporter's writing, if you could call it writing. Her bank account got fatter every day due to her daily commentary on Leia's misadventures, and he'd just contributed to her readership.
Still, his ex-girlfriend must have done something to reignite the gossip mill. If that was the case, why was no one writing about it?
He eyed his comlink. Luke would know what's up. One quick phone call to Leia's brother would satisfy his curiosity. Then again, her problems weren't his concern anymore and hadn't been for over two years. Why should he get sucked into her latest spectacle?
Han pitched his data pad across his desk. Screw the princess's drama. His students were waiting for him. He slammed his office door harder than necessary and mentally berated himself. It had taken a monumental effort to stop obsessing over Leia two years ago. He'd worked too hard to banish her from his mind to relapse now.
Then again, he had always lacked common sense when it came to anything Leia-related. The rational side of his brain had disintegrated when he had fallen in love with her all those years ago.
"Two damaged souls, like you two, will lead to disastrous results," Logic had warned him back then.
"She's too young and inexperienced," Logic had whispered. "How many people live happily ever after with their first love? She'll become bored with the novelty of dating an ex-smuggler, and she will break your heart."
"You're not a prince or a powerful politician," Logic had reminded him. "You don't belong in her fairy tale ending."
Han had foolishly thumbed his nose at Logic's persuasive arguments. He pursued the princess relentlessly, desiring her more than he had ever wanted anyone or anything. He'd never felt more alive than when he was in her presence, whether they were yelling insults at one other or sitting side by side in content silence.
Han stopped at the lift door and repeatedly pushed the down button, knowing his impatient action would have no impact on its arrival. When the moving platform finally reached his floor and its doors opened, he charged forward, not thinking of any occupants who might need to exit the lift.
That's when he saw her.
Leia
His beautiful ex-girlfriend stood inside the lift. Her head was lowered in deep thought. She bit her lower lip, a habit that resurfaced anytime she felt stressed.
"You have arrived on the second floor," the automated voice declared.
The announcement startled the princess. She looked up with a start and instantly locked eyes with Han. Her mouth dropped open in surprise. She blinked disbelievingly at him as he gaped back at her. When the doors began closing again, her hand instinctively reached out to halt their action. She quickly exited the lift and stood mere inches from him.
"Hi there," she murmured.