Luke and Mara were practicing at unarmed combat when the alarms started to sound. Cutting off her attempt to kick Luke in the ribs, Mara ran to her kit and grabbed her comlink. It was chiming. "This is Jade, what's the situation?"

The voice of Lando Callrissian came in, anxious and strained. "We have a massive Consortium Fleet here. Get your kids ready for combat."

"Copy. I'll get us to the war room. Make sure you have all the ships' captains, squadron commanders and Admiral Ackbar on the holocom. Luke and I know how to engage a Consortium fleet. We'll be there in minutes."

The line cut off and Luke was already throwing his kit together. Side by side, they pelted to their quarters and changed. Luke got into an orange flight suit and Mara changed into one of her formfitting jumpsuits, throwing a life support system and harness over it and grabbing a flight helmet. Together, they ran towards the war room. As they ran, they contacted their students. By the time they got there, Leia, Han, Lando, Wedge Antilles and all of Luke's students were waiting. Leia was in a white jumpsuit and the other four students were in flight suits, ready for action. Dozens of miniature holos of the captains and fighter commanders of the Alliance fleet were present. Mara launched into the pre-combat briefing. "I'm going to make this quick. Admiral, we need to form a screen of frigates and corvettes to draw fire from those Kelbades and Aggressors. Immediately behind them, our larger capital ships will be ready to engage and our fighters and bombers will be ready to knock out the Aggressors' main guns and the Kelbades' shield scramblers. Any questions?"

One of the ships captains, a Bothon, growled, "How do we know this is going to work, Jedi Jade?"

Mara replied coolly, "Colonel Skywalker and I used this tactic over Naboo to defeat a Consortium fleet. We can do that here too. Oh and a side thought – have the MC30 torpedo frigates try to move in with the fighters. They should target the Vengeance-class frigate, aiming specifically for the mass driver cannons."

Admiral Ackbar, went over the plan with his keen, tactical mind and nodded his fishy head with finality. "A sound plan, Captain Jade. Oh and you are being promoted by the way so congratulations. All pilots to your ships. All captains sound battle stations. May the force be with us."

Luke, Mara and their students ran to the hanger. Han was coordinating with Wedge, Shara and Ace Azzeman, a transfer from another squadron to command Blue Squadron in the absence of Keyan. As the seven Jedi ran up, Han dismissed them. "What will you be doing, Jedi?" he asked briskly. Luke looked at Leia. "Go to Home One and use your battle meditation on the command deck. The rest of us are going to be in fighters."

Leia nodded, kissed Han and ran to a shuttle. Luke turned to his students and said, "Go to the starfighter you are most comfortable with. I don't care if we're mismatched. We need to be comfortable with what we're flying. Are you taking the Falcon with Chewie, Han?"

Han nodded. "Yup, Chewie and Nien Nunb and I will be taking the Falcon."

Luke nodded and turned back to his students. "Go find a ship. We'll form up out there. Our designation is Shadow Squadron. Keyan, you're Shadow Leader. I'm Shadow Two, Mara is Shadow Three. Ferroda, you're Shadow Four. Kyle, Shadow Five and Wade, Shadow Six; any questions?"

They all shook their heads and split. Mara leaped aboard an old but upgraded Delta-7 Aethersprite that Wedge had used during the war in a skirmish over Geonosis. It had been armed with seismic charges but those had been switched out for proton torpedoes. R3 dropped into the slot just as she was in the cockpit. Luke ran to his N1-5 RNSF Fighter. Keyan had already taken off in his B-Wing and Ferroda, Kyle and Wade used X-Wings. They all took off and met just outside the hanger. Keyan's voice crackled over the comms. "All wings, report in."

They all checked in and Keyan nodded, satisfied. They all sounded confident and ready, even Wade who, without his strength in the force, would be a mediocre pilot at best. "Lock s-foils in attack positions."

Ahead of them, they saw the looming enemy fleet. It comprised of dozens of ships, including six Kelbade-Class Star Cruisers and four Aggressor-Class Destroyers. Suddenly, over the open comms channel, Commander Antilles' voice of Rogue Squadron was heard. "Shadow Leader, this is Rogue Leader; we'll follow you in."

"As will Blue Squadron;"

"And Grey Squadron, too;"

They watched as the three elite fighter squadrons formed behind them – X-wings, Y-wings and B-wings. The fleet was forming up as well with Nebulon-B Frigates, Assault frigates, Correllian Gunships and Corvettes, Marauder Corvettes and even the Rendili Dreadnaughts they had forming a large screen while the MC80 Star Cruisers, MC30 Torpedo Frigates, Imperial-Class Destroyers and others formed behind them, all their fighters ready to launch. This battle was going to be brutal. General Reiken's voice came over all starfighter frequencies. "Listen carefully – each cruiser and destroyer is required two squadrons to keep enemy fighters and bombers off of them – preferably X-wings. As for the rest, I leave target designation to the fighter commanders. As the Admiral said: may the force be with us."

With that final word, the battle was put into motion. Luke took several deep breaths as he followed Keyan into the battle. Suddenly, he felt his mind become unbelievably clear and all his anxiety flowed away. With a grim smile, he recognized the effect of battle meditation.

It seemed to everyone that things went strangely silent up until the Aggressors Destroyers launched a one-two volley of ion and turbo laser energy. The Jedi winced as four ships were completely disabled and then blow apart, their entire crews gone. At the same time, the Alliance corvettes blasted apart enemy fighters that were speeding between them, blasting dozens to pieces but many still made it through. The Alliance frigates, in turn, attacked the enemy corvettes, drawing fire just in time for swarms of Alliance fighters to blaze through, blasting away at the main weapons of the Kelbades and Aggressors.

Keyan and his two wingmen fired payloads of proton torpedoes into the massive guns of one of the Kelbades. It didn't blow the weapons but they weren't worried. Suddenly, over their comms came a warning from Ferroda. "Shadows Lead, Two and Three, you have a squadron of those Viper Interceptors on your tale. Hold tight and we'll get them for you."

Luke looked over his shoulder and heard Keyan say, "Go evasive. We just need to shake them for a few moments."

As if to prove his point, three of the dozen Vipers behind them blew apart as the rest of the Shadow X-wings blasted away at them. The remainder split and it became a very one sided dogfight for only a few minutes without any damage to the Jedi and all the Vipers being destroyed. Wade came over the comms, his voice a little smug, "This is easier than I thought."

Keyan smiled a little but admonished the younger man, "Don't get cocky yet, Wade. The battle just started. Overconfidence can get you killed."

Wade acknowledged contritely. Suddenly, as it tried to fire again, the Aggressor they had hit with their torpedoes blew, taking several of the corvettes and one of the Vengeance-class frigates with it. Luke suddenly opened the comm wide to all Alliance fighter frequencies and said, "This is Shadow Two to all fighters – don't completely destroy the Aggressors. Damage their main guns and let them try to fire. The explosion will open gaping holes in their formation."

The fighter pilots followed the directions, critically damaging the guns of the Aggressors but not destroying them. Without fail, the ships tried to fire and without fail they blew to chunks. "Why are they doing that if they see it over again?" asked Mara. Luke shrugged and said, "I wonder if the battle meditation is muddling their common sense or perhaps they don't realize that is why the other ships are blowing."

Leia was straining as she observed the battle from a tactical holo-monitor. The battle was on the verge of disaster, even with the enemy Aggressors taken out. The Consortium had so many ships, including some old Imperial Acclamator-IIs and Broadside Missile Boats. The enemy was using their usual Viper Interceptors and Skipray Blastboats but they also had the strange looking but effective Rihkxyrk Assault Fighters, stolen TIE Defenders and some heavily upgraded and modified Z-95 Headhunters. Suddenly, a MC80 Mon Calamari cruiser went up in flames, pummeled by a pair of the Kelbade-class cruisers' mass driver cannons. Leia gritted her teeth as she felt the deaths of hundreds. Admiral Ackbar's voice came from behind her. "I hope I'm not disturbing you, Princess but we need to withdraw. They are too powerful. We can pull back to Sullust or some other place."

Leia was about to agree when the tech officer at the sensor station called out, "Admiral, we have a fleet of ships dropping out of hyperspace."

All turned to look as a Mon Calamari Cruiser, a Lukrhulk Battle Ship, an Imperial Star Destroyer and a dozen Assault Frigates dropped out of hyperspace. From them swarmed dozens of N1-5 Starfighters and N2B-3 Bombers. At the very vanguard of the formation were three Squadrons of Scurrg H-8 Superiority Fighter/Bombers, firing volleys of baradium cruise missiles that tore the corvettes and frigates of the enemy apart. Over the comms came a gruff voice. "Don't underestimate the enemy! Hit them fast and hard! Alliance forces, this is Marshal Commander Gavin Sykes of the Royal Naboo Security Forces. We're here to assist you."

Over the comms, Luke whooped and Mara laughed in delight and relief. The Naboo ships slammed into the rear of the Consortium formation, pounding through their weak shields and destroying many of them before they could turn to fight.

Luke spun through the enemy fighters, launching his last torpedoes into the unshielded hull of a Kelbade, his two wing-men expending the remainder of their magazines as well. One by one, the Consortium ships near the outer edges of the fight turned outward and fled into hyperspace. All but a few of the rest were destroyed. Those that weren't were spared only because they surrendered. Altogether, the battle had taken six hours of hard and heavy fighting. Considering there foe, the Alliance's losses were small – two MC80 cruisers, three various frigates a pair of corvettes, a Dreadnaught-Class Heavy cruiser and just over a dozen starfighters and bombers.

Luke climbed down from his starfighter and smiled. Oh how he missed flying on a regular basis. From off to his right came Mara, smiling brightly and beautifully. She ran right up and kissed him deeply. "Well done, Captain Jade;" whispered Luke, his voice husky with pride and love. Mara smiled and nuzzled him affectionately. The other students ran up, cheering and slapping each other on the back. Keyan ruffled Wade's hair and said, "You did real good, kiddo. We'll make an expert combat pilot out of you soon enough."

Mara walked up to the kid and hugged him proudly, having to stand on her tiptoes on account of the fact that he had grown centimeters since they found him and she would only see his trachea if she looked straight ahead. "He's right, Wade. I couldn't more proud."

Wade blushed and looked away shyly. "Thanks, Mara."

She gave him a friendly peck on the cheek before heading back to Luke. Jan ran up and Kyle scooped her up in his arms, kissing her ardently. One by one, the pilots of the fighter contingent of the Lost Cause came up and began slapping each other on the back. None of Rogue Squadron, Blue Squadron or Grey Squadron had died though several had been forced to eject. Suddenly, Ferroda Grey turned pale and ran towards a crew coming down the ramp of a rescue shuttle. On it lay an unconscious but still living Shara. "Shara! No."

Carefully, he took her hand and began to walk with the medics. Luke and Mara looked anxiously at each other before joining him. "We'll walk with you, Ferroda;" whispered Mara gently.

Leia ran down the shuttle's ramp and straight into the arms of Han Solo, kissing him in relief. "I'm so glad you're okay."

Han smiled and stroked her lovely brown hair. "Of course I am, Sweetheart. It's me."

Leia laughed quietly and said, "Nerf. Where are Luke and Mara?"

Han sighed and said, "They had to accompany Ferroda to the med bay. Apparently Shara was injured in the battle. According to the medics, the damage is superficial and she'll be fine but it shook Ferroda up pretty good. He is a forty some odd year old clone who has lost a lot. I'm sure the idea that losing her scares him to death. Hell, it would scare me too. Come on. Let's go see how they're doing."

They moved towards the hanger exit but before they got there, another round of hugging and back slapping happened with Luke and Mara's other three Jedi students. When they heard about Shara and Ferroda, many others joined Han and Leia. Before they made it to the med bay, Kyle, Jan, Wade, Keyan, Ace Azzeman and a large group of others were with them. Inside, Shara was awake and okay, just shook up and with several bacta patches on her arms and chest. Leia saw Ferroda turn to Luke and Mara and ask them something. Luke nodded and clapped his shoulder. Mara did the same and they headed towards them. "Ferroda wanted some privacy with Shara."

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Luke and Mara had knowing gleams in their eyes. Leia frowned. "What are you two smirking about?"

They both looked very confused. "What?" asked Luke. Leia shook her head. "Oh please, Luke. I'm your sister. I can tell when you're smirking, even when it's only with your eyes."

Luke chuckled and said, "I'm not totally sure so I won't say anything. Let's get ourselves cleaned up and we'll go from there, okay?"

Reluctantly, Leia agreed and the group disbanded.

Inside the med bay room, Ferroda held Shara's hand and tenderly stroked it. Shara smiled tiredly and said, "It took me getting blown into space for you to finally notice me, huh Ex?"

Ferroda felt very sorry. "I've noticed you the whole time, Shara – ever since we first met before Yavin. I just felt that, before I let anything happen in my life, I needed to face my brother. I was such a fool."

Shara smiled fondly and said, "Yeah. You were, Ex. But that's okay. You get it now, right?"

Ferroda smiled and gave her rough hand a gentle squeeze. "Yes I do. I get it now. Wherever I go, I want you with me. Wherever you go, I want to be."

Shara's dark eyes shined and she said, "My, my – those almost sound like marriage vows. Are you purposing to me, Ferroda Grey?"

Ferroda got down on his knees beside her bed and said, "Yes, Shara. That's exactly what I'm doing. Will you marry me?"

Shara's already shining eyes fairly glowed with joy. In answer, she sat up, turned her head and kissed Ferroda. They stayed that way for some time. When she let him go, Shara scooted over and patted the bed beside her. Ferroda looked uncertain and she chuckled, "I'm not trying to bed you, Ferroda – not yet anyway. Just stay with me for awhile. Oh and so that you have a clear enough answer, yes I'll marry you. When you do finally face X1, your brother is going to have to deal with both of us. Two are stronger than one."

Ferroda kicked off his boots and plopped down with her happily. Shara snuggled up to him and, before they knew it, they were both fast asleep.

On board Home One, Marshal Commander Gavin Sykes stood before the Alliance Council. Leia beamed at him. "We are indebted to you and to the noble pilots and crewers of Naboo, Marshal Commander."

Sykes shook his old, grizzled head. "No, Councilor Organa. We are simply paying a debt owed to you for all that Skywalker, Jade, Katarn and Ors did. I have been assigned here by my King Marious Tahoon to aid you however we can. I am at your service until I am called home."

He bowed low. The council members stood and bowed in respect, thanking the man one by one. Leia spoke when they had finished, "I must apologize at the absence of our President Mon Mothma. She is in the midst of negotiations with one of the Imperial Warlords who is intent on allying with us."

Sykes nodded understandingly. "I understand. Is it classified exactly who she is negotiating with?"

Leia shook her head. "No, sir, it is not. She is negotiating with the former Slave Master and Warlord Trioculus. He, along with five grand moffs wish to aid us. Apparently they have a fleet that includes thirty Star Destroyers."

Sykes' wrinkled face darkened. "I would advise your president to take great care, Councilor. I know of this Tricoulus. He had tens of thousands of Gungans carted away to parts unknown as his slaves. Though I'm sure that, at the moment at least, he may be sincere, he will betray you. Mark my words."

Leia looked at the other councilors before returning to Sykes. "I appreciate the warning and please believe me when I say that we take it very seriously and that we appreciate that new information. I will be sure to personally tell Mon Mothma. Ah, Jedi Skywalker and Jedi Jade, please come in."

Sykes' turned to them with fond smiles as they walked in. As if they were old friends, they hugged and Luke said, "How is Naboo, Marshal Commander?"

Sykes' face was a mess of smile wrinkles as he said, "Naboo is thriving as it hasn't since the time before the Clone Wars. Say, I don't suppose you and your crew of legitimate freighters would like to make some extra credits running some product for our merchants would you?"

Mara laughed and said, "Oh if we had the time, I'm sure it would be fun but I'm afraid we are rather busy these days."

Luke turned to the Council and said, "My esteemed leaders, the after action report states that almost forty-six percent of the enemy were destroyed and another thirty-nine percent fled. We managed to capture fifteen percent of the enemy ships. They are mostly the modified Interceptor-Class frigates but there are a couple Vengeance Frigates and even a trio of those Crusaders. I suggest that we scrap all of them."

That caught the councilors off guard. Leia looked at Luke and politely said, "Perhaps you can explain your train of thought, Jedi Skywalker."

Luke clasped his hands behind his back. "Simply put, the Zann Consortium is all about corruption - destroying or at least feeding off organizations from the inside out. I have a hunch that, somehow, those ships are rigged. Now the armor plating, turbo laser emplacements, missile and torpedo tubes and such, I can be fairly certain, are harmless but I wouldn't trust the main computer systems or the ships as a whole. It would be just like Tyber Zann to have them rigged somehow."

Silence followed. Mara stepped up slightly and cleared her throat. "I have to agree, Councilors. Gaining a few whole ships is not worth the risk of losing more if they are booby trapped. I say scrap them."

Leia looked at the others before turning back and saying, "We will discuss this, Jedi. Thank you for the report and the advice. Is there anything else?"

Luke smiled and said, "Yes, Madam. Class is off for tomorrow. Get a good days rest but be ready to train the following day. That's all."

A chorus of low chuckles followed that and Leia smiled. "Understood, Jedi Skywalker. You are dismissed."

A few hours later, after some rather intense, pointless and frustrating discussions on the budget and supply lines, Han Solo and Lando Callrissian stood before the council. Lando looked nervous and not at all happy to be there. Han had a look in his eyes that made Leia nervous. After he cleared his throat a couple times, Han said, "This victory has put fresh heart into our troops and pilots. It was hard earned and the fact that we have a new ally only helps. However, we need a victory that will show the galaxy that no one, not the Empire, not the Zann Consortium and not whoever is in charge of these Dark Jedi that Luke and Mara met on Tatooine will keep the New Republic from being established. Councilors, it is with great seriousness that I suggest we begin laying plans to retake Coruscant."

Han and Lando physically heard the flinch that went through the chamber. Before anyone had the chance to speak, Han cut in. "I'm not saying we gather all ships and head there now. I just think that should be a goal. A rather short term goal too. If we are going to establish ourselves as a legitimate government, that is how we do it."

Leia was either speechless or too mad to trust herself to say anything. Finally, Admiral Ackbar cleared his throat and said, "General Solo, I admire your conviction and your confidence but we would need hundreds of more ships and tens of thousands of more personnel for an attack like that. From what I understand Ysan Isard is in control and has a huge fleet including an Executer-Class Star Dreadnaught hidden in the city."

Han crossed his arms. "We just gained two dozen ships from the Naboo and if Mon Mothma has a successful negotiation with Trioculus, we'll have thirty Imperial I and II Class Star Destroyers plus there escorts. Add that to the fact that we have seven Jedi who can tare through anything in space or on the ground and we have more than a good chance."

Borsk Fey'lya slapped paw down and stood, quivering with indignation. "Enough of this nonsense, General Solo! We do not need any more of your delusions of grandeur. You are dismissed."

Leia's eyes widened and Han's dark eyes narrowed, his hand instinctively edging towards his trusty blaster. "Breaking news on the Holonet, Fey'lya: I don't take orders from you."

Han's voice was deadly and angry. He turned to Ackbar and said, "If that will be all, Generals, Admiral, we'll take our leave. Just think about Coruscant."

He turned stiffly and walked out, his back so stiff that it looked painful. Lando was on his heals, looking a little pale. "Way to invite the hammer to be dropped on us, Han-old buddy;" murmured the dark skinned man. Han shrugged but remained silent. They both boarded the Falcon and got ready to take off. Chewbacca rumbled something but Han waved it away. "Not now, Chewie."

By the time the council session had adjourned, Leia was furious - furious at Han for the Baradium bomb he had dropped on them, furious at Fey'lya for questioning Han's competence, his sanity and even his loyalty and furious at the other councilors for dismissing the idea within seconds of Han's departure. He was right after all but his method and timing of bringing it up were all wrong. Leia took a shuttle over to the Lost Cause where she knew Han would be in his quarters, which they shared more often than not. She tried her best not to stomp or storm to his quarter because she knew that as soon as she entered, she would lose it. She was right too. Han was at a desk examining after action reports and making notes on a datapad when she entered. Leia stalked in and asked in a low, cold and angry voice, "What - the kriffing hells of Correllia - were you thinking?"

Han took a sip of caff, set down the datapad and looked at her. "Tell me I'm wrong;" he simply stated. That caught her a little off guard. He didn't get defensive. He didn't try to reason. He didn't even try to play it off in a typical Han Solo fashion. Leia recovered quickly and said, "That's not the point. Do you realize what you suggested to Council today?"

Han looked at her and said again, "Tell me I'm wrong."

Leia glared and ground out. "You aren't wrong but your timing and method of delivery were. Don't you understand that? Right after a sizable victory against the arguably most dangerous threat in the galaxy is not the time to suggest something like taking Coruscant. Not only that, you could have found a more diplomatic way to suggest it."

Han shook his head and stood. "No, I couldn't. I'm not like you, Leia."

"No shavet!" she snarled. Han was beginning to lose his already famously precarious control. "I did the best I could. I'm a smuggler and a military general, not a negotiator, not a diplomat and not a politician - thank the force. I spoke my mind and did my best. I thought that's what they expected from their leadership. Was I wrong?"

Leia nearly ground her teeth. "They expect you to show good sense as well."

Han's face darkened. "That's it. Since all you can seem to do right now is needle at me, I'm going to the Falcon. Come find me when you're willing to actually tell me where I went wrong and how I can improve it."

"You're going to be waiting awhile!" Leia called and Han called back. "Fine!"

Luke and Mara had heard the confrontation. They were on their way to talk to Han about his plan. They agreed with him about it too. The sooner they could take Coruscant, the sooner the Alliance could be legitimized in the minds of the core worlds and, eventually, the remainder of the galaxy. After walking into that, though, they were both very hesitant. "I am not getting involved with this;" said Mara. Luke sighed. The last thing he wanted to do was get involved himself. Before they had the chance to turn around, Luke heard a sob from the direction of Han's quarters. He looked at Mara, bewildered and his eyes grew soft. Luke peaked in and saw Leia sitting on the bed, her hands over her face and sobbing uncontrollably. With a sigh, he sat down and wrapped his sister in a tight, comforting hug. Neither of them said anything until Leia had stopped crying. Finally, she said, "It's just been a really rough day, you know? First the battle and then Han and his hair brained idea and now we just argued and he stomped out. Han never stomps out - not since Hoth. Ever since we got him back from Jabba, he would rather stay and argue than stomp out."

Luke nodded, stroking her hair. "It's okay, Leia. Like you said, it's been a really rough day. Go find him and talk to him."

Leia sighed. "I don't think he wants to talk to me right now."

Luke couldn't help but chuckle a little. "Oh yes he does. He wants to fix this. He wants you to understand why he said what he said and exactly what he meant. He also wants to be heard."

Leia nodded. She had been unfair to him. She had gone in looking for a fight and had gotten more and more furious when he was trying to keep it from happening. "I'll go talk to him in a bit. Hey, where did Mara go?"

Luke chuckled. "To talk to Han;"

Han felt miserable as he worked on the stabilizers of the Falcon. He hated fighting with Leia especially when he was afraid she didn't understand what he was trying to convey or even actively decided to not understand his words. With a curse, his spanner slipped and he bashed his hand on a piece of plating. He dropped the spanner and it fell into a slot between cable and equipment housings. With a sigh that was almost an incredulous chuckled, Han closed his eyes and leaned his head back. Could this get any worse? His hands were too big to fit between the housings and he didn't have a magnetic grabber or anything. "I can get that out for you."

Han turned towards the slightly husky voice behind him. Mara stood there, leaning against the bulkhead. Han sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "I'd appreciate that, Red."

Mara strode up and used the force to pull the spanner out and drop it in Han's waiting hands. "Thanks, Mara. I take it you heard about the end of the council meeting."

Mara chuckled dryly, "Han, I'm pretty sure that the ewoks on the moon below heard about the council meeting."

Han smiled a little and turned back to work. Sighing, he began to explain as he worked, "I just want it to be a priority. I just want them to know that it needs to be a priority even if it's not on the top of the list."

Mara nodded and asked, "Anything I can help with while I'm in here?"

Han pointed towards the gun wells. "Dorsal gun traversing mechanism could be tightened down. There's a lot actually. We took a bit of a beating during that battle."

Mara nodded and grabbed a couple tools. "You know, Solo, we agree with you. However, I would like to humbly suggest that one reason that the princess is so upset is that you dropped it on her without any kind of discussion or even a warning. Who knows? Maybe she agrees but would have liked a better way to say it and at a different time."

Han sighed and looked over at her as she began fiddling with some of the components. "I know but there isn't ever going to be a good time to bring it up. There will always be a battle we just won or one that we are preparing for. There will always be negotiations in the works and we will never have enough resources in the eyes of the council."

Mara paused and had to concede that he was right. "Either way, if you'll take the advice of another woman, dropping proton bombs like that without advanced warning at the very least - well, lets just say Luke would be sleeping alone for awhile if he and I were in your and Leia's place."

Han couldn't help but chuckle and say, "Woah! A little too much info there, Red."

Mara gave a smirk and said, "Oh come on, Solo - you can't be so naive as to think that Luke and I aren't sleeping together every chance we get; which has unfortunately been less and less often."

Han matched her smirk and asked, "How's that going by the way? I can't help but wonder how it must be with our favorite Tatooine moisture farmer."

Mara laughed as she worked. "Not a conversation I'm having with his best friend, Solo."

"Come on, Mara - what else are best friends for but know all there secrets?"

"Then ask Luke."

Han burst into laughter at that, thinking of Luke trying to stammer and sputter his way through a conversation like that even if he was willing to have it at all. Mara laughed too. The farm boy would need some serious cajoling and most likely some alcohol to get him to talk about his and Mara's sex life. They worked on the Falcon for awhile, bantering and laughing together as they did. After an hour or so, they both straightened and wiped the grease, lubricant and other various fluids from their hands and packed the tools. Han was not a sentimental man. He usually mocked it in others too. Never the less he looked at Mara and a little awkwardly gave her a hug. "Thanks, Red. It helped a lot."

Mara chuckled as he let her go and said, "I'm glad it did. Now go find your princess, you scoundrel and kiss and make up or else Luke will be fretting and any chance of me getting any tonight will be gone."

Han burst into laughter. Just as they both walked down the ramp, Leia and Luke walked into the hanger. Mara sent Luke a quick thought through their mental link. We should leave them alone for a bit, Farmboy. Besides, I feel like I'm in the mood to celebrate.

Luke gave a quick, minuscule nod and gave his sister a gentle kiss before walking up and taking his lover's hand. They left the hanger, leaving Han and Leia alone together. Han scuffed his boots awkwardly as he continued to scrub her hands against the rag in his hands. Leia couldn't help but smile just a little. "Permission to come aboard, General?"

That helped to dispel the awkwardness. Han smiled and said, "Of all the people in this fleet, Sweetheart, you are probably the only one who doesn't have to ask for permission to come aboard my ship. Come on. I'll throw some caff or tea together or something and we can talk."

Leia nodded and took his hand, giving it a tentative squeeze. Han returned it affectionately as they went up the ramp. Over steaming cups of caff, they sat at the game table in silence for awhile. Finally, Han blurted, "I'm sorry that I didn't at least give you a heads up, Leia. I know I'm not that good at this whole political thing."

Leia reached across and took his large, callused hand in hers. "It would have helped. I DO agree with you, Han but after everything that's happened today, I just lost it and it wasn't fair that I took all my anxiety out on you. I'm so sorry."

Han took her hand in both of his and said, "I understand, Honey. I do."

They both gazed at one another in silence for awhile before Leia said, "In truth, I guess that there will never be a good time to bring Coruscant up. Next time you feel the need, find me first and I can at least work something out with you."

Han smiled and said, "I promise I will."

Leia smiled and whispered. "Thank you."

After a few moments of companionable silence, a smirk spread across Han's face and he said, "You know, we did just win a pretty significant victory. I'd be willing to bet everyone else is celebrating in some form or fashion."

Leia's eyes gleamed slightly as a small smile crossed her face. "You're probably right. How would you like to celebrate, oh great hero of the Alliance?"

Han shrugged, still smirking and said, "I dunno. I figured I'd leave it up to you - the esteemed councilor and Jedi Knight in training."

Leia's smiled broadened. Han was really being careful and trying his damnedest not to make an assumption but, especially after their argument and subsequent reconciliation, Leia felt herself flush a little with need. Standing slowly, gracefully, she offered Han her hand. Han stood and took it. Leia pulled him towards the ramp. "As much as enjoy making love to you on this ship, I feel the need for a cabin with a little more comfort."

Han nodded, his dark eyes sparking with want as he allowed her to pull him down the Falcon's boarding ramp. Before they reached the bottom though, Leia faced him, pulled herself close to him and kissed him, running one of her small, gentle hands through his hair. Quickly, the kiss became desperate and Han was contemplating dragging her back on board. Then, he noticed the Knight's Return sitting next to the Falcon. He knew for a fact that those cabins were fantastic - he and Lando and Chewie were the ones who had furnished them. "You don't think Luke will mind, do you?" asked Leia quietly. Han looked down at her and said, "Honestly, I don't much care at the moment, Princess."

He swept her up in his arms and sprinted for the ramp of Luke's freighter, Leia kissing his neck and cheek and ears as he ran, driving him to distraction.

Updated 07.27.2016