I didn't want to leave you hanging too long from that last short chapter, so here's the next one.
While seated at the shuttle, a very young and local New Republic officer who had been assigned to the detail at the landing and was escorting the group, took it upon himself to point out a few landmarks as they passed. Viceroy Bail Organa's mind was elsewhere. He had been delighted to see his daughter finally, however, he was a bit dismayed that she was not here with him. He really didn't understand it, and imagined that they would have some time together shortly after arriving in Hanna City. He knew it would be an adjustment for himself, returning to civilization, seeing his daughter who had believed to be dead and catching up on years of, well by this point, history, both hers and the galaxy. What he didn't expect was for her to suddenly, after hugging him and a brief emotional reunion, tear into her husband for what seemed to be a trivial matter. Was there some marital discourse between the two? Was there something else he didn't know going on? She just didn't seem to be the person he had left so many years ago. Leia, while at times prone to anger and occasional deviousness, was usually the picture of calm, diplomacy, and at times, very warm and cordial. At least as he had known her. He did remember a time or two when she got very angry at a guest for their political policies at a dinner party some years before where she would display such passion, but it was usually involving social justice or a disagreement about what was right. As he drifted off into his thoughts, Evaan gave him a nudge.
"Are you all right, sir?" She said with concern, "I know this must be a bit overwhelming."
"Yes, thank you. Yes, it is overwhelming, but what really concerns me is Leia. She seemed a bit odd at the docking bay, she greeted me warmly, but then started fighting with Captain Solo, and it seemed like a trivial matter," Bail answered her very quietly.
"I don't really spend a lot of time with her, but in the past few days, she seemed to be a bit on edge. From what I know about her, I'm really surprised at her reaction myself, but she isn't one to just sit around and take things lightly," Evaan replied, "I was with her after the Battle of Yavin, and my first impression of her reaction was how cold she seemed. I had known your wife, sir, and it had upset me how she seemed to have no reaction to the loss of Alderaan, or in fact, the loss of both the Queen and yourself. It really did offend me and I let her know that. She had lost everything and pretended as if it was nothing. As I got to know her though, I realized she cares more than she let's on. After I had confronted her on it, she immediately went into action to help displaced Alderaanians against the wishes of High Command, I might add. She poured herself into doing something for them. After the destruction of Alderaan, all Alderaanians not in service to the Empire were suspect as traitors and it was a dangerous time. In fact, that was how I came to know her, and came into this particular station. I was a pilot for the Rebellion and one of the few survivors at the Battle of Yavin just prior to that," Evaan explained.
"Ah, I see," The Viceroy nodded.
The New Republic officer who was sitting next to the Viceroy Organa spoke up and addressed him, "If I may interupt, I don't know how well you have known the Princess, sir, but I've served with her before a few times. I have been at the docking bay on occasion while she waited as part of her regular detail. Major Bren Derlin, by the way," He offered his hand, "I don't usually like to talk out of turn, I have always had a great respect for Princess Leia. A few years back, I worked with her on a daily basis. I had been the deck officer on the planet Hoth, maybe two and a half, three years ago was it? Have you ever been there? Coldest place I have ever been, and I worked in the hanger where the ships came in and out. I just shiver thinking about it. Anyway, she was often there as well in the hanger directing the pilots and going over supply logs, she being one of my commanding officers, really. She seemed to have the weight of the galaxy on her shoulders and she held it well. They often called her the 'Ice Princess' and not because it was very cold planet."
"Ice Princess?" Bail said stunned.
Major Derlin laughed, "Yeah, but I suppose when you send pilots out or crews out and not knowing what was going to happen to them, if they came back at all, it wasn't such a bad way to be, but understand I could tell she did care. She had just lost so much. There were very few she was actually very friendly with. General Rieekan a bit, he sharing some of the responsibility of the base, I suppose."
"General Carlist Rieekan? Yes, I remember him well," Bail answered.
"Oh you served in the Rebellion? Anyway, as I was saying, she might laugh a little with some of the Rogue Squadron on occasion, but usually she kept her distance emotionally. Everyone treated her with respect and grace. After all, she was a princess. Maybe that was part of it, I don't know, the whole being their superior and her being royalty. She was young though, and thinking back, that had to be lonely. But see, there were exceptions. Commander Skywalker always called her by her first name, never by her title, probably because of his background being from some backwater outer rim place, he wasn't military prior to joining the rebellion from what I know. I actually knew Commander Skywalker pretty well. I knew they were close, and she often sat at mess with him, and she was always hugging on that wookiee, I don't know what he called her, I didn't understand him at all, I guess the wookiee was safe, he looked kind of intimidating, but he was a big softy really. Then there was Captain Solo. He called her all kinds of names, mocking her and she would get all upset and yell at him. He wasn't even an official member, so I suppose he was in a position to get away with it. He was a free agent at that point, I don't know why he was hanging around, maybe because it was a good place to hide from people he owed money to? That's what everyone on Echo Base said anyway. Often said he would say he was going to leave, but really never did. They didn't pay him much, I know, because I did part of his compensation as part of my job. Many times he took repairs to his ship as payment. He would take dangerous missions, too. But he really didn't care about the Rebellion much, even though he did join at some point. Her yelling at him all the time though became a thing see, and sometimes she even smacked him. They were always arguing. At first, it shocking and amused us, but after a while it became so common, it became part of the background noise. Seeing that today, reminded me of that time in Hoth."
"She did this in public, in front of her troops?" Bail said puzzled.
"Oh yeah, she sure did. It was the only time she really broke her demeanor." Derlin explained.
"And they were a couple? At that time?" Bail asked.
"No, I don't think so, in fact she really made it a big point that she could not stand him, even though you could tell that wasn't true. I mean, she would make it a point to meet his ship when he went out on runs and such. And they hung out a lot. Often went on the same missions. I think she was covering up the fact she liked him so much. Don't get me wrong, we all loved her. She would get worried when sending any of the pilots or troops out, you could tell she felt it when they left, but that distance she kept, I imagine it was because of what happened with Alderaan. One of them died or went missing, she'd write a personal letter to send back home, but she wasn't really close to many. She did care for every one. I just think she took everything bottled up out on Captain Solo because she could and he would let her. Between you and me, I think he liked it. I imagine whatever you saw out there was her venting about something bigger than whatever she was arguing about. Well, looks like we're here! Say, where you all from?" Derlin asked.
"They are refugees, I'm just giving them a helping hand," Evaan spoke up before anyone could say anything else, "We'll be in touch if we need anything. Thank you."
"You can usually get a hold of me at the docking bays, if there's anything you need, let me know. The Princess asked me to make sure specifically that everything is to be taken care of. See, she cares, she let me know this is a special priority. Just ask for Major Derlin."
Mon Mothma's home, was very large. Designed from her time as a member of the Senate, she was used to having dignitaries stay so it had included guest quarters for several people and she kept a staff on hand. It had only been recently renovated, as during the Rebellion her home had been abandoned and occasionally ransacked, though those loyal to her would often handle upkeep when they could posing as squatters. During the time that Chandrilla had been used as the capital of the New Republic, she had her home restored to some extent, and while it wasn't a palace, it was a comfortable place and would have plenty of room for staff and guests. The capital had since moved to Nakadia, but Mon Mothma still wished to use the home as her primary residence during recesses of the government and as an office while away from the capital and as a retreat on her home planet. Viceroy Bail Organa himself had previously been a guest, and she wondered to if he would feel comfortable in a home he had once visited previously.
Evaan and the house staff showed everyone to their rooms, and Evaan Verlaine explained that she would be staying there as well with her staff to oversee any needs the group may have. A basket of toiletries were waiting in each room, as well as robes and lounge wear for the group. It was after they had some time to bathe and dress, that a medical droid arrived to give them medical examinations. Emile protested that she felt fine and that they had barely had time to relax when the very aggressive droid insisted on giving each individual an exam. Even though they had been fending for themselves and living off of what nature had provided for them and what little provisions they had on their ship, they were remarkably all fit and healthy for the most part. The fact that good food was ample and frequent necessary exercise with every day chores probably helped to that effect. Tibor only having a bit of high blood pressure and the Viceroy having only minor arthritis. Emile, who usually was quite happy and positive came out of her examination a bit distressed and flustered. She assured everyone she was all right. Shortly after, a tailor arrived to take measurements for new clothes for the group, and also a masseuse arrived to get each guest a massage.
Tibor joked, "I haven't gotten this much attention since that brothel on Coruscant!"
Instead of laughing the others just gave him a look of shock, then smiled.
"Captain Tibor, really. If I had any idea at the time.." The Viceroy started to say with a tad bit of judgment.
"Bail, it could be a long wait sometimes and a man does gets bored, not like I had anyone waiting at home," Tibor laughed.
Bail just gave his knee a pat and laughed.
A meal was prepared for the group by the staff, and it included many local Chandrillan delicacies. The food was a bit rich and Emile found herself picking at it, and the others, while enjoying it, found it a bit too much. Even the Viceroy who some years before would be served all kinds of delicacies from many worlds at dinner banquets, balls and galas, found it to be a bit too exciting after having been away from that sort of thing for so long, and this being only a quiet dinner.
A short time after the meal, Han Solo arrived with some clothes for the Viceroy.
"Hey, um, Bail, I'm getting you out of here, I knew they wouldn't have new things for you, but I figured this might be around your size. I'm sure it's not your style, but it's better than that robe you're wearing or that other thing you had from the refugee box," Han said.
In his hands was the most garish shirt Bail Organa had ever seen. It looked like someone's beach wear. Bright blue with white flowers printed all over it. The pants were basic, but probably something someone might use for exercise. There were also a pair of beach sandals. The expression on the Viceroy's face was one of wonderment. Still, it was an offer to get out, perhaps he might even get to see Leia as well.
He stopped again to look at the shirt, then looked again at Han, then the shirt and said, "Ah. All right. Will I get a chance to see Leia, perhaps?"
"Let's just get you dressed," Han said, "The rest of you, well, I'll make it up to you."
Evaan stepped in, "I have some things I want to go over with them, you can go ahead. If that is all right with the rest of you? You aren't prisoners, after all, and I promise you won't be stuck in this house. We'll get you out in the city if you like. There's even a beautiful courtyard out back you are welcome to use."
Emile, Boyo and Tibor just shook their heads, but soon found themselves smiling as the Viceroy came in with his new outfit.
"You look, how should I put this, festive, sir," Emile laughed.
The Viceroy grinned, a bit uncomfortable, but still amused.
"Hey, I know it's not the best choice, but no one who would recognize you would even know who you are. You might want to wear these as well," Han said handing him some sunglasses, "I have a speeder outside. Whenever you're ready, we can go."
They hopped into Han's speeder and Han started to race through airways. The Viceroy, who was known to speed through Coruscant often back in the day, was a bit unnerved as Solo seemed to take chances he himself would never take. He really thought that jogan fruit stand was going to get knocked over. The traffic was a bit heavy, and Solo seemed to make his own route as he went, weaving and bending through the traffic with Bail Organa holding on for dear life. They started to slow down on a quiet corner in front of a caf shop.
"This is the place. It's generally pretty quiet this time of day, but they have some of the best tea in the galaxy," Han told the Viceroy as he gave him a slap on the back.
It really wasn't what Bail Organa was expecting. He almost thought that Han was going to take him to his home, but they got out of the speeder and walked into the shop. There were not any customers, but right away a female Quarren came out and and greeted Han with a smile.
"Sit right down, Captain Solo and stay a while, who's your friend? Haven't seen you here before?" She said as she wiped down a table.
"He's just from out of town, just visiting you know. You have any of that special mix of tea? You know the one," Han asked her.
"I'll put a package of it together for you, be right back," the Quarren answered.
"No, I want you to make a cup for my friend here, if you don't mind. Sure, wrap some up and I'll take it home, too, but make a cup here for my friend. I'll take a caf too if you don't mind, you know how I like it," Han requested as he settled into his seat and motioned for the Viceroy to sit down.
"Sure thing, be back in a bit," she said as she went behind the counter.
"I think you're going to like this tea," Han told Bail.
"This is not what I expected, to be taken out for, ah, tea," Bail said a bit confused.
"Just trust me, all right," Han said waving his hand.
As the Quarren cafe owner came out with the drinks, Han said to Bail, "Now, I want you to brace yourself a moment, and close your eyes," she set the tea on the table under the Viceroy and Han said, "now, take a breath in deep and tell me what you smell."
Bail took a deep breath and took in the smell of the tea. It did remind him of something, and it took him a moment to place it. He opened his eyes and said, "It smells like starblossom fruit."
"That's what Leia said. Only there isn't anymore starblossom fruit anywhere. This lady here she can do wonders with different plants and she put that together for her when she started coming here, knowing who she is and all. Anyway, I hope it didn't make you upset, just thought you might like it," Han said quietly.
Bail took a sip and was surprised that it actually did taste a bit like starblossom fruit. It was sad in a way, but it was also a bit of a comfort to taste something that reminded him of his youth. They didn't talk much in the cafe, and they didn't stay long. After the tea, Han grabbed the box of tea the Quarren barista packed up for him, and off they went again to the speeder.
"Han, I'm sorry, but I need to know where you are taking me next," Bail asked.
"We're going to my ship," Han answered.
"I was hoping to get to spend some time with Leia. I mean, I did enjoy the trip to the cafe, but you have to understand that I haven't seen her for five years and I didn't get so much more than a hello," Bail said with a sigh.
"Oh, she's there at the Falcon, she went home, got the kid, and came back. She's having a hard time is all, it's not you, it's the fact that she thought you were dead, understand. And that other thing. This other thing we can't discuss, you know. Just get in," Han replied.
Bail got into the speeder with a bit of hesitation. "Can you not drive so fast?"
Han just laughed and took off.
As they got to the docking bay, Han sent a comm to Leia that they were coming and then headed in. The ramp was lowered and they walked up and Leia was sitting there with her arms crossed and a half smirk on her face when she saw how her father was dressed.
"Is this what you thought would be suitable clothing?" she said.
"Well, no one would recognize him if they remembered him. Not that they would be looking for him anyway. See, I knew you would like it," Han responded.
"It's ridiculous," and she laughed really hard.
The Viceroy laughed as well, and then the both of them had a laughing fit with tears in their eyes.
"I knew it was a suitable outfit, you didn't trust me. It was absolutely perfect if you ask me," Han said smugly.
The Viceroy went to sit next to Leia at the holochess table and hugged her still laughing and she was still laughing, too. Maybe it was the best thing to wear.
"You look like a resort tourist!" Leia laughed some more.
Han took the package of tea and put it in the kitchen then walked back towards the two of them coming out of their laughing fit.
"I'll just leave the two of you here for a while, and I'll be back to pick you back up in a bit. I put a passcode on the controls, so no taking off in the ship now, you hear me?" Han said laughing and leaving the ship.
"When I thought he was bringing me back here, I thought he was going to take me somewhere else and drop me off on another planet," Bail said still laughing, "Maybe even back to that moon where he found me."
Leia still laughing said, "I'm sorry about earlier. I just needed some time."
"It is strange. I did believe you were dead as well," Bail answered with the laughter subsiding, "I heard the holonews before we crashed."
"I can't believe Han made you wear that," Leia answered.
"It may have been the most appropriate outfit after all," he answered.
"You might be right, father, but don't tell him that it will go to his head. Stay right there, I want to show you something."
Leia went into the cabin where she had the carriage and rolled it out into the lounge, "I think he's still sleeping. He's an absolute angel."
"I'll try not to wake him up," Bail said as he looked into the carriage, "He's so sweet sleeping there."
"You can hold him later, I'm going to put him back in there until he wakes up. When he does, believe me, you will hear it," she laughed taking the carriage back into the cabin and shutting the door.
"So, Mon Mothma is the chancellor? I never thought the day would come that the Emperor would be no more. It just seems so incredible that the Rebellion was successful. When I left, it was at a time when the situation was so dire, yet here we are," the Viceroy said with amazement.
Leia took his hands and held them. She said, "Oh, wow, your hands, they are so rough!"
"So are yours, little girl, so are yours," he replied and they hugged each other again, "Why did you want to meet me here?"
"I'll show you my apartment eventually, you can even stay there if you like. We keep an extra room, as Luke stays there when he's in town. I had trouble contacting him, but he did finally leave a message. He's going to try to visit soon, he does so want to meet you, and he does have some questions," Leia said, "I wanted to meet you here because I thought it would be more comfortable. It's hard to explain really."
"What you said about being comfortable on the ship. Han told me that this was what he thought was his home, this ship and the people he cared about, not his home planet," Bail told her.
"This was the first place I felt safe after leaving the Death Star," she answered, "I would have gone out fighting, tried to take out a stormtrooper or two, maybe even Tarkin if I could. Oh, by the way, he's dead as well. Died when they blew it up. I thought I was done. Already dead. Then Luke came in and let me out of that cell. They didn't have any plan, but somehow we all got out, and once we got in here, there was a chance again. It wasn't the last time either. That's why I wanted to meet you here instead of the apartment. I should have when you arrived. I don't think I was ready. I'm sorry, you of all people I shouldn't be afraid to see. It's just that, things are different, in a lot of ways," Leia spoke and then let out a big sigh, "I don't really want to talk about the war right now."
"I understand, and I'm sorry about some of the secrets I didn't share before. You have to know that it was important for your safety," Bail explained.
"Father, I don't even like to think of that. I just have to push it out of my mind. Now, Luke, that's another matter. He's going to have questions. I don't want to know. I don't even want to think about that monster. You have no idea the things he did to me," Leia was starting to get angry in her voice as she spoke.
"No, I don't know everything. Han just said a couple of things, but they sounded so outrageous I thought he might be exaggerating," Bail said.
"Oh, I am sure what ever he said wasn't an exaggeration, but a toned down version! Just stop, I don't want to go there right now. I don't want you to leave," she said.
"Oh, I don't intend to leave," He said trying to comfort her.
"I will ask you to leave if you keep asking me to talk about this."
"Do you mind if I go make some tea?" Bail asked and he walked to the kitchen.
Leia put her head on the holochess table and sighed.
