9: Off To The Races

Whatever the past; whatever the future. Leia cared about one thing and one thing only: The present, and Han was her present, so she gave all her energy and focus to him. Keep him alive, keep him safe and sound no matter what.

She didn't think about her father any more than was necessary, she didn't worry about anything other than making sure they weren't followed; and of course of making sure her boyfriend kept getting better.

They went from hospital to hospital, Han never complaining in the slightest. They spent few moments and gave fake names, paid and on they swiftly went. It was like that for days and days, and before Leia realized how, a month had passed.

It was crazy and depressive to think about her life, her current situation, but at last something was happening that proved effective to rid her of all woes. Han was actually getting better, the constant medical attention was working, not perfectly since they had been moving so much, but it was working.

He didn't grunt in pain every few minutes anymore, the scars were healing, were on their way of disappearing. He walked finely by himself. He wasn't pale and sickly-looking anymore. His old bitterness and resentment—which he thought he concealed really well—was actually leaving him. He made jokes, he smiled and laughed with Leia. They were together and more in love than ever, and uncertain and scary as the future looked, it also appeared very bright for two people so young and in love.

"Where to next, Sweetheart?" Han asked as they left a small hospital in New Mexico. The day was bright and hot, Leia felt the top of her head burn under the merciless Santa Fe sun.

No matter the heat, she wrapped her arms around him and prayed he wouldn't complain or push her away. He didn't. He responded even more affectionately by slipping his hands down her waist and pressing her against himself.

"I'm thinking somewhere cold now," Leia said, brushing away a few moist hairs from Han's forehead.

"I agree," he smiled. "I don't know what we were thinking coming to a fucking desert in the middle of July."

"Well, it's not like we had many choices," she grimly said. A surge of anger against Anakin attacked her, so she quickly resumed the subject. "So where should we go?"

They walked a few minutes in silence, then Han said, "How bout we go north? I really miss home, you know."

"That'd be too obvious, Han," she said, knowing she would disappoint him. "Someday maybe…"

"Okay," he erased his previous sadness from his face.

"Why don't we stop beating around the bushes and cross the border?" she finally asked; she had previously thought that was his plan.

"No," he quickly said and cleared his throat. "Well, it's just…"

"My father has that way covered, doesn't he?"

Han nodded. Leia gave a desperate sigh.

"All right…"

They dropped the subject altogether.

When they arrived to the airport, they just agreed they would take whatever destination was further from California. But since it was still summer, mostly every flight was to California and Florida and of course Las Vegas; both Leia and Han cursed under their breaths. This was getting harder and harder…

"Hey," Han suddenly said. "How about Minnesota?"

"There's no flight there, Han."

"No, but there's Nebraska and after that we could take a bus. What do you say?"

"Well, I doubt father—I doubt he would think to look for us there. I say that's a great idea!"

"All right then," he kissed her and they bought the tickets to Nebraska.

On the plane, Leia went through a few things on her purse; she pulled out a magazine and a map of the country. "What're you doing?" Han asked her.

"Just trying to get to know our next temporary home," she briskly said. "I need to know what hospital we'll be staying—"

"Actually," Han interrupted her, sudden seriousness on his face. "I don't think we still have to go from hospital to hospital. I feel much better, really. I should be getting on just fine with the medicine. Why don't you start looking for hotels?" he slowly whispered at her ear, mischievousness all over his handsome face.

Leia's sweet face turned scarlet, she nodded and nervously put away her things. She nestled deep into Han's chest, and with a smile they both fell asleep for the rest of the flight.


Anakin Skywalker slammed his fist onto his desk, causing everything to give a small jump in the air and then fall messily all around. "This is ridiculous!" he cried, his voice enraged and scary like thunder.

It really was. A month… An entire month had passed and his daughter had not come back. He had not heard from her, he had absolute no idea of what that scoundrel had done to her. His poor little girl! Sometimes he pictured her sleeping in a cheap motel room, crying hopelessly watching Solo bleed to death. But then, more put together, he remembered Solo had taken his wages. The bastard was loaded with money—with Anakin's own money! He couldn't possibly despise him more. As of lately he pictured Leia playing nurse in some hospital many miles away, and his stomach gave many nasty turns. Leia Skywalker… The princess of the house, attending that low-life criminal! Oh it made his blood boil! Where was she? Where did he take her? Where are they?! Where?! Oh was she all right? Did she eat enough? Sleep enough? She couldn't, Anakin was sure, not when she was dragging Solo, a man Anakin had almost successfully killed. Not to mention he took a small remembrance gift from Ms. Jade, the redheaded tramp finally was worth for something…

He had rewarded her for almost stopping Solo from escaping. Even though she was unsuccessful, she managed to give Solo one last wound. A knife to the heart, Anakin smiled. He ordered the movie studio company to give another lead to Mara. That at least kept her busy and away so Luke could be here with him helping him.

Luke. Anakin turned to see his son. He was so proud of him, really. He had been working hard not just on the getting Leia and Solo mission, but on the family business altogether. Anakin had thought Luke would never get involved. He was so innocent and sweet before, so wholesome and soft… Now, though… People obeyed the younger Skywalker as much as they did Anakin.

"I think they're heading to Mexico," Luke calmly said, ignoring completely his father's previous outburst. He removed the broken glass from the chair in front of Anakin's desk and sat there.

"Yes," Anakin nodded. "That's very probable. We should catch them easily then."

"Why?"

"I have people on both borders. They won't step outside this country without me knowing," Anakin smiled arrogantly.

Luke was silent for a moment. "Father," he then said. "Does Solo know you have people on the borders then? I mean, he used to work for you as a smuggler."

Anakin stopped in mid action as he was serving himself a drink. "Yes…" he slowly said. "Yes. He does."

"Then he wouldn't be stupid enough to go there, would he? He'd know he would be caught immediately."

Anakin groaned bitterly. "You're right," he said amidst clenched teeth. "Of course! How didn't I think of it!" again he smashed everything on his desk, Luke had to move slightly to avoid being hit by the telephone and a bunch of books. "Then I have no idea what to do next!" Anakin cried in despair.

"Calm down, Father," Luke said, standing up. "We have to think straight. So… Solo knows he can't leave the country. He has a criminal record so he can't fly outside either. He's just circling around the South to tip us off and get us to chase them to Mexico when really… He's going the other way."

There was a moment of silence and thinking.

"You said he was from New York?" Luke asked at long last.

"He wouldn't go there, Luke, I am sure."

"All right. Maybe somewhere else North?"

Again silence.

This time the silence lasted so long that Luke thought maybe they were done for the day. He was about to get up to leave, when his father spoke again. "Poor bastard," Anakin muttered with a sarcastic smile and begin laughing evilly.

Luke stared at him, shocked and confused. Though he was the only person with him, he was sure his father hadn't meant him. So… Was Anakin speaking by himself now?

"Um, Father, what are you—"

"Shhh," Anakin waved him off. He picked up the phone, which he had disconnected in his anger, and prepared to make a phone call.

"Who're are you calling?" Luke asked cautiously.

Anakin never lost his evil smile. "Just an old friend," he said, chillingly calm and fatherly like. It was at that moment Luke remembered his father was a criminal…

"Hello, old friend," Anakin said in his most friendly voice. "It's me. Oh come off it, you know. Anakin." There was speaking from the other line. "Alright," Anakin sighed even as he laughed. "General Skywalker. Got it? I'm gonna need your services again, Captain." Talking from the other line that Luke couldn't hear. "Yes, pal. Call ALL OF THEM. This is a most important mission… Rex, it's my daughter."


Han and Leia had been very much at ease, for once, while arriving in Nebraska. They had a quick meal and then took the bus to Minnesota. Foolishly happy and unaware of the danger that was coming their way.


Washington State always has held the most important, brave, sometimes corrupt and noble of people. Politicians, military… In his office, a war veteran and current secret service man, had just hung up his telephone, shaking with anger.

He had been friends with Anakin Skywalker for half his life, and though he hadn't seen the man in years, Rex Kamino would do anything for the former General.

Rex detested anyone who hurt innocents… And to think Skywalker's little daughter had been taken? He would move land and sea to find her, and the scoundrel who took her.

With the mafia and secret service people after them… How long could Han and Leia stay hidden?

By the next day, Rex and his brother Cody had people all up in the North, while Anakin had in the South…

"Excellent," Rex smiled at the crowd of suited men in front of him. They had showed him a black and white photo of Han Solo and young Leia Skywalker in an airport in Nebraska. "She looks older than I thought… I figured she was just a child… oh well."

"Who will we be sending?" Cody asked.

Rex stared at him as if he had not understood him. "We are, of course."


"Oh L'Étoile du Nord," Leia sighed pleasantly as she and Han walked around, twenty minutes after leaving the bus station.

"The hell does that mean?" Han asked, looking like he would love for Leia to speak to him in French the rest of the way.

Leia laughed. "The star of the north, honey. It really is beautiful, don't you think?"

"Beautiful, gorgeous," Han said softly, gazing deeply into Leia, lost in her charms.

They kept walking around the metropolitan area, hand in hand, careless of anything besides the other.

They stopped at a little café. A jazz band was playing, the romantic and sultry sound of the saxophone made Leia wish they had just gone to the hotel first thing.

"I like it so far. I think we can stay here for a while," Han said, passing a caressing hand over her cheek. "I'm thinking we should get a car."

"Okay, tomorrow we can—"

"I was thinking right now."

"Now?" That was the last thing she wanted to do.

"Yes, I can go and come back. Just stay here and keep drinking, enjoy the music," he kissed her slowly. "I'll get back for you in like twenty-thirty minutes. An hour at most."

She sighed. "All right," she didn't want to separate from him… but I guess I can handle one hour…

"I'll see you soon, Sweetheart."

"I love you."

Kiss goodbye.

She ordered another drink, wishing he was there next to her. There were a lot of couples inside the café, many kissed and forgot of prudency and decency.

Twenty minutes passed.

Thirty.

An hour.

Please come back, Leia's heart cried. Don't leave me again.

When two hours had passed and there was no sight of him, the waiter approached Leia. "Anything else?" he asked, he was young and handsome and had a very thick strong accent.

"No," Leia said. "Just the check please."

"All right," he smiled and the returned with the check. "Thanks. Sorry about your friend."

"What?" Leia blinked strongly, an awful feeling creeping into her.

"Well, stupidity is one horrible disease."

"Again… What?" She was so confused.

"Well, I figured he had to be stupid… Why else would he leave you alone for so long?"

Leia grinned, understanding. "He will be back," she said defensibly.

"Okay, you just don't seem like the kind of girl who waits around for hours for a man—"

"Listen you—"

"Cassian."

"Whatever. Thanks for your concern, but I'd really appreciate it if you just leave me alone!"

"I'm just trying to be nice."

"She doesn't like nice guys," a furious voice said behind them. Leia turned and saw Han standing there. Oh shit…

"It's fine, Han," she said, picking her purse and bags, pushing Han away from Cassian. "I already got the check so… Let's go."

"I can see you're no nice," Cassian muttered. Han dropped the bags and stood before him.

"What do you care?" he snarled.

"I care for her, I just think she can do better—"

"Listen, what she does is none of your business! Don't even look at her!" Han cried, grabbing Cassian's apron and manhandling him.

"Han, stop that!" Leia cried, distressed as everyone had turned to see them. We're supposed to be incognito, you fool!

"Have a bit of an anger problem, don't you, Han?" Cassian taunted. Leia wanted to slap both.

"Leia, get off me," Han said, his voice shaking with anger as she tried to free Cassian.

"Leia, that's pretty," Cassian smiled, and Han punched him hard in one eye.

People were screaming excited.

Han and Cassian were on the ground now, both punching, kicking and grunting angrily.

"Oh someone call the cops!" a woman yelled.

More excited people.

"Ten bucks to the big one," Leia heard a teen boy say. "Ten to the waiter," another one answered.

Leia didn't even bother trying to break the fight anymore, she knew it would be pointless. Two or three minutes then passed, and sirens were heard. Shit, stop, please!

"Han!" Leia pleaded. "Let's go!"

Han seemed to recover his senses, looking at all the attention he had drawn onto them. He got so distracted Cassian took advantage of it, and he kicked him and took him down.

As he fell to the ground, his jacket split open, and Leia saw that he was carrying a gun. She was sure she would pass out now.

"Han!" she got in the middle of the fight, Cassian had to stop his attacks but it had all happened so fast he accidently slapped her hard across the face. Against herself she moaned in pain. Han looked purple and dangerous. "Forget it!" Leia screamed, a hand on her eye. "Let's go now!" she had only her purse and a suitcase, Han grabbed another one and they escaped by the back door.

"This one," Han said, pointing to a black car.

"Seriously?" Leia frowned.

"Just get in."

About two blocks ahead, they heard sirens again. "Fuck," Han cursed bitterly.

"Way to go!" Leia exclaimed enraged. "If you wanted to get caught why didn't you just called my father—"

The sound of several police cars after them shut her up. Her own heart had dropped to her stomach and there was a loud savage ringing on her ears. She closed her eyes shut, wishing to be safe and away.

"Why the hell do you have a gun?" she asked as the car took several nasty and hasty turns. "Where did you even get it?"

"Is this really the time to argue?" Han grinned.

"You never want to argue!"

"And yet you always manage to bring an argument!"

"Honey, can you blame me for being a little stress out?" Leia screamed sarcastically.

"Hey, while we're at it, why the fuck where you talking to that waiter guy?"

"Well, you left me all alone… Did you really expect no one to approach me?" She said, not without arrogance and a wide smile.

"Still, did you have to talk to him—shit!" they had almost crashed, the car actually scratched another car that they left behind. Leia jumped in her seat.

"Han, there's a red light!"

"No shit," he passed it, almost smacked against a bus. "What'd you want me to stop?"

"Shut up."

She held onto her seat, they were going so fast now. He's gonna kill us! Leia thought. She was so frightened tears spring from her eyes.

"I can't bear to look," she muttered, her hands on her eyes though really she just wanted to clean her tears.

"I prefer if you don't look," he said. "And shut up," he murmured under his breath.

"I hear that!" she screamed.

"Oops!" he laughed. They were reaching a bridge. "Sweetheart, close your eyes!"

"Han I love you!" she said as a goodbye, sure that they were going to die.

Leia's eyes were closed under her palms. She was breathless and sweaty. The sound of sirens slowly faded till it was no more. She heard Han's heartbeat as well as her own. The car circled; Han cursed; Leia screamed. She heard the screeching of the wheels on the pavement, the car did a slight jump; she screamed again. The car stopped.

"Wheew," Han exclaimed. "That was fun. Want to do it again?"

Leia sighed… Relieved. "Jerk," she took off her jacket, feeling like she was burning. Han pulled her for a big kiss. "Oh well," she smiled and giggled. "C'est la vie…"

"What?" he questioned, delighted.

She giggled again. "Is this really the car you picked? Wasn't there anything flashier?"

"Be thankful I didn't go for a red sports car."

"And the gun…" she asked carefully.

"Later?" He neared her.

"Later…" she nodded and on they went looking for a hotel.