I'm baaaack! Sorry for being so late, but I was at a summer camp for a month and didn't have any time at all to write. Hope this chapter makes up for it!\
Edit: Corrected a few things and added descriptions.
By the way: There's a time jump in the middle for a few months, because nothing interesting would have happened if I didn't put that there. ENJOY!
Disclaimer: Still don't own Star Wars but I wish I did. I only own my OC's :).
Chapter 10: A New Mission
"Well, 'princess', maybe you should rethink that order." Han glared at Leia in irritation; she'd been harassing him all day.
"Look, flyboy, I give the orders around here. If you don't like them, then leave!"
"Maybe I should. I got better things to do than hang around with you all day."
Serena rubbed her temples, attempting to rid herself of the headache that seemed to constantly plague her when the two of them argued. Han was upset that Leia ordered some of the Rebel supplies to be stored on the Falcon and so he began to argue with Leia...for about the hundredth time that day. Ever since it was announced that the Rebels would be leaving the base and relocating, Han and Leia began to argue again, about very small, irrelevant details. Serena envied Luke, as he was preparing the X-Wings for flight, and so he did not have to listen to the two bicker.
"Chewie, do you think they'll ever stop?" Serena glanced at the wookiee.
"Knowing both of them? No."
She sighed, "Didn't think so." She then stood up, "Listen! Han - get over it. Leia - go somewhere else. Just stop fighting, you're giving me a headache!"
The two paused, glared at Serena, but followed her advice. Leia left to prepare, but made sure to send some of the idle Rebels to continue packing supplies onto Han's ship. Han watched Leia walk away, a look of frustration upon his face.
"Han, what's the big deal? You can tell them to put their supplies in the smuggling holds. It won't be in the way."
"Sis, do you really want them to leave their junk in the Falcon?"
She rolled her eyes, "Just stop arguing with Leia. It's not helping." She walked away before Han could begin arguing for her. She had no patience for his actions today, and decided it would be best to avoid him for the rest of the day - at least until she would have to return in order to leave the soon to be abandoned base. Maybe Luke was finished preparing, and would chat for a bit.
As soon as the idea hit her, she began walking at a faster pace, nearly bumping into the many Rebels who still needed time to pack their few belongings. She hoped Luke was still near his X-Wing, or else she knew she would never find him in the great crowd of people now filling the hangar. She'd been spending a lot of time with Luke lately, which caused a lot of teasing on Han's part. She would deny that there was anything there other than friendship, but sometimes she wondered if there could be.
"Luke!" She called out, seeing the farm boy leaning against his X-Wing.
He instantly jumped up, and grew more alert. She laughed when she realized that he must have been asleep, "I don't know how you can be comfortable sleeping on that thing, farm boy."
He smiled, "You know me."
"Unfortunately." She smiled to take away the sting of the comment, "What do you think will happen now?"
"We'll go with the Rebellion and help them win this war." Luke's determination was clearly written upon his face.
Serena looked at him incredulously, "You really think we can win?"
His eyes hardened, "Yeah, I do. Don't you?"
"There's so many of them. The Imperials control almost everything. We're just a ragtag group of Rebels. We got lucky with the Death Star's destruction. Do you really think they'll be so careless again?"
"The Empire's always careless. I'm sure they think exactly like you, but they always forget that they have weaknesses, just like anyone else. I know we can beat them, you just have to have a little faith."
"I do...but I'm also realistic, and I think we're getting way to deep in this war."
"So you feel just like Han? Leave as soon as you get the reward?"
She looked as if she'd been slapped, "I want to help. I truly do, and I would like to stay. But I don't want to watch the Empire kill all of my friends, or let them touch my brother. Can't you understand that?"
He bowed his head, "I thought that you would want to stop them. After all you've already done for the Rebellion -"
"I didn't say that I was leaving. I want to stay and help. I just don't know how much help we'll all actually be in this war. What difference could we make?"
"You helped me destroy the Death Star! That's a huge difference, and a huge victory!"
"Like I said before - it was all luck, besides I didn't do anything. You're the hero, Luke. I was just with you when you did it."
"You helped." Luke argued, "Just because you didn't destroy the Death Star, doesn't mean you didn't do anything."
Serena was ready to counter, but paused, "Listen to us. I came here to get away from Han and Leia's fighting, and now I'm starting a fight." She chuckled a bit, "That's a little ironic."
"A little." Luke said, but he chuckled a little too, "I guess they're getting to us."
Before anything else could be said, Han ran up to the two of them, "Hey sis, it's time to go. The Rebels wanna clear outta here before any of the Imps show up."
She glanced at Luke one more time, "See you there?"
He nodded, but didn't respond. She watched him climb into his X-Wing and prepare to take off. She followed Han back to the Falcon, and sat down as Han also flew away from the soon to be abandoned base.
A few months later...
The Rebels were firmly settled in Dantooine. Leia thought that since the Empire recently inspected their old abandoned base, they would not think to re-inspect the base for a long while. Her plan proved to be well thought out, as the Empire did not search for the Rebels at Dantooine, and the scouts reported that they were searching on other worlds. Leia seemed particularly proud of her plan, especially since it was becoming more difficult to remain hidden from the Empire. The Imperials doubled their watches and security in the past months to ensure the Rebels were unable to destroy any more of their space stations or weapons.
Han, Serena, and Chewbacca remained with the Rebels, though Han constantly spoke of leaving. He never went through with his plans, though, and Serena knew that the princess was keeping her brother here, though Han would vehemently deny the claim as soon as Serena mentioned it. Serena also tried to ensure that Han would stay, because despite her words to Luke as they were leaving the base, she wanted to believe that the Rebels could make a difference, and she wanted to be a part of that change. She didn't know if it was possible, but the Rebels - and Luke, mostly - made her want to believe, and that was good enough for her.
Han was often sent on smuggling missions for the Rebels, and Serena and Chewbacca often accompanied the reckless smuggler on his missions. While they were not terribly exciting, the smuggling missions beat waiting at the base for any word on the Imperials actions. So far, the Rebels were growing restless because the Empire was leaving no openings for a possible attack. Han often complained about being offered the smuggling missions, but Serena knew he was grateful to have something to do other than sit and wait.
However, for the past week the Rebels didn't even need Han to smuggle weapons and supplies. There was absolutely nothing to do other than wait and hope that something would come up, because waiting often caused the Rebels to worry. Worrying would not help their cause, so they tried to keep themselves busy. The problem was that even when they were attempting to distract themselves, their thoughts often wondered back to the war. Serena hoped that Han would approach her and tell her to get ready to go on a mission soon, or else she knew that she would go insane.
Serena shook her head, determined to focus on the dejarik game she decided to play with Wedge in order to attempt to pass the time. She made her move, sighing when she instantly realized her mistake. Wedge quickly took his opportunity and sent his Mantellian savrip against her now helpless Kintan strider. He glanced up at her, "You okay?"
"What?" She flushed, "Oh, yeah. I'm fine. Just thinking too much."
"About...?"
She smiled at Wedge. He'd become a good friend in these few months, and he was a great Dejarik player. They both passed the time there too often to count, considering they had nothing better to do, unless Serena decided to accompany Han on his smuggling missions.
"Just how boring it is here." She smiled at him.
He laughed, "It's definitely not as exciting as before, but you'd be surprised. We're usually unoccupied here - those last few months were sort of special."
"How can you stand it?"
"You get used to it, but I've got to admit, it's never been this slow before. That's what we get for taking out the Death Star."
She laughed, and Wedge glanced back to their game. Serena had lost horribly that round, and there was no way she would be able to recover after her last move, "New game?"
She shook her head, "No thanks, I'm getting tired of losing to you all the time."
"You win sometimes."
"I'm just glad we don't place down bets. I'd be broke by now."
Wedge smirked, "Well, if you're up for it -"
"No, thanks. I'll pass. I like my credits right where they are."
"Spoilsport." He glanced around, "I'm gonna go and look for something else to do. See you around."
"Bye, Wedge."
He waved and exited the Falcon, leaving Serena alone to sit in boredom. She glanced around, hoping that she could think of something to do. She still wasn't used to staying in one place for so long, especially since Han had become a smuggler.
Han entered a few moments later, looking positively thrilled, "Mon Mothma wants to see us. Says it's somethin' important."
Serena instantly jumped up, "Anything's better than waiting here!"
He laughed, "You got that right. Chewie was going nuts waiting for somethin' to happen."
Chewie glared at Han, as the smuggler turned and led them to where he was told to meet. Serena giggled at Chewbacca's glare. Looks like Han was the one going nuts. He always blames Chewie. Serena rolled her eyes at her brother's antics.
Han led them into the conference room, where Mon Mothma and Leia were waiting for the three smugglers. There were a few other faces that looked familiar, but Serena could not name them. She did, however, know that they were important members of the Rebellion.
"Welcome, Captain Solo." Mon Mothma greeted Han formally. She smiled at Serena and Chewbacca, but made it clear that this business was mainly for Han.
"So what're we doin' here?" Han said after nodding in Mon Mothma's direction.
"I must ask if you would consider doing a...favor for the Rebellion."
"You mean like smuggling? I'm already doin' that."
"No," Mon Mothma glared at Han, "I need a discreet individual to help the Rebellion with this. Can you do that?"
Han smirked, "I'd like to know what I'm doin' first."
"Very well," She gestured to the princess next to her, "Leia, would you care to explain?"
"Of course," She stood up and approached Han, "One of our scouts has gone missing."
"And what does that have to do with me?"
"Han!" Serena hissed. She always hated when he tried to make things difficult by interrupting and questioning his employers.
"Everything. Our scout went missing on Corellia. I understand that you three know the planet well?"
Serena could just nod, and tune out the rest of the conversation. Corellia? She tried not to remember that place, and living in the dirty slums - or the Skids, as it was known to by Corellian residents - of Tyrena, a large city in Corellia. She hated that place and had no desire to return. Han, however, seemed to be considering the offer. Chewbacca remained indifferent, but that was only to be expected. The wookiee met up with them long after they left Corellia, and so did not understand Serena's dislike of the place.
"You may not have been aware of this, but Tyrena is a vital part of the Rebellion. We are able to recruit some of the more adventurous tourists who enter the city, and it is large enough that the Empire has difficulty locating the Rebels there. I believe that our scout decided to rest there, and that is when we lost him." Mon Mothma stated, matter-of-factly.
Han paused, and Serena was surprised he would actually consider returning to their former home. She hated that city, but the Rebels certainly did pick the right man for the job. She knew Han had discovered all of the twists and turns of the city, and he still knew where to find his old connections. What Mon Mothma and Leia failed to mention, however, were the stormtroopers located there, to 'keep the peace'.
After a long pause, Han looked up, "What's the pay?"
Serena saw Leia roll her eyes.
Mothma sighed, "I'm sure it will be sufficient for you, Captain Solo. Am I to take that comment as an agreement?"
"You've got a deal."
"Han, Corellia? What happened to 'never wanting to go back'?"
"Sis, they're payin' us a good amount of credits. It'll be an easy job."
She rolled her eyes, "That's what you always say, and then we end up running for our lives."
Chewbacca growled, "Stop this arguing."
"Alright, alright. Sorry, Chewie." Han raised his hands up, and then resumed preparing the Falcon for takeoff, "Sis, if you don't wanna go, then don't. But Chewie and I are."
She glared, "Oh no, I'm going. Without me, I know you'll do something stupid and need rescuing."
"Then quit complainin' and get in the ship!"
Serena sulkily entered the Falcon, followed closely by Chewbacca. The wookiee examined the young smuggler closely, she seemed highly agitated, "Is something wrong, Serena?"
She glanced up at the wookiee, and lied, "No...I just don't like the idea. That's all."
Chewie glanced at Serena suspiciously; he knew she was lying to him.
"Look, furball, I'm fine." She snapped, then deflated, "Sorry. I just don't wanna go back. I can barely remember that place, but what I remember isn't good."
"Han knows what he is doing. You will be fine." The wookiee placed a hand on her shoulder in reassurance, "I will also be there if there is trouble."
She smiled, "Thanks, Chewie."
Chewbacca then entered the cockpit, leaving Serena alone. She sighed, but she still couldn't get rid of the bad feeling she'd been having ever since Mon Mothma introduced the mission. Maybe she was just being paranoid, but usually her instincts were right. She knew Han wouldn't listen to her, but that was why she had to go. Han was reckless, and she had to make sure that he would be alright.
"Hey!" She heard a loud voice, and instantly recognized it as Luke's. She glanced around, then realized he must have been calling out to Han. Serena moved closer to the entrance ramp and listened to their conversation.
"Hey, kid. What're you doing here?"
"I saw you prepare to leave. Mind if I come along?"
"Why would you wanna do that?" Han turned to face Luke, "It's gonna be a pretty easy mission."
"It beats sitting around here with nothing to do."
"Ain't that the truth. Alright kid, get on. We're leavin'!"
Serena smiled at the thought of Luke accompanying them. She hadn't been able to see him much in the last few months, and so it would be good to work with him. It would also be good to have another pair of eyes looking for the scout. It might take a while. What she didn't admit, though, was that she was just glad to see Luke, and hoped that Luke was just as happy to see her.
He entered the Falcon, "Hey, Serena." He smiled, "It's been awhile."
She returned his smile, "Yeah. So you're coming with us?"
"Obviously," He smirked, "Couldn't you tell?"
She rolled her eyes, and playfully pushed him away, "I just can't get rid of this bad feeling I have about returning to Corellia."
"From what I've heard of, Corellia's not a bad place to live."
"You've never been to the Skids."
"The Skids?"
"Sorry," She mumbled, "I forget that people out here don't know what the Skids are. It's where I grew up. It's a pretty rough place, and for some reason I just have a really bad feeling about returning."
"It'll be fine. What's the worst that could happen?" Luke attempted to reassure her, and entered the cockpit, where she assumed Han and Chewbacca were about to take off.
She sighed, "I always hate it when people say that. The worst does tend to happen around us."
Sorry! I know it's not that long, but it's sort of a bridge into the next part, which I hope will be longer. I just wanted to hurry and give you guys a chapter, since I know that this one was waaay late. Hope you guys are having a great summer! :) If you have time, send me a review and tell me how I'm doing! Feedback is essential to helping me improve! :)