Mergers and Acquisitions
by suezahn
Disclaimer: All characters depicted herein are the property of Lucasfilm, Disney, etc. My only profit is in the form of readers' feedback. Please be generous!
Note: This story was originally written in 2000 and has now be revised and updated for consistency with the rest of the Kismet series. Please note that the OC name Kristin Aldritch = Keris Aldric now. I decided the old name was too "Earthy."
The original story was awarded STAR aWARdS Best Long Story 2000.
A very special thank-you to my lovely proofreaders: Erin Darroch and Marjorie Joyce.
Chapter 11
Leia had never felt freer. She couldn't remember a time when somebody—a guardian, a courtier, or some well-meaning busybody—wasn't watching over her shoulder, telling her what she should do or trying to influence her decisions. Today, however, her spirit rode on a tide of liberation that had crested with an unquestionable success.
During their negotiations, the Lacostia representative had not only been enthusiastic and sympathetic to her cause, but he'd ultimately backed up his words with a promise to "mislay" enough Bacta and other medical supplies to keep the entire organized rebellion stocked for years to come. This would not only improve the Rebels' health and morale, but it would free up existing funds for other much-needed military supplies.
She wanted to share this triumph with someone but there was only one other person within one hundred parsecs who would understand or care.
Leia repressed her urge to run to the closest transport station at the edge of the park. She maintained her casual gait as she neared the private cab depot. She didn't have to wait long before the sleek craft pulled to a stop in front of her. She climbed in, inserted her hotel card, and settled in for the scenic tour. Watching out the windows of the cab as she passed into the private residence district, Leia reflected on what she'd just accomplished in the park.
Her chest swelled with such excitement, pride, and happiness, that she felt she might burst. It worked! This was the first real glimmer of hope she'd seen since the battle above Yavin IV well over a year ago. If only her father had survived to see this day.
Still basking in her success, she sank further into her seat and closed her eyes.
