Bail didn't wish to wait until morning to talk to Leia about her evening. He climbed the stairs and knocked a little too roughly on Leia's bedroom door.

"Go away, Father!" Leia snarled from inside.

"Leia Ami Organa, open this door at once! We need to discuss what happened tonight."

The door whipped open to reveal Leia with a tear-streaked face. "You have made it perfectly clear your feelings about this evening," Leia spoke bitterly. "You obviously don't trust me out on my own. You don't trust me at all!"

Bail pushed his way into Leia's room and faced her. "You know that's not true, Leia. But you know how I feel about you flying."

"Honestly, I don't know how you feel about it! You've never told me why I can't fly. I'm in the Rebellion now, do you really think I can save the galaxy from here? Without ever leaving?"

In a gentler tone, Bail said, "There are many things to be done from base, you don't need to go traipsing around the galaxy."

But this only made Leia more upset. "I want to get out of here, be involved in the fighting, become part of the action. If I wasn't your daughter, you would treat me like any other recruit! Stop treating me like a princess!"

"But you are a princess, Leia! You are my daughter!" Bail lost control and continued shouting, "And you are a princess with a huge target on your back! You are well aware of your Force signature. I am so scared that one day you'll go out for a joyride in space and never come back because the Emperor found you!"

Leia took a slight intake of breath, her father's supposed irrationality making more sense.

"You are not safe out there. No one can protect you, not even Oliver," Bail said in a calmer tone. "I am so afraid for you. It takes all of my strength and trust to let you be in the Rebel Alliance."

Immediately, Leia ran up to her father and embraced him tightly.

"I'm so sorry, Papa, I didn't know. I would have talked to you first if I knew."

Bail smiled and pressed a kiss to the top of Leia's head. "I know you would have."

Leia stepped away from her father and said, "I need to be allowed to fight to my fullest abilities. Even if that means I have to leave Alderaan."

Solemnly, Bail nodded. "I know. Just give me some time to get used to it. You'll be part of the fight one day. You just have to be patient."

Leia reminded herself that patience was a virtue of the Jedi. Despite choosing a different path than the ways of the Jedi, she still wished to live a lifestyle resembling that of the wise Force-users. She was also pleased that she had been able to keep her emotions in check during her outburst.

Before Bail turned to leave, he asked, "My dear, how was your anniversary with Oliver? I deeply apologize for cutting it short."

Leia giggled and replied, "That's all right. It was magical. Perfect."

Bail kissed her on the forehead and said, "I am so glad you found him, Leia."

"Me too."


Oliver was practically shaking in his boots waiting for his meeting with Bail Organa. He had been so angry the night before, and Oliver feared the worst for his position in the Rebellion.

Soon enough, the viceroy's boots clinked on the tile floor as he approached his office.

"Come inside." He stated before entering his office. Oliver slunk inside behind him.

"Take a seat. We need to discuss your interactions with my daughter."

Oliver panicked and began apologizing immediately. "I'm so deeply sorry! If I had known you were against flying, I wouldn't have taken her-"

"I am aware of all of this, Oliver, calm down. Please, take a seat. You're not in trouble." Bail gestured to a chair in front of his desk.

Oliver nodded and slowly lowered himself into the chair. "What is it you wish to speak with me about?"

"When you first began dating my daughter, I requested that you take care of her. Do you recall?"

"Oh yes, sir. And I have, I swear!"

Bail chuckled. Was he really the formidable father figure this boy saw? "I know you have, and I am eternally grateful. You are the best boyfriend Leia could have-don't get cocky-and she is very happy. I feel safe when she is with you. Except for the other night."

Oliver lowered his head in shame.

"It's not your fault, you didn't know. All I wish to discuss with you is that it is more important now than ever that you watch out for her. I am planning on sending both of you on a mission."

Oliver's eyes lit up. "A mission? Why, thank you. Where?"

"Coruscant. The mission itself is not difficult. We have someone on the inside there, and all you need to do is collect some confidential documents from them. The trouble is, bringing Leia to Coruscant puts her in close proximity to the Emperor."

Puzzled, Oliver asked, "Then why send her? Why not someone else?"

"Because Leia is going stir-crazy merely staying on base. I need to show her that I trust her, and this mission is a simple way to do it. Just make sure she comes back in one piece, Oliver. Goodness knows she can protect herself, but I want you there for her in case something goes wrong."

"Of course. I'll protect her with my life. Always."

Bail stood and patted him on the shoulder. "I see I've chosen the right man for the job."

Oliver straightened up in his chair upon hearing the viceroy refer to him as a "man".

"Who is our contact?" Oliver queried.

"I actually have your old friend, Kira Akerei stationed there."

"Kira? I didn't know she joined the Rebellion. I wonder how that went over my head. And Leia's." Oliver scratched his head in astonishment.

"We sent Kira to Coruscant not long after she joined the Alliance. You probably didn't have time to bump into her."

"It will be wonderful seeing her again."

Bail wagged a finger in Oliver's direction. "But remember this is not a social call. Anyways, prepare your things and your ship. You both leave in two days."