Early afternoon, in a small village on Carida.

"Stupid, stupid, shuttle," Wedge groaned. "Now we're stuck two hundred klicks from Keime. Engine trouble? Good stars, don't these people know how to run a public transportation system?"

"Calm down," Luke said with a shake of his head. "We can go see if there are any rental hovercrafts available."

"In this dump of a town?" Wedge replied. "How can anybody live in the middle of nowhere? How do they earn money?"

"Renting hovercrafts to stranded tourists?" Luke laughed.

"If there's a rental place, it's in cahoots with the shuttle company," Wedge griped. "If we ever catch up with Solo, I'm going to kill him. I don't care if he does have a Wookiee with a life-debt for a best friend. Chewie will understand - maybe he'll even help me."

"It's possible Han has a really good reason for coming here," Luke said, trying to keep his expression serious. "Besides, he doesn't have any idea we're following him."

"Remind me again. Why are we following him?"

"Leia asked us to."

"Oh," Wedge mumbled. "Well, that's a good reason."


"Now, here's the plan," Lando informed a still steaming Solo as they headed toward the apartment complex of the deceased artist several hours later. "Once the lawyer shows us the paintings, I'll pick out one of the landscapes and ask to see it in a different room. Different lighting and all.."

"Lando, sometimes you worry me," Han grumbled.

"Don't interrupt. Where was I? Oh, yes. Lighting. Anyway, I'll distract the lawyer, and you can cut your nudie picture out of the frame real quick...and then fold it up and stick it in your shirt..."

"Lando?"

"What?"

"What if there's more than one person in the apartment?"

"I'll think of something. At the very least we can case the place and come back tonight and steal it, if we have to. I guess."

"Lando?"

"What?"

"The picture... is really big. I don't know if I can fold it up and hide it in these idiotic clothes I'm wearing. Maybe we should take some corrosive chemicals, and just dump them on the painting. That would work."

"No, it's too big of a risk. What if the chemicals got on us? Anyway, how big is the picture?"

Han paused, trying to remember the dimensions. "Oh, about two meters high and just about as wide. Maybe a little bigger."

That left Lando speechless for a moment. "Why didn't you say so earlier?"

"You didn't ask."

"What kind of stupid excuse is that? 'I didn't ask?'" Lando snapped.

"I had no idea what your stupid plan was until right now," Han yelled back, ignoring the strange looks on the faces of the people passing by. "Why am I always the stupid one?"

"Who, exactly, posed for the picture, may I ask?" Lando replied calmly, not looking at Solo as he kept walking.


Coruscant

"Winter, will you look at all these presents?" Leia said despairingly to her best friend. "I can barely move around in my apartment anymore."

"They certainly are coming in fast," Winter agreed with a nod. Then she turned and smiled at Leia. "I guess this just shows how well loved you and Han are with all the people in the galaxy."

"Well loved?" Leia asked tightly. "Or well bribed - one or the other. In any case, I know someone who's walking on thin ice when it comes to being well loved with me."

Winter laughed. "You still love him, don't try kidding yourself. Besides, it's been only a little over four days. Didn't his note say he'd be back in a week?"

"I'm going to die in an avalanche of boxes before the week is up," Leia groaned out. "The only good that can come out of this is that I'm going to have Han groveling for at least two months to get back on my good side."

"See?" Winter said cheerfully. "There is always a bright side to things."


Cardia

Eventually, Luke and Wedge located a hovercraft rental business. And although the businessman wanted an exorbitant price for renting an ancient, barely functional speeder, Luke gently convinced him to lower his price.

"I didn't know you were allowed to use the Force in price negotiations," Wedge said as he climbed into the passenger seat.

"Extenuating circumstances," Luke replied lightly. "Besides, we don't have those kind of credits to waste on this dump of a speeder."

"How long until we get to Keime?"

"I'd guess about four hours, unless this thing breaks down."

"Yep," Wedge said as he settled into his seat. "Solo's dead."


Lando Calrissian pressed the buzzer at the outside of the apartment building at precisely four in the afternoon. A mechanical voice answered, "May I help you, good sirs?"

"Yes, you may," Lando replied smoothly. "My name is Francharro D'Ogistenni, and this is my friend, Rikky. We have an appointment in apartment 4209 with Attorney Phisbelle."

"Just a moment," the droid replied.

The gambler glanced over at Solo, who was standing with his arms folded tightly across his chest with a scowl plastered on his face. "Rikky, remember... smile."

Han bared his teeth at Calrissian in an expression that was anything but a smile. "How's this?"

"Never mind. Just look pleasant, anyway. Can you manage that?"

"Probably not," Han mumbled under his breath.

"Sirs?" the droid came back on the intercom. "You may enter. Please go directly to the elevator and it will take you automatically to the correct floor. Please do not deviate from your destination, or security will be contacted."

"Thank you very much," Lando replied as the gate swung open to admit them.

"Friendly place," Han remarked sarcastically as they entered.

"Rich people live here, Rikky," Lando replied, unconcerned. "They can afford to keep out the riff-raff."

"Well, that would be me," Han remarked with a smirk.

They did as the droid instructed them, and entered a fancy elevator that opened as they approached it, automatically closing behind them. Solo and Calrissian rode in silence up to the fortieth floor, and then headed left after reading the direction sign. They stopped in front of a double door with the number written in gold lettering. Lando pressed the buzzer, and they waited to see who was behind the door.


Coruscant

"Leia?" Winter asked her best friend as they waited for a caterer to bring them samples of desserts.

The Princess was sitting with her eyes shut, trying to relax. Never, in a million years, did she think it would take this much work, this many decisions, to put together a wedding. "Yes, Winter?"

"If you want me to, I could open some of the presents, just to get them out of the way," Winter offered. "Then at least you'd have room to walk through the living room."

Leia opened her eyes and frowned. "Then Han would be getting out of his chore. His one chore."

"I'd leave the majority of them for him to open," Winter smiled. "It would help calm your nerves if you could sit on the sofa."

"It would calm my nerves to be able to see the sofa. I'm thinking of using the boxes for chairs."

"Well? Do you want me to start organizing the gifts?"

"I guess," Leia sighed in defeat. "I'm going to kill Han when he gets back."


Carida

"I told you that land speeder was garbage," Wedge snapped. "My feet are killing me. How many klicks have we walked?"

"Only about ten," Luke replied evenly, trying to hold in his own temper.

"Ten!" Wedge yelled. "No wonder. I need sleep, Luke. We haven't slept in two days."

"Would you please stop complaining," Luke snapped back. "I'm not having any fun, either, you know."

Wedge walked in silence for almost fifteen minutes before he said, "How many more klicks before we get to Keime? I'm not complaining... just asking."

"I think about five more. We should be there in about an hour."

"I hope that's enough time."

"Enough time?" Luke asked. "For what?"

"To beat that really big storm that's coming up over the horizon."


Attorney Phisbelle opened the door. "Come in, gentlemen." A professional-looking, very attractive woman stood further inside the room. She was perhaps in her late thirties, short, curly dark hair, conservatively dressed, and she watched warily as Lando and Han entered the room.

Immediately, Lando's eyes lit up and he gave her his most winning smile... until he remembered 'Rikky', and forced himself to appear disinterested. It wasn't an easy task. "Ah, such a lovely lady!" Lando looked away from her and directed his attention to Phisbelle. "Is this your wife?"

The lawyer frowned and replied, "No, this is my law partner Miss Marrisa Nolton. She is actually the one handling the sales of the remaining artworks. Miss Nolton, this is Mr. D'Ogistenni, and his, uh, friend."

"You can call me Franc." Lando stepped toward her and stuck out his hand.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. D'Ogistenni," the woman answered without smiling briefly shaking his offered hand. Miss Nolton hadn't missed Lando's admiring appraisal of her appearance, which she found rather odd, considering Rikky was standing right there.

"Yes, well," Lando said as he took in the large apartment. Several landscapes hung on the walls of the living area, as well as the attached dining area. "Are these paintings available?"

"Yes, except for the one in the library," Miss Nolton replied with her most professional tone. "The artist has six pieces hanging throughout her apartment, and there were ten more in the vault. We have placed those ten paintings on easels in the studio so you can view them better."

"Thank you." Lando bowed dramatically. "We would appreciate a tour."

Han had been hanging back, watching this exchange without drawing attention to himself. With his puffed eyes and swollen nose, he hoped the two lawyers would not associate him with the model in the painting, but Lando's brief flirtation worried him. He was certain Miss Nolton had noticed Lando's look of approval, and he was afraid she would now be suspicious of their motives. This lady was sharp, and if anyone could see the resemblance between the model and 'Rikky', Solo worried it would be her.

The lawyers led Solo and Calrissian on a tour of the apartment, pointing out the large landscapes hanging in the library, bedrooms, as well as giving them ample time to look at the paintings in the living/dining area. Although Lando had seen Polainse's work before, he still was truly impressed. He turned to his hosts. "So, Mrs. Polainse only has sixteen unsold pieces left? I was under the impression there were more than that."

"In recent years, she seldom painted without an upfront commission. Her works were sold before a single drop of paint ever touched the canvas," the woman lawyer replied. "The painting in the library was sold yesterday, for a million and a half credits. So there are only fifteen available."

Lando gave a low whistle. "That's more than triple what they sold for before her death."

"Yes," Miss Nolton agreed. "And since that seems to be the market price, that will be the price of the remaining pieces. I hope your client can handle the price increase."

"Oh, a million here, a half a million there." Lando shrugged. "I don't think she'll blink an eye."

Han, meanwhile, was starting to sweat. A million and a half credits? What would be the prison sentence for destroying a painting worth over a million credits? Of course, if the Imperials found out who they really were, Han doubted he would have to worry about prison time. Method of execution would be a much bigger concern.

They followed the attorneys into the large studio. Five easels were set up in the middle of the room, facing the doorway. Five more were facing the opposite wall. Lando noted the five framed paintings facing them were all landscapes, so he walked up to them, staring at them and pretending to be appraising the coloring. He looked quickly at Han, who was swallowing hard and looking at the backsides of the five unseen pictures. One of those paintings had to be the one they were there to steal. Now all Lando had to do was figure out a way to get the two lawyers out of the room and give Han the chance to destroy a one-of-a kind painting worth millions.


"I hope we don't get hit by lightning," Wedge said worriedly from beneath the small overhang of a rock ledge where they had taken shelter.

Luke shut his eyes, leaning against the rough wall. "What else can possibly go wrong?"

"Are you starting to complain, Skywalker?" Wedge said quickly. "That's not allowed, remember?"

"Hasn't stopped you, has it?" Luke shot back.

"We could just head back to the ship. To hell with Lando and Han, I say."

"I can't do that. I promised Leia."

"Leia's better off without Solo. Trust me. Besides, I'm going to kill him when we find them."

"You can't do that."

"Are you going to stop me?"

"No," Luke replied. "I'm going to kill him first."


"These paintings are all sooooo lovely! I just am going to have a time deciding," Lando declared as he walked around the row of paintings to view the last remaining five, with Solo almost stepping on his heels. Calrissian's eyes swept down the row of five paintings... five, beautiful, landscape paintings. Han and Lando exchanged stunned looks.

"Are you certain this is it?" Lando spluttered to his hosts, forgetting his charade for a moment.

"Why?" Miss Nolton asked, narrowing her eyes. "I told you there were only fifteen available for sale."

"Well, honey," Lando said, quickly resumed his role. "These certainly are lovely, and I'm certain my client will want one. But I was thinking about a special painting."

"A special painting?" she asked, clearly annoyed at being called honey.

"Yes, you know... a one of a kind." Lando winked at her.

"Deserra Polainse painted original landscapes. They were all one of a kind. I'm afraid I'm not following you."

"Well..." Lando paused and swept over close to her. "I'd heard rumors about a special painting. My client really, really wants that one. You know which one I'm talking about."

"No," she snapped. "I'm afraid you'll have to enlighten me."

Lando leaned close to her and whispered in her ear. "A nude. Now you remember, don't you?"

Shocked, the lady drew back. "Excuse me?"

"Oh, honey, we're all adults in here. You don't have to pretend. And art is art, after all. Museums are filled with painting of nudes."

"I am well aware of that, sir. But you have the wrong artist. Mrs. Polainse did landscapes. Not nudes. Landscapes."

"I believe this tour has ended, gentlemen," Mr. Phisbelle put in firmly. "If you were looking for that type of artwork, you came to the wrong place."

For the first time Han spoke, unable to stay quiet another second. "You're the ones that are wrong. I know there's a painting like that... I've seen it!"

"You are delusional," the attorney replied. "If you two don't leave right now, I will call security."

"But..." Han persisted, trying desperately to think of where the painting could have gone. He couldn't believe they had come this far only to fail. The painting simply had to be here. "Are you sure there isn't a painting in the vault you overlooked? What about stashed under the bed?"

"Ha... Rikky, come on now. We've been told to leave," Lando said as he grabbed Solo's arm and started pulling.

"Maybe stuck in the back of a closet?" Han yelled as he backpedaled from the room, and to the front entry. Lando hit the open button on the door and yanked Han out into the hall.

"What about behind the food cooler-unit?" Han tried again, his panic rising by the second.

"Good day, gentlemen," the lawyer said icily as the door slid shut in their faces.


The beautiful coastal town of Keime came into view below them as Luke and Wedge rounded a corner hilltop. In the aftermath of the storm, the town glittered and the sea beyond the picturesque village was a shimmering shade of aqua. The view would have been breathtaking... if they had any breath left to spare. "The elevation here must be really high," Wedge gasped out, holding his side.

"Either that, or we've been walking uphill for the past hour," Luke groused out. "At least it's all downhill from here on."

"It's been all downhill since we left Coruscant," Wedge snorted.


"It looks like there was a little cloudburst when we were inside," Lando commented as he noted the wet streets as they left the apartment complex.

Han just stared at Calrissian, unable to speak for a moment. Finally he yelled, "Cloudburst? Cloudburst? That was more than a cloudburst back there, Calrissian. My life is over! Do you hear me? Over!"

"I think everyone hears you," Lando said in a low voice. "Stop yelling. It's not helping."

"What would you suggest I do?" Han threw his hands up and started pacing. "It has to be back there. They're lying. We need to come back later and get it!"

"Solo," Lando stepped in front of Han to get his attention. "I've made a living reading people's faces and reactions. They weren't lying. Neither one ever saw a painting like that. Either she sold it a long time ago and it's hanging in some rich person's house, or you were right."

"Right? About what?"

"When you said it was no good. Maybe she simply painted over it. Artists do that sometimes."

"Do you think I could get so lucky?" Han grasped at the idea.

"Maybe," Lando said slowly. "But we're not coming back here tonight. It's not in the apartment."

"So now what do we do?" Han sighed in defeat.

"We go back to the hotel, get our luggage, head back to Caridalla, then go home," Lando replied. "You know... home. Where you have a beautiful, intelligent, understanding fiancée waiting for you. So, see? You are lucky."

"I know it, Calrissian. I'd just like to keep on being lucky."


Coruscant

Winter was beginning to regret volunteering to organize the gifts that kept pouring in from every corner of the galaxy. She had only opened and sorted about a fifth of what was currently in the apartment, and already her handwritten flimsy of items and senders was up to four pages. Winter shook her head in dismay as she regarded most of the presents. The senders meant well, and many things were valuable. But practical? So far, only a vase and some silverware were items in the pile of things she thought Leia might actually want or need.

She sighed and opened the next square box, noting it was from Ithor. This experience certainly was opening Winter's eyes in regards to what non-humans considered beautiful and attractive. No wonder Han had fled to Carida to get out of doing this chore. Winter decided two pages ago that Solo was going to be very fortunate if she did not hit him over the head with the bizarre-looking candlestick sent from a Bith Senator.


Keime

"What are all these stormtroopers doing wandering around outside our hotel?" Han whispered as they stood across the street.

"Maybe our attorney friends got too suspicious and reported us," Lando replied nervously. "Or maybe some important Imperial is in town, and this is his security force."

"I like the second scenario a little better, but still.." Han hesitated. "Do you think we can sneak in a back door and get up to our rooms unnoticed?"

"What do we need so badly in that room that we can't live without? I have all my credits on me, and we can buy another ticket at the terminal," Lando replied.

Han frowned at his friend. "My gun rig is back in that room. Besides, I'm not wandering around dressed like this any longer than I have to, if you don't mind."

"You and your blasted blaster," Lando replied, irritated. "You have a holdout blaster in your boot, don't you?"

"Doesn't count," Han returned quickly. "I've had that gun belt and blaster for years, an' I ain't leaving it behind."

"You're too attached to that rig. It's not healthy, all these obsessions you seem to develop. I should've left it on Bespin."

"I do not have obsessions. If you're too afraid to go in the hotel, you can wait for me. I'll go get it myself."

"And miss out on more fun? Not a chance."


Evening

"I can't believe we're finally in Keime!" Wedge muttered as they trudged into town. "Are they still here? They'd better be still here."

Luke concentrated, although it was difficult since he was so tired. "Yes, they are still here."

"Good. Because I'm checking into a hotel, taking a long, hot shower and then getting some sleep," Wedge declared. "And don't you dare tell me we don't have time, or use any Force tricks on me to change my mind. I can't see straight anymore."

"Wedge?"

"What?" Antilles snapped.

"Sleeping sounds like the best idea I've heard for two days."


Han and Lando waited several hours before deciding that the stormtroopers were not in any hurry to leave the area. "Maybe we should just use the front entrance," Lando suggested as they started down the alley behind the hotel. "If they're not looking for us, we're sure to attract attention if we get caught sneaking in the back."

Han could see the logic to that argument, but strolling past a dozen stormtroopers in a hotel lobby made his skin crawl. The last time he'd seen so many of these guys in white armor was on Endor. And come to think of it, using the backdoor on Endor hadn't been such a great idea, either. "Okay. We'll use the lobby door," Han conceded reluctantly. "But let's wait until a group of people go in, and kinda try to blend in. Although, with these clothes, that's probably not possible."

"I really wish you'd stop criticizing my taste. I'll have you know I've been told by many people how great I dress."

"Are these people blind?"

"Very funny." Lando shrugged his shoulders and headed back out onto the sidewalk. When they arrived at the entrance, a boisterous family of six ran in the door ahead of them. The man and woman looked frazzled and the children, all under ten, were hyper and noisy. It was just the cover Lando and Han needed. Using the sudden appearance of screaming children tearing around the furniture and chasing each other, the two men strolled quickly and nonchalantly past the distracted stormtroopers. The elevator opened immediately when the button was pushed and they wasted no time hurrying inside before closing the door. "See?" Lando gave a relieved smile. "Your famous luck is still with you."

Han snorted. "If my luck was so great, I'd have that painting by now."

"Forget the painting. It's gone. You can quit worrying about it."

"You're probably right," Han mused hopefully. "And what are the odds that it'll show up before the wedding, or even after we've been married for five or so years? I doubt she'll divorce me on account of a picture after we've been married for a while, even if it does eventually turn up."

The door slid open, and Lando peeked out. No stormtroopers. They quickly went to their hotel room where it appeared everything inside was untouched. While Calrissian stuffed his few belongings into the small case, Han went to the refresher and quickly changed clothes. For a moment, Han stared at the shiny pants and satin shirt. Then he shoved them into the recycler and slammed the lid. That was a con game he never wanted to repeat, and if Lando ever told Leia... well, that would be one gamble Lando better not take. Walking out into the room, he strapped the gun belt across his hips.

"You'd be less noticeable if you put that in your case instead of wearing it," Lando noted as he watched Solo, who only glared at him in response.

Outside, the sound of blaster fire and people yelling reached the window of their room. Lando and Han quickly and carefully looked out. The stormtroopers were exiting the lobby and running down the street, firing their blasters as they took off after some unseen targets. Han turned to Lando and grinned. "That's our cue to leave."


Wedge and Luke ran down the street, finally ducking into a closed parts supply business after Luke used the Force to disable the alarm and open the door. The stormtroopers clattered past them as they crouched down behind shelves. Wedge slid down the wall and sat with a thud. "How come you didn't sense them, Skywalker? We just waltz right into a lobby full of stormtroopers and they start shooting at us!"

"I'm tired, all right?" Luke snapped back. "I was concentrating on locating Han. I'm sure he was in that hotel."

"Is that why the Imps were there?" Wedge snidely replied. "Because they're looking for Solo?"

"No," Luke answered, catching his breath. "I distinctly got the impression they were looking for us. They probably have been tailing us since we left Caridalla, thanks to you."

"Me?" Wedge asked, his voice rising.

"I recall that you're the one who started shooting at them. Maybe they've even identified us by now."

"Oh, swell."

"We're not going to be able to check into a hotel room," Luke told him.

"No kidding. So much for my shower and a long night's sleep in a soft bed."

"This place is closed for the night," Luke pointed out. "We can sleep on the floor in here."

"I guess it's better than outside in a rainstorm." Wedge sighed and settled down on his side. After Wedge drifted off to sleep, Luke lay down a few feet away and as he shut his eyes he thought he heard Wedge mumbling something in his dream about blasters and Solo.


"This is a faster shuttle than the first one," Lando said happily. "We should be back in Caridalla by morning."

"Good," Han said agreeably as he settled back into the soft seat to nap. "The sooner we can leave, the better. This entire trip has been a disaster."

"I could have told you that before we left. Wait." Lando snapped his fingers. "I did tell you that before we left."

"We didn't get arrested," Han replied, grinning. "When we get back home, no one will ever know where we went."

"Nope," Lando said quickly, knowing that wasn't exactly true. Of course, he could just say he was joking about the flight plan once he got back to Coruscant. He'd have to remember to tell Han about that little detail... later.


Early morning

"Wedge, wake up!" Luke shook his friend's arm.

"Wha...what?" He sat up, disoriented. "What time is it?"

"The sun is just coming up," Luke replied.

"We should get out of here before the store employees start arriving," Wedge said as he nodded in agreement.

"That's not all," Luke said slowly.

"What is it?" Wedge asked, his eyes narrowing.

"Han's gone."

"Gone?" Antilles was suddenly worried. "You don't think something happened to him, do you?"

"No. He's fine, I can still sense him, but he's not in Keime anymore. They must've left during the night."

"What? What?!" Wedge stood up and started yelling. "Are you kidding me? We took two days, two days straight from the Hells of Corellia to get here, and now he left?"

"Would you quiet down?" Luke hissed. "I doubt the stormtroopers have stopped searching for us."

"Of course not. Why would they stop looking for us?" Wedge started stalking around the shelves. "Now we have to figure out where they went. I'll tell you something, Skywalker... brother-in-law or not, I'm going to get even with Solo!"

Luke started laughing.

"What's so funny?" Wedge spat out.

"At least you didn't say you were going to kill him."

"No, but when I'm done, he'll wish he were dead."


Caridalla

Lando and Han paid the hovertaxi droid the appropriate credits and exited the cab near the spaceport. Hoisting his bag on his shoulder, Lando commented, "That wasn't such a bad trip. I kind of had fun."

"I notice you didn't get your nose broken, either," Han huffed out.

"Oh, that was just a small problem. The gambling was fun, and actually so was conning those lawyers into seeing the paintings," Lando reflected. "I wish I had an extra million and a half lying around. I think I'd buy one, just for the investment value. She was a great artist."

"Yeah, she was," Han agreed as they walked toward the dock that held the Lady Luck. "Even I could see how fantastic those paintings are. Too bad we couldn't have stolen one, anyway, as a wedding gift for Leia."

"Speaking of wedding gifts," Lando said as he grinned at Solo. "Didn't you tell Leia this trip was to buy her a present?"

"Oh kriff, Lando. I have to find a present for Leia - something that I couldn't get on Coruscant." Han looked somewhat worried. "What do you suggest?"

"That's going to take some thought," Calrissian mused. "You can find almost anything at all on Coruscant, pal."

"Don't you think I know that? Leia knows that, too. I'm gonna have to..."

"Master Solo!" a very familiar mechanical voice called out. "Thank the Maker! I thought Artoo and I would be trapped forever on this planet."

"Threepio?" Han spluttered once he managed to pick his jaw up off the ground. "How...why...?"

The golden droid, followed closely by Artoo, quickly covered the short distance between them and he would have hugged Han if his metal arms could've managed it. "Master Solo," Threepio repeated joyfully, then looked down at his short companion. "Now we have a way to get home. We don't have to stay on this dreadful system."

"How did you get here?" Han demanded.

"Why, Master Luke and General Antilles requested our assistance, sir," Threepio replied. "But then they left us. Master Luke told us to stay with the ship, but before Artoo and I got back to the freighter, the Imperials had impounded it. Thank the stars we were not inside the ship before they came, or I'm afraid Artoo and I would already be melted down."

"Luke's here? And Wedge?" Han asked, dumbfounded.

"Why, yes," Threepio answered primly. "Do you think I would come to this place on my own volition?"

"Why did Luke and Wedge come to Carida?" Han snapped out, addressing Threepio but glaring suspiciously at a very quiet Calrissian.

"Mistress Leia asked them to follow you and Master Calrissian," Threepio replied politely. He was much calmer now that Han and Lando had appeared, and the threat of imminent doom seemed slightly further away.

"Really?" Han mused, his mouth twisting into a sneer. He turned directly to Lando. "How did Leia know where we were heading, Lando?"

Lando cleared his throat, and wiped some imaginary dust from his sleeve. "I might have, um, filed a flight plan that said something to the effect."

"Of course that's how we found you, sir," Threepio added. "The flight controller was very puzzled by the fact you were going to Carida."

"You filed a flight plan?" Han asked, incredulously. "You told everyone where we were heading?"

"It's not my fault," Lando protested. "I thought for sure we'd end up caught, and I figured we'd need some help getting rescued."

Han stared at Lando, wide-eyed and speechless. Finally, Lando continued, "Don't you think we need to find out what happened to Luke and Wedge? They could be in trouble."

"My fears exactly, Master Calrissian!" Threepio said in agreement. "They haven't contacted us for nearly two days."

"So now we have to start looking for Luke and Wedge?" Han growled in a low voice. "This is your fault, Calrissian!" Han moved close and stuck his finger in Lando's chest. "We could be heading back home, but oh noooo. Now we have to stay here even longer and try and find Luke and Wedge. And how am I going to explain all of this to Leia?"

"I'll think of something," Lando replied, worriedly.

"It had better be good, Calrissian. It had better be real good."


Keime

"Look at all the Imps," Wedge whispered to Luke as they stood a safe distance from the Public Transportation System Terminal. "They're crawling all over the place."

"They're thinking we might show up and try to leave town from here," Luke noted.

"How insightful of you, Skywalker," Wedge groused. "Do you have any bright ideas how we are going to get back to Caridalla?"

Luke had had enough. Turning to Wedge, he started yelling, "This is not my fault! Why do you keep blaming me for everything that's gone wrong? Why don't you come up with some great plan if you're such a genius? Or is it so much easier to keep making smart-aleck remarks, and not have to take any blame if your plan falls through?"

Stepping back, Wedge held up both hands. "Geez, Luke. Calm down. Isn't it against your rules to get all riled up?"

"Rules? What rules, Wedge?" Luke shouted back. "You mean the Jedi Code of Conduct? Are those the rules you're referring to? Because if you are, then the Code never took into account Corellians. There should be an entire separate Code just for dealing with Corellians!"

"Luke?"

"What? What sarcastic comment would you like to make now, Wedge? Because I can't tell you how much I enjoy listening to them."

Wedge just pointed his finger over Luke's shoulder, and Luke turned around, still fuming. Standing several feet behind him were a dozen stormtroopers and a very bemused-looking Imperial General.


Sitting in the General's office a while later, Luke and Wedge tried not to appear as nervous as they felt. They had been disarmed and cuffed prior to being deposited in the large office, and now the General sat behind his desk, just looking at them and not speaking.

Wedge cleared his throat and shifted in the chair. Long moments passed and the only sound was the ticking of an antique clock hanging on the wall. "Well?" Wedge finally said, unable to stand it a second longer. "What are you going to do with us?"

"Honestly?" The General, identified as Thormin Fessel on the name plate, replied, "I haven't quite decided. How many times does such a strange opportunity fall into a person's hands?"

"What do you mean?" Luke asked cautiously.

"You know what I mean, Jedi Skywalker." General Fessel smiled. "A Rebel General and the last supposed Jedi, right here on Carida."

"We're not Rebels," Wedge pointed out. "We won the war. I'm a New Republic General. I'm sure this can all be straightened out without making a galaxy-wide incident."

"Or I could just have you both executed immediately as spies," Fessel replied calmly.

Luke and Wedge exchanged worried looks. "We're not here spying."

"Then please explain. What are you doing on Carida?"

"I, uh, well..." Luke started.

"That's certainly clears things up, Jedi Skywalker," the Imperial said, smirking.

This was going to be a problem, Luke decided. He certainly couldn't say that he followed Han Solo and General Calrissian to Carida, not without being very certain that they were both safely off-planet. Luke didn't think they were gone yet, because he was still clearly picking up Han's Force-signature. And even if Han and Lando were gone, what had they been doing here to begin with? It would sound extremely odd, to say the least, to confess his friends had come here for unknown reasons, and that Luke and Wedge were actually spying on them. It was a story Luke doubted he would believe, either.

"I can't tell you," Luke finally answered lamely.

"You can't tell me, but you're not here as a spy?"

"That's right." He sighed. "If I did tell you the truth, you wouldn't believe me, anyway."

"Try me."

"I'm sorry, I can't."

"Then I'm sorry, too," the Imperial snapped back.


Caridalla

"How long is it going to take?" Lando prodded the Artoo unit as he sat plugged into a public information terminal.

Artoo gave a series of beeps, which Threepio translated. "Artoo says it is very difficult to bypass the security codes on this system. He is working as fast as he can to tap into the Imperial computers."

"Maybe we're just being too pessimistic here," Han added. "It's possible the kid and Antilles are heading back to Caridalla right now."

"It's possible," Lando agreed with a nod. "But we still need to wait for them. They won't be able to get that freighter back without taking a big, unnecessary risk."

"Well, I didn't suggest we leave them, Calrissian," Han snapped out. "I just said - "

Artoo interrupted with some excited whistles. "Oh dear," Threepio threw up his hands. "How dreadful!"

"What is it?" Han asked quickly.

"Master Luke and General Antilles have been arrested in Keime. They are scheduled for execution in six hours!"


Keime

Luke sat on the cold cell floor, his legs crossed and his eyes shut, as he calmly meditated. Wedge, meanwhile, lay on his back on the hard bunk staring at the ceiling. "Do you think this cell is bugged?" Wedge asked conversationally.

"Probably," Luke replied without opening his eyes.

"Are we just going to sit here and wait for them to execute us?"

"I wasn't planning on it."

"But you don't want to let me in on any thoughts you may have for escaping," Wedge said morosely.

"I don't have an escape plan."

Wedge felt like screaming in frustration.


Caridalla

"Sir?" Threepio asked tentatively.

"What?" Han snapped in response. Why am I always stuck with Threepio? Han wondered bitterly. If there is a Force out there controlling everything, it must be having a real good laugh at my expense. Maybe I'm its comedy relief - the big joke of the galaxy.

"Do you have a plan for freeing Master Luke?" the droid questioned politely.

"I don't know," Han replied from the co-pilots seat, and turned to Lando who was piloting the Lady Luck toward Keime, while hoping the Imperials wouldn't intercept them before they arrived. "Tell me, Calrissian, since you're the brains, what brilliant plan have you come up with?"

"To start with," Lando said tightly, answering to the droid rather than Han, "I'm trying to fly low enough to avoid Imperial radar. If they spot us making a quick hop like this, it's going to make them very suspicious."

Lando ignored Han's derogatory snort, and continued talking. "If we can drop a few grenades on the outskirts of town, that'll send all the Imps running toward the trouble. Then, hopefully, we can set down inside the prison compound and blow a hole in the building so Luke and Wedge can escape."

"That's a really, really stupid plan," Han said with a shake of his head.

"Can you think of a better one?" Lando shot back, getting truly annoyed.

"Hey, you're the smart one, remember? I'm just along for the ride."

"Instead of just offering sarcasm, why don't you come up with a better idea?" Lando goaded. "Or are you afraid that any plan you think of will blow up in our faces?"

"Why should I be afraid of that? I'm sure this plan will blow up in our faces just fine."


"We need to leave," Luke whispered quietly to a very tense Wedge Antilles.

"Huh?"

"Follow me," Luke instructed, and walked over to the door, which immediately and obediently, slid open to reveal two very startled stormtroopers standing guard. Quickly, the first trooper raised his weapon, but it flew out of his hand and clattered on the ground toward Wedge. The second Trooper pulled up his own rifle, and fired. Luke simply held up his hand and deflected the bolt. The rifle pulled from the trooper's grip and sailed over to the Jedi, who turned the weapon toward the guards. Wedge quickly bent down and retrieved the rifle on the floor.

"It would be a very good idea if you went into the cell now," Luke indicated with a nod at the two stormtroopers. "I really don't want to shoot you, and I'm sure you'd rather not be shot."

Meekly, the pair went into the cellblock, and the door slammed shut behind them.

"How did you do that?" Wedge asked in awe.

Luke grinned. "Do or do not. I decided it was time to do."

"What?"

"Never mind. We need to get out into the open," Luke urged Wedge as he started running. "Han is on his way, and I don't want to keep him waiting."


"There go the concussion grenades," Han remarked as he aimed at an open field close to the city limits of Keime. "If that doesn't get someone's attention, nothing will."

"It has their attention," Lando said excitedly as he looked at his console. "TIE fighters coming in portside."

"Oh mercy me!" Threepio cried out. "Why can't my life be boring? I'd trade this type of existence for that of a butler droid in a nano-second."

"Stifle it, Threepio," Han shot back over his shoulder. "Don't distract us, or we could end up in little pieces all over Carida."

"Of course not, sir! You just pay attention to your flying. I'll be so quiet you'll think I've turned my -"

Han sat back down, having stood up to turn off the droid. He shook his head in mock dismay. "That droid always makes me do that," he muttered under his breath.

"Firing aft weapons," Lando said quickly. The Lady Luck bucked and dodged as the TIE'S fired from behind and above. The Imperials couldn't take the chance of trying to get below Lando's ship, however, because the Luck was barely skimming over the treetops.

"Lando, swing around," Han instructed. "I need to get a clear shot."

"We'll be heading away from the prison," Lando pointed out.

"We can't land if we have these TIE's on our tail!"

"I'm swinging."

Concentrating, Han rapidly fired at the TIE's, who were trying to follow the Luck's moves. Before they could adjust, the Corellian took out two, sending them into a fast spin to the ground. "TIE fighters just can't handle this type of fighting," Han said as he grinned, not looking at Lando. "They weren't designed for dealing with gravity."

"Should I head back to the prison?"

"Yeah, but put in a couple of loops," Han told him. "I should be able to take out a few more."

Keeping the Luck as close to the ground as he possibly could, Lando looped the ship into a corkscrew. Han kept up the fire until the remaining TIE'S dissolved behind them. "That's the rest of 'em," Han crowed.

"They'll be sending more real quick," Lando warned, as he spotted the prison compound coming up over the horizon. "Hang on, because I'm hitting the braking thrusters... NOW!"


Wedge and Luke encountered few stormtroopers on the way up from the underground prison cell, and they had no problems dispatching those they did run across. "I wonder why this place seems so deserted?" Wedge questioned, puzzled at the lack of activity.

"The base seems to be a little distracted at the moment," Luke replied as they cautiously stepped out of the lift and looked around. "My guess is it has something to do with Han and Lando making their usual type of appearance." The two ran down the hallway and turned down a corridor that looked very familiar.

Luke skidded to a stop in front of the Imperial General's office and opened the door using the Force.

"What are you doing?" Wedge asked running behind him. "I thought we were trying to get outside."

"This office is on the ground floor. All we have to do is jump out of the window," Luke told him. "But first I need my lightsaber."

The desk where Luke's lightsaber had been placed was locked. The Jedi tried to concentrate in order to open the drawer, but Wedge distracted him. "Luke...a ship is coming in fast, and it looks like it's about to crash into the building!"

Sighing, Luke raised the rifle and blew the top of the desk off. Sometimes, Luke had to admit, it was just faster to do things Han's way, and the Jedi reached inside and retrieved his weapon. Igniting the blade, Luke cut the window open and gracefully leaped through, landing lightly on the durocrete outside. Less graceful, but just as quickly, Wedge jumped out the window and followed the Jedi across the courtyard. The fast moving ship did not crash - instead, it cut air speed and dropped down perilously close to the ground. Instantly, Wedge recognized the ship as the Lady Luck and a huge sense of relief flooded through him. The ramp was only partially lowered as Luke and Wedge jumped inside, barely avoiding the rifle fire that appeared as stormtroopers took aim at the escapees. The Luck was rising even before the ramp was completely closed, while return fire from the ship forced the stormtroopers to take cover.

Gasping for breath, Luke and Wedge lay on their backs as the Luck headed for space. "If you two can find some time, we could use a couple of gunners to hold off the TIE's that are coming in," Han's droll voice carried back from the cockpit.

Wedge struggled into a seated position and grinned as the Jedi got to his feet. "I never thought I'd be so happy to hear Solo's voice."

"See?" Luke returned with a smile. "You've already forgotten that you want to kill him."

"I haven't forgotten. He just bought himself a temporary reprieve."

The Lady Luck made it into space in record time, and Wedge and Luke's shooting kept the TIE's from causing any damage. When the stars blurred into streaks, Luke tiredly removed the headset and climbed out of the gunner's well. Normally, a ship like the Lady Luck didn't have these types of defensive capabilities, but Lando had learned the importance of modification from the Falcon. Luke met up with Wedge as he came from the opposite well.

"Are you okay?" Luke asked his exhausted friend.

"Now that we're off Carida, I'm wonderful." Wedge grinned, then the grin changed to a frown. "Did we just leave your two droids behind? I'd feel really badly about leaving Artoo."

"I don't think so." Luke laughed. "I have a feeling they might have played a small part in our rescue."

"Good. Let's go have a heart to heart with Solo and Calrissian. I really need to hear this explanation before they die."


"I told you this plan would work," Lando gloated as the Luck made it safely into hyperspace.

"Don't get cocky," Han shot back. "You were just lucky they were waiting outside for us, or we'd all be sitting in a cell by now waiting for execution."

"You're just jealous because it was my plan," Lando said with a grin as he glanced back over his shoulder. "I can just hear their fawning gratitude now."

"Whatever you do, don't tell them why we were on Carida," Han whispered at Lando as he heard the approaching footsteps of Luke and Wedge.

"I won't, but don't you think... " Lando stopped and spun around to face the new arrivals. "Hello, welcome aboard the Lady Luck."

"Why were you following us?" Han added, deciding to go on the offensive immediately.

"Leia was a bit upset that you took off a month before the wedding," Luke said slowly, as though he were speaking to a child. "And when we found out where you were going, I thought it would be a good idea if we went along as backup."

"I didn't ask you to be my backup!" Han returned hotly. "I'll have you know I can take care of myself. Just who ended up rescuing who, anyway?"

"I know, Han." The Jedi grimaced. "I'm sorry that happened."

"I just want to know why you found it necessary to go into the middle of Imperial Space, anyway?" Wedge injected into the conversation.

"I asked him to," Lando replied instantly. "I wish I could tell you the details, but I can't. It had nothing to do with the New Republic, it was a personal mission. Just blame me, all right?"

Han looked at Lando, trying to keep the surprise off his expression. Quickly he turned to Wedge and added, "I went along to help him, just like you agreed to help Luke. That's what friends do for friends, right?"

"Right," Wedge said suspiciously. Since he didn't know who was at fault, it was hard to assign blame, and given the fact that Lando and Han had rescued them took the edge off his desire for revenge. It was difficult to stay angry while feeling grateful that he was alive at the same time.

The Jedi could tell both Han and Lando were not quite telling the truth, but he decided to drop the subject for the time being. "Is Threepio turned off for a reason?" Luke asked as he looked at the dark photoreceptor eyes of the droid.

"Just the usual reasons." Han smirked. "He annoys the hell outta me."

"Do you mind if I turn him back on?"

"Go ahead," Han said with a sigh. "The silence was nice while it lasted."

Luke reached over and switched on the golden droid. ".. self off!" Threepio swiveled his head. "Oh my! Master Luke. How did you get here?"

"Han and Lando were kind enough to offer us a ride," Luke explained with a smile.

"For which I have yet to hear a 'thank you,'" Lando complained, shaking his head in mock dismay.

"Oh," Threepio said as Artoo gave a series of whistles from outside the cockpit door. "Of course not, Artoo. No one ever turns you off," Threepio replied in a huff. "Do you mind if I remove myself from the cockpit, sir?" he addressed Luke. "It seems I am most unwelcome the vast majority of the time."

"Threepio.." Luke suppressed a grin. "That's not true. You know how valuable you are, and you can certainly go with Artoo."

"Why, thank you, Master Luke. At least you are a human that appreciates my talents." He stiffly turned and exited the cockpit.

"Good riddance," Han mumbled under his breath.

"Threepio just tries to be helpful, Han," Luke replied.

Han rolled his eyes. "Don't we all."


During the return trip to Coruscant, Han spent most of the time locked in his berth, while Lando simply changed the subject anytime Luke or Wedge tried to pry information from the gambler-turned-General. The young Jedi knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the little information Lando had provided was untrue, but he didn't want to cause a scene by accusing Lando of lying. Luke also suspected the reason Han was noticeably absent during the two day return trip was that Solo, despite his claims to the contrary, knew Luke could read lies through the Force.

Sitting in the expansive lounge area of the Luck, Wedge and Lando played endless games of sabacc to try and pass the time. "Are you ever going to confess?" Antilles said conversationally, well into the fifth game.

"Confess?"

"Why you two went to Carida."

"I told you as much as I'm telling," Lando replied, studying his cards.

"How did Solo get his nose broken?" Wedge prodded.

"That was just a little misunderstanding." Calrissian grinned at Wedge. "Solo should learn how to duck."

Wedge looked over at Luke. "Can't you use the Force and just pull the information from their weak little minds? I think they deserve it."

"That won't be necessary, Wedge," Luke said with a laugh as he leaned back into his chair.

"Why do you say that?" Lando replied, narrowing his eyes suspiciously at the Jedi.

"Come on, Lando." The Jedi started laughing even harder. "Do you really think Han is going to be able to hold out against Leia's interrogation?"

Lando sighed. "No, he doesn't stand a chance."


Coruscant

No sooner did the Lady Luck set down than Han left the ship and immediately headed to the Falcon. He knew he should contact Leia and let her know he was safely back, but she probably already knew anyway, he reasoned. Despite two days of racking his brain, he still couldn't come up with a reasonable excuse as to why he went to Carida. Telling her that it was Lando's idea wasn't going to fly, either. She was as good at reading him - whether through the Force or just woman's intuition - as Luke was. It occurred to him that he could tell her that he had gone to Carida to buy her an original Polainse landscape, but then the price was simply too high so he couldn't afford one. It was, after all, a tiny bit of the truth. Maybe even enough that she wouldn't be able to separate the truth from the lie. Of the few things that worried him about marriage to Leia, it was the fact that he'd never be able to get away with telling a lie that concerned him the most. Sometimes, Han reasoned, it was better to be able to gloss over the truth just a little. Han unhappily deduced he was probably going to be the only husband in the galaxy that would have to confess every time he lost too much money during a friendly sabacc game with friends. It just wasn't fair.

He hurried up the ramp of the Falcon, and nearly collided with a very angry Wookiee. [Just what, pray tell, were you thinking?] Chewie growled.

"Hi, pal." Han stepped back and grinned up nervously.

[Everyone has been worried sick about this stunt you pulled. I should pound you until you can't see straight.]

"I had a really, really good reason," Han stuttered. "Besides, the wedding is only three weeks away. Leia wouldn't want me to be in the hospital that entire time."

[Are you sure?]

"Uh, no. Is she mad?"

[What do you think?]

"I think she's probably gonna kill me," he said with a sigh.

[You can't hide here. She's waiting for you at your apartment, and if you don't go willingly, I'm going to carry you. I'm not kidding, cub.]

"Fine, I'll go," Han said softly. "It's been nice knowing ya, Chewie."


"Leia?" Han called out tentatively as he stuck his head in the apartment door. "Sweetheart? I'm home."

No answer. Han walked into the living area, and noted that many of the gifts had already been opened and sorted. The job that Leia had undoubtedly thought he had shrugged off. But it wasn't on purpose, he thought worriedly. "Leia?" he called out louder. If she wasn't home, then he'd have a few more hours to try and think up a good reason why he left Coruscant.

"Solo."

The soft, accusing tone made him jump. Han spun around to face his petite Princess, who was standing in the bedroom doorway, hands on hips, glaring lasers at him. The ex-smuggler forced a smile on his face, his heart pounding in fear. "Hi, sweetheart. I didn't think you were home."

"Don't you dare stand there and pretend everything is just fine. How dare you just take off without even telling me. And to go to Carida of all places." Leia's voice rose with every sentence. "What is your excuse? If you lie to me now, I'll... I'll consider calling off the whole wedding, I swear."

Han stood rooted to the spot, knowing his future depended on his answer. He felt torn between confession, and trying one last attempt to hide the truth from her. Either way, she could decide to walk away from the relationship, and Han wouldn't be able to blame her. "I want to tell you the truth," Han started speaking very quietly. "But you might leave me anyway, once you hear it."

The Princess walked into the living area and sat down in a chair. "Why don't you have a little more faith in me than that, Han?"

Solo sank down into the sofa facing his fiancée. "Have you ever heard of an artist by the name of Deserra Polainse?"

"As a matter of fact, I have. Didn't she just die in an accident?"

"Yes."

"So this has something to do with her?"

"Yes."

"Spill it, Han," Leia snapped.

"I.. uh. .. I, well a long time ago, I.. she employed me for six weeks."

"Really?" Leia leaned back and crossed her arms, her face expressionless. "Continue."

Han put his elbows on his knees and buried his face in his hands. "I posed for her," he mumbled.

"What? I couldn't hear you."

Lifting his head, he forced himself to look directly at Leia. "I posed for her," he repeated clearly, then rushed to continue. "Without clothes. And when I heard she had died, I talked Lando into helping me go to Carida and steal the painting so I could destroy it."

"Why would you want to destroy it?" Leia asked simply.

"Didn't you hear me? I was naked as a newborn. I didn't want you to ever see the picture, because I thought you'd be ashamed of me...an' not want to marry me."

"How many years ago did this happen?"

"Sixteen. I was so stupid, Leia. I needed the money. I'm sorry, please forgive me."

For a moment, all was silent in the room. Then Leia started to chuckle, then the chuckles turned into full-blown laughter. She laughed so hard, tears came from her eyes, and she held her sides. When she finally settled down, Han was staring at her as if she'd lost her mind. "I don't think it's funny. I've been worried sick about you finding out about that painting." Then he finally gave a small, tenative smile. "It wasn't there, so Lando thinks she painted over it. It was a lot of trouble over nothing."

"That's what you think, flyboy," Leia replied, and burst into a fresh peals of laughter.

"What are you talking about?" Han asked, puzzled.

Leia got up and left the room. A minute later, she came back holding a large, flat object covered with a sheet. Propping it up against the wall, she pulled the sheet back, revealing a framed painting of a very naked Han Solo. "This is what I'm talking about," she replied, still giggling.

"How? How.. did you get that?" Han jumped up, wide eyed with shock and feeling his face getting warm.

"It was sent from Corellia," Leia said between gasps of laughter. "Deserra Polainse sent it, as a wedding gift to us. Winter was doing your job, and opening the presents. Her expression when she called me on the holo-com was priceless." The Princess wiped the tears of laughter away from her eyes, and knowing she was being a little cruel, she added the next part. "If you would have stayed home and opened the presents, like you were supposed to, you would have seen it before anyone else had a chance."

For a long time, Han just gaped at the painting, speechless. Forcing himself to look at it as objectively as he was able, he could see it actually wasn't a bad painting, as he had told Lando. In fact, it was as brilliantly done as any of her landscapes - a true, one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

"Are you going to say anything?" Leia asked a bit more calmly.

"Do you still want to marry me?" he questioned quietly.

The question sent Leia back into hysterics. "Do you really think I'd cancel our wedding because you posed for a picture all those years ago?"

"The thought had occurred to me," Han replied dryly.

"Well, flyboy, rest easy. The marriage is still on." Leia grinned. "But if you think you're off the hook for pulling that dangerous stunt, forget it!" The Princess waved a finger in his direction. "For the next three weeks, when I say jump, you'd better ask how high."

"Yes, Your Highnessness." Solo smiled back in relief. "What about that?" He indicated the painting with a nod of his head. "Should we burn it, or send it sailing into the nearest star?"

"You're kidding, right?"

"Huh?" Han said, shocked. "You can't be thinking about keeping it! If we're ever gonna have kids someday, I don't want them growing up with that on the wall. It's bad enough Winter saw it!"

Leia started laughing again. "It's simply too valuable to burn, Han, and it's my painting now, too. I wouldn't worry about Winter, other than the fact you owe her an apology for leaving the presents for her to open." She smiled somewhat wistfully and continued, "Alderaanians are not prudish about the human body. Some of our greatest artworks were either paintings or statues of human nudes."

"Then what are you suggesting?" Han asked, his eyes narrowing.

"We're donating it to a museum, that's what."

"No," Han protested. "We can't... everyone is gonna know it's me!"

"So?"

"So? How can you be so nonchalant about a picture of your naked husband hanging in a museum for everyone to stare at?"

"I can't say it bothers me in the least," Leia mused. "And if it bothers you, oh well, you should have thought of that sixteen years ago. We're not burning it, and that's that."

"I'm never gonna be able to show my face in public again," Han said, groaning.

"I doubt too many people will recognize you because of the painting. It's probably not your face people are going to be staring at while they look at the painting, darling."


Naboo, two months later.

"I'd like to thank the good people of Naboo for all their assistance in the long and dangerous war against the Emperor," Ambassador Leia Organa-Solo said to a large crowd gathered in a ornate, circular room of a Naboo museum. "In a small token of appreciation, my husband and I would like to donate this Deserra Polainse painting, the only nude Mrs. Polainse was ever known to have painted. It has been appraised at nearly five and a half million credits, and I'm sure the citizens of Naboo, as well as the many visitors to this wonderful museum, will enjoy this painting for generations to come."

Applause broke out, and the cover was pulled from the large painting. Han Solo, standing behind his wife, shifted on his feet and stared over the heads of the gathered dignitaries while trying not to sink into the ground with embarrassment. He had to make a concentrated effort to stand straight and not clasp his hands together in front of his trousers. True, there were literally hundreds of nude paintings already on display in this vast museum, but none that had his face on them. Solo had tried to wiggle his way out of attending this function, but his new wife was adamant he be in attendance with her. Han suspected this was his punishment for going to Carida, but Leia had denied this accusation. Still, Han was convinced that this was Leia's way of getting even.

The crowd broke up, and Leia went about shaking hands and speaking to individuals. Solo heard someone come up behind him and clear his throat. He turned and faced his amused brother-in-law, Lando and Wedge, grinning from ear to ear. "Go on," Han said as he sighed. "Say whatever you want, and get it out of your system, okay?"

"What's there to say, Han?" Lando grinned. "After everything we went through, here it is... on public display forever."

Wedge snorted into his glass of fine Naboo wine. "Something funny, Antilles?" Han glared at the General.

"Nope. The whole time we were looking for you on Carida, I told Luke I wanted to kill you. But, honestly, this is so much better."

"Sometimes, Han," Luke put in with a wide smile, "You just can't stop whatever the Force has in store for you."

Han's eyes drifted back to the painting in the center of the room. Yep, he thought with a vague feeling of despair, I hope I'm keeping you laughing, whatever you are, Force, 'cuz I'd really hate to have you mad at me.

THE END