Many thanks to Erin Darroch for the brainstorming and Beta read.
"Sometimes, walking with a friend, I forget the world." — Grace Paley
"Well, this is it. Welcome to Twani," Han Solo announced as he completed the landing sequence and killed the retro jets of the Millennium Falcon, bringing the starship to a complete rest upon the smooth ground and the deep throb of the sublight engines died away. "From here it's about fifteen minutes to downtown."
Princess Leia Organa rose out of her customary spot in the Navigator's seat behind him, took a step forward to stand between the Captain and his Wookiee copilot, Chewbacca, and peered out the cockpit canopy to study the unfamiliar surroundings of Bothawui's main spaceport and capital city.
Like most spaceports, this one was located on the outskirts of the city proper, and like most spaceports on relatively backwater planets deep within the Mid Rim region, this one was nondescript and utilitarian, little more than a flat and sprawling expanse of terraform, encircled by a simple wall and low-rise prefab structures. In the distance she could just spot the main entrance and Port Authority headquarters, and beyond that the low-level cityscape. All of it was situated in a wide valley surrounded by rolling forest-covered hills, currently ablaze with autumn colors.
There had been a time, decades ago during the Clone Wars, when Bothawui had briefly served a pivotal role in the conflict, but since then it had quickly fallen out of the spotlight. The spaceport still maintained a respectable level of cosmopolitan traffic and clientele due to its midpoint location within the Mid Rim, but Imperial interests and influence had dwindled as priorities had shifted. Which was exactly what drew the Falcon's occupants to the city now.
"And that's where the open market is located?" Leia asked as she spared another moment to study the wide range of civilian and business spacecraft parked in rows around them. There was a lazy feel to the trickle of flight crews, port technicians, droids, and cargo trolleys weaving between the ships.
Still in the process of shutting down all but the essential systems of his ship, Han answered, "Close enough. That's where the vendors I've dealt with are located. I started with small amounts, then worked up to the bulk stuff once I figured out they wouldn't ask too many questions. They have some stock with them onsite, but their warehouses are here."
"Makes sense. How do you and Chewie usually handle this?"
"Well, ever since that little propaganda broadcast back on Yavin, me and Chewie had to limit being out in public together, so he usually sticks close to the Falcon and handles the deliveries while I meet with the vendors and arrange things."
Han's reminder of that disagreeable publicity stunt following the destruction of the Death Star caused a spike of guilt in Leia. She glanced down at him and was not surprised to find that he had stopped what he was doing and was now looking up at her, no doubt hoping for that exact reaction, which just drove that spike deeper home. He had been right back then to resist participating because it would paint a target on their backs, but that had not stopped her from pushing them anyway. Now she was seeing the fallout from that decision on a personal level. Although she was still full of questions, she broke eye contact and retreated to the rear of the cockpit, allowing them to finish their shutdown procedures. "You've never run into any trouble here with Imperials?"
"Imperials are just one of my troubles, you know…"
She shot an exasperated glance at his back; there was no need to rub it in. "Yes, I know. You didn't answer my question."
"Nah, it's always been quiet, just the usual local authorities. We stay long enough to pick up those supplies and whatever else we need, but we don't like giving the Port Authority too much time to ponder that fake ship registration. Been avoiding the portside cantinas, too. Keeping a low profile so we can keep coming back here."
"Good. That's what I was hoping for. And you think some of these vendors might be inclined toward making more regular exchanges for the Alliance?"
Both Solo and Chewbacca paused and turned back to look at her, Han's expression a mix of confusion and amusement while Chewie was his usual inscrutable self. "You're asking me? This was your idea, Sweetheart. I figured you just arranged this mission to be alone with me for the day."
Leia was prepared for that—she had been preparing herself ever since she had crafted the mission and proposed it to General Rieekan, who had all but suggested the same awkward idea. She gave the Corellian a fearless smile. "That's right. This is all about you, hotshot."
Chewbacca's bark of laughter provided both gratification that she had bested Han this time, as well as a convenient means for her to redirect the conversation. "So what's the best way to get to the market from here?"
"Depends," Han answered, making a vague wave of his hand. "Most of the time I just hop on the public shuttle, but considering the situation, we might be better off renting a speeder. They've got 'em over at the Port Authority terminal."
She nodded in agreement. "Good idea. That'll give us some privacy."
Leia spotted the return of Han's suggestive smirk and rolled her eyes. Although she sometimes found his flirting irritating, there were also moments when she enjoyed teasing him back. It was looking like today might be one of those times. "Maybe I'll just leave you on the ship and take Chewie with me…"
The Wookiee straightened up in his high-backed seat and woofed out a positive response. Having decided months ago that Solo was an unreliable translator, she had tasked herself with learning Chewbacca's complex language. She only caught a couple of his words this time, but Han's expression told her all she needed to know.
"Chewie says he's already taken, so you're stuck with me," Han offered.
I rest my case, Leia thought, having understood enough to realize that was a fib. He really is hopeless.
"Nevermind," she sighed. "Go ahead and rent a speeder. I'll be ready by then."