In the Imperial Palace, Coruscant

Leia Organa Solo paced around the spacious suite she shared with her family. She was dressed formally in a white dress with a shimmering silver shawl. Han leaned back on a chair, his feet resting on an end table. He was striving to keep a grin off his face while Leia talked agitatedly.

"Luke always chooses the worst time to visit," Leia hissed under her breath, "The kids are on Kashyyyk for at least five more days. I have to go to speak at convocation at the New Republic Military Academy, which will occupy me for the next three days. Why does my brother presume he can drop in any time to visit? Doesn't he realize how busy we are?"

"Perhaps if you would tell him your schedule instead of telling him it's a good time for him to come," Han said, "You just told that hermit Streen that it was a good time for a visit."

Leia looked at Han in exasperation, "I said that since it was the polite thing to do. Luke doesn't come often enough as it is. If I angered him, it would be even longer before he'd come. He hasn't been here for three months, Han, and I really think the kids need to be monitored more closely than that."

"Leia," Han began, "the kids haven't even been up to much trouble lately. They're just fine and you know it. Luke doesn't need to scan them for traces of the dark side every minute. You'd know if there was something wrong. You're their mother. Admit it, you just miss Luke."

Leia glowered at Han for a moment. Then she smiled. "You old nerf-herder, you convince me you're a scoundrel and then you amaze me once again. I miss Luke, and so do you. At least you'll see him this time.

Han let his grin out, "Luke and Mara will be here for at least a week, Leia. You will have plenty of time to see him. Especially since Mara has some work to do for the Smuggler's Alliance while she's here. I'll meet them tomorrow when they arrive. I'll entertain them for a few days until you and the kids get back. I might even stay out of trouble."

Leia laughed, "I doubt it. Trouble is an essential part of your nature, Han. You thrive on it. I have to go now or I'll be late. I love you."

"I know," Han said sincerely. He got up and hugged Leia. She kissed him and then grabbed her bag and left. Han stood in the room, the grin gone from his face. He hated being separated from his family. He knew it was necessary, but he still didn't like it since he then had to worry about them even more.

"At least she took Goldenrod with her," Han said to the empty room.