"You sure this is the place?" Anakin asked his son, he scanned the small, smelly room critically. Luke shrugged, "This is where I met Han, I just hope that fond memories have brought him back" Luke didn't mention that he had also made a bogus announcement over the scoundrel com about a huge job for a lot of money. Luke was sure his best friend would have heard and been first in line to enlist. Beside him Aankin snorted "Found memories of Tatooine?" Luke shared his father's sentiments, he and his father had both grown up on Tatooine and though Luke still remembered his Aunt and Uncle dearly he didn't want to have to spend more time here then he had to. Deciding he wasn't going to be able to see Han unless they went deeper into the catina, Luke strode ahead, mindful of the many eyes on him. He didn't want to cause a fight, years of fighting in the Rebellion had mellowed him from the impetuous farm boy to the Jedi Knight. Luke was sure his Aunt and Uncle would have been proud. Luke finally spotted his friend in a corner playing a hand at sabacc. He hadn't changed in the year he had been gone. The scoundrel air was still about him and he was dressed in the same white shirt and military issue pants. Solo didn't even acknowledge his friend but Luke recognized that Han didn't want to call attention to them. Announcing your presence in this place could be dangerous and Luke still had plenty of death marks on his head. Easing back into the crowd but being keeping in Solo's eyeline Luke settled back and watched. Even now he wasn't comfortable in this place, he was reminded suddenly of old Ben how he had calmed the anxious young man with kind words and Jedi tricks. Anakin looked right at home. The faint scars on his face allowed drew stares but none would hold the other's gaze for long. It was the sustained power that Anakin gave off, very different from Vader's. It was the same uncompromising attitude of complete authority that Leia had. Luke felt a twinge as he thought of his twin, he was worried about her, he didn't like not knowing where she was. He could easily have traced her through the force but he knew she wanted privacy. As much as he wanted to he couldn't put that at risk just because his brotherly instincts had kicked in.

"So Kid, couldn't stay away huh?" the sarcasm in the pirates voice brought a smile of Luke's lips. He had missed his best friend a lot more then he had been willing to admit. "I figured this is where the action was and knew you'd want in on it!" Han's grin widened slightly he leaned on the counter and ordered a drink, as Luke managed a quick scan to make sure his old friend was in one piece. He noticed that a thickness in Solo's shirt and realized his ribs were bound. "Looks like you've seen quite a bit of action" Luke said trying to keep the tone light but of course Han could see right through him.

"Don't look so worried kid, ain't nothin' but a scratch"

Luke wanted to argue that it looked a lot more like his ribs had been slashed open but held his tongue.

"I heard you beat the Empire" Han carried on conversationally as he sipped his drink.

"It's not all gone but Leia's dealing with the politicians ." he trailed off, he didn't know how Han felt about Leia since their break-up but Han managed a smile

"Always lookin' out for everybody and kickin' butt. That's my girl"

Luke tried to read Han through the force and as always he got nowhere. It was as if Han absorbed any force intrusion and spat it right out again. He gave up again. Maybe he would never understand Han Solo.

"I've got a job for you" Luke said, watching as Han's eyes glittered. Han couldn't resist a challenge and he knew from experience if the Kid was involved it was going to be serious trouble.

Just the way Han liked it.