Han gently sat on the edge of Leia's bed, unwilling to cause her any more pain. Despite his best attempts as the mattress shifted under his weight Leia winced.

"I'm sorry" Han muttered, not sure whether he should move or not. Leia nodded her head. With amazing accuracy Leia zeroed in on his eyes, the blindness not doing anything to dilute the powerful gaze.

"The doctors said that you could come home tomorrow" Han continued, wanting to love Leia like he had once done, wanting to be able to hold her. But that time was past. He could feel pressure at the back of his neck as if all the guilt was pressing upon him as Leia gazed at him trustingly.

"That'll be nice" Leia croaked, her voice strained since she hadn't used them in months.

Han forced cheerfulness into his voice, "So what do you want to do first? You haven't seen the world in months."

He bit his lip, wishing he could take back the slip. Leia might not ever see the world ever again.

A struggle seemed to be going on inside Leia anyway, she was twisting her bed sheet between her fingers, her head turning slightly to the side as she tried to figure out what to say.

"I know about you and Luke" she said finally, her blind gaze hit the wall and stayed there. Solo could see the strain on her face, whished he was in a place where he could comfort her.

"And I want to say I'm alright with it. But I'm not. Not really, not yet"

Han absorbed that, "That's okay"

Silence fell in the room, and it was a good silence. Han knew he would cherish Leia's friendship, that instead of losing something he had gained something bigger.

Mara found herself in a large conference room, intrigued and with nothing else to do, Mara walked inside the large chamber. It was set out like the senate. A space was reserved in the middle for the speaker with tiers of seats encircled round so everyone could have a say. Mara gently drew her finger over a seat. 'Imagine that' she thought wryly. 'The Hand right in the middle of the rebellion's nerve centre' the thought caused a smile. She still felt like she was undercover, so despite her training she jumped as a small rustling of cloth alerted her to a presence. Mon Mothma.

The leader of the rebellion stood in front of her, looking the every inch of the diplomatic leader of freedom fighters. She was dressed all in white, while Mara was dressed in black, she couldn't help but notice the differences.

Mon Mothma swept by her, taking her place in the centre. Slowly Mara pivoted to bring her in her line of sight.

"I would like to extend my thanks on behalf of the Rebellion for your daring rescue of Princess Leia" Mon said formally.

"Not a problem"

Mon Mothma sat on one of the chairs, watching the young assassin carefully.

"But still you remain"

Mara stiffened. Could no one in this rebellion keep their noses out of someone's business?

"Yep. Figured it couldn't hurt, I have nowhere else to go."

The other woman nodded.

"Princess Leia has expressed her wish for you to remain, too"

Mara Jade made an expression of innocence her arms coming up in a 'so what' gesture.

"The rebellion is the only family Leia Organa has. She is very important"

Mara shifted slightly, not going anywhere, just shifting her feet.

"I know."