Author's Note: I'm so sorry it took me so long to update. I was out of town a lot, and teachers decided to pile up on homework. I'm so so so sorry! And it's not even a long chapter...


"Han, Leia!" a relieved voice yelled as the couple walked down the ramp. As soon as they reached the source of the voice, they were greeted by Wedge's scowl," Where did you go?"

Leia closed her eyes briefly, then diplomatically announced," We need to see Mon Mothma and the base's best scientists and medics as soon as possible."

Wedge nodded briskly, only briefly wondering why they needed to see such an assembly. He ran off to collect the requested group, and Han and Leia were left alone. Han extracted the tube containing the medication for Luke and stared at the tube. After a moment, he turned to Leia," How do we know this is even going to work? It might just make things worse."

"Worse than they already are?" Leia replied dryly, one eyebrow cocked. Han sighed, slumping for a moment. As the requested group drew closer, Han straightened and attempted to look diplomatic.

Keeping her expression impassive, Mon Mothma greeted them," It's nice to see you have returned in good health. That is a rare occurence when making trips to Imperial ships. Did you find what you were looking for?"

"Yes," Leia stated sadly," but it could cost us greatly. In exchange for what I am assuming is merely a temperary relief of the disease, they enlisted Han and myself to help them destroy the rebellion."

"What!" a dismayed voice cried. A scientist stepped forward, eyes full of hurt and betrayal. She continued," I...I never would have suspected you to assist the Imperials with our destruction! Not after what they did to you, and Luke, and Alderaan!"

Anger flashed through Han's eyes as he retorted," And we would never betray you! That is why we are risking our lives in this twisted situation! The Empire believes we will help them, but we won't. We need you to replicate Luke's medication a couple hundred times. That way, we don't have to play the Empire's game!"

The scientist retreated, feebly muttering an apology. Mon Mothma, however, stared at Han and Leia incrediously. Leia sighed, throwing a nasty look at Han before explaining," They gave us the medication in exchange for our cooperation in destroying the Rebellion. However, they knew we would not join them that easily, so we believe that the cure will only alleviate Luke of his symptoms temporarily. Long enough for more of the substance to be made, as well as investigated. Eventually, we hope that a cure can be found. The Empire most likely already knows that we have gone back on our side of the bargain. We will not be able to rely on their cooperation."

"What's done is done," Mon Mothma sighed. The unusual display of weariness and emotion worried Leia. It was not like Mon Mothma to show that anything was affecting her. However, before Leia had the opportunity to ask if anything was wrong, the medication was wisked away and the group dispersed, leaving Han and Leia alone once again.


A fault in their plan was quickly discovered. The medicine could not be effectively copied, so Luke's dose that he took now would have to last until they could either capture the scientist who created the disease, or until a cure was found. Leia gripped Luke's hand tightly as they administered the medicine. It took effect after a few moments, and Luke opened his eyes for the first time in nearly a week.

"Leia?" Luke asked weakly as he struggled to sit up.

Leia pushed him back down gently. Softly, she told him," Everything is going to be ok, Luke."

Just behind Leia, Luke could see Han. The older man's expression suggested that he was fine, but Luke could sense his underlying concern through the Force. Luke met Han's eyes and raised an eyebrow, prompting him to explain what he was feeling.

"How does he always know?" Han muttered to himself. He then told Luke," I'm just worried about what the Empire is going to do, Luke."

Luke could tell he was lying, but didn't have the energy to press the matter. In time he would find out what happened. Slowly, Luke brought a hand up to his nose, wondering if it had healed. Fortunately, it seemed to be healing properly, if not a little bit more slowly than usual. His left wrist was still extremely stiff, and a glance down at it told Luke that it had been freshly wrapped that morning.

"How do you feel?" a medic asked Luke as he walked by.

Luke smiled and replied," I've been worse."

Leia glared at Luke as he stated those words again. After a moment, they both started laughing. Han rolled his eyes as the medic left with a baffled expression. Luke started to get out of bed, and Leia promptly pushed him back down, shaking her head. She wasn't about to allow Luke to push himself too far too fast after all they had done to save him. With a sigh, she realized that he probably didn't know how close to dying he had come.

"Stay here, Luke," Leia directed sternly, causing Luke to scowl.

"I'm fine, Leia," Luke remarked, getting out of bed despite Leia's furious protests. He stumbled out the door, and Leia got up grudgingly, helping him back to his corridors. He flashed her a big grin as he dug out his normal clothing and got dressed.

Han stood in the doorway. When Luke saw him, he demanded," What didn't you tell me?"

"A lot, acutally," Han stated casually. A glare from Luke prompted him to continue," The Empire's not going to help us again, and we don't know how long you're going to be all right. Leia and I were going to try to find the scientist who created the disease. Then, we're gonna catch him and make him give us the cure."

Luke nodded slightly and replied," What are we waiting for?"

"Luke..." Leia trailed off threateningly. When her statement was recieved with an innocent look, she snapped," You can't go, Luke! Stay here!"

Sighing deeply, Luke told her," I can't do that, Leia. It's my fault you are going, and I'm well enough to help. You're not leaving me out this time."

Reluctantly, Leia agreed to let Luke come with. However, at the first sign of not feeling well, he had to tell her. Luke packed quickly, and followed Han and Leia to the Falcon. Chewie gave an inquisitive howl upon their approach, to which Han yelled at him to just get on the ship. Han took off almost immediately, once again disregarding the orders and protocol of the Rebel headquarters.

"How are you going to find this guy?" Luke asked as he approached Han. As the pilot looked up, Luke continued," He could be anywhere."

The older man sighed and started at one of the many screens in front of him," I don't know Luke. I'm hoping he hasn't left their main ship. If he has, we'll just have to track him down."

Shaking his head as he left the cockpit, Luke muttered," I have a bad feeling about this."

Turning to Chewie, Han said," We're really in deep this time, aren't we."


"They have gone back on their side of the deal!" a dismayed scientist cried. Beriaxaan Leza was quite unhappy that their trick had not suceeded. Now, he had no doubt that the Rebels would be hunting him in attempt to rescue their precious Jedi hero. The young scientist knew that such risks would come with the job, but he had always hoped he would be able to escape them. That now seemed highly unlikely.

Commander Glarin was displeased by the Rebels' actions as well. He had not expected complete loyalty, but he had thought that they would care enough about their friend to play along for a little while. The disgruntled commander replied," They have, and they will pay most dearly. Soon, the last Jedi shall die, and they will be left on their own. Without Skywalker, the Rebel forces will be considerably weaker."

Beriaxaan was still not satisfied. He questioned coldly," What are you going to do to keep them from capturing me?"

"That's a problem with an easy solution," the commander declared with an evil smirk. He withdrew a blaster from within his utility belt and aimed it at Beriaxaan's heart. A single shot was fired, but it was enough.


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