Notes: Alright, here we go again. Words in represent character thought, words in represent force speech, and words in / represent Chewbacca speaking. Just a reminder that this is an AU fic (Obviously) and events, characters lines, etc. may be slightly different from the movie. Or they could be totally different or non-existent at all.
Feedback: Thanks to those who submitted reviews in the last two months and requested I continue. Things have been very busy for me lately. I'm still not sure where I want the story to go, but it will come to me on the way. Thank you to all of those who are reviewing. For those of you who are curious, you'll just have to wait and see if Han falls for Nem or if she pairs up with Luke. Mwahaha! Please continue with the reviews and remember constructive criticism only. If you have to criticize anyway. So, on with chapter 24.
Obi-Wan's Daughter: Chapter 24
"Nice to see you're awake, Sweetheart." Han said, smirking at Nemesis as she walked down the ramp of the Falcon.
Nemesis glanced at the smuggler and sighed. Deciding to let him slide on calling her 'sweetheart' yet again, she shrugged. "Sorry. I must have been more exhausted than I thought. Thanks for letting me use your cabin."
"I was starting to think I was going to have to leave with you still sleeping in my cabin." Han said, still giving her his famous roguish smirk.
"Leave? Why?" Nemesis stretched, watching the older man. He is handsome. No wonder I'm picking up on this jealousy from Luke. But he and I… we just can't…
Han shook his head. "It ain't my fight, Nem. I don't want to get involved. I watch out for myself."
Nemesis shook her head, offering an infamous smirk of her own. "Yes, of course. That became plainly clear back on the Death Star when you were dragging my father onto your ship."
Han shrugged. "He couldn't pay me my promised credits if I let him get killed."
Nemesis shrugged. "Sure, Han. Whatever you say. " She smiled. "You know we could use your help. Best of luck, though, whatever you decide. And thanks for the help. It's a small galaxy, maybe I'll see you again some time."
Once Nemesis had left the hanger, Chewbacca approached Han. / She has a point, you willingly risked yourself to save the old Jedi./
Han shook his head. "What? You heard me, Furball. I needed those credits he promised me.
Chewbacca's laughter sounded more like deep growling. / Someone else would have paid you. Besides, you care for the girl. It's only been what? Two days? Isn't that a new record for you/
"You're pushing it" Han said, glaring at his wookie friend. "She's nicer than that spoilt princess, I'll give her that."
"Spoilt Princess?" Leia asked as she approached. "Is that what you think of me?"
"Well, your highness, what difference does my opinion make?" Han said, spinning around to face her. "And don't you know it's rude to sneak up and butt into private conversations?"
Leia narrowed her eyes. "Nem told me you were here, and that you were planning on leaving. I came to ask you to reconsider. We could use your help."
Han smiled. "Well, isn't that just nice? Maybe if Nem herself had come to ask me, I'd think about it. But, the thing is, Princess, I owe no loyalty to you or your republic. I look out for myself. Hanging around, fighting Imps and maybe getting killed isn't my idea of a good time. So, if you don't mind, Chewie and me'll be on our way."
Leia narrowed her eyes. "You know, I fully respect the opinion of General Kenobi and his daughter, but I can't imagine what Nem would have thought was useful about a Nerf Herder! Go on and leave then. We really don't need your assistance, anyway."
Han waited a few moments after watching Leia storm out of the hanger. He glanced at Chewbacca and shrugged. "I wonder what's eating her? Let's get these supplies loaded before anyone else comes to try and change my mind."
"You couldn't convince him to stay?" Luke frowned. "Why wouldn't he want to stay? Maybe if I talk to him…"
"Let him be, Luke." Nemesis said. "He may change his mind on his own. Several of us bombarding him with the request will only serve to deepen his desire to leave."
Obi-Wan nodded. "Besides, we have a mission to prepare for. And you have training to do."
Luke sighed. "More training? How much more?"
"It's a life-long commitment." Nemesis smiled. "I've been training since I was two." She stretched again, glancing at the various republic soldiers, refugees, etc. around her. I just hope what I've foreseen is what will happen.
Leia sighed, still fuming from her conversation with Han. "Yes, well, any training will have to wait, I'm afraid. Thanks to the plans I stored in Artoo, we're plotting a way to destroy the Death Star as we speak."
Luke sighed. "Time for a meeting then?"
Nemesis laughed as she stood. "You got it. Let's go."
The entire meeting was pretty much a pointless blur to Nemesis. The plan the rebels had seemed to be sound enough. They had seemingly prepared for everything. One can never be prepared for everything, though
She glanced at her father. Several of the others had been turning to him for guidance. At this point, she couldn't tell if her father was enjoying being back in action, or not. He's been 'the crazy old hermit' for so long now. This may be overwhelming for him.
As it was, the only one she noted fully and willingly showing their emotions was Luke. Had he been further along in his training, Nemesis may have scolded him for not keeping his emotions controlled. But, as it was, Luke was finally receiving a chance at his dream. He was going to pilot one of the X- Wings.
"Nem! Guess what?" Luke ran over to Nemesis, taking her hand and pulling her along after him.
"What, Luke? I know. You're going to be a pilot… like your father. You keep telling me. I'm happy for you, already!" Despite Luke's child-like enthusiasm, Nem giggled.
"Yeah, I know. But this could be even better!" Luke pulled Nemesis in front of him and gently pushed her forward. "See? I told you!"
"No, that can't be Nem. Skywalker, are you serious?"
Nemesis looked up at the sound of the voice. She studied the man standing before her. It was someone Luke knew, someone who must have known her. Known me how? The only one I really hung out with on Tatooine was Luke. His friends didn't like me. Especially… Her eyes widened.
"Biggs? Is that you?" Nemesis smiled. "Luke said you went to join the rebellion.
Biggs laughed. "It is Nem! Hey, how are you? Wow you sure grew up." He stood there, eyeing her for a few moments. Nemesis fought off the blush rising in her cheeks. Finally, Biggs spoke again. "Sorry, for how we treated you as kids. You know… our no girls rules and the like."
Nemesis shrugged. "Boys are boys. What can you do?"
"Yeah." Biggs shrugged at the answer, but it was obvious he wasn't about to use it as an excuse. "You'll have to let me make it up to you sometime, though."
Nemesis shrugged again. "Ok, sure. I suppose if you insist."
Luke sighed. What was this, someone else hitting on his girl? Well, not that Nemesis really was his girl, but still… First Han, now Biggs. He shook his head. "Hey, Nem! I wanted to introduce you to Wedge, too."
Nemesis sighed. This jealousy is going to eat him alive. And for what? Still, she smiled politely and stood there as Luke introduced her to Wedge, and several of his other new 'friends'. Finally she had had enough. "Luke, I really need to get back to my father. He may need something. Besides, I think they'll be commencing the attack soon."
Luke nodded. "Yeah, you're right. We need to get prepared ourselves." He sighed to himself as he watched Nemesis walk away. I just can't seem to get her attention anymore.
Still, Luke realized that his attempt to get Nemesis' attention would have to wait. Before he knew it, he was in the cockpit of an X-Wing, on his way to aid the rebellion and, hopefully, destroy the Death Star.
Ok, so I'm ending it there. Again, sorry about the delay. I think I have my creative juices flowing again :)