A Change of Plans: Chapter 9
Trying desperately to silence the nagging voice in the back of his brain, Han proceeded to the command center as quickly as he could. The faster he moved, the earlier he would arrive and the less time he would have to change his mind. He knew he was crazy. Had to be. This idea of his was absolutely the most insane thing he'd ever thought to do, and he'd done some crazy things in his life. Strangely, though, the idea felt right. It had come to him just as he left Luke's room in the medcenter, and he hadn't given himself a chance to really talk himself out of it. He knew he just had to do it. If only the little voice in his head would shut up and quit telling him that he was as mad as he felt.
He rounded a corner and entered the command center. He froze. He really was insane. He didn't even know how to word this crazy idea of his. The Princess and the General would never buy it.
Then he saw her. She was standing at one of the consoles and had looked up as soon as he had walked into the room. Her long brown hair had been neatly braided into two twists that wrapped themselves around each other at the base of her head and then trailed down her back. Her arm was still in a sling, but most of the bruises had faded, and the cut on her face was beginning to heal nicely. It probably wouldn't even leave a scar.
He mentally kicked himself. Now was not the time to be analyzing Her Worshipfulness. He had a job to do. But at least she was watching.
He scanned the room for General Rieekan. It didn't take long to spot the middle-aged man giving orders to a young Rebel who abruptly left as Solo approached. Rieekan's blue eyes quickly took in Han's apparent desire to speak with him.
"Yes, Captain Solo?"
Han cleared his throat. He'd managed to annoy the General just a few days ago, and he hoped the man was patient and understanding enough to listen to what he had to say. "Sir," Han began, "I'd like to speak with you about a plan for the evacuation of the base."
Rieekan smiled a moment. "That's the trouble with running a Rebel military. Things are never kept secret. So you know about the evacuation?"
Han nodded, surprised at the General's pleasant demeanor.
"Well, then, let's hear your plan, Captain."
Han took a deep breath. "It's actually very simple, really," he said, trying to put the same self-confident tone into his voice that he used when speaking with Jabba and his thugs. "If there are Imps in the area, and our shields aren't fully functional, then we're sitting ducks while we prepare to evacuate, and we're a huge moving target once we do. Remember what happened when we evacuated Yavin?"
That had been a battle in and of itself. Several fighters were lost in the escape and a cruiser full of supplies was destroyed. They'd had to make several hyperspace jumps in succession to get the Imperial Fleet off of their tails, and they'd had to send a few squadrons on decoy jumps to try to confuse them. All in all, it had been quite a mess.
"So then what do you suggest?" Rieekan asked, eyebrows arched.
"We distract the Imps now," Han replied. "I'll lead a squad out to stage a few skirmishes, attract their attention and lead them away from the system. Then we'll send out phony reconn ships to scout out to remote planets we have no interest in, but which are near areas of known Imperial activity. Once the Imps are thoroughly confused, we rendezvous at a set location and proceed from there to the new base . . . which is supposed to be, as I believe, on Karra." Han had picked this little bit of information up from Wedge, who knew some of the pilots who had recently hauled supplies out to that planet a week ago.
Rieekan studied him carefully a moment before he said, "You seem to be very well informed, Captain. And your plan is not a bad one. In fact, we've been tossing about several ideas very similar to yours for the past few hours."
Han felt disheartened, deflated, and uncomfortable. Her Worshipfulness was watching him, and here he had presented a "novel" idea that had already been conceived in her presence by the other more knowledgeable rebel leaders.
"However," Rieekan went on, "seeing as you seem to be eager to assist in a decoy mission, perhaps you can participate in the modified version of your plan. You see," he turned to one of the consoles and pulled up what looked like specs on a new construct, "the disk that you and Commander Skywalker brought back contains some very valuable information. Information that's also quite alarming. Come, take a look." He stepped aside to allow Han a better view of the data.
Han moved closer and studied the screen. "It looks like some kind of Star Destroyer."
"Yes, but look at the dimensions," Rieekan suggested.
Han did as instructed and paled at what he saw. "This can't be right," he breathed. It would have to be nearly five times the size of a standard Star Destroyer.
"Oh, it is," Rieekan assured him. "Our source has seen it, and says it will be completed within the next two months."
Han looked up at him. "So what does this have to do with the evacuation of the base?"
"One word, Captain," Rieekan said conspiratorially. "Sabotage. What better distraction can we provide than to send a team in to sabotage the construction of the Empire's newest weapon?"
"You're talkin' suicide, General," Han said quietly.
A female voice suddenly entered the conversation. "I seem to recall you voicing the same opinion about the attack on the Death Star, Captain."
Han turned to see the Princess staring at him with a daring gleam in her eye. "Yeah, well, in case you hadn't noticed, Your Worship, the kid who pulled that little stunt off is in the medcenter."
"If I may make a small correction," interrupted Rieekan, "you were rather instrumental in that attack as well."
"I shot one fighter, General," Han countered. "Just enough to give the kid a clear shot."
Rieekan seemed about to offer another argument, when the Princess interceded. "Don't bother, General. He's not interested in truly helping us. He's only in it for the money."
Han glared at her, and she met his stare with venom enough to match his. However, he was too enraged to notice. Suddenly he didn't care who else was in the room. Enough was enough. "Pardon me, Your Highnessness, but didn't I just come in here to volunteer lead the Imperials on a wild goose chase to get them off your back so you could fly off this rock to safety? Didn't I just come in here to stick my own neck out there to save your royal behind and everyone else in this rebellion? You're really somethin', you know that, your Worship? You need to get your head out of . . .. wherever it is you've stuck it," he watched a flash of crimson on her cheeks at his modified insult, "and take a look around at what's really happening in front of your eyes! I try to talk to ya', you run away. I try to help ya', and I get a door slammed in my face! Well, I'll tell you what, Your Worshipfulness; until you figure out what's really got your back up, I'm gonna stay well out of your way! 'Cause I'm tired of being assaulted by your screwed up view of reality! Let Luke deal with you from now on!" He was about to storm out of the room when he remembered his purpose for coming to the command center. He turned his gaze to General Rieekan. "General, I may not be your agent for the sabotage deal, but I'm here to let you know that me an' the Falcon are here for ya'. Whatever you decide to do is fine by me." He shot a final glance at the Princess before he added, "As long as you can send me as far away from Her Highnessness as possible!"
With barely contained rage, he turned on his heal and left the room, for once leaving a stunned Princess behind.
************
While the final plans for the evacuation of Krall were underway, Han was avoiding all contact with the Princess. Chewie had been quick to point out the irony of the situation, much to Han's chagrin. After all, Han had sworn up and down that he was ditching the Rebellion at the first possible chance; but now that he had an easy out, he was staying on to help them in a risky operation. Even Luke had laughed at the turn of events.
"So what excuse are you going to give now?" he asked with a grin when Han stopped by the medcenter to chat.
Glumly slumped in a chair, Han muttered, "Temporary insanity." He must be insane to have volunteered for this plan. Heck, he'd even agreed to fly in one of those blasted X-wings, much to everyone's amusement. As a result, he'd spent the past two hours flying sims in order to get used to the ship's handling. Tired, cranky, and seething with frustration, he'd initially gone to the Falcon to talk to Chewie. The Wookie had only managed to make him feel worse by rubbing in the fact that while Han was out there in a dinky X-wing, he'd be in the Falcon helping to ferry out supplies and people. Apparently, his co-pilot could carry a grudge for quite a while and was making Han pay dearly for the past few days. So now he was left with only Luke to talk to; and judging from the amused look on the kid's face, he wasn't going to be any more supportive than anyone else was.
"Temporary?" Luke teased.
Han gave him a tired glare. "You want a relapse, kid?" he threatened.
Luke bit his lip to suppress a chuckle and shook his head. Han had noted upon entering the room that the kid had finally started to improve in the past twenty-four hours. Although still pale, he was sitting up in bed, and the life had returned to his eyes. Unfortunately for Han, his voice had also returned.
"I just want to know what possessed you to take part in this whole plan," Luke said, trying to sound as serious as possible. Han still heard the unmistakable sound of mirth in his voice, however.
"You don't let up, do ya', kid?" Han groaned.
Luke cocked his head to the side, tauntingly. "Come on," he crowed. "You've always said you were only in this for the money. How does this qualify?"
Han narrowed his eyes and leaned in. "By keepin' you guys alive, I can continue to collect," he said. He winked and added, "Get the picture?"
Luke shook his head. "You can't fool me, Solo. You're just a softie, and I know it."
"I don't know what you're talkin' about, kid," Han countered, although not as sharply as he would have expected to. Apparently, he was getting used to the accusation. Hadn't he even accused himself of being too soft?
"So when does this whole plan go into effect?" Luke asked eagerly.
"Tomorrow," Han replied.
"Tomorrow?" Luke asked in disbelief. Han thought he sensed disappointment there as well.
"Yeah, kid," he answered. "Tomorrow. That's why I've been flying sims all afternoon. Those X-wings are absolutely awful."
Luke scowled. "I like them. And I'm good in 'em. So quit complaining. Especially since you're the one who gets to fly in this crazy set-up while I sit here recuperating."
"Consider yourself lucky," Han countered. He knew the thrill of a fight better than anyone did, but this plan was so half-baked he couldn't understand Luke's disappointment.
"Well, I'll tell you this much," the kid was saying. "There is no way I'm being flown out of here on a medical frigate!"
"Kid, I don't think you have much of a choice."
"Who knows," he shot back. "I'm recovering a lot faster than they expected. I may be a lot better by tomorrow."
Han laughed to dismiss Luke's idea, even as he had to admit to himself that the kid might actually be right. His recovery had baffled the medical staff and had defied all common sense. Granted, the kid was still sick, but the improvements had had made over the past day had been remarkable. And everyone had been at a loss to explain how he had done it. Of course, Han wouldn't dare to mention any of this to the kid. No sense getting his hopes up for flying tomorrow. More than likely, the kid would be flown out. Han actually felt sorry for the medical staff that would have to deal with him when that happened.
"Well, kid," he said, changing the subject and preparing to excuse himself, "I've got to go speak to the brass about a bunch of mumbo-jumbo while somehow avoiding her Worshipfulness."
"You two are still at it?" Luke asked in disbelief.
Han scowled. "Look, kid, the woman is absolutely impossible. I tried makin' nice, and she was . . . well, let's just say she was too awful for words."
Luke sighed. "Boy, it must have been bad if you're mincing words around me."
"It was, trust me." Han continued to frown at the thought of yesterday's meeting. He still couldn't understand that woman. And he was through with trying. As far as he was concerned, she was just an obnoxious noise in the background to be tuned out while he did his job.
"I still think you guys can work it out," the kid said hopefully.
"Well, you keep thinkin' that," Han snapped, "but I ain't recommendin' keepin' your hopes up at all."
Luke shrugged. "Well, get going, since it's obvious you're trying to get out of here."
"Sure thing, kid," Han replied with a smile. He couldn't get over how the kid always managed to remain perfectly balanced between annoying and likeable. And now that he was getting better, he seemed to be more like his normal self. Moving toward the door, he added, "You just get well, ya' here me?"
"I hear you, Han," Luke laughed.
Han laughed in return, but the laugh died on his lips the moment he opened the door and saw who was standing on the other side.
Trying desperately to silence the nagging voice in the back of his brain, Han proceeded to the command center as quickly as he could. The faster he moved, the earlier he would arrive and the less time he would have to change his mind. He knew he was crazy. Had to be. This idea of his was absolutely the most insane thing he'd ever thought to do, and he'd done some crazy things in his life. Strangely, though, the idea felt right. It had come to him just as he left Luke's room in the medcenter, and he hadn't given himself a chance to really talk himself out of it. He knew he just had to do it. If only the little voice in his head would shut up and quit telling him that he was as mad as he felt.
He rounded a corner and entered the command center. He froze. He really was insane. He didn't even know how to word this crazy idea of his. The Princess and the General would never buy it.
Then he saw her. She was standing at one of the consoles and had looked up as soon as he had walked into the room. Her long brown hair had been neatly braided into two twists that wrapped themselves around each other at the base of her head and then trailed down her back. Her arm was still in a sling, but most of the bruises had faded, and the cut on her face was beginning to heal nicely. It probably wouldn't even leave a scar.
He mentally kicked himself. Now was not the time to be analyzing Her Worshipfulness. He had a job to do. But at least she was watching.
He scanned the room for General Rieekan. It didn't take long to spot the middle-aged man giving orders to a young Rebel who abruptly left as Solo approached. Rieekan's blue eyes quickly took in Han's apparent desire to speak with him.
"Yes, Captain Solo?"
Han cleared his throat. He'd managed to annoy the General just a few days ago, and he hoped the man was patient and understanding enough to listen to what he had to say. "Sir," Han began, "I'd like to speak with you about a plan for the evacuation of the base."
Rieekan smiled a moment. "That's the trouble with running a Rebel military. Things are never kept secret. So you know about the evacuation?"
Han nodded, surprised at the General's pleasant demeanor.
"Well, then, let's hear your plan, Captain."
Han took a deep breath. "It's actually very simple, really," he said, trying to put the same self-confident tone into his voice that he used when speaking with Jabba and his thugs. "If there are Imps in the area, and our shields aren't fully functional, then we're sitting ducks while we prepare to evacuate, and we're a huge moving target once we do. Remember what happened when we evacuated Yavin?"
That had been a battle in and of itself. Several fighters were lost in the escape and a cruiser full of supplies was destroyed. They'd had to make several hyperspace jumps in succession to get the Imperial Fleet off of their tails, and they'd had to send a few squadrons on decoy jumps to try to confuse them. All in all, it had been quite a mess.
"So then what do you suggest?" Rieekan asked, eyebrows arched.
"We distract the Imps now," Han replied. "I'll lead a squad out to stage a few skirmishes, attract their attention and lead them away from the system. Then we'll send out phony reconn ships to scout out to remote planets we have no interest in, but which are near areas of known Imperial activity. Once the Imps are thoroughly confused, we rendezvous at a set location and proceed from there to the new base . . . which is supposed to be, as I believe, on Karra." Han had picked this little bit of information up from Wedge, who knew some of the pilots who had recently hauled supplies out to that planet a week ago.
Rieekan studied him carefully a moment before he said, "You seem to be very well informed, Captain. And your plan is not a bad one. In fact, we've been tossing about several ideas very similar to yours for the past few hours."
Han felt disheartened, deflated, and uncomfortable. Her Worshipfulness was watching him, and here he had presented a "novel" idea that had already been conceived in her presence by the other more knowledgeable rebel leaders.
"However," Rieekan went on, "seeing as you seem to be eager to assist in a decoy mission, perhaps you can participate in the modified version of your plan. You see," he turned to one of the consoles and pulled up what looked like specs on a new construct, "the disk that you and Commander Skywalker brought back contains some very valuable information. Information that's also quite alarming. Come, take a look." He stepped aside to allow Han a better view of the data.
Han moved closer and studied the screen. "It looks like some kind of Star Destroyer."
"Yes, but look at the dimensions," Rieekan suggested.
Han did as instructed and paled at what he saw. "This can't be right," he breathed. It would have to be nearly five times the size of a standard Star Destroyer.
"Oh, it is," Rieekan assured him. "Our source has seen it, and says it will be completed within the next two months."
Han looked up at him. "So what does this have to do with the evacuation of the base?"
"One word, Captain," Rieekan said conspiratorially. "Sabotage. What better distraction can we provide than to send a team in to sabotage the construction of the Empire's newest weapon?"
"You're talkin' suicide, General," Han said quietly.
A female voice suddenly entered the conversation. "I seem to recall you voicing the same opinion about the attack on the Death Star, Captain."
Han turned to see the Princess staring at him with a daring gleam in her eye. "Yeah, well, in case you hadn't noticed, Your Worship, the kid who pulled that little stunt off is in the medcenter."
"If I may make a small correction," interrupted Rieekan, "you were rather instrumental in that attack as well."
"I shot one fighter, General," Han countered. "Just enough to give the kid a clear shot."
Rieekan seemed about to offer another argument, when the Princess interceded. "Don't bother, General. He's not interested in truly helping us. He's only in it for the money."
Han glared at her, and she met his stare with venom enough to match his. However, he was too enraged to notice. Suddenly he didn't care who else was in the room. Enough was enough. "Pardon me, Your Highnessness, but didn't I just come in here to volunteer lead the Imperials on a wild goose chase to get them off your back so you could fly off this rock to safety? Didn't I just come in here to stick my own neck out there to save your royal behind and everyone else in this rebellion? You're really somethin', you know that, your Worship? You need to get your head out of . . .. wherever it is you've stuck it," he watched a flash of crimson on her cheeks at his modified insult, "and take a look around at what's really happening in front of your eyes! I try to talk to ya', you run away. I try to help ya', and I get a door slammed in my face! Well, I'll tell you what, Your Worshipfulness; until you figure out what's really got your back up, I'm gonna stay well out of your way! 'Cause I'm tired of being assaulted by your screwed up view of reality! Let Luke deal with you from now on!" He was about to storm out of the room when he remembered his purpose for coming to the command center. He turned his gaze to General Rieekan. "General, I may not be your agent for the sabotage deal, but I'm here to let you know that me an' the Falcon are here for ya'. Whatever you decide to do is fine by me." He shot a final glance at the Princess before he added, "As long as you can send me as far away from Her Highnessness as possible!"
With barely contained rage, he turned on his heal and left the room, for once leaving a stunned Princess behind.
************
While the final plans for the evacuation of Krall were underway, Han was avoiding all contact with the Princess. Chewie had been quick to point out the irony of the situation, much to Han's chagrin. After all, Han had sworn up and down that he was ditching the Rebellion at the first possible chance; but now that he had an easy out, he was staying on to help them in a risky operation. Even Luke had laughed at the turn of events.
"So what excuse are you going to give now?" he asked with a grin when Han stopped by the medcenter to chat.
Glumly slumped in a chair, Han muttered, "Temporary insanity." He must be insane to have volunteered for this plan. Heck, he'd even agreed to fly in one of those blasted X-wings, much to everyone's amusement. As a result, he'd spent the past two hours flying sims in order to get used to the ship's handling. Tired, cranky, and seething with frustration, he'd initially gone to the Falcon to talk to Chewie. The Wookie had only managed to make him feel worse by rubbing in the fact that while Han was out there in a dinky X-wing, he'd be in the Falcon helping to ferry out supplies and people. Apparently, his co-pilot could carry a grudge for quite a while and was making Han pay dearly for the past few days. So now he was left with only Luke to talk to; and judging from the amused look on the kid's face, he wasn't going to be any more supportive than anyone else was.
"Temporary?" Luke teased.
Han gave him a tired glare. "You want a relapse, kid?" he threatened.
Luke bit his lip to suppress a chuckle and shook his head. Han had noted upon entering the room that the kid had finally started to improve in the past twenty-four hours. Although still pale, he was sitting up in bed, and the life had returned to his eyes. Unfortunately for Han, his voice had also returned.
"I just want to know what possessed you to take part in this whole plan," Luke said, trying to sound as serious as possible. Han still heard the unmistakable sound of mirth in his voice, however.
"You don't let up, do ya', kid?" Han groaned.
Luke cocked his head to the side, tauntingly. "Come on," he crowed. "You've always said you were only in this for the money. How does this qualify?"
Han narrowed his eyes and leaned in. "By keepin' you guys alive, I can continue to collect," he said. He winked and added, "Get the picture?"
Luke shook his head. "You can't fool me, Solo. You're just a softie, and I know it."
"I don't know what you're talkin' about, kid," Han countered, although not as sharply as he would have expected to. Apparently, he was getting used to the accusation. Hadn't he even accused himself of being too soft?
"So when does this whole plan go into effect?" Luke asked eagerly.
"Tomorrow," Han replied.
"Tomorrow?" Luke asked in disbelief. Han thought he sensed disappointment there as well.
"Yeah, kid," he answered. "Tomorrow. That's why I've been flying sims all afternoon. Those X-wings are absolutely awful."
Luke scowled. "I like them. And I'm good in 'em. So quit complaining. Especially since you're the one who gets to fly in this crazy set-up while I sit here recuperating."
"Consider yourself lucky," Han countered. He knew the thrill of a fight better than anyone did, but this plan was so half-baked he couldn't understand Luke's disappointment.
"Well, I'll tell you this much," the kid was saying. "There is no way I'm being flown out of here on a medical frigate!"
"Kid, I don't think you have much of a choice."
"Who knows," he shot back. "I'm recovering a lot faster than they expected. I may be a lot better by tomorrow."
Han laughed to dismiss Luke's idea, even as he had to admit to himself that the kid might actually be right. His recovery had baffled the medical staff and had defied all common sense. Granted, the kid was still sick, but the improvements had had made over the past day had been remarkable. And everyone had been at a loss to explain how he had done it. Of course, Han wouldn't dare to mention any of this to the kid. No sense getting his hopes up for flying tomorrow. More than likely, the kid would be flown out. Han actually felt sorry for the medical staff that would have to deal with him when that happened.
"Well, kid," he said, changing the subject and preparing to excuse himself, "I've got to go speak to the brass about a bunch of mumbo-jumbo while somehow avoiding her Worshipfulness."
"You two are still at it?" Luke asked in disbelief.
Han scowled. "Look, kid, the woman is absolutely impossible. I tried makin' nice, and she was . . . well, let's just say she was too awful for words."
Luke sighed. "Boy, it must have been bad if you're mincing words around me."
"It was, trust me." Han continued to frown at the thought of yesterday's meeting. He still couldn't understand that woman. And he was through with trying. As far as he was concerned, she was just an obnoxious noise in the background to be tuned out while he did his job.
"I still think you guys can work it out," the kid said hopefully.
"Well, you keep thinkin' that," Han snapped, "but I ain't recommendin' keepin' your hopes up at all."
Luke shrugged. "Well, get going, since it's obvious you're trying to get out of here."
"Sure thing, kid," Han replied with a smile. He couldn't get over how the kid always managed to remain perfectly balanced between annoying and likeable. And now that he was getting better, he seemed to be more like his normal self. Moving toward the door, he added, "You just get well, ya' here me?"
"I hear you, Han," Luke laughed.
Han laughed in return, but the laugh died on his lips the moment he opened the door and saw who was standing on the other side.
