Please see first chapter for disclaimer and other info
A/N: Wow, the response for this is beyond what I ever expected! Huge thanks for this goes to Toni my beta who will still willfully read my angst vignettes and not complain, and to KD Skywalker my new partner in crime.
Garowyn- I couldn't get a hold of your email address, so if it's at all possible, could you email me at unchained (at) littlevampirebites (dot) com, and I'll add you to the list.
I'm still collecting names and emails of anyone who wants to help with the awards. To all those who have already shown interest, you'll be receiving an info email shortly :)
Chapter Six: Hokey Religions & Lunchtime
Since the morning's embarrassing incident, Anakin had stayed out of his children's and Solo's ways. He needed some time alone to think about what his next plan was. He felt a little stupid for being caught like he was this morning. Since when was Anakin Skywalker clumsy or at a loss for words?
Simple- since he had to deal with an eighteen year old daughter. Thousands of questions ran through his head, with the number one being was Leia sleeping with Han Solo?
He didn't want to believe it. He couldn't believe it! Leia was his baby girl!
He shuddered as he thought about what he found in the older man's bag. What if it was Leia's? He pushed that thought far from his mind. That wasn't something he was willing to deal with now. Thank goodness, Threepio barged into the room to take his thoughts off it.
"Master Anakin, lunch has been prepared. Luke and Leia will be seated shortly, as will Master Solo,"
"Thank you, Threepio."
Since Padme wasn't here to enjoy the casual lunch, Anakin would be left alone with the kids…and with Han. A grin played across his face. This was going to be interesting.
A few moments later, nearly everyone had been seated at the table.
"Where's your guest, Leia?" Anakin asked innocently. Luke smirked as Leia kicked him under the table.
"He should be coming. Threepio just went and got…"
She was interrupted by a loud noise that sounded much like a protocol droid being kicked. Anakin raised his eyebrow as he heard Han's voice echo into the dining area.
"I SAID I WAS COMING, GOLDENROD!"
The man of the hour stormed into the dining room, closely followed by Threepio.
"I am terribly sorry, Master Solo. Please, take a seat."
Han gruffly sat down in the offered chair and glared at the protocol droid as he walked off.
"Stupid droid walked in on me using the refresher," he mumbled. It took Anakin all the strength in the world not to burst out laughing then and there.
"Well, Threepio's a bit of a..."
There was a stifled laugh and a snort from Luke across the table.
"An impatient droid…" he continued, looking downwards.
"Yeah, I've kind of noticed that, Paps!" Han replied hotly, glaring at Anakin.
He thinks I put Threepio up to it, Anakin realised. He smirked.
The Handmaidens began to bring out lunch. Through the entrée, everyone was unbelievably quiet, probably trying to avoid any confrontations. This was definitely an unusual occurrence; one which Anakin was going to take advantage of.
"So Mr. Solo…"
"Captain Solo," Han immediately jumped in, warranting the exact reaction Anakin was hoping for.
He laughed, sarcasm tinged throughout. "Of course; Captain Solo. I hear you're a skeptic when it comes to the Jedi Order and the Force. May I ask why?"
"Dad, please." begged Leia from her place next to Solo. Her face was a dark shade of red. Luke on the other hand had a look of amusement plastered on his face.
"Yeah, Han. What is your problem with the Jedi?" he asked, silently siding with his father.
Leia groaned. "Han, you do not have to ans…"
"Sure, I do, Ms. Skywalker. I think it's all a big show. It's some old hokey religion that is trying to keep their power by claiming they're the guardians of the peace or whatever other crap they spout. I for one don't buy it." He leaned back in his chair smugly, silently urging Anakin to reply.
Anger is a path to the dark side…
And so is dealing with morons such as Captain Han Solo.
So instead of getting angry, Anakin thought it would be best to fight fire with fire. Fighting the urge to tap into his Force-choke abilities, he leaned back in his chair too, mimicking the pilot's casual position.
"Interesting thoughts you've got, Captain. Not warranted of course, but then again what would a pilot like yourself know?"
This was getting good.
"Listen, Paps. I might not be the great Anakin Skywalker but I've been around; seen a few things in this galaxy. I'm not as clueless as you think I am. Sir," he added for the final push.
Oh yeah, this was getting really good.
Anakin laughed again. This guy thought he knew everything- even more then the great Jedi Master Anakin Skywalker. He'd show him.
"Would you like to put your money where your mouth is, Mr. Solo?" he asked, standing up.
Across the table, Anakin heard another groan come from his daughter.
Mimicking Anakin's motion, Han stood up too and looked at Anakin straight in the eye.
"Name your time, place and price old man."
"Tomorrow morning, right here. We race the two spare ships I have around the back. If you win, you can keep it. Plus whatever my daughter here owes you,"
Leia's eyes grew wide and she shot a glance at Luke. He knew something was up.
"And if you win?"
"In that most likely scenario, you pack your stuff and walk out of here. Just beating you will give me enough satisfaction, Solo."
They shot daggers at each other through their eyes.
"Dad, please, I think you're being a little unreasonable! And Han, stop being so childish!" Leia lectured.
On the other hand, Luke was excited. "Don't listen to her. Come on!"
"You're on, Paps."
Han quickly spun around and stormed out of the room. Just as Luke was about to open his mouth and say something, a loud "Shut your mouth, kid!" echoed into the room.
"I hope you're satisfied, Father," spat Leia as she walked out of the room.
Of course, Anakin did feel bad for embarrassing his daughter. But the sooner he put Han Solo in his place, the sooner he could get rid of him. Leia's anger was a price he was willing to pay.