Insult To Injury
Disclaimer: I own nothing and I'm not profiting from this so please don't sue me.
Summary: Shortly After the events of The Crystal Star, Han pays a visit to Shug Ninx, who has disturbing news about the Republic's plans to honour an old flame and her squadron
Chapter 3: I Smell a Vrelt
Han stepped into the cockpit and immediately noticed the beeping holonet transceiver indicating that a message is waiting to be played, proceeding to the controls he activated the holonet receiver and sat down to view the message. He hit the receive button and Fey'lya appeared on the projector.
"Captain Solo, I hope I find you well, I understand from your¼ charming wife that you are visiting some of your more, shall we say, eccentric colleagues. Leia had many interesting things to say... Apparently the fifteenth anniversary of the battle of Ylesia is coming up. Imagine that it has been fifteen years since those brave souls risked everything for the sake of our freedom".
"Oh you don't need to tell me. I was there," Han said nonchalantly.
"Really you were there, had no idea that there were any rebels still alive from that battle. Oh wait you were still a smuggler back then. However I have heard stories from General Torbul that several courageous smugglers played a minor role in the battle, I assume you were among them. You must have been pretty brave to join a battle with people you didn't know. But perhaps you did know one of them, say a personal associate perhaps," Fey'lya purred. "Of course if you had such a... friend, I am sure you would have told Leia about it. After all I doubt you are the type to keep things from your wife, are you?"
"Of course not" said Han who did not like where this was going at all.
"You know I just had a brilliant idea, the Senate is planning a dedication ceremony of a monument to Red Hand. We chose them since they fought the hardest in the battle. Considering that you were there, perhaps you might like to say a few words. I understand that this is sudden. I'll tell you what... You show up at Ylesia in four days and I will have the speech written for you, now isn't that fair?" Fey'lya eagerly said.
"Yeah Fey'lya, I guess it is. Well you have a deal. I'll see you in four days". Han reached for the comm and cut the connection. May you be sent to the nine hells for all eternity you stinkin' vrelt he thought. "Chewie star prepping the Falcon I need to discuss a few things with Karrde, but first I need your honest unbiased opinion on something, should I take Karrde's offer and defend the smugglers, sell them out like a womp rat and help Fey'lya or just stay out of it."
"Hurrrunnnhh."
"Yeah I guess that is the coward's way out. I'll go tell Karrde he's got a deal." Han walked out of the ship to meet with Karrde.
Han walked back into Shug's office to find Karrde waiting for him.
"Well Han what did Fey'lya have to say", Karrde asked expectantly.
"Oh you know the usual... How are you, do me a favour or I'll ruin your life, nothing major,'' he replied.
"And just how exactly is he planning to ruin your life this time."
"He's going to reveal to Leia that Bria is a former girlfriend." Han replied vehemently
"So," Karrde asked.
"So! I never took you for dense, Karrde. All he needs to do is point out that we almost got married and Leia will start wondering why I never mentioned her and if I loved Bria more then her."
Karrde laughed, "Is that all your worried about? Oh come on Han. All you need is another perspective on things. After all, you were really angry after she betrayed everyone at Ylesia and had the gall to ask you to join her in betraying your friends too. It probably hurt too much to talk about it back then and I am sure by now the relationship doesn't seem important enough to mention."
"You know Karrde, sometimes you can be really devious.
"That was only smart. Devious will cost you a thousand credits."