Author's note: I wasn't able to get this chapter posted as early as I wanted to, but I made it extra long to compensate. Expect a regular chapter update later in the day (assuming the system is working properly).

And now...back to the place we left off before RogueSticks hijacked the story...

Having just finished an excruciating physical therapy session in order to secure her release, Leia shuffled slowly into the medcenter's small refesher. As the sonic waves washed over her, she silently wished for the luxury of a hot water shower or, better yet, a relaxing soak in a hot tub.

She imagined the hot water caressing her body, and her mind was suddenly filled with the image of Han Solo. Clad only in form fitting navy swim trunks, he slipped in behind her and began massaging her shoulders. He then murmured words she could not understand before his lips brushed against her neck and sent electricity coursing through her body.

The shock of his imagined touch brought her back to reality, a reality in which Han never cared for her. Throughout her entire stay in the medical facility, he had never once come to check on her. His friends made lame excuses, but it was clear that he was purposefully staying away. She was smart enough to take the hint, though she felt foolish, even angry.

As she was leaving her room, she heard a couple of the pilots talking loudly in the examination room. She decided to make a quiet exit, as she was in no mood to talk to anyone right now. However, the mention of Han's name caught her attention, and, against her better judgment, she listened at the door.

The first pilot said, "At least I didn't get as drunk as Solo. I saw Chewbacca carrying him to the Falcon two days ago, and no one has seen him since."

His companion replied, "He must have gone on some bender. Solo usually holds his liquor well."

"Yeah, I wonder what brought that on? Hey, you don't think that the great Han Solo actually fell for the 'Ice Princess,' do you? I might actually be able to collect on my bet."

"Nah, Solo would never be trapped by a woman, even one as lovely as the princess. Haven't you heard all his stories?"

"I don't need to…I've seen all his conquests around here. I wish he'd leave some of the women for the rest of us."

Anger rising, Leia could take no more and stormed out of the medcenter. She knew now that Han had not come to visit because he had been drunk for two days! She had been right about him all along. He was a mercenary who only cared about himself, and he was incapable of having a real relationship with anyone. Not that I ever wanted a relationship with him in the first place, she reminded herself quickly.

Instead of heading to her quarters as she had planned, Leia found herself taking a direct course to the Millennium Falcon. She was hurt that Han had not bothered to check on her, but she was determined to get answers from him about what had happened on the trip. He owed her that, at least.

As she walked, she worked carefully to choke down her anger and arrange a cool façade. She would not allow him to see how hurt she was. She would remain calm at all times, and she would not let him goad her into an argument.

Upon reaching the ramp of Han's ship, Leia took a deep breath and tried to assume an air of confidence that she did not feel. She was tempted to turn back, but desperate need to know about the missing days of her life drove her to action. Slowly, at first, and then with more assurance, her feet carried her into the heart of Han's world.

The Falcon seemed unusually quiet and it took her a moment to realize why—no repair work was being done on the ship. She briefly wondered if Han was actually on board the ship, but she knew Han too well to believe he was elsewhere. Han might leave the ramp down when he was in a safe port, but he always locked his ship when he wasn't there to personally guarantee her security.

Steeling herself, Leia pressed forward and entered the lounge area. She was surprised to find a normally active Han Solo relaxing on the couch. That must be some hangover, she thought. Serves him right, her mind added uncharitably.

She opened her mouth to speak, but she was paralyzed by a wave of feeling she could neither explain nor control. Sleep softened Han's features, making him appear boyish, vulnerable. Leia could barely resist the urge to sit beside him and gently sweep the hair from his face.

Frustrated and confused, Leia summoned some of her anger to combat such unwanted feelings. Caring about Han would only lead to heartbreak, and she was determined not to fall into the trap. Besides, he obviously didn't return such feelings, so it was best to protect her heart.

"Wake up, Han. I need to talk to you," she said resolutely, though her voice lacked its normal commanding presence.

Han floated to consciousness, his spirit buoyed by a melodic alto voice. Opening his eyes, he could not suppress a smile as Leia's face came into focus. In that moment, he forgot all the reasons why he was supposed to stay away from her and greeted her with an open expression filled with warmth and love. He was overjoyed to see her looking so healthy.

Leia was stunned by what she saw in his eyes, knowing it could not possibly be true. Even her imagination was betraying her.

"Captain Solo," she said in her most formal tone, though she could not mask a brief look of hurt that flashed in her eyes. "I trust you have recovered from your recent drinking binge?"

What is she talking about? he wondered, though his head hurt like hell. It took him a moment to remember that the interrogation drugs were responsible for his current state of discomfort, not a night of drinking. Those 'Luke' drugs seem so nice and friendly, but they pack a powerful punch, he thought wryly. He then realized that he had not replied to the princess and that she was looking at him expectantly.

He had not missed the hurt in her eyes, though he couldn't figure out its source. He silently thanked every god he could think of for her rapid recovery, and he savagely fought his instinct to take her in his arms and kiss the hurt away. Han remembered his higher purpose—to protect her life against Jabba's bounty hunters and to protect her heart in case Jabba killed him. He had rarely done the noble thing in his life, but his time with Leia made him want to become a better man. If he could somehow survive paying off Jabba, he would come back and win her heart as he had on Ord Mantell. If not, his current actions would save her from facing more pain. Fighting his true desires, Han assumed his mercenary persona, determined to help them fall into their old patterns of bickering and antagonizing each other.

After a long silence, Leia repeated, "Captain Solo?"

"Yeah, I'm fine, Your Worship," he replied. "It's nice to know you care, though," he said wickedly, trying to bait her.

"I don't care," she replied haughtily. "I just want to know what happened on Ord Mantell."

"What's the matter, Princess? Are you afraid that you fell for me on Ord Mantell?"

Though her face flamed crimson, her voice remained icily steady. "I would never fall for someone like you, Captain Solo."

"Are you sure about that, Your Highnessness?" he leered, leaning in close. Why does it hurt so much to hear her deny her feelings?

"I'm positive," she said quickly, even as she backed away from him. "Look, Han, I don't need this right now. There are several days that are missing from my life, and you are the only person who can help me fill in the gaps. If you're not going to help me, I'll just leave."

As she turned to go, Han cursed himself for his behavior. He wanted to keep her safe, not crush her spirit. "Hold on, Sweetheart," he said, rushing to her side. Gently grabbing her arm, he turned her to face him. "I'm sorry. Come back, and I'll tell you whatever you want to know." Well, almost everything.

Her face softened for a moment, though a cool exterior quickly fell into place. "I never thought I'd hear the egotistical Han Solo apologize for anything," she said, following him back into the lounge.

"Well, I almost got you killed. I figure I owe you that at least."

Settling on the couch, Han proceeded to tell her about the mission. He explained how they had exchanged messages with their contacts and retrieved the intelligence. Han also told her how Ugatph had managed to stun him, but that Leia had shot and killed the bounty hunter.

He then detailed their escape from the Imperials, explaining how she had been wounded and how they managed to evade the pursuing troops. He even explained how he had cared for her, though he was careful to leave out any indication of their romance. In his version of the story, she was just an injured colleague and friend, and Han had worked tirelessly to ensure her well-being. After all, he didn't want her to think he was completely heartless.

Leia listened quietly throughout the tale, trying to process these new details. She had no doubt that Han had told her the truth, but she couldn't help but feel that he was omitting some important piece of the puzzle. "Thanks for telling me, Han. You can't imagine what it is like to lose part of your life like that. Still, I can't help but think that you are leaving something out."

Suddenly uncomfortable, Han asked guiltily, "Why would you think something like that, Princess?"

Because of these feelings I have for you, she said silently to herself. "I don't know, Han. It just seems like something is different."

"I'm sure it's just because you can't remember everything. It makes it seem like things have changed when they haven't."

"That's not it, Han. Something has changed, and nothing you've said explains why."

Laughing nervously, Han said, "What, Princess? Do ya' think we had some big romance on Ord Mantell that I'm not telling you about?"

"No," she said quickly, too quickly. Trying desperately to find a scenario to counter the one he had mentioned, Leia said, "It's just a feeling I have. You aren't trying to protect me, are you?"

"Protect you from what?"

"I don't know…did I…did I shoot that man in cold blood?"

"No, Princess," Han said fiercely. "He was trying to kill both of us."

"Then why did he use the stun setting?"

"I don't think he intended to. He wasn't one of the best in his field. He was tryin' to make a name for himself and probably got nervous."

"But…."

"But nothing. Listen, you've been through a lot these past few weeks, and you just got out of the medcenter. You need to rest. Let me take you home."

"I'm fine, Han," she said, turning away. His tenderness was unexpected, and she didn't want his pity.

Moving in behind her, Han said gently, "You're not fine…you're dead on your feet. It's time to go home."

With no anger left to support her, weakness overcame her body. Han was obviously still a good friend, but he just didn't care about her like she seemed to care about him.

"Maybe you're right, Han. Would you walk me to my room?"

"Sure, Princess," he said, offering his arm. Impishly, he added, "You know, I never thought I'd live to see the day where you'd admit I was right about anything."

"Han," Leia replied with mock exasperation. "Even a blind velsa finds a carit every once in awhile."

"Hmph," Han replied, a scowl covering his amusement. "I'll keep that in mind, Sweetheart."

Han escorted the princess back to her room in companionable silence. He relished the feel of her arm in his, the way her hand rested almost possessively on his forearm. He drank in her scent, trying desperately to commit every one of her features to memory. He would have to let her go soon, and he had to do a better job of putting distance between them. Still, he would take this one last opportunity to show kindness to her before he left. He wanted her to have at least one good memory of him.

When they reached Leia's room, neither Han nor Leia seemed willing to break the spell between them. Ultimately, it was Han who pulled away. "You really should get some rest, Sweetheart. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Han," she replied, opening the door. "Thanks for seeing me home safely."

"Anytime, Princess," Han said, smiling at her.

Taking one last look at Han, Leia closed the door and headed straight for her bunk. On a normal night, her confusion would have kept her up for hours. Tonight, however, exhaustion overcame her as soon as she crawled into bed.

Han, meanwhile, lingered at her door for a few moments. I've got to stay away from you, Leia, he thought. I obviously don't have the power to resist you, even for your own good.

Aloud, he said, "Sleep well, Leia. I'll be watching over you from afar." With that, he turned to go before anyone saw him mooning over the princess in the hallway.

The next morning, General Rieekan came to visit Han on the Falcon. "How are you feeling, Solo?" the General asked kindly.

"I feel like I've just been interrogated, General," Han replied sarcastically.

Smiling, the general said, "I take it Leia has been here recently."

"Yeah, but I wasn't talking about her."

"I know, Solo," Rieekan said, his voice softening. "I'm sorry you had to go through that."

"It's okay. The questioning wasn't bad, but there's one problem."

"What's that?"

"My memory's fuzzy and all, but I think I remember you asking me about Leia."

Laughing, Rieekan replied, "I couldn't resist, Solo. I've got a lot of money riding on it."

"What?" Han shouted, rising quickly to his feet.

"Calm down, son. I was just teasing you. Leia is like a daughter to me, and I'm glad she's found someone like you to love her. You're her match, Solo."

Stunned, Han abruptly sat down. "General, I, uh…."

"Don't look so shocked. I've expected this for quite a while. You two might bicker constantly, but I've seen how you look at her when she isn't watching. She looks at you the same way."

Han started to interrupt, but Rieekan ignored him and continued, "I've known Leia since she was a baby, and she hasn't been herself in the past few years. She's been weighed down by overwhelming responsibilities and unspeakable tragedy. When she's around you, though, she becomes that vibrant young woman I remember so well."

With a look of regret, Han replied, "That may be true, General, but I've got to leave soon. My debt to Jabba almost cost Leia her life."

Understanding, Rieekan said, "Ah, so that's why you don't want Leia to know about Ord Mantell or your interrogation. You're trying to protect her in case you don't come back."

"She doesn't need anymore heartache. If things go as planned, I'll come back for her. If not…well, I'll feel better knowing that she won't suffer any more pain on my account. She deserves a chance to be happy."

"Solo, I appreciate your sense of nobility here, but do you really think that leaving like this will spare Leia pain? She still loves you, whether she remembers what happened on the trip or not. Don't you think she deserves to know the truth?"

"General, there's nothin' I'd like more than to tell her the truth, but I have to watch out for her safety. Bein' with me puts her at risk."

"And she's not at risk working for the Rebellion? Son, I know you're trying to look out for Leia's best interests, but I also think you're acting out of fear."

"What are you talking about?"

"She's a princess, and you're a smuggler. No matter what happened between you two on Ord Mantell, you've got to be wondering whether or not she'd publicly pursue a relationship with you. Don't underestimate her character, Solo."

Angry now, Han yelled, "I know what I'm doing, General! I'm gonna protect her at all costs!"

Realizing he'd pushed too far, Rieekan softened his stance and tried to calm the younger man. "I'm sorry, Solo. I was out of line. I'm glad Leia has someone watching over her, which is why I came to visit, actually."

Regaining his temper, Han said, "What do you mean?"

"Well, I know you are planning on leaving soon, but I'm hoping you'll be willing to stay a little while longer. In the past few days, I've been conducting a discreet investigation of Major Eleisoeve. My sources indicate that Malad knew about the Imperial conference on Ord Mantell before we sent you and Leia on your mission."

"I'll kill him!" Han said, grabbing his blaster and heading for the door.

Rieekan jumped in front of Han, barring his exit. "Hold on, Solo! If you go after him now, you'll ruin our best opportunity to find out what he is up to. If you truly want to protect Leia, you'll listen to what I have to say."

The mention of Leia got his attention, and Han backed off for the moment. "All right, General, but this better be good."

"Okay, here's what we know. Malad has clearly targeted you and Leia for some reason. He claimed that the contacts specifically requested Leia's presence on Ord Mantell, but we have verified that they never made that request. Furthermore, he is the one who suggested that you serve as her escort. Why is he after you two?"

"I've never trusted Malad. He's a two-faced, lying Sith-spawn who has stepped on anyone in his path. A few months ago, he tried to hit on Leia. She fended him off, but he wouldn't leave her alone. I stepped in and ended up decking the guy when he wouldn't quit. After that, Alliance intel was all over me. I was questioned several times and had trouble getting my clearances to go on missions. Leia used her influence to put a stop to all of that, but I know Malady still holds a grudge against both of us."

"That may be, but I don't think he would risk his career because she turned him down and you punched him. Do you think she stumbled onto some damaging information without realizing it?"

"Maybe. I know she was complaining about some of the intelligence reports at the time."

"Well, if he's an Imperial spy, we're all at risk. Would you be willing to assist in the investigation?"

"You couldn't keep me out of it, General. I'll go have a little chat with him right now."

"Solo, if you take him out, we'll never know who he's working with or what secrets he's given away. We must find out as much as we can about his activities and set a trap for the major. I've already put my plan in motion."

"What plan is that?"

"The major blamed the Ord Mantell snafu on a young lieutenant and produced 'evidence' to support his claims. Eleisoeve thinks he's in the clear because the young man was publicly censured and demoted as a result of his 'mistake.' However, he doesn't realize that the lieutenant is working for me and has been part of the investigation from the start. Though Malad is seemingly safe for the moment, he's got to feel some pressure. I'm hoping that will make him sloppy."

"That's not much of a plan, General."

"I'm not finished, Solo. We know he's been receiving secret shipments from the Exeta Maj system, but we have no idea what was in those shipments or what happened to the shipments after they arrived. Can you use your contacts to investigate?"

"Exeta Maj, huh? Yeah, I've got a few contacts who can help. I'm not leaving here, though, until I'm sure Leia is safe. Can you set me up with a secure transmission?"

"No problem, Solo. I think it's a good idea that you stay close to the base. However, it will look strange if you stop accepting missions, so I've taken the liberty of giving you a new assignment."

"What assignment is that?"

"Have you ever ridden a tauntaun?"

"You want me to go out in that weather?"

"You want to protect the princess, don't you?"

"Sure, but why would anyone think I'd willingly take such an assignment?"

"Because Luke asked you to, of course. Everyone knows you have a soft spot for Skywalker."

"The kid's in on this investigation? Who else do you have working for you?"

"Well, I'm hoping you can enlist the aid of Chewbacca while I convince Leia to cooperate."

"Chewie will help, no problem, but you'd better keep Leia out of this investigation."

"Why, Solo? She has crucial information, and her talents are well suited to this type of work."

"Question her if you need to, but leave her out of it. She still isn't back to full strength, and I won't let you risk her health. Chewie, Luke and me can handle this."

"Solo, I don't like this, but I'm willing to try it your way for now."

"Thanks, General. I'll get to work right away."

"I'll talk to you later, then. We can't meet publicly from now on, or we'll raise too much suspicion. If you need to contact me, use this secure channel," Rieekan said, giving Han a data pad.

"I'll keep you informed, General."

"Oh, and one more thing, Solo…."

"Yes, General."

"I thought you should know that your mission was not in vain. The information in that box just saved thousands of lives."

Han nodded and said, "Let her know that, General. She needs some good news."

"I'll do that. Good luck, Solo."

"The same to you, General."

As soon as Rieekan left, Han made a quick transmission to one of his buddies on Ekefor. He had a hunch about Malad and was determined to stop him before Leia was exposed to more danger. "You won't get away with this, Malad," Han said aloud. "I'll make sure of it."

Unfortunately for Han, fate proved much more difficult to control than he had hoped.