Author's Note: I'm back! Did anyone miss me?

Well, here's the long-awaited 29th chapter of the story! I'd like to offer a special word of thanks to GreatOne and RogueSticks for the inspiration they provided for this chapter. I hope it's worth the wait!

General Rieekan was sitting in his office looking at some rebellion stuff when he heard a knock at the door.

"Come in."

A shadowy figure entered the room and moved to stand before the general. "Agent RogueSticks reporting for duty, sir," she said, saluting crisply, if somewhat crookedly.

Returning the salute in kind, Rieekan said, "Have a seat, Sticksy!"

"Yes, sir." Sitting down, RogueSticks' curiosity got the better of her. "Sir, may I ask why I'm here?"

"You don't know? I thought you'd been keeping up with this story on the sly."

"I have, General, but I'm still not sure what you need me for."

"Do you remember when I said that I had someone in mind for talking some sense into Han and Leia…?"

"Yes, but you said that you had just the man for the job. Last time I checked, I was the wrong gender for this assignment."

"I decided not to send a man to do a woman's job," he replied.

RogueSticks just stared at the general, clearly unconvinced.

Recognizing her disbelief, the general said, "All right, all right. You caught me. When I said that, I was talking about myself. However, all of the readers seemed to think it was some mystery figure, so I decided to call you in to shake things up. I understand you have some experience in these matters."

"Oh," she said, her face brightening. "Well, I don't like to brag, but I've already gotten those two together once in this story."

"Yes, I heard about that. That was good work, Sticksy, but it seems the QueenOfMean has the power to erase minds at will. Nevertheless, I'm confident you can get the job done this time."

"Of course, General. What would you like me to do?"

"Well, the author of this story seems determined to keep Han and Leia apart. Oh sure…she teased us with all of that romance in the beginning of the story, but it's been 93 pages in Word since their last kiss."

"You counted?"

"What else do I have to do with my time? It's not like I'm a central character in this story. Plus, I've got a bet to win. I said that they would kiss on page 155 of this story, and I've only got seven pages left!"

"I should get to work right away, then. Do you have a particular plan in mind, or do you want me to wing it?"

"Actually, I kind of liked GreatOne's idea about drugging them and having them wake up together."

"Do you think that will work?"

"Not right away, but if we lock them up together and force them to confront their feelings, I just might win my bet after all."

"What do you need me for? It sounds like you have this all planned out."

"I'm a general—I can't go around drugging my own people and holding them against their will. It's too out of character. You, on the other hand, have a reputation for deploying WMDs against angst writing authors. This will be child's play for you compared to that. Plus, I'm counting on you to find a way to fix things when this plan inevitably goes wrong."

"That makes sense. But how am I going to get Han and Leia together? They're in separate quarters, and I'm not exactly strong enough to carry either one of them."

"That's why I've recruited Chewbacca to help you. He'll get Leia to the Falcon and reset the lock codes. The rest is up to you."

"How did you get Chewbacca to join in on this scheme? It's not like this is in character for him."

"Oh, it's not, but who is going to argue with a seven foot tall Wookie? Plus, he's got Han's best interests at heart and a nice bet to win as well. It seems we both bet on the same page."

"Well, I'll do my best to see that you two win that bet, General. I assume I get a fair cut of the profits."

"Of course. Plus, there may be some nice fringe benefits in this for you if this plan proves successful."

"Oh, really," Sticksy said, intrigued. "Well, I'm sure I can come up with a few benefit claims. Do you have any further orders for me, General?"

"No, agent RogueSticks, I think that about covers it. Head over to the Falcon. Chewbacca should be waiting for you there."

"Yes, sir. I'll make sure Han and Leia engage in their undercover operations this time, even if I have to blow up the QueenOfMean herself."

"I'm counting on that, Sticksy. Dismissed."

Agent RogueSticks rushed out of Rieekan's office, eager for her mission to begin. Her first stop was the mirror in the refresher unit. If she were going to meet Han Solo today, she had to look her best. Finally satisfied with her appearance, she wound her way through the corridors of the rebel base, somehow knowing the exact route to take.

Upon reaching the hangar, however, she stopped short, her eyes glued to the ship before her. The Millennium Falcon was her beloved Hannie's ship, and she, RogueSticks, was actually about to board her! It was too delicious to be true—all of her friends back at the JC would be so jealous!

Sticksy thought about all the time she spent researching the specs of Han's ship, worried about the possibility of the Falcon not having a potty. How could anyone in their right mind think that the ship wouldn't have a refresher? What, did Han, Leia, and Chewie just hold it for the 40 days to Bespin? The blueprints were just wrong—they had to be! Now she would finally get to prove those anti-potty people wrong once and for all!

Noticing that the ramp was open, Sticksy took a deep breath and walked up the ramp into the freighter. She looked around for Chewbacca, but when he did not greet her at the ramp, she headed for the lounge area. Upon reaching her destination, she found Chewie leaning over the sleeping Princess.

Sticksy cleared her throat and addressed the Wookie. "Chewbacca," she said questioningly, waiting for him to turn around. "I'm RogueSticks. General Rieekan sent me here to help."

Baring his teeth in his own approximation of a welcoming smile, Chewie replied, "It is good to meet you, Little Terrorist. I was very impressed with your work earlier in the story, before the author destroyed your good work. I am glad to have your help."

Flattered, RogueSticks replied, "Why thank you, Chewie. I…." Hesitating for a moment, a thought suddenly dawned on her. "Hey, wait a minute…I can understand everything you said." When did I learn Shriiwook? It must have been one of those "learn while you sleep courses."

"Good. That will make our task much easier."

I wonder what else I can do? she questioned silently. Aloud, she remarked, "At least we won't have to rely on that obnoxious Threepio to translate for us."

As if on cue, Goldenrod marched into the room ready for action. "I heard someone call my name. Do you require assistance?"

"No one requires your assistance, you obnoxious, meddling plot device," Sticksy yelled, pulling out her blaster and shooting the droid into silence.

"Why did you do that?" the Wookie asked, clearly surprised.

"Do you have any idea the trouble that Vader's Sith droid has caused…how many times he has interrupted Han and Leia? If I didn't know any better, I'd swear that Vader programmed that droid to keep Han away from his daughter."

"His daughter?" Chewie asked, confused.

"Long story…I'll have to tell you later. You can't tell me you actually like having that prissy babbler around."

"No, but you did not have to shoot him."

Sticksy waved her hand absently. "I just shut him up for awhile; you can fix him later if you want."

"I will do that, but first we have to repair the problems between the cub and the princess."

"Of course. That's what I'm here for. I take it you've given her the sedative."

"Yes. It should wear off in about an hour."

"What about Han?"

"He will awaken at the same time."

"Great, let's get them in bed together."

"Are you sure that will work?"

"No, but it will make things interesting."

Nodding, Chewie gently scooped up the sleeping princess and carried her to Han's cabin.

Arriving at Han's quarters, Chewie palmed open the lock and turned on the lights. RogueSticks, following close behind, felt her heart pound in her chest as she saw the half-naked Han Solo lying asleep in his bunk. He looked so peaceful, though he couldn't quite manage innocent. Man, do I need a cool drink!

Chewie moved to the bunk, and placed Leia next to his friend. Han stirred a bit, and snuggled up against the woman he loved. Moving over to the bed, Sticksy looked down upon the sleeping would-be couple. They looked so perfect together, it was almost sickening. Suddenly, a wicked thought came to mind. Smiling with a mischievous glee, she took the smuggler's hand and placed it gently over Leia's breast.

Chewie, noticing her actions, protested. "What are you doing, Agent RogueSticks? Do you really think that is wise?"

"Oh, come on, Chewie…lighten up. I'm just giving Han some practice for when he cops that feel in ROTJ. Besides, this will definitely get the conversation between them going."

"The argument, you mean."

"Well, sure. That's what Han and Leia do best, after all. However, this time will be different because they can't leave. All that passion has been simmering for a long time—when it reaches the boiling point and neither one has any means of escape, watch out!"

"And if they try to kill each other?"

"We can always step in if that happens, but I think it's more likely they will try to kiss each other instead."

"I will bow to your expertise, Little Terrorist, but I hope no one gets blown up in the process."

"They won't," she said confidently, moving to leave. On the way out, she planted a small listening device on the wall so that they could monitor Han and Leia's progress. Chewie then programmed the lock on the door and the waiting game began.

"Chewie, can you point me to the nearest refresher?"

"Down the hall and on the right—in the spare crew cabin."

"Thank you, Chewie," she responded, smiling broadly. Take that, anti-potty people!


Leia awoke feeling warm, safe, and slightly disoriented. Opening her eyes, she foggily tried to process what was happening…she was in Han's cabin, in his bed…and in his arms! How had that happened? She decided that she must be dreaming again, and she moved closer within the circle of his embrace.

Her slight movement caused Han to stir as well. He, too, believed that he was dreaming. After all, the woman he loved was lying next to him, and he had all the time in the world. Time to make this dream more interesting, he thought, closing his hand over her breast and stroking the nipple with his thumb.

His touch elicited a moan of pleasure from Leia, but the stimulation also brought her to full alertness. No dream had ever felt this real! Turning abruptly, she found herself staring into the seductive hazel eyes of Captain Han Solo. Their eyes held for just a moment, before Leia leapt from the bed as if scalded. "Get your hands off me," she screamed. "What do you think you're doing?"

"What?" he asked, clearly confused. "I thought I was dreaming."

"A nightmare is more like it. What am I doing here? Did you kidnap me from my room?"

"I haven't done anything, Sweetheart. I went to bed alone, and when I woke up, you were here."

"Well, I went to bed alone in my cabin, and when I woke up, I was here. How did that happen if you didn't bring me here?"

"I don't know, Sweetheart. Maybe you are a sleepwalker."

"I am not a sleepwalker, and if I were, I certainly wouldn't come here."

"No? Where would you go then? Luke's?" he asked, pain evident in his reply.

"N…No," she stammered, the mere thought making her uneasy. "I'd probably go to the command center."

"And start giving orders…how typical."

"I don't have to take this. I'm leaving."

"Great," he said angrily, still trying to figure out what was going on.

Moving to the door, she palmed the door sensor, but nothing happened. "It's locked."

"No it isn't," he said, getting up to check the sensor. "What's the matter, Princess? Can't open a door?"

She scowled at him, but refused to dignify the remark. However, she quickly got her revenge, as Han Solo was also unable to complete the task.

"What's the matter, Hotshot?" she asked mockingly. "Can't you get anything on this piece of junk to work?"

"It must be stuck," he explained lamely, for once letting her derisive comments about the Falcon slide. Opening the nearest panel, he frantically tried to re-wire the system into submission. He couldn't stand being so close to Leia, knowing that she didn't love him. His attempts at repair failed miserably, however, and he pounded on the door, yelling for Chewie.

Through the wall, he heard his partner's answering growl.

"Chewie! The sensor's not working. Get us out of here."

"The sensor is functioning fine, cub, came the reply through the wall. I changed the code to give you and the princess time to talk."

"You did what? Let us out now!"

"I am afraid I cannot do that."

"What's going on, Han?" Leia demanded, her anger and frustration growing by the second.

"Apparently Chewie has locked us in here to get us to talk."

"Talk about what? I don't have anything to say to you."

"Well, I don't have anything to say to you either."

"Fine," he said with a huff, sitting on the bunk.

"Fine," she replied, sitting on the chair and turning her back to him.

They sat like that in silence until their captors could no longer stand it.

"I thought you said they would fight this out."

"They're more stubborn than I thought. I really should've expected this. Let's see if we can use the old jealousy trick."

Opening the door, RogueSticks entered the room quickly and pulled Han from the bunk, winding her arm around his. "Hannie," she purred, placing her free hand on his bare chest. "I've missed you so much. I could hardly wait to see you."

As RogueSticks entered, Chewbacca moved to the door frame, effectively blocking any exit. Go along with this, cub, he urged, noticing the shock on his friend's face.

Catching on, Han hugged Sticksy tightly. "It's nice to know someone appreciates me," he said, kissing RogueSticks on the cheek.

Fuming at the sight of Han with another woman, Leia said angrily, "I'm sure lots of floozies have appreciated you, Han. I'm leaving."

Catching Leia by the arm, RogueSticks argued, "Hey, I'm not a floozie. "I'll have you know that I'm one of the world's greatest undercover agents. I'm also a WMD master, a writer, and a filmmaker. Besides, I'm trying to help you here."

"Help me! By hanging all over Han?"

"Sure. If I can make you jealous enough, maybe you will finally admit that you're in love with Han." Plus, I'm collecting on those benefits Rieekan promised me.

"In love with…?" Leia stammered incredulously. "I am not in love with him."

"Yes you are…and he's in love with you."

Han just stood there, the smug look on his face replaced with shock.

"Fine," Sticksy said with annoyance. "If neither one of you will admit it, I'm going to have to take drastic action." Pulling a small dart gun from her bag, Sticksy fired two quick shots, one at Han and one at Leia.

Before Chewie could get upset and rip her arms from her body, Sticksy quickly explained, "The microscopic darts are quite harmless, but they contain a potent truth serum. Chewie and I will be leaving now. Oh, and I'll be taking this," she said, reaching out to remove the listening device from the wall. "You two need your privacy." I can read about the details later, she thought devilishly.

Before either Han or Leia could react, Sticksy and Chewie had left the room and locked the door once more. Yes, this mission would be very successful, indeed.


In shock, both Han and Leia sat down on the bunk. They looked at each other, then, an unspoken question hanging in the air. It was pointless to resist…the truth permeated every molecule in the cabin, pulsing with a life of its own. There was nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. Strangely, they both realized that they no longer wanted to escape.

"Do you love me?" Leia ventured quietly, her eyes searching his.

"Yes," he admitted simply, unwilling to carry on the pretense any longer. "I have for a long time."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I thought you were better off without me."

"Why?"

"A thousand reasons…I'm a smuggler, you're a princess. I have a debt to pay. I almost got you killed," he said sadly, looking away.

Ord Mantell. Numerous questions about that ill-fated mission flooded her mind, begging to be answered. For the moment, however, all she wanted to do was soothe the pain she had seen in Han's eyes. "You never asked me if I'm in love with you."

"You just denied it, Sweetheart. What good would it do to ask you?"

"Because I lied, Han. I lied," she said slowly, emphasizing the truth of her words and dipping her head to catch his averted gaze. Touching his face gently, she continued, "I'm so in love with you I can barely think straight, but I couldn't risk telling you…not if you didn't feel the same."

"So what do we do now?" he asked, still reeling from her admission.

"I think this is the part where you kiss me," she said, smiling at him coyly.

"I thought you'd rather kiss a Wookie," he countered, regaining his sense of equilibrium and leaning in closer to her.

"I lied about that too," she said, bringing her hand to his face and cupping his cheek.

"And here I thought that all politicians were honest and…." He didn't get to finish the thought, because Leia brought her lips to his.

The kiss was tentative at first, exploratory. Leia nibbled at Han's lips, memorizing the feel and shape of them. Han accepted her pace, thankful simply to have a second chance. He wrapped his arms around her and traced random patterns on her back. Leia, meanwhile ran her hands through his hair, circling his neck with her arms.

Feeling safe and spurred on by the excitement his touch elicited, Leia deepened the kiss. Placing her hands behind his head, she pulled him closer and opened her mouth to him, daring to explore.

No longer able to hold back, Han responded passionately. His tongue stroked hers, and his hands slipped beneath her shirt to caress the bare skin beneath. Moaning softly, Leia struggled to keep up, even as a storm of sensation threatened to overwhelm her.

Breathless, Han pulled his lips from Leia's and planted tiny kisses along her jaw line. Reaching the shell of her ear, he lightly nipped at the lobe before whispering, "I love you, Leia."

Shivering both from the rumble of his voice and from the power of the emotion, Leia pulled away slightly. He had spoken her name aloud, caressed her with its resonance, its timbre. Suddenly, the last of the emotional barriers between them fell, submitting to the magical quality of a name long denied. Leia was no longer a distant title to Han, but a woman, a beloved. In voicing her name, he had accepted her completely, finally acknowledging his own worthiness as well. The significance of the moment was not lost on Leia. Holding his gaze, she voiced a simple request born of longing and hope, "Make love to me, Han."

"Are you sure, Sweetheart?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

Hearing the tenderness in his question, Leia smiled softly. "I'm sure, but I'm not…I mean…,"she said nervously, uncharacteristically stumbling over the words. "Are you safe?" she finally managed.

"Safe?" he asked quizzically, worried that she had doubts.

"Protected," she said, her hands gesturing in frustration. "I love you, Han, but I…"

Finally understanding her meaning, he smiled reassuringly. "I get a shot every year, Sweetheart. You're safe with me."

"Good, I…," she faltered, her face flushing bright red. This is not how she imagined that her first romantic encounter would happen.

"Don't you dare feel embarrassed, Princess. I'm glad you're lookin' out for both of us," he said, kissing her lightly.

Encouraged by his words and by the feel of his lips against hers, Leia took his hands and placed them on the hem of her shirt. She then reached up, giving him the opportunity to pull the garment over her head.

Savoring the moment, Han ran his hands sensuously along the sides of her torso, caressing her sensitive breasts slowly before finally removing another barrier between them. "You're beautiful, Leia," he said sincerely, awed by the sight of her before him.

The flush of embarrassment crept to her face again, as her heart pounded in her chest. Gods, what this man does to me.

Closing the distance between them once more, Han kissed her tenderly, sensing her need for reassurance. His lips then sought the soft flesh of her neck, tipping her backwards until she rested safely against the mattress.

His hands explored lower, reaching the swell of her breasts. Cupping them lightly, he grazed his fingertips over the sensitive nipples. At her gasp, he moved to take one of them in his mouth, licking and teasing her with his tongue.

"Han," she cried shakily, writhing beneath his ministrations.

"Leia," he answered, turning his attention to her other breast.

She thought she might go mad from the pleasure, from the need consuming her body. Reaching out with her hands, she ran her fingers through his hair, desperate to find some anchor to reality. Pulling him up to her, she surprised him with a fiery, wanton kiss. Her hands roamed along the muscles of his back, and she astounded him further by rolling him beneath her.

Breaking the connection between them, she turned her attention to his chin, lightly tracing his enticing little scar with her tongue.

"You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that," she said breathlessly.

"You have no idea how long I've wanted you to do that," he replied shakily, entranced by the passion he saw in her eyes.

Smiling at his admission, she peppered kisses down his neck and across his chest, delighting in the opposing textures of coarse hair and soft skin.

Continuing her journey, Leia became bolder, torturing him with both her hands and her tongue. As she unconsciously brushed against him, he found himself moaning aloud, calling her name.

Reaching the waistband of his shorts, however, Leia suddenly faltered, unsure of how to proceed. His desire for her was evident, and they were rapidly reaching the point of no return. Han took the initiative then, rising from the bed and pulling her with him.

Kissing her slowly to reassure her once more, he slid his hands leisurely down her body, sliding his fingers gently beneath the loose elastic of her sleeping pants. Searching her eyes, he silently requested her permission to cross this last threshold. Seeing her answering nod, he removed the last of her clothing, stroking each newly exposed bit of skin.

He then moved to take off his own shorts, but Leia reached out to still his hands, effectively stopping his progress. She then mimicked Solo's sensuous removal of her own clothing, taking the time to explore and marveling at the feel of his muscles beneath her touch.

Fully open to one another, they came together in tender kiss meant to seal their unspoken pledge. Home, a concept once destroyed by hatred and neglect, suddenly gained new meaning. It became the circle of a lover's embrace, a heartfelt smile, a reassuring touch. Forever now held promise as Han lowered Leia gently to the bed, settling himself between her legs. He rubbed against her lightly, teasing her and testing her readiness. She gasped in response and tensed reflexively, belying an unspoken fear of the unknown.

Han wanted desperately to be inside her, to complete the emotional and spiritual joining with the physical. However, knowing that it was her first time and sensing her apprehension, he was determined to make the experience as special as possible.

Returning to basics in order to help her relax, he kissed her once more. His mouth then sought the comfort of her breast, as his touch traveled down her body. Leia's eyes flew open in surprise as his fingers began to caress her rhythmically. She felt an unfamiliar heat building inside her, stoked by the twin fires of his tongue and his hand. His lips seemed to dance over her body, creating hauntingly erotic music in her fevered brain.

"Han," she cried out, her voice matching the melody.

"Leia," he answered, adding his voice to the developing crescendo.

Twisting and moaning beneath his expert touch, Leia felt a desperate need for release. "Now, Han…please."

Assured that she was fully ready for him, he pushed himself slowly inside her. However, just as she had resisted him emotionally in the years since they had met, her inexperienced body resisted him physically as well, tightening in defense.

"Relax, Sweetheart," he cooed, straining from exertion but not wanting to hurt her. "Let yourself go. I love you."

Willingly giving up control for the first time in her life, Leia allowed Han the entrance they both desired. Though it had been somewhat painful physically, she was overjoyed by the experience of him filling her, melding with her body and soul.

"Are you all right?" he asked.

Nodding in answer, she kissed him passionately, moving against him.

Matching her rhythm, Han began to thrust within her, overwhelmed by the pure bliss of being joined with the woman he loved. He could feel the pressure building once more, and he increased the intensity of his movements. She accepted him, helped him, lifting her hips to take him in more fully. He kissed her then, kneading her breasts with his hands and eliciting inarticulate cries and gasps. Knowing she was close, he reached between them and stroked her with his fingers.

Caught by surprise, Leia felt her whole world reduced to the sheer pleasure she was receiving. Raised to dizzying heights, she allowed herself to be pushed over the edge, her body contracting tightly around her lover. Crying out his name, Leia brought Han with her, shuddering in his own powerful release. "I love you," they said in unison, falling against each other in sheer exhaustion.

Han gathered Leia in his arms, stroking her hair and whispering nonsensical syllables in her ear. In response, Leia placed her arm over his, tightening the embrace and rubbing his forearm gently with her thumb.

"Why did we wait so long?" she finally ventured.

"Besides the fact that I was a fool?" he asked, bringing forth a small chuckle from Leia.

"Well, I wasn't exactly helping either. I was a bit standoffish."

"A bit standoffish?" he asked jokingly. "If you had pushed me away any harder, I'd have fallen off the planet."

"Well, you didn't exactly make it easy for me," she said, smiling. "How was I to know you had fallen in love with me?"

"Maybe I should have told you," he said, bringing a serious tone to their lighthearted conversation.

"Han, what happened on Ord Mantell?" she asked, turning in his arms to face him.

"Besides us fighting?" he asked.

"We always do that, Han. What changed between us? Something obviously happened because when I woke up in that sick bay, my feelings were for you were so powerful that I was overwhelmed. I was attracted to you before, but this was something altogether different."

"We finally admitted our feelings for each other. I don't really know how it happened exactly. We did our usual dance of getting close and pushing each other away, but somehow, we got past it. And we did it without some crazy woman shooting truth darts at us."

"Well, I'm thankful that she did or I wouldn't be here with you now."

"We'll have to give her a medal…if we ever leave this bed, that is," he said, waggling his eyebrows at her suggestively.

"Han," she admonished, swatting him playfully with her free hand.

"You can't blame a guy for tryin'."

"No, I can't," she said, snuggling into his embrace. "Right now, though, I'm exhausted."

"I am too, Sweetheart—you're enough to wear a guy out. Whadda ya' say we call it a night."

"I second that motion," she said sleepily, yawning into his chest.

"Always the politician," he said fondly. "I love you, Leia."

"I love you too, Han."

And so, they fell asleep, wrapped in the comfort of each other's arms. They engaged in many more types of undercover operations, but this one remained their sentimental favorite.

RogueSticks actually received her medal from Han and Leia, but it was destroyed in a freakish accident involving WMDs and playdough.

General Rieekan and Chewie made a mint off the betting pool, but were cited by Mon Mothma for unfit behavior and forced to donate the winnings to the rebellion.

Luke was prevented from kissing his sister, which saved them both months of therapy. He went on to fall in love with a woman who tried to assassinate him, but he ultimately won her over by taking advice from Han and doing the exact opposite.

The rebels won their war against the Empire, and everyone was happy. Except, of course, for the people who weren't happy…but that's another story.

THE END...well, one of them, at least

Author's note: Hijacking is a serious offense, Sticksy! You won't get away with it!