A/N: Just so you all know, I don't own Star Wars and I'm not making any money off this, so don't sue me! And now on to Chapter 2, and remember, reviews are welcome.
Chapter 2- Lift-off
Things were not getting any better. Early on the morning of departure, Leia sat staring morosely at her reflection. The Intelligence officers had really out-done themselves this time. Not only were she and Han stuck as husband and wife for "security reasons", they decided the best planet of origin for the couple was Naboo.
"But Princess," they had reasoned, "you even look like a Naboo."
Leia Organa had a strong suspicion they just wanted to get her out of white and into those notoriously colourful Naboo dresses. "What about Han?" she had asked at the briefing. "He wont be able to pass as a Naboo man."
"True," Commander Kalis had admitted. "Captain Solo is very obviously Corellian. Rather than attempt to have him hide this, we feel that it is acceptable for him to be a Corellian who left Corellia for medical school, then decided to get married and settle down there." Why Kalis thought it was conceivable that Han would decide to settle down with anybody Leia had no idea.
There was more, none of it particularly pleasing to Leia. So here she sat, in a long dark blue dress covered in silver embroidery, sober by Naboo standards but perfect for fashion conscious Ord Mantell. Her hair was dyed dark red and blue contacts changed her eye colour. The mass of unfamiliar hair streamed down Leia's shoulders, waiting to be plaited and piled atop her head.
Hearing a soft knock, she got up and palmed the door control. Mon Mothma entered. Trying to suppress her surprise, Leia greeted the Alliance leader.
Mon Mothma smiled, but the mirth did not reach her eyes. "Leia," she said, "I hate to have do say this kind of thing to someone like you but… Well, if I had known before hand that your cover would include matrimony to Captain Solo, I might have said something. As it is, there is nothing I can do."
Leia was confused. What in the galaxy was the woman talking about? "I'm afraid I don't understand," she said.
Mon Mothma looked sternly at Leia, as if she suspected the princess was being smart with her. "To protect your cover you and Captain Solo will have to play your parts to the fullest, which may lead to-" she paused, "…awkward situations. While I have no doubt in your ability to remain professional, some of our colleagues feel that you should be reminded that under no circumstances is Captain Solo an apt suitor for your Highness."
Leia shook with anger. That the council dare insinuate that she would want…that…. with Han Solo! And yet, at the same time, what right had they to choose who was and was not an "apt suitor" for her. Unable to decide on which side to rant about, Leia simply nodded understandingly. "I will remember you words, Mon Mothma," was all she said.
"Good luck then," the leader said, and showed herself out the door.
Leia arrived on the ship Intelligence had procured for the mission, River Solleu, not long after in a singularly foul mood, hair done and bags in hand. Looking around she noticed that the hangar was almost empty. Security reasons she supposed.
Han stood, with Chewbacca by his side, near the boarding ramp. Leia could not help but gape, both at the silver beauty of the Naboo ship and at the sight of Han in a dark green Naboo style tunic, plain black pants, and meticulously shined boots. His normally hazel eyes were brown now, and his hair a lighter brown then usual. For some reason, Leia found she missed his usual scruffy appearance.
"Well, your Worship," Solo grinned, "your fifteen minutes early. I was getting worried."
"You needn't have been Captain, I always arrive exactly when I mean to," Leia retorted. She turned to the Wookie. "I am sorry to be taking your partner away from you for a while, but it's necessary."
Chewie growled affectionately at the two humans. Han laughed, but as the Wookie finished speaking, Solo reddened slightly, shooting a murderous look at his partner.
Confused, Leia looked from one male to the other. "What did he say?" She asked.
Han hesitated. "Uh… He says to keep each other safe… and to try not to kill one another."
Leia Organa prided herself on her good instincts, and for some reason she had a feeling Han was not telling the whole truth. She was about to call him on it when Luke, Threepio, and Artoo arrived.
Skywalker said nothing at first, just stared at the beautiful ship. "How the Force did you get it?" he asked.
Smiling at her friend's amazement, Leia answered. "We bought her off some impoverished Naboo merchants. We've renamed her the River Solleu."
"Wow," Luke breathed. "I'm jealous, Ord Mantell and this ship. You'll have to take as many holos as you can!" For the first time since he'd heard about the mission a touch of envy was evident in his voice. Han, remembering his friend's feelings for the princess, not to mention his own growing attraction to her, cleared his throat.
"Yeah, we will. As long as her Highnessness doesn't deem it a security threat, of course!" With a grin, Han slapped Luke on the back and said, "Don't have too much fun without me, okay?"
Luke returned the smile and answered, "It's you I'm more worried about! Have a good time Han." He turned to Leia. "You too. And keep safe, we don't want to lose you."
While Leia assured Luke that she would do fine, Han contemplated Skywalker's remark. Han knew for a fact that his friend had wanted to say 'I don't want to lose you' but apparently hadn't been about to work up the courage. Attempting to hide this knowledge, Han spoke again. "What about me? You mean it's okay if I die??" Han accused. "I'm insulted."
Leia rolled her eyes. Threepio took this opportunity to speak up. "Artoo and I," he said, "wish Captain Solo and your Royal Highness good luck on your mission. We do hope you return safely."
"Thank you," the princess replied.
Then, at the sound of footsteps turned to the hangar door, she turned. The bulk of High Command approached. Han struggled not to laugh at the sight of the higher-ups stroll through the grime of the hangar bay. Then again, he knew that each and every one of the officials had combat experience, laughing at them would probably not help him in any way. As Mon Mothma neared, Han noticed that the princess suddenly stiffened and looked icily towards the Rebel leader. He wondered at that. Han had thought that the two women would have a strong relationship. Well, he amended; maybe it is strong, just not very loving.
Chewie took that moment to bow solemnly to Leia and then grab Han in a rib- crushing, Wookie hug. Ruffling his partner's head, Chewbacca wuffled to Han and Leia. "Thanks buddy," Solo answered. "You take care of yourself too, eh?"
Leia nodded in agreement. "Bye Chewie," Leia added. "You too, Luke." She smiled at them both. "I'm sure this mission will go very well. We'll see you an a week."
At that point High Command had reached the River Solleu.
By the time all the farewells and mission advice were exchanged, the ship boarded, ramp closed and the engine started, Han Solo had decided that there was a definite rift in High Command. Much of the council, mostly the old generals but including General Madine and Mon Mothma, were treating Leia like the delicate princess she defiantly was not and were frowning down on Han himself. The few younger members, obviously lead by Carlist Rieekan, had been kind and encouraging to them both. Even more interesting was Leia's reaction to her colleagues. To the first group she maintained that stony formality that told Han she was truly angry. Yet when the second group approached she looked no happier. Solo guessed her annoyance was mainly directed at Rieekan. But why? Han had always thought she was close to the grim Alderaani general, when had that changed?
Leia strapped herself in for lift-off as Han worked the ships beautifully designed controls. The ship rose from the steamy planet, through the atmosphere and into space. She watched the smuggler-turned-rebel-operative pull back the hyperdrive lever and turned to the viewport. The stars blurred into starlines, and the into the mottled black and blue of hyperspace. They were on their way.
A/N: Well there we go. Another set-up chapter. But don't worry, I promise you'll get to the meat in Chapter 3. I'm starting exams though, so it may take me awhile to finish writing and get it up. Send me your thoughts, please. I love reviews!