Disclaimer: It all belongs to George.
AN: Here's chapter 3! Thanks for all the great reviews! Oh, and someone asked about the relationship between Han and Leia since the twins are only 12 here. Since they are so young, there won't be any Han/Leia romance at this time. Possibly in the future if I take this story far enough, but nothing is set in stone right now. Thanks for the questions and reviews!
A Matter of Hope
Chapter 3: Home Sweet Home
Padme tucked Larisa in to her bed. Zach, who was sharing a room with her as he usually did when he was here, was already asleep. But as usual, Larisa fought sleep a little harder. As Padme sang her lullaby, Larisa's eyelids drooped heavily. They popped back open suddenly, when she sensed her father standing in the doorway. Anakin came beside Padme and kissed Larisa's cheek. Satisfied that both her parents were there, Larisa finally fell asleep. Quietly, Anakin and Padme made their exit and shut the door.
"Are the twins in bed?" Padme asked.
"Finally, they were really wound up," Anakin replied.
"I think they're just happy to be home," Padme said. Anakin nodded.
"I am too. So, are you tired?" Anakin asked. Padme smiled mischievously.
"Not too tired for that swim you promised me," she replied. He smirked and took her hand, as they went outside into the balmy summer air. It was indeed, the perfect night for a swim.
The moonlight reflected on the lake and the waves lapped gently at the sand. Anakin and Padme undressed and eased into the cool water. Padme dipped her head back, wetting her hair completely. Anakin pulled her close, pressing his body to hers. Padme ran her fingers through his hair, as he claimed her lips in a passionate kiss.
"The water is a little cool tonight," Padme shivered. Anakin wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close to him.
"Guess I'll just have to find a way to keep you warm milady," Anakin whispered huskily. Padme pressed against him even more.
"Then by all means master Jedi. Show me just how you plan to keep me warm," Padme replied. Anakin gave her a crooked grin, before his lips descended on hers.
The next morning, Han was up bright and early. He and Chewy went to the space port to check on the Falcon. But it seemed that the Falcon was broke down again. This time, neither Han nor Chewy knew what exactly was wrong. Now, Han would actually have to find a good mechanic and he didn't like the idea of someone else working on the Falcon. He and Chewy headed back to the Skywalker's place to ask if they knew of any decent mechanics.
Han and Chewy arrived, only to see the Skywalker children and Zach Kenobi playing in the yard. Larisa jumped off her swing and ran up to him.
"Hi mister Solo!" the six year old greeted cheerily. Han was not in the best mood, but even he couldn't help but smile at the energetic little girl.
"Hey squirt, is your dad around?" Han asked.
"Uh huh, daddy and uncle Obi-Wan are around back. And mommy and aunt Sabe are making breakfast!" Larisa replied.
"Hey Han, are you going to be leaving so soon?" Luke asked.
"Well, I was kid, but seems my ship ain't exactly up to par. I was gonna ask your dad if he knew anyone who could give me a hand fixing it," Han replied.
"You're in luck, dad's the best mechanic in the galaxy!" Luke said enthusiastically.
"Yeah, daddy can fix anything!" Larisa added. Han looked at Leia.
"If dad can't fix it, then it can't be fixed," she added with a smile. Han looked at them skeptically, before following them around to the back of the house.
Obi-Wan parried and blocked Anakin's silver saber with his own blue blade.
"You're a bit sluggish this morning Anakin. But I guess that's to be expected since you and Padme didn't drag yourselves home until late," Obi-Wan teased. Anakin smirked.
"Well, it was worth it, believe me. Besides, how would you know what time we came in if you were asleep," Anakin replied, as he got in a few good strikes.
"Who says that Sabe and I were asleep," Obi-Wan retorted, as he blocked again, with a satisfied smirk.
"Well, you always were more of morning person than me," Anakin replied.
"We have an audience," Obi-Wan mentioned. Anakin and Obi-Wan spun their sabers rapidly and clashed them again in one more deadlock, before drawing back and extinguishing their sabers. Han carefully hid his amazement. He had never seen a light saber battle and it was impressive, not that he would ever admit that. As soon as they extinguished their sabers. Larisa bounded for her father. Anakin caught her and tossed her up on his shoulders.
"Morning daddy," Larisa said. Anakin smiled.
"Morning princess," he replied.
"Mr. Solo's ship is broken," Larisa announced. Anakin glanced up at Han.
"Do you need a hand fixing it?" Anakin asked.
"Uh...yeah, if you wouldn't mind. Your kids insist that you can fix anything," Han replied. Anakin grinned.
"I'd be happy to take a look at it. After breakfast, you can fly here and set her down near my shop out back," Anakin said, as he motioned Han and Chewy to join them for breakfast.
"Zach, you had better go wash the dirt off your hands. We'll both be in trouble with your mother if you come to table dirty," Obi-Wan told Zach.
"That goes double for you three. Go wash up," Anakin said, as he set Larisa down. The four children scampered off for the house.
Han found himself actually enjoying breakfast with the Skywalker's and Kenobi's. They treated him like a friend and even asked about his adventures. Han could tell Chewy was also enjoying it immensely. Little Larisa had made a quick friend out of him, not scared or intimidated by him in the least. Han was still a little skeptical and nervous around them. They were Jedi, that much Han knew. And while he didn't believe in that stuff, he would still be cautious. After breakfast, Han, Anakin, and Chewy went to work on the Falcon with Artoo and Luke assisting. Luke listened avidly, as Han talked about the places he'd been. Luke's interest peeked when Han mentioned seeing a pod race on Malastare.
"You saw a pod race!" Luke asked.
"You like pod racin' kid?" Han asked.
"Yeah, dad used to race, didn't you dad?" Luke said.
"Humans can't race pods kid. On Tatooine, they say there was this one kid that could, but he's the only one ever. They say he won..." Anakin cut him off by finishing his sentence.
"The Boonta Eve Classic twenty-six years ago," Anakin replied. Han looked astounded.
"No way, that was you?" Han asked. Anakin smiled.
"Sure was," he replied, as he wiped his greasy, oil stained hands on a towel. Artoo wheeled around and beeped his analysis. He had been checking the hyper drive. Anakin read the translator.
"Han, how long have you owned this ship?" Anakin asked.
"I won her in a game of Sabaac about six months ago from a friend," Han replied.
"She's definitely got the potential to be one of the fastest ships in the galaxy. But the engine needs a lot of work and the hyper drive needs a major overhaul. Artoo and I can do it, bit it might take a couple weeks," Anakin said.
"Great, how much is this going to cost?" Han groaned.
"Well, I have an offer for you captain," Anakin replied.
"What's that?" Han asked.
"You stay here with us for the next few weeks while we work on the ship. Then you take us to Hoth," Anakin said.
"Why do you want to go to a place like Hoth?" Han asked.
"It's the next location of the rebel base of operations," Anakin replied, trusting Han enough to reveal that. Han looked skeptical, but Chewy rawled in approval.
"Guess you got yourself a deal," Han replied. Anakin grinned.
"It'll be a pleasure working with you captain," Anakin replied.
Later that afternoon, Anakin and Han quit for the day. Obi-Wan, Sabe, and Zach had gone into the city to sightsee, since they were not as free to do so on Alderaan. Andea was so far out that the Skywalker family didn't have to worry about being seen, so the Kenobi family had gone to enjoy some of that too. Anakin and Luke donned their swim trunks and joined the girls down at the beach. It was hot, summer day and the Skywalkers usually spent a lot fo time in the water on those kinds of days. Han politely declined the offer to join and he and Chewy watched from a distance under a shady tree. The five of them waded around in the water.
Anakin hoisted both the twins up in his arms and then threw them forward into the water. They squealed with delight, as they made a huge splash in the water. Larisa was next and she screamed happily, as she went sailing into the water. Anakin grabbed Padme around the waist and began lifting her out of the water.
"Oh Ani, no!" she squealed, as went sailing into the water with a splash. Anakin grinned at his handwork and flexed his muscles.
"Okay guys, get him!" Padme called, as the four of them began splashing with all their might. Anakin laughed, as he was immediately soaked by the oncoming water. His wife and children then proceeded to tackle him.
"All right, all right, I give up. Four against one isn't fair!" Anakin protested. His family whooped in victory.
Later that evening, Anakin and Obi-Wan discussed Anakin's plan to help Han.
"Anakin, are you positive we can trust Mr. Solo as much as you are?" Obi-Wan asked.
"I'm sure master, he has a good heart. He's just a bit misguided. I gave him some advice today. I told him that he needs to pay the Hutts what he owes them and get away from them then. He seemed to listen," Anakin replied.
"Well, if you're sure, then I trust your judgement," Obi-Wan replied.
"Thanks master, we should have the Falcon ready in a couple weeks," Anakin said.
"Good, I just talked to Master Windu earlier. Things are progressing along nicely at the base on Hoth. We've had a very strong development," Obi-Wan said.
"What is it master?" Anakin asked.
"It cost many lives, but we have obtained a copy of the death star plans," Obi-Wan said, a bit sadly. Anakin's eyebrows rose.
"The death star plans?" he questioned.
"Yes, master Windu sent me a copy over a secure connection. I was hoping we could store them in Artoo for safe keeping," Obi-Wan replied.
"Of course," Anakin replied.
"Good, once operations begin, we are going to start studying the plans in hopes of finding a weakness. That's where you and Luke come in," Obi-Wan said.
"What do you mean?" Anakin asked.
"You're the best pilot in the galaxy Anakin. If we do find a weak spot to hit the death star on, you and your son are the best team to do it. You'll be leading the mission if that time comes," Obi-Wan said.
"I'd be honored master," Anakin replied. Obi-Wan smirked.
"I knew you'd jump at any chance to fly like a maniac," Obi-Wan teased. Anakin laughed.
"You know me well master," Anakin replied.
About two weeks later, the Falcon was ready to make the journey to Hoth. That morning, the Falcon was loaded up. The Skywalker and Kenobi families left Andea headed for the ice world of Hoth to begin what they hoped to be a successful offensive against the Empire. Studies of the death star plans were about to begin. If a weakness was found, then a strike would be organized. A strike that would be lead by Anakin Skywalker...