Chapter 3
Han and Leia walked up to the Millennium Falcon, Han's pride and joy, and were met by Leia's brother and Han's best friend, Luke Skywalker, who they had commed just about a half-hour before. Chewbacca, Han's other best friend, would have met them at the Falcon as well, but he was spending some well-earned time with his family on Kashyyyk.
"Han, Leia! What're you guys up to?" Luke asked as he pulled his sister into a warm hug. "You just commed me and didn't explain anything. You look like you're in a rush to get somewhere."
"Yeah, Kid, we kinda are. Leia and me are goin' to go on a little vacation for a while; sorta a honeymoon, since we never had one," Han said.
"Oh, that's a great idea, Han! It's about time you guys went on vacation. Force knows how busy you two have been," Luke enthusiastically replied.
"Oh, Luke, I wish we could invite you to come with us...but I have a feeling that you would be distinctly uncomfortable if you came," Leia said.
"No argument from me there. Actually, I wouldn't be able to go if you wanted me to. The Alliance has offered me resources to go on a little trip to search for old Jedi artifacts – things that will help me rebuild the Order," Luke responded.
"That's great Luke!" Leia said as she slipped her arm through Han's. "You'll need to find that information so you can train the future Solo children."
Han glanced at her with a mixed expression. Emotions swirled through his body, ranging from excitement and joy at the thought of having children with Leia, concern at the thought of his future children being trained as Jedi Knights, and nervousness in general. He accepted and believed in the Force (most of the time), but he did not like the danger that Luke and Leia sometimes put themselves through for its cause. It scared him to know that one day his children might have to put themselves in the same danger the three of them put themselves in. Luke ended his apprehension quickly, though.
"Yeah, if they aren't too stubborn to train," Luke responded lightheartedly, eliciting glares from both Leia and Han. It amused Luke to no end that Han and Leia would be so protective of their future children's reputations. "Just kidding, just kidding!" Luke said, "I didn't know that you two were going to be so oversensitive about your non-existent children."
Han and Leia glanced at each other quickly before bursting out in laughter. Luke had to put his arms around their shoulders to keep them from falling on the ground in hysterics. Well, Luke thought, they certainly are made for each other. I don't think anyone else shares their strange sense of humor.
"Stars, you guys, it wasn't that funny! What're you laughing about anyway?" Luke asked.
"I was just imagining Han as an overprotective father!" Leia breathed out in between bursts of laughter. "It's a funny thought!"
Luke had to chuckle at the thought. Although Han would probably be a very involved parent in reality, the idea of Han, the ex-smuggler and "mercenary" arguing with a instructor about a bad grade or school bully was hilarious, as well as ironic. He didn't know what Han was laughing about, though. "Han, why are you laughing?"
"Well, Leia was laughing, and her laughter is pretty contagious. It actually is pretty funny to think about, though," Han replied.
"Well, you guys, now that you've planned your future children's lives I think it's time for you to go on your honeymoon," Luke said with a Jedi-serious face.
Han and Leia were now in the throes of a laughter fit, only fueled by Luke's serious demeanor. They clutched their sides in an attempt to breathe, which only barely did the job. Luke took it upon himself to end their silliness and send them off.
"Okay you two, if you don't leave now you'll never leave at all. Why don't you just get going and I'll see you in a few weeks, okay?" Luke said.
"Yeah, kid, sounds like a plan," Han said when his booming laughter finally resided. "We'll miss you, though. Nothing like having a full Jedi Knight for backup."
Luke hugged his best friend and brother-in-law and slapped him on the back. "I'll miss you too, Han. Don't miss me too much, though."
"No offense, Luke, but I don't think that'll be too much of a problem," Han said with a lingering side-glance at Leia.
"No offense taken, Han. You'd better take care of my sister, though, or you'll have to answer to the power of the force!" Luke said with a mock-authoritative tone.
"Kid, if I didn't take care of your sister I wouldn't need to answer to the force because I would already be locked up in the loony bin!" Han said playfully.
Leia rolled her eyes at Han's comment before turning to Luke. "Luke, it'll be hard not having you around. We haven't gone separate ways since Endor!"
"I know, Leia. But I don't want you to lose any sleep over it. You and Han go and have a good time, and bring me back a souvenir. Preferably not something illegal," Luke said, directing his gaze at Han.
"Hey, what's the fun in that?" Han exclaimed.
"Well, anyway," Luke said, ignoring Han, "I'll be fine by myself. It'll be a lot quieter, too."
"Well, with him gone, anyway," Leia said, gesturing to Han. She then enveloped Luke in a warm hug, and kissed him on the cheek. "You be a good boy for the Alliance, Luke. Don't get into any trouble or take candy from strangers."
Luke laughed, and gestured for the couple to get going. They walked up the Falcoln's ramp backwards, waving the whole way. Once the hatch closed Luke muttered to himself, "Yep, they'll definitely be good parents."
