Chapter 29

Once everyone was safely within the apartment, Leia looked at Han incredulously.

"Han, what just happened out there?"

Han, still recovering from his laughing attack, grinned up at his wife. "I just thought that what the kid said was hilarious. Are people really that stupid?"

Leia smiled. "Well, some reporters can definitely have hard heads…like certain Corellians," she joked as she ducked the pillow thrown by her husband. "People just like gossip, and with the war over and not much to report on the news, these people are going to be reaching for any stories they can find. This isn't going to be the last time they come after us, you know."

"Yeah. Do you think the kids will have a tough time with it?"

Leia looked thoughtful for a minute, and then answered, "Maybe…at first. I think after a while people won't care all that much – unless they're like their father and go around threatening people, that is."

"That would be good. I think reporters need to be threatened more often – it makes life more interesting."

"I seriously hope you're kidding."

"Yes, I'm kidding. Well, about our kids doing it, that is. It would be funny if other people threatened reporters, though."

"Well, that's fine," Leia agreed and gave Han a quick kiss before turning to Chewie. "Chewie, why don't you have Malla and Lumpy come over here? I think we'll have a hard time making it over to them now."

Chewie nodded and went over to the com to talk to his wife and son.

Luke and Lando, deciding that the coast was clear, came over to Han and Leia.

"I'm glad you didn't punch that kid, Han. That would have been really bad for when you open the agency. Not that any of this is good," Lando said.

"Thanks, Lando. I guess," Han grumbled.

Luke was about to say something, when they heard someone at the door. Han looked at the screen, and groaned loudly when he saw who it was.

"Don't let them in. Whatever you do, don't let them in."

"Han!" Leia berated. "Of course I'll let them in!"

Leia slid the door open, and in walked (and rolled) See-Threepio and Artoo-Detoo.

"Why, Mistress Leia, I have heard the most interesting information on my journey from the Senate! Is it true that you are pregnant?"

"Yes, Threepio, it's true," she replied.

"Well, congratulations, Your Highness! I will be sure to update my programming to include the best childcare techniques. And Artoo will do…something."

Artoo, feeling insulted, whistled something to Threepio that basically stated that a child would rather be jettisoned out of a ship's garbage chute than be in his care.

"Why, you outdated pile of spare parts! As if you have the ability to care for a child!"

Artoo beeped in affirmation.

"You would not last one minute watching a child! They would…" Threepio managed before Leia cut him off.

"Thank you very much for offering, Threepio, but you don't have to update your programming. I think Han and I can manage," Leia said.

"But, Mistress Leia…"

"Goldenrod, there's no way in hell I'm going to let you take care of my kid," Han proclaimed.

"Is it your child, Sir? I heard that someone else had fathered the child."

"Threepio!" Han bellowed. "One of these days…"

"It is your child, Captain Solo? Maybe my circuits are malfunctioning. I was certain that I had heard that you were not the father."

Han rolled his eyes and turned to Leia. "I told you not to let them in, Sweetheart."

Leia ignored the comment, deciding to help out the confused protocol droid. "Yes, Threepio, Han is the father. The information that you heard was wrong."

"Why, it seems rather indecorous for the news to provide false information."

"Yes, it is," Leia agreed.

With that, Threepio wandered off, confused, and Artoo rolled over to see Luke. A moment later, they heard the door chime again.

Han looked over, and smiled broadly when he saw the familiar faces of Lumpy and Malla on the screen. He slid open the door, and was engulfed by two pairs of hairy Wookiee arms.

"Hey! It's bad enough when one Wookiee tries to hug me, but I don't think I can handle two!" Han laughed. "It's great to see you two again."

Malla held Han back at arm's length as Lumpy stepped to the side.

So, my little Han is finally going to have a cub? You will make a fine father. Malla growled.

"Thanks, Malla. Though I don't think anyone actually believes I'm the father," Han replied.

Malla stared at him, confused. Why would anyone think that you are not the father of your mate's child?

"Well, I, uh, kind of threatened a reporter, and now all the news stations are saying that I did it because I'm not the father of Leia's baby. I tried to apologize and explain myself, but they just took their original story and ran with it, I think."

You should not listen to what others say about you, cub. No good can come from it. If you are happy, you should not allow others to take away from it.

"Yeah, that's what I'm trying to do. Thanks again, Malla."

Anytime, Han.

Han turned to Lumpy, who was trying to pretend like he wasn't listening to their conversation. Han grinned at the Wookie cub.

"So, kiddo, are you happy that you're going to have a cousin?

Lumpy nodded emphatically.

"That's good. Now you'd better set a good example for him, or else," Han said mock-seriously.

I will do my best, Uncle Han. Lumpy responded.

"I'm just kidding, don't worry," Han grinned as he moved closer, whispering. "Act your worst around the kid, we don't want him going soft."

"I heard that, Han!" Leia called from across the room.

"How'd she hear that?" Han asked Lumpy, amazed.

"You'd be surprised at what I can hear, Han," Leia said.

Malla strode over to Leia to offer her congratulations. I am happy that you are having Han's child, Princess. I have never seen him happier than he is right now. Since you came into his life, there is a light in his eyes that was never there before.

Leia hugged Malla tightly, thanking her.

Lumpy grinned at the diminutive princess, and said, Thank you for giving me a cousin to play with, Aunt Leia."

"The pleasure's all mine, little one," Leia smiled and ruffled his fur.

Once all congratulations were given, everyone gathered together for a great feast and celebrated the pregnancy without regard to the lies of the media.