Coruscant - Ten days after the wedding

Leia woke up as the early morning light streamed in the bedroom window. She shifted on to her side, looked at the sleeping form of her husband and smiled. Husband. It seemed to Leia she couldn't use that description enough. She touched the growing mound of her belly and used the Force to reach inward to sense her babies. They were so alive, so full of the Force. Her entire being tingled with happiness just knowing her babies were healthy and strong. In a strange way, she wished she would be able to protect them by keeping them forever inside her womb.

Feeling a bit guilty, she continued her reach with the Force and caressed Han's sleeping presence, lending him the confidence and support he still so badly needed. Han had been right about the gossip reporters' view on their marriage of less than two weeks. Headlines screamed about the 'inappropriateness' of the union of the last Princess of Alderaan and a blind smuggler. It had infuriated her, and deeply upset Han, although she tried her best to shield him from the snide holoshills.

Luke had been the steadying influence during the turmoil. It had been Luke that had calmed Han's misgivings while bolstering his self confidence. Leia knew she would forever be in her brother's debt for his support during the hectic weeks leading up to the wedding.

Luke had confided in Leia that he was spending many hours in the Jedi history room, much to Leia's chagrin. She'd not been happy that he had gone down into the dangerous underworld of Coruscant so many times alone, but the beings existing down below had allowed him to pass. All Luke had to do was turn on his lightsaber, and they quickly disappeared. He had been able to locate the library easily, since he'd left a tracking device inside the room the first time they'd been there. But Luke had been disheartened that the strange Force-feelings had simply vanished from the area when he returned a second time. Still, the history holo-cubes held his interest for hours on end. There was one thing that bothered Luke - he could find no mention of Anakin Skywalker. This had been deeply disappointing to the young Jedi. Even the cube discussing Obi-Wan had abruptly stopped shortly after mentioning the death of his Jedi Master, Qui-Gon Jinn.

Luke and Leia had discussed Han's abduction by the bounty hunter in detail. Chewie was worried that the Hutt would not give up so easily, and the twins knew this was undoubtedly true. Leia didn't know how to solve this dilemma. Keeping someone constantly by his side would help ensure Han's safety, but at what cost to his self esteem? He needed his independence, the ability to move about on his own, so Leia didn't know how to resolve this problem. But first they would be tackling a different problem. Today, they would be leaving to make the rendezvous with the two smugglers Chewie and Lando had contacted two months ago.

They would first meet with Talon Karrde, on Ylesia. Leia sincerely hoped they would be able to convince Captain Karrde to become a legitimate shipper. Success would not only help the New Republic, it would give Han a much needed moral boost, and make him feel he could contribute to the future of the New Republic.

It was the second contact that bothered Leia - Salla Zend. She was insisting on meeting them on Nal Hutta, which was the first bad sign. The fact she was a former girl friend of Han's was the second bad sign. Han hadn't wanted to set up this meeting at all. When Leia heard the details of exactly how Salla became an ex-girlfriend, she was inclined to agree with him. Based on Lando's insistence that Salla was serious about becoming a legal shipper, Leia pressured Han to set up the meeting. Han hadn't been happy about this, especially when just last week Lando abruptly announced he was resigning from the New Republic to purchase an "..unbeatable business deal". ".. a once in a lifetime opportunity." Or so Lando had declared. "I can't pass this up - this deal is worth millions!"

So it would be the four of them, Han, Chewie, Luke and Leia, heading off for Ylesia today, just like old times. Well, almost like old times. Han would no longer be at the controls of the Falcon; Luke would be acting as Captain. Of all aspects of his blindness, this is what hurt Han the deepest, and it hurt Leia that she could do nothing to help him.

Han stirred beside her and instinctively opened his eyes. Since he couldn't see her, she had quickly learned to substitute touch for sight. Reaching over, Leia stroked his cheek with the back of her fingers. "Good morning, Han," she said softly.

He smiled and covered her fingers with his own hand. "Morning, sweetheart." Leia nuzzled up to his side, kissing his neck and the stubble at his jaw line. "This is a nice way to wake up," Han murmured as he wrapped his arms around his new wife.

"Today is the big day," Leia said, nibbling his earlobe. "Chewie probably has been up for hours waiting for us."

"Let him wait," Han said huskily as he gently rolled Leia onto her back. Leia smiled at how careful he had become of her abdomen. She shut her eyes and gave a soft sigh as Han trailed kisses down her neck and shoulders, stroking her body with light fingertip touches. Her worries about how blindness would change him as a lover had been answered a long time ago.


Han, Leia and Threepio headed up the ramp of the Millennium Falcon loaded with suitcases. Han and Threepio carried the suitcases, anyway, since Han refused to let Leia carry anything "in your condition" as he'd put it. Leia tried to argue, but Han wouldn't hear her protests. It didn't stop him from complaining, as he hoisted a long strap that was slipping down off his shoulder. "I don't know why we have to take all these clothes!"

"Because," Leia explained patiently. "I have no idea how long we are going to be gone, and my clothing size seems to change by the day. Besides, now that you're my husband, you have to look presentable. I have an image to maintain, you know."

Han just shook his head in mock dismay and carted the baggage into the Falcon. Once inside, he dumped the bags on the floor at his feet, rubbing his sore arm.

"Beep breeb," the small Artoo unit greeted his protocol partner.

"Artoo!" exclaimed Threepio, "Just don't stand there! I need help putting Master Han's and Princess Leia's clothes away."

Artoo made an indignant raspberry beep and extended his 'arm' to pick up the nearest bag. R2-D2 spun away from Threepio and led the way to Han's bunk room without waiting for the tall droid. "I just do not understand where you ever learned your manners, Artoo!" Threepio called after the little droid as he followed down the corridor.

"Do the droids have to come?" Han griped.

"Yes, dear," Leia said smiling. "If you don't stop complaining, I'm going to tape your mouth shut."

"About time you two got here," Luke said as he came down the hall. "I thought I was going to have to send out a search party."

"Blame your sister," Han answered. "She thinks it's necessary to take twenty bags of clothes."

"It's only six bags, and you're the one who spent half an hour in the shower!" she shot back.

Luke laughed. "You two sound like you've been married ten years instead of two weeks." The young Jedi picked up the remaining luggage from the floor. "Why don't you go to the cockpit? We have clearance to leave in less than ten minutes."

Luke entered the cockpit a few minutes later as Chewie was warming the engines. Han sat behind the pilot's seat, and Leia sat behind Chewie. Like Leia, Luke felt a deep sadness that Han could no longer be at the controls of the Falcon, but life had not been kind or fair to any of the occupants of the small freighter. Despite that, each of them had survived the pitfalls and adjusted. Those that could not adjust to the problems of life withered and died, but the three humans and Wookiee inside the Falcon were true survivors. Pushing aside feelings of pity for his friend, Luke clapped Han's shoulder as he stepped past and sat down in the pilot's seat. "The droids are strapped in," he announced. "Everybody ready for our next adventure?"

Chewie gave an affirmative roar, and Han said with a rueful smile, "Ready as we'll ever be, kid!"

The Millennium Falcon rose gracefully into the Coruscant sky and headed for space.


Ylesia

The Falcon dropped out of hyperspace over the planet of Ylesia three standard days later. Luke and Leia had spent the travel time to continue training with lightsabers, and Leia had helped Han practice his finger-reading. At first, Han had been reluctant to stumble over the sentences while everyone listened, but when Luke had gently asked him, "I know it isn't Leia or Chewie you're embarrassed to practice in front of... is it me?"

The question had taken Han aback as he realized the three people he trusted most would never laugh at him or insult him. "I'm sorry, Luke. I ... I didn't mean to imply.."

"It's alright, Han," Luke quickly reassured him. "Just don't forget, we're family now." After that small issue, the trip passed with very little tension.

"There she is, Ylesia," Luke declared. "Lots of space traffic. I'm surprised."

"I'm not," Han replied. "This planet was always a busy place. I have a lot of not-so-fond memories of this place."

Leia shot Han a look. "Did you met Salla here?"

Han squirmed uncomfortably. "Ah, no... not Salla."

Chewie turned in his chair to face Han and growled. "No, I haven't told her," Han answered his friend defensively. "I didn't think it was necessary." Chewie shook his shaggy head and turned his attention back to the controls.

Leia groaned. "I suppose you have another ex-girlfriend that lives here?"

"Not anymore," Han replied tightly, his knuckles turning white as he gripped the side of his seat. "Do you want a list, Leia?"

"No, I don't. I have a feeling I'd die of old age before you'd be able to complete it."

Chewie woofed in laughter, and Luke chuckled. "I thought you two would argue less when you got married."

"Whatever gave you that idea, Luke?" Han asked with a lopsided grin, relieved the conversation had taken a less dangerous turn.

"Oh, I don't know," Luke said with a sigh. "Wishful thinking?"


The discussion of Han's many former flames was dropped as they landed on the surface of the planet. "The meeting with Karrde isn't for about four hours. We should get to the hotel and check in," Luke said. "I'll go tell Threepio and Artoo to get ready."

The group gathered the luggage, and made certain they were well armed. Even Han wore his blaster, tied down to his thigh. At Leia's insistence, Han also had a small locater hidden inside his boot. The Princess still wasn't ready to take chances with his safety so soon after the incident with Dengar.

Once they arrived at the hotel, the group found that the room had been prepaid. It turned out that Captain Karrde had arranged for them to stay at a very nice hotel, and also paid the tab, which surprised Leia. It was a large, well appointed room with two separate bedrooms. Luke and Chewie would share the one room, which had two beds. Han and Leia took the other room, with one larger, single bed. As Luke started toward his bedroom, Han called over to him, "I have to warn ya kid, the Wookiee snores."

Chewie gave a howl of protest before Leia addressed Han, "So do you, dear."

The three humans and Wookiee took time to freshen up and rest from the journey. The change of scenery was nice, and Leia always appreciated non-recycled air after traveling in space. She lay down on the large bed and looked over at Han, who was sitting in a chair by an open balcony window. His eyes were shut and his head rested against the back of the cushioned chair, hands folded in his lap. "Are you worried?" she asked him.

"About Karrde?" Han replied without moving. "Nah. He has a decent reputation. I don't think he'll stab us in the back."

"You said the same thing when we landed on Bespin."

Han turned his head toward her and grinned. "Had to remind me, huh?"

"Those that forget the past -"

"- are condemned to repeat it," Han finished with a sigh.

A knock on the bedroom door interrupted them. "Come in," Leia called.

Luke opened the door and stuck his head inside. "We should get going. The restaurant where we're meeting Karrde is about half an hour drive."

"Master Luke!" Threepio asked worriedly, having followed him into the bedroom. "What would you have Artoo and me to do while you are gone?"

"Just wait here, Threepio. We'll be back before you know it."

"I hate being left behind. One never knows what kind of issues are going to occur when no one is around to help," Threepio protested.

"Nothing is going to happen, Threepio," Leia tried to reassure the nervous droid.

"And if it does," Han put in helpfully, "you can just jump off the balcony. We're only on the third floor."

Leia gave Han a jab in his ribs and led him out of the room behind Luke and Chewbacca.


Luke knew immediately which table belong to Captain Karrde. He sat with an associate on either side, in the rear section of the expensive restaurant. The table was large and round, and Karrde had his back to the wall so his view of the vast restaurant was unobstructed. Luke didn't sense deception from the man, only wariness and curiosity. Leia insisted that she and Han greet Captain Karrde first, so Luke concurred. Han and Leia would be the ones doing the negotiations. Luke and Chewie were merely backup in case of difficulties.

They arrived at the table where Karrde and his two people, a balding, pasty-skinned short human male and a tall fur-covered female from a feline species, sat waiting. When the former Rebels arrived at the table, Karrde stood up. Like the four New Republic representatives, Karrde and his people were well-armed.

"Captain Karrde," Leia began formally. "My name is Leia Organa-Solo. I am very pleased to meet you." She held out her hand, and Karrde took it politely. "This is my husband, Han Solo," she continued, "my husband's partner, Chewbacca, and Jedi Luke Skywalker."

"Nice meeting you, Princess," Karrde replied smoothly. "And you as well, Captain Solo. I believe we met briefly, years ago."

Han held his breath and put out his hand, hoping the man would take it. He was relieved when Karrde grasped his outstretched hand and shook it. "Nice meeting you again, Captain Karrde."

"I hear congratulations are in order Solo," Karrde said with a smile. "A new marriage and babies on the way. You are a very lucky man."

Leia's assessment of Karrde immediately shot up. Instead of mentioning Han's blindness, the man was choosing to focus on all the good things that were happening in Han's life. The Princess felt immensely grateful to Captain Karrde.

Karrde then turned his attention to Luke and Chewie. "Nice seeing you again as well, Chewbacca," he said. "And I have heard a great deal about you too, young man." He shook both Luke and Chewie's hands then indicated they should all have a seat. "This is one of my favorite places to dine while on Ylesia," Karrde said. "I hope you find it as enjoyable as I do."

Once seated, Karrde suddenly slapped his forehead. "How impolite of me, I did not introduce my co-workers. This is my navigator, Aspey Plue." Karrde indicated to the short, pudgy man. "And my first mate, Taqi Shareij," Talon Karrde held his hand toward the slinky feline. Karrde's crew members nodded reservedly at the former rebels.

The human waiter approached the table, and Karrde suggested they order a well-known local wine. He assured them it had low alcohol content, and was quite good. Since no one wanted to have their judgment impaired with strong alcohol, Leia placed the order, even though she didn't drink any of the wine herself because of her pregnancy.

Small talk went on during the course of the meal until Plue, who had spent the entire dinner alternately staring at Han and leering at Leia, could no longer resist asking, "So, Solo, how does it feel to be blind?"

Han stiffened and opened his mouth to reply when Karrde interrupted. "I'm sorry for my Navigator's remark, Solo. He sometimes suffers from a severe lack of tact."

"That's okay, Karrde," Han remarked. "I'll answer his question. Try putting on a blindfold, Plue, an' walk around for an hour wearing it. Then you'll have a very small idea of what it's like, 'cept I can't take my 'blindfold' off. Ever." Plue only gave a twisted smile in Solo's direction, pleased he had drawn attention to Han's handicap.

Han felt Leia grasp his fingers and give them a gentle squeeze. Karrde cleared his throat in the uncomfortable silence that followed, then suggested, "Why don't we discuss the terms your new government would like to offer me to become a legitimate shipper?"


The foursome walked down the hall of the hotel to their room. "That went fairly well," Luke remarked. "No blasters, no lightsabers, no threats."

Leia laughed, "That's always a sign of a successful evening, Luke." Chewie woofed his agreement and patted Han on the top of his head. "What did he say, Han?" Leia asked cheerfully.

Han sighed and translated. "Chewie said he only worried one time I was gonna break the wine bottle over that jerk Plue's head."

The group laughed and opened the door to the suite. Instantly, Luke, Leia and Chewie became silent. "What's wrong?" Han asked in the sudden quiet.

"Our room's been ransacked, Han," Luke answered. "And I don't see any sign of Artoo and Threepio."


Han stood behind the sofa while his wife and friends searched the room and picked up the overturned furniture. After listening to them moving furniture for a few minutes, he wandered out to the balcony, carefully reaching his hand forward to grasp the railing. His fingers found dangling loose rails instead. "Luke?" Han shouted back at the room.

Luke quickly came out on the balcony and noticed the broken railing immediately. "You don't suppose Goldenrod actually thought I was serious and jumped, do you?" Han questioned his brother-in-law. The young Jedi looked down over the edge. Three floors down, lying flat on his back in bushes, was Threepio. His photoreceptor eyes were dark.

"He's down there, Han," Luke informed him. "I'm going to go get him." With that, Luke leaped off the balcony, using the Force to slow his descent.

His sudden disappearance startled Han. "Luke!?" Han shouted. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Han" Luke yelled up to his friend. Han jumped slightly when Leia stepped behind him and put her arm around his waist.

"He's a Jedi, Han," she said to her husband. "The Force can help him land softly from distances that would break another person's bones."

"Ah." Han nodded. "That's very unfair, you know. You and Luke get extra senses while I get one of mine taken away." He said it lightly, but Leia knew, deep down, he felt a certain sense of injustice. She couldn't truly fault him for feeling that way.

Smiling up at him, she put a finger over the scar on his chin and teased, "Are you talking about the common sense you were born without?"

"Hey!" he protested with a laugh, then ruefully admitted, "You're right. That's two I don't have!"


Down below the balcony, Luke switched the 'on' switch behind Threepio's neck. The golden droid sat up, startled. "No! Don't push me off..." the droid said as he flung his arms up protectively.

"Threepio," Luke said. "It's all right. Who pushed you?"

"Master Luke!" the droid cried. "It was terrible! It was awful! They were evil people, throwing things around, threatening helpless droids!"

"Threepio!" Luke said firmly. "How many were there?"

"Two, Master Luke." Threepio swiveled his head toward Luke. "They pushed me off the balcony! Why would they do such a terrible thing?"

"I don't know, Threepio," Luke said gently. "Do you know what happened to Artoo?"

"Artoo is missing?" Threepio wailed. "Oh dear! Poor Artoo! In the evil clutches of those bounty hunters!"

Luke took the droid by the arms and held him still. "How do you know they were bounty hunters?"

Threepio stopped his whining for a moment and considered. "Well, they did mention a reward and Hutts, so I assumed they were speaking about Master Han."

Luke stood up and helped Threepio to his feet. "Come on, Threepio," Luke said with a sigh. "We need to get upstairs and figure out how to find Artoo."


The small group sat around in the living area of the hotel room. "I don't like this Luke," Leia said. "I know we need to find Artoo, but the idea of you going off alone bothers me. It's almost like they want us to separate."

"I agree," Luke replied. "But I think Chewie should stay with you and Han. I can handle myself."

Han bit his lower lip, unable to stop himself from thinking, And I can't handle myself. I need Chewie or Leia to protect me! He felt like pounding his fist on a table in frustration, but restrained the impulse. "You can take Chewie with you, Luke," Han said evenly. "I don't need both of 'em to baby-sit me."

The twins exchanged a knowing look. They couldn't remain so overprotective of Han, or he would feel like he was a burden. "He's right," Leia responded aloud. "Either Chewie or I should go with you."

Luke pondered the options. Walking around with Chewie would make himself too obvious. With Leia, they would just appear to be a couple. Finally, Luke agreed, "Then you should come with me, Leia. We need to get going right away."

Leia gave Han a quick hug and kiss. "Stay with Chewie, and don't leave the hotel room," she instructed her husband.

"Yes, mommy," Han said sarcastically. "I'll behave myself."


Artoo wandered around in circles. He was locked in a hold on a small ship, parked so close to the Falcon it seemed as if he beeped loudly enough, he could've been heard. That is, if someone was actually onboard the Falcon. Artoo knew that was unlikely. Fortunately, his kidnappers had not thought to put a restraining bolt on the small droid. Artoo decided if he was going to get rescued, he was going to have to rescue himself.

He extended his 'arm' and plugged himself into an outlet in the hold of the ship. Quickly, he ran through the ship's schematics, determined his best option, then took action.

Up in the cockpit, two dirty humans sat and waited for instructions from their employer. Lights began flashing on the console, and they looked at each other, puzzled. Their puzzlement changed to shock when billows of white smoke started pouring from the air shafts and alarms began sounding.

"Quick, Smiy, grab the extinguisher!" the older man cried. Both men stumbled out into the corridor, trying to locate a fire extinguisher. They were so busy with the crisis, they didn't even notice the small droid rolling quietly past and down the exit ramp that he had surreptitiously lowered minutes earlier.


Leia was trying to keep up with her fast moving brother. "Luke! Will you slow down?" she asked. "We don't even know where we're going!"

Luke slowed, but didn't stop. "We should go the spaceport, Leia."

"Why?"

"Because if he was taken by bounty hunters, they have a ship, and if they have a ship, that's where Artoo will be."

The idea made sense to Leia, so she continued to follow her brother until they got to the spaceport. The docking area seemed to be in chaos. Hovercrafts with fire equipment apparatus sat parked around, while humans and non-humans alike milled about in confusion. Smoke hung low like fog, in the docking area. It was obvious that a ship had been on fire. Instantly, both Luke and Leia became concerned about the Falcon and tried to make their way to the berth where the battered old freighter was parked.

A security guard attempted to block their way. "I'm sorry. Fire personnel only allowed past this point," the local said firmly, holding his arms out to stop them.

"But our ship is parked right here!" Leia snapped at him.

"Doesn't matter," he declared with an air of superiority. "You'll have to wait until the area is declared safe."

"We can pass," Luke said calmly. "It won't be a problem."

"You can pass," the guard declared smugly. "It won't be a problem."

Leia's mouth dropped open, and Luke grabbed her by the wrist, then quickly pulled her past the guard. "How did you do that?" she asked in awe.

"Jedi mind trick." Luke grinned. "I need to teach it to you."

"I guess you will," she agreed. "Does it work on stubborn husbands?"

Luke laughed. "I wouldn't recommend it."

They both felt relief when they got to the Falcon and saw she was intact and untouched. A smaller ship, parked not far from the Falcon, appeared to be the one with the problem. Wisps of white smoke still rose from the ramp, and the apparent owners stood not far from their ship, waving their arms frantically at the harried firemen. Leia punched in the access code and they both wasted no time hurrying inside the safety of the ship. Luke turned on the ship's comlink, and scanned the entries. "Here's a message from Artoo!" Luke nearly shouted.

Leia leaned over his shoulder, reading the message. "I am returning to our hotel. Please use caution around our smoking neighbors."

Leia and Luke looked at each other in surprise. "I guess we should never underestimate Artoo," Luke finally commented.


C-3PO was getting on Han's last nerve. His constant babbling about "poor Artoo" and how terrible it had been falling off the balcony tempted Han to push him off into the bush a second time. The Corellian was starting to wonder just how angry Leia would be if he used the droid for target practice when the room'd buzzer rang. Chewbacca leapt off the sofa, and holding his bowcaster ready, headed for the door. Chewie opened the video-audio link to the outside hallway before let out a roar, and opening the door. The little blue and white droid rolled into the room, beeping happily.

Han stood up. "Artoo? Where did you go?" he asked, rather surprised the small droid had returned alone. "Luke and Leia are out looking for you!"

"Artoo!" Threepio scolded. "I should have known you would do something like this just to scare everyone! You should be ashamed of yourself, you little trouble maker!"

"Threepio!" Han snapped. "Will you shut your trap for half a second? Let Artoo tell us where he's been."

Chewie woofed his agreement with Han and took a threatening step in the direction of the golden droid. C-3PO backed away worriedly. "Of course... Artoo, tell us where you needed to go without informing anyone."

The small droid gave a lengthy series of beeps and buzzes. When he was finished, Threepio stood next to his partner, nodding in sympathy, "How terrible for you!"

"What...Did...He...Say...Goldenrod?" Han asked through clenched teeth.

"Oh, dear me," Threepio said. "I apologize, Master Han. Sometimes I seem to forget humans can't understand Artoo."

Chewie threw his head back, gave a huge roar of frustration and started stalking toward C-3PO, fully intending to shake the droid until he heard parts rattling inside the gold head. "Oh, Maker help me!" Threepio squealed, throwing his arms up to protect himself from the towering Wookiee.

"Are we having a problem?" Leia asked as she stepped into the room, trying to sound stern.

Han turned his head in Leia's direction. "No, sweetheart... no problem," he replied, a bit sheepish. "I just love spending quality time with the droids."


Aspey Plue stood in the gloomy bar, glaring at his employees. "You lost the droid? Was that such a hard assignment? Keeping a little droid from escaping?" he snarled at the two men.

"He overheated the main power couplings," the older man tried defending himself.

Plue slammed his fist down on the table, rattling the glasses so hard they sloshed the drinks on to the table. "Get the ship fixed, NOW!" he ordered his men. "You are going to have to follow them to their next destination. My partner ain't gonna be happy!"


En route to Nal Hutta

Han sat crossed-legged on the floor above the open hatch where Chewie was busy working inside the Falcon. He could hear the hiss of lightsabers as Leia and Luke practiced in the hold, and smelled the ozone tang that resulted from the sabers striking each other. It made Han nervous to think of Leia using one of those ancient weapons. One wrong move, and the wielder could be maimed... or dead. *Han, are you listening to me?* Chewie called up from the hatch. *I need a Type Four hydo-wrench, if you are not too busy.*

Han drew his attention back to the repair job. "Sorry, pal," he apologized. "My mind was elsewhere." He heard Chewie give a snort as the Corellian moved his fingers lightly over the tools laid out in front of him until he located the appropriate wrench. He picked it up and turned it over in his hand several times to make certain it was the correct tool before leaning over and handing it down to his partner. Chewie was flat on his back, and had been holding his hand up, waiting for the tool. The Wookiee grasped the wrench and continued to work, thinking, This space is too tight for Wookiees. No wonder Han was always the one down here. Unfortunately, since Han could no longer do the work, the Wookiee was forced to do the jobs that Han had done previously. Chewie supposed he could ask Luke to get down in the access tube, but he trusted no one to work on the Falcon but Han or himself - not even Luke or Lando. Few people would be able to make sense out of the jury-rigged wires and circuits that they had installed over the years.

*I have the circuits tightened, Han,* Chewie informed his friend as he squirmed out of the tube.

"Good," Han said as he began putting the tools back into the box. "Now maybe the damn lights will stay on in the cockpit when we power up."

"Master Han!" Threepio said as he came up behind the Corellian. "Mistress Leia asked me to tell you we will be arriving at Nal Hutta soon, and wonders if you are about finished."

"It's a really bad idea for annoying droids to come up behind me when I have heavy tools in my hand," Han commented to Chewie.

Chewie laughed and stood up, brushing dust off his fur. *Do you think Luke would notice a new dent?* he growled at Han.

"Mercy me!" C-3PO declared indignantly. "I am only passing the message, sir."

"Are you being mean to Threepio again, Han?" Leia appeared from behind the droid as Han was standing up.

He gave his best innocent look in her direction, then grinned. "Who, me?"

Leia shot a look at the Wookiee. "You just encourage his bad behavior, Chewie," she admonished lightly. Leia looped her hand through her unrepentant husband's arm and started toward the cockpit.

"Are you gonna punish me?" Han asked his wife hopefully as she began to lead him away. Leia took her hand off his arm and gave her husband a loud swat on his rear. "Ow!" he howled in protest as they rounded the corner. "That hurt!"

Chewie heard Leia reply, "You big baby..." before her voice faded away. The Wookiee shook his shaggy head and wondered exactly how long he was going to have to put up with their newlywed antics.


Nal Hutta

No hotel arrangements had been made for them on this crime-riddled planet, controlled by the Hutts. Han was pleased they would be staying on the Falcon, since he didn't want to leave the Falcon unattended. In fact, he was very unhappy that they were here at all. To make matters even worse, Salla Zend had sent them a message that they received as soon as they exited hyperspace stating she had been unavoidable detained, and would be about thirty hours late. So they waited nervously as the hours passed.

"I don't understand why we agreed to meet Salla here," he griped as he put on his jacket. "It's the Hutts that are gunning for us, and now here we are, presenting ourselves to 'em on a platter."

"The Hutts aren't going to be coming after us personally, Han," Luke reasoned with his brother-in-law. "They'll just send bounty hunters after us no matter where we are."

"Letti the Hutt is on Tatooine, anyway," Leia pointed out to her husband.

Han sighed. He knew he wasn't going to win this argument, but he still hated being on this planet.

"You aren't planning on leaving me and Artoo alone again, are you Master Luke?" Threepio asked worriedly as he watched the group get ready to depart. "You do remember what happened last time, don't you?"

"No, Threepio," Han shot back sarcastically. "We don't remember a thing. We all have amnesia"

"Then allow me to refresh your memory, sir," the droid started to say, totally oblivious to Han's sarcasm. "When the four of you left last time..."

"Threepio," Luke interrupted. "We remember. Chewie is going to be staying with you this time, alright?"

The fact that Chewie was staying on the Falcon was Han's insistence that the ship needed guarding more than any concern the Corellian had over the droids. But that fact wouldn't bother C-3PO. He was just relieved he was not going to be left alone with Artoo. "Thank you, Master Luke!" Threepio gushed. "I cannot even begin to express my gratitude that you are concerned about my welfare!"

Luke just sighed before asking Leia and Han, "Are you two ready?"


Nal Hutta was a steamy, hot world that the slug-like Hutts would enjoy. Humans found the humidity repressive, and the general filth of the planet repulsive. The trio walked through the streets with Han between his wife and brother-in-law. Luke reached out with his Force-sense. Most of the beings surrounding them reeked of hate, lust and distrust. The Jedi would've preferred not to sense all these negative emotions, but he needed to stay on-guard. The only question was whether he would be able to sense imminent danger, since all the nasty feelings swirling around could cloud an individual threat. By the time they reached the address they had been given, they were soaked with sweat, their clothes sticking to them as rivers of perspiration ran down their backs. The blast of cold air as they entered the dingy bar instantly chilled them.

"I think they're trying to send us into cold-shock," Leia complained as her eyes adjusted to the dim lighting. The bar was nearly empty, with a few patrons sitting at the counter, as well as one small table that was occupied by a pair of Biths. "I don't see any sign of your girlfriend, Han," Leia said.

"Don't call her that, please," Han requested in an annoyed tone.

"I'll go ask the bartender," Luke quickly put in before an argument could ensue. He walked up to the nasty looking Duros who stood behind the bar glaring at the newcomers. "Hello," Luke began as politely as possible. "We are supposed to meet a woman here. Her name is Salla Zend... she's a human female, dark hair, about thirty years old. Have you seen anyone matching that description?"

"Do I look like a pimp to you, sonny?" the bartender snarled at Luke. "Either buy drinks or get lost!"

Luke cleared his throat. He didn't want to get into a confrontation with this man, so he ordered two glasses of Corellian whiskey and a cup of iced caf. The bartender glared at Luke but made no move to fill his order.

"Is there a problem with my order?"

"I have to make some caf, spacehead," the bartender snapped back. "Go sit down, and I'll bring over yer drinks when it's done." He turned away from Luke, effectively dismissing him.

Luke shook his head and went back to the small table were Leia and Han were now seated. "Don't touch the surface of the table, Han," Leia warned. "It looks like an entire colony of germs has taken up residence."

Han grinned at his wife's warning and asked Luke, "Did you get any information?"

"No," Luke said morosely. "He isn't exactly the friendly type. I guess we'll just have to wait and see if she shows up."

"Well," Han mused, "It would be just like her to not show. I warned you she hates me."

"Shh," Leia whispered as the bartender walked to their table, carrying the three drinks.

They watched as he slammed the whiskeys and the caf down in front of them, hard enough that some of the drink sloshed out of the glasses. "That'll be twenty credits," he sneered at Luke.

"Twenty credits?" Han sputtered. "For three drinks?"

The bartender turned his attention to the Corellian. "Ya got a problem with my prices, no-eyes?"

Han's face flushed anger and his hand moved to his blaster. Leia quickly reached under the table and stayed her husband's hand, silently willing him to remain calm even though she was furious with the bartender's comment herself. "Luke, pay the man," Leia ordered her brother. Luke withdrew the credit chips and handed them to the bartender.

"You're an awfully pretty thing to be hangin' around with these two losers, missy," the bartender smiled at her, showing a mouthful of yellowed and missing teeth. "Ditch the blond boy an' blind guy. We could have a good time, you an' me."

"I would rather be covered with honey and tied to a Tatooine fire-ant hill than walk ten steps with you, sir," Leia said sweetly.

The bartender snorted. "Enjoy your drinks," he snapped, before turning and leaving.

Luke breathed a sigh of relief and shared a worried look with his sister. The nasty comment about Han's blindness had upset the Corellian. Han's fingers sought, quickly located the drink and he downed it in a single gulp. Leia touched Han's sleeve. "That man isn't worth getting upset about, Han," she pleaded softly. He didn't answer her. For lack of anything better to do, the Princess picked up the iced caf and tentatively tasted it. The chilled and sweetened caf wasn't bad at all, she decided before draining her cup.

After a few moments, Luke sipped at his whiskey and made a face. "I don't know how you can drink this stuff, Han. It makes my eyes water."

"Only the first taste," Han replied. "It gets better after that." Leia was glad Han at least answered her brother, smiling as she watched Luke take a large swallow and shut his eyes tightly as the liquid burned his throat.

"Hello, Han," a silky voice said from behind Leia. The trio turned toward the voice. An elegant, dark skinned human female stood behind Han's chair. Leia immediately knew this was Salla Zend. She could be beautiful, except her eyes are so hard, Leia thought, instantly sizing her up.

"Salla," Han said neutrally. "Nice of you to show up. This is my wife, Leia Organa, and my.. friend Luke Skywalker."

"Hello," Salla said politely. "It's very nice to meet the woman who finally caught the great Han Solo." She returned her gaze to Han. "If I had known this is what it would take to snare you, I could've arranged for you to lose your sight, too."

Han's expression hardened and he turned his face from her, his mouth tight with anger. "Would you like to have a seat?" Leia said formally, uncertain whether she should try to salvage this situation. She didn't like this woman; Han had been right when he'd run away from marrying her.

"No, I don't think that will be necessary," Salla said with a smirk.

"You don't wish to negotiate with the New Republic?" Luke said, surprised.

"Why would I want to do that?" she said, laughing. "The Hutts will be making me a rich woman in a few days."

Leia and Luke instantly stood up and reached for their lightsabers. At least Leia tried to reach for hers. The room began spinning, and her fingers missed the hilt of her saber. She lurched forward a step, then dropped awkwardly to her knees.

"Leia!" Luke cried as he moved to his sister's side, igniting his lightsaber. He looked at Salla Zend before distantly realizing she was laughing, but he couldn't focus on her face. Luke's fingers went numb and his saber clattered to the floor, leaving a burn mark before automatically switching itself off. A second later, Luke dropped next to his sister. By this time, Han was struggling to get to his feet, his blaster already in his trembling hand. He waved it unsteadily in Zend's general direction. Salla moved out of the line of fire, stepping past the prone body of the Princess, and snatched the blaster from the swaying Corellian.

"You.. you drugged us!" Han spat at his former lover. "Leia's pregnant! You could injure our children!"

"She'll be fine, and so will your half-breeds, Solo... if she gets to a decent medical clinic quickly enough," Salla shot back harshly. "I can't say the same for you, however."

Han's legs gave out, and as he collapsed to the floor his awareness left him.

.