Well, since I already had to take down "Change of Heart" (DarthKoalaBear wasn't kidding when she said her feelings are easily hurt) I will try to replace that serious story with THIS serious story!
Let No Jedi Tear Asunder
Intro
Sunlight streamed into the opulent living room, illuminating the back of Luke Skywalker's blond hair. The effect gave the impression of making the young Jedi Master angelic... a bit holy, even. Considering his current emotions, the glow only heightened Han Solo's barely suppressed fury as he listened to his brother-in-law's speech.
Luke glanced over briefly at Han, then returned his attention back toward his sister. "It's for the best, Leia," he finished up, trying to sound certain of his stance.
"But they're so young," Leia said, not for the first time.
"That's exactly why I feel it's important to protect them from darkside influences," Luke stated, spreading his hands outward in a conciliatory gesture. "Sending them away will protect them while they are at their most vulnerable."
Han could no longer remain silent. "Protect them? From us?"
"No, no," Luke insisted. "From the darkside. The Force is telling me there are evil beings out there that would love to kidnap and twist your children's minds."
"Yet we won't know where our children are located?" Han asked, barely believing his own ears. "And you will? That's not right."
"Luke has explained this already," Leia said to her husband. "He's a Jedi, and he'd be able to withstand a darksider's interrogation."
"Luke is their uncle," Han said, his lips thinning in frustration and anger. "We're the parents, Princess. This isn't his decision, and I don't care what the kriffin' Force is telling him."
"It's not just your decision, either," Leia returned sharply.
"Did the Jedi of old do this?" Han questioned, glaring at his wife.
"They didn't have to," Luke responded. "Force-sensitive children were removed from their parents as soon as they were identified and taken into the protection of other Jedi."
Han gave a derisive snort. "Really? And the birth-parents didn't object, even a little bit?"
"It was for the best," Luke said, knowing he'd asked himself the same question, and more than once.
"I'm not sure bringing back the Jedi Order sounds like such a great idea."
"HAN!" Leia shouted, sounding shocked.
"What?" Han replied, shaking his head. "You're telling me that legalized kidnapping was a good thing?"
"The parents must have agreed," Leia argued.
"Or they were pressured into it, with that weak-mind-altering Force of yours."
"That's not true," Leia said, unsure whether it was or wasn't.
Han walked up to Luke. "I thought this Force of yours was everywhere."
"It is," Luke agreed.
"So how would our kids be safe from the darkside of the Force wherever it is you want to send them? Is this place immune from the darkside, and all evil?"
"No, it's just that only a select few would know where they are."
"And that select few wouldn't include me an' Leia."
"It's only for a few years."
"Years! Those are the same years that parents have the most influence over their development."
"It is their most formative years, which is why I want to send them -"
"Away from us!" Han interrupted hotly.
"Away from the darkside," Luke finished, becoming frustrated with Han's failure to see how important this was to the future.
"According to the New Republic law, our kids' welfare is half mine," Han said. "And I say, no way."
Leia was torn, desperately trying to understand Luke's viewpoint, yet as the mother, understanding Han's reluctance to concede. "We can talk about this later, after we've had a chance to cool down and consider the pros and cons."
"Spoken like a true politician," Han said sarcastically. He could bear no more discussion, and as far as he was concerned, the matter was closed. Turning, he stalked out of the living area and headed up the staircase to the bedroom.
Leia waited until the bedroom door could be heard closing. "I'm sorry, Luke. This is all such a shock to both of us. We love our children, and the idea of them being taken away..."
"You'd be able to visit them," Luke said gently. "Or you and Han could stay with them the entire time."
"I can't leave the New Republic right now," Leia said sadly. "And asking Han to stay in one place for three or four years...well, you know how well that would work out."
"I wouldn't be asking this if I didn't feel it was important," Luke said.
"I know," Leia said. "I'll wait for a few days, and approach Han again with the subject, when he's not so upset."
"This is very important," Luke prodded. "Try your best to make Han understand."
For some reason, that remark annoyed the Princess. "Yes, Luke. I'll do my best, but first I have to convince myself."
The next several days were extremely tense in the Solo household. Arguments would erupt whenever Leia brought up the subject of her brother taking the children, and it was becoming increasingly obvious to Han that Leia was siding with Luke, and there would be no unified front to present to the young Jedi Knight. Leia's apparent acquiescence to Luke's demands divided them even further. In an attempt to ease the strain, early mornings would find Han fleeing to the calming solitude of his ship, and the quiet understanding of his long-time partner, Chewbacca.
Late afternoon, Chewie finally remarked to his friend, [You should go home. Try to make peace.]
"Yeah," Han said with a snort. "We haven't had a peaceful night since Luke stuck his nose into our business."
[Do you still love Leia?]
Han shot his partner an incredulous look. "Why do you even have to ask that? I'd do almost anything for Leia - except this." The Corellian shook his head in despair. "It's Luke that I'm starting to hate."
[He means well. He is still young.]
"You got that right," Han snapped out. "Young, and despite Leia's claims to the contrary, inexperienced when it comes to being a Jedi. Knowing how to use a lightsaber and levitate rocks doesn't give him the right to dictate other peoples' lives. Hell, the entire galaxy is giving him credit for single-handedly killing the Emperor, when it was actually Vader that did it. All that unjustified praise is going to his head."
[You cannot blame Luke for the galaxy's hero-worship,] the huge Wookiee growled. [He has tried to deflect it away from himself.]
"Whose side are you on?"
[Yours,] Chewie replied. [But I am getting tired of spending so much time working on the Falcon when there is nothing wrong with her. I want to go to my apartment and get some rest.]
"So go. I'm not stopping you."
[You go home, too, and be nice.]
"I'll try. But Luke had better not be there when I get home."
Luke wasn't at the Solo apartment. For that matter, neither was Leia. It was Threepio, carrying three large satchels, that greeted Han in the main hallway.
"Hello, Master Solo!" the droid said. "Mistress Leia is not home at the moment, but rest assured that I am doing a wonderful job at attending to your offspring. Although, since they are currently napping, it is not all that difficult at the moment."
"Where is she?"
"Princess Leia?"
"Yes!"
"The Princess went over to Winter's apartment, in order to aid Winter in assembling traveling apparel."
It took Han several seconds to decipher the droid's babble. "Where's Winter going?"
"I am not certain," Threepio replied. "It was not my place to ask that particular question."
Han pointed at the luggage the droid was holding. "What's all that?"
The droid's head tilted down as he lifted the bags. "This?"
"Yeah, Goldenrod. THAT."
"It is the children's clothing and toys. Princess Leia requested I put a travel bag together for each of them."
Han felt the blood drain from his face as he put a hand on the wall to steady himself. "You're kidding me," he whispered to himself.
Threepio failed note the comment wasn't a question. "No, Sir. It is not in my programming to 'kid'."
Han had to take a moment to compose himself, stunned that Leia would go behind his back and allow Luke to whisk their children off into the unknown. Shaking, he turned his attention back to the droid. "Did Leia tell you where the kids were going?"
"No, Master Han. Did you not know about this development?"
"Of course I knew," Han snapped, easily lying to the gullible droid. "We're all taking a little vacation. So take those bags to the Falcon right away."
This seemed to cheer the droid considerably. "A vacation? That sounds quite delightful." He shuffled toward the door. "Am I invited, Master Solo?"
"When hell freezes over," Han muttered under his breath.
"What did you say? I did not hear you."
"I said, of course you're coming with us," Han called out. "Now hurry up. I'll get the kids out of bed, and meet you at the docking pad."
Winter's Apartment
"I'm sure this will be for the best, Leia," Winter said soothingly as she gathered some of her personal items into a bag.
"I hope so," Leia responded. "This whole thing has been such a strain on my marriage. I never thought anything would come between us like this has done."
Winter held up a tiny swimsuit. "Are you taking yours?"
Leia laughed. "After three children? I'm shocked you own such a bitty little thing, Winter."
"When you've got it, flaunt it," Winter pointed out. "You've kept your figure, and you do want Han's undivided attention, don't you?"
"Yes," Leia said, grinning. "Which is why I need you along to watch the children when Han and I go out for the evening."
"You could always take Threepio," Winter replied.
"Threepio? That droid is always interrupting us at the most inopportune times. He can stay with Luke."
"Is that your brother's punishment for causing such a rift in your relationship with Han?"
"What do you think?" Leia asked, laughing. The door chime interrupted the conversation, and Winter left to answer.
A few moments later, Threepio followed Winter into the bedroom. "Your droid is here."
"Threepio!" Leia chastied, suddenly worried. "I told you to stay with the children!"
"The children are safe with their father," Threepio stated. "Master Solo sent me here to assist you, while he preps the Millennium Falcon."
Leia gave a groan. "This was supposed to be a surprise. I'd like to know what you told Han, especially since I deliberately didn't give you any details."
"I only stated that you were at Mistress Winter's apartment, helping her pack," Threepio replied. "I must say, he did seem rather put out that he wasn't informed about this trip."
Suddenly, a cold Force-warning ran down the Princess's spine. She hurried over to the communication panel, and entered the Falcon's private code. There was no response. Quickly, she tried raising Han on his comlink, and was met with static. Frightened, Leia reached out with the Force to sense her husband and her children's presences' - and through the Force she could barely feel them. They were far off in the distance, and growing farther with each passing second.
"Winter?" Leia whispered, grasping the edge of the table until her knuckles turned white.
"What's happened?" Winter asked in concern.
"Han... Han has kidnapped the children."
"Chewbacca would not go along with kidnapping your children," Winter said firmly, watching as Leia frantically contacted the flight controller, confirming her fears that the Falcon had lifted off. "There must be some simple explanation."
"No, he wouldn't help Han," Leia said, grasping at that small hope before she remembered the past. "Although, he did go along with that incident where Han took me to Dathomir against my will."
"Master Chewbacca was not inside the ship when I dropped off the children's luggage," Threepio informed the women. "After Captain Solo arrived, he told me his co-pilot went back to his own apartment for some recharging... I mean, rest. Then he ordered me to come over here and help you and Winter."
Leia hurriedly pressed in the code for Chewie's private comlink, and soon a shaggy, sleepy face appeared in the screen. "Chewie? Han's taken my babies!"
[What? Why?]
Threepio acted as the Wookiee's interpreter, and then Leia replied, "He saw Threepio taking the children's luggage out of our apartment. I wanted to surprise him with a vacation, and he must have thought..." She stopped speaking, trying to keep from sobbing.
[He thought you were allowing Luke to take the twins and Anakin away,] Chewie surmised. [I will be sure to throttle him when we find him, Princess.]
Leia clenched her teeth, determined that this problem would be quickly resolved - she just needed to speak to Han. "Where do you suppose he would go?"
Chewie considered. [He will need help with two-year-old twins and a six-month-old baby. He may consider asking Malla for assistance. I will contact her immediately.]
"Thanks," Leia said. "I'll get in touch with Luke, and let him know what's happening. Maybe he can use his Force-insight into all of this, as well."
About two hours after leaving Coruscant, Han began having serious doubts about his impulsive action. The baby was screaming non-stop, and the twins were busy getting into everything that wasn't sealed firmly shut. This meant his precious tools were being tossed about the hallways, mingling with a trail of clothes and toys.
Han gathered up Jaina and Jacen, plunking them into their booster seats, which had been installed by the game table. He fastened the belts across their laps, ordering them to stay put. This only resulted in the twins bursting into tears, joining Anakin's wails.
"QUIET!" Han yelled into the cacophony, holding his palms against his ears. The three children grew silent and wide-eyed... for about three seconds. Then the cries ratcheted up in volume, drowning out even the noise of the Falcon's engines. "All right, all right," Han cajoled, desperate. "I'm sorry I yelled. Will you stop crying if I give you ice cream?" The twins immediately stopped, although Anakin kept crying.
Jacen sniffed. "Lotsa?"
"Cocolot?" Jaina added hopefully.
"Yes, a lot of chocolate ice cream. With nuts and whipping cream."
"I dunna like nuts," Jaina complained.
"I wanna quirt the whip cream right inna my mouth," Jacen said. "From the can."
"You can do that," Han promised, grateful at least two of the three had quieted down. As he took out the container from the cooler, his mind raced. He needed to come up with some type of plan, and it was obvious he needed the help of a female with his children. As he scooped large mounds of ice cream into dishes, he dismissed the notion of heading to Kashyyyk. Malla would certainly agree to help him, but she would contact Chewie at the first opportunity, and then Chewie would tell Leia, and then all nine hells would break loose. Leia needed time to reconsider sending the children away with Luke, but right now she would be too furious at Han to appreciate the sacrifice he was making in order to keep his family together.
The problem was that Han simply didn't know too many women that would be willing to help him. Mara? He glanced over at the twins, their faces now covered in gooey chocolate ice cream. She wasn't the patient sort, and Han wasn't too sure he could trust her not to contact Luke. Xavarri? Han knew she was trust-worthy, but she was also impossible to locate. That only left ...
The Corellian glanced over at the hyperspace controls. Was she still in the same location? Probably. Was she still in charge of her shady technical crew? Undoubtedly. Would she want to kill him, or help him? Han sighed, and moved over to the computer, resetting his course for the Corporate Sector.
As he sat in Leia's large penthouse, Jedi Skywalker tried to make Leia stop pacing the room. "Calm down."
Leia spun on her toe, facing Luke. "Calm down? My CHILDREN ARE GONE!"
"Han won't harm them."
"I know that," Leia snapped out. "But, trust me on this, I'm going to punish him when he comes home. Slowly and painfully. I'm aware he was very upset, but Han should've known I wouldn't go behind his back and let you take our children away."
Luke coughed. "Maybe you should have. Then this wouldn't be happening."
"How dare you suggest that?" Leia said in a low, quiet tone. "My family is falling apart, and there is only one person who's responsible."
"Me?" Luke questioned in disbelief.
"Who else?"
"I was only trying to help!"
"Tell me, Luke, when you get married and have children, do you plan on removing them from your life for two or three years?"
"If I feel the Force is telling me it's necessary, I will," he returned evenly.
"Really?" Leia folded her arms across her chest as she regarded her flustered sibling. "And do you suppose you'll do this if your wife objects?"
"She'll have to understand."
"What if she doesn't understand?" Leia persisted. "What if she's one very determined lady, with a mind of her own, and a lightsaber to back it up? Someone like Mara Jade?"
Luke flushed. "I'm not getting married to Mara Jade."
"That's not the point I'm trying to make," Leia stated. "The point is that in order to have a successful marriage, you have to try and understand the other person's viewpoint. When it comes to sequestering our children, I more than understand Han's view. In fact, I agree with it."
Luke considered Leia's words. "I was under the impression you'd come around to seeing this my way."
"When you have your own children, feel free to send them where ever you want, for however long you want. I hope you marry an understanding lady, or at least a very weak-willed one. In the meantime, I happen to be married to a very strong-willed man, who happens to make rash decisions. Thanks to you, I've got to spend a great deal of time and energy locating my family, and putting my marriage back on track."
"You know I'll help you," Luke said, feeling guilty.
"You know you don't have a choice."
Ekibo, in the Corporate Sector
It took Han quite a few days, and more than a few bribes, to track down her down, although he was relieved to discover her organization was no longer on Urdur. That cold planet reminded Han of Hoth, and he wasn't too fond of cold and snow, especially after having experienced the 'joy' of camping outside in negative temperatures overnight. Ekibo was a temperate planet, known for farming and herdbeasts.
As the Falcon gently landed in an open field, the Corellian noted with some concern the large group of heavily armed, rough-looking men that quickly surrounded his ship. After ordering his twins to stay put, Han lowered the ramp and with arms raised above his head, he slowly exited his ship, stopping at the foot of the ramp.
"I'm not here to make trouble," he called out, hoping the men didn't have itchy trigger fingers. He squinted into the bright sunlight, trying to see if he recognized anyone.
"Liar," a familiar, and feminine voice stated from behind his back.
Han spun around, grinning at the pretty blonde woman standing a few feet away. "Jessa!"
"Do ya want us to blast him?" one of the men yelled over.
"Probably later, but right now you can go back to work," Jessa replied calmly, pushing her curly hair back from her face. "I can handle this problem."
"Me?" Han asked innocently, lowering his hands to his side. "Since when have I caused you problems?"
A strange, unreadable look flitted across the woman's face, then she rolled her blue eyes. "How long has it been this time, Solo? Oh, wait... I know the answer. Twelve years." She gave a sour expression. "That's not so long, in the great scheme of the galaxy, is it?"
"I've been sort of busy," Han said defensively. "Saving the galaxy from tyranny, rescuing Princesses and Jedi. That sort of thing."
"You forgot to add that part about relaxing in carbonite while visiting the Great Jabba the Hutt."
"Oh. You heard about that, huh?"
"We hear everything, eventually. By the way, Solo, where's your wife?"
Han rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Well, that's the reason I'm here, actually."
"Let me guess... she's had enough of your running off to visit old loser friends, and she's kicked your sorry butt out and filed for divorce," Jessa surmised.
"No," Han said. "At least I'm pretty sure she hasn't filed for a divorce."
"Does she have a reason to?"
No sooner had those words left Jessa's mouth when two toddlers came rushing down the ramp. "Dada!" the girl cried out. "Anikin is crying again!"
"An' he's smelly, too," the little boy put in with a serious nod.
Han saw Jessa's astonished expression. "Those are my kids, Jaina and Jacen. The baby's in his crib."
Jaina waddled up to the woman, tugging her hand. "Are you our new nanny?"
"I sure hope not, kiddo," Jessa replied, glaring at Han. "Is your wife onboard, too?"
"Uh, no. Last I knew, Leia was on Coruscant."
"You must have a good reason to be here without her and with your children in tow, I assume?"
"I do have a good reason," Han responded, shifting on his feet as he gave a quick glance down at the twins. "I don't suppose you have someone trustworthy that can watch my kids while we talk in private, do you?"
Jessa suppressed a sigh. "I'll contact Ida. She'll be a thousand times more competent at tending to children than you could possibly be." Jessa took a small comlink out of her pocket, and opened up a channel.
"Hey!" Han said, sounding hurt. "I can take care of my kids just fine. Who's this Ida, anyway?"
"Doc's wife."
"Old Doc got himself married again?" Han questioned, smirking as he thought about Jessa's white-haired father. "The salty old dog still has what it takes when it comes to the ladies. That means you've got a step-mother, huh?"
Jessa finished speaking into the comlink, then turned back to the Corellian. "Brilliant deductive reasoning, Solo. I'm surprised the New Republic doesn't make you head of Intel."
"Maybe they have."
"If that's the case, then I really will have to shoot you."
"You bebber not shoot my dada!" Jaina said indignantly. "Unca Luke will chop you in 'ave."
"An' I know how to beat peoples up," Jacen added, making chopping signals with his hands.
Jessa lowered her comlink, regarding the twins with amusement. "You're just like your old man, aren't you? All bluster and hot air." She waved toward the nearest building, "Go get your baby, Solo, and hurry up. Ida is waiting for us inside."
Ida was Doc's age, a petite older lady with white hair and a steely personality that complimented her husband's easy-going nature. She entered the room with a freckled face young blonde girl of about ten or eleven tagging behind her. Ida quickly introduced herself, and then introduced the young girl as her granddaughter, Nana. The Solo twins quickly took a liking to both Nana and Ida, especially after Ida promised them home-made cookies and blue milk. Han, however, was much more concerned with the way the sharp-eyed older lady seemed to be appraising him, her expression and demeanor judging him without actually saying anything amiss.
When Jessa and Han were finally left alone in a small conference room, Han asked, "Is Nana your daughter? She looks just like you."
"I don't know that's any of your concern, but yes, she's mine," Jessa said tightly.
"Is her father here on Ekibo?" Han questioned, curious about the man that had replaced him. Hopefully, he was the responsible type, and if Jessa hadn't married him that at least he was helping raise the girl.
"He's on Ekibo," Jessa responded angrily, then quickly added, "We're not here to discuss my child. We need to discuss why you're here with yours."
Han frowned at Jessa's snippy response, then he went into a lengthy explanation of why he and his children were on Ekibo.
Jessa pursed her lips thoughtfully, drumming her fingertips on the metal tabletop. "So you've stolen your children from their own mother. Why am I not surprised."
"No!" Han said, horrified that his story had come out sounding so… wrong. "I'm trying to keep my brother-in-law from stealing our children from us."
"What you did is considered illegal, Solo. Even out in the wilds of the Corporate Sector."
"I'm not going to keep them from Leia for very long. Only a few weeks, at the most," Han said defensively. "She'll come to her senses as soon as she realizes how much she misses them, and figures out how much worse it would be if they'd be taken away from us for years."
"You never think about the consequences of your actions, do you?" Jessa snapped out. "You just go along, dumb as a stump, and never, ever think that what you're doing is wrong… or that it could hurt someone." She jumped up from her seat, pointing an accusing finger toward the Corellian. "Do you?"
Han stood as well. "I should have known you'd take Leia's side. Women all stick together."
"This has nothing to do with Princess Leia."
"I don't understand what you're getting at," Han said, frustrated.
"Nana's eleven years old, Solo."
"So?"
"You left me twelve years ago, give or take a few months."
Han's eyebrows knitted in confusion. "I don't understa…" Then his voice trailed off, and comprehension filled his face.
"You get it, finally," Jessa said. "Nana's actual name is Hanna, and she is your child, Solo. I suppose belated congratulations might be in order, but if my father finds out you've come here, you'd better make certain you're wearing a high quality dura-steel cup."
"Have you heard anything yet?" Leia asked Chewie as he and Luke entered her Presidential Office with Threepio and Artoo in tow. "He's on Kashyyyk, right?"
Chewie gave a low moan, and shook his head negatively. [Not a word.]
The Princess turned her worried and accusing gaze toward her Jedi brother. "What about Lando? What about all their smuggler buddies?"
"Lando hasn't heard from Han," Luke replied reluctantly. "He's contacted every smuggler he can think of, and they've all promised to let him know if Han makes contact."
Leia clenched her fingers into fists, trying to keep her emotions in check. "It's been three days. If I don't hear something soon, I'm going to …" She sighed, and forced herself to calm down. "I've tried to meditate, but it's not working."
"It's hard to get a clear signal from the Force when you can't clear your mind and emotions," Luke said, belatedly realizing he was starting to lecture. "I've been meditating too, and I'm getting vague feelings."
"About the children?" Leia asked hopefully, tears welling up in her eyes. "Are they all okay?"
Luke gave a gentle, reassuring nod. "I haven't gotten any feelings that they aren't okay, if that helps."
"So what are these vague Force-feelings centering on, then?"
"A woman." Seeing Leia's expression darken, he quickly added, "Three women, actually."
"Increasing the numbers doesn't help matters, Luke."
"One of the women is actually a young girl, and the other one is older, with graying hair."
"And the third?"
Luke shifted his gaze to the floor. "About Han's age."
Chewie's blue eyes lit up. [I don't know about the first two, but perhaps the Force is telling Luke that Han went to Salla Zend for help.]
Threepio quickly interpreted the Wookiee's short speech, and Luke asked, "Salla?"
"Han told me about her once," Leia said. "He described her as an over-eager girlfriend that was trying to pressure him into marriage."
"Would she be willing to help him, if he showed up with three young children?" Luke questioned.
[If she didn't kill him, first,] Chewie replied.
"Kill him?" Threepio asked, throwing up his stiff arms in dismay. "Dear me. How does Captain Solo manage to get every sentient in the galaxy angry enough at him to want to kill him?"
"He's got a gift, Threepio," Leia replied.
The information Jessa provided took quite a while to process through Han's stunned brain. He blinked several times, and opened his mouth to speak, although words failed him.
"What, no smart-mouthed comeback?" Jessa asked with a smirk. "I'm waiting for a denial of paternity from you, and you're keeping me in breathless anticipation."
Han swallowed down the lump that had formed in this throat. "I'm not denying her. I'm just wondering why you never bothered to contact me after all this time."
Jessa gave a humorless smile. "You've got to be joking." Then her expression grew hard. "First, you promised me you'd be back. But I should've known better than to take a worthless smuggler like you at your word. In the second place, after I found out I was pregnant, I did try to locate you. You never stayed in one place long enough for my contacts to get you a message, and the next thing I heard was you'd gone into hiding with the rebellion. By the time I found out that you were a wall decoration in Jabba's Palace I was pretty annoyed at you, and I sure wasn't planning to risk my neck on a rescue attempt. Then, of course, the Empire fell and you were being hailed as a big hero, and it was pretty common knowledge you had used your dubious charms on Princess Leia to move up in the galaxy."
"That's a low blow," Han responded with a frown. "I can completely understand that you're upset with me -."
"How generous."
"But I'm no gold-digger," Han continued, his lips set in a tight line. "I love my wife, and I didn't marry her for money. She's not rich, by the way. Anything her family had in assets was used up by the war effort, and to help the survivors of Alderaan."
"She's the president, Solo," Jessa returned. "I'm sure the position comes with decent pay."
"We're not hurting, money-wise," Han said. "If that's what you're after, I'm sure I can set Hanna up with an annuity." Han wasn't expecting the slap across his face that followed his offer. Shocked, he put his hand to his burning cheek. "What the hells was that for?"
"Credits!?" Jessa shouted in disgust. "You think I want your wife's money? How dare you!"
"Then what do you want?" Han yelled in return. "I'm not a Jedi mind-reader, so you're gonna have to spell it out, real clear-like."
"I don't know what I want," Jessa said. "I don't even know what possessed me to even bother telling you. It's not like you'll ever give a kriff about her."
"That's not a fair thing to say," Han said. "If I had known –."
"If you had known, you would have done exactly the same thing," Jessa interrupted. "You would've stayed as far away from the Corporate Sector as possible."
"Maybe I would have," Han conceded. "But I'm not the same guy I was back then, Jess. So I'm gonna ask you again – if you don't want money, then what do you want from me?"
"I guess want you to admit to your wife, and to the galaxy, that Hanna is your child. I don't want my child growing up and thinking she's wasn't good enough for you, or that you're embarrassed about her. I want her to be able to proudly tell everyone who her father is, and if she wants to use the Solo name, she's got that right. I don't think that's asking too much."
Han took a sharp breath. "Do you know what that'll do to my marriage? The holo-shills will tear me apart, and inform the galaxy I'm a cad, while the High Council reminds Leia that they tried to get her to marry a Prince, pointing to this as a good reason she should've listened to them."
"You've kidnapped your own children," Jessa pointed out. "Don't you think there's a strong possibility that's already happening back on Coruscant?"
Han blinked in surprise. "I never thought about it."
"What a surprise," Jessa said dryly. "Now I think it's about time you contact your Princess and tell her where you're hiding her offspring. Maybe she'll let you live long enough to tell her about Hanna before she chops you apart with that lightsaber of hers."
"Yeah," Han said morosely. "After I tell her that bit of news, then she can chop me apart."
Corucscant
Leia lay on her back in the darkened bedroom, rubbing her eyes and trying to keep her head from throbbing. A few hours earlier, Chewbacca had been able to raise Salla Zend over the holo-com with surprising ease; it had almost seemed that the woman was waiting to be contacted. But the initial contact was the only thing easy about talking to Salla. The Princess could still feel the sting of embarrassment remembering the way Salla taunted her while Chewie and Luke stood nearby and listened.
"Thank you for returning our communication so quickly," Leia had started the conversation. "I was wondering if you've heard from Han lately."
Salla grinned. "He's gone missing?"
"Unfortunately, yes."
"So, Your Highness, even your old money couldn't hold Solo forever," Salla had replied with a sneer. "I can't say I'm surprised. You should have taken the hint with his last name."
"Then I can assume you haven't heard anything," Leia said, trying to reign in her disappointment.
"I never said that," Salla returned quickly. "He's with me right now, as a matter of fact." She waved and blew a kiss to some unseen entity. "Stay in bed, darling. I know you miss me, and I'll be right there." She smirked back at the holo-cam. "The man's insatiable, isn't he? I always thought those with Force-skills were better in bed than us mortals, but Han tells me that's not the case with you."
Leia could barely form a coherent response to Salla's play-acting. She was perfectly aware that the woman was lying about being with Han, even without using the Force. "This conversation isn't much help to me. Have a nice day, Captain Zend."
"Oh, I've been having lots and lots of nice days since Han came back to me," Salla said. "The nights are even better." Then she cut off the connection.
"That went well," Leia said sarcastically.
"Apparently, the woman in my vision wasn't Salla Zend," Luke commented.
[I do believe that lady is crazier than she ever was,] Chewie barked out in disbelief.
"And we've undoubtedly made matters worse," Leia stated grimly. "Unless I miss my guess, Salla won't waste any time telling the holo-shills her story."
Yes, contacting Zend had been a major mistake, and one that Leia knew she couldn't undo. She dreaded turning on the holo-net tomorrow, knowing that her secret about Han taking off with their kids was about to blow up in spectacular fashion.
The Millennium Falcon set down on its regular landing pad, settling down with a satisfied hiss. Han still shuddered as he recalled his uncomfortable meeting with old Doc, Jessa's irate father back on Ekibo.
"Do you have any notion what I wanted to do to you, Solo, when Jessa told me she was gonna have a baby?" said Doc, whose real name was actually Klaus Vandangante.
"I can imagine," Han admitted, knowing how protective he was going to feel when Jaina grew up and brought home a boy.
"When I heard you were frozen in carbonite, I wanted to send Jabba flowers as a thank you gift," the distinguished gray-headed gentlemen added, glaring daggers at Solo.
"I'm sorry," Han said, knowing how weak his apology sounded. "I can't undo the past, Doc."
"I hope for your sake your wife is the understanding sort," Doc shot back. "But I won't blame her a bit if she kicks your sorry butt outta the known galaxy."
Jolted back to the present, Han gave a nervous grin toward Jessa. "Here we are. I hope the kids are all rested up. You don't suppose we should feed them before heading to my apartment, huh?"
Jessa shrugged, but said nothing.
"Maybe you're right. C-3PO can feed them when we get there. That's what he's paid to do," Han said, aware he was babbling, but unable to stop himself. "I'm sure glad that the twins took to Nana like they did. She's real good with them, and even Anakin is calmer around her. Course, that might be your influence, too. Are you certain Nana doesn't already know, um, the facts about me? Someone might've let it slip out over the years, and I know you want me to tell Leia about her first, but if Nana already knows…"
"She doesn't know," Jessa replied shortly.
"Well, yeah, I guess that makes sense," Han mumbled, unfastening his seat restraint. "She's never said anything to me that would indicate she does." In fact, the young girl barely seemed to notice Han, paying far more attention to the twins and the baby. Jessa had told her child their trip to Coruscant was a combination of a vacation and a meeting with an important political person. Nana accepted this explanation without pressing for details, although she did complain rather loudly that the Falcon was too small, too old, and too smelly for a vacation trip. Jessa had not disagreed, which had annoyed Han although he had the good sense to keep his mouth shut for once.
Han glanced at the chrono. "Leia should be heading home from the office by now. I'd rather just head home, since if we go to her office if could cause a public scene."
"A scene?" Jessa questioned, pointing out of the cockpit window. "Like that scene?"
Han did a double-take as he looked across the flat expanse. An impressively large group of humans and humanoids were gathered on a public walkway across an open stretch of space that separated the spaceport from the general public. They were all holding various holo-cams that were pointed in the direction of the Falcon. "What do you suppose that's all about?"
"Perhaps your wife has put out a bounty on your head," Jessa said, not sounding like she was joking.
For a brief moment, Han entertained the thought. "Nah," he said, shaking his head. "I've only been gone eight days. It'd have to be at least ten before she sent Fett after me." He waved toward the group of reporters. "Sides, they're way over there, and we can jump into a hover-car and take off before they know what's happening. Reporters aren't the brightest bunch, you know."
"No, I wouldn't know," Jessa said, glancing at the doorway as Nana entered with the twins in tow. "I've never had the privilege of being stalked by the holo-shills."
"That might be about to change," Han said glumly.
"Leia? Honey? I'm home," Han called out into the quiet apartment. When there was no response, Han looked down at the twins. "Why don't you show Nana your room while I show Jessa around our home."
"'Kay," Jania replied, tugging Nana's hand to follow. The older girl shot her mother a put-upon look before following the twins down the corridor.
Han placed the baby into his playpen before addressing Jessa. "Are you thirsty? A drink might be in order before my wife gets home."
"I'm not certain a single drink will be much help, Han," a calm male voice stated from the doorway leading to the office area. "Two or three bottles might dull the pain Leia's about to inflict on you, though."
Han spun around to face the speaker. "Luke!"
The young Jedi stepped forward into the light. "Are you going to introduce me to your guest?"
"Uh, yeah, sure. This is Jessa Vandangante. An old friend." Han nodded toward Luke. "Jessa, this is Luke Skywalker, my brother-in-law."
"Hello, Jedi Skywalker," Jessa said politely. "I've heard a lot about you over the years."
"Mostly good, I hope."
Jessa smiled. "That depended on who was doing the talking."
"Makes sense," Luke conceded.
"What were those holo-shills doing across from the Falcon's landing berth?" Han asked.
"Rumors have a tendency to spread fast," Luke stated. "Especially when one of your ex-girlfriends told a reporter you had left Leia."
"Which ex-girlfriend?"
"Salla Zend."
Han gulped and ran his fingers through his hair. "What? How did she find out I'd left Coruscant?"
Luke sighed. "Chewie thought you might have contacted her." He eyed Jessa. "Right idea, wrong girlfriend."
Just then, the outer door cycled open, and Leia entered with C-3PO tagging behind her. She stopped, taking in the scene in her living room. "You're home." Her eyes quickly flicked down at the playpen, and upon seeing the baby, she rushed forward, snatching up Anakin and covering his sticky face in warm kisses. "My baby!" She wrapped her arms around him tightly, causing the child to wiggle and squirm. Leia turned to face Han, her face red with rage. "How DARE you!" How dare you steal my babies!"
"I didn't.."
"Don't you try to make excuses!" Leia interrupted hotly. "I've been worried sick, and I haven't had a decent night's sleep in over a week."
"You were the one packing the kids' bags without telling me," Han said defensively. "Threepio told me you were taking them away!"
"I was packing for everyone!" Leia yelled back, furious. "I was going to surprise you with a family vacation!"
"Leia had decided that you were right, Han," Luke added. "I wasn't going to take your children."
"Oh," Han said, unable to think straight.
"Yes, oh!" Leia said tightly. She finally took notice of the blonde woman, who was staring at the floor and appearing quite uncomfortable. "Who is that?"
Jessa cleared her throat. "My name is Jessa."
"Oh, let me guess. One of Han's ex-flames?"
"Well - " Jessa started to reply, but then the twins came rushing into the room, yelling in joy at seeing their mother.
"Mommy!" Jacen cried, running up to Leia and throwing his arms around her legs. Jaina quickly added her own limbs to the mix, and Luke took the baby from his sister so she could properly greet her children.
"I'm so glad you're home safe," Leia said, dropping to her knees and hugging the twins.
"We made a new friend," Jaina said, looking back over her shoulder at the young girl standing a few feet back. "That's Nana."
Leia forced a warm at the girl. "Hello, Nana. Welcome to Coruscant."
"Thank you, ma'am," Nana replied.
"You must be related to …" Leia stood up, and glanced back at her unexpected guest. "Jessa, right?
"She's my mother," Nana replied, then quickly added as she pointed toward the Corellian. "And Han Solo is my father."
The room grew deathly quiet for long moments. Finally Han croaked out to Jessa, "I thought you said she didn't know."
"I'm not stupid," Nana said smugly, enjoying the adults' stunned expressions.
"How long have you known this?" Jessa questioned, eyes wide.
"Years and years, Mom. People talk, and I have good ears, you know. It wasn't hard to figure this out."
"But why didn't you say something?" Jessa prodded.
Nana shrugged. "I was waiting for the right time."
Leia found her voice, although it was strained, "You'd better sleep on your ship tonight, Han. I'll have Luke put your new family up at a hotel."
Han faced his wife. "Leia, I can explain."
"Not now," Leia said, turning away. "I can't look at you right now. Leave."
"Leia…"
"LEAVE!"
Crushed, and fearing his marriage was now in tatters, Han left without further protest.
