A.N. Another update! Yeah, this is excessive. Only three chapter after this to go, though!

"This is the Scouter to Makem base, Commander Calrissian piloting. Do you copy?"

Luke and Rieekan traded a long look across the counter. "We read you loud and clear, Commander. How goes it?"

A long sigh was audible over the comm line, originating from Lando's side. At the simple sound, Luke threw himself back in his chair and ran a hand over his face. "Last lead we followed was a dead end. Fett's nowhere to be seen." Another sigh. " . . . How's mama bear and her cubs?"

"Leia's doing well. She's tired and she misse-" Rieekan stopped himself, started over, "She's hanging on."

"Well, tell her we're doing everything we can. Chewie picked up something else on the streets that we're going to try and follow. We'll get him back soon."

"Alright, Scouter. Hurry back with Daddy."

Week 26 1/2

I miss Han.

Leia was tired. Luke could see it in her eyes; the thin, fraying string of peace that she had was being pulled taut. She was tired, low on patience, desperate for hope, losing all her prior excitement. Leia's eyes were encircled by dark bags and it had been a few weeks since she'd dressed in more than sweats and one of Han's big shirts. How much longer had it been since she'd actually made an honest effort to putting her hair up nicely?

Needless to say, Luke was worried about her.

Since Rieekan had dispatched Han's search team, the general had spent much more of his time in the command center of the Rebels' Makem Liva base. Gladly, Luke had taken full watch over Leia, but the expecting mother was her own frayed string under the stress the twins put on her as well as Han's own state which was completely unknown to everyone.

While she wasn't grouchy, Leia had lost her cheer, and she'd become more prone to tired sighs rather than the former crying outbursts.

Luke could tell that she'd been losing sleep, too. Sometimes, he would try to help with a simple Force technique, but Leia had nearly thrown a tantrum, explaining that Vader had used the Force to touch her mind both on the Death Star and on Bespin during Han's torture. Reluctantly, Luke had drawn back from her and never tried again.

Luke feared for the health of the cubs, even though Doctor Denun assured him that they were strong as could be. Though, even the Ho'Din seemed to be fearing the worst.

They needed to find Han. Soon.

Leia waddled up to Luke, both arms cradling her oversized belly. She breathed heavily as she came to a stop before him, moving her hands to support her back. "It still hurts," she said simple, a pained look flashing across her face. One hand remained on her back, but she rolled her head back and returned the other hand to her belly. She rubbed at it, grimacing. "Please stop kicking Mommy," she moaned. "Please stop kicking Mommy."

Luke got up and took Leia's hand, leading her back to her room where her bed awaited her. "Aghh," Leia cried out in a low groan. "I can't wait to go into labor. I've had enough of this . . . " She flapped a hand through the air. "Fake labor."

This was how the last several weeks had been. Leia had found herself torn between growing tired and anxious for the end of her pregnancy and forcing the dream on herself that there would be time left in her pregnancy to spare by the time Han was back. The situation had only gotten worse when Leia started complaining of an infrequent and uncomfortable tightening in her abdomen and Denun had assured her that they were only "fake contractions" which hadn't helped Leia's mood.

"Just remember what Denun said," Luke gently reminded. "Steady breaths and it'll be over before you know it." He helped her lie down and sat behind her so he could massage the tension and ache from her back.

"I want Han," she suddenly cried, her voice such a whisper that Luke almost missed it.

He nodded, balling one hand into a fist and digging it against Leia's spine. "I know you do. I know, Lei. Chewie and Lando are going to find him. They won't come back until they do. And they'll find him soon. They're doing everything they can."

"I want Han here." Her voice cracked and Luke could hear the tears. "With me."

Luke bit his lip. "Happy thoughts, Lei."

"Kriff that!" she groaned. "I want Han back!"

Luke didn't know what to say anymore, so he was thankful when the comm rang on Leia's nightstand. He grabbed it and repositioned himself, one hand still rubbing Leia's back. "Hello? This is Commander Skywalker."

"Hey, Luke." It was Rieekan. "I just wanted to check on Leia. I haven't seen her in at least a week! How is she feeling?"

"Grumpy, tired, ornery."

Leia struggled to hold herself up with an elbow to glare at Luke. "Stop talking about me."

Luke smirked, gently pushing her back down. "She's . . . toughing it out."

You don't have to lie to Rieekan just because I'm here," Leia complained. She got herself into a sitting position and stole the commlink from Luke. "It's me, Carlist. Thanks for calling. I'm really tired. Luke's right. I've been taking things out on him. The babies have been really active, but I'm just tired. I'm not in the mindset to enjoy it."

"At least you're honest," Rieekan chuckled softly. "Just keep reminding yourself that it won't be long until you get to see those kicking feet. And don't forget their kicking is a good sign."

"I know," Leia agreed. She stroked her free hand over her belly and smiled lightly when another kick responded to her touch. "I keep forgetting."

She handed the comm back to Luke and he took it out of the room. He stood by the door, watching her go through the breathing exercises Denun had taught her.

"Rieekan, are you still there?"

"I'm here, Luke. What's up?"

"There isn't much time left," he said simply. "I've been watching Leia, keeping an attentive eye on her. She doesn't want to admit it, but she knows too. The cubs are going to come soon. Rieekan, Leia is going to give birth before Han is found. That's just what will happen."

"I know-"

"No. Leia's struggling right now and that's going to make it all worse because she's going to go into labor soon."

Rieekan was quiet for a moment. "How soon do you think?"

Luke watched her for a moment. "Any day now. Maybe any minute. We talked to Denun yesterday. She didn't say as much, but her look said it all. Leia is going to have the twins before Lando and Chewie even find Han."

Over the comm line, the general sighed. "That's what I was afraid of. Is Denun prepared for Leia's labor?"

"Yeah. On the last supply run, she put in a few requests. The Makem Liva base is now perfectly suited for the birth of the Solo twins."

"I've just been worried we wouldn't have the proper supplies to ensure the cubs' health and Leia's recovery."

"It'll be just fine. Denun is ready. Now it's just Leia we need to prepare."