Chapter 3

Duty before Pleasure

Leia shivered as she and Luke waited on the platform for the arrival of the Millenium Falcon and the mystery ship. The New Republic's current base of operations was on the planet Arkania, which could be as cold as Hoth, but was currently in its 'regeneration' phase. Dwarf shrubs and lichen covered the tundra, and, though the climate was tolerable, the air was still downright chilly.

Leia was appointed as the official greeter for the newcomers. Luke and the Rogues had finished their debriefing and Luke insisted on accompanying her for protection. Leia hoped that, once the pilot and his crew were with the intelligence team, she and Han could steal some time alone.

Both ships simultaneously emerged from hyperspace and were given clearance to land. The strange ship was vastly different from the Falcon with its bubble-like curves and rounded edges. It was evident that the ship had encountered at least one mishap as its hull was damaged from what must have been a crash landing.

Both hatches opened and Leia found herself holding her breath at the anticipation of seeing Han again. Sheer strength of will held her back from running into his arms when he appeared at the top of the ramp. She caught Han's eye and managed a regal gait as she approached him for a chaste hug. He held her tightly to his chest and let his lips linger on her cheek for a welcoming kiss. He kept his arm around her waist and turned his attention to the visitors who were now disembarking from the Jupiter. A man descended the ramp and Leia disengaged herself from Han's hold so that he could extend his hand in greeting.

"Major West?" Han asked.

The man shook his head. "I am Professor John Robinson, commander of this expedition. General Han Solo I presume?" he asked as he returned Han's handshake.

Han nodded. "This is Princess Leia Organa."

Leia extended her hand. "Professor Robinson, I represent the provisional council of the New Republic."

A woman and two children appeared at the hatch and the professor turned towards them. "May I present my wife, Dr. Maureen Robinson, and our two youngest children, Penny," who nodded, "and Will."

Leia stared at the group. A strange feeling she couldn't label welled up inside her. She had expected a military crew, not young children. "Your family?"

"Most of it."

Greetings were extended all around, including a general introduction to the Rogue pilots meandering behind them.

"The Rogues are anxious to meet your pilot. He's quite a flyer," Luke stated.

John chuckled, "He's gathering our, uh, stowaway, but here comes Judy, my oldest daughter with our pet, Blawp."

The Rogues snapped to attention as the beautiful blond, carrying a yellow, child-like animal with huge eyes, stepped out of the ship. It clung to her neck until it was within reach of Penny. As all male eyes appraised Judy's feminine form, the Blawp darted for Penny. Judy surveyed the group before her and inwardly moaned, 'Are all pilots alike? Why can't they keep their eyes inside their heads?' There was one man who intrigued her. He was short, blond and dressed in black with a cylinder-shaped object attached to his belt. He looked to the ground as he blushed and seemed unable to keep direct contact with her eyes. This was a man, she decided, with whom she could be comfortable.

Leia stared at Han as he admired Judy's delicate features. 'Oh to be tall, blond and blue eyed', Leia thought to herself. Leia stiffly welcomed Judy, but her eyes were drawn to the top of the ramp as the Rogues applauded the pilot, and Leia had to admit that he was a handsome sight. Judy caught the brief expression of appreciation that crossed Leia's face. The pilot waited to allow a large droid that was dragging the alleged stowaway by the collar to exit the ship. The stowaway shot the pilot a disdainful look and hurried down the ramp against his will.

"That was totally unnecessary. Where would I escape to? Hm?" the stowaway announced as he brushed his sleeves and straightened his jacket when the robot unhanded him.

The pilot was now at the 'prisoner's' side. "This is Dr. Zachary Smith, saboteur and all around 'bad guy.' I am Major Don West of the United States Space Corps." He gave a sharp salute and stood at attention.

"At ease, major." Han returned the salute. "Thanks for saving my a.." Han glanced at Leia, "I mean, thanks for the rescue up there."

Don grinned as Han shook his hand firmly. Solo wasn't what he expected. He looked more like a pirate than a general. The woman by Han's side was breathtaking. He guessed that she was spoken for, but Don couldn't resist flashing his patented bedroom smile as he warmly took her hand. He could see Judy in his peripheral vision as she crossed her arms and pursed her lips. He decided to take advantage of the situation and kissed Leia's hand. "I've never met a princess before. Forgive me if I make a fool of myself."

"Which he does quite often," Judy mumbled under her breath.

A threatening roar from the Falcon caught their attention. As the Robinsons backed away, Don grabbed his pistol and pointed it in the direction of the sound. Han held his hand up in peace and took Don's pistol from his grasp, saying, "Relax everyone." He waved Chewie over for his introductions. "Chewbacca, here, is my co-pilot. I should warn you that he's very protective of me… and Leia."

"I'll remember that, sir," Don replied as the Robinsons nodded to the Wookie, and Han returned his pistol.

Leia hid her smile behind her hand. She had to admit that it was nice to feel protected. She spoke to the newcomers. "Now that all of the introductions have been made, I welcome all of you to the New Republic. I'm afraid that you will have to undergo detailed questioning by our intelligence team. I must apologize in advance. We had no idea that children would be part of your crew, but they must also be interrogated. Luke and I will take you to there."

"I think Luke can handle that, Leia," Han stated. "I believe that we have some debriefing to do before I get corralled by the brass." Leia nodded and Luke waved at the visitors to follow him. Han watched the group for a few more moments as they walked towards the building. Luke spoke quietly with the professor while his family followed behind them. Jansen practically tripped over his own feet trying to get next to the beautiful blond. West was involved in a conversation with Wedge, but Han noted that he seemed to be watching the blond out of the corner of his eye. He decided that he liked the major. He was brash, confident and one hell of a pilot… much like himself at a slightly younger age.

Han scooped Leia up in his arms and turned to carry her up the ramp. It had been three weeks since he had seen her last. He stared into her face and made the following announcement with each step. "No one… is going… to interrupt… not Mon Mothma… not Luke… not even… our visitors."

Leia, arms around Han's neck, responded, "Do you promise?"

He was reaching out to hit the controls to raise the ramp when Borsk Fey'la himself hurried out to the ship with his entourage. "General Solo! General Solo! We are in dire need of your report."

"You'll have your report within twenty-four hours, councilor," Han replied. He would have shut the ramp in Fey'la's face except for the fact that Borsk was standing on it.

Leia struggled from Han's hold and did her best to maintain her dignity as she stood on her own two feet. Fey'la was not finished. He stared at the princess and stated, "As you know, Princess Leia, no member of council is allowed a private debriefing before a formal report is filed by an officer. I suggest you convince the general to return to the council chambers with us and complete his military responsibilities before engaging in any kind of… relaxation."

This was exactly what Mon Mothma had been talking about. Fey'la was technically correct and Leia had no defense for their actions. She knew Han would be furious with her, but Fey'la was one being she did not want nosing into her private life. "He's right Han. Let's go to the council chambers and get it over with."

Han glared at her in response. He folded his arms and nudged his head in Fey'la's direction. "Go ahead. I have a few things to do before I'm ready to report to the council."

"Han, please?"

"Han please what?"

"Come with us, now."

"No."

Leia couldn't read the expression in his eyes. Just how mad was he? She was just as anxious as he was to be alone, but she knew when duty had to be placed before… before what? Love? Recreation? Play? Just what was going through his mind? Well, he would just have to wait. Leia Organa was a woman of substance. 'Duty comes before pleasure,' she told herself. She gave Han one last look over her shoulder. 'And don't you forget that, General!'