Chapter 10

My Own Counsel

Mon Mothma's apartment was luxurious compared to his small cubicle on the Jupiter and Dr. Smith took every advantage of it. The woman was quite a catch and he wondered how long he'd be able to stay in her good graces. He smiled to himself. As long as he performed as he had last night, he believed that there would be no problem. He felt he could actually become another Rasputin if he played his cards right. She had asked his advice on the military question and he had strongly urged her to 'go for the gold'. Why waste time on the little systems when they could capture Coruscant, the heart of the empire, and take their place in the imperial palace. Yes, he would make an excellent advisor to the leader of the galaxy.

Arguments in the provisional council meeting were more heated than ever. Leia was aghast that Mon Mothma had backed Borsk Fey'la's position by arguing that, once Coruscant was theirs, the other systems would fall into place. That sounded more like the words of the emperor than Mon Mothma. As she expected, Ackbar and Riekaan backed her own plan of invading the Rimma Trade Route. She had just presented Han's argument against a military campaign in the Corellian sector, and Madine was considering Mon Mothma's and her plan. Should he back Mon Mothma, they would go back to the drawing board until the tie vote could be broken.

The council broke for lunch. Leia ran to the cafeteria for a quick bite and saw Luke and Judy having a serious conversation. She was tempted to give them their privacy, but Luke spotted her and called her over.

"Did you know that Lando was back?" Luke asked.

"Han told me this morning. Apparently he and Lando are meeting with Don on the Jupiter for lunch to discuss a 'bacta tank' operation," Leia replied.

"Don's making lunch?" Luke asked.

"He's not a bad cook. How was your morning, Leia?" Judy said.

"Awful. Mon Mothma just doesn't seem to be herself. She is actually backing a plan to invade Coruscant," Leia replied.

"Did you present your plan?" Luke inquired.

"I did and Ackbar and Riekaan are backing me. The vote rests in Madine's lap right now. He usually backs Mon Mothma, so I have no idea which way he'll vote. I just wish I knew what is going on with her. She's actually giving us three hours for lunch, which is not like her at all."

"Good, come to the Jupiter with us. I'm doing a lesson on the Force. Maybe you can help me explain it to our visitors." Luke suggested.

Don's luncheon was quite good and the three men discussed ways to acquire the requested bacta supplies for both Judy and the New Republic. They devised various scenarios, but couldn't commit to a plan until they knew the target of the next military campaign. So, they took the opportunity to introduce Don to the game of sabacc, and he was a quick learner.

The Robinsons started to drift in after their morning routines. John and Will had spent time with the mechanics learning the ins and outs of the hyper drive and were excited about what they had seen. Maureen and Penny researched alien species trying to find information on their pet Blawp, but came up empty. The four of them entered the Jupiter chattering about their experiences of the morning.

Lando was introduced to the family and had Penny giggling when he commented on her good looks and high energy.

"How did the flying go?" John asked Don.

"Tough. There's almost no comparison to my bubble fighter, which was like an extension of my body. I feel like I almost have to fight with this one, and I don't like the idea of needing a robot for the navigational controls."

"They're called droids, not robots," Will corrected.

"Droids, robots, I still don't like them."

"Gotta agree with you on that," Han stated. "By the way, Don's being modest. He flew that b-wing as well as any of our veterans."

"So am I in?" Don asked.

"You're in. Just sign the papers."

As they shook hands, Luke, Leia and Judy strode into the gathering.

"What's everyone celebrating?" Judy asked.

"I'm now a fighter pilot for the New Republic." Don exclaimed.

Luke immediately extended his hand. "Welcome to the fold!"

"Hold on," Leia stated.

"I know, I know… I still have to sign some papers. Just tell me when and where and I'll be there," Don added.

Judy turned away from the group as this feeling of dread overcame her. She took a deep breath to clear her mind. She lifted her hair off her neck and twisted it into a knot to cool the warmth that crept up her face. She barely had time to calm herself when Lando took notice of her.

"Is anyone going to introduce me?" he asked.

Leia, always the diplomat, took charge while Don folded his arms and held his tongue with Han, almost grinning, at his side. Han waited for the patented Calrissian charm to flow.

"Dr. Robinson, I am most pleased to meet you," Lando smoothly stated as he took her hand and brought it to his lips. "I hope we have an opportunity to get to know each other better."

This time Luke was as piqued as Don. "All right, Lando, that's enough." He grabbed Judy's hand and moved her away from the playboy. "I have a lesson to teach."

The family was quite impressed by Luke's display. John and Maureen wondered about the physics of the Force while Will and Penny were as impressed as they would have been with a David Copperfield show. Don watched Judy's expressions and could see her admiration for the Jedi growing with each display. To Don it seemed like magic tricks and psychic abilities all rolled into one. Yet, he couldn't discount the fact that it was effective and he'd want Luke on his side in a fight.

"Has anyone seen Dr. Smith around?" Will asked. "I've been wondering what happened to him."

Han and Leia exchanged glances and didn't say a word.

"Maybe they threw him in the brig," Don commented.

"I doubt that, Don," Luke replied.

"He's got to be somewhere. Knowing him, wherever he is, he's making trouble."

"What do you mean, 'trouble'?" Leia asked.

"He's a power hungry manipulator. He's probably making plans to take over your galaxy by now."

"Don, he's not that bad," Will stated.

"Oh, no? Wait until he surfaces. I'll bet you ten to one, somebody's gonna get hurt."

Maureen caught Han raising his eyebrows at Leia. "You know something, don't you?"

Han wasn't about to get into this one and bowed to Leia to answer.

"If he were to say, get involved with a powerful person, do you think he would try to influence her?" Leia asked.

Don's mouth dropped open. "He's romancing Mon Mothma? Oh, man, that's trouble. You were saying that she backed the plan to invade Coruscant. That's something Smith would do so he could sit in the emperor's seat."

"He's probably right, Leia," John stated.

"Smith can't be trusted," Maureen added.

"I'm due back for the vote," Leia stated. "Madine always votes with Mon Mothma. I just hope he's angry enough with her to back our plan instead of Fey'la's."

Madine did the unexpected. He backed Leia's plan and the provisional council voted to go after Delvardus' hold on the Rimma Trade Route. They debated for hours on whether to invade Fondor or Thyferra. The end result was to invade Fondor first. It was leaning towards joining the New Republic and its shipyards were desperately needed by the new government. Thyferra would have to wait.

The provisional council had never had as much free time as in the last two days. After the vote Mon Mothma had given them another evening off and Leia was determined to corral her mentor and warn her about her 'respite' partner. Mon rushed out of the conference room and Leia intended to follow, but Borsk Fey'la stopped her.

"Princess Organa, may I have a word with you?" he said.

"I'm in a hurry, Borsk."

"I'll only take a moment. I feel that it is my duty to warn you about the influence your 'consort' is having on you. Are you aware that Fondor is a stepping stone to the smuggler's bastion of Abregado?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Abregado is the home base of the known smuggler, Talon Karrde, among others. It is obvious that this plan to take the trade route is Solo's. In your innocence, you may not realize that he has a hidden agenda in this campaign, and you are his pawn to accomplish that goal."

"Borsk, I don't have time for this. The plan was not Han's, but suggested by Major West, an objective observer to our situation. We need a shipyard and we need medical supplies before we take on a major military campaign like Coruscant, which I agree needs to be invaded, but not until we are prepared. Now, if you will excuse me, I have an errand to run."

Leia hurried down the hall to Mon Mothma's office and knocked on the door. She waited and knocked again. Finally Mon Mothma answered, looking just a bit disheveled. "Leia. What is it?" she stated.

"I need to speak with you about a private matter," Leia answered.

"Can't it wait until morning?"

"No. It's a delicate issue. I'll only be a few minutes."

"All right. Come in."

"I don't want to intrude on your private life, but I have heard rumors about you and Dr. Smith."

Mon Mothma, always dignified and reserved, blushed beet red and turned away from Leia. "My personal affairs are none of your business, Leia."

"Ordinarily, I would agree with you, Mon, as I feel the same way about my relationship with Han... however, I feel I have a duty to warn you about the character of the man you have chosen to give you… respite. The Robinsons warned me that he can't be trusted."

"I have kept my affair with him private, Leia."

"Nothing can be kept totally private on this base, but that is not my main concern. I'm concerned that he is influencing your political decisions."

"I am surprised at you, Leia. You know that I hold my own counsel."

"Mon, you never would have backed the invasion of Coruscant without proper preparation! Major West said that Dr. Smith is only interested in money and power. I'm afraid that he may be using you."

"I assure you, Leia, that, though I may ask his opinion, my decisions are my own."

"Please, Mon Mothma," Leia begged, "Open your eyes. He is manipulating you."

Mon Mothma stood to her full height and took a step closer to Leia. "No one manipulates me, Leia… no one." She stared her down a moment longer. "Now, are you finished?"

Leia took her time in answering. "I suppose I am." She turned to go and then looked back. "Oh, one more thing... Don't ever criticize my choice in men again. I'll keep my own counsel in matters of the heart."

Mon Mothma stared at the door as it slid shut behind Leia. Dr. Smith came up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. "Feisty little thing, isn't she."

"She is the strongest person I know… and the wisest."

With that comment, Smith knew that he had to change his tactics. "And so you should listen to her, Mon." He kissed her on the neck and slid his tongue up to her ear. "Enough talk of politics," he whispered. "Let me relax and refresh you. Tonight, I am your servant to perform your every whim."

Mon Mothma closed her eyes and leaned against him. 'One more night,' she thought.