Chapter 18
Well Taken Care of
Negotiations with Fondor were quickly concluded as the government's main concern of keeping their shipyards open to free trade was guaranteed under the New Republic. Rather than return to Arkania, the group decided to take full advantage of their stay on Fondor. Although repair work on the Jupiter was completed, John and Judy were having an area prepared in the med bay for inclusion of the bacta tank. The Lady Luck, Lando's new personal vehicle, was being outfitted with enhanced weaponry, and even Han was allowing a few more 'modifications,' one of which was a larger bed, to be installed on the Millenium Falcon, under his close supervision of course.
General Riekaan and Professor Robinson had been staying in a small, non-descript hotel for their stay on Fondor, and Lando was aghast at its lack of amenities. Luke opted to stay in the same hotel as his elders and Chewie, of course, would stay on the Falcon. Lando found an upscale hotel meant for the richer shipbuilding clientele, and using his killer charm, negotiated three high quality suites for his group. The hotel manager, a stunning Twi'lek, showed the suites and allowed them to choose their preferences.
Leia was immediately attracted to the room that held a master bath/bedroom combination. The large two-person whirlpool tub was one thing she could not pass up as visions of swirling water... and Han… filled her head. Judy was entranced by a top-floor suite with a large, raised platform bed that was surrounded by a bubble of glass. It reminded her of the gun turret in the Falcon, and she wanted to relive that moment in a sober state.
Not wanting to assume that he was sharing the room with Judy, Don stated, "I really don't need a suite, I can stay with Luke."
Judy grabbed his hand and held him fast. "You can't tell me that you'd rather share a room with Luke than me."
"Is that an invitation?" he asked.
"Do you really need one?" she asked as she leaned into him.
Don grinned and stated, "I guess not. Well, Lando, that leaves the third suite for you."
"Not needed," he replied. He eyed the alluring Twi'lek and stated, "The living quarters for staff are as opulent as these rooms, so I'll be, ahem, well taken care of."
General Riekaan, Professor Robinson and Luke had met for dinner and the older gentlemen wondered about where their friends and family were staying. Luke, having spoken with Lando, was aware of the living arrangements and was too embarrassed to discuss them with the 'fathers' of the two women. He hoped he wasn't going to be drawn into a conversation about the romantic involvements that had evolved, but he wasn't so lucky. In fact, Riekaan seemed to enjoy seeing Luke's discomfort when the subject was brought up.
"I can't believe that Han and Leia opted to stay on the Falcon when they could have been in a hotel with unlimited running water," Carlist stated as he looked questioningly at Luke.
"Actually, they're not on the Falcon," Luke said.
"And I know Don isn't staying on the Jupiter. So, where are they?" John asked as he stared at Luke with a fatherly scowl.
"Uh, Lando found them some, uh, very nice rooms in a hotel close to the shipyards," he answered.
"We're close enough to the shipyards. The New Republic can't afford much more than the rooms we have here," Riekaan added.
"Well you know Lando," Luke said, "He's quite the negotiator."
"You mean, smooth talking con man," Carlist corrected.
"Hm…" John mused. "I think I'll take a walk to where they're staying. I'm sure they won't mind if I drop in for a visit tonight. Care to join me, Carlist?"
"I could use a walk after such a good meal. Coming, Luke?" Riekaan asked.
Luke blushed a deep shade of pink. "Um, I'm not sure that's such a good idea. You know they were all saying how tired they were and, uh, I think they mentioned going to bed early." Since he was privy to the sleeping arrangements, he felt that he had to protect the two couples from the intrusion of their parental figures, especially Judy.
John and Carlist were enjoying this too much to let up now. "Well then, if the girls plan on turning in early, it might be a good night for a few hands of sabacc in the boys' room," Carlist suggested.
"Excellent!" John added.
"No!" Luke exclaimed.
"No?" John questioned.
Luke waved his hand. "You don't want to see Judy tonight."
"Oh, but I do."
Luke tried again. "You don't want to see Judy tonight."
"Luke, I've already said that I do want to see her."
Luke cursed to himself. Of course John Robinson would be too strong willed to be susceptible to the jedi mind trick. What was he thinking? He tried another tactic. "Let me comm ahead to be sure they're up for that. You know, the girls may already have turned in. You know how women are once they get together… nails, hair, facials and all that. They might not want to be disturbed."
"I'd rather surprise them," John stated. "Shall we?"
Luke swallowed hard and hoped that the night was young enough that the lovers and would be lovers hadn't turned in yet.
The foursome was enjoying an elaborate meal, compliments of the hotel, as well as each others' company. Don and Judy finally heard the rest of Han's carbonite story as dessert was being served. The anticipation of the night to come was enhanced by the triple chocolate concoction the women had ordered, and Han caught Don's eye with a knowing twinkle as their women savored the confection.
"I don't know, Don. Look at their faces. I'm not sure we'll be able to compete with that dessert."
Don laughed, "And for all Judy knows, this might be the highlight of her night."
"Oh, just ply me with drink and I won't know the difference." Judy shrugged as she waved her spoon in the air. "Chocolate, you, it's all the same."
"Did you and Leia go to the same charm school?" Han asked.
Leia aimed a backwards slap at his bicep when her communicator beeped.
"Oh, no, don't answer that. We are off tonight. No council business!" Han proclaimed.
Leia checked the comm and saw that it was from Luke. Han's, then Don's, and then Judy's communicators also went off in succession.
"What the… oh, oh, father alert!" Han stated as he looked up from his communicator to see Professor Robinson and General Riekaan strolling into the restaurant with Luke trailing like a puppy behind them.
"There you are!" John exclaimed as the three men approached the table. "Mind if we join you?" he asked.
Leia, always the diplomat, answered, "Of course! Have some dessert with us."
The three men joined them and Han called for the waiter. After ordering their after dinner drinks, the elder gentlemen leaned back and continued their fatherly game of 'Let's make them sweat.'
John swirled the liquid around in the large brandy glass that sat in the palm of his hand. "I'm surprised that you two pilots aren't sleeping on your ships tonight," he said.
"Chewie's there so this gives me more time to spend with Leia," Han honestly stated.
"Don? What's your excuse?" John asked.
"Actually, I, uh… I just might head back there, uh… later," Don replied.
"Really?"
Don hoped that John didn't notice the embarrassment creeping up his neck. Of all the nights for John to interfere, it had to be this one. His anticipation of his first night in Judy's bed diminished as he realized that there was a chance it would not happen tonight after all.
Carlist played the next card. "Luke told us that you two girls were planning a night of indulgence."
'What in God's name is going on here?' Judy wondered silently. She wasn't sure what to say, if anything. If she had been alone with her father, she would have been able to handle him, but in front of the group, her confidence waned. Luke looked on helplessly as he gave the two couples his best apologetic expression.
Leia once again saved the day and took Riekaan's arm as she graciously stated, "Now, Carlist, I'm sure you agree that we've earned a night of… respite… from our duties."
"Oh, of course, my dear. In fact, we're here to propose a night of sabacc with these two young men. I'm sure they'll be bored to tears while you two women enjoy yourselves."
Han lapsed into a fit of coughing as he choked on the brandy he had been sipping.
Riekaan slapped him on the back, hard. "Are you all right, Han?"
"Yeah." The word rasped out of his throat.
Judy had had enough. "Dad? Can I have a word with you? In private?"
John was enjoying the fatherly role too much to stop now. "Of course, but I'd like to talk with Don first. Why don't you go up to your room and I'll meet you there?"
Once again it was Leia to the rescue. "I'd like another cup of coffee. How about you, Judy?"
"Sure, but I think I'll hit the ladies room first," she replied.
"I'll come with you." And the ladies were gone.
Carlist bowed to John, who started the interrogation. "Now, gentlemen, we know exactly what's going here. I'd like to have a few questions cleared up in my mind before this evening's… events." Surprisingly he didn't address Don, but turned to Luke. "So, tell me what happened between you and my daughter. A few days ago you were wooing her and now you're covering up for her and her new/old suitor."
'Fair question,' Luke thought. "The Force happened, sir. It told me that my destiny is not linked with hers," Luke replied.
"The Force," John repeated. He now turned to Don. "And I suppose that the Force made you and Judy 'see the light'?"
"Hey, professor, I thought you were happy about Judy and me gettin' together."
"I still am, but you had quite a reputation when you joined us. If I remember correctly you were anxious to 'thaw that cold fish.' What happens after she's thawed and cooked?"
Don smiled. This question was easy. "She becomes my one and only meal. I love her, John. I swear that I'll love her for as long as she'll have me, and I'll protect her for the rest of my life."
John was satisfied and tossed the ball to Carlist, who cleared his throat and spoke. "Han, you know that Bail Organa was a dear friend and I've always felt a responsibility to keep an eye on Leia."
"Yes, sir," Han replied.
"Like Major West, you have a, what I would call, unsavory reputation when it comes to women. You and Leia have been together for a few months and I need to know what your intentions are regarding the future."
There was no hesitation in Han's voice as he looked directly into Riekaan's eyes and stated, "I want to marry her, general, as soon as she's ready."
Carlist sat back and his eyes moistened. "You are both very lucky men to have the love of such strong, intelligent and beautiful women."
"Believe me, we know that," Don said.
"And we don't deserve them," Han added.
This time Luke interrupted, "Don't either one of you sell yourselves short. They are as lucky as you two are, but, if either one of you ever…"
"Hurts them…" John interjected.
"I guarantee that…" Carlist continued.
"The three of us will… " Luke said.
"Have your heads. Understood?" John finished.
The two pilots traded glances and nodded.
"Fair enough," Han stated.
"Ditto," Don added.
John turned to Carlist and said, "Well, I'd say our work here is done."
"I agree, John," Carlist replied. He turned to Luke. "How about rounding up Chewie for a friendly game of sabacc?"
Luke stood, a broad smile on his face. "Meet you on the Falcon." The girls were just returning and Luke gave each a hug before leaving. "Han, Don, take good care of them."
"Always," they replied together.
"Are you ready for that talk now, Dad?" Judy asked.
"I don't think that'll be necessary, Judy. I think we'll be on our way," John answered.
"What?"
"Remember to go light on the champagne."
The men stood and shook hands all around. John held his eldest daughter and a memory of a giggling three year old flashed into his mind. The years had gone by too fast and he found it hard to let her go. "You've chosen a good man, Judy," he whispered.
Riekaan hugged Leia closely and said, "Enjoy the happiness, Leia. Your father would approve."
Tears sprang to Leia's eyes as she hugged him back. "Thank you, Carlist. That means a great deal to me."
The couples watched the fathers leave, appreciative of the love and concern that they had left behind.
"Well, I guess this is it, kids," Han announced. "Ready?" he asked Leia.
She wrapped her arms around his torso and smiled up at him. As they walked away Han called, "Have a really good night," over his shoulder to the anxious couple.
"Sure, you too!" Don responded. It was finally going to happen. "How about another cup of coffee?" Don asked Judy.
"Coffee? No. We should go upstairs now, don't you think?" she replied.
"Whatever makes you happy, sweetheart." Don took her hand and led her to the elevator. Since they were alone, Don pulled her to him and she circled her arms around his neck.
"Nervous?" she asked him.
"Who, me? Don Juan?" he responded. "Yeah."
"I'm the one who should be nervous. All you have to do is lay back and enjoy it."
"I thought you were an 'expert' in this?"
"I've never made love to a doctor before…" His voice lowered, "Or to a woman that I am so much in love with."
"Then just close your eyes and let it flow."