Hello, All! Sorry for yet another long pause in between chapters. With the vacation and my recent adoption of two kittens, I've been pretty busy! I made this another long chapter to make up for the long delay. This chapter takes place several months after the previous one, and is completely from the prospective of a certain scoundrel/smuggler we all know and love...

oooooo

The tall, lean smuggler's eyes kept moving to the far end of the hangar as he unloaded supplies from his ship. The object of his attention was a striking, petite, dark-haired woman who was currently talking with a Rebellion pilot.

"I wouldn't even think about it if I were you."

Han turned to find another orange-suited pilot. "What are you talking about?"

"I see who you have your eye on, and I just wouldn't go there if I were you."

"Do I know you?"

"No, but I know you, Solo. Or at least, I know OF you."

Han Solo was a smuggler by trade. He had gotten involved with the Rebellion a few months before, quite by accident. But he had found that there were many wealthy people involved with it, and they were willing to pay well for the supplies they needed – supplies horded and guarded by the Empire. It had even paid him well enough to finally pay off a debt owed to a slime-ridden Hutt.

Han looked back over towards the beautiful young woman, now laughing with that same pilot. "Is that her boyfriend?"

"No, that's her twin brother."

"Who is she?"

The pilot looked surprised. "You don't know? That's Leia Kenobi and her brother Luke."

"Are those names supposed to mean something to me?"

The pilot looked dumbfounded. "They're the children of General Kenobi – you know, THE leader of the Rebellion."

"Oh." Han looked across the hangar with increased interest. "I try to know as little detail about the Rebellion or the people in it as I can. It tends to be better for one's health that way." He rubbed at his chin in contemplation. "Sooooo, the children of the big General, huh?"

"Which is why no sane man would try for Leia Kenobi. In her eyes, the galaxy rotates around her father. I don't think any man could measure up to him in her mind. Not to mention that it would be intimidating as hell to meet the General in the capacity of her suitor. He's very protective of his daughter."

Han was still watching the lovely young woman and her brother when the doors opened to admit someone.

"Well, speak of the devil. There's General Kenobi now."

Han watched an older man of average height and slender build throw his arms around Leia and Luke. He had reddish hair and looked to be in his early fifties. Han could tell that in his younger years, the man had been a classic pretty boy. Though no longer a boy, the man could still be classified as pretty. "THAT is the big General? The one who would intimidate you?"

"Hey, don't judge him by his looks. The man absolutely commands respect – without demanding it – if you know what I mean. He's a very skilled Jedi Master. I've watched him spar with his children. He's incredible."

"I thought the Jedi were a myth – a story made up so kids could have some heroes to look up to."

The pilot looked at him askance. "A myth? No, man, they're real. The Jedi Order was almost completely wiped out, but Master Kenobi managed to survive. He was the last of the Jedi, from what I understand."

Han was definitely intrigued. And adding credence to what the pilot had told him, he had seen Leia's face positively beam as her father approached. But finding this Kenobi intimidating? Han just couldn't see it. As though reading his thoughts, the man in question turned to look right at Han. The General seemed to look somewhat bemused.

"Oh, now you've done it."

Han turned to the pilot in confusion. "Done what?"

"He's heading over here."

Han nearly cringed when he saw the man walking his way. He hoped the stories he had heard about Jedi being able to read minds weren't true. But that hope was fading as Kenobi got closer. Han could see the banked amusement in the man's eyes.

The General nodded in greeting at the pilot beside him. "Hinson."

"Hello, General. Ah, I better go meet up with my squadron. Excuse me, Sir." With a small bow, the man was off like a shot.

Han's gaze moved back to the General now before him. He had to look down, as the man was a good three inches shorter. He met the older man's striking eyes, which still held some amusement as they obviously assessed him.

"I take it you are Han Solo."

Han bit back his surprise. "Yes, General."

"You don't seem to me to be the type who gives much credence to titles. I appreciate that in a person. Just call me Obi-Wan."

That surprised Han, who was a cynic by choice and experience. Usually men with titles liked to lord them over people. For some reason, though, calling this man by his first name seemed somehow wrong to Han. "As you wish,...Obi-Wan."

Again amusement danced in Kenobi's eyes, and he broke out into a dazzling smile. Yep, Han thought, definitely a former pretty boy. "That's better. I hear that you're the best supply runner for the Rebellion. You have my thanks. It isn't just anybody who can get past Imperial blockades."

"Uh, well, thank you. But a lot of the thanks belong with my ship, plus my copilot, Chewbacca."

"Ah, yes, your Wookie companion. Wookies are very selective in whom they give their trust. That speaks well of you. Is he here?"

"He's in the maintenance bay collecting some parts we need with that spitfire of a mechanic, Rina."

Kenobi's brow went up at that. "Had a run-in with her already?"

"You could say that." Han grimaced at the memory. Kenobi laughed knowingly.

"So, Han, what makes you risk life and limb in order to bring us supplies?" The humor had dissipated from Kenobi's eyes to be replaced by assessment once again.

Han decided the best tact to take with this man was pure honesty. If the man could sense when someone was fudging the truth, then why bother trying? "Profit. I had a large debt I needed to pay off. And now that it is paid off, I intend to make enough so I can retire early." There didn't appear to be any judgment in Kenobi's eyes, so Han continued. "The Rebellion may be your cause, but it isn't mine. My sole cause is ME."

"Hmmm. I'm sure that's what you would have others believe. There may even be a part of you that actually believes it. But there's more to you, Han Solo, than meets the eye."

Han opened his mouth to dispute the man's claim when he was interrupted by a soft, though strong, feminine voice.

"Daddy?"

Han hadn't even noticed Leia or Luke approach them, so focused was he on Kenobi's erroneous, though authoritative, words. Seeing them up close, he noticed that both of them were quite...short. Leia had placed her hand on her father's arm, which had immediately lifted to encircle her shoulders. Luke had come up beside Leia, a wary, though curious look on the young man's face.

"Han Solo," Kenobi looked down at his kids with obvious love and pride, "these are my two oldest children, Luke and Leia." Ah, Han thought, so the man has other children. The General then addressed his kids. "Han is probably the best supply runner the Rebellion has ever had."

Luke nodded. "I've heard some of the other pilots mention you." Han could tell there was something else that Luke was going to say, but thought better of it.

"Mon Mothma mentioned you, as well." Leia's expression was guarded. She, like her father before her, seemed to be in full assessment mode. Han tried not to fall head-first into those big, soulful brown eyes. She really was lovely.

"I'm sure you've heard many things. I'm not exactly a well kept secret."

"What you do is very dangerous, Mr. Solo. May I ask why you are willing to risk it?"

Han nearly rolled his eyes. Like father, like daughter. Luckily, at that moment, an echoing growl resounded in the hangar. Han sighed with relief. Saved by the Wookie!

Chewie and Rina, both with their arms full of ship parts, quickly approached the group. Han could see the blond mechanic's eyes light at the sight of the General. It was no daughterly gleam, either. He also noticed Leia tense and tighten her hold on her father. The two women were obviously not friends, then.

Kenobi smiled warmly at the tall, furry Wookie. He grabbed a massive paw with both hands and shook it. "It's an honor, Chewbacca. May I speak with you privately for a minute?"

Chewie's head tilted to the side as he looked down at the General. He growled his agreement, then led Kenobi off to the other end of the ship. Han watched the two of them in confusion. Did the man understand Wookie? There weren't many humans who could. He would have to question Chewie about it later.

Luke and Leia also appeared to be confused. Rina just looked on with unabashed admiration. "I have to say, the General is a man of many talents."

Leia's face went neutral, though there was heat in her eyes. "I'll be sure to pass that observation on to my mother."

Rina ignored the hostility. "You do that, honey. And tell her she's a lucky woman." Rina left to start on the repairs before Leia could respond. If looks could kill, though, the mechanic would be a puddle of goo on the hangar floor.

Han turned to speak to Leia. "Where is your mother?"

"She's home with our younger brothers and sisters."

"How many do you have?"

"Eight total."

Han nearly choked. "Eight siblings?" He whistled softly. "I can't even imagine that. Your mom must be quite a trooper." He winced at that. "No pun intended."

Leia actually chuckled at that. "She is a very strong, wonderful woman. The perfect match for Dad." She again turned her adoring gaze at her father. Han's heart sunk a bit. That pilot had been right. Surely she would compare every man she met to her father – and find him lacking. Leia turned back to him. "Six of them are with Mom right now. Our brother, Garen, and our sister, Cordė are here with us."

Luke, who was obviously feeling left out, decided to jump back into the conversation. "I have heard that your ship is fast, but this ship doesn't fit the image I had my head at all."

"She's more than just fast, Kid. The Millennium Falcon is THE fastest ship of its size. I know she may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts."

Luke lifted a disbelieving brow as he gazed at the ship. "I guess I'll have to take your word for it."

"She's slipped past many an Imperial blockade, Kid. All these supplies should be word enough for you."

Luke diplomatically tipped his head. "As you say." The boy turned and smiled as his father approached. Han let out a small, exasperated sigh. Both Luke and Leia obviously thought their dad hung the moons and the stars. He still didn't really get it.

Kenobi reached out to shake Han's hand. "It was nice meeting you, Han. I'm sure I'll be seeing you again."

Han shook the hand. "I'm sure we will, General." The bemused look was back on Kenobi's face. Han wanted to smack himself. He had always hated titles. Why was it so hard to be informal with this man – a former pretty boy, no less? "Um, Obi-Wan."

"Will you be staying here a while, then?" Han felt a rush of pleasure that it was Leia who had asked the question, then tried to ruthlessly squash it. Don't get your hopes up, man!

"A couple of days, yes. But then there's another run I need to make. There's a short window of opportunity."

Leia gave what seemed to be a genuine smile. "See you around, then."

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Han had overheard some of the pilots talking about some kind of sparring match between Luke and General Kenobi. It seemed that watching Kenobi and his children practice was a much-enjoyed pastime for many at the base. Having nothing better to do, he decided to go watch and indulge his curiosity. Everyone spoke so highly of Kenobi, but he just wasn't all that impressed. So far, all he'd seen was a friendly, grown-up "pretty boy," who also happened to be a doting and affectionate father.

Han went to the gymnasium and found quite a lot of people already there. A large, rectangular practice mat was on one side of the gym. People were sitting on the floor in a semi-circle a ways from the mat. Han claimed a spot and leaned toward the person next to him. "Why aren't we closer to the mat?"

"We learned the hard way to give them a wide berth." The man smiled. "Their matches can get rather enthusiastic."

Han watch as Kenobi and Luke readied themselves. Kenobi shed his outer tunic, leaving a sleeveless undertunic and loose-fitting pants. He was barefoot, as was Luke. "The General seems to be in good shape for someone who's what, fifty-one, fifty-two?"

The man beside him looked at him with amusement. "Try fifty-nine."

"Oh." Han wouldn't have guessed Kenobi was just a year shy of sixty. He didn't look it. A thought struck Han. "How old are Luke and Leia, then?"

"Twenty-one."

"Hmm." Han quieted down as Kenobi and Luke took their places in the center of the mat. They were each carrying a metal cylinder. They bowed to one another, then a bright blue blade appeared out of each cylinder. Han gasped.

The man beside him whispered. "Lightsabers."

Han had thought those were mere a myth, as well. Swords made of light? It seemed the stuff of fairytales. The sight and the humming sound certainly seemed real enough, though. This should be interesting.

By the time an hour had passed, Han had gone from skeptical interest to enamored awe. Though they were sweating, the two men didn't even seem to be tired yet. The only time they had paused was when Kenobi gave his son some pointers on a block he'd missed. Han had to grudgingly admit to himself that Kenobi was more than just a pretty face. He was very skilled with the lightsaber. He was graceful, fast, and deep in concentration. Han hadn't seen Kenobi miss blocking even one of Luke's strikes.

The man beside Han had said the General was "deep in the Force." Whatever that meant. Surely the use of some magical Force was a myth, wasn't it? But then again, it didn't seem natural that human men could spar this long without becoming exhausted.

Han decided to investigate the Jedi. The Rebellion would probably have some kind of historical references regarding the old Jedi Order. He wanted to determine fact from fiction. What was real and what was myth? Maybe while he was at it, he could find out more about Kenobi. And maybe, just maybe, afterwards he could track a certain lovely young woman down and ask her to dinner.