It had been so long since Ari had seen so many rich green colors and memories of Naboo flashed back at her.
"It is beautiful," Luke breathed, speaking for all of them, having never seen such a green planet before. Ari just nodded, eyes on the emerald planet as they neared and Leia spoke to the base, getting permission to land. She smiled slightly at their reactions, especially Luke's.
"I have never seen so much green, so much life," he spoke up as they landed.
"A big change from Tatooine," Ari agreed. Luke glanced over and then nodded before turning around again.
Perplexed, Ari looked at Leia who shrugged and then at Han who wouldn't look at her as he landed the ship.
"Alright, Chewie, remember to lock up, though we won't be here long." He glanced out the window. "And Your Highness, it looks as if you have a welcoming party," he replied, noticing a small ground transport coming towards them.
Luke followed ahead with Leia to meet them. "Han?" Ari asked, stopping him. "Is Luke okay? He seems to be mad or something."
"I just asked what he would think if you and I were together," Han replied with a small shrug. "I didn't know the kid would take it so personally." He grinned slyly.
"What do you mean?" Ari asked, feeling a small knot forming in her stomach.
"He cut me off before I could finish. When I told him he seemed a bit more protective than a brother or friend would, he got all upset and got quiet," Han replied as he sauntered toward the ramp.
Ari stood for a moment in shock then followed, glaring at Han and going over between Luke and Leia as the ramp opened. The warm, humid air surrounded them like a blanket, thick and soft.
Ari didn't know what to say though, as much as she wanted to. It seemed like so much was happening so fast, feelings and emotions running rampant.
She opened her mouth to say something but something made her stop as they descended to the speeder, which Leia hurried to, to greet the Rebels there.
Han was looking at her with a small questioning glance.
"You know, for an ancient weapon those things must be popular on Tatooine," he remarked, motioning to her lightsaber.
Ari gave a small smile in her way of a laugh and looked to see Luke look over also, surprised a bit and he looked at her, studying her. His look told her 'We'll talk later' before turning back, walking down the ramp.
Ari followed the others and sat cross legged on the back of the speeder while the others piled on. She caught Luke's eyes once and he looked a bit confused but shook his head. Ari was uncommonly quiet as well, drinking in the surroundings. The jungles so alive with life, the large stone temples with regal beauty even though the centuries they had stood.
The speeder seemed to fly to the main area where many pilots, technicians and others were working but they all looked up as the group came closer, waving and smiling when they saw Leia.
She waved back then a grin broke on her face as she saw a familiar older man, jumping off before the speeder had stopped compeletely, running to hug the man.
"You're safe! We had feared the worst," Ari heard the man say as she hopped off the end and joined the others, standing off to the side slightly. Luke seemed to be in a better mood as he smiled at her, which she returned.
"When we heard about Alderaan, we were afraid that you were…lost with your father," the man told her, stepping back slightly, more formal now.
"We don't have time for our sorrows, Commander. This battle station has surly tracked us here. It is the only explanation for the ease of our escape." Leia replied, glancing at Han, Ari certain she had missed whatever had passed between the two of them. "You must use this information in this R2 unit to plan the attack. It is our only hope."
The Commander nodded and started to usher the droids away. "Commander," Luke spoke up. "Just one quick question…."
AN: I know kind of short but I do have my reasons. J Please R&R everyone!!!Also, you all know the disclaimer by now so I am not going to keep putting it up. Hope you all enjoyed this chapter!