Sorry I got so behind in my responses!

iam1of18: Thanks for reading!

Redmaggie: I'm not sure where I'm going to take take this! Glad you like so far.

Limelight: Thank you so much! I'm not sure about what I'm going to do with the ship yet!!! BTW, I hope to see more of TNQLL soon!

I AM EOWYN: Thank you!

RivendellWriter: Wow. Thanks for all you feedback. I'm starting to feel the presssure to keep this up!

Han hurried to the hanger to get the pre-flight started on the Falcon. Now he was really glad that he stayed up last night to work on her. Not that Leia would notice that for the first time in...well, since she ever saw the ship, everything was operating at peak efficiency. He checked his cabin to make sure it wasn't a disaster area. Not that Leia would go in there in a million years. She always insisted on sleeping in the crew quarters. Still, he intended to offer it to her since this would be the longest trip they'd ever taken alone. Well, alone except for Chewie, of course.

He checked supplies and re-filled the water tanks. This was one of the few places where the rebels had set up a base where they hadn't limited the fresh water usage. Since leaving Yavin, the largest cell of the Rebel Alliance had moved twice before setting up a base on Navarrea a few weeks ago. The last year had been tough and they had a couple of close calls with Imperials, but so far they had stayed one step ahead.

With pre-flight about done and Chewie finishing up things in the cockpit, Han thought he better go hurry along the Princess.

Han wasn't sure yet just how he'd pull this off and keep Leia from finding out. He had a feeling that however pleased she would act about him not staying with her on Pantolomin, she'd be suspicious. Han knew that she knew better than to think he would just let her go without keeping an eye on her himself. When they were off base together, he never let her out of sight. In fact, he thought it was rather cute the way she acted as though she hated it. Solo, your gonna have to think of a way to throw her off track, before it becomes an issue...

When Han reached her quarters, General Rieekan was just steeping out and wishing the Princess well on her meeting. "Take care, Princess." Rieekan turned to only nod at Solo, and went on his way.

With her arms crossed she turned her intense eyes to Han. "I'm ready." She stepped back into her quarters and emerged with one large carry bag and one shoulder bag.

Doesn't she look thrilled? I wonder what Rieekan told her. He took the bags from Leia and started down the hall.

"Han, I want to stop and say goodbye to Luke. I feel bad that we will miss his celebration." Leia was thrilled for Luke. But she couldn't help feeling slightly annoyed that she had to suddenly be rushed for a mission that she didn't have time to properly prepare for. What really annoyed her was the news that she was to be escorted by Solo. She knew someone had to take her...but why did it have to be Han? The change was necessary, as Luke needed time to prepare his new squadron for the war game simulation that was upcoming. In fact, Leia would now miss the impromptu celebration that was underway now. She had actually contemplated attending. Maybe.

"Of course your, Highnessness." He'd heard about the promotion and party right after he left Rieekan's office.

They entered the mess hall together and saw that most of the base was already here. Luke was well liked, respected and the pilots and gunners that he hung around with were notorious for finding reasons to have a party. It was one of the few things that could take your mind of the fact you were fighting a war. Luke was surrounded by his close friends, Wedge, Wes, Hobbie, and Zev. When he noticed Han and Leia enter, he rushed right over.

Han slapped Luke on the back saying, "Kid, congratulations! Commander and not even twenty three yet! You just wait; when I get back, we'll tie one on to celebrate all over again. We'll take care of that birthday you've got coming up too"

Then Leia slipped in, effectively moving Han out of the way to give Luke a warm embrace and a small kiss on the cheek. "Luke, I'm so proud of you. I'm sorry we can't stay."

Han wondered briefly if it would be worth it to take that commission just to see how Leia would congratulate him. Han, in light of your faithful service to the Rebellion and your untold heroism I wish to ravage you with passionate kisses...Whoa. Snap out it Solo. They're just good friends. More like brother and sister...or something like that. That's all, I' sure of it...

He stepped toward the little circle that had now surrounded Luke and placed his hand on Leia's shoulder. "We'd better get going." He looked back at Luke. "Sorry, kid. The Princess' duty calls."

Leia grabbed Luke's hand. "I'll see you when I get back."

As soon as they left, Wes Janson leaned over to Luke and asked, "Solo is taking the Princess to Pantolomin?"

"Yes." Luke still stared at the door they just walked out of.

Wes grinned, "I bet Solo makes his move."

Luke didn't need to use the Force to know that Janson was probably right.