Okay, I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while, but I haven't given up on this story. After some prodding from Limelight, I am just getting around to getting this posted. I promise I'll eventually get back to individual replies, but this is all I have time for right now.

One more thing! It's your turn now LL! Please post more of "TNQLL" soon!

There was absolutely nothing to do on the Millennium Falcon. No repairs to be done, routine maintenance was caught up and Han had already washed all the dishes and cleaned up the lounge where they had dinner last night. A nice dinner, Leia smiled to herself.

She made her way into the cockpit, gently patted Chewie on the shoulder and sat down in Han's chair.

Chewie softly growled at the princess and flipped on the view screen and typed in "Good morning, little Princess."

Leia softly laughed. Only Chewie could get away with greeting like that, and he knew it too. It was all part of his Wookie charm.

"Good Morning, Chewie." She sank back into Han's chair farther and closed her eyes. Hang over just a bit, she got herself together expecting to be put to work by Han. He usually did not hesitate to make her pull her weight when she was on board.

Things were different this time somehow. She knew that things were changing between her and Han. How far she would let it go, especially after last night wasn't something she was sure of at all. In truth, when it came to Han she'd never been sure of what to do, what she should do and more terrifying still, was the knowledge that she never knew what he was going to do next. She thought she had a good idea of what he wanted, but what would he do if he got it? Would he stay?

Chewie jarred her back into reality and she remembered what she came in the cockpit for. "Is it alright if I use the computer in the lounge? I've got work to do."

He growled as he gestured with his arms and nodded his head this time skipping the use of the view screen. She didn't have to ask, but she always did.

"Thanks, Chewie." She thought that she actually might have recognized enough Wookie to know that Chewie said yes even without his signals. She slipped out of the cockpit wondering when she was finally going to encounter Han for the first time since last night. She had a vague memory of listening to him softly snore as she drifted in and out of sleep before waking up to find herself back on her chosen bunk in the crew quarters.

She was meeting with a rebellion sympathizer from Norvall II. Only after a year and a half of investigating and meeting with another rebellion security officer did Leia arrange a personal meeting. Even so, Leia was always nervous at these types of meetings. So much was at stake and she couldn't afford any mistakes that would compromise the future of the rebellion.

Han was at his desk in his cabin studying the information on his data pad. He'd been going over the star charts that showed the last coordinates of the supposed-to-be deserted ship drifting aimlessly through space.

Another Chance was nearing Kuthul, the most distant planet in the Honoghr system. Han hoped that he would be able to intercept the ship before it crossed into Honghr space. Although space traffic in that area didn't fall under the Empire's regular jurisdiction, the Noghri clans that inhabited the planet the system is named for were loyal to Vader. And aside from the small population on Honoghr itself, the system was mostly devoid of life and therefore not worth the effort of regular Imperial patrol. But the prospect of the Noghri having the ability to alert the Empire made Han a little nervous. If his information was correct, the Noghri were not that technically advanced and Han was counting on being able to come and go undetected.

If Carlists' memory served him correctly, he should be able get the equipment and weapons on board to easily fit into the cargo bay and smuggling compartments on the Falcon. The unknown was the passenger on board and weather Han would even get to the cargo. Harder still was how to keep all of this from Leia.

He decided that his best plan to keep her from suspecting him from hiding anything was to make a few trips back and forth from the ship to Pantolomin. He thought that if he made the occasional appearance, she'd just assume everything was fairly normal. After all, didn't she already accuse him of coming along for the ride to gamble? She wouldn't think it unusual to know that Han was spending all his time trying to win a fortune at sabacc.

Kiest! How much is this going to cost me? After going over the calculations for fuel consumption for his revised plans, he realized that in order to break even for this trip, he only be able to make two trips to Another Chance before retuning to pick up Leia. And, he'd have to work fast. This revised plan had nothing to do with fact that he wanted to check up on the Princess…and her friend.

As soon as the thought crept in to Han's head, he knew it was true. Then he realized that the trust that Rieekan had in him made him wonder if this was really the best way to handle the situation. If Han missed his chance to finish the job because he ran off to check on Leia, he'd feel terrible. He just couldn't be that irresponsible. Although he suspected that's just what Leia and the rest of the Council thought of him most of the time. Carlist, who was the exception, was counting on him and he must perform his duty to the best of his abilities. Isn't that would Leia would want if she knew the whole story of his "secret service" to the rebellion? Han had decided that when he chose to accept missions, he would show that his loyalty was not dependant on any official title. Things were different now. He was not an Imperial officer anymore. Never again would he put himself in a position where his morals and his obligation to his duty would conflict. Never again would he be humiliated and stripped of everything he had worked so hard to achieve. He would not repeat those mistakes from his past. He would be free to decide what he should do and who he should do it for. Then a new thought etched its way into his conscience: Leia.

And he then wondered if he was really free at all.

He tossed the data pad on the other side of the room and it landed on the bed. He rubbed his eyes and tried to refocus on what he had to do in the next few days. They would arrive at Pantolomin tomorrow. That left him one more night to try to enjoy Leia's company, provided she let him.

Besides, he could have Chewie keep an eye on her.

On his way to the cockpit, Han wanted to check up on Leia. He hadn't seen her yet that day and was just slightly irked at being the first one to seek the other out. He had kept himself busy most of the day and stayed out of her sight. Quite an accomplishment since the Falcon wasn't a big ship. He was trying to keep it casual since they had gotten along so well the night before and he didn't want to take the chance on any daytime quarrels to ruin the possibility of another enjoyable evening.

He figured she'd be in the lounge and was surprised not to see her there. He checked the crew quarters and she wasn't there either. In fact, he checked the entire ship without running into her. Almost. Something made him go to the gun turrets and that is where he found her, sitting watching the stars streak by at the speed of light.

Leia heard his steps up the turret ladder and turned to see him looking at her with that self assured grin.

"Nice view, huh? Care for some company sweetheart?" It was more of a statement than a real question, but he felt his odds were good that she wouldn't turn him away.

She pretended to think about it for a moment. Then she innocently rolled her eyes and reminded him, "Well, it is your ship. I guess you can go were you want."

"Really?" Han perched himself next to Leia who occupied the turret seat. "You ready for tomorrow, Princess?"

"Ready, but cautious. I hate it admit it Captain, but I'm actually a little excited at the idea of spending time on Pantolomin. Although I don't think I'll have much time for sight-seeing."

He nodded at her wistfully. "You work too hard," he turned to face her and looked directly at her. "A night out with me could do wonders."

She met his stare. "For who? You or me?"

He answered honestly. "For both of us."

Leia was silent. She truly wasn't sure how to respond. Here it was, crystal clear: Han wanted to spend time with her. She knew things would lead up to this point sooner or later. Finally, she titled her head back and took a deep breath.

"I don't know, Han."

Han shook his head. "Okay. Look let's not talk about this now. You're here now. Let's make some dinner. I'm gonna go check on things with Chewie and I'll meet you in the galley in a few minutes. All right?"

"Okay." Leia watched him leave and realized her heart was pounding. There are so many reasons I shouldn't get involved with Han, she tried to convince herself. And here and now in this moment she knew there was one reason she continued to be drawn in by him: she was in love with Han Solo.

Knowing this to be true wasn't the hardest part. The hardest part was having the strength not to do anything about it.

Han sat down in his chair next to Chewie. He impatiently began flipping switches became a little violent toward the navi computer when it was slow to display the information he requested.

"What's the matter, cub"

"I'm gonna tell her, Chewie. I'm sick of making an ass out of myself. I'm sick of arguing. I'm sick of her thinking I'm one step away from being a deadbeat. Don't I deserve some credit? I've earned it"

Chewie wasn't sure what brought Han to this conclusion. But letting Leia know how he felt and being truthful about his real service to the rebels was something Chewie wanted Han to do a long time ago. The Wookie was more than happy to assist the rebels. He had a fondness for Luke and Leia and he knew the stability was good for Han. Not to mention that Chewbacca would be pleased to have any part in bringing down the Empire as he briefly reflected on the atrocities they committed again his race.

"Does that mean we are going to stay on with the rebels."

Han hung his head down looking slightly worried. "If she gives me a reason to."