CHAPTER 7

Han Solo and Princess Leia reached the outskirts of the city just as the sun began its descent into the horizon. Tired, Leia crouched down, rested her weight on her haunches, and she peered up at Han. The setting sun lingered on his wind-tousled hair, setting the strands aflame. His silhouette, with its strong angles and elegant lines, depicted his unwavering self-assurance, something Leia envied. She folded her arms on her knees and rested her chin on top. She had never been all that self-confident before…she closed her eyes and soundlessly inhaled. She was less assured of herself now. She perfected her mask. Could Han be hiding behind a mask too? Leia opened her eyes and stared at Han's back. The way his shirt pulled over the muscles of his back and shoulders inspired confidence. A natural leader. She could understand why people listened to him or looked to him for answers. She could also see how his cockiness could be attractive to some women—not her, of course—but some. It felt safe, knowing that he knows—or thinks he knows, which is just as good in times of uncertainty—how to handle various predicaments and situations they might find themselves in. Like the sea creature on the boat. Like the Death Star.

Leia pinched her arm as hard as she could. Eight months and fourteen and a half days, well more than half a day now had passed. Everyone else had moved on. Why couldn't she? She looked up at Han. He smiled down at her as he shoved the comlink into his pack.

"Chewie moved the Falcon into position without a hitch an' they moved all the weapons to the base," he reached out a hand to her. "That leaves just us meeting with Rugger."

The princess took his hand and pulled herself to her feet. She slowly turned her head in the direction of the city, "Guess there's no going back now."

She felt Han's eyes on her and she inwardly cringed. Before he could say anything, she started walking down the path.

The setting sun painted the lingering clouds a vast number of shades of pinks and oranges, casting a soft glow over the humble city. It was a rare sight to see, one of the more spectacular views in the galaxy, but all Princess Leia Organa saw was white. White and black, to be exact. She straightened her spine and lifted her chin, but none of her posture primping alleviated the sponginess in her thighs and the pressure in her chest. Han had told her he didn't think she would be recognized, but what if he was wrong? What if one of those storm troopers patrolling the streets could see passed her disguise?

Leia mentally shook that thought out of her head. The chances of her being recognized by a run-of-the-mill storm trooper were slim. It was a large galaxy and not everyone had heard of the princess of Alderaan, let alone had seen her face. Sure, she was at one time a highly visible political figure but this planet was far away from The Core and today she was made up quite differently from her usual self. Surely no one would mistake her for the senator she once was.

Of course, this was before she had a price on her head.

As they approached a pair of storm troopers, Han reached out and grabbed her hand. Leia pressed her tongue against the roof of her mouth. The pressure in her chest eased into something more giddy, something heavy but light. Her legs still felt wobbly but there was an electrical current pulsing through the sponginess, reinforcing her thigh muscles, giving her more strength. Han's hand was warm and dry, rough but gentle in its firmness. His hold was steady, casual as if holding her hand was an everyday occurrence. She allowed her fingers to mold around his hand but was careful not to squeeze too hard or appear too surprised by his action.

The storm troopers walked pass them without pause, and Leia's shoulders relaxed just a touch. She glanced down at their intertwined hands and hoped that the adrenaline pumping through her blood wasn't evident in her throbbing fingers.

"There's the inn."

"Huh?"

"The inn? It's across the street."

The princess scanned the quaint two story building with the slanted thatched roof. She surveyed the activity on the street and the surrounding businesses. A café, a couple of specialty stores, a tavern, and a produce store. It looked safe enough. She pressed her lips together, safe because of the Imperial presence, most likely. Everybody was certain to be on their best behavior. She could practically taste the fear in the air.

A black shadow and a twirl of material caught in her peripheral vision. Leia's head didn't move but her eyes snapped in the direction of this shadow. When she couldn't locate the black figure, she turned her head and allowed her large brown eyes to openly search the vacant alley without success. Her brow lowered. She had seen something. She was certain of that. It had to be…

"Vader's here," she whispered her voice barely audible.

She felt Han's head turn slightly, "Where?"

"Across the street. He turned down that alley."

He didn't say anything for a moment, "I don't see anything."

She dared a bolder glance down the alley as the passed by it. There was no sign anyone had been there. "But I saw…"

"Come on," Han gave her hand a little tug and led her up the steps to the inn, "Vader wouldn't be sulkin' around in alleys. It's just your imagination."

Her face pinched at his dismissal, "I didn't imagine anything. I know what I saw."

"Whadja see?"

What did she see? She licked her lips and furrowed her brow. A shadow and the ruffling of black material. Was it a cape? She sighed, "I…" Leia closed her mouth. "Never mind," her words were sharp and short, and she slipped her hand out of Han's.

Han grabbed the door handle but didn't open the door. He turned to her and leaned his head close to hers. She didn't look up.

"Vader's not going to bother himself with a backwater planet like this," his words alit upon the crown of her head. "You got nothin' to worry about."

"I'm not worried," her words slammed into the ground.

He didn't say anything, just stood there for a pulse. Was she that transparent? Of course she was. Why else would he have grabbed her hand? Leia folded her arms across her chest as she followed him into the inn. She dug her fingernails into the skin of her arms. She was an Imperial Senator, a member of the Royal House of Alderaan. As a child she bridled her tears and tempered her enthusiasm. She had total control over her emotional reactions, a mastered skill that rivaled the savviest of politicos. Even her father, short of compliments and minute flatteries, recognized her solid composure as her greatest asset.

He would be so disappointed in her now.

Han went up to the front desk, "I'm lookin' for Guy Rugger."

The innkeeper narrowed his gray eyes, "Not here."

Han sighed, "Do you know where he is?"

"He said to give this to anyone who's lookin' for him," the innkeeper handed an envelope to Han. "Guess that's you."

"Yeah, that's me," he grumbled and walked away from the innkeeper before he opened it.

Leia had wandered over to the large picture window while Han dealt with the innkeeper. She didn't need the innkeeper to get a good look at her face. Beyond the transparent curtains and dusty glass people were busy with life. Leia watched the street traffic. The locals carried out their daily activities of deliveries and sales with their heads bent down and eyes focused on the ground in front of them. One particular man, stopped by a group of storm troopers, frantically searched his pockets and shook his head. Leia couldn't look away from the stark fear in the man's gray eyes. She winced as a storm trooper lashed out and struck his cheek. No one walking by glanced at the alarming scene, let alone came to the man's rescue.

"Ready?"

Han's breath tickled the top of her head and his hands clasped her upper arms. He stood behind her leaving only centimeters between their bodies. Leia involuntarily closed her eyes, and she nodded her head.

"Come on."

He stepped away and a cold breeze hit Leia's back. She shivered and followed him out the door.

"What's in the envelope?"

"A key to a room in this inn."

Leia furrowed her brow, "Is that where we're to meet him?"

"Guess we'll find out."

Han looked at the number written on the outside of the envelope again, "Room 207."

"207," Leia frowned. "Second floor."

"Yeah," he sighed. "Well, let's go."

The pair left the front office and walked to the external staircase attached to the side of the building. The permacrete stairs were old and the rails rusted but the stairs seemed sturdy enough. Room 207 was at the end of a long corridor. Leia looked behind her as she followed Han to the door of the room. The catwalk was narrow and visible. She bit her lip. She could see storm troopers patrolling the street, which made her uneasy. She looked at Han's back and fought the urge to grab his hand and run away. Of course, there was no running away. Maybe her presence on this mission was a mistake. Maybe she should have listened to Han when he ordered her to stay behind and let him and Harding meet with Rugger. She studied Han's easy gait and her doubts eased a touch. Despite the dangers lurking in the city, she would rather be with Han. He almost died on the boat. He was almost killed by that beast. He needed her, she tried to convince herself. But really, she was the one who needed him.

When they reached the door, Leia noticed that there was no staircase climbing down the other side of the building. She inhaled and exhaled, pushing her fears down.

Han slipped the key into the slot and opened the door. He dropped his knapsack on the nearest chair and explored the room. Leia rolled her bottom lip through her teeth and watched him. The room was a decent size, not cramped like she expected. It contained a small table, two plush chairs, a small vidscreen on a chest of drawers, and a bed.

Han came out of the bathroom, "A small window, maybe you could fit out of." He rested his hands on his hips, "That's the only other window."

Leia walked over to the picture window next to the door, pulled the heavy curtain to the side, and scrutinized the view. They were far enough back that they had no view of the street; she could possibly delude herself that the storm troopers weren't out. But that also meant they wouldn't see any coming. If they were discovered, there would be no easy escape, if there'd be any escape at all.

"You think it's a trap?"

She closed the curtain and swallowed, "I don't know. Rugger has dedicated his life to the rebellion. I have heard stories about his courage and resourcefulness. I can't see him betraying us." She turned to him and forced a small smile, "Besides, he didn't know who was coming to meet him."

He pressed his lips together and stared into her eyes as if gaging how much she believed her own statement.

"General Madine knows him," she avoided his eyes. "He grew up with him or something like that. General Madine wouldn't have sent us out here if he had any doubts."

"I hope you're right."

Me too. She kept that thought to herself. "What's that on the table?"

Han walked to the table and picked up the flimsy. "We're to meet him in an hour down in the tavern." He put the flimsy down, "At least we'll get to eat some real food."

"Real food," her stomach grumbled. "I can't remember the last time…"

Yes she did. It was on Alderaan. A home cooked meal of salini hen and hobi shoots in a sweet wine sauce. It was the last meal she had with her father.

"You know Chewie's a great cook," his voice was upbeat and enthusiastic. "When we get back on the Falcon I'll have him cook you the best nerf steak you'll ever had."

"Sounds nice," she favored him with a smile. "I think I'll take a shower."

"Sure," his brow furrowed. "I'll be here watchin' the vids…"

She disappeared into the bathroom before he finished.

Leia frowned at her reflection in the looking glass above the sink. Despite all their trials, her makeup remained in place, but she could see the fatigue in her eyes. She touched the freckles peppered across the bridge of her nose and tried to relax her features. Was her anxiety transparent? Had Han noticed? She chided herself. She hadn't been much of a master of her emotions, which wasn't like her at all, and it irked her. Now that Alderaan…now that she had no home, would she forget who she was? Had her experience at the hands of Darth Vader changed her to someone she didn't recognize? Left her as a shadow of her formal self? Maybe she'd never recover. Maybe she'd always be haunted by the past. Could she live with that? She felt so alone.

She turned away from the mirror and stared at the sight before her. A real water shower! She reached out and turned the knob. The pipes creaked and the spout sputtered a few times before the water began to flow fluidly. She put her hand under the water. The last traces of Han's blood on her skin melted away. Han's blood…everyone bleeds. He's not invincible.

She watched the water fall for a few more moments as she pushed down the memories of the beasts' attack and of home. Her body trembled as she began peeling off her clothes and she forced herself to take several slow breaths. After testing the temperature of the water with her hand one more time, she slipped under the downpour. The heat of the water saturated her hair, penetrated her skin but did nothing to calm her nerves. She leaned against the cool tile and conjured up an image of Han Solo. His hazel eyes that seemed to see right into her, his sharp tongue, his calloused hand holding hers…the knot in her chest started to untangle and her muscles slowly relaxed. She wasn't alone. She was with Han Solo who rescued her from Darth Vader and the Death Star (with her help, of course). She was going to be okay.

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The tavern was just as smoky and dark as every tapcafe she had been in lately. All of them dives. Nothing like some of the tapcafes in Alderaan. Why couldn't they meet contacts in more upscale tapcafes and taverns once in a while? They stood in the doorway for a moment, and Leia sensed that Han was scoping out escape routes. He took her hand, gentle but firm, and led her to a booth near the back door. He guided her into the booth then slid in next to her.

"Isn't it a little weird that we're sitting on the same side?" she asked.

He placed their hands on top of the table and leaned in close, "Nah. People will just think we're in love."

Leia rolled her eyes, "Great plan."

Han moved his lips close to her ear and his breath tickled her skin, "I just wanna make sure I can get you outa here fast if we hafta make a quick escape." Then he kissed her cheek.

Leia's cheek burned where his lips touched her and her skin rose in bumps. She wanted to pull her hand from his grasp, to put some space between them, but even if she could her body seemed to have a different desire.

"How hard can it be," he whispered, "to pretend to love a guy as good lookin' as me?"

She smiled despite herself, "More challenging than you think."

Was that disappointment that flashed in his hazel eyes? Why would he be disappointed? Leia placed her other hand on top of his and leaned into him. "Am I convincing enough?" she smiled up at him.

His expression sobered as he gazed into her eyes. She had never seen this look on him before. Rather, she had never seen him look at her like this. She wanted to look away but she was too mesmerized to tear her eyes off of him. Her breath caught in her throat and her mind rushed to say something, anything to regain control of the situation. Never looking away, Han moved in closer then pressed his lips ever so lightly against hers. Her eyes instinctively closed. He lingered there for only a few seconds but it felt more like minutes.

Han broke away, "So what do you feel like eating?"

"What?" she blinked.

Han chuckled and handed her a menu.

"I think I'll just have a bowl of soup."

"No you won't."

"I believe I'm old enough to make these decisions by myself, Captain."

"When do you think we're gonna have a chance to eat real food?"

She stared at the menu, "I'm not that hungry."

He thrust a finger at her, "You're gonna have a full meal and that's final."

Leia narrowed her eyes at him, "What? Are you my father?"

Did she just say that? Her eyes widened, and from the way Han looked at her—was that pity in his eyes?—he was affected by her words. Anger seeped into her thoughts. The last thing she wanted was anyone, especially Han, to pity her.

"Why don't you let me pick you out something? I'll pick something you'll love," he looked down at the menu, his voice cheery.

She pressed her lips together, trying to control her anger, "How would you know what I like to eat?"

Han shrugged, "I know that don't like frii tubers and dahlia beans, especially when their refried. Let's see," he tapped his finger against his chin and looked up, "you favor curry nerf and your absolute favorite is khahali."

Leia's brow furrowed, "How do you know…?"

"You go back for seconds for the curry and khahali in the dining commons," he smugly smiled.

Her mouth opened then slowly closed, "You keep track of what I eat?" She didn't know how she felt about that.

"I'm an observant kinda guy," he slouched in his seat.

She bit her lip and narrowed her eyes again, "What's Luke's favorite?"

"Luke? He's not a picky eater. He goes back for seconds at every meal."

"You have too much time on your hands," she shook her head.

"Nah," he sported a lop-sided grin, "I'm just observant. Besides, I know that you're adventurous and probably have eaten many different kinds of cuisine, being a senator and all. So, I can't go wrong."

"Fine," she conceded. "Go ahead and choose something for me."

Han sat up and grinned as he studied the menu. He then punched their order into the digital order screen on the edge of the table.

"So what did you order for me?" she leaned over to see what he was typing.

He covered the screen and smiled impishly, "It's a surprise."

"It better be a good surprise."

"You don't trust me?" he conjured up a hurt look.

Leia gazed at him. Don't you trust me? She sighed, with my life. "No."

"Ah," he grabbed his heart dramatically, "that cuts me to the quick."

She couldn't help but laugh, "I better like it."

"You will."

"I better," she repeated more firmly.

"Trust me."

"Captain Solo?"

The pair looked up at the tall man with gray hair cropped close to his head. His face was lined as if he'd seen too many horrors in his lifetime, but not at all worn out. Though he was slender in built, he projected strength and self-assurance. He slid into the booth across from them.

"Rugger," Han nodded at the man.

"Your Highness," Rugger smiled at her, "it's an honor to have you here."

She politely smiled back, "Just Leia."

"We were surprised that someone of your rank would join such a dangerous mission, and with the bounty-"

"She's more than a figurehead," Han interjected. "She does this all the time."

Leia glanced at Han, his words catching her off guard.

"I wouldn't recognize you if my men didn't tell me you were coming," Ruggers eyes shone with admiration.

"That was the point," Han studied Rugger's expression.

"Lovely and brave," he smiled at her. "A lethal combination."

Her cheeks flushed, "I don't consider myself that brave."

"After all you've been through—"

Eight months, fourteen days—that's 2 weeks—and one more day…

"I hate to interrupt you," Han shifted in his seat, "but we've got some business to discuss."

"You're right," Rugger rested his elbows on the table.

"Why did you choose to meet us here instead of the base?" Leia asked.

"I needed to be here," he glanced around. "I thought you'd bring more men with you."

"We lost two on the way to the base," Han stated, "but our mission was to supply you with weapons and medical supplies. Doesn't take an army for that."

"And what do you think the weapons are for?" Rugger's green eyes shifted between Han and Leia. "The time has come to make our move."

"Move?" the princess' brow creased.

"The people here are tired of that tyrant Imperial governor ordering deaths, taking prisoners and torturing them for the slightest offense, stealing fathers and mothers, sons and daughters in the middle of the night. They're tired of being intimidated. They're ready to do something about it." Rugger shook his head, "we'll have to arm the locals."

"Arm the locals?" Leia repeated. "They're not experienced."

"We all started as 'locals' in the rebellion," Rugger stared meaningfully into her eyes. "The boy who blew up the Death Star, he was fresh off Tatooine with no experience in space combat."

"And he wouldn't have been successful if Captain Solo didn't come to his rescue," she argued.

"And you were just a smuggler before you joined," Rugger addressed Han.

"I haven't joined anything," he protested, "and I had experience with people shooting at me."

"And you, Princess," Rugger turned his attention away from Han, "you are royalty—"

"I've been part of the rebellion since I was fourteen," Leia interjected.

"But not as a soldier," he pointed out.

"She was groomed for the rebellion," Han denoted.

Rugger leaned back and slung his arms over the back of the booth. "What I'm saying is everyone started out green, save for people like Madine and Dodonna and a few others who defected from the Imperial military."

"Your role here is to carry out covert strikes to protect the people," Leia reminded him.

"How long do think we can do that before the Empire starts taking it out on the people." Rugger shook his head, "I'm telling you that the people are ready for change. If we could take this city…"

Han blew air out of his mouth, "That's a big ambition. "It won't be easy."

"Nothing worth it is ever easy."

Han's hazel eyes slid to Leia.

Leia looked at Han.

"A lot of innocence could die," Han pressed his lips together.

"Does General Madine know about what you plan to do?" she asked.

"He trusts my decisions."

That didn't convince Leia, but she doubted that she and Han could stop Rugger.

"You're either going to help us out, or leave us to our fate," the rebel leader folded his hands on the table.

"We don't have the men," Han pointed out.

"You have enough to lead the locals."

Han glanced at Leia and she slightly tipped her head. Rugger was going to do what he was going to do no matter what Han or Leia or anyone said. Maybe the people would have more of a chance if their team took part.

"We could probably get you reinforcements, but it'll take time. If you just wait—"

"No, the time is now," Rugger reiterated. "The people can't wait any longer."

Well, Rugger was living up to his reputation. He always had good timing, but the lack of trained soldiers worried Leia.

"Fine," Han sighed. "We're in."

"My men have already discussed the logistics with your men."

"That was a little presumptuous."

"As I said we were planning to make our move with our without you. I was hoping you'd be with us." Rugger shrugged. "We have already moved our men into position and have distributed weapons to those we were able to. Your men are already here."

"What?" Anger bled into Han's voice. So much for being the man in charge of this mission.

"I figured you'd want them here. Traipsing back to the base to retrieve them would have slowed your departure if you chose to leave."

"That was thoughtful of you."

Rugger ignored Han's remark, "Tomorrow afternoon. Elt will come to your hotel room and take you to the safe house where we'll discuss our plan in detail."

Rugger stood nodded at the pair just as the server droid brought Han and Leia their meals. Rugger then disappeared out the back exit. Leia stared at the plate before her.

"Well, that was unexpected."

"Just like this planet," Leia picked up her fork and began pushing the food on her plate around, "Rugger has always been unpredicable."

"Makes him a liability."

"He's a brilliant tactical analysis, but his unpredicability has kept him from moving up in the ranks," Although she didn't have much of an appetite after metting with Rugger, she took a bite from her plate. Her eyes closed as she savored the bite, "This is heaven."

"See what good comes from trusting me?" Han started in on his plate.

Her second mouthful kept her from retorting.

*updates may slow from here since I am close to the end of what I previously wrote. I promise the story will have an ending and I will try to keep the updating in a timely fashion. I'm determined to finish this one in the manner I intended when I first started it.