Fress kneeled down to Artoo's height as she placed her hand on top of his dome. Hopefully the droid still had the holo of the twins when they were born. She was sure Anakin would want a copy of it. "Artoo, do you still have that holo gram of the twins?"

Artoo rotated his dome and whistled a positive as he tweeted indicating he showed it to Anakin.

"You have, have you?" Fress questioned with a slight smile. She placed a cube into the recorder. "Do me a favor and make a copy of it onto this cube. We're going to give it to Anakin."

Artoo beeped and tweeted in agreement as Fress waited for the copy to complete. Artoo swiveled his eye around and whistled in excitement as he popped the cube out of place.

Fress picked up the holo cube and turned it on as she noticed the twins were on it. "Thanks Artoo. I appreciate it," she popped in two more cubes. One for Luke and one for Leia, she had a feeling they would want a copy of it as well. "Can you copy a holo of the one with Anakin and Padme onto each of these cubes as well as the twins?"

Artoo beeped and whistled as he continued to copy the holos for her. Fress switched the cubes as Artoo continued with her request until she heard a familiar roar causing her to smile. Chewie and Lando have finally caught up with them. She took the holos and switched each of them on checking the holos noting they were all good copies. "Thanks Artoo, you're a good friend."

Fress straightened to her full height and headed towards the kitchen as she heard Chewie explain where Fett was causing her to smile grimly. It sounded like he was sticking close to Imperial worlds, which would make it difficult for them to go and get Han before Fett had a chance to drop him off with Jabba. She quickly placed the cubes into a pouch on her belt for safe keeping. She'll have to present the cube to Anakin later.

"We can organize an instant rescue mission," Leia spoke excitedly.

"With Fett being on an Imperial world, it will make it difficult for us to get to him even if we attempt to run a distraction," Fress pointed out with a frown. "It's too risky and there's no guarantee we can get to Fett before he makes a run for it. Han's final destination is Jabba's palace. We know that much for sure. We should just wait it out."

"I agree with Fress," Jess spoke causing Leia to look crest fallen. "Now that Palpatine is aware of you and you do get caught again, you won't be so lucky getting away. He most likely knows your connection to Luke and Anakin by now. There is no telling what Palpatine will do to you. We just can't take that risk."

"Anakin is going to make the spice offer in exchange for Han's freedom. We really should wait to see if Jabba is willing to go for it first. If he does, it will get Han planet side on Tatooine quicker," Ahsoka added in.

"I'll go through my list of contacts and see who will be willing to make the run to Kessel for us. Chewie, I'm going to need you to go with them so the smuggler doesn't attempt anything," Fress requested as Chewie howled in agreement. "Thanks Chewie, I appreciate it. I just know the man for the job too."

Fress pulled out her list of contacts and walked to the holo communicator and punched in the number. "Briean, I have a job for you and I'll double your fee to make it worth your while. This is off the clock."

"Anything for you, General," Briean answered with a smile. "What's the cargo?"

"Meet me at the following coordinates two days from now," Fress answered as she transmitted on the usual agreed frequency with Brien. "You'll have your instructions by then."

"I look forward to it, until then, General Colias," Briean answered before he killed the transmission.

Fress turned around as she heard a familiar respirator. Anakin was in full armor causing her to frown. "Anakin, are you sure you want to go now?"

"I want to get this over with," Anakin answered causing Fress to shake her head. "I'm feeling well enough to do this."

"You're too stubborn for your own good," Fress commented as she grabbed her robe and pulled it over her. She patted her side to make sure the lightsaber was attached to her belt. She followed Anakin out of the dwelling and into the sweltering dry heat. "Hey Anakin, wait up," Anakin climbed into the driver's side as she jumped into the passenger's side. "I'll drive back, and might I add I'm completely against this for at least another day."

"I appreciate your concern, Fress. I want to get this over with," Anakin answered as he turned on the ignition and lifted the speeder into the air. "I promise to rest when we get back."

Fress could detect something in his tone she couldn't quite place and with the mask in place. It made it impossible to see his expressions. "Anakin, you're not well," she pointed out gently. "You should at least wait another day. You're not as young as you used to be and your condition is complicated. Does the medic even know you left?"

"No," Anakin answered honestly causing Fress to release a frustrated sigh. "I would appreciate the company."

"Someone has to watch your back and keep you out of trouble," Fress said with a tight smile as Anakin gunned it towards Jabba's palace. "I'm sure the others are explaining to Lando and Chewie what you're doing here with us by now. We haven't had a chance to warn them yet."

"Fress, do me a favor. If anything happens to me, promise me you'll continue to watch over the twins?" Anakin requested causing Fress to nod in agreement.

"I promise, Anakin."

Leia sat down in one of the kitchen chairs as Lando stood still with a shocked expression on his face. Chewie seemed to be taking it well for now. She was glad the Wookiee decided not to go after Anakin. She glanced at Lando who seemed to be waiting for an explanation. Anakin had walked into the kitchen unannounced and decided to go Jabba's palace. She noted Fress had taken off after him. At least she could help keep him out of trouble.

"What is Vader doing here?" Lando questioned after a long five minutes of silence had passed.

"It's a long story," Leia answered honestly as she gestured to a chair. "The short version is he's defected to the Alliance and plans to help me to get Han back."

"How can you trust him?" Lando questioned as he sat down. "After everything he's done?"

"Lando, Luke and I are twins and Anakin is our father. He wants to make things right for the family and the galaxy again," Leia explained causing Lando to raise an eyebrow. "Vader is Anakin Skywalker. He has nowhere else to go now. Palpatine is aware of Anakin defecting and is calling for his instant execution."

"Are you sure this is not some clever trap? And how do you know he's your father?" Lando questioned with a concerned tone. "He could be lying for all you know."

"We had a parental test done, and when I looked into his eyes, he has Luke's eyes," Leia answered honestly. "It came back positive. He's my father, he said the timing was right and Bail never told me much about my parents. Anakin was able to fill in the blanks for me and he's had suspicions for two years about our relations."

"Lando, Anakin had twins," Jess explained with a frown. "I was with their mother the day she had them and so was Fress. Luke and Leia are twins and Anakin Skywalker is their father who is Vader. They didn't know the truth until recently and we kept silent for their sakes."

Lando sat back as Rex handed him a cold glass of water. He started chuckling and shook his head. "Vader put Han into carbonite. Talk about protective."

"I guess you could look at it that way. I'll be grateful if Han doesn't bolt on me," Leia said with a saddened smile. "I'm worried about what he'll think."

"Leia, if Han isn't scared off by the fact your father put him into carbonite, he'll be worth holding onto," Ahsoka pointed out as she walked to Leia's side and placed a hand onto her shoulder. "Fress told me she noticed a bond between you and Han through the Force, a bond that can only be broken by death. He's the one Leia. I think you have nothing to worry about. What does your heart tell you?"

"Han's the one," Leia answered honestly.

"I have a feeling he'll be okay with all of this," Ahsoka reassured her. "The Force will pair you with someone who will be able to handle the truth and not get scared off by it."

"Thanks Ahsoka," Leia felt some relief wash through her. She still couldn't shake the nervous feeling. Will Han really stay or will he leave? She wasn't sure at this point. She hoped Ahsoka was right and Han will accept her heritage.

As Anakin pulled the speeder to a stop he noted Fress was watching him closely. Probably to make sure he didn't keel over on her. He placed his hand against the side of his helmet as his head started to spin.

"Anakin, we don't have to do this now," Fress spoke gently as she placed her hand onto his forearm. "We can always come back tomorrow or when you feel more up to it."

"We should do this now," Anakin insisted as he climbed out of the speeder. "As long as I take it slow, I'll be fine."

"All right," Fress climbed out of the speeder and walked around it and stepped in beside Anakin. They headed towards the giant door and knocked. A giant eye popped out asking a question in huttese.

/What is your business here?/

"I wish to speak to Jabba," Anakin spoke in Toydarian causing Fress to smile slightly. "I have a business proposition for him."

The eye pulled back laughing as the door started to open with a loud grinding sound. Without another word spoken they entered the palace as memories threatened to over take him. The last time he was in here was to rescue Jabba's son. "Remember when we rescued Jabba's son?"

"You mean that mess you left behind for Obi-Wan and I to clean up?" Fress questioned with a tight smile. "How can I forget? It did lead us to Ventress."

"Sorry about that," Anakin quickly apologized as they walked in front of the Hutt. The room fell dead silent save for Anakin's respirator.

"Where's my talk droid?" Jabba questioned as a silver protocol droid walked forward. Jabba spoke in his tongue. /Tell our guest welcome and ask Vader what he wants./

"The Mighty Jabba welcomes you, Lord Vader and asks what the purpose of your visit is?" The droid translated.

"Mighty Jabba, I come before you to offer you a business proposition. One million credits in spice for Solo's release," Anakin answered in Jabba's tongue. "There's no need for a translator droid. My companion understands your language as well."

"And what is the reason you're willing to pay for Solo?" Jabba questioned. "Since you're the one to put him into carbonite in the first place?"

Fress smirked waiting for Anakin to answer.

"My daughter is in love with him," Anakin answered as he decided to stretch the truth a bit. "And she is no longer speaking to me since I encased Solo into carbonite cooling off his afterburners."

The explanation caused the entire room to rupture into laughter including Jabba. "A fine mess you put yourself into, Lord Vader," Jabba spoke as everyone quieted down. "And are you still good for that many credits? I heard you recently left the Empire."

"You have my word, one week from today I will have the spice in exchange for Solo's freedom," Anakin answered in a strong tone. "I will have the spice by then or we will take him by force if need be. This is my warning to you not to double cross me."

"There is no need for a confrontation," Jabba replied causing Anakin to smile tightly. "You have the spice ready in one week and I will make sure Solo is planet side by then," Jabba waved to Bib Fortuna. "Get into contact with Fett. Tell him he has one week to deliver the cargo."

Bib Fortuna bowed and walked off as Anakin bowed his head. "You have my thanks, Mighty Jabba."

"She stays as insurance, she is beautiful," Jabba pointed to Fress as she reached for her lightsaber. "I want her by my side, guards,cease her."

"You'll be dead by morning if I stay, Jabba and the deal will be off. I am not your play thing," Fress warned as she ignited her lightsaber. A silver blade appeared with a snap hiss causing the guards who went to grab her arms hesitate. Anakin recognized the stance and body language in his friend. If you touch me you'll be sorry. He remembered a time when she was younger and a slaver attempted to take her. He lost his right arm that day and he was very sorry. "You have Lord Vader's word you'll have the spice. We're already in the process of making arrangements."

"You're a feisty one," Jabba pointed out as Fress glared at him. "Very well, you may leave."

Anakin heard Fress breathe a sigh of relief as she deactivated her blade and placed the handle back on her belt. She really was a firecracker.

Anakin turned towards Fress as they headed towards the exit. The sooner he got out of here the better. He climbed into the passenger's side as Fress climbed into the driver's side. She started the engines as he leaned his head back. He closed his eyes as his remaining energy drained from him.