A/N: Please read and review!
II
After the call came from Luke to get back to base immediately, Leia had excused herself from Han's bunk in order to let him change. She knew if she had stayed in the room any longer, it would have made for a tough time getting off of Endor. There had been too much electricity between them for their own good – she knew Han was hurt, and anything beyond a kiss might injure him further.
Han insisted on staying awake to pilot back to the frigate on his own. He had attempted to show Leia the controls, but had given up quickly after realizing it would be quicker to start her up on his own. Despite not having Chewie around, he could still operate solo.
Leia had become more frustrated each time he had asked her to flip a switch above her head or push a button on the dash. Finally, upon understanding that it wasn't the best time for her to learn how to pilot the large freighter, Leia sat herself down in the copilots chair after a quick kiss on Han's cheek; it was the best she could do to stay out of his way but keep an eye on him in case he started to drift off.
It hadn't taken long for the Falcon to reach the Alliance base. The frigate had traveled closer to Endor after the war had been won, allowing a quicker regroup for the troops afterwards. Despite the distance still separating the two, only a few hours remained for travel time back to the larger ship.
By the time they arrived, Solo's eyes were obviously heavy with sleep. Yet, he still argued the idea of taking a nap. Leia gave him a peck on the lips after he shut his ship down on the loading dock of the frigate in hopes of waking him up a tad. His eyes seemed delighted, but his heart was still swamped with exhaustion.
"Come on, fly boy," she whispered as she stood up and moved behind his pilot chair. "Luke's waiting for us."
"Luke." Han mumbled the Jedi's name as though it were on the scales of 'Darth Vader'. He knew that he was Leia's brother now, but it still made him jealous that he had a connection with her that would never falter.
Leia's disapproving frown made him realize his mistake. Instead of making it into a big deal, Han smiled his crooked smile at her and stood up. Adjusting his belt holster, he prepared to walk off the Falcon for the first time with everything he had ever wanted – out of the Rebellion and with the girl he loved. He held out his arm in an offer to Leia, hoping she would take it as she had on Bespin when they had first arrived. Then, he proceeded in heading down the corridors to the loading ramp of the Falcon.
"You think the kid's waiting for us?" he asked, still pondering over Luke.
Leia thought for a moment as they exited down the ramp. "He's here," she answered. "They're in the briefing room."
Han rolled his eyes, but shortly after, he hoped she hadn't sensed that as well. Leia had grown with the Force after Luke had called to her on Bespin. He had heard all about how she had saved him, and although he approved of how brave she had been, he hated hearing about their biological link. To him, it was all still fake.
He remained silent as he escorted her to the briefing room. The loading dock was bustling with crew members prepping the X-wings – it was obvious something was about to happen, and it was more obvious that they were going to be part of it.
Mon Mothma wasted no time once they arrived at the briefing room. Taking a seat next to Luke, Han leaned back in his casual position and stretched both arms out behind the kid and Leia on his other side. Chewie yowled a rumble of a greeting from the row behind him. He nodded to the air in signal that he had heard his friend's 'hello'.
"Welcome," Mon spoke slowly and intellectually, as she always had.
Solo raised his eyebrows in response, sarcastically showing how much he wanted to be there.
She continued. "Congratulations, Rebels. Not only have we ended the reign of the Galactic Empire, but we have also begun to restore peace to the galaxy."
A murmur spread through the gathered Alliance members – some approved of her words, others wondered how much work they had ahead of them. The biggest issue was addressed next: how to begin rebuilding order.
"The planet of Coruscant had been the meeting point for the Senate many years ago. Emperor Palpatine and his rule had taken over the honorable sector of the galaxy, but now, it is our turn to bring it back to what it once was: a democracy."
Luke was first to object. "Most of the galaxy hasn't even heard of the Empire falling yet!" For a young kid, he knew a lot about the results of war.
"He's right," Leia agreed boldly. "Surely you don't assume the Alliance can just sweep through the city and retake the throne."
Mon gazed upon her with a calm look, suddenly frightening the young woman. For once, the Princess wondered if she should have kept her thoughts to herself, but she knew her father had never raised her that way. Her father on Alderaan, anyway. She had often heard about her real mother and her achievements as part of the original Senate, but her life had always been consumed by the Galactic Senate, ruled by Emperor Palpatine. The chance to rebuild could be her first to witness a galaxy of peace and unity.
"Not at all, Princess Organa," Mothma replied finally. "I won't be needing to send a full fleet."
"And that's where we come into play," Han muttered, rolling his eyes once more. He brought a hand from behind Luke to his chin and rubbed it firmly, as he always did when he was stressed.
"Just the Princess," Mothma replied coolly. "The Senator, rather, as she was previously termed."
"Leia?" Han asked, appalled that she would suggest such a thing. "You want Leia to go on her own to Coruscant and risk her life in an attempt to rebuild our precious Senate?" He sat forward, as though challenging the leader of the Rebellion.
"We will send a security unit, of course."
Any amount of people in her security guard would not be good enough. Solo knew how the Empire still rules Coruscant. He knew how the Imperial units on guard at the old Senate were probably still not aware of the destruction of the two Sith Lords. They would be on strict standby until the news was confirmed that Skywalker had destroyed it all.
Leia looked to the ground, her face still with thought. Han knew she wanted to go – this was what she was born for. But he also knew she was fearful of what he was also fearful of. This could be her last mission, if she were not protected fully.
Mon Mothma took the moment of silence in the room to go over the intended plans. "The Imperial troops on Coruscant will be instructed to stand down by her security unit. I will personally record a hologram announcement to send to the surrounding parts of the galaxy before she lands.
Once in the city, it will be the Princess's job to re-declare herself as Princess of Alderaan, and Princess of the Alliance. Once she is securely in the Chancellor's seat, the Alliance will have her declare a message to all networking planets to send their command to Coruscant as well. Then, we can rebuild the democracy that once was."
"And what makes you think something like this will work?" Solo asked, trying to make her falter in confidence.
It didn't work.
"The Empire was feared for too many years," Mothma answered. "No one will risk going to Coruscant to claim the Senate as their own before us, especially if word has not spread. Seeing the face of the Princess that was thought to be lost to the planet of Alderaan will reunite the peaceful systems. This is the best chance we have at rebuilding a peaceful galaxy. As you well know, Princess," she concluded, turning to Leia, who gazes up at Mon once more. "You might be our only hope at locking the Empire away for good."
Leia didn't have to think twice – she knew the Alliance leader was right. No one else was prepared enough to take on such a feat, and sending someone like Luke onto the planet to do the job for her may cause turmoil because of his sense of the Force. No one knew she had the same abilities yet except for him and Han.
Solo knew she was going to accept. He intercepted her agreement with his own. He was not ready to lose her – not yet. Seizing the opportunity to continue to be of aid, he stood up and hooked his thumbs in his belt loops.
"Then send me," he offered. "As her escort."
"Han!" Leia objected, pulling at his hand to get him to sit back down. He didn't budge.
Han instead kept a straight face, almost willing Mon Mothma to argue with him. "I can act as security. I've been doing it for the past few months now, anyway. She'll be safe with me."
"She'll be vulnerable with you," Mothma snapped, denying his offer. "Any moment you let your guard down, she can be harmed."
"I know that," he promised. "Which is why I'm the best man for the job."
Their eye contact seemed to last forever as Mon pondered the idea of sending Solo with Leia to Coruscant. The eerie silence of the rest of the Rebllion laid across the room as she decided whether or not to agree with the smuggler. He had the skills, but sometimes, he lacked the willpower. His temper would surely get in the way, too – he had never been one to make friends easily.
"Leia is a Senator," Mon pointed out, attempting to politely let him know he was not fit to make public appearances that would require the skills of a royal family.
Solo pressed his lips together as he stood on his heels. He was defeated with her assessment. He had been a thief and a pirate all of his life, and did not know the fancy diners or addresses she would have to hold while attempting to rebuild the Senate. It would takes months to do, and he wasn't sure he was ready for months of a Princess's lifestyle. However, he did know he was ready for Leia, which was enough.
Leia sensed his internal struggle and stood to show her appreciation. "He's right," she told Mon softly. Lacing her hand with his after pulling one off of his belt, she declared her order. "I trust him. Even with my life."
Solo whipped his head towards her with a wild look of astonishment at her statement. He wasn't sure she still felt that way about him, but it was clear that he had made the right choice stepping up. A childish grin lifted the corner of his mouth as he felt genuinely wanted.
Leia didn't bother to look towards him; her intertwining of their hands spoke loud enough for the room. Instead, she didn't let her gaze waver as she demanded he be sent with her. It was final – in order to accept Mon's order to rebuild the Senate on Coruscant, Leia would be taking Han Solo as her escort.
