There seems to be some confusion about the timeline and events. The events that have thus far transpired have taken place pre-ANH. This chapter takes place just before ANH. Alderaan still exists because those events have not yet occurred. Leia has made one attempt to retrieve the Death Star plans and will soon make her second attempt, placing us at the beginning of ANH.

Thank you all so much for reading! :)

###

Han was somewhat surprised by how eager he was to see the Princess. His senses were on high alert, anticipating seeing her in the Palace, even though their business was with her father and he had no idea if she was even on-planet.

Somehow, Han had become Antilles' unofficial second-in-command, even though his crew had no rank, other than his co-pilot. Although he and Antilles didn't particularly like each other, he seemed to have earned the older man's grudging respect.

Now, they were being led through the Palace to Viceroy Organa's office. The Palace was enormous, overwhelming, and opulent beyond his wildest imaginings.

It was hard to believe that surprisingly brave, little woman who stood unflinchingly before the slavers, came from such a pampered background. She was beyond privileged and yet she was fighting for the rights of the less fortunate. It was admirable, albeit misguided.

She impressed him. But, he would never let her know it.

The formally dressed man who led them to the Viceroy stopped in front of a door and knocked softly. It slid open and he stepped aside to allow them to enter.

At first, he saw only the back of Antilles' head, until he stepped aside and revealed not only the Viceroy, but his daughter as well. Han's eyes flew to her instantly and he felt a sudden jump in his pulse rate that he tried to ignore. Her gaze was steadfast on him as well, sharp and intent, and something seemed to flicker almost tangibly between them.

Han was vaguely aware of the Viceroy rising from his seat and coming around to the front of his desk to clasp hands with Antilles. It seemed distant and dull as his attention focused on the young Princess.

She was clad in a sleeveless, blue dress, rimmed around the collar, modest neckline, and waist with a darker blue. Sitting in a chair beside her father, her dark, abundant hair was pulled back from her face with large ringlets of curls crowning her head.

She looked older, more sophisticated, and he found it hard to tear his eyes away when he heard her father address him.

"Solo, you're the man I've heard so much about," he said in a deep, friendly tone.

Han had just enough time to catch the Princess' cheeks color before he turned towards her father's outstretched hand. He offered his own.

"Nice to meet you." They shook firmly.

The Viceroy was very tall, even taller than Han. His daughter did not resemble him at all. His skin was olive, while hers was very pale, and her eyes, although dark like his, were larger and wider. Her nose was more delicate and slightly upturned, and her lips fuller. He tried not to think about her distracting lips…

"It is a pleasure, Solo. I know we came about you by…unusual circumstances, but we are very happy to have you on board with us."

Han didn't think of himself as "with" them, but he held his tongue. The man seemed nice enough.

"Thanks." He rested his hands on his hips until the older man gestured for them to sit. They took a seat in the two black chairs in front of the desk while Organa returned to his seat.

The Princess sat in a proper pose, one leg crossed over the other, both hands perched on her knee. Her gaze remained fixed on some spot on her father's desk while Han continually tried to keep his eyes from straying to where she sat.

Organa smiled calmly and folded his hands together. "As you know, on the last attempt, the transmission containing the plans was not intercepted. Our contact left the system when he received no word. We were able to set up another rendezvous. We cannot fail this time."

Han's eyes flitted to the Princess and he saw a tiny grimace mar her features.

"Leia will be leading this mission again. It should be quick. Intercept the transmission and return so we can analyze the plans. We can't allow that battle station to exist."

"It can't possibly blow up a planet," Han said.

Organa's expression grew grave as he looked directly into Han's eyes. "Do you think that's something the Emperor wouldn't do?"

"I dunno. But, it's impossible to blow up a whole planet. You couldn't get that much firepower together."

"I assure you, it's real."

Han's expression was dubious but he refrained from rolling his eyes.

Organa turned to his daughter. "Remember, Leia. You have a safety net this time. That's why you'll be in the Tatoo system. If there is a threat, do what you must."

She nodded, eyes and mouth set firmly.

Han watched this cryptic exchange curiously. What did that mean?

He turned back to them. "Antilles, you will lead the mission under Leia. Everything from the last attempt still applies."

"Yes, sir."

The Viceroy's eyes rested on Han. "Solo, I leave you with the responsibility of my daughter's personal safety."

Me?

At this, the Princess piped up. "My personal…" Her eyes narrowed to a glare. "I do not need someone responsible for my safety. I can handle myself just fine, as I proved the last time."

Her father's eyes were kind and his lips curved upwards in a gentle smile. "Leia, you handled things wonderfully. But, you are my daughter and I will always worry over your safety. It was to be a simple mission and things became dangerous. I will feel better if someone's sole assignment is to insure that you remain safe."

Jaw set, her lips pressed together, and Han guessed it was to keep the fury in her eyes from spewing from her mouth. Somehow, she looked even more beautiful when she was angry. Something warm and hazy skittered through him and a small flame of lust surprised him. He wondered suddenly if the passion he saw in her eyes would transfer to the heat of her mouth and he felt a stirring in his loins. Pushing the crazy thought aside, he returned his attention to the Viceroy.

"Solo, I know you have a vested interest in keeping Leia safe. That is why I am entrusting her to you."

Vested interest? After a moment, he realized that the man was referring to the fact that his daughter was in possession of the remotes for both Chewbacca and himself. He often forgot about that and the reminder merely irritated him. He nodded acknowledgement because there was nothing he could say.

"I would like to speak to Captain Antilles in private. If you'll excuse me, Solo. Leia." He gestured towards each of them.

Han rose and thought he detected some defiance in the Princess' stride to the door. Once it slid shut behind them, she turned to him, glaring resentfully.

"I don't need you watching over me." Her voice was hard.

He shrugged. "Okay."

She continued to glare before her anger seemed to deflate and drift away. "You agree?"

He shrugged again. "You did real good on your own last time."

She smiled tentatively. "Thank you."

For some reason, it pleased him to see her smile.

"How are you adjusting to your new career?"

He frowned in response. "Career? This is just an arrangement. Not some long-term thing."

Her smile faded quickly to an annoyed purse of her lips. He was surprised to realize he wanted to see her smile again.

"So, I guess I'll be sticking by your side."

She scowled. "I thought we agreed it wasn't necessary."

"I did," he answered quickly. "I do. But it's my job."

"You mean it's your arrangement," she said frostily.

He frowned and said nothing. Their gazes fell awkwardly to their feet. He had to stay and wait for Antilles. He didn't know why she remained.

"How is Chewie?"

"Chewie?"

She smiled fondly and Han wondered when they had gotten so chummy. "It suits him."

"He's fine," he answered irritably. "Think we can pull this thing off this time?"

` "We have to." Her voice was vehement.

"This thing can't really blow up a planet, can it?"

"It can."

"How do you know?"

"We have a very reliable source."

"It could be a bluff."

"I doubt that."

"How could it possibly blow up an entire planet?"

"Its superlaser is powered by a hypermatter reactor. I assure you, it can destroy a planet."

It made sense yet Han still found it difficult to fathom. He would have to see it to believe it. Although, he had no desire to see an entire planet destroyed.

She continued brusquely. "With that technology, the Emperor can bully any system into compliance. He'll have full power."

"That doesn't change anything for me." The entire topic made Han feel argumentative.

Her eyes seemed to grow larger. "It changes things for everyone."

"Not for people like me. I'll still be smuggling. Under the radar."

"You don't think it will affect you?"

"Nope."

"You're fooling yourself."

"What do you know?" He was beginning to become angry. "I know more about this galaxy than you do."

"I highly doubt that."

"I know that." How had things become so hostile? "Look at this place. I bet your servants have servants."

Shocked anger colored her cheeks and her eyes locked on his like a targeting computer. "You don't know a thing about me."

"Anything I need to know about you I can tell by looking around here."

"And that's the point," she said hotly. "I am in a position where I can help those who are unable to help themselves and will be more greatly affected by the Emperor's tyranny. But, if you don't think this will affect everyone, including you and me, then you're a fool."

"You're the fool if you think your little Rebellion is going to stop the Empire!"

The fire in her eyes blazed back his own anger. He wasn't even sure why he was so pissed off. Her know-it-all attitude just irked him.

The argument came to an abrupt halt when the door behind his back opened.

The Princess seemed to pull herself together visibly, lowering her shoulders and relaxing her jaw. Han remained in the same stance, hands on hips, bent forward.

The Viceroy's voice sounded from behind him. "Is everything all right?"

Han's eyes were steadfast on hers and he said nothing.

Her expression became impassive. "Yes, Father. Everything is fine." She gave Han a pointed look that he sneered at.

When Organa dismissed both Antilles and him, Han walked away reluctantly with one last, lingering glare at the Princess.