Han tapped out a message to Chewie letting him know they were coming in separately. They had a near run in with a guard on the way out of the warehouse so Leia thought they should split up in case they were followed.
Take-off in ten.
It was an unexpected stopover. Leia learned about the drop-off when they left hyperspace for a High Command check-in then insisted she could do it since they were already in the region. That wasn't entirely true but she didn't want to risk anything going wrong with that much money at stake. It meant Leia would be late for her Mothma meeting and he'd have to make up some serious time for his next pick up, but as long as the Rebels paid for the extra fuel it didn't make much difference to him.
He headed for the alleyway. Wolport was a busy place and he didn't feel much like walking through the crowds. The city was full of too many desperate beings looking for any kind of scrap.
Han did the calculations. They could get to the rendezvous point in about six hours and it was another eight hours to Robarsi to pick up the thermal casings. His contact was very clear about not waiting around if he was late but they could make it happen. They had to. It took him a damn long time to hook this up and it was likely their last ditch effort to get the speeders running in the cold. Rieekan was already threatening to set them all on fire for heat if this didn't work.
He got why the Rebels chose Hoth. It was a remote planet in a remote system surrounded by meteorites and asteroid fields and a whole lotta nothing. It was a challenge getting in an out. More than a few freighters, not the Falcon, of course, got pretty bashed up on route and a few ran into outlaws and pirates hiding out in the sector. Nothing close enough to Hoth to get anyone too worried but a reminder they weren't the only ones hoping to go undetected.
The planet was an unrelenting, unforgiving tundra on a frozen ball of ice. He'd been on a lot of shitty planets but Hoth was its own special kind of Hell. Jenson tried to argue it was a dry cold and therefore not that bad but he was clearly delusional. Han was glad he had the Falcon, and Leia, for added warmth but the harsh conditions were starting to wear on his ship, too. He half-expected pieces to crack and fall off every time they landed.
Leia was on planet as soon as they were sure they could survive in the cold. She and a dozen Rebels lived in an active construction zone as they built the base around them. Han arrived a week later with more crew and supplies and thought she might've actually lost her mind with this one. It was a new level of chaos even for the Rebels. He expected her to be stressed and exhausted but she was energized, almost happy that shit was finally getting done. She was the eye of the storm directing everything from her post in the make-shift Command Center.
He was glad they stopped the pretending they weren't together. One less thing to navigate. They weren't making out in front of anyone but they weren't hiding it either. And it was a new source of amusement to see how long it took for her to break. He could lean against one of the ice walls or some half-built machinery and watch her work until she finally snapped.
"Don't you have anything better to do? Must you stare?"
"Oh, I must."
"I can assign you a task if you're bored."
"Only interested in one assignment right now."
Sometimes she rolled her eyes and said, "You know, it's not really a turn on if you refer to it as work." Other times she whispered a location and they did the disappearing act.
Han could smell Neimoidian noodles coming from one of the restaurants. Ord Mantell wasn't his favourite place but being a hub for trade and crime meant a good selection of food. For a second he considered stopping to grab dinner. Something better than Rebel grub. Or get some fresh food and cook up a feast. It'd been a while since they'd done that, too. There hadn't been a lot of time for personal shopping trips lately.
They'd finally got Echo Base in halfway decent shape, which was pretty impressive. Seemed like anything that could go wrong did. Collapsed corridors, frostbite and hypothermia, injuries and sicknesses that came with working in a cramped and slightly dangerous environment. The excavation released spores trapped in the ice for maybe thousands of years so everyone on base, or who came near base, was given massive amounts of antibiotics to ward off any infection. Then half the residents, including Han, got sick from the shots. Unidentified creatures broke into the base, killed some tauntauns and caused general panic and chaos. Speeders didn't work in the cold. Meteorites blocked and jammed communication signals. As always, it looked like the odds were stacked against them but they didn't slow down.
He and Chewie were always on the move, picking up beings or supplies, helping with construction and clean up. It was an all hands on deck situation even when most everyone was down there. It suited him more than he expected. Liked being busy. Liked making sure things were done right. Some of these newbies were flailing as they figured it out. Better to show them so he didn't have to worry about an engine catching fire or a ceiling crashing down on them.
Besides, might as well stay occupied while Leia was working. More chances to run into her, maybe get a quiet moment, which was good considering she didn't have a lot of time to spare.
She slept on the Falcon, though. It started back on Collahe when he was recovering. She'd slip on board at the end of the day and leave in time for her morning meetings, and it never shifted back.
He liked waking up with Leia beside him. Liked seeing her stuff around the cabin. It had been a very long time since he considered sharing his space with anyone and now he was the guy on runs who smiled when he found extra hair pins in the 'fresher or stuck to the left when sleeping alone cos that was his side. He didn't have to make room for her anymore. He had to accommodate for her absence not figure out how she fit in.
He tapped out another quick message to Chewie, checking if Luke or Leia had arrived. He wasn't big on splitting up but they didn't have far to go and he knew Leia was taking the more direct route. Chewie responded, saying he was still waiting, and Han tried not to sigh. He thought about comming Luke and Leia but didn't want to distract them. It was better if they all kept moving.
He wasn't too happy when Leia insisted Luke come with them on this run. The idea was to get some alone time with her for once. Well, idea was being generous. They were in her office saying a quick goodbye before he left. She was on his lap wearing nothing but his parka and still writhing as she came down from a louder-than-usual-for-office-sex orgasm and he was talking before he knew what he was saying.
"Come with me."
Her cheeks were rosy, flushed. Her eyes hooded. She looked sated and beautiful. If he was any other guy, he would've said I love you. Instead he nipped at her neck and brushed his fingers over her nipple so she'd squirm a little bit more and figured she'd get the idea.
"Now?" She seemed confused by the suggestion. She was apparently having just as much trouble forming coherent thoughts.
"You can check in with Sullust. Negotiate for a better price on fuel when we hit Nyar." He went back to nibbling at her neck. "I know how much you like a good negotiation."
"We're still waiting for the new pilots. I should be here to welcome them."
She was coming up with the arguments but didn't sound terribly convinced.
"I can drop you off with Mothma. Save you the long flight from here." He continued along her neck, pressing his tongue against her still heated flesh.
Her fingers threaded through the hair on the back of his neck as she tilted her head back to give him better access. Her thighs still pressed tight against his sides.
"Okay." She sounded groggy and distracted. "I need about an hour to get ready."
But she insisted that Luke come with them. Han was happy to have the Kid around usually but this was going to significantly alter his plans for the trip.
"Chewie doesn't care if we spend most of our time in the cabin." In fact, his partner had clearly stated he'd prefer they stuck to the cabin after walking in on them a few too many times. Not actual sex cos Leia was too careful if Chewie was on the ship but enough that the Wookiee called it. "Not going to be so easy if you're also trying to entertain Luke."
"He could help me prepare for my meeting with Mon." She was dressing quickly. The Hoth cold on bare skin wasn't pleasant. "Actually, I'd like him to come to the meeting. Reinforcements are good."
"You don't care he'll be missing out on his Rogue duties? Patrols and perimeters and all those things you can't get enough of."
"As you pointed out, we'll be gone less than a week. We might even make it back before you." She zipped up the vest on her snowsuit. She was ready while he was still pulling his pants on. Another sign he spent too much time watching her. "He still seems off."
"He's good, Leia." He made sure she was looking at him. "Way better than on Collahe. You gotta stop worrying about him."
"I don't want him to feel so alone. He had a tough time on Kalmar. I don't want him to lose hope."
"He can take care of himself."
"We take care of each other." She moved toward her office door. "Haven't you figured that out yet?"
It was strange seeing the quiet, almost defeated, Luke. He was with them physically, did his job, led patrols through the Hoth and Anoat Systems, but was withdrawn. Han did what he could, got Luke to help with repairs or join in on a card game when he got one going, but Leia took it on as a new mission. Made sure Luke had at least one meal a day with her. Joined her meetings. Started meditating with him. Anything to keep him connected. Maybe help him work through whatever was in his head.
Han wasn't too crazy about the meditation bit. He got why it was good for Luke but half the time Leia was rattled afterward. Sometimes slipped into something too close to her nightmares. He also wasn't too crazy about her liking it.
"It's like he's tapping into my head." She seemed both excited and confused. "Like a tether between us."
She insisted it was some trick of the Force as his skills improved but Han wasn't impressed. He wasn't sure if he felt jealous cos Luke was connecting in a way that Han couldn't or cos Leia didn't seem to mind. Seemed to like it. Found some kind of solace in it.
But as it turned out, he didn't mind having Luke around for the ride. It was good spending time with him, almost like the early days when they did long missions together or passed hours working repairs. He'd forgotten how easy it was to hang out just the two of them. Leia got in the habit of going to bed early, claiming to work but never awake when he got in there, so he and Luke had long evenings in the lounge. When the Kid veered into talking about the Force or Kalmar and visions, Han listened, asked questions. He cared about Luke, not the topics, and that was enough.
Leia took on extra projects around the ship because she somehow felt she didn't have enough to do. It was nice, though. They got in the habit of checking in on each other and talking about nothing important. Han liked the simplicity of it. Knowing she was somewhere on his ship. Always within reach. He'd sit on the deck beside her as she reorganized cabinets, laughing at her running commentary about anything odd she found. These Rebels didn't know what they were missing. They had no idea how funny she was or the power of her laugh. She could fill a room.
"Should we be worried?"
Han looked over at Luke, confused by the question. They were talking about podracing last he remembered.
"'Bout what?"
They were sitting on crates in the engine room, an old sensor grid on the table in front of them. Han decided it was a good time to pull apart used parts and see what could be repurposed. Luke was prying open one side of the frame as Han pulled out circuits and wires from the other.
"Leia's sleeping a lot." Luke put the panel aside and blew on the circuits to dislodge any dust.
"Why the hell would you be worried about her sleeping?" Han scowled.
"It's not like her. We've known each other for three years. Have you ever seen her sleep this much?"
"Everyone's got to sleep sometime." He attached the first circuit to a power source. "Even overactive Princesses."
The circuit didn't light up so Han marked it then moved on to the next one.
"But this seems like a lot, don't you think?"
"What can I say? She gets a lot of exercise." He didn't look up from his work but his voice indicated a leering tone.
"Okay, fine." Luke laughed "I'm dropping the subject."
"Cut her some slack, Luke."
Han didn't sigh. Refused to admit he also wondered why she was so tired lately. He knew exhausted and frustrated Leia. The one who sometimes broke down and cried and maybe needed to sleep for ten hours but those moments were rare. And she was refreshed after, ready to take on the next dozen things awaiting her. But this Leia needed naps. Wanted an extra ten minutes in the morning that could easily stretch to thirty. Maybe she caught something on base. There always seemed to be something passed around.
"This is the first time in years she doesn't have to be in three places at once." Han frowned as yet another circuit failed to light up. "Give her a break."
"Yeah, I can see your point." Luke leaned his elbows on the table. "I'm in my head a lot these days. I'm probably overthinking things."
"Don't worry about the Princess." Han looked up at Luke. "She can take care of herself."
Or I can take care of her.
"You're good?" Luke was still leaning forward on the table. Apparently having given up his portion of the work.
"Am I good?" Han responded in a near growl, something close to a sneer. He wasn't in the mood for one of Luke's pseudo therapy sessions if that's where this was headed.
"Yeah." Luke shrugged. "Everything with Leia, I guess. Or whatever."
"Why? She say something to you?" He almost added while meditating but held back.
"No." Luke recognized Han's moment of insecurity and quickly moved on. "She never says anything. Not really. I was just checking in with you."
For the first year or so they all knew each other, Luke set himself up as the mediator. Always trying to smooth out the rough edges between the other two. Keeping the peace wasn't always possible but he usually managed to keep things relatively calm.
But as they moved into this new stage, they had to figure out how Luke fit in. They didn't need a buffer anymore or a mediator. Han didn't get the sense Luke was too concerned but Leia seemed determined to make up for any presumed slight or hint of neglect.
The idea of letting someone other than Chewie into his life made Han's brain break a bit. It was equal parts natural and awkward. He thought of Luke as a brother, he'd do anything for the Kid, but he'd only barely learned how to admit anything to Leia so it seemed near impossible he'd manage to admit anything to Luke. Nothing against the Kid but it wasn't going to happen.
"All good." Han marked the three circuits that still worked. If he kept his head down, maybe Luke would get the idea and move on.
"I can really sense her agitation when we're meditating, though."
Han looked up at him, brow furrowed. Where was he going with this?
"Not about you?" Luke sounded shocked that Han might think that's what he meant. "When I start think about Vader, Leia gets noticeably agitated."
"He tortured her and blew up her fucking planet. He's the main henchman for the Emperor and she's spent most of her life trying to right all the shit they've done." There was also her insistence that Vader was at least partially responsible for his injuries while captured. It seemed a bit of a stretch to Han but she refused to budge. "How else do you think she'd react to Vader showing up in her head?"
"I'm saying I think about Vader but she gets agitated."
"It's your whatever." He waved a hand toward Luke. "Your Force stuff. Leaking, or something, over to her."
"Wow. That was the most disgusting description of the Force I've heard yet."
"Truth hurts."
Luke ran a hand through his hair. He looked more thoughtful than concerned.
"I've wondered if I'm projecting too much. She can be a sponge for that kind of thing. Always trying to help or find a solution."
"So maybe cut back on the projecting."
"I'm not doing it intentionally. It's something I'm trying to learn how to control." Luke pulled at the circuits on his side, more mindlessly playing than working. "I'm getting better at it, thanks to Leia, but I worry about her sometimes too. You know?"
"Yeah. I know."
Han grabbed some lubricant from the shelf. He needed to rework the switches, get everything moving again, then replace the circuits. They still had a couple hours before hitting Ord Mantell and maybe he could finally cross this project off his list.
"I'm happy for you."
Han gave Luke a quick look then turned back to the lubricant. The cap was stuck. Chewie probably used it last. He did this shit all the time, twisting things shut and never thinking non-Wookiees might need it next.
"You and Leia." Luke didn't seem to mind that Han wasn't looking up. "I'll admit I thought you might only last a few months before imploding, or exploding, but it makes sense to me now. You're good contrasts for each other. Fill in each other's, um, gaps."
Han looked up and smiled. "You were gonna say holes."
"I caught it in time."
Han went back to the lubricant, trying to pry it open with an edge of the panel.
"Anyway. I'm glad you found each other. You guys making it work means me think there might be hope for the galaxy after all."
"Nice."
"Maybe there's hope for us all."
"You're a riot, Skywa… Fuck"
The cap flew off and the lubricant sprayed out, most of it landing on Han's vest and shirt. Swearing a few more times, he stood up and threw a rag at Luke.
"Wipe that up, would ya."
He took his vest off as walked back to his cabin, throwing it to the side once inside. She was asleep in the bunk, rolling over and slowly opening her eyes at the sound of the door.
"I thought you were working."
"Needed to shut my eyes for a few minutes." Leia craned her neck to look at the chrono. "Maybe too many minutes."
He put his hands on his hips and watched her stretch. She moved slowly, extending each joint and muscle then relaxing back into the bunk again. She was wearing one of his sweatshirts, looking warm and relaxed and at home.
"Luke thinks I should be worried. Thinks maybe you're sick cos you're sleeping too much."
That wasn't exactly what Luke said but she wouldn't know that detail.
"I thought you were all about the nap. The spacer schedule you like to brag about."
Sleep had always come easily for him. Mostly. It sometimes meant odd schedules and short bursts but he could sleep anywhere at any time. Quick re-energizing naps. Came from needing to be on watch, listen for any signal or noise that his ship wasn't running as it should, or someone sneaking near your sleep pad to grab what little stuff you owned.
The only time things got messed up was after the Imperial holding station. It took a while to find sleep again. Kept thinking he was back in the cell, waking up in a panic. Took too many seconds to remember where he was. The worse part was when he woke Leia up since she already had enough to deal with when it came to sleep and nightmares. He usually made up an excuse about needing to check on something then did his night circuit until he'd calmed down.
She propped herself up on her elbows. "There's no winning. I'm harassed because I don't sleep enough and now because I'm sleeping too much."
"It's not really harassment. He's concerned." Han was trying not to sound like he thought Luke had a point. "Maybe you got a touch of something."
"Touch of something? Now you sound like my aunts."
"You were feeling nauseous yesterday."
"It was something you cooked."
"The rest of us ate it and were fine." He pulled his shirt over his head, careful to avoid the lubricant.
"It was the smell. I can't help it if I have a sensitive sense of smell."
"More sensitive than a Wookiee?"
"I don't have all the answers." She sat up, pushing herself off the bunk. "Other than I know I'm not sick."
Her braids were messy, strands popping out in all directions. She ran her hands over head, trying to smooth everything back into place but quickly recognized a losing battle.
"What happened to your shirt?"
"Chewie boobytrapped the lubricant."
She laughed, looking sleepy and beautiful. "Of course. That sounds exactly like Chewie."
He nodded toward the storage closet he used as a wardrobe. "Can you grab me a shirt?"
She pulled open the door then smirked. "White or off-white? Oh, wait! There's a blue one. How exciting."
Leia pulled out the blue shirt and a small box came with it, landing on the deck by her feet.
He watched her pick up the box and it took him a moment to remember what it was. She already had it open before he realized he should stop her.
"It's beautiful." Leia held up the necklace. "Where did you get it?"
He reached out and took the shirt from her but didn't put it on. He bought the necklace after winning at cards. He was drunk and the necklace was overpriced and he could remember the flash of feeling like a big shot. The street kid buying the princess fancy jewelry. He wanted to see her wear it, maybe wanted people to know he gave it to her, but he lost his nerve. It seemed like an out-sized gift. A big ask for the street kid sleeping with the princess.
He could ask her now. She wouldn't wear it around base but she would here. In the cabin. For him.
She shook her head, smiling. "Never mind. I'll just imagine it was a heist gone wrong. A payment for a private job." She ran a finger over the blue green stone then looked back up at him. "Or did it involve the mysterious double cross? Some female wondering why she trusted the scoundrel in the cantina?"
"Scoundrel? I like the sound of that."
"Of course you do."
"Actually, Sweetheart, I bought it for you." He took a step closer, hands still on hips.
She looked at him, eyes wide. "It's expensive. You shouldn't spend money on things like this. Not for me."
"Yeah. It was a while back." That wasn't much of an explanation but it's what came out of his mouth.
Leia looked at the necklace again then bit her bottom lip and smiled. "And why didn't you give it to me."
"Kinda forgot it was there."
She closed the box and put it in the wardrobe. He smiled as she stood on her toes to push the box to the back of the shelf.
She stepped toward him and both her hands went to his bare chest. "If he ever decide you want me to have it, you can give it to me properly."
Her arms slid around him as he leaned in for a kiss. They took their time, walking back to the bunk, peeling away articles of clothing, letting each motion, each touch, linger. They weren't in a rush. He moved on top of her, inside her, following her lead of raised hips and arched back. A gasp that told him the right spot, stroke. Their breathing in sync. She closed her eyes as she reached her peak and he nudged her jaw with his nose so she looked at him. They looked at each other.
It was the perfect time to say it out loud but she looked like she might fall asleep again and he decided it could wait. Of course, he'd never said it before so what did he know about perfect timing. He only knew this street kid was in deep with this princess and it was a whole different kind of thing.
Han was almost at the docking bay when he noticed movement at the end of alley. He slowed down to get a better look and Leia stepped into view. She wasn't alone.
A Kasprzan was behind her, their arm wrapped across the front of her neck and shoulders. Their blaster pointed at her temple. A Bahrtian, carrying a crossbow, stood beside them.
Han stood perfectly still, trying to place them. The way they were smiling at him meant they knew him and not just from his bounty notice. They'd spoken before.
Jabba's. They didn't have much to do with each other but had crossed paths at the palace. Played cards with the Kasprzan a few times. Low-level bounty hunters but that didn't matter now. They had Leia. That's all that mattered.
"Carteem." Han looked from one bounty hunter to the other. "Nassa. Been a long time."
"Happy to see us, Solo?" Nassa lifted her crossbow higher and smiled. "Because we're sure happy to see you."
"Hands up, friend." Carteem grunted. "No sudden moves. You know the drill."
Leia looked pissed. Probably angry that she somehow let herself get nabbed. Very likely furious it was his bounty hunters that did the deed.
"We can all stay calm. Work something out." He raised his hands. Tried for his friendly voice.
"We've already got a plan. We don't need your input." Nassa used her crossbow to point to the side. "Let's get moving."
"We don't need her." Han nodded toward Leia. "You got my attention. We can do the rest of it on our own."
"And we're going to keep your attention. She's coming along for the ride."
Han started moving in the direction Naseem wanted but backward so he could keep his eyes on them.
"Dump her now and it's one less thing to worry about." Han moved slowly, careful to keep the right amount of distance between them. "I'll come with you quietly if you cut her loose."
"You're coming with us no matter what." Naseem poked Leia's side with the crossbow and Han saw Leia react, ready to kick Naseem aside, then restrain herself when Carteem's arm tightened across her neck. "Knowing we could take your lady down whenever we want will keep you in line."
"She's coming with us." Carteem pushed Leia forward. Leia resisted, trying to lock her legs in place but she didn't have leverage.
Han tried signaling her, telling her to go along with it until they could find an opening. Chewie knew when to expect them. He would react if they were late. She didn't nod but she understood.
He kept his face neutral, his stance almost casual, but his heart was pounding. Carteem had a tight grip on her. Leia's heels were off the ground as she shuffled in front of the Bahrtian. Both her hands were on Carteem's forearm, holding herself up and trying to prevent herself from choking.
A door slid open and someone stepped out of a restaurant. Naseem reacted quickly, shooting her crossbow and hitting the worker in the chest. They fell to the ground as their bin of food waste scattered around them.
Han's blaster was pulled and fired before Naseem fully realized what had happened. As the Kasprzan fell, Leia kicked then elbowed Carteem in the moment of distraction then swung to the side as Han fired again. Leia quickly grabbed her blaster from Carteem's holster and got off a couple shots as she and Han ran.
Han didn't have time to call Chewie to say they were coming in hot but it was pretty obvious when they ran up the ramp.
"Move! Now!"
Thankfully Luke had already arrived and Chewie had the Falcon warmed up. Naseem and Carteem must have been working alone because there was no one else waiting and no one interested in stopping them.
Han didn't get a chance to catch his breath until they hit hyperspace. Leia was alive and unhurt. They were back on the Falcon, heading to their next rendezvous, but it had been close. Really fucking close.
"What happened back there?" Luke unbuckled himself and jumped up from his seat. "Did the guards from the warehouse show up?"
Han wasn't sure where to start. He wasn't even sure exactly what transpired. It all happened so quickly. Leia, however, was not at a loss for words.
"His bounty hunters showed up!"
He turned around to look at her. Leia stood up slowly, a frightening combination of calm and furious.
"They saw the Falcon land and followed us to the warehouse." She stood in the middle of the cockpit. Luke, wisely, took several steps back. "They jeopardized the entire mission, Han! We could have lost the credits. All because of this stupid debt to your ridiculous crime lord!"
[What bounty hunters?]
He only glanced at Chewie. "I'll tell you later."
"This is so typical! You behave like this is a run of the mill, every day occurrence. This mission was small but it's important. We need this money!"
"How am I being carefree about this? I haven't paid off Jabba cos I've been saving Rebel ass for the past three years." He turned in his seat to face her. Refusing to stand. "And where's my thanks for getting you out of that mess?"
"You think I should thank you?" Her face turned red as she shouted. "I was grabbed because of you! They saw us together. Thought I would be the leverage to make the great Han Solo comply."
"I didn't exactly plan for this to happen!"
"You don't exactly plan for anything to happen!"
[Enough!] Chewie stood up. [I'm glad you've both returned safely but I can't listen to this argument right now. Go to your cabin if you want to continue. Otherwise, give the young Jedi and I some peace.]
Luke and Leia had to step out of the way to let the Wookiee pass. Luke looked back at her and mouthed, you okay? He left when she nodded yes.
She took several deep breaths and the red drained from her face as she calmed down.
"Leia, you know I'd never do anything to put your in danger." He gave a small half-smile. "You do a good enough job on your own."
"I didn't see them coming." She shook her head. "It all happened so fast."
What was he supposed to say? They were his bounty hunters. She was under constant danger, everywhere she went, and he just added one more.
"I'm going to go find something to eat." She rocked on her heels. "Maybe that will help."
"Yeah, maybe."
She turned back when she got to the door. "Are you coming?"
He shook his head. "Need to take care of a few things here."
He started a diagnostics check. They didn't really need one since nothing happened during the stopover so nothing should be different but it kept him busy. Hands working over the console and buttons.
There would be more. Bossk. Fett. Any up and comer who wanted to make their mark with Jabba. If they didn't kill him straight off, they'd take him back and it was very unlikely he'd come to a good end. But his even bigger concern was if he was captured and carted back to the Hutt, Luke and Leia would come after him. They broke into an Imperial holding station to rescue him so they'd come for him on Tatooine.
They think Jabba'll be easier than an Imperial prison.
Han knew that wasn't the case. The Empire at least pretended to follow rules. They had routine and protocol and that helped when trying to find a way in. Jabba thrived on chaos and constantly upsetting any expectations. They didn't know what they were facing if they went after Jabba.
He'd have to take care of things himself. He couldn't avoid Chewie getting involved but he could do what he could to keep Luke and Leia out of it.
Leia was so tired of this shit. There was no other word for it. First the bounty hunters on Ord Mantell and almost losing the credit chip. Then she and Mon spent six hours preparing for a meeting with the Steacyns only to be informed the delegation decided to withdraw from negotiations. Now she was sitting in the medbay on Mon's ship, still feeling sick even though they assured her there were no traces of toxins in her system, and so tired of all this shit.
She was feeling the effects of too many close calls. It had to happen sometime. She had spent the last three years determined and resilient, bouncing back after every tragedy and setback, injury and loss. She was mad about the bounty hunters. She was mad that they could have lost a significant donation because she let her guard down. Leia had felt a flash of terror when the blaster went to her temple. There was still so much to do. She had too much to lose.
But it was this latest attempt, the first one to get close, put her in serious peril, that really pissed her off. It wasn't that someone had made it their mission to end her life but that someone in the Alliance was a part of it. She had devoted her life to the Rebellion and some fucker she fought alongside, someone connected to High Command, was trying to kill her.
Leia hopped off the medical cot and experienced a quick rush of dizziness. She'd been sitting or lying down too long. The medical droid left twenty minutes earlier saying they would be right back but it was taking too long.
She picked up Han's sweatshirt from a chair. She had packed it in her bag without asking to borrow it and now it was ruined. The medical droid had torn it in the rush to attach sensor pads to her chest. She insisted her breathing was fine but they worried about a delayed reaction. Leia folded the sweatshirt and tucked it under her arm.
She had gone to sleep the night before, after yet long meeting to discuss their options without Steacyn involvement, wearing the sweatshirt and feeling grateful for the warm bed. She woke up a few hours later to Luke's voice and the sound of his lightsaber cutting through the door.
Everything immediately after was a blur. She followed Luke out, watched them seal off the corridor through a haze of panic. This was close, too close. She felt an urgent need she couldn't quite identify. She attributed it to being woken up from a deep sleep and needing to react so quickly. Or maybe that the crew carted her off to the med center so quickly. It was all so disorienting.
Leia turned at a soft knock on the door and called out, "Come in."
Mon entered dressed in a flowing green gown, looking ready for official business. Leia had a vague recollection with seeing Mon in a nightgown and coverup, following the small group to the med center, asking questions that Leia didn't quite catch.
"How are you feeling?" Mon indicated that Leia should sit and took a seat opposite the med cot.
"I feel perfectly fine." Leia sat down again, hoping this wouldn't take long. She'd been looking at these four walls for far too long. She placed the folded up sweatshirt beside her. "Have you learned anything more?"
"It was polcheirin gas released by a remote controlled detonator. The vents in your room were sealed and the door lock disabled from the outside."
"So someone on board." It was a small crew. Leia didn't know them all by name but Mon had used the same team for years. "Security cameras?"
Mon nodded. "But there is a ten minute gap in the feed for that one."
This confirmed the culprit also had easy access to secure areas of the ship. Leia took a deep breath and tried not to swear. It took a great deal of restraint.
"We don't need the camera to know who was responsible." Mon's voice was even and controlled and Leia recognized it as the composure of a woman accustomed to delivering bad news. "We found Khalia in her room. She ingested polcheirin gas using a face-mask and canister. Presumably she didn't want to risk transmitting the gas elsewhere."
"How noble of her." Leia felt herself sinking. Every new item of information weighed her down more. "Do you know if she acted alone?"
"No. Nor do we know if an accomplice was responsible for her death. She left no note but there were also no signs of struggle."
Leia thought about Mesry and his zealous rhetoric about making her pay. She hadn't checked in regarding that investigation since shortly after Da'Sim. It wasn't that she'd forgotten about that attempt on her life but it also didn't have much of an effect on her day-to-day. Even Han seemed to have let the topic go for the most part.
"All the crew and staff are submitting to interviews and we consider no one in the clear. However, the rest of the cameras were working and Khalia was the only one missing at any point. The holo-vid shows her going into her room, with everyone else accounted for, and no other activity near there until her body was discovered." Mon took a deep breath. "Khalia started working as my personal assistant when I was in the Senate. This is devasting on several counts."
Mon wasn't naive. She was a seasoned politician and a founding member of the rebellion and the Alliance. But Leia could sense Mon's guilt and disappointment that someone she considered loyal, a valued member of her small team, was capable of such betrayal.
"What do we know about Khalia?"
"She's Jevicuan. Her mother worked in local government. Her father was a teacher at a private school. Taught history, I believe." Mon looked to the ceiling as she listed off details. "Her mother died when Khalia was a teenager. Her father was injured during the riots and unrest after Alderaan's destruction. He wasn't involved but the Empire's crackdown was uniform and harsh. Khalia was proud of her work with the Rebellion and didn't hide her hatred for the Empire."
Leia didn't doubt that was true. Khalia was at Mon's side almost every step of the way. Until this moment, Leia would never have suspected she was anything but completely devoted to the cause. But loyalty to the Rebellion didn't mean loyalty to Leia.
"She was angry when I sent word my arrival was delayed." Leia had thought it odd but dismissed it as a stressful time. It took them a long time to get Steacyns to the table and Leia assumed Khalia was reacting to that pressure. "And then seemed anxious when Luke arrived with me."
Even Han noted it when he dropped them off. Thought Khalia seemed nervous. They were standing at the bottom of the Falcon's ramp a few feet from Mon and Khalia, still feeling some tension from their argument after the bounty hunter encounter, and she dismissed his comment as his final shot before leaving.
"Well, we are very grateful Commander Skywalker was here." Mon gave her a small smile. "His quick response saved you."
"Yes." Leia nodded a few times. "I'm very glad, too."
Luke thought their work meditating together helped. They had already opened a channel so he could better access her. He was meditating in his room when he sensed something was wrong. He knew she was in distress even before she did.
"Leia, we need to move you to a safe house." Mon drew Leia's attention back to her. "I don't think we can hide this incident from the rest of High Command but we need to keep your location a secret other General Rieekan and myself. Discretion is vitally important. We will ensure no one onboard discusses this incident. We don't want to cause panic within the Alliance or risk any of our supporters discovering we have a serious security breach on our hands."
Leia could already hear Han's reaction to Mon's comments. He would be furious that the Chancellor put the reputation of the Alliance first. Accuse Mon of being more concerned about donations than Leia's safety. Insist that the High Command was taking advantage of her, her reputation and willingness to sacrifice herself for the greater good.
But Leia had no intention disappearing into a safehouse.
"I'm better off on Hoth. I've spent almost three months on that planet with passageways collapsing and snow creatures stalking prey. If someone there was involved, they've had plenty of opportunities to strike and make it look less suspicious."
"You can still work in absentia." Mon leaned back in her chair looking every inch the esteemed leader of the Rebellion. "We have encrypted communications and underground channels precisely for this purpose. To keep members safe. Perhaps Commander Skywalker would come with you."
"Luke? He's needed on base as much as I am." Leia decided to ignore that comment. "I don't blame you, Mon. I know the level of security you demand. I was with father when he designed many of the protocols. And until this moment, I would have said I trust everyone on High Command and the beings we work with but as of now I'll decide what is appropriate and what is safe."
Mon raised an eyebrow at her and Leia held her ground. She wasn't going to bend on this issue.
Han could never understand her willingness to sacrifice so much for the Rebellion. Liked to remind her that fighting in the rebellion, or even re-establishing the government, didn't have to mean blind devotion to High Command. They bickered about it, sometimes shouted, and it was all a part of their routine.
"You could say no."
"I don't want to say no. I want to do whatever is necessary."
But when she hit a wall, like delivering another speech and meeting with supporters to mark the third anniversary of the disaster, he used the same argument to provide support. She paced in his cabin as they flew to Home One, filled with anger and anxiety at facing another year without her parents, Dommin, her home. He listened. Waited until she ran out of steam then held out his hand.
She stepped between his legs, her hands on his shoulders, and lowered her forehead to his. Han held her cheek with one hand and her hip with the other.
"Do you want me to say it?"
She nodded, keeping her forehead pressed against his.
"You don't have to do this. You can say no."
"I have a duty. They depend on me."
"There's more than one way to fight a war." He stroked her cheek with this thumb. "You don't have to be the one giving the speech. You don't have to share this one with the galaxy."
"The galaxy needs to know that I'm still here. Alderaan wasn't completely destroyed."
He traced his thumb over her lips and she thought, hoped, he would kiss her but he smiled instead.
"Well, if you change your mind, I have a very fast ship and I'll take you anywhere you want to go."
Leia stood up from the medical cot. This time she didn't feel dizzy or nauseous.
"Do we have an ETA? I'll need access to my personal things. I'd like to work before returning to Hoth."
A transport delivering more recruits and supplies to Hoth was waiting for them on Home One.
"Princess, we have more to discuss." Mon remained in her chair. "Please have a seat."
"No thank you." She picked up the sweatshirt and held it against her chest. "If you want to discuss anything relating to Alliance business I am happy to meet but I consider this matter closed."
"There's another matter we need to address." Mon looked uncomfortable. Leia wondered if she had ever seen the older woman squirm before. "It may encourage a delay in your return to Hoth."
"Could we talk somewhere else?" It was hard to hide her frustration. "I've been in this room a little too long."
"Please have a seat, Your Highness."
Leia clenched her jaw. "I'll stand."
"Very well." Mon shifted, trying to affect a more relaxed pose but couldn't pull it off. "Please know that I fully recognize this information is confidential and want you to know that I wasn't snooping for information."
Leia almost laughed at the way Mon pronounced snooping.
"I asked to look at the medical report on the toxins used in the attack to compare with what we discovered on Khalia. The report I was shown also contained other test results."
"My test results?" Leia couldn't help rolling her eyes. "If you are going to say I'm slightly anemic, I'm already aware that's a possibility. It happens occasionally. I can check in with the center on Hoth."
"It was not anemia." Mon paused, stared at Leia for too many seconds.
"Are you asking me to guess?" She was determined to not shout or swear but it was getting increasingly difficult. "I've neither the time nor the patience for this right now."
Mon shifted again, looked even more uncomfortable.
"I thought it might be better if the news, assuming it was new to you, came from me." Mon waited a few more beats to give Leia the chance to cut in with the information. "The test results show you are pregnant. Estimated seven to eight weeks."
Leia laughed. It was a strange automatic response, completely unbidden. It felt light and airy and perfectly ridiculous.
"There must be a mistake."
"Is it not possible? That you could be pregnant."
"It's possible." Leia looked away. Very possible. She and Han both had the shot but nothing was 100% foolproof. "But."
She didn't finish that thought. She didn't know how to finish it. She felt a warmth rushing through her body as she took stock still. This could explain her exhaustion, need for naps, the occasional nausea. She tried to remember what she knew about pregnancy, any conversations she may have overheard, then recalled Hera and Shara talking about random smells setting them off.
"Maybe I do have a better sense of smell than a Wookiee." She let out a small chuckle again. She felt almost vindicated.
"Excuse me?"
Leia looked up and saw Mon's confused expression. "Sorry. I'm still processing the information. Are we sure about these tests?"
"I see no reason to doubt them."
Leia didn't either but thought she should ask. She wanted to put her hand on her abdomen, see if she could sense anything, but was aware of Mon staring her, gaging her reaction. She wondered if Mon was disappointed she didn't react in distress or anger. Leia was confused and in shock but she was calm.
"Did you want me to ask Commander Skywalker to come in?"
Leia shook her head. She didn't need Luke. She needed to get back to base, talk to Han. He would be supportive, she felt certain, but she didn't know what support she needed.
"I'm sure you can understand my position on delaying your return to base." Mon's voice was gentle, encouraging, like she was trying to break through Leia's fog.
How had it never occurred to her that she might be pregnant? She hadn't considered it at all. Should she check in with Hoth medical center on the efficacy of their shots?
No. The last shot she had was on Collahe and they lasted six months. Was she past due? Leia did the math and she was close.
No. Mon said she was seven to eight weeks along. So it happened shortly after they arrived on Hoth. Perhaps when they were enjoying all those sporadic and enthusiastic visits. Acting like they had only started and lost in the thrill of something new.
That wasn't too far off the truth, though. It did feel like something new when they got him back from the Imperials. They were almost desperate for each other. Amazed and enthralled they were together.
Or on the Falcon when they had more time. Could pretend there was a lifetime ahead of them. They didn't talk about it but she knew he felt the same. Wanted to be in a world where they could make that choice.
There were so many things they didn't talk about but that didn't mean they weren't true. Did it? Neither of them acknowledged Chewie when he referred to their cabin and treated Leia like the Falcon was her home, too. It felt right being there, being with him. The fact he didn't protest Chewie's comments, made room for her, said he missed her when she didn't sleep over, told her they were in agreement.
Sometimes she thought about the man she met in the corridor of the Death Star and couldn't believe it was the same man lying beside her. Other times it felt like everything she knew, and loved, was evident from the beginning. Hiding, perhaps, but all there.
She was pregnant and neither had said I love you. Did that matter?
He trusted her and she knew what that meant. It almost broke her heart at times knowing he wanted to let her in but didn't know how. She was the same on many levels, afraid of losing everything, but until Alderaan's destruction she'd known unconditional love. Absolute trust.
When she asked to tie his hands down, let her have full control, his first reaction was to pull back. He paused, his brow furrowed and eyes surveying her face, assessing danger. She knew he was wrestling with his survival instincts to never be at a disadvantage, to always be alert, in command, prepared for any attack or betrayal. He was going through every scenario in his head, marking exits and outcomes. He didn't know a world where he could give himself over to someone else and not have it all crash around him.
But he agreed. His eyes softened and he smiled at her. "Have your way with me, Sweetheart."
Pregnant. She couldn't let this be her focus. They were at war. There had been a serious attempt on her life by someone she knew. She needed to push this aside until she could talk to Han. There were more immediate concerns. Pressing matters. This was too much to process on her own.
"There's a full medical facility on Home One. Or we could arrange for a visit at the safe house if you wanted the assurance of more privacy." Was Mon talking this whole time? How much had Leia missed? "As I said, Commander Skywalker could come with you for support."
Leia looked at the older woman. Blinked a few times. Mon thought Luke was the father and had already decided what should happen next.
"I'm not having this conversation with you." Leia took a deep breath. "This doesn't concern you."
"The medical facility on Hoth isn't prepared for these circumstances." Mon was trying to sound patient. "I understand this is an emotional situation considering all you must contend with but please look at this rationally."
"By contend with do you mean the assassination attempt that happened on your private ship and carried out by your personal assistant?"
"Leia, I'm as upset as you are that this happened and on my watch."
"I highly doubt that's true."
Mon nodded once. She was conceding to Leia's point but not backing down.
Leia shook her head. She was still clutching Han's sweatshirt and finding comfort in it.
"Surely I don't need to reiterate we are at war and there has been a serious and nearly successful attempt on your life." Mon was repeating herself.
"Surely you aren't presuming you have the right to tell me what I should or shouldn't do." Leia had no idea what she thought about being pregnant but she knew it was none of Mon's business.
"I'm merely stating the obvious. Having a child while leading a rebel army, raising a child on a base, is not wise or practical." Mon held up a hand, anticipating an interruption. "And, yes, I am well aware of General Syndulla's situation but, to be clear, I was opposed to that decision as well. There is no doubt about her level of commitment to the rebellion but she's had to make concessions because of her son. Lieutenant Bey and Sergeant Dameron have families to care for their son while they continue to fight. You don't have that luxury."
"I am well aware." Her voice was growing sharp. She dropped her arms to her sides and lifted her chin slightly. "I didn't say I'd made a decision, only that it is not open for discussion now or with you."
"Very well." Mon stood up. She smoothed out her skirt then clasped her hands in front of her. "We should reach Home One in approximately three hours. That should give you some time to discuss your options."
Leia levelled her eyes at Mon. "I will not be discussing this topic with Commander Skywalker at this time either, if that's what you are insinuating."
Mon returned her gaze. Leia watched as the realization spread across the Chancellor's face.
"I see."
It was an actual stand-off. Leia wanted to leave but she didn't want to be perceived as storming off.
"I'm not sure you do."
"I am not looking for details about your private life and firmly believe it should remain private." Mon tilted her head down to look at Leia. "You, of course, have every right to make a decision that you feel is best for you."
"Such a relief." Her mother used to say sarcasm made one sound immature but Leia didn't care. "Considering the events of the past few hours, including you reading a personal medical chart and assuming you had the right to advise me on this extremely private matter, I am going to tell what will happen next."
She could see Mon clench her jaw.
"Commander Skywalker and I will return to Hoth on the transport. I expect you to begin an investigation on this attempt on my life and I expect you will use the utmost discretion in doing so. I will consult with General Rieekan about the matter and any additional security measures needed going forward."
Leia knew she probably shouldn't be enjoying this but she was.
"I agree we should severely limit who knows about this attempt for the reasons you've already stated. But I will continue working, if only to reiterate to those responsible that I will not be intimidated." She levelled her gaze at the Chancellor. "As to the other matter, you should consider it closed."
"Since we are speaking our minds." Mon took a step forward. "I firmly believe that confidentiality should extend to all members and associates of the Alliance. In particular, it would be unwise to discuss this attempt with anyone who has known associations with criminals, crime syndicates and the like. Commander Skywalker and General Rieekan can provide all the counsel you require."
Leia kept her cool and thought she deserved a damn medal for doing so.
"I will take that under advisement."
"Then I'll leave you to it." Mon moved toward the door, speaking without looking back. "We'll talk before you board the transport. You can let me know if your opinion has changed on any count."
Leia watched the door close, impressed by Mon's power move of exiting first, and took a beat. Gave herself a moment to breath.
She counted to thirty, feeling calm and ready, then headed out to find Luke.
"Who the hell did you tell?!"
[The deck officer. I needed access to tools.] Chewie raised his arms in frustration. [It was a casual conversation. He asked what we were fixing.]
"And you somehow blurted out we're leaving?"
[I didn't know we weren't telling people.]
Han threw the hydrospanner into the toolbox. They'd pulled apart the hyperdrive when they got back from Robarsi because it wasn't engaging as quickly as it should. It looked like some of the intake valves were damaged by the cold. Han figured since the Rebels were responsible for it breaking they should be responsible for replacing it.
"Well, you know I haven't talked to her!"
He'd only seen her briefly as she hurried from the transport.
"We need to talk." She slowed down but didn't stop. "I have to meet with Rieekan now but I'll find you after."
He barely got out, Yeah, before she disappeared into the south passage.
Chewie nodded slowly and Han dropped his head back and let out a low groan. "Who else have you told?"
[Antilles.] Chewie paused, maybe hoping Han would cut him off. [Lt. Onorux. They were in the supply room. The Supply Officer on duty.]
"Hang on! Hang on! How exactly did you tell them? None of them understand Shyriiwook."
There was another extended pause that Han didn't like.
[The droid was there.]
Han didn't know a Wookiee could speak so quietly. It was as close to a whisper as Chewie was ever going to get.
"So, Threepio fucking knows." He ran a hand over the back of his neck. "Perfect."
He'd gone out on patrol to help Luke out. He'd returned to base to discover half his squadron was down with a cold. Seemed easy enough to tell the Kid over comms while they placed sensors around the perimeter. It made sense to tell Luke not to spread the word until Leia knew but he didn't suspect Chewie would be the idiot who couldn't keep his mouth shut.
[I could talk to the droid. Tell him to keep the information to himself. He always responds well to a threat.]
"You've talked enough, Pal."
Han paced the engine room, kicking the toolbox as he went past. His original plan, get her on the Falcon for dinner, break it down so she'd see it was the only way, was getting off-track. It wasn't going to work if someone else told her first.
"Finish up with the hyperdrive." He pointed to the engine in case Chewie forgot where it was. "We're still leaving by morning so it better be working."
He moved quickly down the ramp and through the hanger. It was jammed with pilots and mechanics arguing and fussing over equipment. They were still working on the speeders, attaching the thermal casings, but it was slow going.
Rieekan was in the Command Center, examining one of the many tactical boards and not looking very pleased. Han wound his way through the packed room to stand by his side.
"General."
"Solo." Rieekan tapped on the board and the view switched to Hoth's northern hemisphere. "It's a positive if they can't see in but not if we can't see out."
"Where's the Princess?"
Rieekan looked at Han. It was a discerning, take no prisoners look and Han knew the older man could see right through him.
"The rumors are true then. You're leaving us."
Han grimaced then tried for a half-smile. "I got a price on my head. If I don't pay off Jabba the Hutt I'm a dead man."
He didn't add that it didn't look good for Leia either. He hoped Rieekan understood it wasn't his first choice, or an easy one, but something he had to do.
"A deathmark's not an easy thing to live with. You're a good fighter, Solo. I hate to lose you." He shook Han's hand. "Hope this isn't the last we see of you."
"Thank you, General."
He turned around and she was standing a few feet away. By the look on her face he knew she heard. He took a few steps toward her.
"Hey."
She stared at him wide-eyed and silent.
"Come to the Falcon. We can talk there."
"Is there something to talk about? It sounds like you've already made the decision."
He looked behind her. Everyone in the room, including Cyn and Andrya, were pretending not to notice.
"You don't want to do this here."
"I really don't need one more person telling me what I do or don't want."
None of this was turning out as planned. He didn't expect it to go great but he hoped to have a better handle on it. He needed a reset. To recalibrate. Start fresh.
"Fine." His hands went to his hips. "I'm not in the mood for any of this either."
He spun on his heel and walked out. Maybe it would be better if he left this way. Leia got a lot of shit done when she was angry. She could take down the whole Empire by the time he got back.
He was sticking with when he got back, avoiding if he got back at all cost.
"Han!"
Once again, he spun around to look at her. She walked quickly down the corridor to stand in front of him. She was decked out in Alliance-issue snow suit but her cheeks and nose were rosy from the cold.
"Yes, Your Highnessness."
She frowned at his mocking tone.
"When did you make this idiotic decision?"
It was his turn to frown at the tone. "When we ran into those bounty hunters on Ord Mantell."
"How was that different than any other run in we've had?"
They both stepped back to let a Rebel carrying some equipment pass between them.
"You forget the blaster to your head? That they went after you cos of me?"
She quickly scanned the area around them to see if anyone might be listening. "We need you here now."
"We need?"
"Yes. Things are difficult here. We're still setting up base."
"Don't give me the now's not a good time speech. Already heard that one a few times."
He'd been giving himself that speech since Ord Mantell. He missed his chance. He should've gone back to Jabba to fix this mess a long time ago. It killed him that he finally found a place he wanted to be and he was going to lose it because he thought he was too clever to be caught.
"You're making a lot of assumptions about what I'm going to say." She bit inside of her cheek, keeping herself calm.
"That's right. Based on lived experience."
"Perhaps you don't have all the information."
"Then tell me!" He didn't mean to shout but the anger hit him fast. He pointed his finger at her. "This is the thing you do. Call me withholding then act like you know all the secrets to the universe that you couldn't possibly share."
He was reverting back to old patterns. Lashing out before she could get to him. Protecting himself from whatever he thought was coming his way. They were better at this these days, didn't jump at each other with the first sign of stress. Figured out how to maneuver when one of them hit that wall. Except they fell back to the old ways after the bounty hunters and they were doing it now.
"You knew this was happening sometime, should've done it after Yavin, but I stuck around. Now you want to give me shit about it? It's worse now cos I didn't take care of it back then. Not the kind of thing that gets better with age."
She wasn't talking. Her arms were at her sides rather than crossed over her chest, her usual defensive position.
"Don't got a death wish." She was looking at him like he was an idiot and he hadn't thought it through. He didn't know exactly how it was going to work but he'd thought about it plenty. "Unlike you, I'm not into the idea of sacrificing myself." As soon as he said it, he knew that was an unnecessary jab but he was on a roll. "But they're not gonna stop coming for me and you don't need one more thing coming at you."
They had to move to give another Rebel space. The passageway was busy with the endless work of setting up and maintaining a secret lair and no one was looking at them. Han didn't know if they were trying to be discreet or if they were so used to the fights no one paid attention anymore.
"Your problem is you can't see anything past your precious Rebellion. Jabba isn't going away until I deal with it. Pay him off. Whatever it takes to get him off my back." He didn't want to go. Didn't want to leave her. She'd be okay without him but he didn't want to be without her. They'd just figured this shit out. He loved her for fuck's sake and that had to count for something. "I'm doing this for you as much as me."
He saw her clenched jaw, the hurried pulse along her neck. She was spinning. Trying to organize her thoughts. She wanted to pace and rant and wave her arms but she wasn't going to do it in public. He needed to get her back to the Falcon so they could yell it out, if needed, then he could hold her and say all the things he wished he was saying now.
He took a step toward her. Lowered his voice to a near whisper. "Look, Ba…"
"Don't!" She held up a hand, stopping just short of touching his chest. "Don't call me that. Don't give me your half-baked plans or tropes about Corellian luck and don't tell me the odds. You're leaving. After everything. With everything happening now."
"I'm gonna come back." He was going to try to come back.
"Your Hutt is already trying to kill you. Why do you think this will work out any better?"
"First, not my Hutt." Usually that made her laugh but not this time. "Considering this should've happened years ago, it's as good a time as any to deal with it. Definitely not going to help delaying it more."
They both turned at the sound of someone clearing their throat. One of the supply crew, a newer recruit, stood a few feet back.
"I'm sorry to interrupt." His voice almost cracked and Han didn't know if it was age or nerves. "We're looking for Commander Skywalker."
"Well, he's not here!" Han held up an arm in a look around gesture.
"He's past his scheduled return."
"He went to check out a meteorite. Probably back by now."
The guy nodded, apologized again for the interruption, and walked off. When Han turned back to Leia she was heading in the opposite direction.
"Hey!" He reached out to her but she kept her distance. "We're not done here."
"Yes, we are." She continued to back away from him. "I'm done."
He watched her walk away, knowing there was no point in following her. He'd give her some time to cool off. He was better off heading back to the Falcon and helping Chewie. They still had a lot to do before morning.