Beyond Rendezvous

By Susan Zahn

useakiss@gmail.com

Art by Liz

liz80218@hotmail.com

Needing time to compose herself and deliberate over what exactly she would say, Leia forced herself to wait until she knew General Rieekan would be back on duty. She didn’t bother going back to bed as there was no chance she could sleep following the news. Instead she utilized the time to pack up what few personal items she might need. Since she owned so little to begin with, that took only minutes, and again she found herself with little to do other than stare at the chrono on her desk as it ticked through the early morning hours. Even though she’d already watched the holo-disk three times, she now found herself reaching for the player again.

In the dimmed light of her cabin, the greenish glow of the powered-up holo-player cast shadows through the room before Luke Skywalker’s image came into focus. Once again she was struck by how much older and serious he looked now. The young, starry-eyed boy she’d known and loved had changed; there were times now when she felt she no longer knew him. His training and confrontation with Vader had left him shaken and scarred in ways far more profound than losing a hand. She couldn’t help but wonder if the whole Jedi thing was a bad idea from the start, and there were times like now when she found herself resenting the development. He’d lost his innocence, and become as jaded as the rest of them.

“Leia, I hope this transmission finds you well. I’ve got news that I know you’ve been anxious to hear. Lando’s efforts to work his way up within Jabba’s inner circle have paid off. He overheard them talk about an upcoming delivery. By the time Lando could confirm this or contact me, however, Boba Fett had already arrived…That’s the bad news. We were too late to intercept them and Jabba has him now. Lando’s seen him. Han is still in carbonite for the moment and Jabba’s talking about keeping him as a piece of artwork—which is probably the safest thing for him until we can get him out.” He held up a hand. “Don’t worry, we’ll wait for you…I don’t think I need to tell you to hurry, though. Here are the coordinates…”

As he listed directions to their rendezvous, Leia watched his image flicker before winking out as the message ended. After all this time, all the fear that Han may have been lost and forever entombed, they had a solid confirmation. Lando had seen him. It was all she could do to resist leaving now, but she did have a responsibility and wished to give Rieekan a quick goodbye and pledge that she would return as soon as possible. She owed him that much.

Leia pressed the summons key on the door to General Rieekan’s office. There was a long pause, and she started to worry he was unavailable, which would only delay her departure even longer. She was about to try again when the door slid open and the general stood in the doorway. “Princess? What can I do for you?”

“I’m really sorry to bother you, Carlist, but I—” Only then did Leia realize that he had not been alone in his office. Seated in the chair opposite his desk was Mon Mothma. She looked up expectantly at her and Leia sensed a touch of annoyance from the interruption. Because of her more limited role of late, Leia found few occasions to communicate with the woman, let alone work with her on a more extensive level. The few times she had, however, had left her with a neutral impression only reinforced now. Leia leaned in closer, dropping her voice. “He’s been found.”

A successive wave of surprise, happiness, and then dawning realization spread over Rieekan’s weathered face. “I understand.” He turned to face his superior. “I’m sorry, Madame, this will only be a moment.” He made a move to step out into the corridor with Leia, but the older woman held out a hand to stop him.

“Actually, this is perfect timing, General. I’ve been meaning to speak with both of you. Princess, please join us.”

Leia hesitated for a moment, reluctant to be drawn into any sort of meeting now. However, the invitation was more of an order than a suggestion and habit made her acquiesce. The door slid closed behind her as Rieekan returned to his seat. There was one other chair next to Mothma; however, the woman did not invite her to sit, which suited Leia fine. She resisted the urge to fidget, calling up her diplomatic training to assume a regal stance.

“It’s my understanding that you’ve been using Alliance resources for personal gain.”

The flat-out accusation and the way it was delivered brought a furious blush to Leia’s cheeks. The last thing she anticipated was a dressing down and it required all her willpower to refrain from blurting out something she would likely regret later.

Rieekan spared Leia the first remark by speaking up in her defense. “Madame Mothma, there is a simple explanation. Princess Leia has always worked tirelessly during her tenure with us developing the network of contacts for supplies and intelligence. I have no doubt that she continues to exercise and maintain those contacts in order to ensure timely communications and that the Alliance benefits from it.”

“Yes, I’m aware of that that aspect. However, it has been brought to my attention that her efforts have revolved around one specific unrelated goal, and it’s painfully obvious why. While it may not be contrary to our mission, it is nevertheless a diversion and must be addressed. Princess, consider this a warning that our tools and resources are meant solely for Alliance purposes.”

Rieekan spoke up again on her behalf. “If you are speaking of her search for information on the whereabouts of Captain Solo, you must understand how invaluable the smuggler has been to our war efforts. Getting him back is a worthwhile goal. Besides, we never leave a man behind.”

“General, that applies to soldiers within our ranks, something which Captain Solo refused to join. Do not lecture me on his heroics. His name was well-known for his exploits against the Death Star, but so was his less savory background. If he was in trouble for some event in his criminal past, that was none of our concern. He was just one man and did not warrant—”

“He may only be one man, but he managed to spare many lives when he drew off most of the Imperial fleet during the evacuation of Hoth. The Princess and I being here today is a testament to this. To dismiss his contributions solely on whether or not he has a formal commission—”

As Leia witnessed this battle of wills between the two, she came to a realization that shook her to the core. There had been a time during her early days in the Senate when Leia had looked upon Mon Mothma as a role model. In this new moment of clarity, however, she saw all those things she had once aspired to be—the cool professional, the aloof politician, the impervious leader who always placed the mission above all else—and she no longer cared for what she saw. Was this what she was destined to become if she stayed now, losing loved one after loved one until there was nothing left but an unsympathetic husk of a woman? Would people just become numbers in a greater calculation of cost and worth? Leia was a savvy enough politician to recognize the fact that Mothma repeatedly referred to Han in the past tense. It was a deliberate tactic to write him off as already dead, and the blatant attempt to manipulate her tipped Leia over the edge.

“There’s no need for this, Carlist,” Leia broke in, for the first time free of any lingering doubt she was making the right decision. “I’ve come here to announce that I’m leaving.”

There followed a stunned silence before Mon Mothma waived a hand in dismissal, as if the announcement were a bluff. “You can’t leave. We are in a very critical juncture in the war. Every person is needed—”

Indignant now, Leia raised her chin. “Of course I can leave. My presence here has always been voluntary. I have no more of a rank within the Alliance than Captain Solo. If you believe that only those with a rank are of value, then you won’t miss me.”

This unanticipated argument caused the rebel leader to take a moment to reconsider her words. She attempted to appeal to Leia’s sense of duty. “Your Highness, I apologize for my tone, but I must stress to you that we are in the middle of very delicate negotiations with other parties that could very possibly swing the war in our favor. There are ominous rumors of another—”

“I’m sure there are,” Leia interrupted, sighing as her anger was washed away by her new-found insight. “There will always be something. But you are absolutely right. Captain Solo is just one man, and I’m just one woman. This war and the Alliance will go on whether or not we’re part of it.” She glanced to her old friend to find a small smile touch Rieekan’s lips as he seemed to recognize and admire a new mature facet within her. She was no longer the child he’d watched grow up, but a mature woman in her own right. Whether or not Bail Organa would have approved she couldn’t say, but she knew she had Rieekan’s blessings, and that was good enough.

Not pleased to have her words tossed back at her, Mothma reassumed the stern appearance of one of the top decision makers within the Rebellion. “I warn you, Princess, that you risk endangering the security of the Alliance. If you were to be captured and tortured…”

Leia had to restrain herself from laughing at this veiled threat. “I’ve had the pleasure of being Lord Vader’s personal guest twice without breaking. I believe he’s moved on to more fertile grounds.”

“Princess,” the elder leader spoke in a patronizing tone, “I realize that you are a young woman and the emotional attachment you seem to have had for this petty smuggler may seem very important to you right now. But you must understand that there are far greater things in the balance. Do not throw away everything we’ve done for the greater good here to chase after a man of his reputation. You will lose all credibility within the Alliance and with me if you do.”

Leia’s anger surged back with this last attempt to strong-arm her by belittling her relationship with Solo. How dare she? She didn’t know them or their history; she didn’t know what they had already risked over and over again for one another. Leia forced herself to draw a long breath before responding in a calm voice.

“I will lose far more if I don’t.” Seeing there was no point in arguing any further, Leia gave a formal bow. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to finish making arrangements.” She turned and triggered the door open, then exited into the corridor without waiting to be excused. While she had no desire to burn bridges, neither could she stand any longer to have threats and insults thrown at her and Han. If this meant that she could not return…she would cope, as always.

Leia was about to enter a lift to return to her quarters when she heard the office door slide open again as the general stepped out to follow her. “Princess, just one more moment, please.”

“Of course, Carlist,” she said with a grateful smile, turning to him. “Thank you, by the way.”

“My pleasure…and I mean that.” His expression grew more serious. “Can you tell me where you’re going?”

“Tatooine. Jabba has him now, and it’s been confirmed in person by Lando.”

“How do you plan to get there?”

Leia was self-aware enough to look a little sheepish on that point. “I was going to hitch a ride on the next scheduled smuggling run and then find passage from there.”

Rieekan shook his head, rejecting the idea out of hand. “Not fast enough and too dangerous for you right now, especially alone. I’m authorizing the use of a Y-Wing. That way you can bring Threepio if need be.”

Leia’s heart threatened to melt at the gesture and she tossed aside professionalism long enough to give him a powerful hug. “Thank you.”

He hugged her back, then held her away from him to direct a paternal look down at her. “This is a loan, Princess. I expect you to return with it…Understand?”

Smiling wide at his double-meaning, she nodded. “I will.”

The landscape was a monotonous mix of yellow sand dunes and rocky outcroppings. Unable to spot any obvious sign of civilization or people, Leia started to doubt her navigation skills. She looked down and double-checked her coordinates to confirm she was indeed in the correct location. She guessed there was a possibility that Luke had made a mistake, but that seemed unlikely.

“Oh, Your Highness!” Threepio exclaimed from behind her. “Something is moving to our right!”

Her head shot up in alarm as she looked toward the nearest pile of rocks. From behind the cover emerged the large, shaggy figure of a Wookiee. He seemed to pause for a moment to confirm the identity of the pilot, then started trotting toward her Y-Wing, followed a moment later by a blond man clad all in black. She almost didn’t recognize him.

“Oh, thank the stars! It’s Master Luke and Chewbacca! The last time Artoo and I visited this place, we had the worst adventures and…”

Now awash with happiness to see her friends after all these months, she ignored the droid and rushed through shutting down her ship’s systems. She triggered open the hatch and lowered the access ladder. The abrupt temperature change from the climate-controlled cockpit to the desiccating heat hit her like a full body-blow. She sank back into the pilot’s seat, a little overwhelmed, and took a long moment to recover. By the time she attempted to move again, Chewie reached the ship, barking and howling in excitement. She pulled out the single large kit-bag she’d packed and dropped it down to him before climbing out onto the ladder. She still had a couple steps to go when she felt the huge Wookiee pull her off the rungs. He swung her around in joy.

Leia laughed at the reunion but quickly began feeling lightheaded from the heat. “Chewie! Chewie! Put me down!” He obeyed, still hooting. “Glad to be here,” she responded.

Luke took the opportunity to step in next with a powerful welcome hug. “It’s great to see you again.” With a hint of sardonic humor, he added, “Welcome to my home. Sorry about the heat. You get used to it.”

She gave him a dubious look but let it pass. “Gods, I’ve missed you two!” She swiped a sleeve across her forehead where sweat had already begun to form. “It felt like I would never get the call. I thought I’d go crazy.”

“Well, the wait’s over. Now we just have to polish up the plans. Let’s get out of the sun and catch up on things.”

Leia nodded in complete agreement, pausing only long enough to reach up and close the cockpit now that Threepio had awkwardly clanked his way down the ladder. Chewie picked up her bag and started leading the way back toward the rocks.

“I hope you didn’t have any trouble getting away,” Luke said, glancing at her.

“Rieekan was a great help. He arranged for the Y-Wing. It would have taken me a lot longer to get here, otherwise.” She hesitated saying more, debating how much to tell him of what had happened in her encounter with Mon Mothma. There was nothing she could do about it now, in any case, and they had other priorities now; there was no point in voicing questions of her future with the Alliance.

As they walked, she noticed the new lightsaber hanging from his belt. She was also aware of the radical difference in his wardrobe; the all-black outfit gave him a far more serious appearance, seeming to have aged him as much as his recent traumatic experiences on Bespin. He’d changed his hair style as well. It was clear now that he was becoming the Jedi knight he’d aspired to be for as long as she’d known him. She wasn’t sure if she approved of the change, but she was proud for his accomplishment and happy if he was happy.

As they made their way around the rocky outcropping, she spotted the entrance to a hidden structure built into the stone. Luke palmed the door open and led the way inside. As she followed through the threshold, Artoo welcomed her with a loud whistle as he spun around in his own expression of happiness. “Hi, Artoo. Good to see you, too.”

Chewie headed into a darkened adjoining room with her bag as Luke faced her. “It’ll be tight quarters for a little while, but you can have the bedroom. We’ll sleep out here. Are you hungry?”

“Famished.” The home was rustic but comfortably furnished and surprisingly cool. Grateful for that, Leia sank into the nearest chair. “You’ve been staying here?”

As he stepped over to the little alcove that served as a kitchen, Luke responded, “On and off. Chewie’s been here the whole time since Jabba’s men will be on the lookout for him, but they don’t know me so I’ve been going back and forth to Mos Eisley for supplies and to keep in touch with Lando. We’ve been meeting up in a cantina on staggered days. Unfortunately, because we weren’t scheduled to meet up again until the next day, we missed the bounty hunter’s arrival. We’d expected more notice. Now things are going to be a bit more complicated.”

Leia watched the young Tatooine as he assembled them a quick meal, still fascinated with his change in appearance. It was as if this were a different man from the one she’d said goodbye to months ago. “How have you been? I see you’ve found a new lightsaber.”

“I’ve been okay. Kenobi had a small collection of old Jedi manuscripts and I was able to find instructions on constructing one. I scrounged up the materials in Mos Eisley. It was slow-going and it gave me a lot of time to study, meditate and plan.”

“You made it?” she said with a touch of awe.

“I did.” Finished, Luke returned with several plates in hand and set them out on the low table in the center of the seating arrangement. He took a seat across from her. “What about you?”

Chewie rejoined them, taking a seat next to Luke and helping himself to food. Watching him, she shrugged, not really willing to relive the endless limbo that had been her existence after he’d left, really since they’d left Bespin. “It hasn’t been easy …I’m just relieved we know where he is now. I was afraid we’d never…” She didn’t finish her sentence. Leaning against the armrest of her chair, she toyed absently with an earlobe, lost in thought. The possibility of Han spending eternity trapped in that living tomb, not dead but not really alive either, was something she couldn’t live with. She prayed he remained unaware of his condition all this time. At least now there would be closure, one way or the other. If he survived they could save him, and if he died after all, at least it would be over…But what would happen to her, then? Coping no longer held any appeal.

“Don’t worry, Leia. I have a feeling everything will work out in the end. We’ll get him out.”

Coming back to the present, she offered him a hopeful smile. “Have you seen it?”

She’d meant in a mysterious Jedi sort of way, and he seemed to get her gist. He gave a small chuckle and shook his head, a glimpse of the old Luke reappearing. “Not exactly, no. The future isn’t written in stone for anyone to see clearly…Just call it a feeling.”

“Alright,” she responded, trying not to show the disappointment she felt. A part of her was desperate for any sort of guarantee that they would all emerge intact from what they were about to attempt. “You said you’ve already been planning. Do you know the layout?”

“Somewhat. Some friends and I explored it on a dare a long time ago, back when it was still abandoned. It used to be the royal palace of some local bigwig before the planet became part of the Empire. Most of the locals consider it haunted, so nobody noticed when Jabba moved in. Here, Lando drew up a diagram.”

Leia quietly ate and watched as Luke pulled out a sheet of paper with a hand-drawn map of the building as he went on. “It’s a cluster of buildings, but the main one in the center is the headquarters. I have to assume there are some secret entrances and passages to the sister buildings, but there’s only one main entrance we’re aware of. There’s the main chamber where Jabba holds court, lots of living quarters, a large kitchen area, plus a huge dungeon with individual cells.” He tapped a finger on one spot of the map. “Lando says they’ve got Han on display right here, suspended in a force field near the dais at the head of the courtroom. Jabba’s using him as an example for others not to cross him.” Luke shook his head a little, his elbows on his knees as he eyed the layout in thought. “I have some ideas but I’ll admit it won’t be easy. It was a fortress for a reason, and from what Lando says Jabba rarely leaves the place now.”

Chewie brandished a large fist, interjecting a series of hoots.

“I know, but just bursting in and shooting everything is too risky, and we could easily become separated and trapped inside. While Han’s probably safest staying in carbonite, moving him in that huge block won’t be easy. And there’s a risk his carbonite control unit might be damaged in a firefight. But if he’s unfrozen first, he probably won’t be in any condition take care of himself, and that means one of us would have to be tasked to helping him rather than fight. No, I think we really need to think of a way to legitimately get Han out in the open first before we make the rescue.”

Agreeing with his logic, Leia tried to run scenarios in her mind. “I can’t imagine them having a reason to move him anymore if he stays in carbonite. We’d have to get him unfrozen first.”

Luke nodded. “Yes, I think you’re right. There’s not much information on hibernation sickness, though. I read everything you sent me, but it’s still too hard to know how he’s going to be affected. He might even need to be carried and that pretty much means you, Chewie.” He paused, seeming to consider his words first before venturing on. “I hate to say this, but have either of you thought of the possibility that he may not…be all right? Mentally?”

Leia heart constricted in pain as she returned Chewbacca’s sorrowful gaze. “Yes, I have. If that happens…”

The Wookiee seemed to be of one mind with her and had the mercy to finish her sentence as he hooted in a low tone. They both loved and knew him too well; he wouldn’t want to live that way, either.

Luke nodded in quiet acceptance and agreement. “Okay. We need to figure out a way to get you in there, Chewie, so that you’re there to help Han. The problem is that Jabba and his goons know you and will be on the lookout.”

Leia revealed a small smile. She’d come up with an idea during her long trip and had even stopped along the way to pick up a few things that might serve toward the purpose. “We’ll walk him through the front door just the way he is.”

They both looked at her with curious glances.

“An enterprising bounty hunter might hope to receive a reward for bringing in the partner of Captain Solo.” Comprehension was dawning in her audience eyes as she went on. “We’ll infiltrate Jabba’s defenses the same way Lando did with me disguised as the bounty hunter intent on cashing in on his capture. Then Chewie would be inside without suspicion. My hope is that I can release Han from the carbonite without them realizing it’s me. They’ll probably put him in a cell with Chewie while they try to figure out what to do with them. Then I can sneak in and break them out. With any luck we might even be able to walk out without notice.”

Luke was quiet for a long moment, chewing over her proposal. “It’s got a lot of potential. My main concern, though, is that we don’t know how Jabba prefers to dispose of enemies when he holds all the cards. I have an idea, but I need to check with Lando first. There are rumors, but I need confirmation. If there’s a possibility that he does executions outside the palace, it may be our solution.”

‘Oh, you’re right, I hadn’t thought of that.” She sighed. “When are you due to contact Lando again?”

“Tomorrow afternoon.” He saw her look of disappointment and tried to boost her spirits. “I know we’re all anxious to do this, but we have to remain patient a little longer and be thorough. And we still need to find a disguise for you.”

“Already covered,” she said with a hint of pride. “I came up with this idea on the flight in, but didn’t know enough about the situation to be sure if it could work. I still need one or two finishing touches, though. Let me be the contact tomorrow and I can purchase what I need while I’m in town.”

The corner of Luke’s mouth rose and he looked to Chewie. “What do you think? Are you willing to walk in and be handed over without a fight?”

Chewbacca rocked his head back and forth, shrugged and made a few growls and barks.

“Yeah, I just wanted to make sure you were okay with it since there’s definitely a risk to you.” He clapped his hands together and relaxed back into his seat. “Well, that’s settled. It’ll be our backup plan if my first idea doesn’t work.”

Leia did a double-take, not even sure she’d heard him right. Chewie looked surprised, too. “Your first idea?”

“Yes. I’ve decided to send Threepio and Artoo with a message to try and reason with Jabba. I’ll offer a bargain for Han’s release or threaten the attack of a Jedi knight. We’ll try to do this peacefully. If it doesn’t work you’ll bring Chewie in so he’s there to help Han once you release him. At that point if you’re unable to leave, I’ll come in and handle things.”

Taken aback by his announcement, Leia was at a loss. “But… Those are a lot of ‘ifs’ you’re relying on, Luke. We’d be giving up the element of surprise, the one thing in our favor. You’re also assuming Jabba is reasonable. Han told me about the gangster and reasonable was never an adjective in his descriptions. He’s probably not going to take you seriously about being a Jedi, either. Most of the universe believes they’re extinct.” She saw Luke flinch on that last point and tried to cushion her words. “I’m sorry, Luke, but it’s the truth.”

Their history together was littered with half-assed rescue attempts that usually relied more on luck than planning. His disaster of a rescue attempt on Bespin came readily to mind. She didn’t voice the private opinion that he wasn’t exactly a Jedi yet, either. He’d admitted as much to her that his training had been interrupted when he’d rushed to Cloud City. A change of wardrobe and a new lightsaber wouldn’t be enough.

“I don’t think I can explain why we need to do it this way, Leia. It’s just…a feeling. You’ll have to trust me on this. Don’t worry.”

Telling her not to worry was like telling her not to think about a pink bantha—once the idea was planted, it was there and the act of trying to ignore it kept it alive. She believed in simplicity, and there was just too much potential for complications.

As if he’d read her thoughts, Luke offered his best reassuring smile. “Trust me. I’ve got a good feeling about this.”

She met his look with a lopsided smile of her own, unable to resist the confidence he radiated at that moment. It was a mixture of cockiness and something subtle yet powerful; a positiveness that seemed to tap something deep within her. She wanted to believe in him. It was easy to do. She finally nodded in acquiescence. Everything would work out all right, she told herself.

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