What Could Have Been Part III: The Destined Warriors

Dating Drama

Luke

It was all quite entertaining.

As Leia rushed off stage to Han, Luke smothered his laughter. His sister's boyfriend had arrived just in time. With any luck, he wouldn't have to give his speech.

All he had to do was enjoy the show that was playing out right in front of him.

Han yanked a hand away from the guard holding him captive. He waved at Leia with a relieved smile. "Sorry I'm late. The Falcon broke down on our way from Corellia," he explained. Leia forced a smile but Luke could sense how embarrassed she was at the moment. "It's fine Han," she muttered.

Han looked up at toward the stage and waved at Luke. "Hey Kid! How ya doin'?" he asked casually. A wave of confusion passed over the crowd as Luke leaned against the mike. "I'm doing swell," he managed through his own laughter. Leia shot him a threatening glare before turning to the guard that were restraining Han.

"What happened?" she asked under her breath. Captain Otto Tenaru, the lead guard who had a grip on Han snarled. "He parked his ship on private Alliance grounds. The same ship that failed to adhere to severel traffic laws just this morning. Aside from that, his piloting license expired over a year ago and he has not yet provided the proper legal forms to the Coruscant Health Department in concerns for his pet Wookiee..."

Now it was Han's turn to snarl. "Pet? Chewie's my co-pilot!" he corrected. Chewbacca let out a hostile growl of agreement. Captain Tenaru scoffed. "Then I am required to ask that I see his piloting license as well..." Leia crossed her arms. "Captain Tenaru, thank you for your work. I think I'll take it from here." Tenaru frowned. "But he's-" the Captain began. Leia raised a calm hand. "I'll handle it."

Tenaru released the hand cuffs from Han's wrists and ordered his men to do the same with Chewbacca. Once the Wookiee was free, he grabbed up Leia in a hug. Luke was doubled over with laughter. Captain Tenaru shot one last glare at Han before marching out the door with his troops right behind him. The uneasy crowd was dead silent as Luke stood on stage, watching his sister fume wih anger.

"Han Solo," Leia began in a restrained growl. "Of all the days Han, you choose today to get arrested?!?" Han retreated behind his loyal companion, Chewie. "Okay Sweetie, I-I know this looks bad, but it's all actually a funny story, really....." Leia stared daggers at him. Better start explaining Han, my boy. Luke thought idly.

Leia's hands were now stationed on her hips, an unamused scowl inhabiting her features. "I'm sure it's hilarious..."

Before Han could spout off an excuse, another hot-headed Skywalker had made his way to the back of the auditorium. Luke's laughter halted and he was suddenly in fear for Han's life.

"Hello, Han..."

Han went pale.

"Mr. Skywalker! What a coincidence seeing you here! Haven't seen ya since... since uh... way back... How are you doing?" he asked, with a nervous smile. Luke watched his father cross his arms, silently threatening Han. Leia stepped in, still mad at Han but ready to come to his rescue. "Daddy," she began sweetly, "I know this looks bad, but it's all actually a funny story, really... Right Han?" Han nodded quickly.

But Luke knew his father wouldn't be laughing. It was no secret that Anakin Skywalker didn't approve of Leia's boyfriend. He didn't think a future Jedi hero should be wasting her time with "a scruffy looking Nerf herder who went gallivanting across the galaxy, taking odd jobs whenever he and his hairy side kick owed a debt". It wasn't that Han was a criminal, he just wasn't a model citizen either.

Anakin

Han was defiantly a criminal. Anakin Skywalker didn't know how, but his baby girl was dating the same little bandit she had met eight years before. He had tried to steer her away from the scruffy little Nerf herder, but Leia was just too stubborn. Never the less, Han had his moments. Anakin couldn't deny that. And if he was being fair, Han was a good kid. He just needed a little guidance.

"Leia, we'll talk about this later," Anakin said sternly. Surprising to his daughter, a trail of a smile grew on his lips as he eyed Han. "But for now, it's Han I would like to speak to." A petrified gulp left Han's throat as Anakin led him out the door of the auditorium.

This was going to be fun.

Luke

Luke couldn't pin point why his father had taken Han out for a "talk" but he knew that it had the potential for being a murder. Meanwhile his sister was on her way back up the stage with a frantic expression.

"Luke! Dad is gonna kill Han! He's gonna kill him and I'm gonna be alone and I'll never get married, and I'll be stuck living with Mom and Dad for the rest of my life!" She exclaimed in a loud whisper. Luke cleared his throat. "Um, Leia dear, the microphone is still on..."

The awkward silence from the crowd made Leia's turn a mortified shade of pink. Luke smiled as he set his elbow on her shoulder and turned to the audience.

"Now I had a great speech prepared for today, I really did. But after all this excitement, I think it would be best if we just kept this party moving! I hear there's a buffet table in the back!"