![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
bradygirl_12Title: The General And The Jedi V: Homecoming (1/2)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Characters/Pairings (this chapter): Han/Luke, Chewbacca, Rolf/Lyra (Rolf does not appear in this chapter)
Continuity: Star Wars (The Original Trilogy)
Series Notes: This particular series will follow Han and Luke's married life as they help Leia establish the New Republic. The entire series can be found here.
Genres: Angst, Drama
Rating (this chapter): G
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: Han takes Luke to meet his family on Corellia.
Chapter Summary: Luke is surprised to learn about Han’s origins.
Date Of Completion: June 21, 2019
Date Of Posting: July 20, 2019
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, Disney does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 2424
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Author's Notes: Ironically, the background for Han in Solo was what I’d usually envisioned for him: hardscrabble and on his own, but then this alternative background took hold of me before I saw the movie and the idea simmered for years. I like the contrasts between our rogue smuggler and the family he grew up with. :)
For any who think the use of ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad’ is jarring, I thought ‘Mother’ and ‘Father’ too formal for Han, and ‘Ma’ and ‘Pa’ is more Clark Kent-ish, ha, ha, so I went with ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad’. ;)
I
ORIGINS
“You can go home again.”
Luke looked with interest as the Millennium Falcon approached the blue-green planet rapidly growing larger in the cockpit window. Han was in his usual seat and Luke was in the co-pilot’s chair as Chewbacca slept in his quarters.
“It’s beautiful,” Luke said.
Han smiled slightly. “Yep, it’s a real jewel.”
Luke laughed. “Well, that’s what Corellia’s called: the Jewel of the Republic.”
Han deftly worked the instruments as he said, “The Empire took out a lot of our minerals and other resources, but we’ll bounce back.”
Luke had no doubt of that. Corellians were nothing if not resourceful, as he knew from personal experience.
The subspace radio crackled and a tinny voice said, “Please identify yourself as you now enter Corellian airspace.”
“Millennium Falcon, registration number JK-6367.”
“Roger, Millennium Falcon. Destination?”
“Starshone Spaceport, Jaxonia.”
“Check, Falcon. You are cleared for landing.”
The controller rattled off a series of coordinates. Han began to tack into orbit.
It was an easy orbit and slide down to the planet, arriving at the massive spaceport. Han docked the Millennium Falcon with ease. Chewbacca entered the cockpit, yawning and stretching.
“I see you showed up when the work was done,” Han grumbled.
Chewbacca laughed, a gravelly sound that never failed to amuse Luke. Better than Chewbacca’s angry roar!
Once the ship was securely docked, the three of them picked up their travel bags and went down the gangway to a waiting hovercar. A slender young man in an official-looking outfit stood nearby, and he inspected their bags and stamped their passports with a laser light. Once passed, Han took the controls of the hovercar and they were off.
The city of Starshone was not as modern as Coruscant, which had been the seat of government during the Empire years. Money had been poured in to keep it worthy of the Emperor’s presence. Starshone was a little worn and outdated like most cities in the former Empire, denied funds for upkeep or having available local money siphoned off in crushing taxes. Despite the history, the city was still beautiful.
As they reached the outskirts, Luke’s eyes widened. “Han, the trees are on fire!”
Han laughed. “Not quite, kid. Just the leaves turnin’. “
Luke looked at the magnificent display of red, yellow, and orange leaves, trying to take it all in. Han enjoyed the view, too, since it had been a long time since he had seen the spectacle. Chewbacca was enjoying the show, too.
Luke was awestruck. He had never seen anything like this show of Nature. He had been raised on a planet that had been a complete desert, a rarity in the way of planets. Most planets were like Corellia, with different environments. He had never even seen pictures of leaf-turning. The chaotic life of a Rebel did not lend itself to browsing the Starnet very often.
Luke soaked in every color, every tree, every bush. Han regarded him with affection as Chewbacca chuckled in the back seat.
“Is it like this all the time?” Luke asked.
“No, this is Leaftide season. We’ve got four seasons: Springsong, Summertide, Leaftide, and Wintersong.”
Luke shook his head. “I can’t get over planets with seasons. Tatooine had one: hot and dry.”
“Well, then, enjoy Corellia’s most colorful season, kid.”
Luke heartily accepted that advice. Each new copse of trees, each new shade of color, delighted him as he drank in the breathtaking beauty.
He was astounded by the vividness of the colors. There were scarlet reds and reds so deep they appeared pink. The yellows were like sunshine and appeared to be gold in some places. The oranges were bright, while other patches were a deep, almost dark color. All were framed by an eye-achingly blue sky as Luke felt the planet’s majesty deep in his core.
How could Han leave all this?
He realized that Han had rarely spoken of home all the time he had known him. Oh, he spoke of Corellia in general, but had never mentioned a family. Luke recalled his surprise when Han had finally mentioned them.
Luke hadn’t pried any further, Lando saying to him once, “He’ll tell you if he wants to,” so Luke had left it at that. As he took in the splendor around him, he decided that he might find his answers here and now, anyway.
The ride from the city was a little less than an hour. The view continued to be spectacular, augmented now by distant mountains and abundant fields. Some were still a startling green while others were now yellow. Haystacks were everywhere, and Luke was pleased. His travels with the Rebellion had taken him to Yavin IV’s jungle greenery, Hoth’s icy snows, and back to jungle again on Endor. Never had there been just simple pastoral scenes like the ones passing by the hovercar.
“We’re in farm country now, kid,” Han said.
“Technically, I grew up on a farm.”
“A moisture farm counts, I guess. Must’ve been tough with your harvest.”
“Very.”
Han fell silent as they passed a series of stone gates names etched into the archways: Brooks, Hunter, Blackwood. Luke assumed they were family names, but he wanted to make sure.
“Are these family names or estate names?”
“Each clan names their holdings by their family names.”
The hovercar’s speed began to slow as they approached another gate. Like the other estates, the massive gates anchored high stone walls. Everything looked very old.
The name carved into the archway startled Luke. At first glance, he thought the name was Solo. He realized it said Solon.
Han took out a stone key from his vest pocket and tapped a stone that slid back to reveal a recessed keyhole. He inserted the key and Luke heard it rumbling as the gate ponderously parted, allowing them entry. When the gates closed behind them with a scraping sound, Luke marveled at the ancient technology.
The hovercar went up a long driveway lined with tall, colorful trees, and the house of Clan Solon suddenly appeared at the top of the rise, large and imposing.
“It’s a thousand years old,” Han said almost casually. “Give or take a few decades.”
Luke was amazed. He shook his head. There aren’t even some Jedi ruins that old.
The center of the building was roseate stone worn smooth by the centuries. Two large pillars upheld a portico that framed a large set of double oak doors banded in iron. A bronze crest featuring a tree in the center of the design was surrounded by a circle of stars.
The main part of the house was three stories high with a turreted roof, and newer additions spread out as wings, built in smooth sandstone. Unlike the narrow slits in the center area, the wings featured modern windows. Flowering shrubs added patches of color in front of the sandstone.
“This is beautiful,” said Luke as he climbed out of the car. Han and Chewbacca followed suit, Han staying by the hovercar. Luke sensed his spouse-to-be was on edge.
The front doors opened and a woman came out. She was tall but slightly plump, her long hair the same color as Han’s with blond streaks that were startling. Her eyes were almost an otherworldly blue, framed by long lashes. She wore a squash-colored peasant blouse and aquamarine skirt with matching necklace and gold bracelets.
“Han!”
Her face broke out into a smile and she descended the steps with alacrity as her sandals scuffed over the stones. She held out her arms and Han accepted her embrace, holding her tightly.
Luke smiled as he watched mother and son reunite. Chewbacca snuffled and gave a light, trill-like growl.
Han’s mother pulled back to get a good look at him. She held his shoulders as she inspected her son. “Those holovids don’t do you justice.”
Han laughed. “You look great, Mom.”
She cupped his face. “Always the silver tongue, huh? Ah, Chewie! A pleasure to see you again.” She hugged the Wookiee, who roared with delight. “And this is Jedi Skywalker.”
Luke suddenly felt nervous but he smiled. “Luke, Ma’am.”
She offered her hand and Luke took it, his diplomatic experience helping him out with the proper greeting.
“Call me Lyra.”
Luke bowed slightly, to the amusement of mother and son. Her eyes twinkled and her bracelets clacked as she swept her arm toward the house. “Come in, boys. Bring your luggage.”
“Right, Mom.”
Han led the way inside. The foyer was neither too small or too large. Light streamed through modern windows set in the additions, which was a good thing, Luke thought, because the original windows in the front let in very little light.
“The main part of the house was the keep,” Lyra said. “It was designed for defense.” She pointed upward. “Han will have to show you the parapets.” She turned to her son. “Your room and the guest rooms are ready.”
Luke felt a blush heat his cheeks. Separate bedrooms?
“Okay, Mom. C’mon, guys.”
Luke and Chewbacca followed Han up the stone staircase. The stairs curved to the left and right, Han taking the left. The stone walls gradually became the newer sandstone, and Han went to the end of the hall.
“This corner room is mine.” He grinned as Chewbacca disappeared into the room opposite Han’s. “Chewie always liked that room.”
Luke stood a little awkwardly with his bag. “So where do I bunk?”
Han smiled. “It’s tradition. No cohabitation ‘til the wedding.”
“Lovely.”
Han smirked. Luke had the feeling that tradition could be circumvented.
Han indicated the room next to his own. Luke walked in, pleased at the warm colors of the bedspread, quilt, and hooked rug. There was a chest of drawers and bureau with a mirror, a rocking chair and nightstand. A fireplace was set at one end and a window overlooked beautiful gardens.
“Unpack, kid. Mom will have lunch ready soon.”
“All right.”
As Luke unpacked, carefully hanging up the ceremonial cloak he planned to wear for the wedding, he thought how domestic this all was. He had thought Han’s background was hardscrabble, but this was a usual family setting.
Well, what did you expect? That he was raised by wolves?
He finished unpacking and stowed away his bag. A knock on the door caught his attention.
“Come in.”
Han leaned against the doorjamb, crossing his arms and legs. “All settled in?”
“Yes.”
Han pushed away from the doorjamb and put his hands on Luke’s shoulders. “I know this is a lot to take in.”
“Must be a lot for you, too. How long has it been since you’ve been home?”
“Awhile.” Han smiled slightly. “I brought Chewie home years ago. I knew Mom would feel better if she saw him, knowing he was there to look out for me.”
“Why’d you leave, Han?”
“I wanted to go to space.” Han shrugged.
Luke knew there was more to it, but decided not to pursue the topic…at least for now.
“So, did you say something about lunch? I’m pretty hungry,” Luke said.
“Let’s go, then.”
Han led Luke into the kitchen. Chewbacca was already seated at the table, avidly watching Lyra as she prepared sandwiches.
“Have a seat, boys. Lunch is almost ready,” Lyra said cheerfully.
Luke noticed that the kitchen was a mix of modern and ancient. There was an old-fashioned sink but modern heating and cooling units. The entire place seemed to be a combination of old and new.
A few minutes later, she set plates before each man and Wookiee and poured glasses of apple cider, taking a seat herself.
“The bread was milled right here on the farm,” Lyra said. “The vegetables were all grown right here, too.”
Luke took a bite of his sandwich. “This is delicious, Lyra.”
She beamed. “Good. We press our own cider, too, from our own apples.”
“Pretty impressive.”
“We think so. Bet that sandwich tastes better than a food concentrate.”
“No comparison.”
Han made no comment as he ate. Chewbacca rumbled his satisfaction.
“Now, tell me why this wedding is a big secret.” Lyra took a drink of her cider.
Han swallowed and spoke. “We don’t want to get married with the whole galaxy watching.”
“Admirable, but someone will find out.”
“But it’ll give us time to get used to things until then.”
Lyra looked at Luke. “I take it you agree with this?”
“Yes.” Luke took a sip of cider. “We’d like some privacy to start out.”
“Well, I can’t say as I blame you.” Lyra took a bite of her sandwich and swallowed. “You needn’t worry about anyone in the clan gabbing. Those invited to the wedding are under an Oath of Silence.”
“Oh, that sounds good.” Luke had wondered if the secret could have been kept.
“Where’s Jan? I need to go over some stuff with her,” Han said.
“She’s in town. So’s your father.”
Luke noticed Han tense up. So, father/son trouble?
“They’ll be back soon. They’re having lunch in town after their errands.” Lyra spoke to Luke. ”It’s a pleasure to go about one’s business without running into Imperial troopers.”
“I agree one hundred percent.” Luke smiled. “The disbanding of Imperial troops was a great day for the galaxy.”
“And we have you to thank.”
“Not just me. A lot of people had a hand in this.”
Lyra laughed. “Such modesty! Not a Solon trait, as I’m sure you know.”
Han couldn’t help but smirk. Luke pounded him on the shoulder.
“Oh, I know that well.”
Chewbacca joined in with a rumble. Lyra smiled and asked, “Dessert, anyone?”
Three enthusiastic assents made her laugh, and she dished out apple pie with brandenberry ice cream.
& & & & & &
The lunch clean-up was quick with Lyra gaining three helpers. As she let the water out of the sink, she said, “Han, you’ll need to fill Luke in on our traditions. Any special wedding customs for you, Luke?”
“No, Ma’am, though my sister Leia may have some Alderaanian customs she might want to add.”
“Ah, yes, the Princess.”
“Her Worship will let you know what she wants,” said Han wryly.
Lyra raised an eyebrow. The hum of an approaching hovercar cut off what she might have intended to say. “Your sister and father are back.”
Mingled emotions were on Han’s face. He squared his shoulders. “Time to beard the lion.”
Luke noticed that Lyra seemed to be silently agreeing.
Uh, oh.
Wondering what kind of scene he was about to witness, Luke followed Han outside.
reliablecounter.com
This chapter can also be read on AO3.
Author: BradyGirl_12
Characters/Pairings (this chapter): Han/Luke, Chewbacca, Rolf/Lyra (Rolf does not appear in this chapter)
Continuity: Star Wars (The Original Trilogy)
Series Notes: This particular series will follow Han and Luke's married life as they help Leia establish the New Republic. The entire series can be found here.
Genres: Angst, Drama
Rating (this chapter): G
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: Han takes Luke to meet his family on Corellia.
Chapter Summary: Luke is surprised to learn about Han’s origins.
Date Of Completion: June 21, 2019
Date Of Posting: July 20, 2019
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, Disney does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 2424
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Author's Notes: Ironically, the background for Han in Solo was what I’d usually envisioned for him: hardscrabble and on his own, but then this alternative background took hold of me before I saw the movie and the idea simmered for years. I like the contrasts between our rogue smuggler and the family he grew up with. :)
For any who think the use of ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad’ is jarring, I thought ‘Mother’ and ‘Father’ too formal for Han, and ‘Ma’ and ‘Pa’ is more Clark Kent-ish, ha, ha, so I went with ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad’. ;)
ORIGINS
Jaylen Starrett
Corellian Poet
2561 O.R.E.
(Old Republic Era)
Luke looked with interest as the Millennium Falcon approached the blue-green planet rapidly growing larger in the cockpit window. Han was in his usual seat and Luke was in the co-pilot’s chair as Chewbacca slept in his quarters.
“It’s beautiful,” Luke said.
Han smiled slightly. “Yep, it’s a real jewel.”
Luke laughed. “Well, that’s what Corellia’s called: the Jewel of the Republic.”
Han deftly worked the instruments as he said, “The Empire took out a lot of our minerals and other resources, but we’ll bounce back.”
Luke had no doubt of that. Corellians were nothing if not resourceful, as he knew from personal experience.
The subspace radio crackled and a tinny voice said, “Please identify yourself as you now enter Corellian airspace.”
“Millennium Falcon, registration number JK-6367.”
“Roger, Millennium Falcon. Destination?”
“Starshone Spaceport, Jaxonia.”
“Check, Falcon. You are cleared for landing.”
The controller rattled off a series of coordinates. Han began to tack into orbit.
It was an easy orbit and slide down to the planet, arriving at the massive spaceport. Han docked the Millennium Falcon with ease. Chewbacca entered the cockpit, yawning and stretching.
“I see you showed up when the work was done,” Han grumbled.
Chewbacca laughed, a gravelly sound that never failed to amuse Luke. Better than Chewbacca’s angry roar!
Once the ship was securely docked, the three of them picked up their travel bags and went down the gangway to a waiting hovercar. A slender young man in an official-looking outfit stood nearby, and he inspected their bags and stamped their passports with a laser light. Once passed, Han took the controls of the hovercar and they were off.
The city of Starshone was not as modern as Coruscant, which had been the seat of government during the Empire years. Money had been poured in to keep it worthy of the Emperor’s presence. Starshone was a little worn and outdated like most cities in the former Empire, denied funds for upkeep or having available local money siphoned off in crushing taxes. Despite the history, the city was still beautiful.
As they reached the outskirts, Luke’s eyes widened. “Han, the trees are on fire!”
Han laughed. “Not quite, kid. Just the leaves turnin’. “
Luke looked at the magnificent display of red, yellow, and orange leaves, trying to take it all in. Han enjoyed the view, too, since it had been a long time since he had seen the spectacle. Chewbacca was enjoying the show, too.
Luke was awestruck. He had never seen anything like this show of Nature. He had been raised on a planet that had been a complete desert, a rarity in the way of planets. Most planets were like Corellia, with different environments. He had never even seen pictures of leaf-turning. The chaotic life of a Rebel did not lend itself to browsing the Starnet very often.
Luke soaked in every color, every tree, every bush. Han regarded him with affection as Chewbacca chuckled in the back seat.
“Is it like this all the time?” Luke asked.
“No, this is Leaftide season. We’ve got four seasons: Springsong, Summertide, Leaftide, and Wintersong.”
Luke shook his head. “I can’t get over planets with seasons. Tatooine had one: hot and dry.”
“Well, then, enjoy Corellia’s most colorful season, kid.”
Luke heartily accepted that advice. Each new copse of trees, each new shade of color, delighted him as he drank in the breathtaking beauty.
He was astounded by the vividness of the colors. There were scarlet reds and reds so deep they appeared pink. The yellows were like sunshine and appeared to be gold in some places. The oranges were bright, while other patches were a deep, almost dark color. All were framed by an eye-achingly blue sky as Luke felt the planet’s majesty deep in his core.
How could Han leave all this?
He realized that Han had rarely spoken of home all the time he had known him. Oh, he spoke of Corellia in general, but had never mentioned a family. Luke recalled his surprise when Han had finally mentioned them.
Luke hadn’t pried any further, Lando saying to him once, “He’ll tell you if he wants to,” so Luke had left it at that. As he took in the splendor around him, he decided that he might find his answers here and now, anyway.
The ride from the city was a little less than an hour. The view continued to be spectacular, augmented now by distant mountains and abundant fields. Some were still a startling green while others were now yellow. Haystacks were everywhere, and Luke was pleased. His travels with the Rebellion had taken him to Yavin IV’s jungle greenery, Hoth’s icy snows, and back to jungle again on Endor. Never had there been just simple pastoral scenes like the ones passing by the hovercar.
“We’re in farm country now, kid,” Han said.
“Technically, I grew up on a farm.”
“A moisture farm counts, I guess. Must’ve been tough with your harvest.”
“Very.”
Han fell silent as they passed a series of stone gates names etched into the archways: Brooks, Hunter, Blackwood. Luke assumed they were family names, but he wanted to make sure.
“Are these family names or estate names?”
“Each clan names their holdings by their family names.”
The hovercar’s speed began to slow as they approached another gate. Like the other estates, the massive gates anchored high stone walls. Everything looked very old.
The name carved into the archway startled Luke. At first glance, he thought the name was Solo. He realized it said Solon.
Han took out a stone key from his vest pocket and tapped a stone that slid back to reveal a recessed keyhole. He inserted the key and Luke heard it rumbling as the gate ponderously parted, allowing them entry. When the gates closed behind them with a scraping sound, Luke marveled at the ancient technology.
The hovercar went up a long driveway lined with tall, colorful trees, and the house of Clan Solon suddenly appeared at the top of the rise, large and imposing.
“It’s a thousand years old,” Han said almost casually. “Give or take a few decades.”
Luke was amazed. He shook his head. There aren’t even some Jedi ruins that old.
The center of the building was roseate stone worn smooth by the centuries. Two large pillars upheld a portico that framed a large set of double oak doors banded in iron. A bronze crest featuring a tree in the center of the design was surrounded by a circle of stars.
The main part of the house was three stories high with a turreted roof, and newer additions spread out as wings, built in smooth sandstone. Unlike the narrow slits in the center area, the wings featured modern windows. Flowering shrubs added patches of color in front of the sandstone.
“This is beautiful,” said Luke as he climbed out of the car. Han and Chewbacca followed suit, Han staying by the hovercar. Luke sensed his spouse-to-be was on edge.
The front doors opened and a woman came out. She was tall but slightly plump, her long hair the same color as Han’s with blond streaks that were startling. Her eyes were almost an otherworldly blue, framed by long lashes. She wore a squash-colored peasant blouse and aquamarine skirt with matching necklace and gold bracelets.
“Han!”
Her face broke out into a smile and she descended the steps with alacrity as her sandals scuffed over the stones. She held out her arms and Han accepted her embrace, holding her tightly.
Luke smiled as he watched mother and son reunite. Chewbacca snuffled and gave a light, trill-like growl.
Han’s mother pulled back to get a good look at him. She held his shoulders as she inspected her son. “Those holovids don’t do you justice.”
Han laughed. “You look great, Mom.”
She cupped his face. “Always the silver tongue, huh? Ah, Chewie! A pleasure to see you again.” She hugged the Wookiee, who roared with delight. “And this is Jedi Skywalker.”
Luke suddenly felt nervous but he smiled. “Luke, Ma’am.”
She offered her hand and Luke took it, his diplomatic experience helping him out with the proper greeting.
“Call me Lyra.”
Luke bowed slightly, to the amusement of mother and son. Her eyes twinkled and her bracelets clacked as she swept her arm toward the house. “Come in, boys. Bring your luggage.”
“Right, Mom.”
Han led the way inside. The foyer was neither too small or too large. Light streamed through modern windows set in the additions, which was a good thing, Luke thought, because the original windows in the front let in very little light.
“The main part of the house was the keep,” Lyra said. “It was designed for defense.” She pointed upward. “Han will have to show you the parapets.” She turned to her son. “Your room and the guest rooms are ready.”
Luke felt a blush heat his cheeks. Separate bedrooms?
“Okay, Mom. C’mon, guys.”
Luke and Chewbacca followed Han up the stone staircase. The stairs curved to the left and right, Han taking the left. The stone walls gradually became the newer sandstone, and Han went to the end of the hall.
“This corner room is mine.” He grinned as Chewbacca disappeared into the room opposite Han’s. “Chewie always liked that room.”
Luke stood a little awkwardly with his bag. “So where do I bunk?”
Han smiled. “It’s tradition. No cohabitation ‘til the wedding.”
“Lovely.”
Han smirked. Luke had the feeling that tradition could be circumvented.
Han indicated the room next to his own. Luke walked in, pleased at the warm colors of the bedspread, quilt, and hooked rug. There was a chest of drawers and bureau with a mirror, a rocking chair and nightstand. A fireplace was set at one end and a window overlooked beautiful gardens.
“Unpack, kid. Mom will have lunch ready soon.”
“All right.”
As Luke unpacked, carefully hanging up the ceremonial cloak he planned to wear for the wedding, he thought how domestic this all was. He had thought Han’s background was hardscrabble, but this was a usual family setting.
Well, what did you expect? That he was raised by wolves?
He finished unpacking and stowed away his bag. A knock on the door caught his attention.
“Come in.”
Han leaned against the doorjamb, crossing his arms and legs. “All settled in?”
“Yes.”
Han pushed away from the doorjamb and put his hands on Luke’s shoulders. “I know this is a lot to take in.”
“Must be a lot for you, too. How long has it been since you’ve been home?”
“Awhile.” Han smiled slightly. “I brought Chewie home years ago. I knew Mom would feel better if she saw him, knowing he was there to look out for me.”
“Why’d you leave, Han?”
“I wanted to go to space.” Han shrugged.
Luke knew there was more to it, but decided not to pursue the topic…at least for now.
“So, did you say something about lunch? I’m pretty hungry,” Luke said.
“Let’s go, then.”
Han led Luke into the kitchen. Chewbacca was already seated at the table, avidly watching Lyra as she prepared sandwiches.
“Have a seat, boys. Lunch is almost ready,” Lyra said cheerfully.
Luke noticed that the kitchen was a mix of modern and ancient. There was an old-fashioned sink but modern heating and cooling units. The entire place seemed to be a combination of old and new.
A few minutes later, she set plates before each man and Wookiee and poured glasses of apple cider, taking a seat herself.
“The bread was milled right here on the farm,” Lyra said. “The vegetables were all grown right here, too.”
Luke took a bite of his sandwich. “This is delicious, Lyra.”
She beamed. “Good. We press our own cider, too, from our own apples.”
“Pretty impressive.”
“We think so. Bet that sandwich tastes better than a food concentrate.”
“No comparison.”
Han made no comment as he ate. Chewbacca rumbled his satisfaction.
“Now, tell me why this wedding is a big secret.” Lyra took a drink of her cider.
Han swallowed and spoke. “We don’t want to get married with the whole galaxy watching.”
“Admirable, but someone will find out.”
“But it’ll give us time to get used to things until then.”
Lyra looked at Luke. “I take it you agree with this?”
“Yes.” Luke took a sip of cider. “We’d like some privacy to start out.”
“Well, I can’t say as I blame you.” Lyra took a bite of her sandwich and swallowed. “You needn’t worry about anyone in the clan gabbing. Those invited to the wedding are under an Oath of Silence.”
“Oh, that sounds good.” Luke had wondered if the secret could have been kept.
“Where’s Jan? I need to go over some stuff with her,” Han said.
“She’s in town. So’s your father.”
Luke noticed Han tense up. So, father/son trouble?
“They’ll be back soon. They’re having lunch in town after their errands.” Lyra spoke to Luke. ”It’s a pleasure to go about one’s business without running into Imperial troopers.”
“I agree one hundred percent.” Luke smiled. “The disbanding of Imperial troops was a great day for the galaxy.”
“And we have you to thank.”
“Not just me. A lot of people had a hand in this.”
Lyra laughed. “Such modesty! Not a Solon trait, as I’m sure you know.”
Han couldn’t help but smirk. Luke pounded him on the shoulder.
“Oh, I know that well.”
Chewbacca joined in with a rumble. Lyra smiled and asked, “Dessert, anyone?”
Three enthusiastic assents made her laugh, and she dished out apple pie with brandenberry ice cream.
The lunch clean-up was quick with Lyra gaining three helpers. As she let the water out of the sink, she said, “Han, you’ll need to fill Luke in on our traditions. Any special wedding customs for you, Luke?”
“No, Ma’am, though my sister Leia may have some Alderaanian customs she might want to add.”
“Ah, yes, the Princess.”
“Her Worship will let you know what she wants,” said Han wryly.
Lyra raised an eyebrow. The hum of an approaching hovercar cut off what she might have intended to say. “Your sister and father are back.”
Mingled emotions were on Han’s face. He squared his shoulders. “Time to beard the lion.”
Luke noticed that Lyra seemed to be silently agreeing.
Uh, oh.
Wondering what kind of scene he was about to witness, Luke followed Han outside.
reliablecounter.com
This chapter can also be read on AO3.
