Star Wars: The Alderaan Affair/Part XVIII - Approval

Epin and Leia made their way back into Aldera, their clothes soaked from the water. The pair laughed and talked about their day together. Epin had his arm draped over her shoulders and she had her arm around his waist. The sun was just setting, so Leia thought it best that she get home before her parents worried too much.

“I mean, Dad's already upset about Coruscant and everything, so it's probably not a good idea to push him further.” Leia said as they came to a halt outside the palace gates.

“Yeah I know, I just have one last thing to say and it's important.” Said Epin.

“Well, alright.” Said Leia, slightly puzzled. “What is it?”

“Hey guys, could you just move away for a few minutes?” Epin said, speaking to the guards standing at the gates. “I've got something really important to say, and it's kind of personal and...”

The guards made no move and one of them chuckled at Epin's request. They stared at Epin for several moments before saluting and turning to go. Epin stood facing them, pleased with himself, as they turned into the palace grounds, disappearing behind the wall. However, Leia had motioned for them to leave behind Epin's back, which is who they saluted.

“You wanted to say something?” She asked as Epin turned to her.

“Listen, uh, about what we talked about back at the lake.” He said, taking hold of her hands. “About friends and getting new ones if we moved away from each other.”

“What about it?” Asked Leia, tilting her head.

“You're...” He started, taking a breath, seeming to weigh the words, though still looking directly at her. “You're the only uh...only friend I want right now Leia...”

Leia gave him the biggest smile she could manage. “You're not bad yourself, Ep.” She said softly, wrapping her arms around his neck. -	The next day Epin decided that he would pick Leia up from Vesta's and take her out. He waited outside the gate as the students were released. Many students expressed surprise at seeing Epin in his typical farm tunic and hooded robe. When Leia appeared he called to her and seeing him, jogged hurriedly to him.

“Hey Ep.” Said Leia happily. “What are you doing here?”

“Well I thought we could hang out and do something fun.” Said Epin. “I mean, I had a great time yesterday.”

“Yeah sure, I'd love to!” Leia responded, a smile on her face. “Ay Lanmaw!” Said a voice. “Look at you, all lovely with Princess Leia.”

Epin turned to see Arod Vekkar and two friends from his Sons Of Alderaan looking smug and pleased with themselves. Epin noticed that Arod was wearing black gloves that stretched to his elbow. Epin and Leia both stood and faced them. Arod stood in front, flanked by Otis Broxtin and Otis' brother, Otto. Arod gave a gesture to Otis, who started forward and grabbed hold of Leia, who resisted, kicking Otis in the groin. Otis fell, whimpering. Arod scoffed and motioned for Otto to help Otis.

“I hope you're ready for this beating.” Said Arod, tightening the black gloves that he was wearing. “I'm going to stomp your farmer butt into the dirt.

Several students had stopped to see what the commotion was, having also noticed that Leia was hanging around a farm hand. There were jeers from the crowd as they heckled Epin and Arod, who many disliked due to his arrogance and superiority complex.

Epin laughed. “Do you remember the last time you fought me? You went running like scared little animals.”

“Not this time punk.” Said Arod. “See, I've got...well it doesn't matter. Let's go, unless you're too much of a baby.”

Arod let out a laugh as Leia put her hand on Epin's arm. “Got your girlfriend protecting you!?” He taunted.

Arod stepped closer and Epin jerked his arm away from Leia and nudged her aside. Arod stood almost nose to nose with Epin, smiling a wicked smile.

“Come on scum.” Said Arod. “You ain't got what it takes.”

Epin took a swing, but Arod dodged it and gave Epin a swift punch in the stomach, which gave him an electric shock. Arod followed up by hitting Epin in the neck with the electric gloves, sending another jolt into him. Epin twitched slightly as he lay on the ground. Arod reached down and grabbed Epin by the shirt, pulling him up. As Epin slumped a bit, Arod gave him a slap to the face, causing yet another electric jolt, a knee him to the stomach and then pulling Epin's hood, he swung him around and threw him to the ground.

“What the hell?” Said Epin as he got to his knee and watched as Arod came running towards him.

Epin grabbed him as Arod threw his body weight into a knee to Epin's face. Taking advantage of Arod's momentum, holding the knee he grabbed, Epin fell backwards, driving Arod face first into the ground. Coughing, Arod scrambled up and faced Epin.

“Lucky catch.” Arod said.

“What do you want Arod?” Asked Epin, throwing off his cloak. “So what, I beat you once, just like you did to me a bunch of times.”

“You got lucky!” Arod growled. “And some of The Sons gang left because of it! You made me a laughing stock!”

“Good, you could do with some humility.” Said Leia. “Grow up Arod, you got beat.”

“No!” Screamed Arod. “He's going to pay for this!”

Arod came forward and took another swing at Epin, which Epin blocked, but not before receiving more electricity through his limbs. He fell to the ground again, clutching his chest. Arod strode over and placed both hands down onto Epin's chest, causing him to twitch and shake. Leia, who had seen enough, waled straight up to Arod and punched him directly in the face, taking him off guard and sending him reeling backward. Arod, taken completely by surprise, stood dumbfounded. He stared at her, not knowing how to react.

“This isn't over.” Said Arod, spitting on Epin's face. “But for now, you could say that the outcome was, shocking!” He laughed loudly at his own joke and strode away towards the city, the Broxtin's hurrying along behind him.

“Are you okay?” Asked Leia as she knelt at Epin's side.

“Epin coughed, still holding his chest, breathing hard and deep, trying to get air into his lungs. “Yeah, I...I'll be fine.”

You must not become too reliant on yourself. Came Kreia's voice. I've told you this in the past. You become blinded by your own power and believe it will just carry you through anything without effort, and this time, as was the case at the club, you pay the price for your overconfidence. You must allow it, not will it. Learn to trust yourself, your abilities and in The Force.

“Come on Ep.” Said Leia, helping him to his feet. “Don't worry about it.”

“But I do!” Said Epin, pulling away from her. “I've beaten him before, why couldn't I now? Just like that person at The Manka, he beat me with almost no effort!”

It is also possible that his mind was simply stronger than yours this time around. Said Kreia, in Epin's mind. You believe yourself to be invincible because of your talents?

“Epin, stop it.” Said Leia, reaching out and placing a hand on his arm. “I don't care about you beating Arod or losing to whoever it was at that damn fighting arena. Do you think I'm that shallow of a person?”

“Yeah well, I do care.” Said Epin, jerking his arm away and turning his back on her, Kreia's words enraging him further. “Maybe my father was right after all. Maybe I can't...”

“You're being stupid Ep, come on.” Said Leia, reaching out again. “Let's go.”

You cannot simply read minds at will, I have told you this in the past. Said Kreia, seemingly goading Epin now.

“No!” Said Epin angrily, pulling away again, trying to push Kreia from his mind.

“Does it really bother you this much?” Asked Leia. “You really care about some dirtbag like Arod Vekkar beating you? He does it to almost everyone, it's what he does.”

You hear, but you do not listen. Open your mind. Said Kreia. But alas, you seem to only be interested in opening Leia's...

“Shut up!” Yelled Epin, speaking to Kreia, but Leia believed he was shouting at her as she knew nothing of Kreia.

Leia's stood with her lips slightly parted as she blinked a few times, staring at Epin. “Fine.” She said.

Epin turned to face her. “Leia, I wasn't...I was...”

“Epin, we've been friends our entire lives, and these past few years we've been becoming even closer.” Said Leia, turning her head to the side and closing her eyes. “But if you're going to believe what people say about you not being worth anything, and not listen to the people who care about you, then I'm not bothering anymore.”

“I...” Started Epin.

“Save it.” Said Leia, holding up her hand. “When you said you cared more about losing a fight, than what I felt about you, proves to me I don't matter to you.”

“That's not true at all!” Epin yelled, but Leia had already turned and begun walking away. -	Laying on his back on the boundary wall of Aldera, Epin stared at the sky and reflected on the day's events. He knew deep down that he had reacted wrongly towards Leia, but she didn't understand what it meant to him to be able to prove himself to his father and show him that he, Epin, wasn't a helpless little boy or his 'other daughter'. He needed to win, to beat this person at The Manka and reclaim the part of himself he felt that he had lost.

So why exactly did I lose? Epin asked himself.

I have already told you, that your opponent's mind may have been more focused. Came Kreia's voice. In instances like this, more effort on your part is required. You seem to be becoming reckless and arrogant, which is a path to ruin. You cannot simply expect everything to always go your way while you provide nothing to make it so.

I want to be able to win! Epin exclaimed. I want to show that fighter at The Manka, Arod, my father and even Leia that I am better than they think!

You're getting close to a dangerous path young one. Said Kreia. You are allowing anger and fear to move your thought process. Be cautious and do not to allow yourself to become your own puppet.

But then how do I beat these people that can shut me out? Asked Epin.

Well, there are techniques to dominate the minds of others, make suggestions as to what they should think or how they should act. Explained Kreia. We can begin immediately if you like. -	Leia walked into her room in the palace and slammed her hand on the button to close the door behind her. She breathed deeply, feeling herself starting to get angry. Looking for a release, she tore a lamp from the wall and threw it across the room, where it shattered against the wall. She screamed and swore at the top of her voice. Moments later, she heard a knock on the door.

“What!?” She asked crossly, opening it.

“Are you alright Princess?” Asked a palace guard, his face puzzled.

“Yes!” Said Leia, shutting the door in his face.

“Everything alright honey?” Came Breha's voice as the door opened a few minutes later. “The guard seemed to think you...”

“Yeah, I'm fine.” Said Leia, sitting herself down on the floor. “Just fine mom, thanks.”

“Well that's good.” Said Breha, closing the door and going to sit next to Leia.

“Me and Epin got into an argument.” She finally said, after a period of silence, casting her eyes downward.

“Ah, I see.” Said Breha, smiling to herself and nodding. “About what?”

“Well, he and Arod got into another fight and Epin's angry that Arod beat him.” Leia explained.

“Hmm.” Said Breha. “He does that to a lot of people.”

“I know he does.” Said Leia. “You know how Arod and his friends are!”

Breha frowned knowingly. “Yes, it's a shame, he's such a violent boy. And with a father who's in law enforcement.”

“Mom, I don't know what to do.” Said Leia, looking at Breha.

“What to do?” Breha said, raising her eyebrows. “Well, what do you feel Leia?”

“What?” Said Leia. “I feel angry, where does he get off talking to me like that, after I stuck by him while he was getting his butt whipped all those other times!?”

“No Leia, calm down. What I mean is what do you feel for him.” Said Breha, putting her hand on Leia's shoulder.

“I...I...” She stammered, taking a long time to answer, searching her mother's eyes as though she might be given an answer. “I...really like him.” Leia finally said, a tear rolling down her cheek.

Breha smiled warmly, pulling Leia into a hug. “I know you do sweetheart. Believe me, I know you do.” -	 Leia lay on her stomach on the grass in the palace garden, flipping through a datapad that contained information regarding the royal families of other star systems and their enrollment in the galaxy’s Matchings. She didn't like it, but there would be another Matching event in a few months, and wanted to at least know who would be attending. Who knows, maybe a new family would be attending this one. Every twenty to twenty five standard galactic years a new round of Matchings would occur and there were four rounds in the ceremony that took place at an interval of two years between each round. The previous round being Leia's second and this coming one to be her third. Being a princess of such a high standing family, she would be expected to choose a suitor by the fourth and final one. If she didn't, one would be appointed to her after Alderaan's inhabitants voted for who they want to rule over them as her future husband. Leia disliked it greatly, mainly for the fact that she was literally being forced to marry a man, whom she might not harbor any feelings for whatsoever. It was an archaic concept, but who was she to protest centuries of tradition? The Matching itself wasn't only for Leia, as many others were being matched up as well, it just happened that Alderaan had been chosen as the host planet for this round of Matchings, so she was the centerpiece in a manner of speaking.

Of course, she was still able to refuse by relinquishing her status, but her family would also have to step down and would be disgraced in the eyes of Alderaan and many others in the galaxy. She sighed heavily, set the pad aside and flipped onto her back to look up at the clouds.

“Stupid dumb Matching.” She said, stretching and putting her arms behind her head. “Wonder what would happen if I just told them to kriff off?”

Yes, that's what she would like to do. But she knew that during this round the boys would be bringing gifts that they would present to her in an attempt to sway her interest. The gift she chose, would give the boy who gave it to her a great deal of favor in the eyes of Alderaan's inhabitants and a certain status among the other boys. Supposedly indicating he had been chosen, and therefore it would fall to the others that were interested in Leia to up their offerings and give her reason to favor them. As she was expected to accept one gift, she planned on accepting the most expensive, simply for being thus. She didn't like it, but she had no desire to bring shame upon her father and family. There was still the final round of matches after this one, which by then, maybe she will have found loophole in The Matching traditions and give herself a way out. -	Time passed and the day of The Matching arrived. Leia stood at the top of the stairs in the ballroom of Aldera Palace. A room high enough to accommodate an Imperial AT-AT and with enough space length and width wise to fit four of them end to end. The walls were adorned with various colored tapestries woven from the hairs of different animal species of the galaxy, bearing the coat of arms from the families of past Alderaanian royalty. The Imperial crest hung directly above the landing of the main staircase. The walls and floor were of white marble and the pillars that held the ceiling up were a light grey. The stairs themselves were carved wood from the ancient trees of Aldera's oldest forests on the opposite side of the planet and were stained a dark brown and a plush red carpet covered the middle of the stairs all the way from the top landing to the main entrance of the room. The guests had arrived and were mingling amongst themselves and making guesses on whom would be Leia's choice. Everyone seemed to favor a boy named Jaism Gorbatch, from Dacjen III, a somewhat new planet in galactic affairs that held large deposits of kolto in its oceans. Kolto, a forerunner to bacta, was used during the days of the Old Republic and many hadn't used the substance in any large frequency since a major environmental disaster on the planet Manaan contaminated the galaxies largest source of it. Many were hoping that a union between Leia and Jaism would bring the kolto along with it. Indeed, only this morning, her own father had hinted that he favored Jaism in the upcoming event.

“You're awfully happy.” Said Bail, as he and Leia watched all the people entering the ballroom from an upper floor, which gave an excellent view of the entire room. “Might I ask why? You showed no interest in this event in the weeks leading up to it.”

“Oh, it's just a feeling I got.” Said Leia. “About Epin.”

“What about him?” Asked Bail. “You're not going to be running off with him this time are you Leia?”

“No dad.” Said Leia, smiling slightly. “I don't need to go to him.”

“Well, that's good to hear.” Said Bail, placing both hands on the railing. “Because this is a crucial point in...”

“Because he's come to me this time.” Interrupted Leia.

“He what?” Bail exclaimed, turning to face her.

“He's here dad.” Said Leia.

“How do you know?” Asked Bail, raising an eyebrow and feeling slightly nervous. “Only invited guests are to be inside this ballroom. And anyway, I've not seen him enter.”

“He's here, trust me.” Said Leia, smiling. “Just a feeling I have.”

Bail swallowed hard and remembered that Jedi could sense the presence of other beings. He wondered if Leia was doing the same thing without knowing. Or maybe she did know what she was doing, which was even more concerning.

“Well he's right there in any case.” Said Leia, nodding her head to the balcony across from them where a figure could be seen standing slightly in the shadows.

“What's he doing over there!? Asked Bail. “And how did he get there to begin with!? This floor should be inaccessible to guests.”

“He's different than we are dad.” Said Leia. “There's something about him that I can't really explain.”

Bail frowned as he watched Epin, who pulled a hood over his head and drew back into the shadows an behind a wall when he saw them looking at him. Not only had Leia been right about Epin being here, she knew that he would be able to get past the guards and fool all of the other guests. Perhaps the boy's abilities were greater than Bail had originally thought. Could spending time around him have brought them out in Leia? An interesting thought and though unlikely, not entirely impossible. He rubbed his chin thinking hard and wanting more than anything at the moment to get to his private chambers and contact Ben, but that would have to wait until later.

The events of the evening went smooth until it was time to present Leia with the nights gift. As per the Matching tradition, Leia would receive gifts from the boys who wished to court her, choose her favorite on the sixth day of the event and then spend the seventh and final with the giver of the chosen gift. She wasn't looking forward to being in the company of any of these boys, many of whom were watching her in a way that made her uneasy.

Leia began accepting the offerings from the boys as she sat at a table on the landing at the top of the stairs in a floor length, full sleeved, white dress, with her hair tied up into an elaborate bun at the top of her and clasped with shining silver. Bail and Breha stood to either side of her as the boys would ascend the stairs and present her with their gifts. They were the typical assortment that one would expect to receive from people who knew nothing about her, other than she was a princess. A necklace of gold and diamonds, a large amount of rare and valuable metals, a wardrobe of expensive dresses and gowns, and a personal starship from Jaism. Even Leia had to admit she was taken aback by the data card she was presented with when told it contained the deed for ownership of a ship.

There was the sounds of arguing from overhead and a blaster bolt flew into the hall, hitting the chair where Leia had been sitting mere moments before, as she had gotten up and run out of the hall intending to get to the source of the argument. As everyone yelled and demanded explanations, Bail called for silence as several guards rushed to his side and attempted to move him to safety. He shrugged them off and pointed out that Leia was missing and they were told to find and bring her back to him at once. The group of guards saluted and dispersed around the hall and up the stairs. Bail and Breha managed to get the crowd under control and the group began filing out into the palace grounds.

Epin stood facing the man whom he had just disarmed, his fists clenched and raised, ready for a fight. The man, who was tan skinned and dark haired, stared back at Epin with a half smile on his face. The frightened voices of people could be heard below as the crowd was ushered out of the palace after the man had fired his blaster when Epin and he had been struggling over the weapon. The man was dressed in a black bodysuit with a belt of small pouches around his waist and a blade sheathed at his chest. The blaster rifle he had been using lay on the floor after being knocked from his hand by a kick from Epin.

The man unsheathed the blade from his chest as brandished it at Epin. Making no signs of intimidation, Epin nodded at the man, seemingly inviting him to attack. He did. Striding towards Epin, keeping the blade at stomach level, he took a swing with his free hand and tried to stab while Epin was distracted. However, Epin was used to dealing with feints and he blocked the knife hand and twisted, causing the man to yell in pain and drop his weapon. After a kick towards Epin's groin, which he dodged by back stepping, the man fell backward and rolled, returning to a standing position a few feet away. This time Epin went on the offensive and grappling the man, struggled as they twisted and turned, moving toward the edge of the balcony. Both knew the fall was high enough to potentially be fatal. The two hit the railing, with Epin the one with his back to the edge.

“Well, it looks as though our Princess' little savior couldn't save himself in the end.” He grunted as he tried to force Epin over the edge.

Just as Epin felt himself being lifted over the edge, the man slumped against him. Sliding to the floor, Epin rolled the man off him and saw a smoking hole in the back of his head. Someone had shot him. Looking down the hall, he saw Leia holding a blaster in her raised hands. Leia lowered the weapon and approached him. She knelt by him and they looked at each other for a long while, as it had been months since they had been in close contact with each other due to their argument. Without words, they embraced.

“Leia, I...” Said Epin when they finally let go of each other. “I'm...”

“I know you are.” Said Leia, placing a hand on his. “It's okay, you don't have to say it.”

They looked at each other and Epin smiled his appreciation of her words. Leia then shifted so they were sitting side by side and Epin put his head down against her shoulder. They held hands as the palace guards rounded the corner. -	The Matching was suspended and participants sent away from Alderaan, owing to the night's events. Epin was held for several days at the Aldera police station while he was questioned by Bail, Breha and Aldera detectives about the incident at the palace, which appeared to be an attempt on Leia's life. As the assassin was killed in the ensuing struggle, Epin was asked to recount anything the assassin had said. After covering everything from why Epin was there to what the assassin had said and done, he was released from custody. Bail was present when Epin was released and suggested that he accompany him to the palace to have dinner with Leia, Winter, Breha and himself, saying he'd more than earned it with his actions.

At the palace, Epin and Bail were greeted by Breha, who hugged Epin and thanked him for what he had done. The trio went into the dining hall where Leia and Winter were already seated at a table that was smaller than the one he had eaten at when his family had been invited here by Bail. Leia smiled broadly and motioned for Epin to sit next to her, which he did. As they ate, discussing the events of a few days ago and various small talk, the topic came to Epin himself.

“So, Epin.” Said Bail, taking a sip of his wine. “Is everything alright at home?”

“Yeah, uh sure.” Said Epin. “Why wouldn't it be?”

“Oh, it's just when I went to purchase more livestock for this Matching, there was nobody at your farm.” Said Bail.

“Oh that.” Said Epin, shifting in his chair. “We uh, left the farm after my parents got into a big fight. They split up.”

“And just left the farm deserted?” Asked Bail, raising any eyebrow.

“Well uhm, my mom said that she uh, didn't want to remember the past, you know.” Said Epin, slightly distracted, as Leia was playfully kicking him under the table.

“Oh, sorry to hear that Epin.” Said Breha. “Who are you and your sister staying with?”

“My mom.” Said Epin quickly.

“Well, where is she?” Asked Breha. “We should send her a call to let her know you're okay.”

“No!” Said Epin quickly, causing everyone to halt their meal and stare at him. “I mean, she's busy, you know, taking care of two kids by herself.”

“Of course.” Said Breha, laughing and motioning toward Leia and Winter. “I can somewhat relate.”

Epin caught Leia's eye and she smiled at him while they played underneath the table, each attempting to pin the foot of the other underneath their own. Bail chewed his food while looking curiously at Epin, all the while knowing what he and his daughter were doing. He knew how Epin felt about Leia and now it was made all too clear what the boy would do for her. Placing himself in danger to protect her and taking on an assassin. Bail felt he may have jumped to a conclusion too quickly when it came to Epin and perhaps Leia would indeed benefit from being around someone with Epin's particular skills. After all, the boy clearly was not untrained, as tracking and cornering the assassin was proof of this. All in all, if Bail was honest with himself, he knew the day would come that Leia was put in significant danger and wasn't sure he was ready to do what now had to be done. Epin cared for Leia and the fact that the two had been found holding hands, with Epin resting on Leia's shoulder, proved to Bail beyond a shadow of a doubt that she felt the same way for him. Leia was sixteen now and would be spending more time off planet doing work for Alderaan as its Princess, representing it in Senate affairs and meetings. Possibly the boy would be inclined to serve as her personal guard.

At the end of the meal, the Organa's and Epin said their farewells and Bail offered Epin a lift home. Epin agreed and Leia accompanied them. As they approached The Weary Traveler, Epin told Bail where to stop and Epin exited. Leia, who had been sitting in between Bail and Epin, slid to the door as it closed to give Epin a kiss. Bail laughed and with a smile, turned his head while she did so, pretending to not notice. Epin watched them go and felt a sense of loss as the speeder disappeared around the corner. He had enjoyed being around them and Leia for the first time in months and wished he could have spent more time with them. He sighed and entered his room.

Some time later, there was a knock at his door and he found Leia standing there wearing a hooded cloak and scarf around her mouth. Slightly surprised he didn't immediately register that it was her as she removed her scarf and asked to come in. Mentally shaking himself, he closed the door as she entered and turned to see her pulling off her cloak and sitting on the bed.

“Uh...” Said Epin.

“I know it's late, but I wanted to see you again.” Said Leia, tossing her cloak and scarf onto the floor.

“Oh, well, that's good.” Said Epin, grinning and going over to her. “Cause I wanted to see you too.”

Epin flopped down on the bed next to her, laying on his stomach and facing away from her. She lay down on her back and put her hands behind her head. They talked about the assassin and the disagreement and argument they had months ago. Leia again told Epin she had told him to drop it, but Epin wanted to talk more about his reasoning behind it, which Leia accepted and said she understood.

“Hey Ep.” Said Leia, turning to face him as they lay on the bed. “Why were you even at the palace to begin with?”

“Oh well, I wanted you to have something.” Said Epin, sitting up slightly.

“You could have given it to me earlier.” She said.

“Oh, well, actually, it was kind of destroyed in the fighting at the palace.” He said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small box and handing it to her. “So I had to get another one, but anyway, here it is.”

“What's this?” She asked, sitting up, taking the box from him and opening it.

In the box was a pink Cardiff, the same flower Epin had placed in her hair when she had kissed him on the cheek all those years ago on his family’s farm. Their first kiss from a certain point of view. She was amazed that he had remembered the flower, let alone the color of it. He picked it up and held it in his hands as he stood at the foot of the bed, while she sat on the edge.

“I wanted you to remember the fun times we had...” He began, twirling the flower between his thumb and forefinger. “You know, before we started being angry at each other.”

“I wanted that too Ep, I wanted to talk with you.” Said Leia. “But I was busy with things for The Matching and well, I mean you know how my dad is...”

Epin flourished the flower at Leia, beginning to tuck it into her hair and as he was making a spectacle of it, pretending to concentrate hard, his face was now very close to hers. Leia let out a soft gasp of surprise as he kissed her ear and then her neck when he finished. When he began to pull away, Leia's head turned and her lips met Epin's and they kissed for a moment before Epin, running his hands up to Leia's shoulders, began pressing her onto the bed.

Alderaan Affair

Part XVII - Part XIX