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“Seems like every time I come up here lately, you’re getting ready to leave. Maybe you should just keep a bag packed.”

She froze on seeing him. “Where have you been? I’ve been trying to reach you all morning.”

Han rubbed his nose. “Memory Lane. Anyway, I had my comlink switched off.” He gestured to the open suitcase. “Threepio tells me you two are going somewhere.”

Leia sat down on the edge of the large bed and curled a strand of hair behind her ear. “Ord Mantell, of all places. The refugee problem has become overwhelming, Han. Food shortages, disease, families separated … On top of everything else, there’s widespread suspicion of the New Republic’s motives in helping out. The advisory council asked me to meet with the heads of state of several Mid and Inner Rim worlds to discuss possible solutions.”

“Suspicion about what?”

“A lot of people feel that the New Republic will be in a position to annex hundreds of worlds and systems once we’ve dealt with the Yuuzhan Vong.”

“Not if things keep going like they’re going.”

“I know,” Leia said in a troubled voice.

Han cut his eyes to the suitcase once more. “Don’t you ever get tired of mercy missions?”

“Mercy begins at home,” C-3PO interrupted, then amended, “No, wait. I do believe the phrase is ‘altruism begins at home.’ Why, I must have picked up a flutter. The anxiety of packing for a space voyage—”

“Threepio!” Han said, thrusting a cautionary index finger at him.

Human body language being among the millions of others with which he was conversant, C-3PO immediately silenced himself.

Leia looked from the droid to Han. “ ‘Mercy missions’ are what I do. I’m trying to help any way I can.”

Han nodded nonchalantly. “Actually, the timing couldn’t be better, because I’ll be away for a while myself.”

Leia stared at him. “Away where?”

“I’m not sure.”

Leia raised her eyebrows. “You’re not sure?”

“It’s a fact,” Han said, glancing down into the foyer, where Roa was appraising a crystal statue Leia had picked up on Vortex.

Leia followed his gaze. “Who’s that?”

“An old friend.”

“Does he have a name?”

“Roa.”

“Well, that’s a start,” Leia said facetiously. “I don’t know where you’re going, but at least I know who you’ll be with—just in case I need to reach you.” She paused. “Are you taking the Falcon?”

Han shook his head. “Feel free to take her out for a spin whenever you want.”

Leia studied him. “Han, what’s all this about?”

“We’re just going to check up on a mutual friend.”

“And you have to leave immediately?”

Han shot her a look. “Now or never, Leia. It’s that simple.” He grabbed a travel pack from the closet and began to stuff clothes into it.

Leia watched him for a long moment. “Can you at least stay until Anakin gets home? You’ve been avoiding him all week.”

Han kept his back to her. “You can tell him good-bye for me.”

Leia moved deliberately into his view. “You two have more to say to each other than good-bye. He’s confused, Han. You tell him he shouldn’t feel responsible for what happened on Sernpidal, but your silence and anger send the opposite message. You have to help him through this.”

Han looked at her. “What’s he need me for? He’s got the Force.” His eyes narrowed. “What was it Luke said to me? Something like, because the kids are Jedi, I won’t be able to keep up with them much longer. Well, that’s exactly what’s happened. They’ve grown beyond me.”

“Luke didn’t mean that the way you’re taking it.” Leia approached him. “Han, listen to me. Anakin’s need to avenge Chewie has as much to do with pleasing you as absolving himself. He needs your understanding and your support. He needs your love, Han. Even the Force can’t grant him that.”

Han blew out his breath. “If you’re trying to make me feel guilty, award yourself a medal.”

“I’m not trying to make you feel guilty. I’m only trying to—” She stopped herself and let her shoulders sink. “Forget it, Han. You know what? Maybe it’ll be good for you to get away for a while.”

Without comment, Han went to the wall unit and began to rummage through one of the drawers. In a moment he had hold of his