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Han smiled. "I know some younger Jedi Knights who've run into quite a few challenges of their own." He tousled Jacen's hair, and the young man flinched.

"Dad, I'm not a little boy anymore."

"Uh-oh. That mean you're too old to go with me to the Blockade Runners Derby on Ord Mantell?" Han raised his eyebrows at his twin children.

" You mean the race?" Jaina said. She had heard of the annual spectacle, one of the grandest, most daring races a pilot could enter.

It was an honor just to compete in the Derby.

Han nodded. "The Falcon won it three times already during my smuggling days. But this time I'll be going as a representative of the New Republic. Folks running the Derby sent in an official request, asking for me as their Grand Marshal." He gave his wry grin. "How could I refuse?"

Jaina laughed. "I doubt they could've kept you from that race if they put a few Imperial Star Destroyers in the way."

Han Solo squared his shoulders. "Hey, my wife and kids aren't the only ones who enjoy facing some challenges every now and then."

"I wish I could go with you, Han," Kyp said, stopping at the base of the looming stone temple. "But Streen and I may have to leave again in a few days. Even though Master Skywalker trains more Jedi every year, the New Republic is a big place. There are lots of missions to send Jedi Knights on and not enough of us to handle all the situations that need our attention."

Han turned to his three children with mock sternness in his expression.

"Well, I'm not letting you kids go on any missions for the time being.

You're coming with me in the Falcon, and your assignment is to have some fun. Some... quality time together, a family vacation.

You're gonna love the Blockade Runners Derby."

Lowbacca, walking down one of the Great Temple's exterior stairways, let out a loud Wookiee bellow of greeting. Perplexed, Jaina bit her lower lip and turned back to the Falcon.

"I know Mom couldn't make it, Dad, but where's Chewie?"

"Ah. Chewie'd been talking about visiting his family, you know.

And I'd been talking about spending some time alone with you kids.

So when this Derby thing came up, I suggested now might be a good time for Chewie to take that vacation back to Kashyyyk. Dropped him off on my way here," Han answered, then lowered his voice and gave her a conspiratorial wink. "Besides, that means I need a good copilot for a while. Know anybody I might be able to use?"

Jaina perked up. "Me? You'd let me help fly the Falcon at the Derby?"

Han gave her an appraising look. "You've certainly got plenty of experience. I'm awfully proud of you, you know. If it's not too much of an imposition..."

"What are we waiting for?" Jaina asked.

"It's a deal then?"

"Does that mean we're entering the race?" Jacen said.

"Naw, I'm not a contestant this time," Han said. "I'm strictly at the Derby in an official capacity. My hotshot days are well behind me, since I'm, well... respectable now. Anyhow, your mother sure wouldn't want me taking any chances with you kids."

"No. Of course not," Jacen said with mock seriousness.

Kyp gave Han a curious glance. "You've got that look in your eye again."

"I think he's got a plan," Anakin said quietly.

Han gestured toward himself, his face the picture of innocence.

"Me? How can you think such a thing of your father?"

"He's got a plan," Jacen and Jaina said in unison.

Han shrugged. "Least I've got a good copilot. We'll stay here for a few hours while you kids pack. Kyp and I have a lot to catch up on.

Did we ever tell you about the time he stole the Sun Crusher and went after the Imperials, as if he could take on the whole Empire with his bare hands?"

"Yes," Jacen answered quickly.

"You told us," Anakin said.

"Plenty of times," Jaina added.

" Well, it's a good story-about what not to do," Kyp said hurriedly, his cheeks turning red. "I've learned a lot since then."

"That's a relief," Han joked. "I'd rather not have to chase you again from one end of the galaxy to the other." He turned back toward his children and draped his arms across their shoulders