The Greatest Gift

[skalenfehl]

Ok, as some of you know, I love to read and write. I've written many short stories in the past and much of it is Star Wars fan fiction. I'm a geek. I make no apologies for it.

I've honed my writing style over the last four or five years and am transitioning into other genres of fiction, particularly LDS fiction. If I'm successful, I'll venture into science fiction/fantasy or even Tom Clancy style thrillers or even period epics. Anyway, because it's the season, I'd thought I'd share this story set in a galaxy far, far away. If you're a Star Wars geek like me, you'll enjoy the many subtleties. This is my adaptation of a timeless classic. Comments welcome and appreciated.

The Greatest Gift

Han and Leia sat leisurely at a dark marble table in their penthouse courtyard overlooking the evening cityscape of Coruscant. Large low profile dome lamps dimly lit the place at every intersection of a walking path or end table. A small datapad sat on the table with a written summary of Han’s savings, which he had accumulated over the last few years since their wedding.

Having left his smuggling days behind him, imposed by gentle reminders from Leia, it left him with many failed entrepreneurial endeavors and a few successful ones. It was enough to provide a comfortable living. He picked up the datapad and stared at it. He had saved up just enough credits for his next investment plus enough left over for an upgrade to the Millennium Falcon. It wasn’t a necessity but his upgrades were always cheaper than buying a new means of transportation. At least that’s what he always told her. Both knew it really wasn’t true, but the Falcon had too much history; it had too much sentimental value to trade in for something more suitable for a family. Besides this, Han didn’t think he could get much for his beloved relic.

“Han?” Leia spoke softly, staring out into the darkening sky. Countless distant speeders flew to and fro in tight multi-level lanes.

Han raised his head in response, still distracted by the money that he looked forward to spending.

“Do you know my antique pipe organ in the other room that my father left me?”

“Uh-huh,” Han nodded, still inattentive.

“You know how I’ve wanted to refurbish it for years?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Some of the keys are cracked or in disrepair and there are parts that need replacing. Being that it’s such a rare instrument it’s going to be relatively expensive to restore.” She put her hand on his knee, knowing that she didn’t have his full attention. “I haven’t played it since I was a small girl and I really miss it.”

Han’s placid expression darkened. Visions of his new navicomputer seemed to suddenly fade into oblivion. He spoke more carefully this time, turning to face her. “Uh-huh,” he said more tentatively as if to wait for her inevitable point to be made.

She leaned towards him and rested her head on his shoulder. Her bold political character had shifted to a much more sensitive demeanor since becoming pregnant with twins. “Would you mind terribly if I used some of that money to restore it, assuming I can find the right dealers?” She asked in a soft, imploring tone.

Han was very careful not to sigh or release a breath of frustration. He nodded lightly. “There might be enough to do that and buy that new navicomputer that I’ve been meaning to install on the Falcon. Life Day’s coming up and I want to be sure to get it all done before we leave.” Han knew well that it would likely cost more than his life savings. He knew that she knew it as well. Though their home, the grandest suite at the uppermost level of their lofty hotel rise with all its amenities came attached with her political station, they still needed to pay the bills and have a means of subsisting.

She decided to test him. “Is the Falcon’s navicomputer not working?”

He sensed the tug of war. He tilted his head in a contemplative gesture. “It works fine.” He kissed her forehead. “I don’t really need it.” He knew he wasn’t going to win so he decided to take the higher road.

“Life Day is such a wonderful tradition. I wish I could be there with you and Chewie,” Leia replied, remembering the last time she had participated, “But I have a full week with Mon Mothma.”

Han simply nodded with a faint lopsided frown. She was always busy with political mumbo jumbo. The evening sun had set and the millions of city lights now twinkled in front of them and the courtyard lamps became brighter. Han looked up at the glowing sky and looked forward to being up in the stars again. The only time he could see them was when he actually left Coruscant.

“Speaking of a full week, I gotta get the Falcon tuned up for the flight to Kashyyyk. I’m gonna tie up some loose ends tomorrow as well so I probably won’t get to see you until just before Chewie and I leave.”

“I’m going to stay up a little while longer,” Leia said as she placed her hand on her abdomen.

“Alright,” Han said as he stood up. “See you in bed.” He turned and walked inside through the main hall that led to the master suite. In the shadows he caught a glimpse of that old organ of Leia’s and let out the heavy sigh that he’d been holding in. A short while later, as he was slipping into a peaceful slumber, he was pulled back by some odd sounds that he finally figured out was coming from the organ. He vaguely recognized the distorted tune from one of Leia’s old recital holovids. The last thought that went through his mind before finally falling asleep was how much she new his navicomputer meant to him.

“Pass me the hydrospanners,” Han called out to Chewbacca. He had left early to make sure the Falcon was in proper working order before meeting with another investor. Chewie let out a few low grunts as he handed the tool over.

“Oh, nothing,” Han replied. “I don’t really want to talk about it. He tightened the nuts on a cover plate to their proper torsion. “You’d think she’d understand after all my hard work. I’ve quit smuggling, ya know!” Han began building steam. “I think I deserve a new navicomputer for my efforts. This ship is all I’ve got. It may not be much to look at but that rusty old instrument of hers is the real hunk of junk in this galaxy!”

Chewie turned suddenly to find Leia standing behind them and groaned as he quickly exited the Falcon’s rear engine compartment. The old Wookiee knew when to leave the two alone and he knew that Han was in deep fodder this time. Han’s jaw dropped as Chewie stepped out of the way exposing Leia’s diminutive figure in full view. Her hands covered her abdomen as her countenance displayed an expression of pain that he had not before seen. She was adept at remaining stoically calm in the harshest of political scenarios, but this was far more personal than anything she had ever encountered. She turned to exit the Falcon, completely forgetting her excitement about her twins kicking inside her womb.

“Leia!” Han tried composing himself, but stood frozen at a complete loss for words. Her footsteps grew fainter as she made her way out of the Falcon. He turned around and threw his hydrospanners down in a fit of frustration, which quickly became anger. He was angry about the pipe organ. He was angry at himself for all the upgrades he had made on the Falcon that really didn’t need it. Above all he was angry at himself for hurting Leia. Chewie stood outside the door, barely peeking one eye in as he moaned lightly.

“I’m not in the mood for talking,” Han spat.

Chewie walked in softly and picked up the hydrospanners. He looked at the cover plates and finished tightening the rest.

“How am I ever gonna get out of this?” Han blurted out, now disgusted with himself. He had his heart set on a lousy upgrade all year but if he bought it now, it would always be a reminder of what had just happened.

Chewie shook his head. The extent of envy and greed constantly portrayed by humans simply baffled him, whether to rule the galaxy or the simple coveting of some frivolous object that eventually would wear out or become useless. The wonderful thing about Life Day was celebrating life, especially with loved ones. Nothing in the galaxy mattered more to him and he couldn’t understand why humans couldn’t grasp something so simple, at least not until the time that their loved ones departed this life. Chewie moaned and rumbled poignantly.

“Why did I go back?” Han replied, recalling the time he had returned to the Death Star to help defeat the Empire. “They were about to destroy the whole planet and her with it!” Han stared at Chewie suspiciously. “I know what you’re trying to do. Alright I’ll say it. She means everything to me. I would do anything for her. Happy?”

Chewie laced his fingers behind his head. He savored his moral victories.

“Wipe that silly grin of your face too,” Han snorted knowing full well that Wookiees don’t smile. He sighed deeply and considered his predicament. He knew if he was ever going to change it had to be now. He raised his finger at Chewie. “I’m gonna prove it to you, pal. Life Day isn’t just for Wookiees!” Han made his way to the cockpit and activated the long range comm link. He keyed in a transmission to an old friend.

“What’s up ol’ buddy?” the mustached face of a dark debonair man appeared on screen.

“Lando, I need a favor,” Han replied earnestly, “A really big favor. You know that old pipe organ of Leia’s?”

Lando’s brow furled as he barely recalled it. “Didn’t her father give that to her before…” Lando stopped himself unable to finish the sentence.

“Life Day is coming up and I think I want to do something really special for Leia.”

“Whoa, ol’ buddy, do you know how much it will cost to fix it up, assuming you can find replacement parts or another organ just like it? Those things were manufactured on Alderaan and…”

Han raised his hands. “Can you find out for me? I really want to do this. I’m not worried about the cost.”

“Well, I can do some digging,” Lando replied. “I have to be on Coruscant tomorrow anyway. I was just about to call you,” Lando smiled. “We can meet and talk some more.”

“Great! Thanks pal. I owe you!”

Han switched the comm link off and turned to Chewie. “See?” He smiled. “This time I’m going to do the right thing.” Han pondered a moment. “I just gotta stay out of Leia’s sight for a couple days. It will make for a better surprise.”

The morning sun cast long shadows against the silvery gleaming skyscrapers as Lando’s transport descended to the community docking platform. Han and Chewie stood to welcome him.

“How ya doin’ Han?” Lando asked with a wide grin as they embraced. “How’s ol’ Chewbacca doing?”

“We’re doing just fine,” Han replied with a lopsided grin. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“No problem ol’ buddy. I was coming anyway. Listen I found an old artisan here on Coruscant and he’s agreed to meet us and if we can get Leia out of your apartment for an hour, he can look at the organ and see if we can get it fixed up.”

“Leia’s with Mon Mothma all day so there’s no problem there. We can do it right now if you have time.”

Lando shook his head as they walked to a small shuttle. “I know you’re anxious, but I have some business to tend to. I can meet you at your place with him in a couple hours, though. Is that alright?”

“Sure,” Han smiled appreciatively. “Thanks, Lando.”

“What are old friends for?” Lando grinned. “I’ll see you two later.” He stepped into the shuttle and lifted off.

“Let’s get back to my place and make sure Leia’s not there.” Han was as excited as he was nervous to get back. He hoped she didn’t decide to stay home with morning sickness or, as he referred to it occasionally, some other pregnancy thing. He shook his head and prayed silently to nobody in particular. The main entry door slid open as Han peeked inside. “Leia!” Han yelled out tentatively hoping not to hear a reply. There was none. He sighed with relief.

The next few hours seemed like eternities to Han who paced back and forth at the prospect of surprising Leia. His stomach also twisted in knots at the thought that she could walk in at any minute. The door chimed and Han rushed to answer it. The sheer excitement of welcoming Lando overcame the intense fear of opening the door to someone else, especially Leia.

“Sorry it took so long, buddy. I got caught up in business,” Lando entered with a smile; a small, rugged old man followed behind. “This is Veeno, our talented artist and craftsman and musician. What are the odds?”

Han smiled and shook Veeno’s hand. “You don’t know what this means to me!” Han said with a cheesy lopsided grin. Normally he would play it cool and set up a trade or agreement of sorts to weigh heavily on his side, but his shrewd pirating days were over and it well left him rusty.

“It is my pleasure! I’ve read all about you, my friend, including all your conquests…and your maneuver with the Rebellion against the Death Star…simply admirable!” Veeno said with a gleaming smile. “And I’d love to tour the Millenium Falcon one of these days! It’s not quite an antique, but definitely worthy of display at any museum!”

“Well, she’s not out of commission yet,” Han replied earnestly. “The Falcon’s got plenty of light years left in her.”

“Of course,” Veeno nodded submissively. “Shall we look at your instrument?”

“Right this way,” Han directed as he walked into the other room. “Here it is. This means a lot to my wife so I want it to be restored as close to perfection as possible.”

“I have some emergency business to tend to, Han,” Lando interrupted. “You know where to find me.”

“Thanks buddy.” Han replied as he directed his new guest. Lando let himself quietly out.

“Ah, yes, a rarity, a thing of beauty,” Veeno remarked as he ran his hand across the top of the wood grained instrument. A dozen large ivory pipes stood vertically behind from the largest in diameter on the left to the smallest on the right. Another rank of smaller pipes in the same sequence paralleled the larger pipes. Each pipe was etched with beautiful designs, which bore testaments of the talented artists of Alderaan. Such exquisite artistry was no longer found in the galaxy. Veeno turned the instrument on and began playing a tune. Some keys produced no sound while others were weak. He pulled the organ away from the wall to inspect the pipes, the wind chest and other components that made passing air from the keys to the end of the pipes as intended. “Mmm, the pipes seem to be in good order, which is extremely fortunate. Those cannot be replaced as the material they’re made with no longer exist, but there are other components that need to be remanufactured.

“How much is it going to cost?” Han asked with a blank look on his face.

“I don’t know. I need to really get inside and check every component. The keys are faded, a few are cracked, some of the stops are loose, but the console looks intact. The wood needs to be treated and that’s just the outside.” Veeno looked it over once more. “I’ll need to take this in and inspect it much more carefully.”

Han looked at Chewie and back at Veeno. “I can’t let it out of here. Leia would notice if she came back.” Han shook his head.

“Well, I do have detailed schematics and plenty of reference images from old books and datapads. I can manufacture all the necessary pieces and either come back to do all my work here or pick it up and bring it back to the shop.”

Han rubbed his chin, contemplatively. “How long would it take to get everything together?”

“Oh about three weeks,” Veeno replied.

“Three weeks?” Han shot back wide eyed. “No, no. I have to have it ready by the end of this week for Life Day.

“I couldn’t do it without pushing my other customers back, I’m very sorry.”

“You’re customers can wait a few extra days,” Han pressed. “I’ll pay you extra.”

Veeno shook his head. “I’m afraid it would cost more than you expect.”

“I don’t care,” Han replied. “I’ll pay it.”

After a long pause, Veeno relented. “Very well, but I must have at least fifty percent in advance for materials.”

“I have some money saved. How much do you need?”

Veeno shrugged. “I have to get back to the shop and determine that. I’ll contact you tonight. If you can get the credits tonight I can begin first thing in the morning. That is the best I can do.”

Han shrugged and nodded. “Ok, let’s do it. I’ll wait for you to contact me and I’ll have the money ready to transfer.”

“That is an exquisite instrument. I hope she appreciates it.”

“You have no idea,” Han said with a raised brow as he let Veeno out.

(cont.)

Edited December 7, 2008 by skalenfehl

[skalenfehl]

(cont.)

“You hear that, Chewie? I’m going to do something very nice for Leia,” Han smiled. “She is going to be surprised.” Han began to feel excited by the notion. He wasn’t used to doing something so extraordinary for someone. For the first time in a long while he felt elated.

“How much?” Han shouted at the holo transmission from Veeno, who had called later in the evening.

“I told you it wasn’t going to be cheap,” a blue holographic transmission of Veeno replied.

“Yeah, but fifty thousand?” Han couldn’t believe it.

“That is correct, and fifty more when the work is done.”

“That’s outrageous!” Han shot back.

“It is a rarity, Captain Solo, and will require the most delicate of handling.”

Han shook his head. “That’s just too much.”

“I understand. Thank you for your time. If you change your…”

“No, wait,” Hand interrupted. After a moment of silence he sighed. “I’ll transfer the credits now. This better be the best organ in the galaxy, Veeno,” Han warned in a mild tone.

“No doubts there. It is a one of a kind, to say the least.”

“Alright,” Han replied. “I just transferred your money. I need those parts by the end of this week.”

“I’ll have them delivered in three days. It will take that long to have all my employees begin work on every piece required,” Veeno informed. “I will be there myself shortly after to begin repairs and restoration.

The transmission ended and Han turned to Chewie. “What have I done? That was my whole life savings,” Han said with a less than confident tone. He quickly forgot about the euphoria that he felt about surprising Leia.

Chewie shook his head and grunted.

“Yeah, but I don’t think she wanted me to spend all of it.” Han sat himself down on a nearby sofa overlooking the east horizon. He gazed out at the massive architectural spires. He shook his head slowly, not regretfully, but overwhelmed. “I’m committed, Chewie. I gotta make this happen.”

Chewie tilted his head and whined.

“Well, Leia isn’t back yet, which means she won’t be coming home until she’s finished her big to-do with Mon Mothma.” Han thought for a moment longer. “I guess I have a couple days to make fifty thousand credits. No problem!” Han said with a smirk.

Three days had passed and Han was unable to make enough profit from a few deals. He barely earned enough to pay for the rest of the repairs needed to get the Falcon up to specs for the trip to Kashyyyk.

“That’s it!” Han exclaimed. “Lando can help me.”

Chewie reminded Han that Lando never gave away money, especially to him.

“Not for nothing, but I know his weakness. Come on Chewie.”

An hour later, Han and Chewbacca stood outside Lando’s apartment door.

“Han, what brings you here, buddy?” Lando asked quizzically.

“Lando I need another favor, a really big favor,” Han said more earnestly than he had ever spoken towards his friend.

“Uh…”

“Hear me out,” Han said abruptly with a raised finger. “I was able to strike a deal with Veeno but I’m short a lot of money and I’ve spent all my life savings to do it. He’s on his way over to my place with all the parts to begin work on it, but I’m fifty thousand credits short.

Lando’s jaw dropped and his eyes widened in disbelief. “Han, I…”

“I want to sell you the Falcon.” Han hated saying those words as much as he was relieved to say it. He had taken his first steps into uncharted territory. This was beyond selfless. It was more than Han ever thought he was capable of, but here he stood waiting to do what he never thought would have happened.

Chewie growled in protest and groaned with worry.

“Relax Chewie,” Han said confidently. “I will get you to Kashyyyk no matter what.”

Chewie moaned and growled.

“I don’t know yet. But have I ever let you down?”

This time Chewie harrumphed.

Han’s lips twisted with guilt. “Well I won’t let you down this time.” He turned back to Lando. “You’ve always wanted the Falcon back and you know it. It’s yours for less than you would have expected to pay.”

“The Falcon isn’t worth thirty, Han,” Lando said reflexively. “But...”

“It’s worth at least sixty and you know it. This is your big chance, Lando.”

“But, Han, I…”

“No buts, Lando, I need this money. I hurt Leia really bad the other day. I didn’t know she was there and I put my foot so far in my mouth that…”

“But Han…”

“Lando, I’ve never asked for anything before…”

“Yes, you have,” Lando replied, “besides, I don’t…”

“Look, I’d rather you took over my ship than anyone else, but if I have to trade Veeno for it, I will. I know he’d love nothing more than to get his hands on it and start a museum or something.”

“But, Han…”

“I’ve made up my mind, Lando,” Han interrupted once more. “I need that money and I’m selling it to you or to Veeno. Don’t try and talk me out of it or say anything other than deal or no deal. That’s my final offer.”

Lando inhaled deeply and looked over at Chewbacca who by now had been pacing across the foyer in a fit of frustration and whimpering like he’d never before heard. “Alright, old buddy, but…”

“Thanks, Lando.” Han smiled with relief as he threw his hands up in the air to give Lando a hearty embrace.

“You’re welcome you old pirate,” Lando laughed. “I’ll have the money transferred to your account by the time you get back home.

“Great! Come on Chewie, we have to get back to meet Veeno. And I’m not a pirate anymore Lando!” Han shot back from down the hall. “How many times do I have to tell you that?”

Lando simply shook his head and whiffed. “Now look who’s the responsible one.” He smiled and closed the door.

Han and Chewie arrived just as all the parts were delivered to his penthouse. “Come on Chewie, grab the big ones there and I’ll get the rest.” He would have tipped the delivery men, but he was now flat broke. “He and Chewbacca entered through the door to find Leia standing inside the foyer. He let out a startled holler and dropped a few pieces of dense foam wrapped parts onto the soft carpet. He winced as he looked down, hoping everything was still intact. “You’re home!”

Leia’s lips pursed as she stood there, her arms now crossing in front of her. “I got home early.”

“No,” Han shook his head. “You’re not supposed to be home. I…” Han’s shoulders lowered in defeat. “I was planning a surprise for you.”

Leia’s eyes now fell to the covered objects on the floor and then over at Chewie who slowly began turning around to try and cover up what he was carrying. She then returned her glance to Han who had other items in both hands.

“What is all this?” She asked as she tilted her head slightly to one side.

“These are all replacement parts for your organ,” Han said quietly. “I’ve got a professional coming over right now to restore it like brand new.”

Leia’s countenance froze.

“I’m very sorry about the other day,” Han said, raising his brow. “I should have never said such a terrible thing and I wanted to make it up to you no matter the cost.” Han grinned weakly. “I want it to be the perfect Life Day gift,” Han continued, “That and I hope you’ll forgive me.”

“How much did it cost?” Leia asked curiously.

“You don’t want to know.”

Leia walked closer to Han and unwrapped what looked like a new bellow. She opened a small box to find a new set of stops in pristine condition and perfect replicas of the ones on her organ.

She put her hands on his and braced herself. “Han, how much?”

Han’s lip twisted. “My whole savings,” was his reply.

Her lips and chin began to tremble and her eyes began to well with tears. She blinked and they streamed down her cheeks.

“It’s alright, Leia, it was worth every credit, and…” He walked into the next room towards organ. “I sold the Falcon.”

“What?” Leia asked, now chasing after Han. “You did what?”

“Well, you always said we needed something more suited to a family. So I sold it.”

“Did you buy a shuttle or a transport then?”

Han turned to Chewie who shook his head and grizzled as he followed behind. “Actually, I had to sell it to afford all this. I wanted it to be perfect.”

“Who bought it?”

“It doesn’t matter, Leia. I just want you to be happy.”

Leia stopped in her tracks as she placed one had on her hip and her other hand on her forehead, partially covering her eyes. She waited for Han to reach the end of the hall where the organ stood. But it wasn’t there.

Han turned around with a perplexed look on his face. “Where is it?” Han asked with a wrinkled brow.

Leia’s eyes still filled with tears. “I need to show you something. Would you put those things down, please?”

Han set all the parts and pieces on the floor and followed Leia. “What’s going on?” He followed her all the way to his office where she pointed to a small crate. “What is it?” he asked confused.

“Just open it,” she replied, sniffling.

Han opened it as Chewbacca walked in. He pulled the lid off and unwrapped the protective covering. His jaw fell as he turned back to Leia. Chewbacca simply grunted.

“I know what it is, Chewie,” Han said with a perplexed countenance. “Leia, where did you get it?”

“Do you really think I’d spend an entire week with Mon Mothma?” she replied with a weak smile.

Han couldn’t believe he was holding the latest model navicomputer for YT-1300’s with every option available.

“But how did you…” Han’s words fell short as he looked back through the doorway at the opposite end of the hall where the organ once sat. “His eyes fell back on hers as the realization set in.

“I knew how much you’ve been wanting that for the Falcon and how you’ve worked so hard without going back to smuggling. I sold my organ to pay for it.”

Han was flabbergasted. “But, but, but...” Han couldn’t find the words. “But Leia, that’s your organ. There’s not another like it anywhere. I checked.”

She simply shrugged. “I love you, Han. That’s all that matters to me.”

Han set his navicomputer down and walked over to embrace her. She had sacrificed something so precious for him simply because she loved him. It was more than a grown man could handle and he felt tears roll down his eyes as he held her tightly. Just then he felt a kick from inside Leia’s womb. They both took a step back and looked down, beaming with pride.

The front door chimed and both Han and Leia walked out to answer it. He opened it to find Lando with Leia’s pipe organ on a hover sled.

“Lando, how did you…” Han stopped short as he turned to Leia.

She shrugged. “I sold it to him.”

“Listen you two,” Lando interjected, “I can’t take your organ,” he said to Leia, “And as much as I’d love to have the Falcon, she belongs with you, old buddy.” Lando smiled. “We can work something out. Besides, you need to get Chewie home for Life Day. That’s what this is all about, right?”

Leia walked up to Lando and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you, Lando.”

Han embraced his friend and thanked him. “You old smoothie.”

Lando simply laughed. “Now go get your new navicomputer installed so you two aren’t late for Life Day. I gotta get back to business.”

Just then Veeno showed up. “Hello Captain Solo. I’m afraid I have to take the organ back to my shop. I simply can’t bring all my equipment here.”

Han walked over to the organ, which sat atop the hover sled and gathered up all the parts and handed everything to Veeno. “Here you go,” Han said with a smile and turned to Chewie. “Well, ready to go, pal? We can install the new navicomputer and calibrate it for all the systems just before take off; shouldn’t take long at all.”

Chewie growled a hearty approval.

“Mind if I come too?” Leia inquired.

“What about Mon Mothma?” Han asked.

“We all took a holiday to celebrate life,” Leia replied.

Han chortled. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.

End