This pregnancy was much more difficult than Leia's first one. While carrying Ben she had gained little weight and kept up her rigorous work schedule right to the end. By the six-month mark this time, she was enormous, clumsy, cranky, and easily tired. Han sat on the couch, rubbing her legs while they watched a movie with Ben. For the umpteenth time, Han said "Why don't you take some time off, Leia? Nobody expects you to keep up this pace while you're carrying twins. It can't be good for you - or them."

By this time she was too tired for a snappy comeback. She simply nodded. "I think it's time. Luke is perfectly capable of taking my place, and yeah. I could use some rest. Besides, I'd like to have some time with Ben before the babies arrive." She smiled at her son, lying on his stomach on the thickly carpeted floor beside them. She wasn't sure if he was ignoring her or just engrossed in the movie, but she was determined to spend some quality time with him every day.

"I know it's a touchy subject, Leia, but Shaak Ti is a big help to Luke too. Their Jedi skills are really valuable in our struggles. Like the time she found the warship hiding behind a cloaking device."

Leia sighed. "I know. She's a strong partner, and Luke is really smitten with her. There's just something about her…"

Han chuckled. "Well, your majesty, you might as well get used to having her around." He switched off the TV. "I hear Luke has moved in with her, so she's practically a member of the family. I'll get this guy ready for bed." He scooped a giggling Ben up in his arms. "And then I believe I promised you a proper back rub."

Leia sat up carefully, hands on her knees as she prepared to stand. "A back rub sounds wonderful. And stop with the pet names." She grinned up at him as he zoomed Ben into range for a good-night kiss.

"Do you think they could actually have children, Han?" Leia moaned with pleasure as his fingers worked at the tightness in her shoulders.

"Who? Luke and Shaak? I honestly don't know. Her race is definitely humanoid, and the color thing is no big deal. Oh, but then there's the horns." He shook his head. "I'm glad our babies are not likely to have horns, Leia."

Leia laughed softly. "They're not horns. Exactly. But yeah - I wonder if their species are compatible. Hmmm. Not something I can ask either one of them. I guess time will tell."

Han grinned. "Sure will. If they don't have a kid, it won't be for lack of trying!" He got quiet. "Can I ask you something?"

She nodded and rolled on her side to face him. "Of course. Anything."

"What do you have against marriage, Leia?"

"I'll try to answer you honestly," she whispered, touching his lip gently with her index finger. "But first, let me ask you...why are you here? Is it out of a sense of responsibility?"

He frowned. "Of course not. It's the fancy apartment." He grinned and kissed her finger. "Okay, all kidding aside. The truth is, I love you and Ben. I love our life together."

"Well, would you love us any more if we were married? Is it necessary for you in some way? I really am curious. We're totally committed to one another - more so than most married couples I know. I can't imagine my life without you in it. I love you, Han. Totally and completely." She kissed him softly. "And it's not just the sex - though it is one of your major selling points." She smirked.

"Oh yeah?" His boyish grin warmed her heart. "Okay then. I officially give up." He crawled in the bed next to her, pulling her close to his warmth. "I do love you, Leia. And I always will."

Adria Solo was born at 9:03 a.m. on October 17, followed three minutes later by Angela. Their delivery was uneventful, and though they were a month early they each weighed almost seven pounds. Six year old Ben continued to be unimpressed. When Han stopped at Luke's place to collect Ben, he clung to Shaak Ti, insisting they didn't need him any more since they had new babies. And no thank you, he was not interested in meeting his sisters.

Han picked him up bodily and gave him a talking-to in the car. He explained that Mommy had missed him and loved him very much. As for the baby sisters - Han shrugged. They'd make a lot of noise and need a lot of care, but Ben was old enough to be a big brother and a helper. The girls would need him to be a role model.

"What's a roll model, Dad?" Ben asked suspiciously. "Am I supposed to roll their baby carriage or something? Because I just don't see me doing that."

Han bit his lip. "No, son, it just means they'll look up to you. You'll show them how they are supposed to act, how to behave, because you're the big brother."

Ben was silent for a time. "Well, I'll do it. But I don't have to like it."

Han sighed. "Do me a favor, pal? Your mom is tired. Having babies is hard work. Don't say anything to make her feel bad, okay? You can talk to me about anything you want - but just take it easy on Mom for a few days. Can you do it for me?"

Ben nodded, already engrossed in a pocket video game.

The girls were happy babies for the most part, and they showed no indication of any supernatural tendencies. From an early age, Ben had exhibited telekinetic powers. The Force seemed to be strong in him, and Luke and Shaak Ti were anxious to begin his Jedi training. Han and Leia insisted on giving him as normal a childhood as was possible for a boy who could levitate their kitchen table with a wave of his hand.

Leia was enjoying a quiet moment, relaxing on the couch. Both babies were fed and dry, and they were on their sides in the playpen, babbling softly to one another. Ben climbed up next to his mother, and she wrapped an arm around him. "Hey, buddy," she greeted him with a kiss on his cheek. "Is your homework done?"

"Yes, Mom. Tee helped me with the math."

"Did you have a good time at Uncle Luke's while I was in the hospital?" She smoothed his dark hair back from his forehead.

"Yeah. He showed me his light saber! And you know what? He said I can have one some day. And I'll make it myself! Isn't that cool?"

Leia grinned at him. "Very cool, honey. I'm sure Uncle Luke will help you with it when the time is right."

"Mom?"

"What is it, Ben?"

"When can I go to the Jedi Academy? Uncle Luke says there are some kids there even younger than me." Ben was staring at his hands, clasped in his lap. Leia lifted his chin and looked into his eyes.

"Daddy and I want you to wait a few more years, Ben. We like having you here with us, and we think it's important to be a little boy first, and a Jedi later. We told Uncle Luke you can go when you're twelve. You'll be surprised how quickly it will be here." She smiled and pulled him closer to her side.

Ben scrambled off the couch. "Twelve is not a few years, Mommy! It's a lot of years! And my duty is to learn the ways of the force so I can serve the Republic - like Uncle Luke!"

Leia frowned at the angry child, aware these were not his words. "What happened to being a pilot like your dad, Ben? You only have so many years to be a child - and we want you to enjoy them. Uncle Luke shouldn't be filling your head with these ideas."

"Uncle Luke doesn't treat me like a baby!" He stomped his foot, and a heavy candlestick flew across the room.

"Ben!" Tee appeared in the doorway and Ben ran past her on the way to his room.

"It's okay, Tee. I'll pick up the candle. Just keep an eye on him for me." Leia calmly picked up the pewter candle holder and set it back on the mantle. She leaned against the fireplace, wondering where a little boy would get so much anger. Taking a deep breath, she told herself not to worry. It was natural for a child to misbehave, but she was always aware there was a dark side to the Force.

One of the twins was fussing; it sounded like Adria. Leia was the only one so far who could tell their voices apart. Her brief coffee break appeared to be over.