#feralkith

So once Leia has them in her custody, she strikes a deal with Han: she’ll let him and Chewie go free and keep the Empire off their scent in exchange for him “leaking” the Death Star’s plans to the Rebellion.  She’ll even pay him rather handsomely for his work if he succeeds.

However.  She makes it very clear that she can kill him and she will if he even thinks about snitching on her.  Like she's literally telling him all this while she’s holding one of her lightsabers to his throat.  This, of course, leaves a bad taste in Han’s mouth because he only takes orders from one person - him - but he is being offered enough credits to get Jabba out of his hair for good.  And what good is a reward if you’re not around to use it?

(Also, Han totally makes the mistake of calling the Force a “hokey religion” while she’s filling him in.  Leia is more than happy to demonstrate otherwise when she holds him in the air with an invisible chokehold.)

Luke and Vader are actually keen on the DS being destroyed as well, since they share the secret belief that Alderaan’s destruction was an unnecessary loss for the Empire.  (There’s also that “technological terror” business discussed in ANH, plus it would be a good kick in the Emperor’s teeth for his favorite toy to be blown up.)  However, they’re unaware that Leia has just spilled the beans to the Empire’s Most Wanted.  That is, until she practically drags Han in by his ear and drops him at Vader’s feet.

(”Good afternoon we’re having, eh, Your Lordship?”)

(”...Quite.”)

Anyways.  Han and Chewie are given the plans, the twins set about “accidentally” letting them escape their detention cell, and Vader “accidentally” lets them go free.  Once they’re out of harm’s way, Han leaks the plans to Lando (since he’s sorta his own party and is only in this for the money), who then gives them to the Ghost crew.  Hera and friends hand them over to the rest of the Rebellion, and a plan is constructed to destroy the DS.  It’s executed at the Battle of Yavin, the DS goes kaboom, and there.  Done city.  

...Or so it seems.  Perhaps somewhere along the way, something happens which results in Han saving Leia’s life.  (Pirate attack?  Cave-in?  Something.)  Thus, she feels begrudgingly indebted to show the man a little mercy by continuing to keep Imperials off his tail.

(Even though he’s a pain.  And a smartass.  And calls her stupid names like “Your Ladyship” and “Your Darthiness.”  And could stand to wash his clothes every once in a while.  And that floppy lock of hair is just a little bit cute - )

(“Pfft.”)

(”LUKE.  Stay out of my private thoughts or I will disown you.”)