Dance Me to the End of Love

Leia gave the taller droid a nod of acknowledgment, but did not speak. Herthoughts were occupied with the pair of missing heroes. Most disturbing to her wasthat she found her mind focused on one of the two: a dark-haired Corellian whosewords were not always to be taken literally. As the princess kept watch, Major Derlin turned to acknowledge a Rebellieutenant reporting in. "All patrols are now in except Solo and Skywalker, sir." The major looked over at Princess Leia. "Your Highness," he said, his voiceweighty with regret, "nothing more can be done tonight. The temperature isdropping fast. The shield doors must be closed. I'm sorry." Derlin waited amoment, then addressed the lieutenant. "Close the doors." The Rebel officer turned to carry out Derlin's order and immediately thechamber of ice seemed to drop even more in temperature as the mournful Wookieehowled his grief. "The speeders should be ready in the morning," the major said to Leia."They'll make the search easier."