Bloodline

by Claudia Gray

“But, Princess Leia!” C-3PO’s voice rose in alarm. “You can’t! The mission sounds terribly dangerous.” “Threepio, in the quarter century you’ve served me, have you ever known me to run away from danger?” “Well. No.” The droid considered this a moment before adding hopefully, “Yet you might eventually develop a stronger instinct for survival.” Leia couldn’t help laughing. “Don’t count on it.” C-3PO never thought faster than when he was trying to keep himself out of the latest round of trouble. “Captain Solo would no doubt be highly concerned.” “Captain Solo once piloted us into an asteroid field, remember? He doesn’t get to lecture anyone on taking risks. Anyway, I outrank him.”

“You’re right. As soon as my nomination as First Senator becomes official, I won’t have time for this.” C-3PO practically preened. “I am glad to have been of service—” “Which is why we have to get to Sibensko before the announcement.” “Oh, no,” the droid said. “If you’ll pardon me for saying so, Your Highness, won’t any absence from the Senate be seen as a potential lack of commitment? Appearances are so important.” She shook her head. “I’ve given my life to duty since I was fourteen years old. Anyone who doubts my ‘commitment’ at this point is a fool whose opinion I can safely ignore.”