prologue
Excitement buzzed through the alliance, and one didn’t need the Force to feel it. The Death Star had been destroyed along with the Imperial leaders and its Navy. The rebels were back at home base and plans were currently being made to overcome the remains of the empire. Leia Organa wanted to be there to help, but Han was having none of it, insisting that she go to emergency to have her shoulder looked at.
“I swear to the gods, you are the most difficult woman I have ever met!”
“I can take care of it, Han. At least it wasn’t a direct hit!”
Leia gritted her teeth in pain as she stalked down the corridor, trying to ignore the throbbing of her shoulder and the man breathing down her neck. No way she was going to a medical facility of any kind. She could first aid herself if need be.
Antiseptic. Needles. Pain, and so much of it everywhere.
“I- I told you where they were”, she panted and gulped for air.
“Miss Organa, it would be unpleasant if you continue to lie. We will find the rebel base, and we will destroy it. The question is, what will be destroyed first? The princess, or her pathetic army?”
“Yes, it’s clearly fine”, Han yelled sarcastically, jerking her out of memory. “There’s blood soaking through the bandage!”
Leia stopped in front of her apartment door and turned to face him. “I have work to do, Han. If you continue to act this way, I don’t have a problem calling security.”
“Go right ahead, your highness, I’m a general.”
Leia glared at him, and he sighed and held her face in his hands, his thumb sliding over her cheek. “I just want to make sure you’re ok, sweetheart.”
I’m not ok. I’m not.
The shorter woman smiled softly at him. “I really can take care of it, all right?”
Han sighed and dropped his hands, a sign of defeat. “Ok, you win, princess. But if even gets a little worse, I’ll drag you to a doctor myself.”
“Whatever, flyboy”, she grinned and entered her room, the door shutting behind her.
Alone at last, Leia let out a shuddering breath and slid down the door till her rear hit the cold floor. That had been close. Way too close. She did her best to not sustain injuries during missions. Something in the atmosphere of a medical bay or hospital triggered flashbacks of the Death Star. It should have gotten better over time, though, shouldn’t it?
Med droids. Needles. Pain. Fear. Fear. Fear.
