It was evident a virus was spreading around the base. In the past week, numerous rebels have reported feeling dizzy, nauseous, and having a bad fever, all accompanied by a constant pounding headache and achy muscles. It was a classic case of Bonsellious that usually made it's way around the various rebel camps from time to time. It was only a matter of time until it spread to the Hoth base. The frigid temperatures of the ice planet weren't helping either, and only made the virus spread more rapidly. The medical droids have been working the most they have ever been before, due to the rapid increase of patients at the infirmary. Even Luke stopped in briefly to get his vitals tested before he was leaving to go on a mission to Thyferra.
"You're lucking out, going on this mission." Han said to Luke, as he was helping the young Jedi pack some crates into a small x-wing starfighter.
"Yeah, I suppose I am," Luke answered. "I feel bad leaving you and Leia behind though. I hope you two don't get horribly sick while I'm away."
"Eh, don't worry about me kid," Han patted his shoulder. "I usually don't get sick very often. And if I do, it doesn't stop me." Han paused for a moment. "As for your Worship… she'll probably work herself to death before she realizes she even got sick in the first place."
That comment made Luke feel uneasy. "Just…watch out for her, okay? She works way too hard, and I just don't want to see her get hurt."
Han inwardly frowned. For some reason, Luke's affections towards Leia always made Han a tad jealous. He wasn't sure why, but it made his insides twist up. Realizing he hasn't replied yet, Han finally answered. "Yeah, sure kid. Of course I will."
Luke finished packing up the rest of his belongings, and double checked to make sure he had everything. "Well Han, I'll see you soon." Luke smiled as he climbed aboard.
Han gave a short nod. "See ya soon kid. Be safe out there."
After Luke departed for his mission, Han Solo decided to explore the base to find the only other person he knew— Leia. He had a very complicated relationship with the Princess of Alderaan. At times, they were good friends, and other times bitter opponents, constantly verbally sparring with one other. A part of him wished he had the relationship Luke did with the Princess. They were close, undoubtedly, but just friends. Luke made it very clear to Han that he had no romantic feelings for Leia, which was a relief to the Corellian. Luke and Leia were close friends, and that was okay—but Han envied it. He wished he could get close to the Princess too, but the two always seem to fight whenever he made an attempt. Han sighed as he made his way through the various snowy caverns, passing many rebels, all coughing and sneezing.
"Captain Solo!" A voice called out to him, causing Han to spin around.
The voice belonged to General Rieekan, causing Han to straighten his posture a bit. "Hello General." Han saluted, "What can I do for you?"
"Could you please check up on Princess Leia? She's been working all day and I want to make sure she is doing alright."
Why is everyone so concerned about the Princess? Han thought. It seemed as if everyone was afraid for her safety. What made him uneasy though was that he wasn't concerned. Han looked back to Rieekan. "Ah-em. Yes, of course."
"Thank you Captain Solo."
"Of course," Han nodded. "Where could I find the Princess at this hour anyway?" Han realized it was a little past 2300 hours, which was way past the normal time anyone should be working, even the Princess.
"She's probably in one of the military conference rooms." General Rieekan replied.
"Got it." Han nodded before going off to find Leia. He wandered through various snow-covered corridors, poking his head in each conference room. Most remained empty and dark. A few of them contained a rebel here and there, but most remained deserted. And now that Han was thinking about it, the base seemed a little more desolate than usual. It's not like anyone could leave to go explore the icy planet. That would just be suicide. He assumed everyone was trying to get as much rest as possible, to prevent catching the virus. Well, everyone except Leia, he mused. Finally, he made it to a conference room at the end of the corridor, and found none other than Princess Leia sitting at the front, absorbed with the data pad in front of her. She didn't even notice he entered the room. It wasn't until he cleared his throat that she looked up and acknowledged his presence. "Your Worship," Han said.
"Captain Solo," Leia answered in a questioning tone. "What are you doing here?"
Han cleared is throat and walked a bit closer to the Princess. "General Rieekan asked me to come looking for you, to make sure you didn't drown yourself in work."
"Ah. Well, as you can see, I'm perfectly fine." Leia sniffed.
Han took one look at her and knew she was not fine. Her eyes were bloodshot red from looking at the data pad, and she had dark circles under her eyes. Her nose and cheeks were red from the cold, yet he could tell she was sweating, despite it being bitter outside. Han felt a little bad for her, in a way. He could tell she was overworked and getting sick. "Are you sure? You don't look fine to me." He retorted, causing the Princess to raise a brow.
"Excuse me?" She began. "I can handle myself thank you very much. I don't need you, or anyone for that matter checking up on me."
"And why is that, sweetheart?" Han added emphasis on the last part, his temper building. She made him so angry sometimes. He was just trying to do a nice thing and check up on her, and she was responding with such animosity.
"What do you mean? And don't call me sweetheart," Leia snapped back.
"Why don't you let anyone ever help you? You have so many people willing to back you up, go to great lengths to help you. And you just shake them off like they don't matter. Why is that?" Han demanded, his voice growing louder than he would have liked.
Leia lowered her head and began tapping on the data pad again. "Just let me do my work."
"And when was the last time you had a meal?" Han questioned. "A proper meal."
"That is none of your concern, Captain Solo!" Leia shouted back.
"Leia you can't keep doing this to yourself. You're going to work yourself to death."
Leia was silent. Then finally, she shut off the data pad, placed it on the table and stood up. Han noticed her legs give way a little when she stood, alarming him. "Fine. I'm done working anyway. I'm going to bed." Han watched as she took one step towards the door, before stumbling over and falling unconscious into Han's arms. Caught off guard, Han was stunned to be holding her, eyes closed and clearly knocked out. From this angle, he could really just see how sick she was. Beads of sweat covered her face, and light moans of pain escaped her mouth. She was clearly sick, just like everyone was afraid of.
Without thinking, Han lifted Leia into his arms, and carried her bridal-style. "You stubborn, stubborn Princess." Han whispered, as he carried her through the base to the nearest infirmary. He used a free hand to brush away a loose hair that covered her face, as her tight braid had become very loose during the commotion. In that one moment, the only thing on Han's mind was getting the Princess to safety. Safety. Han thought. And suddenly, he realized he cared about Leia as much as anyone else on this entire planet. And he just wanted to make sure she would be safe.
And with that, the first chapter is done! If you enjoyed, please leave a review, and follow the story so you will get alerted to future updates! Chapter two is coming soon :)