Therapy

by Arallute

Two years after the end of the Galactic Civil War, Leia confronts one of the demons haunting her since Cloud City. This story references an Imperial officer whom we saw briefly on Cloud City; he was the man holding Leia back while she warned Luke about the trap he was about to enter. This story is rated M for the references to murder and torture.

1. Chapter 1

Therapy (6 ABY)

The captured Imperials stood in a ragged row, their expressions dour, defiant, or just resigned. A lieutenant called out to them, "Gentlemen, you have been captured as prisoners of war by the New Republic. In accordance with our principles, you now have two choices: you may renounce your allegiance to the Empire and swear loyalty to the Republic, or else accept internment as a prisoner of war until such time that an exchange can be arranged. If you maintain your fidelity to the Empire, be assured that you will not be prosecuted for taking a direct part in hostilities. Your detention is not a form of punishment, but only aims to prevent further participation in the conflict…."

As the lieutenant went on with the prepared remarks, Han Solo looked at his best friend and smiled tiredly. "Long day, huh, kid?"

Luke nodded. "Yeah, but I think that's the last of them. We can probably announce that Planet Korgia's allegiance is now officially with the Republic."

"Well, that can wait 'til tomorrow. Can we get something to eat now? 'Cause I'm starving."

Luke grinned. "I'm with you on that. Let's just-" He cut himself off and looked sharply over Han's shoulder. "Leia?" he called.

Leia was staring at the row of Imperials. Han followed her unblinking gaze to one officer in particular: middle-aged, blond, straight-backed, with humorless eyes staring right back at the princess. The Imp gave her a slow lascivious smile. What the hell? Han thought. It occurred to him that he knew this guy. From…someplace.

He felt Luke tense up as Leia abruptly started walking towards the officer. She stopped a meter away. "Open your mouth," she commanded without preamble.

The Imperial tilted his head and smirked. "No way."

Leia drew her blaster, pushed its barrel into his mouth, and fired. Blew his head off.

"Leia!" Luke screamed, horrified. The other captured Imperials recoiled from her. So much for the speech about POWs being fairly treated by the New Republic, Han thought grimly. And suddenly he had it: Sheckil! That's who that is. Was.

Leia holstered her blaster, pivoted, and walked numbly into the governor's home, which had been appropriated as New Republic headquarters. Han stayed outside and helped drag Sheckil's corpse out of view before going in search of Leia.