Leia: Resolve

Han had left more than an hour before, and Leia was tired of waiting stubbornly for his return. She had cleaned the galley, washed and put away the dishes, and had run out of ways to keep busy. I need to do something. I can't just sit here, and I'll be damned if I'm cleaning the whole ship. She went to the cold-storage unit for a drink, and was almost overcome by the hint of a memory. Small pieces of the evening of the medal ceremony were returning, none of them flattering. I didn't make that sound, did I? I do not squeal. How much did I have to drink? Leia tried to force her mind to replay more of the evening, but was unable to recall anything after the second drink the pilots had bought her. They say hindsight is perfect, but I guess that doesn't mean drunken memories will become clear.

She continued her search for a drink, but instead had helped herself to the leftover flatcakes, saying, "Take that, Flyboy. That's what happens when you tick me off." The snack had been satisfying, but did nothing for her thirst, so she made herself a cup of fruit tea and went to the master cabin. She set her tea on the desk and got into the sleepwear she had purchased. I know he's upset, but running off isn't going to solve anything. I shouldn't have laughed at him. Aunt Celly was right--men are fragile. Even, or maybe especially, the strongest ones. When he comes back, I'll apologize. I'll calmly hand him the keycard, and ask if he'll take me to the medcentre. Dressed for bed, Leia took her tea and sat on the bunk. I don't want to go alone. What if something is wrong with the baby? I was foolish and irresponsible, getting drunk to avoid my problems. Who was running away then? I'm such a hypocrite.

Leia finished her tea, then turned off the overhead light, lay down, and tried to will herself to sleep. Now that I've decided to keep my baby, I have to keep from doing anything else that may jeopardize his or her health. How many women have conceived because they were drunk? How many continue to lead reckless lifestyles before they know they're pregnant? Based on that, the odds that I've hurt my child are small. And from what Han said about Imperial officers, the baby and I should be safe from diseases. I don't think I could handle it if there's something wrong. Especially if I caused it. If Han would just come back and tell me that everything will be fine, I think I would believe him.


She woke several hours later in discomfort, her arm pinned beneath her body. "Han!" she shouted, looking about the cabin frantically. She had been dreaming that he was in trouble and raced around the ship to find him. Belatedly, she remembered that he had left the ship last night, angry with her, and he did not appear to have returned. The worry she had felt evaporated, replaced by anger of her own. Getting mad and running off is one thing, staying out all night is another entirely. How dare he abandon me like this? Her concern for his welfare tried to return, but she pushed it away. Don't feel sorry for him. He's probably having a great time with the next woman who threw herself at him. Disgusted with herself, Leia headed for the refresher, vowing to put the smuggler out of her mind. Her promise was nearly impossible to keep, as her mind called up memories of her last shower, and the way he had made her feel. Before he left to bed some other bim, she thought bitterly. Any fondness she felt vanished, and she completed her morning routine.

By the time she was dressed and coiffed, her resolve had solidified. She would not apologize to the inconsiderate man who had left her alone to worry. She would not give him the satisfaction. She nodded decisively and tucked her comlink, vibroshiv, and the passkey into the tiny purse that matched her outfit. She exited the ship, raising and sealing the ramp, and got into the rental speeder. It was still sitting where the captain had left it after their return from the shopping centre. She queried the on-board map for directions to the hospital, and arrived a few minutes later, having carefully followed the instructions.

The parking area of the hospital was crowded, but she finally found a spot nearly half a kilometre from the entrance. The drive had done little to quiet her anger, and she struggled to compose herself while she walked. Just because he's an arrogant, self-absorbed, unfeeling barve is no reason to take it out on the staff here. Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out. Focused as she was on her breathing exercise, she failed to notice said unfeeling barve until she ran into him.

"Oh!" she exclaimed as her head hit his chest.

"Oomph," he said almost at the same time. He backed away and put a hand to his chest. "Watch it, Sweetheart, or someone could get hurt."

"I'm fine. You don't need to worry about me." Leia moved to step around him, but he stopped her with a hand on her arm.

"I'm glad you're okay, but I was actually talkin' about me."

"Of course you were." Leia pulled her arm free and added, "I had forgotten how conceited you are. That's to be expected, I suppose, given how long it's been since I've seen you."

"Hold on a sec. What's got your jets burning? You're the one who told me to forget staying. I thought you'd be glad to have me outta your hair."

"I was." Liar. "But it was still rude to stay out all night. What if I had decided to leave you here?" She knew her argument was weak, but she was too angry to care.

"These goons took my stuff as soon as I got here." He gestured vaguely towards the hospital as he spoke. "I just got it back, and I figured I'd come out here and call you to come get me."

Leia was suspicious, sure this was a ploy to redirect her wrath. "What do you mean, they took your stuff?"

"I was kinda wobbly while I waited for the local security to show up, and once I was unloaded from the med-van, the nurses had all my stuff before I could blink. Comlink, clothes, boots--you name it, it was gone."

"You came here in a med-van? What happened?" Her suspicion left, replaced by concern. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Just a little scratch. Doesn't matter now." He waved dismissively. "Are you here to get your results, or is something wrong?" Worry creased his features, and his eyes bored into her, demanded an answer.

"I'm here for my results, and to start prenatal care." The reason for his disappearance reminded her of her dismay the prior evening. "I'm sorry I laughed at you yesterday. I know you're concerned about me, and I'm touched. You've been so wonderful, and I've treated you terribly. I won't let it happen again." Despite her best efforts to maintain self-control, Leia felt a tear escape.

"Hey, it's okay. It was kinda funny that I jumped to the wrong conclusion. I shouldn't have run off." He took her face in his hands, looked her in the eyes, and brushed the tears from her cheeks. "Let's just call it even, okay?"

Leia didn't trust her voice, so she just nodded, and rested her head on his chest. He tightened his arms around her briefly, and she returned the embrace. Before backing away, she stood on her toes and kissed him softly on his unshaven jaw. "Thank you. Can we go inside now?"

Han nodded and they turned towards the hospital. Leia walked directly to the registration desk and addressed the clerk. "Hello. My name is Reyal Finset, and I was a patient here yesterday. I don't recall the doctor's name; he told me to return today for test results." It was a minor fib, as the doctor had not told her when to return, but she felt no guilt for the deception.

"I will put you on the list, and a doctor will see you in turn. Please take a seat, Miss Finset. There are many people ahead of you, so it could be a while." Leia grimaced at the thought of a long wait, but chose not to protest, and sat in the waiting area.

Han sat beside her and muttered, "Oh, goodie. The waiting room again."

She chuckled lightly at his despair, then patted his knee. "You'll be fine. Hopefully it won't be-"

"Miss Finset, a doctor will see you now. Please follow me."

Startled, Leia rose and began to follow the clerk, then stopped and turned back towards Han. She felt foolish as she asked, "Will you come with me?"

"If you're sure that's what you want."

Leia nodded, and they followed the registrar to a treatment room.