CHAPTER 14:
"Stop where you are!"
Princess Leia gasped. Han went for his blaster, but his hands were wrapped around Leia's legs.
"Don't even think of it!"
Han slowly raised his hands, and the princess cautiously slid down his back until her feet touched the ground. She pulled the hood over her head. Han sidestepped so that he stood between their assailant and Leia. Before him stood a lanky being brandishing an ominous-looking blaster pointed directly at Han's chest.
"Let me guess," Han smirked. "Bounty hunter."
The bounty hunter sneered at Solo, "You can call me, Vre'coploi."
"Vre—what?" Han narrowed his eyes, "Never heard of you."
Vre'coploi's lipless mouth stretched into a tight open-mouthed smile and let out an ear-piercing guttural laugh, exposing his carnivorous teeth. "Doesn't matter," his black oblong eyes blinked a few times, and his turquoise skin darkened to a cobalt blue in response to his mirth. "After I turn you over to Jabba, my name will be known."
Han looked the bounty hunter up and down. His sandy color hair was cropped close to his scalp, exposing the tribal tattoos that decorated his head. The lobes of his pointed-ears sagged with the weight of several jewel-encrusted rings. Despite the cold weather, he was clad in a mesh green tank top and kaki utility pants. Vre'coploi wore sturdy combat boots that, Han guessed, housed more than just his feet. Han figured a stream-lined blaster and a knife or two were hidden in the over-sized boots. But Han was more interested in the utility belt that hung heavy on the bounty hunter's waist. Two of the three pouches on the belt looked large enough for a thermal detonator, but this bounty hunter didn't look seasoned enough to carry such a dangerous weapon. Most likely, he had a few explosives that were on the cheap side. The third pouch probably held rations and other supplies that would help sustain him when following a bounty. A slender sheath housed a knife the size of Leia's forearm, and two holstered blasters the same model of Han's were strapped to each thigh. Han guessed that the large blaster that was currently pointed at him came from a holster strapped to Vre'coploi's back.
Solo concluded that this bounty hunter was wet behind the ears. Han had only seen such an obscene display of arsenals on inexperienced bounty hunters. The more professional professionals like, Boba Fett, didn't display their best weapons. Surprise was usually the best weapon a bounty hunter had. Although Vre'coploi caught Han off-guard, he had no surprises left. But all this knowledge didn't comfort Han. Inexperienced bounty hunters had a tendency of making mistakes, mistakes that weren't always good for the guy on the other end of the bounty. These bounty hunters had itchy trigger fingers, and their adrenaline usually got the best of them. Han knew that Jabba wanted him alive, so Vre'coploi would probably err on the side of caution when it came to him. However, He wasn't so sure how Vre'coploi would deal with Leia. Maybe if he could get this bounty hunter talking, he would think of a way to get out of this situation alive.
"Jabba," Han nodded as if he had some secret. "How is he doing?"
"He's pretty angry with you, upped the bounty," Vre'coploi ran his forked tongue over his teeth. "Now, if you please, throw your weapons toward me. You, too." He glanced at Leia. "If you both cooperate, no one will get hurt."
Han grudgingly tossed his blaster to Vre'coploi, "Upped the bounty, huh?" He addressed Leia. "Guess I'm getting more popular," he chuckled.
But the princess didn't find it too funny. She slowly reached into her pocket and pulled out the blaster. This partially hidden movement startled Vre'coploi, and cobalt skin faded back into turquoise as he swung the blaster so it was aimed at her.
"Take it easy, Vre'coploi," Han tried to mask his panic but failed. "We're complying so there's no need to get violent."
"Don't worry, Solo," the bounty hunter turned the muzzle of the blaster back on him. "I'm only interested in you. Your friend will be allowed to leave unharmed, provided there is no funny business," his dark eyes shifted to Leia meaningfully.
This did not bring any comfort to Han in the least. What kind of bounty hunter would leave any survivors from a bounty that might potentially seek revenge? "Why should I trust you, Vre'coploi?"
"Because he is Eriguois," the princess moved so she was no longer protected by Han. "Am I right?"
"Leia…" Han's tone was low with an edge of anger. "Get back!"
Vre'coploi kept the blaster aimed at Han, but he side-glanced at Leia, "Yeah…What do you know about the Eriguois?"
The princess slowly positioned herself so that she was partially in front of Han, making a clear shot of Han impossible. And she hoped her position would keep Han from doing something stupid.
"I know that the Eriguois are honorable people who never break their word when it is given," Now she was completely in front of Han. "I know they are trustworthy, loyal, and respected throughout the galaxy for these traits."
Vre'coploi only responded to her with a low purring sound that resonated from his throat. This sound definitely wasn't a friendly one, but she knew he was thinking about her words.
"The tattoos on your head," she nodded to indicate the intricate patterns that were only slightly muted by his buzzed hair. "You earned them for serving your tribe as a civil peace guard, and you successfully fought off the Anogoise when they attacked your tribe. So I know that you are a formidable bounty hunter who shouldn't be taken lightly."
Vre'coploi ceased making the purring noise. He glanced at Han, but he was still listening to Leia.
So she continued, "The three gold rings in your left ear indicate that you are a descendant of the Enid clan, third generation. Your clansmen are the most revered for their honor and bravery in the Wasil territory. The blue, green, and red jewels in that order mean that you are the youngest Enid."
The bounty hunter's large forehead wrinkled up and his forked tongue flickered, "You are mistaken. Those jewels mean that I am the oldest."
Leia bowed her head slightly, but that mistake did not deter her, "Forgive me for my ignorance. But I am certain the two silver rings in your left ear indicate that you have two wives, and from the amount of Sicsid stones, you have fathered seven offspring." She raised her head, "The Enid elders must be pleased."
"How do you know so much about my people?"
"I have studied the great civilizations of the Xoito system," the princess answered. "The Eriguois are the most respective beings of that system."
Vre'coploi smiled, but his expression didn't have any malice. Leia paused for a moment as if she was building up the courage for the question she was leading up to, "So why is an esteemed Eriguois such as yourself earning your living as a bounty hunter?"
His dark eyes shifted to the ground as if he was shamed, "I have a family to feed and care for. The tribe no longer needs civil peace guards now that the Empire has come to our territory. They have slaughtered the Anogoise and have generously provided security and order for my people. I am trained as a civil peace guard. I have no skills that would serve my people. I must provide for my family."
"So being a bounty hunter is not your chosen profession," Leia concluded, and Vre'coploi nodded in remorse.
Han smiled, amazed that the princess seemed to have placated the bounty hunter. Perhaps they would get out of this without a shot fired.
But then she did something Han thought was utterly stupid. The princess took one step toward the bounty hunter, "I ask you to take me instead of Solo."
"What?" Han yelled. What was she thinking? Didn't she just make Vre'coploi ashamed for being a bounty hunter?
"I do not take part in the trade of females," Vre'coploi's eyes held disdain. "I find that custom grotesque, and I am abhorred that you would suggest I would do something so deplorable."
Leia folded her hands in front of her and bowed her head, "I did not mean to offend you."
Han was relieved to here that, "So you'll let her alone if I go peacefully with you." Maybe he wasn't going to get out of this situation, but he didn't care. All that matter was that Leia would.
"Of course. You have my word."
"You will bring in a bigger bounty if you take me," Leia stated.
Han's eyes widened in disbelief. Vre'coploi was going to let her go. What in the seven hells did she think she was doing? "Leia!"
"How will a female bring me in a bigger bounty?" Vre'coploi scoffed and his tongue flickered again.
"Your people are indebted to the Empire for bringing order and peace," Leia said.
"Again, you are correct." Vre'coploi conceded.
The girl pushed the hood from her head, "I am Princess Leia Organa of the Royal House of Alderaan." She held her chin high, and despite the dirt and frumpy attire, Han never saw her look more royal than at that moment. "The Empire will pay you well for my capture, more than you'll make for collecting the bounty on Solo. Jabba is a petty gangster compared to the honorable Emperor," her last words incited a sour taste in her mouth, but she hid her disgust well.
Han was aghast, "Leia! Stop!" he then turned pleading eyes on Vre'coploi. "You can't take her. You're here to collect a bounty on me, not her. The Emperor won't make name for you as a bounty hunter. Turning me over to Jabba will make you famous. You're honorable, right?"
Vre'coploi purred again but refrained from saying anything.
"But my capture will bring honor to your family, show your loyalty to the Emperor," Leia argued. "Take me, but leave Solo unharmed. I will pay you double the bounty you would have collected from his capture and you can collect the award for me from the Empire," she bargained.
"Alderaan no longer exists," Vre'coploi venomously hissed, and Han cringed. "What riches do you have?"
Leia's face looked as if it were made of stone, "Not all of our riches were kept on Alderaan, and I still have access to many off-world accounts." When Vre'coploi didn't say anything, the princess made one last plea, "I can access one of those accounts here on Ord Mantell in the main port. Take my offer. Leave Solo, and I will go with you peacefully." She slightly bowed her head, "You have my word."
Vre'coploi mulled over her offer. "Very well," he agreed, and a wave of relief rushed over the princess. "Alderaanians are honorable and highly esteemed people." He looked at Han, his lips pulled back in disgust, "Corellians cannot be trusted. How can you assure me Solo will not breach our agreement?"
The princess looked back at Han and frowned.
Han smiled, "That's right. So you should take me instead of her. She's honorable, remember?"
Leia's eyes widened, and her brow knitted in anger. "Han, will you shut up," her voice was low and menacing. She turned her attention back to Vre'coploi, "We can stun him."
"WHAT!"
"We'll be far away from him before he wakes," Leia said. "He won't be able to find us or stop you."
"Very well," Vre'coploi closed his eyes and opened them in a gesture of goodwill. "On your knees, Solo," He forcefully ordered. Then he turned to the princess, "Say your good-byes."
"Leia, you aren't doing this!" Han protested, "I won't let you."
"Please, Han," she whispered, "kneel down. That way you won't hurt yourself from the fall when you are stunned."
"How could you do this to me?" his anger boiled over.
"I'd rather you be stunned than dead," Leia placed her hands on his chest. "Please," she breathed, and Han complied.
The princess removed the coat she was wearing and placed it around Han's shoulders.
"Leia…" he couldn't believe this was happening. "You'll be cold."
"I'll be okay," she gave him a closed-mouth smile. "Please…put it on." When he didn't move to put it on, she gently grabbed his arms and helped him into the coat. He allowed her to do this.
When Han wouldn't look at her, Leia placed her hands on the sides of his face and pulled his head up so that he would have to look at her. His eyes were watery and pained. She bent down and threw her arms around him and held him tight to her. At first, his arms stayed at his side, but he couldn't help but give in. He embraced her with fervor, wanting to hold on to her forever so she couldn't leave, so she wouldn't turn herself over to the bounty hunter, so she would never be hurt.
Han buried his head into her shoulder, "Please don't do this." Then a light bulb went on in his head. "What about the obligation you have to the rebellion?" he whispered into her ear.
The princess kept her arms around his neck but pulled her head back so they were nose to nose, "Do you really think I value the rebellion more than your life?"
Han stared into her eyes, "No, of course not." He tried to smile.
Leia gave him the most radiant smile, a smile he had never seen before. She embraced him again, "Stay safe." Her laugh tickled his ear. This was Han Solo she was talking to. She amended her statement, "Try not to get yourself into too much trouble." She lingered in the embrace a little longer, thankful that Vre'coploi wasn't rushing her.
Han sighed, overcome with defeat. She pulled away, and he felt like his heart was being torn away with her. But she didn't separate from him completely. Leia grabbed his head, leaned over him, and pressed her lips fervently against his. She caught Han by surprise, but he quickly recovered and drew her deeper into the kiss. Without breaking their connection, she dropped to her knees and closed the gap between their bodies. He placed a hand on the back of her head and bent her slightly back.
"Uh, Your Highness…" Vre'coploi interrupted.
Han and Leia parted, but he still held her in the same position so that he could gaze upon her face. Although her large brown eyes were watery, she smiled at him as if she was never happier and whispered, "I…I'm going to miss you." With that she disengaged from the embrace and pulled herself to her feet.
Han crumpled, catching himself with his hands. He watched her slowly approach Vre'coploi who had recovered their discarded weapons. Leia offered him her hands, and the bounty hunter cuffed them together and tied the cord dangling from the cuffs to his belt.
"Please leave him his blaster," Leia asked, "so he can defend himself from anything that may live in the forest."
"As you wish," Vre'coploi dropped Han's blaster down to the ground, making sure it was out of Han's reach. He then raised the small blaster that was Leia's and pointed it at Han; "Ready?" the bounty hunter was looking at Han but addressing Leia.
Leia never took her eyes off Han's. She bit her lip and hesitated. "Ready," she whispered.
Leia's distressed expression was the last thing Han saw before he lost consciousness.