Hi, fellow H/L worshippers! We have 2 chapters left after this one - not including the alternate ending and maybe another alternate chapter. Neither of the alternate chapters will be posted. It wraps up right before TFA opens! YAY! Then my Ord Mantell fic, 'Long, Long Way to Go' should get posted after that.
Chapter 38: Decisions, Decisions…The Princess of Alderaan forced her feet forward to stand by Solo's side in front of the Council once more. The shock of his comment confirming he would rather spend his life with her pleasantly skittered through her body. Trying not to pull focus from the intended outcome with the Council, she had no possibility of stopping that secret part of her that flooded with the hope they would require her to bond with Han.
"Han, do you consent to do as the Council requires of you without dissent?"
"I will, Elder," Han nodded.
"Princess Leia, do you consent to do as the Council requires regarding Han?"
"I do, Honored Sir," Leia answered steadfastly with just the slightest glance in Solo's direction. Now that a few minutes had passed and her plan was in motion, she noticed she felt strangely more and more comfortable with whatever decision the Council made. Either way, she remained with Han in her life. The thought of never seeing him again had been the pit of anguish she struggled against routinely over the years.
Conveniently able to blame it on the Rebellion's desperate need for quick-thinking people with leadership talent all this time had led to her playing games of hard denial. Now, she clearly saw where that anguish truly stemmed from inside of her and she had no means of sorting it out.
"This decision is unprecedented in need and scope. There has never been a situation such as this. While, we agree both of your arguments on this matter have merit, the Code exists to guide us as one and must be followed."
Leia tensed and could feel Solo standing next to her stock still. This is where her fate is decided. A fate she willingly walked into with the intentions of saving Solo the way he had saved her: laying his life on the line for the small chance of saving hers and damning the outcome. Han said he preferred her over Kat. Again Leia's insides thunked at the notion, allowing it to take shape in her mind in an unfettered and real way. It could work between them. It wouldn't be easy, but he would be worth it.
"However," the Council member began. "The Code has never seen a clan all but completely decimated and its last surviving member so critical in a war to overcome the instigators of the destruction. Corellian Honor is without equal throughout the known galaxy. Han, you deserve your chance to regain the honor of your Clan."
Han eyebrows rose in sheer surprise, "Thank you, Elders."
"However, this is not an unlimited chance. You have a two standard year extension from the day you leave the system. After that, we require that you come back immediately and prepared to follow out the provisions of the Code without question or further extension."
"Yes, Elders." Han nodded humbly.
"Princess, you retain the first right until that time, but it is also in stasis until the two-year extension is complete. If you should prefer to bond with another, you may do as you please, of course."
Leia noticed Solo's face dropped at that information, but was more disturbed at her own oddly bereft feeling. "I understand, Sir."
"Han, should you bond during the extension, the progeny requirements will be suspended until the two-year extension expires so you may concentrate on your duties to restore your Honor and defeat the Empire."
"Understood, Elder."
Leia fought with her features not to react to this tidbit of information.
"Han, you have our final decision. Now we ask one of you."
"Sir?"
"We grant you all we have discussed, but have you considered the impact should you meet your end before your Clan can be restored and continued? It would change the High Clans forever. Are you prepared for the twelfth Clan to wink completely out of existence?"
Han took a long breath and slowly rubbed his hands together anxiously. Leia recognized it as one of his stalling tactics when he was trying to think of what to say. Finally, he settled in a stance with his shoulders squared.
"I have considered the consequences, but my Clan didn't have a choice to die fighting. If I die fighting, then at least their honor will continue on and what is a High Clan Corellian without honor?"
"Understood," the Council member answered. "So be it. We wish you both the best of luck and speed in bringing the Empire to an end."
"Thank you" Both Han and Leia answered in unison.
"You are both dismissed."