Tuesday – August 21, 2007
A/N – I am reposting Chapter 11 – I wrote it rather quickly and while I was tired – so there were several grammatical mistakes, along with errors in the story line, which I have hopefully fixed. I apologize for the inaccuracies of the first posting, and will try to do a better job in the future.
Again, if anyone would like to sign on to be my beta reader – they would be welcome.
And I just realized I have never done the standard disclaimer: So – I don't own anything Star Wars, and none of the characters are mine, much to my dismay! I will claim ownership of the original characters that have previously existed only in my warped little mind – but I can't say I really like all of them – some of them are pretty nasty folks!
And of course, thank you all so much for your kind reviews and remarks. They are my inspiration.
I promise Chapter 12 by late tonight.
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Han took in the tech's expression – one which managed to convey many conflicting emotions. Fear, of course, then chagrin and something else – after a moment, he recognized it as something he kept buried deep within himself, something no one except Chewie would have any idea about. The emotion he identified was a fierce kind of pride. But it was the kind of thing he knew "792" would never admit to; indeed, she would undoubtedly rather die before letting anyone find out about it. Her desperate need for acceptance – and her need for someone, anyone, to care about her, would remain a closely guarded secret. Han knew all too well what that felt like.
Han's past was something he kept exactly there, firmly locked up in his past. He rarely, if ever, let anyone know anything about his life before the alliance – except for the persona he wanted them to see. Anyone who thought they knew Han knew only what he wanted them to: that he was brash, harsh, self-serving and cared only for his ship, Chewie, himself and money – not necessarily in that order. Sometimes, in what he considered moments of weakness, he wished that people could see beyond that outward appearance, inside to the person who was so much more. What he really wished, in his most private moments, was that those closest to him, specifically the Kid and the Princess, and maybe some of his pilot buddies, Rogue Squadron members like Wedge and the new guy, Jeffries, would care enough to dig deeper and see something other than the surface person most thought he was.
At least, Han thought that was how people perceived him. He would have been shocked if he could have heard how many people defended him, if his motives were ever called into question by High Command. He would also have been astounded if he had any idea that those he thought the most highly of, also held Han in high regard – recognizing both his strength of character and the honor that he tried, pretty much unsuccessfully, to hide from others. Both Luke and to a slightly lesser degree, Leia, understood that there was so much more to the mysterious Captain Solo than he showed to those outside his inner circle – a circle which consisted only of himself and Chewbacca. Most, if not all, of the Rogues would have defended him to the any of the alliance bigwigs, and any of them would gladly risk their lives for him, because they knew Han would do the same for them, and in fact had, on many occasions.
All of these thoughts went through Han's mind with lightening speed, and in the manner of decisiveness he was known for, he made a quick decision. He decided that if and when he and/or Leia got out of the mess they were in, he would make sure "792" went with them, or he'd die trying. He also decided the "792" was a stupid name for any human being – whether they started life as a clone or not, and that she deserved a name of her own. So, to the utter astonishment of those around him, especially Leia, who had been watching the various emotions flash across the Captain's face, the first words he said in response to both Trave's remarks and the med tech's statement: "I survived" were "That's not good enough."
Trave looked slightly puzzled, the tech just sighed, apparently reconciled to not being good enough for yet another human, and Leia, of course, reacted with shock – and a need to correct what she perceived as Han's notorious bad manners. "Han!" she cried. "Don't you think there's a better time…" her voice trailed off, however, as she caught sight of Han's face – raised eyebrows, pursed lips and a look of pure distain (although that action brought a wince and made his face looked slightly comical, due to the fact one eye was not only completely swollen shut, but terribly black and blue).
Choosing to ignore the haughty Princess and his captors all together, Han turned toward the med tech, and managed a parody of a slight bow, even thought the effect was lost as he nearly lost his balance and had to grab onto Leia's shoulder to keep from falling over. He tried to smile, but gave that up, and said, in what he considered his most sexy voice (in reality it just sounded raspy with fatigue and pain), "Han Solo, at your service, Miss. And even though these Neanderthals don't have the courtesy to address you by your real name, I'd like to, if you care to share it with me." Han indicated Trave and the Stormtroopers, and somehow managed to include Leia in that group, much to her displeasure.
Leia shook her head, wondering why she had ever felt sorry for Han, and remembered exactly why she was so often frustrated with him. Trave snorted, torn between amusement and annoyance, and Jimson just looked confused. The Stormtroopers, of course, were implacable behind their armor, waiting to make any kind of move or decision until they received a direct order from a superior. As for "792" she was astonished at the courtesy being shown her. Uncertain how to respond, she stammered, "Ah . . . that is, it's nice to meet you, Captain Solo. But '792' is my designation – I don't have a name." She lowered her head ever so slightly, her body language again revealing the shame she felt. Han, an expert at reading body language, recognized the gesture for what it was, and offered her his trademark lopsided grin – or at least he tried to. Again, the swelling and livid bruising on his face tended to ruin the affect, but still, some of his famed charm managed to come through. Enough that the Princess found herself suddenly feeling like she was on the outside looking in, and even though she tried very hard to convince herself she didn't care one bit what the incorrigible Corellian was up to this time, a very tiny voice that mourned the loss of their previous closeness, refused to be totally silenced, no matter how hard she resolutely tried to push it down.
Han pretended to look surprised, and grinned even wider at the astonished tech. "Well, then, I guess you need one, doesn't she Leia? How about Jenina – we could call you Nina, for short." And he turned innocent eyes toward the Princess, totally oblivious to the emotions that were running rampant in her. Han knew Leia always championed those less fortunate than herself, and fully expected her to understand what he was doing, and why. Therefore, he was totally caught off guard and utterly confused at the furious look Leia wore, and the icy tone she used when she replied, "Whatever you think best, Captain Solo," as she turned away from him and stepped back, releasing her hold on his arm and removing her shoulder as his main support at the same time.
Han literally staggered as Leia withdrew, and before he could stop himself, found his knees buckling. His sight blacked out for a second and the next thing he knew, the med tech was hovering over him, waving a portable diagnostic med scanner over him. He tried to regain his feet, but Jenina took the opportunity to push him back, easing him on down to the floor. "Captain," she said, "I thank you for the name, and I like it," she paused to smile at him and Han was caught with her simple beauty, "but right now, I need to see how badly you're hurt and what I can do for you." Jenina understood all too well the Princess's reaction to her, but knew there was nothing she could do about it, and she also knew that her continued survival depended both on her skills as a med tech, and her ability to keep Trave and the Stormtroopers from deciding they didn't need her any longer.
Han groaned ever so slightly, as he laid his head back and tried to block out the pain that was returning with a vengeance, now that his adrenaline was ebbing. He was suddenly exhausted again, and so tired of trying to figure out the "fairer" sex. "Women," he muttered, as he closed his eyes. Leia, for her part, was torn between feeling badly that she had backed away so suddenly from Han and her unreasonable irritation. Looking first at Han and the obvious evidence of his increasing pain, and then to the unmistakable worry on Jenina's face, and finally to the smirk evident on Trave's countenance, she realized she had played right into their enemy's hands. With a mental head slap to herself Leia dropped to her knees beside the injured man, and managed a small smile in the tech's direction.
"I'm sorry, Nina," she said, smiling her very best diplomatic smile. "I believe I have been rather rude. I'm Leia, and if you'll just tell me what to do, I'll be glad to help." Jenina paused in opening the parcels Jimson had dumped on the cot, long enough to consider the woman beside her. With wisdom far beyond her single year of existence, she quickly realized that there was a lot more to the relationship between these two than either of them was ready to admit, and made up her mind to act accordingly. "Thank you, Leia," she replied. "And just for the record, I like my new name, but I think I prefer Jenina, if you don't mind." Jenina was unsure what the Princess's response would be, but decided she really had nothing to lose at this point. Leia took the intended rebuke in stride and just nodded. "That's fine, Jenina, now what can I do to help?"
Jenina, taking her cue from the Princess, became all business. "Let me finish running the med scan, then we'll know better what we're dealing with." Leia nodded, and watched as the tech ran the scan over Han's body, starting with his head and moving carefully and thoroughly over his neck, both shoulders, his torso, ribcage, arms, and both legs. Jenina frowned as she took the time to read the results, and then sighed. Remembering that all their continued survival depended on Trave, she turned reluctant eyes toward him and offered her report.
Standing, she stated as matter-of-factly as she could, "Sir, Captain Solo has the following injuries: a slight concussion, three fractured ribs, one of which is in danger of puncturing a lung, other cracked and bruised ribs, two broken bones in his left wrist, and multiple bruises, abrasions, and cuts. If you want the Captain to survive, there are several immediate medical interventions that need to take place. I await your instructions." Jenina lowered her head after her report, knowing that the Captain's survival depended entirely upon the whim of Trave, and not willing to jeopardize his chances because of anything she did or didn't do.
Leia, for her part, even though she knew Han was badly injured, was still appalled to hear the injuries catalogued in such a manner. Once again, she was brought to the realization that her pride had placed them in this situation, especially when she remembered than Han had constantly tried to get her to see the danger of the mission, telling her over and over that something just hadn't felt right to him.
Trave appeared to think things over, and then with a sudden malicious look, he slowly shook his head. "Well, it appears Pix may have done his work a little too well," he said. "I'm afraid the time and effort required to treat Captain Solo's injuries just isn't worth it, especially since the reward for him is the same, dead or alive. You, however, Princess are worth considerably more alive, although I won't hesitate to kill you as well, should you become more trouble than you are worth." And Trave slowly, but with clear evil intent drew his blaster; adjusted the settings to narrow beam – which was a very effective, but less messy way to kill, and raised it, aiming it at the prone man on the floor.
Han looked shocked, but somehow resigned – he'd known from the beginning that his life was most like going to be forfeited. He closed his eyes, not wanting to watch Leia's face when the inevitable happened. Leia, totally horrified with this turn of events, was determined to do everything in her power to correct the situation, and stubbornly turned toward her captors, fully intending to offer information, details or even herself in exchange for the medical treatment the Captain so obviously and desperately needed.
But just as she opened her mouth to beg for Han's life, she staggered – suddenly overwhelmed by the sense of Luke's presence. She could tell he was very, very close and she was subjected to the definite feeling that Luke needed her to stall for time. Raising agony-filled eyes to Jenina, and casting a despairing glance at Han, who had opened his eyes, apparently also sensing Luke's nearness, she cried out – "Wait! I'll give you what you want. I'll tell you anything you want to know – just don't hurt me – and please, no, don't. . .not Han." Leia's voice was choked with unshed tears, as she struggled to think of the words that would stop Trave from murdering Han in front of her.
Han heard Leia's impassioned cry, and between the physical pain still shooting through him and the concern he felt for the young tech he had already sworn he would protect with his life, he heard only part of her words. Han's relief that Leia was going to do what it took to save herself warred with the horrific emotional pain that had nothing to do with his physical condition. He was almost overcome by the hurt that suddenly ripped through him at what he perceived to be Leia's decision to abandon him; even though that is the choice he would have made for her. Deciding he was being unreasonable, he opened his eyes, ignoring the waves of agony that coursed through his body, and locked his sight on the Princess. Smiling ever so slightly, he managed a flippant wink in her direction, and whispered, "That a'way Princess. Jus' make sure ya' take her with you." Glancing toward the tech, he indicated his desire that they both be safe, then, he froze, hearing the sickening laughter coming from both Trave and Jimson.
"Oh, Solo," Jimson chuckled evilly, "if only it was going to be that easy. Trave is definitely going to kill you, but not before I pay you back for your little stunt yesterday." And with that, Jimson drew his leg back, and delivered three quick and cruel kicks, two to Han's already abused side, and the last, a brutal blow to his broken arm. Han gasped in pain, almost blacking out, as he rose slightly off the hard concrete floor, before collapsing back, succumbing to a vicious coughing spasm. Leia and Jenina, both sickened at this turn of events, moved as one, determined to protect the helpless man lying at their feet.
Just as Leia was despairing that anything could be done to save Han's life, utter chaos broke out, and the sounds of sudden blaster fire could be heard, as well as shouting and the unmistakable roar of an enraged Wookie. All four of the Stormtroopers went down, as if struck by a wall of hurricane force winds, victims of Chewie's bowcaster. Leia and the tech turned to face this new development—Jenina terrified, and Leia elated—realizing that Luke and Chewie must have found them. She turned toward Han, intent on making sure he was safe during the obvious rescue attempt, when the joy she felt turned to absolute panic. Facing her across the cell, Trave finished raising his blaster, and this time, it was pointed directly at her. Everything seemed to grind to slow motion as she saw her life flash before her eyes – and she experienced deep regret at all that she hadn't finished in her short life. To her surprise, the fact that she and Han had never gotten any further along in exploring their relationship was at the top of her list of regrets. She found her eyes drawn to his, and tried to communicate all she was feeling in the space of a few seconds.
Leia was therefore completely unprepared for what happened next. As she watched, things seemed to take place in slow motion. She saw Trave squeeze his finger on the trigger, jerking the blaster slightly upward each time it fired. She braced herself for the impact she knew was coming, expecting the white hot pain to engulf her just before she died. And she cried Han's name out – putting all of her emotion into his name—"Hannnnn!" Then, as things still seemed locked in slow motion, she was again shaken to her core at the turn of events. Even as she watched in a state of stunned shock, Han somehow managed to heave himself off the ground, yanking Jenina's protective arm away, and with an impossible maneuver, threw himself in front of her, taking the shots that were meant to end her life.
"Han!" she screamed, lunging toward him as he collapsed, smoking holes appearing suddenly in his upper chest, shoulder and arm. "No, oh please, oh gods, no…"