In the days leading up to the trial, all of Pamylasia held its breath. Demonstrations continued every day in Endirion's main square, but the atmosphere was increasingly hushed and expectant, not chaotic and destructive as some on Pamylasia might have liked. The people realized that far more was at stake for their future than Luke Skywalke's guilt or innocence. All the guilty parties must be found and brought to justice.
Although Aajulon made Skywalker's capture and trial central points in his campaign, all but claiming credit for Luke's capture himself, Radu Akeeno had remained largely silent on the issue. When pressed, he stunned the public with his announcement that he believed the truly guilty ones had so far escaped justice. People began to ask themselves if Akeeno's widower were so reserved about the trial, perhaps their own zeal was misplaced.
Nevertheless, the weight of public opinion continued to lean heavily against Luke. On the day the trial began, Luke and his entourage had to navigate a sea of demonstrators and hostile crowds from their compound all the way to the court steps. The courtroom itself was packed with onlookers, and cameras had been set up to broadcast the trial for all the planet to watch. Luke's lawyers had succeeded in their petition to have his restraining collar removed now that he had return to Pamylasia, but they could not keep the cameras out of court, and so the entire planet watched as the opening arguments were made in the greatest trial in their history.
Following Pamylasian custom, the defense spoke first. Luke's lawyers decided that Capitolina Apurta would lead the defense. Backed as she would be by the prodigious talents of the Republic lawyers, Apurta brought her own skills to the case, as well as her dedication to the defense following her discovery of the attempts against Luke's life while he was in prison. They felt it would help lend credibility to Luke for him to be defended by a Pamylasian.
Apurta stood to deliver her opening arguments, aware that she had an entire planet as her audience. "Gentle friends of the jury," she began, "a great tragedy has brought us to this place. We have lost a great leader who can never be replaced. But she did not leave us alone. Dimi's legacy of freedom and justice will live on so long as we continue to live out her vision of a Pamylasia for all.
"As a part of that legacy, Dimi signed into law the Intergalactic Treaty on Sapient Rights and the Convention Against Torture. We on Pamylasia are well-experienced with what it means to live without basic rights. Few of us here are wholly untouched by the recent injustices in our history, injustices which included acts of torture. Dimi herself was tortured more than once during her struggle for freedom. She above all knew about sapient rights abuses, and that is why she made the Convention Against Torture into the rule of law. Victims of torture have been forced to provide information to our oppressors; they were tortured into betraying their comrades, compelled to disavow their cause, even occasionally forced to commit crimes. Indeed the entire galaxy experienced these injustices during the rule of the Emperor. When freedom was restored to the galaxy, one of the first acts of the new Republic was to declare that greater than any betrayal or crime committed under torture, torture itself was the greatest crime. Guilt was assigned to those who tortured, not to their victims. We honor those who manage not to break under torture, but we also honor the suffering of those who do, because we believe no one should be tortured for any aim. No one." She looked into the face of each of the jurors before continuing. "Not even a Jedi Knight.
"Luke Skywalker has also known torture. He has suffered for his beliefs, for his commitment to the Alliance, for information he held, and for simply being who he is. But it was for his skills that some unknown person or persons wanted him when he and his wife were kidnapped several months ago. Pain was applied to his wife, but he was no less tortured. The threat: his wife would be killed unless he agreed to murder Dimishaneer Akeeno.
"Murder in defense of a loved one is also not a crime under our current laws. Acts committed under torture are not crimes. So why is Skywalker here now? We all want justice for Dimi. We want those responsible for her death to pay for their crime. But Luke Skywalker, though a tool, was not responsible. He admired our Dimi, as did many in the galaxy. The crime asked of him was unthinkable, unbearable to him even now. But all he desired was to protect his wife, as was his right under the law.
"Luke Skywalker is innocent. The guilty ones have yet to be found. We will not know justice until it is they who stand in the dock."
Apurta took her seat amid perfect silence. From the dour expressions on many of the faces in the courtroom, she knew she had hardly convinced them, but so long as she had given them something to think about -- especially those on the jury -- she was content for now.
The prosecution next gave its opening statement, the substance of which was hardly unexpected. "The laws which our beloved late President put into effect to protect sapient rights are indeed the hallmark of our life here on Pamylasia. The defense would have you believe that these rights are critical in their case.
"But Luke Skywalker is no ordinary being. He is a Jedi Knight. Indeed, he is the Master Jedi Knight. His powers and skills are prodigious. This is the man who single-handedly blew up the first Death Star." (Han Solo couldn't help but squirm at that.) "This is the man who slew both Darth Vader and the Emperor Palpatine." (Now it was Luke's turn to fidget.) "His miraculous abilities have been witnessed firsthand by countless thousands of people throughout the galaxy. He is the stuff of legend.
"Indeed it was for these formidable skills that he was solicited to assassinat our Dimi Akeeno. Yet the defense would have us believe he murdered Dimi solely to protect his wife. Can we truly believe that there was no other way Skywalker could save her? This, the man who was well-documented to have cheated death time and time again?
"This man allowed his powerful talents to be used for evil. Yes, his wife was tortured, but both Skywalker and Mara Jade are Jedi Knights. Should not we, the people of this Republic which they are sworn to protect, be able to expect that they will not allow their skills to be exploited for evil purposes? Even the Republic itself has a policy not to negotiate with terrorists. Why does Luke Skywalker claim his case to be an exception?
"This fact is known: Luke Skywalker himself murdered Dimishaneer Akeeno in her bed while her husband lay sleeping next to her. He has confessed to the murder. Indeed, the evidence suggests strongly that only Luke Skywalker was capable of slipping through security and killing the Noghri bodyguards in order to assassinate Akeeno. If he has such great powers for good, should he not be under an obligation to prevent his powers from being used for evil? For if he is under no such obligation, who will be able to stop him? Who stopped Darth Vader during his reign of terror and death? Why, it was Luke Skywalker. But who will provide the check to his power? The galaxy knows well the devastation an out-of-control Jedi can work, a Jedi who believes himself to be above the law.
"The prosecution does not have to prove Skywalker murdered Akeeno and her two bodyguards. He has confessed. But we will further demonstrate that he allowed his power to be exploited, that he negotiated with terrorists, and that he poses a threat to the entire galaxy what he claims shelter under the Convention Against Torture, a cowardly move which exempts him from being held accountable for his own abuse of power. Luke Skywalker is a murderer, and he has betrayed us all."
This time the audience in the courtroom could not restrain themselves. As soon as the prosecution concluded, the court filled with shouts and cries. Pamylasian flags were unfurled, and several passionate onlookers began to sing the national anthem.
The judge hammered at her desk with her gavel, and she restored order quickly. The audience had been warned against precisely such outbursts, and no one wanted to jeopardize their hard-won seats in the court. Once the room was again silent, the judge announced a fifteen minute break, after which the prosecution would begin their arguments.
The case of the people of Pamylasia vs. Luke Skywalker had begun.
Chapter Twenty-six
"Reverting from hyperspace in sixty seconds," Idi Athar announced from the co-pilot's seat. "Strap in."
As he buckled on his restraint, Corran Horn muttered, "This had better be worth it."
From the passenger seat behind him, Lanari said, "What, trying to help Luke isn't enough for you?"
"That's not the problem," he returned. "It's working with smugglers I can't stand."
Idi shot him a glance, "Don't you have a few too many former smugglers in your acquaintance to be complaining, present company included?"
"Hey, I was never a smuggler," Lanari corrected.
"No, just a mercenary for hire," Corran said.
Outside the cockpit canopy, the insane light show of hyperspace coalesced into streaked lines, which in turn shrank to pinpoints of starlight in real space. Before them hung a fleet of a score or so ships.
"A sight like that always makes me want to start arresting people," muttered Corran.
"Take it easy, CorSec," Lanari chided. "Karrde's with the good guys now, remember?"
"I'll try to." His hands moved over the ship's controls as he brought their vessel alongside the Wild Karrde.
The comm beeped and a voice said, "Unnamed vessel, state your business."
Flipping a switch, Corran returned, "We're just a ship full of three crazy Jedi. Who else would revert here in the middle of nowhere?"
"Cute. You can land in our starboard docking bay."
Without answering, Corran toggled off the comm and deftly brought the ship into the offered bay. He landed the ship manually, with scarcely a jolt, just to make sure everyone knew he could do it. But no one seemed to be paying any attention. As soon as they were down, Lanari and Idi unbuckled their restraints and headed back toward the hatch. Corran shrugged and quickly followed them.
Karrde stood with several of his associates in the hanger. As the Jedi approached him, he gestured for them to follow him as he led them down a hallway. "You made good time."
"We had good reason to hurry," Lanari replied. "What's the news?"
"We believe we have found them. I identified apparently the only ysalamiri trader who has dealt within the last six months with a group that possibly matches the description Luke and Mara gave me."
"Possibly?" Corran repeated.
"Well, we cannot be sure until we've questioned them, can we?" He reached a briefing room and palmed opened the door. He motioned for the Jedi to enter first, before following. They all seated themselves around a table, and Karrde continued, "Our quarry are the Eriadu Brigands, and we have traced them to a certain hangout popular with pirates and their kind in the Khuiumin System not far from here."
Corran groaned. "Not Courkrus?" Karrde raised a curious eyebrow at him, and he explained, "I've been there before."
Lanari gave him a concerned look. "Will you be recognized there?"
"I doubt it. It was a long time ago, and I was in disguise."
With a nod, Lanari turned back to Captain Karrde. "So what's the plan?"
"It's a large group, and we need to flush them out of hiding en masse so we will be certain to get all of them. I want you three to go planetside, undercover as it were, and start making subtle inquiries as if you were merely interested in some business with them. Here's the trick, though: when you're certain they know you're interested, I want you to reveal you are Jedi, as if by accident. This will tip them off and they'll try to flee -- right into my fleet waiting to pick them up."
Corran frowned. "It's an awfully complicated plan. You don't need all of them anyway. The three of us will just go down and pick up the leader. Easy enough."
Karrde pursed his lips. "I need all of them."
"Why?" he asked.
"I would rather not divulge my reasons. Suffice it to say I have them."
Corran shook his head, "Not good enough."
"Horn, just drop it," Lanari warned.
"I will not drop it," Corran protested. "Why does he want all of them anyway? This is a complicated plan which puts us in danger, not him. If he even thinks I'll go along with it, I want to know why."
Karrde sighed, "Don't you trust me?"
"You may have gone publicly legitimate, Karrde, but I know you must keep up some of your old line of business," Corran replied.
"Corran Horn, " Karrde mused, considering him. "You used to be a member of the Corellian Security Forces, is that not so?"
"Yes," Corran's jaw tightened. "So you'll forgive me if trust doesn't come too easily to me."
With an apologetic look, Lanari observed, "He gets a little thick-headed about these things sometimes." Before Corran could protest, she continued, "But he does have a point. Even three Jedi run a heavy risk when we crash the party on a planet full of pirates. It would help if we knew why. I guarantee that we will keep your reasons confidential."
With a respectful bow, Karrde said, "The Dragon's word is as good as gold."
"Honor among thieves," Corran muttered.
Without looking at him, Lanari rebuked, "Watch your mouth, CorSec."
To Karrde's surprise, Corran gave in and settled back in his chair, his hostility draining off, if not his suspicion. For several moments, Karrde contemplated the exchange he had just witnessed. Then with a nod to Lanari signaling that he identified her as the leader he said, "My reasons are rather delicate, but I'm sure you will appreciate the situation. There was only one source I could trust to lead me to the ysalamiri dealer, Admiral Pellaeon of the Imperial Navy."
Corran and Idi both registered surprise, but Lanari merely nodded as if the answer were obvious.
Karrde continued, "He agreed to give me the dealer's name, but only if I agreed to capture the pirates and bring them to Imperial space first, giving them the opportunity to defect."
"What?" Corran protested. "You're going to just hand these criminals over to them, after what they did to Mara?"
Karrde pursed his lips, stung by the accusation in Corran's voice. "He originally asked for Republic military secrets. I'm not sure Luke would approve of such terms."
Lanari quickly interjected, "You will turn all of them over to the Empire?"
"No. I will keep as many as I feel are necessary for Luke's defense. And I'm not turning them in. I'm giving them a chance to defect. It will be their choice. And Pellaeon said he wants them because they're resourceful, not because he wants to hunt Jedi."
"Yeah, resourceful enough to torture Mara in order to get to Luke," Corran said bitterly.
"Look, I'm not happy with the situation, either," Karrde protested. "I'd like to see them all pay for what they did, but my highest priority is helping Skywalker, and if that means making a deal with the Empire, then so be it. Besides, the Republic can still try to track them. After all, because of me they finally know who the kidnappers are."
Even Corran could not dispute that fact, and he again backed down. With a glance at him and Idi, Lanari announced, "All right. You did what you had to do, as will we. Now let's review the plan in detail. The sooner we act the better."
Chapter Twenty-seven: Conspiracy
Tildin stood and crossed the room to greet him, her hand outstretched to shake his. "Amil, it is good to see you again."
Why do I shudder every time she says that? Aajulon wondered as he shook her offered hand. "It is good to see you as well, Baron."
"Please, have a seat," Tildin offered, gesturing for him to join them. "Will you take some brandy?"
"A little," Aajulon agreed as he seated himself.
Tildin nodded to Khazir, who poured a glass. Tildin sat in the chair facing Aajulon and settled back contentedly. "Your campaign is going well. And your choice in a running mate was very prudent. Karanjian of the Free Democracy Party, she is a solid choice."
Aajulon received the brandy from Khazir and took a sip. "Thank you. She is indeed an asset, but the race is still close. Akeeno can do no wrong in the people's view."
Tildin's eyes grew a shade darker. "Yes, so it seems. But Radu may not be all he appears. I want you to meet someone." She gestured to a figure standing in the corner. "This is a particular associate of ours, Prem Nivas."
The man stepped forward. Pockmarks scarred his thin, dark cheeks, and his hair was slicked back. His quick eyes, nestled under heavy eyebrows, took in everything around him. He wore a silver chain around his neck, with a crest made of four stylized bats, their wings intertwined.
Aajulon nodded his head. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Baron Nivas."
Nivas started and glanced quickly at Tildin. "I am not a Baron, Your Excellency."
"But the crest --"
"-- was given to me by the Barons as an expression of gratitude for my service all these years. They allowed me to choose the bats for my crest. I am a great admirer of their legend."
Aajulon nodded in approval. "I am sure you are as wise and as cunning as they are."
"And just as indispensable," Tildin added. "Prem has been investigating some things for us, and he has learned of something which you might be interested to hear." Her eyes narrowed. "I warn you, it is quite shocking. He has no proof as yet, but if the allegation does prove true, it could be ... well, you shall see. Prem?"
Nivas bowed toward her, ventured again to Aajulon. "I wonder if you knew that Antiradu Akeeno recently met with Luke Skywalker?"
Surprised, Aajulon admitted, "No, I did not."
"He met with him in the Presidential Suite, no less. I found this to be rather unusual, so I investigated into what business Akeeno might have with his wife's murderer. As you may know, Skywalker's legal expenses are being covered by many donations. I was able to investigate the list of donors. Several, of course, were anonymous, but I did manage to trace a very large donation here to Pamylasia, with an account held by Tembo and Makesh, Anitradu's sister's law firm."
Aajulon gripped his glass harder but remained silent.
Nivas waited a few moments for this information to work its way throroughly into Aajulon's mind before continuing. "I have also learned that Antiradu has made a series of off-world contacts over the past six months, a large number of them to Courkrus in the Khuiumin System, a well-known hangout of pirates and mercenaries. Now, the pieces do not yet all fit fully together, but they are beginning to indicate that Antiradu Akeeno may have been involved in the plot to kill his wife. He may in fact be behind it."
Aajulon sat frozen in his chair. At last he stammered, "No, that can't be true."
With a quick glance again to Tildin, Prem Nivas continued. "It seems that Radu may have been less than happy to have his wife reemerge from prison to take the limelight back from him. I have evidence that during Dimi's imprisonment, Radu acquired quite a bit of power for himself in the shantytowns in Endirion. He headed up gangs of young 'freedom fighters,' as he called them, really thugs who helped him run a protection racket."
"I have heard of them, "Aajulon confessed warily. "They were called the Freedom Brigade."
"Yes. Well, in fact they helped Radu acquire significant power and even money in the shantytowns. Furthermore, he was one of the Vice Presidents of the PPP, and President of the Endirion Chapter, but he stepped down from those positions when Dimi was released from prison. I even have evidence of marital strife over precisely these issues. It seems Radu may have loved his wife best in absentia."
At an imperceptible gesture from Tildin, Prem Nivas fell silent. All eyes in the room were on Aajulon as he absorbed this information and turned it over in his mind. He slowly shook his head in shock. "I cannot believe it," he whispered. "I always respected Radu. Could he have really..." He trailed off, unable to put the damning accusation into words.
Gently, Prem Nivas said, "It is shocking, I know. And I cannot yet say it for certain, although the evidence hints strongly at the conclusion. But I will continue to investigate until I have uncovered the truth, no matter how unpleasant."
"Yes. Yes, please do," Aajulon said. "But you must make absolutely certain, have incontrovertible proof. I will not be a part of any vain slander or accusation. It must be fully backed up by fact."
"Certainly," Tildin agreed. "If this news is indeed true, we will be duty-bound to make it known, but only if we're certain."
Aajulon nodded, his face again clouded with shock. "I appreciate your notifying me first. Let me know as soon as you learn anything more. And now I'm afraid I must leave."
The Barons all stood as Aajulon departed, still distressed. When the doors had closed behind him, Khazir asked, "What do you think?"
"He was shocked, of course, as anyone might be," Tildin mused, tracing her gold chain with her fingers. "But despite his protestations, he could believe it. He did not dismiss the accusation out of hand."
"If we do our part," Marwan spoke from the shadows of the corner where she had watched the whole interview, "then he will believe it. Prem, you must make the evidence convincing beyond the shadow of a doubt."
Prem Nivas' eyes darkened, and he bowed. "You may rely on me."