Chapter 30 – A New Order

Nolyane opened the ceremony with a prayer, welcoming everyone, and introducing the guests to her people. Then she proceeded to tell them of her voyage to Laa'kuan, a voyage she had made on behalf of all those assembled, where she had sought to calm the gods with a ritual that had never come to be. She emphasized vehemently the help she and her companions had received from Luke, Chi'in, Nuron and Al'than'erudo. And she told them of the strange people that had broken the peace of the sanctuary. Once she was finished, a thick silence filled the giant chamber, as each attendee digested this information. Luke and Al'than'erudo took turns translating for Chi'in and Nuron, and the Noghri felt that the two men were finally laying their differences aside. But then the peaceful gathering took a dangerous turn.

[Star Keeper, how are we to proceed?] someone asked tentatively. [If the Abernake are dead, who will speak to the gods for us? Who will ask their protection for us?]

Nolyane shook her head. [I will find a way], she reassured them, but Chi'in could feel that she was not at all confident. Then, to the audible gasps of surprise from the Star People. Al'than'erudo walked down to join the Star Keeper. She gazed at him out of cobalt blue eyes, uncomprehending.

[May I speak?] the Chiss asked demurely, and Chi'in felt his breath catch. At his side, Luke suddenly seemed very suspicious, but he kept on translating. [There is something the Star People should know.]

Nolyane regarded him for a while, her eyes seemingly searching his very soul. At last she gave a nod and took a formal step back to yield the floor to him. Al'than'erudo, head held high, let his gaze drift over the entire assembly, as if trying to memeorise each face. Then, facing the Star Keeper once more, he dropped to his knees, and in an instant Chi'in knew what was going to happen next. The apprehension made him wince inwardly.

[Please, tell us], the Star Keeper asked the commander softly.

[The Chiss have been your enemies for a long time], he began. [We are all trying to survive out here, survive as a people, a race, and some of us seek to dominate the others. The Chiss pursue a defensive strategy in protecting their borders, as you know. That includes gathering intelligence on the activities of our enemies.] Raising his head, he gazed at Nolyane out of glowing red eyes. [The Chiss were always excluded form the gatherings on Laa'kuan, and we were wondering why. We believed you were forming an alliance against us, under the Abernake's guidance. We believed Laa'kuan to house a weapon of enormous destructive potential.] Here he stole a glance at Luke and added, very quietly. [Now we know we were right.]

By now Luke had also caught on to what the Chiss was doing, and his voice was trembling as he translated the other's words. Chi'in lay a hand on his arm, a gentle warning.

Down on the floor Al'than'erudo continued. [One of our commanders decided that we could not take the risk of facing an overwhelming force, and he identified the Abernake as the key to establishing that force.]

[So you killed them], Nolyane finished for him, her voice sounding harsh. All along the walls of the chamber the Star People began talking excitedly, and she did nothing to calm them down.

Nodding, slowly, Al'than'erudo confirmed her statement. [That commander was severely reprimanded for his actions, for the Chiss philosophy does not sanction preemptive strikes. He was later exiled for his transgressions.]

[Why are you telling us all this?] the Star Keeper demanded. [You said it yourself, you are our enemy, and only your actions to aid us on Laa'kuan protect you here. I have spoken for you, Al'than'erudo, but you condemn yourself. Why?]

[I want to be truthful with you.], the Chiss explained. [I have learned something about respect, I think, and understanding. And I want you to know the truth. We must all stand against this new foe, and that requires trust.]

[You should die for that crime], an angry voice hissed, and Chi'in knew the speaker to be Ishare Luvo. [You seek to gain our trust and spit in our faces!]

[Ishare Luvo speaks the truth], Nolyane agreed. [You cannot expect us to be lenient with you for admitting to your crimes].

[Kill him!] the Lappa crowed triumphantly. [Kill him and his companions!]

The outrage that rose from the crowd was like a storm that threatened to overwhelm everything they had built up on Laa'kuan, and Chi'in felt sadness envelop his heart as he prepared for the violence that would surely come. He wished there was something he could say, something he could do, to prevent it, but he felt that they had come too far for more lies.

A movement by his side brought his attention on his two companions. Nuron, holding Luke in a tight embrace, was gazing at the young Jedi with pleading in her golden eyes, but Chi'in could see the determination in her lover's stance, and what was more, he could feel it like a sharp blade, poised to strike. Disengaging from Nuron, Luke turned toward the two people down on the floor, and spread his arms in an imploring gesture.

"Hear me", he called out, his voice enhanced to reach everyone over the din.

Gradually the crowd fell silent. Once he had their undivided attention, Luke lowered his arms again. His boyish looks seemed at odds with his resigned stance, that seemed to befit a much older man. But the strength in his very presence reached out to all present, and prompted them to listen. Finally he spoke again, addressing Nolyane directly, while Al'than'erudo kept on translating.

"Not your gods have punished you, Star Keeper," he began, wearily, and started toward the floor. "You were deluded into believing your gods had abandoned you, to lure you to Laa'kuan. And our meeting you there was no coincidence either." He stopped halfway down to the pit, and a voice from the crowd demanded:

[Who then destroyed our ships?]

[Yes!] Ishare Luvo picked up the call. [ Who?]

"A man. He is dead now, but I believe I know why he brought us together. Al'than'erudo has stated his intentions already. We have to stand together. We have to make peace at last, or we will all perish."

Chi'in felt his skin grow cold. Bow to your gods, or perish. Those had been Roj Kell's last words. They had taken on an entirely new meaning here.

[You are only trying to save yourselves!] Ishare Luvo screamed. [You want to destroy us, just as you destroyed the Abernake!]

Luke ignored him. Instead, his gaze was fixed on Nolyane. The Noghri thought he understood why. The previous speech had confirmed that the Star Keeper was something of a spiritual leader not only for the Star People. All the peoples that had been attacked by Roj Kell seemingly had been part of the alliance that had worshipped their gods on Laa'kuan. That could have been no coincidence.

[Silence], the Star Keeper said at last, and absolutely everyone fell quiet. [I have seen that man], she said. [I have witnessed his death. He had greatness, Ishare Luvo, something you seem to lack today. And he spoke for the gods.]

Luke felt his mind freeze at that. He remembered the strange words Kell had uttered, just before he had called for them to flee. Could it be that Nolyane had understood? What were the chances of that? Well, knowing Roj Kell, probably nothing had been left to chance on Laa'kuan. With mind-shattering clarity he understood then that he had not, in fact, killed the ancient Sith, that it had instead been Kell himself, who had chosen the time and manner of his death, who had given his sacrifice meaning. So damn cold. Luke wanted to be sick right then and there. But he managed to get his roiling stomach under control once more.

[There is a legend from days long past], the Star Keeper continued, [of the Jen motha, the People of Death. We know their legends, we know their history. They were hunted by powerful enemies who sought to destroy them, and they came to Laa'kuan to make a last stand.] Nolyane heaved a gentle sigh. [Their leaders prayed for strength and courage and pledged their warriors to death to unite them and make them brave. They believed in the power of death so much that, when the enemy finally fell upon them, they fought so hard that the blood of their foes flowed like a great river. It is said that their blood carved the labyrinth you have seen on Laa'kuan. But the enemy's numbers were too great. The Jen motha were defeated. But then the gods revealed themselves to the Jen motha, and told them that, if they were to worship, they would be ever victorious, and survive.]

"Did they survive?" Luke asked quietly, once Al'than'eruod had finished translating for Chi'in and Nuron.

Nolyane gave him a pained glance. [We do not know. The legends do not tell.] Her voice dropped very low as she continued, her eyes holding a secret she shared with him alone: [But I know that the man who died on Laa'kuan did not mean the Star People when he called for the Jen motha.]

Sacrifice your gods. Show me your heresy. Luke's head was spinning. Even though he had an inkling of what those words had meant he did not even want to go there and think about the depth of their meaning. It was too much.

"Star Keeper", he whispered, "we have to be brave, like they were. But we must be sure of what we fight for."

[Life], she said, that simple word encompassing a myriard of emotions.

Luke smiled. "Yes. Life", he agreed. "The Abernake were guardians of life, still are, and that is what we have to become too. What we have to live. To embrace life, and protect it. The prayer our hearts send out will determine the answer. I know you understand, all of you. I have seen your cities, your world. It is a prayer itself, the most beautiful there is. I ask you to let us join in that prayer."

Nolyane seemed struck speechless at his words. For a very long time silence reigned in the core of the spire, and every eye was turned on the young Jedi. He in turn, though, only continued gazing at the Star Keeper, confident that she would make the right choice. Finally she seemed to have reached a decision.

[It is said that one's actions will reflect on one's life. Once we take up the fight against the People of Death we must be aware of the consequences. I will not give up what we have build up, what my people has achieved here. We cannot change our way of life, Luke Skywalker. But], she added with a smile, [we know what we believe in. We believe in life, not death. We will help you.]

[No!]

His head whipping around in surprise, Luke stared at Ishare Luvo, who was practically shaking with outrage. Nolyane regarded the Lappa coolly.

[You disagree?] she asked.

[Yes! These people are unworthy! They are our enemies! I will not ally myself with my enemies!]

The Star Keeper turned her head to give the still kneeling Chiss, who had kept on translating throughout the past minutes, a very pensive glance. Then she turned toward Ishare Luvo once more. [I respect the customs of your people, Ishare Luvo. And you will respect ours. I call upon the Council of Hearts to solve your case.] A surprised gasp ran through the assembled crowd. Luke could sense the confusion in the commander when he rose tentatively from his kneeling position. [Prepare yourselves], Nolyane finished, and raised a hand in dismissal. [We will honor your decision.]

Luke stood dumb-founded, with his companions keeping silent beside him, as they all waited for the commander to join them. But Nolyane intercepted the Chiss before he could reach them and one of the Star People, Luke thought it was either Polay or Lusha, took him away.

"Star Keeper, what is that Council of Hearts?" Luke asked, feeling stupid.

[We believe in life], she explained, [but Ishare Luvo believes in honor. He is a warrior. He will challenge Al'than'erudo to a duel. Their hearts must decide then, and once one of them has decided the other must follow that decision.] She gave Luke a reassuring pat. [Do not worry for your friend. He has a good heart.]

And with those words she left them alone in the rapidly empyting chamber.

"I willl go and see after the commander," Chi'in announced, and gave both Luke and Nuron a curious glance. "I don't think I am needed here."

The Noghri left silently, like a shadow, and Luke watched him go thoughtfully. The Sith Lord had left everything to the two younger men to solve, and he had a feeling that Chi'in had done so on purpose.

"He is still teaching you," Nuron whispered as she lay an arm around his neck and put her head to rest on his shoulder. Looking down into her golden eyes, Luke smiled tentatively.

"Yes," he answered softly. "Even though he may not realize it."

"So, have you found your peace?"

"He said that I would pay for every betrayal of my ideals. But I believe I do not have to betray them at all. With the right friends and allies I believe I can always remain true to what I want to be. And you are all helping me to gain the insight I need. Even Al'than'erudo." He gave a low chuckle. "I must be the luckiest man in the galaxy."

"You are special, Luke."

Gathering her slender body in his arms he held her close, relishing her presence. "Thank you," he said sincerely. "You cannot know how much that means to me."

She smiled. "Of course I know. I feel the same. Luke," she began, hesitantly, and he thought he saw a flicker of worry flash across her eyes, "I learned something too."

He made his voice very soft when he asked: "What?"

"That I want to be with you. All my life."

"I want that too, Nuron." Gently, he took her face in his hands and tilted her chin up, just a little bit, as he leaned forward to kiss her, wary of the sharp horns potruding from her brow. "I want you to marry me." Suddenly fearful, he drew his head back, blue eyes wide in innocent worry. "Will you?"

She shook her head with a laugh, her short black curls brushing over his fingers playfully. "That you doubt that!" Then her fierce eyes turned very soft. "Have I not pledged my love for you already?"

"Yes, you have," Luke answered with a relieved smile. "That's something else I am thankful for. But – " His mood darkened abruptly. "I hope my family is well, and I pray that I will see them again. If they were to die..."

"You will see them again," Nuron assured him quietly. "I know you will."

She snuggled closer, holding him tightly, and Luke felt so safe in her embrace that he found the calm he needed to ease his worries once more. His family had to be well. But with the threat of the Yuuzhan Vong still out there and ever-present, he had to weigh his wishes against reason. They had lost so many comrades already, and he doubted that the losses would stop before the Yuuzhan Vong were not stopped themselves. The future was uncertain, always moving, and he did not know what lay ahead. He did not know if he would survive, or Nuron, or his family. What he knew for certain, though, was that he wanted to be himself as hard as he could. No matter what.

"Thank you."

Waving Lusha away, Chi'in entered the small chamber the young warrior had led him to and took a look around. Ooonda was an enchanting world, in harmony, with a feel to it that reminded Chi'in of home. So many things reminded him of Honoghr lately, and he was wondering at that. Perhaps it was time for him to finally return for good.

Al'than'erudo was seated cross-legged on the floor, his eyes closed. His presence was calm, on the surface at least. He had shed the coat of his uniform, and a two-bladed knife lay in front of him. Apparently this was the only weapon he was allowed to use in the duel Nolyane had been talking about. Joining the younger man on the floor Chi'in regarded the other pensively.

"You have done very well," he said at last.

Al'than'erudo opened his eyes to look back at him. "You knew what I would do?"

"Yes. You have proven your insight when you decided to enter the level you are judging Luke Skywalker by. He offered you the truth, but you were blinded by hatred. I am glad you have shed that darkness."

"Luke Skywalker is a good man, I know that now. He did not mean to annihilate the fleet. He simply did not know what he was doing."

"He has learned from that mistake."

"But it is not his approval I seek."

Chi'in hesitated. He knew what the other was asking, and he had taught a few students in his lifetime. But to take on another when he could feel his soul ache for his home... He did not know if he could commit to taking on another apprentice right then. On the other hand this war was not over yet, not by a long shot, and Al'than'erudo was a willing student, who had already learned a lot.

"Commander, I fear you do not fully understand," he began nevertheless. "If you choose to follow me you will leave your own culture. You will learn things your people would not approve of."

"Perhaps the galaxy is changing more than we can see now," the Chiss answered hoarsely. "Perhaps our culture will change."

"Perhaps," Chi'in conceded wearily. "With what Luke is planning to accomplish here that may well be."

A low hoot from the door caught their attention, and both Chi'in and Al'than'erudo rose to welcome the Star Keeper. She nodded at the Chiss gravely and beckoned for him to follow her. Chi'in kept a few paces back as they walked through the spire and entered a courtyard on the other side of the complex. Thousands of people lined the seats at the edges of the yard, and Chi'in was momentarily taken aback by the festive air that permeated the entire setting. He had not realized that this council would be such a public affair. Down in the yard Ishare Luvo was already waiting. He bore the same knife Al'than'erudo had tucked behind his belt, and he had assumed a confident, almost arrogant stance as he waited for the Chiss to join him. Chi'in hurried to find Luke and Nuron to watch. Once both combatants had entered the yard Nolyane climbed upon a dais of pale, yellow stone, beautifully carved, and the crowd fell silent.

[We have assembled here to witness the decision of the Council of Hearts. Ishare Luvo has initiated the council, to prove Al'than'erudo's words lies. But this is not the only decision the council will decide. Luke Skywalker has asked the Star People, the Spider People, the Lappas and the Likkets to join an alliance against those who call themselves Yuuzhan Vong and seek to destroy us. As the one who has called that alliance a lie Ishare Luvo must prove his point.] She gave both men a nod. [The council may begin.]

It was, Chi'in thought, no fair fight. Al'than'erudo had the advantage in the fact that his innate Force-sensitivity allowed him to anticipate his adversary's moves, if erratically. The other advantage he had was reason. Ishare Luvo had already proven to be a hot-head, contrary to the Chiss. And so the fight ended with the first exchange. Al'than'erudo had left his knife tucked behind his belt, facing Ishare Luvo unarmed, a fact that did not seem to faze the Lappa at all. He thought he had an advantage in that he had more weapons than the other. Technically, he did not need the knife. His hands were weapons themselves.

Yet he had decided to make use of his perceived advantage and lunged at the Chiss with a wild cry, the knife's two blades held in a horizontal grip that would allow him to disembowel the commander, if he got past his defenses. His right hand was extended like a spear, and Al'than'erudo used Luvo's unfortunate stance instantly. Side-stepping the knife, the commander forced his adversary to twist his body to still reach him, a position that left him unbalanced. The Chiss gave the Lappa's knife-arm a hard slap that bashed it into his free arm. In an instant Al'than'erudo had taken both Ishare Luvo's wrists in a hard grip, and simultaneously he kicked the other's legs out from underneath him, dropping him helplessly to the ground. Luvo's arms were still locked together when Al'th'erudo knelt down at his side, calmly dislodging his own knife from his belt. Extending it toward his downed adversary, he released the other.

[Now], he said loud and clear. [Either join us or else kill me.]

Chi'in felt like laughing at hearing those words translated by a grinnning Luke. Al'than'erudo had already decided the fight, and Ishare Luvo really had no choice but to accept. The fact that he left it to him to decide diminished his adversary's honor. A deliberate move, but less than what Luvo deserved, to Chi'in's mind.

[Do you always negotiate like this?] Ishare Luvo growled and rose. Holding his head high, he addressed Nolyane. [We will join the talks for this alliance Luke Skywalker has proposed.]

[The council has decided], Nolyane announced gravely. [We will begin the talks tonight.]

A few moments later she joined Chi'in, Nuron and Luke, a fascinated expression on her face. [I must admit that I have never before seen a warrior with such skills and such insight. He knew what the Council of Hearts signifies, didn't he?]

Chi'in nodded solemnly, once Luke had translated for him. "It was not hard to uncover that meaning. You respect life. So does he, even in a more rational way than you do, perhaps."

Nolyane smiled once she had heard his words. [None of you is what he seems. Or she, for that matter. You achieve success with words were others would resort to violence. You are welcome on Ooonda. All of you.]

The Noghri felt strangely relieved at that. "Thank you," he answered. "We are honored. But, if it is possible, you said that you know the legends and history of the Jen motha. May I see them?"

The Star Keeper looked at him silently for a long time. When she spoke her tone was very reserved. [This is no time to concern yourself with death, Chi'in. You should celebrate with us.]

"Celebrate? What is there to celebrate?" he replied wearily. "There is a war going on out there. I must know how we can put an end to this killing."

[Not today], she admonished him gently. [Tomorrow.]

"All right then," the Noghri agreed, defeated. "Tomorrow."

They lay in the soft grass, gazing at the stars above. The air was warm, and a gentle breeze made the leaves of the surrounding trees rustle quietly. Nuron's head rested against his stomach, and his left hand lay on her cheek, relishing in the smooth warmth of her skin. He could hear her regular breathing, and could almost hear her heart beat, a quiet drum in the night. It was perfect.

"So peaceful," she whispered. "I've been missing this."

"It's been too long," he agreed just as quietly. "It seems as if we have not had one quiet moment in ages."

"Months, at the very least," she answered with a soft chuckle as she turned around on her stomach to face him, and her golden eyes caught the distant light of the moon, turning them into twin suns of mystery.

Luke smiled, feeling completely at ease. "Perfect," he said. "This is perfect." His thumb ran along the corner of her mouth tenderly. "I wish it could always be like this."

"You're a dreamer, Luke Skywalker," she murmured and moved to kiss his palm once. "You know it cannot always be perfect. Perfect is boring," she added thoughtfully.

"Then why do we always seek perfection? Can you tell me?"

"A matter of ambition," she answered after a while. "If all you desire is a quiet life, I suppose there are many ways to achieve it. But if your dreams are bigger ... Then you will never be at peace," she finished, her voice suddenly sounding forced.

Luke felt his own mood darken. She was right. If one dreamed of perfection on a larger scale one would always be searching, never content. No matter how much one invested, no matter how much one suffered. Lips compressed into a thin line he propped himself up on his elbows to look at her.

"I think you're wrong," he stated.

She gave him a look of mock indignation. "Challenge me, would you?" But she turned serious again quickly. "I know what you mean. If you have someone to support you, to strengthen your resolve, you may realize that your struggle is a futile one. That there are limits."

"Not limits," he whispered, "but rather no perfection. Perfection is an ideal we create for ourselves. I know what I want to do, and sometimes I think I can never achieve it. But I must keep on trying, or else I will never find out, right?"

Nuron gave him a long, silent look. Finally she shrugged, and snuggled against him once more. "It's your life" she grumbled into his shirt. "You can do whatever you want, as long as you know what that is."

Smiling, Luke leaned back again into the grass. That was just typical of her. She was a pragmatic, and he was a dreamer. "Good," he whispered to himself, satisfied. "Then that's settled."

When she started laughing at his innocently preposterous statement he could not hold back his own mirth for long. Their laughter lifted into the warm night of Ooonda, and vanished into the sky above. And for a perfect moment everything seemed to be all right.

The quarters she had been given were sparse and, of course, guarded, but that was not what concerned Yana the most. She hated being left in the dark about everything, hated not having the information she needed to regain her composure and her wits. Right after her capture she had been brought aboard this ship, along with Roganda, who had been hustled away to join the shapers, as far as Yana had understood. Hah Kima had stayed behind on Byss, along with Franzis Sarreti. Yana could only guess at the counselor's fate.

The Empress' hands clenched into tight fists at the thought of the traitorous moff, and she cursed her father whole-heartedly for his sick powerplays. How dare he! How dare he mock her this way! Always a step ahead of everyone, that was what had pleased him most, oh yes. Not only had he made her believe that she was leading a life independent from his court and its disgusting, boot-licking, scheming courtiers, he had also made certain that she would walk exactly the path he had prepared for her. For a moment she wondered whether her flight to the Corporate Sector had also been calculated by that manipulating old corpse.

Uncertainty hung above her resolve for a moment, a sharp blade of doubt that threatened to shred her confidence into pieces, but then she dismissed those suspicions again. She had been a spoiled girl when she had left Coruscant, and who would expect a girl of sixteen to choose the Corporate Sector as the playground for fulfilling her adventurous fantasies? Not her father, that she knew. He might have expected her to flee to Corellia, or even Nar Shadaa, where the Empire's hold was strong. But she had anticipated that. And she had learned so much out there ...

But nothing she knew of her wilder days would be of any use to her now. She had no means to fight back safe for her mind and her knowledge of the Empire. It was clear to her that the Yuuzhan Vong were only keeping her around because of her status. She was, after all, Empress, and the daughter of the late Emperor, Hah Kima's master. There had to be something she could do to turn this situation to her advantage. Something ...

The 'door' to her quarters opened and a guard came in, motioning for her to follow. Composing herself, Yana strode after him. Her shoulder was still hurting from the intitial attack, but she had used a healing technique to stop the bleeding. Her command of the Force may be feeble, but there were some areas she had managed to exploit. Perhaps now she would be introduced to her mistress, the priestess Alyn Cha. She remembered the conversation between Roj Kell and the Grand Admiral she had witnessed what seemed like years ago. The old man had pointed out the most important gods of these aliens back then, and Yana recalled one of them, Yun-Harla, she believed that goddess was called. Perhaps this meant that only female priests worshipped that goddess, and that Alyn Cha was one of them.

If she had understood correctly this Yun-Harla was a deceptive goddess, and this begged the question whether the sect following her was comparable to Intelligence. If so, Yana Dar was an expert at dealing with information. She smiled inwardly at the very thought of leading those cursed creatures into traps and deadly ambushes. Always a step ahead, that was the most important rule not only in warfare, but also in the business of brokering information. Her features froze, when she realized that she might have to do something she had always been loath to do.

She would have to think like her father.

Roganda tried to bite back the tears that seemed to flow constantly. But the pain was excrutiating, unlike anything she had ever experienced. And she was acutely aware of the alien organism that had been implanted in her skin to allow her to understand her captors. A tyzoworm, they called it, and somehow it translated their words for her and preformulated her own words in the language of the Yuuzhan Vong, so she only needed to repeat them. They wanted her to help them understand Imperial and New Republic technology, especially reproductive technology. But she did not know much, she only had a basic grasp of cloning techniques, and apart from that she only knew how to grow a being naturally. But that did not interest them. They did not seem to be interested in anything natural.

She was disgusted at that, unable to understand how anyone would accept an implant to gain the special hands of a shaper. But they did not have any concept of tools. Their tools were living creatures. And now she was one too. The shaper who had been assigned as her controller, that was what one called the one who oversaw a certain tool, was a male by the name of Ly Sul. He called her Roganda, and he treated her well, as long as she tried her best to serve and supply him with the information he needed. If she did not know something he would continue questioning her until he had satisfied himself that she indeed knew nothing. All he wanted, he said, was that she made her best effort at assisting him.

Now, huddled in a corner of what she thought of as his laboratory, Roganda watched him experiment with an organism that he claimed might one day be able to imitate a laser. It was an almost peaceful moment, but Roganda was trembling with uncertainty. She had no idea what had happened to Yana Dar, who had been brought aboard with her. But they had been seperated, and she had not seen the Empress again. Perhaps she was all alone with those monsters... The very thought frightened her. It helped to hope that Yana was alive and somewhere on board the ship, that she was within reach somehow. If she were not ... A movement by the door caught her attention. She recognised the female who stood just inside the doorway, but the male with her was unfamiliar. He was tall, and ugly, and he wore what looked like a red cloak of sorts. Once Ly Sul became aware of the newcomers he hurried over to the door and bowed deeply.

"Warmaster Marayl Carr, how may I serve?"

"May we enter?" Marayl Carr asked back.

"Certainly."

The Warmaster threw a glance at the woman sitting in the corner. "Ah. One of the captured infidel. She is useful?"

"She is insufficient. We will need someone else, one of their own shapers preferably. Her knowledge is pitiful."

"Then why keep her?"

"Only until I have a replacement for her."

Roganda thought her ears might pop at hearing this. A replacement?

"Good. I will see to it that you get one, Shaper. But I have a different request." Marayl Carr dropped a strange-looking creature in Ly Sul's long-fingered hands. "The infidel blood contained within this one needs to be examined. Priestess Alyn Cha tells me this creature is a Jedi?" He nodded at Roganda casually.

"Yes. Not very powerful, as Hah Kima reported."

"I want you to compare her blood to this one's. He was a priest, and he swore to destroy us."

Ly Sul gave a nervous laugh. "I do not assume he survived to make that threat come true."

"No. He died honorably, but I believe he may have been more than was apparent. Priestess Alyn Cha will uncover information about him for us."

"Better if you had captured him alive," Ly Sul muttered under his breath.

"You question me?" the Warmaster asked in a low, dangerous whisper. "This infidel was sacrificed to appease Yun-Yammka, who is displeased with our lack of success. My lack of success. You will assist me in any way you can to ensure that I achieve victory for the Yuuzhan Vong, Shaper. Now."

Yana was ushered into another set of rooms, and she noticed the female seated at the back of the antechamber instantly. So, this was Alyn Cha. She was a stately apeparance, with sharp, pale features that were enhanced by decorative scars. Her head sloped back to form a crest of black hair, and she wore a robe of living tissue that appeared fluorescent. Yana stared before she slowly let herself be walked closer.

"Yana Dar," the priestess said pleasantly, her voice a little bit hoarse as it formed around the unfamiliar words.

"How do you do that?" the Empress asked back, curious. "How do you learn our language so fast?"

"We do not learn, Yana Dar. We have tools to supply us with the meaning and sound of your words."

Yana nodded, a knowing smile on her lips. "I see. May I take a seat?"

The priestess gazed at her for a while, keeping silent. In the end she motioned for Yana to sit on the floor. Hesitating only for a heart-beat the Empress settled down on the deck, arranging her dress around herself elegantly.

"You are a leader of these infidels," Alyn Cha began, but Yana interrupted her.

"These infidels are my people, not 'these' or 'they'. Or should I call your people simply 'Vong'?"

Alyn Cha seemed momentarily taken aback. "You have not yet earned respect or honor," she stated at last, her voice cold. "Better have a care."

"As if you could give me one or both," the Empress snorted.

"You are defiant. Perhaps I will teach you respect and understanding before I sacrifice you to the goddess. That sacrifice will be well received, I believe. You are a leader, you are brave and cunning, as Hah Kima tells me. Surely the goddess will be pleased."

"So she is not pleased now? Does she withhold her wisdom from you?"

Alyn Cha stared at her. "You know much," she murmured. "How?"

"Someone told me. Someone who knows your people well. He told me about your gods, your philosophy which, frankly, I find disgusting. You do not accomplish anything by yourselves. You are insufficient creatures."

The priestess smiled. "So you think yourself above us, infidel?"

"No. I think that you are beneath me," Yana corrected her.

"Tell me about this someone who knows so much about us. Was he a priest, perhaps?"

Yana suddenly had a very bad feeling. "You have met a priest?" she asked back, tentatively.

"Warmaster Marayl Carr has met him. That priest did not give him his name, unfortunately. He died honorably."

"A priest?" Yana repeated, confused.

"He threatened the Warmaster. Ridiculous, since he knew he was dying. He also seems to have been a Jedi," Alyn Cha concluded, her black eyes fixed on the Empress' paling face. "You knew him," she finished. "Or else you would not be so afraid now."

"Afraid?" Yana answered weakly and she even managed a small laugh. "If he was who I think he was you are underestimating him greatly."

Could it have been him? She could not quite believe it. Roj Kell was a survivor, always had been. Why would he choose to die now? But what if he was dead? She had wished for him to die, she had even sent a bounty-hunter to kill him. Which prompted the question of what had happened to Boba Fett. Had Kell eliminated him? Her head was spinning as she tried frantically to put some order into the chaos of her mind. But how to play this new information?

"Who was he, then?" Alyn Cha interrupted her at last.

"A dangerous man. Very dangerous. I congratulate your Warmaster on this sacrifice," Yana replied haughtily, assuming the arrogant, patronising tone her father had used, and that she had hated so much. "But I fear he has made a grave mistake in killing him."

"Why? If he was so dangerous, better to have him dead."

"No. Dangerous he might have been, but his knowledge might have allowed you to win this war you are losing now."

"What do you mean?" the priestess demanded, suddenly sounding doubtful.

"This man was the oldest being this galaxy has ever seen. His knowledge is infinite. Or was, I should say." Yana shrugged with an ease she did not really feel. "Too bad your Warmaster decided to kill him. He might have been of use to you, Priestess. The most devious and cunning among our warriors, who has defeated more enemies than you ever will, who has toppled empires and destroyed entire cultures. His knowledge was priceless. Of course, now that he is dead that information is of no use to you."

The priestess snarled a curse in her native tongue. "Marayl Carr," she hissed.

"By the way," Yana added casually, "he was also the one who destroyed the cloning facilities on Byss."

"Roj Kell," Alyn Cha breathed. "Your counselor has given me that name. But he kept the rest back." Suddenly intrigued, the priestess leaned closer toward the Empress. "Why did he do that?"

Yana suppressed a shiver. So it was true. "He despised machinery and artificial life. He killed his own son, who had been artificially created from his blood because he offended him." She refrained from adding that he had hated the Yuuzhan Vong's biomechanical designs even more.

"It would seem that this infidel had a true understanding of our culture," Alyn Cha mused aloud. "He might have joined our cause."

"Unfortunately he is dead now."

Yana shuddered at the very thought. Even though she did not believe one minute that Kell would have joined the Yuuzhan Vong, she imagined what it would have been like, and suddenly she felt grateful for his death. A terrible thing to think, but she needed to take care of herself now, of her own people. No time to mourn one more casualty. Especially not the man who had killed her brother. Even though she and her allies could have made good use of the ancient Sith's knowledge too. Her mind congealed into a mass of cold reason. The Seeker. They had the Seeker! Feeling like laughing out loud she let her spirit rejoice in triumph.

Now she had a tool to play off Alyn Cha against the Warmaster, and a chance to show the priestess how they played the game here. Contrary to Alyn Cha she knew her allies and knew them well enough to be able to predict their actions to some extent. But – what if the priestess decided to have her questioned, tortured, perhaps? Would she be as brave as Sarreti, refuse to yield to the pain? Yana was not certain. But then she remembered the vow she had made in her chambers back on Byss, and her resolve was restored. She would fight to the death and beyond.

A cruel smile appeared on her lips. Roj Kell never would have let the Warmaster kill him if he had not seen a purpose in his death. And, knowing Kell, he would have devised a plan that would doom his enemies even should they manage to defeat him. It had always been like this. Why should it be different now that he was dead? Yana's smile deepened.

You see, Father, I have learned, she thought. I have learned to second-guess you, and I have learned to play by your rules. Now we shall see who will win this. You or I.

Mara was powering up their ship's engines, impatiently waiting for Jix to finally join her in the cockpit. He was still down on the landing pad, discussing last minute details with Talon Karrde. The information broker had only given them a short summary of the results the Seeker's analysis had yielded, and Mara was anxious to get the ship into hyperspace and read the full report. This should be interesting. She was also wondering what the princess would have to say to this mess. Now that they knew both aspects of the old man's strategy they could fine-tune their response to what he had planned for the Unknown Regions. Lando Calrissian would postpone the relocation of the program and its equipment, until this was sorted out, which, of course, meant a greater risk of their enemies finding out about the Seeker's hideaway.

Dear me, how convenient.

Smiling to herself, the former Emperor's Hand pondered the implications of the program's prognosis. So they would have to count on their enemies to use saboteurs and spies to aid them, especially now that they would experience the full brunt of the Allied Forces' backlash. An image rose in her mind, of a low-g-hockey match, the two major players for the home team guiding the ball toward the enemy goal with exact precision and breathtaking skill. She really would have enjoyed having a front-row seat to that match, but she had a feeling that she and Jix would be playing on another field. Byss.

"Put your foot down on the thrusters, baby, we're on our way!" Jix announced as he rushed into the cockpit and dropped into the co-pilot's seat beside her.

"This is no swoop bike, Jix," she reminded him, amused. "Have you secured the hatch?"

"Sure thing. Let's get out of here. We'll tell Page the hard facts once Her Ladyship has dropped the bomb."

"If she does at all," Mara reasoned, as she guided the ship toward the distant edge of Nar Shadaa's atmosphere.

"Now's as good a time as any. And Mon Mothma is the last to know, after all."

"The Empress has vanished and the Confederate Zone is fighting a war for us. Not the most convenient time to convene that council."

"Wrong. It is the most convenient one. Hah Kima wants a war council? He can have it, no problem. How should he know that he'll be the only one left out of the game?"

"Karrde told you, didn't he?" she asked sweetly, for this was first-grade thinking for the brash Corellian. He did not bother with politics and finer tactics, usually.

"How did you know?"

"Female intution," she said and then the ship began the long journey through hyperspace.

The Star Destroyer Freedom reached Coruscant without complications, and both Leia and Padmé felt relieved to be back from the front for once. Mother and daughter were received instantly by the President of State and her staff, and Leia noticed to her satisfaction that Telmann Page was also present.

"All right," Mon Mothma began without preamble, "what do we need to know before we address the Senate?"

Leia shared a questioning glance with her mother, before she turned back to answer: "Well, the Confederate Zone's foundation is irreversible. Even if we try to hush this up somehow, I doubt Admiral Piett will go along with us. Graver than this, though, is the fact that the Empire has been attacked. As I already reported, Byss has been invaded. Hah Kima has regained control of the planet once more and driven the enemy troops back, but the Empress is missing, along with her counselor, Franzis Sarreti. I have reassured Moff Kima that we will grant any assistance he needs."

"Excellent," the president stated. "We will convene a council of war immediately, and I want the following nations to send representatives: The Empire, the Confederate Zone and the Chiss. Padmé. You will be responsible for our diplomatic corps and keep our local governments informed. We are not officially at war, though. So far these Yuuzhan Vong have not attacked New Republic space, and even though I know they probably will in the near future, I do not want to cause a panic. We must reassure our Senators. Leia," she addressed the princess. "What news from the front?"

"Lord Skywalker reports Nirauan secure. I assume he will rejoin his forces with the Grand Admiral at Almashin. The Alliance have seemingly regained the offensive."

"But the enemy has attacked Imperial Space, and the Confederate Zone," Mon Mothma reasoned. "How do you explain that?"

"Lord Skywalker left the Star Destroyer Freedom at Bilbringi for exactly that eventuality. He feared that the enemy might be pushed coreward in a battle at Nirauan. I cannot explain the choice of target concerning Byss, though. I would ask our military experts to solve this riddle."

"Of course. Anything else we should know?"

Leia nodded. "Yes. Talon Karrde will be providing us with information on the enemy. I would treat this fact as confidential."

"Information?" The president frowned. "Where does that information come from?"

"A reliable source."

Inwardly she winced at that. Roj Kell was hardly a reliable source. They could only hope that the Seeker-program had not been outfitted with the ancient Sith Lord's deviousness. Talon Karrde had promised her a detailed report, but he had not wanted to send it over the Holonet. So she would have to wait for Jix and Mara to arrive from Nar Shadaa first. Until then, though she had more than enough to do.

"Do we have any news from Luke Skywalker?"

Startled, Leia gazed at Telmann Page, who had posed the question. "Excuse me, I was

not – ," she began, but regained her composure quickly. "My brother has not reported to anyone over the past weeks. I – I do not know where he is, but I am certain that he is alive." She gave her mother a reassuring look, but she could sense the older woman's sorrow and worry easily.

"Very well," Mon Mothma told them. "Leia, you will prepare an announcement for the Senate. Padmé, please see to the diplomatic arrangements. General Page, you will contact Captain Karrde."

"Yes, Ma'am," the general replied pleasantly. "I would ask both the Princess and Her Ladyship to make themselves available for detailed questioning."

"Of course," Leia assured him, but her mother's answer did not come.

"My lady?" Page asked, sounding taken aback.

"What? Questioning? Of course. As soon as I have put some order into this mess."

Leia smiled at her mother's words. It would take more than just her to put things straight again. But with Father out of reach Padmé was the one who held all hidden strings in her hands. It was her Talon Karrde reported to, and her who would direct Leia, Jix and Mara. Leia would remain at the diplomatic front here on Coruscant, shielding her mother's activities from prying eyes. But everything not directly tied to official New Republic sources depended on her mother now. Still looking at that angelic face, almost untouched by the long years, Leia felt a warmth spread throughout her heart that was soothing and strengthening at the same time. Her family would manage. They had survived so much, and they would deal with this, too.

TBC