CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

With his arms crossed over his chest, Jacen stood leaning against a wide stone pillar at the back of the Great Hall in the Vikovan palace. On a raised dais at the front of the spacious, ornately decorated room, Baron Contico was concluding his remarks to the people of Vikova. He had explained the details of the commerce treaty and new alliance with Csilla. In grandiose and profuse words, the newly installed leader had lauded Ambassador Chu'itha and the Chiss for their bravery and integrity in securing his planet's freedom from tyranny. Now, Contico declared, Vikova's democracy and prosperity would be assured not only by the dedication of its people, but by the wise and just guidance of its powerful new ally.

Jacen did his best not to look bored. At times like these, he wondered how his mother had ever made a career out of politics without going mad.

Fortunately the ostentatious ceremony soon ended, and the gathered nobles and dignitaries began to disperse. Jacen gradually made his way toward the front of the room. As the only pilot still remaining at Vikova, the duty fell on him to bestow the Galactic Alliance's – and the Jedi's – well wishes upon Contico and his planet. If he was going to have to play politician for a little while, Jacen was going to do it the way he preferred. Not the bombastic rhetoric of speeches, but simple words, face to face.

It didn't take Baron Contico long to notice Jacen's arrival near the dais. The bearded noble acknowledged him with a silent tip of the head, then returned to the task of accepting the accolades of his colleagues as he introduced them each in turn to Ambassador Chu'itha. After a few minutes the rest of the Vikovans were gone, and Contico and Chu'itha made their way to Jacen.

"Knight Solo," Contico said. "How gracious of you to stay for the ceremony."

Jacen bowed. "It was my pleasure, Your Grace."

"I hope you will understand," Contico said with gesture toward Chu'itha, "that my address was in recognition of our new treaty with Csilla. I did not intend to slight the most valuable assistance the Galactic Alliance rendered during the recent incident with Achebi."

"No offense was taken, Your Grace, I assure you," Jacen said. "The Chiss, and Ambassador Fel in particular, are the ones to whom your people truly owe thanks. We are pleased to have assisted them in some small way in securing peace for your planet."

Before Contico could reply, Chu'itha stepped forward. "Such humility is a testament to your honor, Knight Solo," the white-haired Chiss said. "But do not deny your comrades the credit they deserve for our victory. The Alliance contribution was most appreciated."

"As you say," Contico affirmed. "I have already been regaled with stories of the feats of skill your Jedi friends performed during the battle. I look forward to viewing the recordings for myself. I am certain I will be as impressed as they were. Perhaps someday Vikova will be able to repay the Jedi for your efforts."

Jacen shook his head. "We are proud to serve where we are needed. We do not expect anything in return."

For a quick moment Chu'itha met Jacen's gaze and raised an eyebrow. The elderly diplomat kept his thoughts to himself, though.

"If that is true, the galaxy owes the Jedi even more respect than ever." Contico grinned slyly. "And surely, you can at least accept the gratitude of my people?"

"Of course." Jacen extended his hand, and Contico shook it. "If I may ask?"

"Please."

"What will be Iliana's fate?"

Contico nodded thoughtfully. "Do not worry, Knight Solo. I think your Jedi values will be most satisfied by the decision our new leadership council has made."

Chu'itha leaned in. "Which is?"

"As tempting as it may be to… shall we say, accidentally disconnect the power source for the bacta tank," Contico said, "that would be to perpetuate the very tyrannical methods so many have fought and died to oppose."

"As you say," Chu'itha said.

Contico shot him a knowing glance. "When she recovers from her injuries, she will stand trial for the numerous crimes against our government and our people that took place under her direction. There is no greater irony than to award the despots the rights and privileges they were so quick to deny their opponents. Our new regime has nothing to fear from freedom and justice."

"A brave and noble choice," Jacen said. "And certainly one which the Jedi respect."

"Then perhaps," Contico said, "Vikova's ties to the Jedi will prosper from these events as well."

Jacen smiled. "Perhaps so."

Contico looked to Jacen, then to Chu'itha. "If you will excuse me, I have matters of state to which I must attend."

After they bade the new leader farewell, Chu'itha stepped closer to Jacen. "Baron Contico is a good man."

"He appears to be trustworthy and dedicated to his people," Jacen said.

Chu'itha chuckled lightly. "Not traits one would list among Iliana's qualities."

"No."

"We were quite lucky indeed that she had not yet had him executed."

Jacen nodded. "It's a good thing the Chiss didn't have to ally with someone that ruthless."

"Ideally somewhat less so, yes," Chu'itha said. "Although over the years we have formed our share of less than ideal alliances when necessary."

"I think we all have, at times."

"A wise insight, young Solo." For just a moment Chu'itha glanced quickly across the room. "Intimidation and decisiveness have their place, but callous brutality is excessive."

"That sounds like something Thrawn might have said."

Chu'itha grinned. "More or less."

"Well, fortunately for the Vikovans," Jacen said, "Baron Contico seems to be a much more suitable leader."

"Yes. I expect he will have a long and effective term of office."

Jacen met the red gaze. "As long as he does not divert Vikova too greatly from Csilla's interests here."

Chu'itha only smiled. "Major Nuruodo," he said, waving the tall Chiss pilot to join their conversation, "what news do you bring us?"

"Your shuttle is waiting, Ambassador," Shawnkyr replied. "The Ordained Guardian can depart whenever you are ready."

"Excellent," Chu'itha said. "And did you locate my young friend Ambassador Fel?"

Shawnkyr scowled. "After considerable effort, yes. As it happens, he would like to speak with you before you leave."

"That will not be necessary," Chu'itha said. "There will be plenty of time –"

"I am sorry, Ambassador," she said, cutting him off as deferentially as she could. "But Jag was most insistent about discussing the matter in person and at once."

Chu'itha furrowed his brow. "What matter?"

Shawnkyr tipped her head respectfully. "I apologize. I am not at liberty to say."

The elderly Chiss looked to Jacen expectantly.

"Ambassador?" Jacen asked.

"You are a Jedi. Can you not read her mind and spare me the secrecy?"

"I'm sorry, sir, but –"

He laughed and slapped Jacen on the shoulder. "Do not fear, Knight Solo. I am only joking. It appears the Major is more loyal to her friend Jagged than she is to me. Not that I blame her."

Shawnkyr snapped a crisp salute.

Chu'itha sighed overdramatically. "So, Major, you will tell me only that Jagged insists on speaking with me at once?"

"Jag along with Knight Solo," Shawnkyr replied, then added quickly, "The other Knight Solo."

"I see," Chu'itha said, grinning broadly. "In that case, I will be on my way. Until we meet again, this Knight Solo."

"Until we meet again, Ambassador. May the Force be with you."

With a flourishing bow Chu'itha spun on his heel and left.

Now Jacen and Shawnkyr were alone. For a long moment they stood in silence and looked anywhere in the room but at one another.

Finally, he said, "So… what's next for you?"

She appraised a painted mural on the ceiling. "I will return to Csilla with the Polar Wind."

"Oh, right." He shook his head. "I'm sorry. Of course you would."

She glanced over quickly. "I will admit service in the CEDF often lacks the… excitement I have found commonplace in your Known Regions, Jacen."

"And that doesn't tempt you to stay? Even a little?"

"It does."

"But?"

"But I am Chiss." She held his gaze. "My place is with my people. It is the only life I can imagine. Perhaps a difficult concept for a Corellian."

He nodded slowly. "I understand. Duty calls."

"It always does."

"Yes."

"And you?"

He blinked. "Hmm?"

"What is next for you?"

He paused, then grinned. "I'm a Jedi Knight. Duty calls."

"Ah, yes. Of course."

"Don't forget, I'm only half Corellian."

"True enough." She chuckled. "Nevertheless…"

His momentary confusion vanished when he saw the mischievous twinkle in her red eyes. "Duty does not call tonight."

"So it is true."

"What is?"

"That the Jedi can read minds."

Jacen laughed. "Hardly. Just good at guessing what my friends are thinking."

"I am honored to be included in that company."

"And I'm honored to count you among my friends."

Shawnkyr nodded crisply. "Very well, Knight Solo. As I think my commander and your sister are otherwise occupied, what shall two friends do tonight?"

"Well, Major Nuruodo," Jacen said, flashing her the trademark Solo grin, "I do know about this local cantina that serves red ale…"