Chapter XI

"The reparations you have suggested aren't nearly enough to cover our losses," Jonas Rianes was saying before the group of high officials and other influential people. Following the attack, security around Denon had been tightened and to most of the planet the very fact that this meeting was even taking place was a secret. However, Cal Omas thought wearily, Rianes makes more noise than a dozen Wookiees and seem to have no end of rhetoric to spew about the inveterate failings of the current leadership.

"There is more to be discussed than what my world has lost however," Jonas said, switching effortlessly to the fourth topic in as many minutes, "You have heard as well as I of the mysterious ships moving through the edge of Alliance space and in that formerly controlled by the Empire. If their numbers are even half what has been suggested, we could take serious damage if they become hostile to our interests. What is more, they are stirring up unrest in small star systems. There have even been rumors that one of those associated with this rogue group is a Dark Lord of the Sith."

Cal had heard much of these claims during the previous sessions and he decided now was the time to see if he could get Jonas to come to the point. "We've heard all this before, and are aware of the leanings of some governments," he said, "Is there a point in all this or do you just like to hear yourself speak?" There were some chuckles at that, but the other didn't let it faze him. "The point is, what this individual has been suggesting is that the Yuuzhan Vong cannot be simply allowed to sequester themselves away in some corner of our galaxy and be forgotten," Rianes said, "Given time, they may turn once more to their warlike manner. Each of those here is well aware that some of them still travel unchecked from place to place. They must be controlled so that this doesn't happen."

"The situation is under control," Cal insisted, "Or would you rather we attempt to divide them amongst our populace and treat them with suspicion all their days? Would you consign every last one of them to this fate, much like the weapon you rail against?" "I would not be so bold as to propose such a thing," Jonas said, "But it has already been spoken by others. We cannot let this situation continue as it is, for to do so is to invite destruction upon us all!"


"Have you lost your mind?!" Tork smiled beneath his mask at the reaction of Captain Janim and he could see that Moff Quirlarna shared the sentiment to a certain degree. But then, they didn't serve his master or anything save their own interests. "It is a prime target," Tork insisted, his voice specially modified so as not to give away the fact he was nothing more than an elaborate hoax. Much better crafted than the one which had revived Thrawn, but still he was a fraud. It was what he did best.

"It has survived previous assaults, including some by the Yuuzhan Vong," Valeriy told him. "We don't need to capture it," he said darkly, "Only to bring this to the Empire's doorstep and show them that they must side with us or fall." "Even with what you've given us, we don't stand a chance against the Empire," Janim objected, "Further, what you propose is treason! Especially if you are who you claim to be." "The Emperor would approve of what I am doing," Tork said, "This pale shadow of his realm is not worthy of my allegiance."

"After we finish here, then what?" Quirlarna said suspiciously, "Move against the Alliance more directly? Take whole sectors just because you feel like it? You're trying to change things, but I'm wondering what shape they will take when you are finished." I definitely need to keep an eye on her, Tork thought, looking for something that might distract them from figuring out his intentions. Remembering the capricious temper of Vader, the con man drew his weapon. With a flick of his wrist, the deadly red beam cut the conversation short and drew every eye on the bridge to him.

Crafted during his trip along the lines shown to him by the one he followed, it had taken every ounce of energy he possessed to get it to work. That just makes it easier to appear to be at the end of my patience, Tork thought as he bellowed, "Do not question me!" With his free hand he triggered another device on his belt that sent out an inaudible wave painful to most individuals. Both the Moff and the Captain covered their ears and several of the others cried out in pain. His demonstration over, Tork turned the mechanism off and stood over them with his crimson blade held ready.

"I have given you many things. Power, influence and the means to an end. Whether that is what you wish or not, you will do as I have said or you will no longer be of any use to me. And those who are not useful I will soon be rid of," he said. "I understand," Valeriy said, rising and glaring at him defiantly. He'd won the battle, but he could tell from the way she had spoken that the war wasn't over by a long shot.


"What proof do you have, other than your word?" Gilad asked. "Once that was good enough even for the Emperor," Vhaldoq countered. "Maybe, but Palpatine is dead and you've haven't answered my question," Pellaeon went on, leaning back. The older man saw Organa Solo gazing at D'ukal thoughtfully as if wondering what had driven her to follow this stranger to this place and have this conversation. "It is said you have the power of the Force," Gilad said, "Did you use it to compel her Highness to come with you?" Leia frowned and Vhaldoq looked at her askance. Pellaeon nodded, knowing that he'd hit a nerve.

"Where is your husband, where is Han Solo?" the leader of the Empire asked. "He's gone to find evidence," Organa Solo said slowly, "I should have realized that meant that D'ukal had little or none to offer." "Convenient," Gilad said, turning back to the younger man, "Give me some specifics." "Have you heard of a man calling himself Darth Sival?" Vhaldoq said. "I have," Leia offered, "He appeared about the same time you did as was purported to be in command of a Super Star Destroyer you had given him."

"All true," D'ukal said, "As a precaution against his unpredictable behavior, I created a clone of him that was loyal to me. Just before my departure from the galactic scene, this duplicate was sent after the original and the ship Sival was on was evacuated. It later vanished into the Maw and was presumed destroyed." "But this man survived, and so did the clone you made I take it?" Pellaeon said, wondering why the other had done such things.

"I sought him out after my encounter with another clone of this man showed up with the Rebel group trying to take the plans for the first Death Star," Vhaldoq said, "Though Lord Vader killed him, I wondered where he had come from and my search led me to the resting place of Darth Sival." "Why would you want to find this man, if as you say you wish to stop the Sith now?" Gilad asked. "Control is better than destruction," Leia said, "That is what the Emperor had and lost. With his destruction came chaos, which has lasted until now."

"Princess Leia is right," D'ukal said, "There is only one way to conquer darkness, and that is to keep it in check. My measures were evidently not enough, but my goals were achieved nonetheless and the Jedi would rise to the occasion when true danger presented itself." "The Yuuzhan Vong," Pellaeon said thoughtfully, "So, five years have passed and the threat of these aliens is no more. If I were a Sith Lord bent on bringing the galaxy under my thumb, this would be the time I would strike." As if in answer to his words, in the distance there came the sound of alarms and he realized that this planet was once more being attacked.