Chapter XIV

"I don't understand, Jacen," she said, "If what you said is true why didn't General Cracken approach the Senate on this matter? If he knows anything at all about Rianes, he should share it with those he has influence over. He is an unpredictable troublemaker, and is already pushing for drastic measures to deal with the threat he perceives. Cal Omas is having enough trouble keeping him in check as it is."

"Airen told me that the exact details of his mission were classified and he would have to get clearance to release them," her brother said, "It's hard to believe, but even after all these years some people are more concerned with keeping secrets than getting what needs to be done accomplished."

"Well, at least one of us has made some progress," Jaina said, "I've finished a study of the damaged structure with the aid of Belindi Kalenda and a team of specialists. While they could reach no conclusions regarding the source of the detonation, they were able to find out what amount of material would have to have been used to do the sort of damage that occurred. There was not enough residue to see if it was really the work of the Yuuzhan Vong we found or if his presence was part of some sort of hoax."

"The Yuuzhan Vong have acted covertly before, in the case of Nom Anor and that priestess who tried to poison the Jedi," Jacen said, "They are quite capable of deception, treachery and much more. But the real question is why would they do this? The only logical reason seems to be what Jonas is proposing." "Perhaps not all of them are in on this," she said, "Remember that small groups have acted on their own in the past." "We need more answers, and Rianes isn't going to stop until he gets some results," Jacen said, "At this rate he'll override wiser minds and put us at war again. Any ideas?"


"Why did not press the advantage we had while it was ours?" Tork asked, his voice a low growl, "You should have not let this man's knowledge of your identity sway you." "You had encounters with Vhaldoq, Lord Vader," Valeriy countered; frustrated at the charade she was being forced to maintain. It was growing tiresome, and the con man wasn't helping her maintain the tenuous hold she had on the star systems that had chosen to back them.

"Our forces were evenly matched," Quirlarna went on, "D'ukal is renowned as something of a genius and we really didn't intend to capture Muunilinst anyway. What other reasons do I need?" "It was a bluff," the armored man countered, "But it has revealed to me your innermost thoughts. You do not really want to follow the course I have laid before you, do you Moff Quirlarna?"

"It would help if I knew just what I was getting into," Valeriy snapped back, "Turning worlds against the policies of the Galactic Alliance which have the Yuuzhan Vong to go without reprisals is one thing, but this aggression is something else. We can't hold onto much with the limited power you have given me, and losing a portion of it in a contest with Vhaldoq is to no one's advantage." "Perhaps you need a reminder of the consequences of overstepping your authority," Tork said, his hand dipping to his belt.

The Moff could take this no more, and knew she had to put him in his place. Her blaster flew from its holster and spat energy at him. The iridescent beam of the lightsaber deflected each one and sent them into the walls and consoles. There was a grunt of pain, and Valeriy saw Captain Janim clutching his arm where one of the ricochets had apparently hit him. "Lower your weapons, Valeriy," the con man said pleasantly, "We have bigger things in store than the power struggle between the two of us."

"What would that be?" she asked, reluctant to return the blaster to her belt. "All that we have done is merely a prelude to convincing the most powerful forces in the galaxy to aligning themselves with one bent on their destruction, much as Palpatine did many years ago," Tork said. "Why would the Galactic Alliance readily cave in to such demands?" the Moff countered, "You don't think that what we've done will give us leverage to assume control over them?"

"On the contrary, Moff Quirlarna," he replied, "I expect that they will not listen to a word we say and do everything they can to stop us. It will only be when they fail that the time will arrive for one who can to enter the arena." "So where are we going next?" Valeriy asked. "Don't worry about the details of our itinerary," Tork said, "Leave them to me."


"I was wondering when you two would show up," Corran said as Solo and Calrissian came in. Han nodded, smiling pleasantly at him and shaking his hand. "Diplomacy isn't everything you thought it would be, eh kid?" Solo commented. "We heard about what happened at the Maw, but that doesn't explain why you're here," Lando interjected. "How'd you know about the Maw?" Jag asked, "We got the news directly from Mara and according to her Jaina was inbound for Denon." "Reliable source," Han told him, "Let's leave it at that. So where did Mara run off to?"

"Luke still hasn't checked in and she's getting worried," Horn said, "She took Threepio and Ben out to search for him." "And you wanted backup," Calrissian guessed. "Karrde has too many other things on his hands to drop everything and head out there, but he figured that since you were on board..." Jag said, but Solo interrupted, "Hold on a minute! I've still got to catch up with Leia. There's no telling what sort of trouble she's been in while I was gone." "Leia was out to find out if the rumors of trouble were true," Lando said, "We've got enough to take to Denon and get them to do something."

"Dealing with politicians isn't my specialty," Han said. "Yes, but your daughter is there and with the news she brought added to your own the Galactic Alliance will have to take action," Corran said. "All right, but it'll be a brief stop," Han said, "Well, what are we standing around here for?" Fel smiled at the older man's comment, moving out towards the ship he and the Jedi Knight had come here on.

"You didn't tell them about Yu'shaa," Jagged remarked as the ramp was raised. "It was hard enough convincing Han to go to Denon without him knowing about that," Corran replied, "We'll follow them in and then I think it would do us some good to follow Mara's lead and try to see where Luke has been all this time." Jag nodded, & soon both ships were cruising through hyperspace towards Denon.