Chapter Four: A Desperate Princess
Noran Murandos stood before the Alliance leaders, clearly expecting the worst. His actions could be clearly defined as treason, and he knew the penalties. On Deneva, treason in the Eagle's Talon was punished based on the crime, but it was never leniently dealt with. Here, treason was punishable by death.
"Captain Murandos, you stand accused of attacking fellow Alliance officers, attempting to free a prisoner, and treason. Have you anything to say in your defence?" Admiral Ackbar seemed amused, but then it was hard to read a Mon Calamari's emotions.
"I have nothing to say, except that I thought my intentions were for the best." He bowed his head, expecting them to condemn him. However, a new voice spoke up, sounding more amused than anything he'd heard yet, and familiar.
"The road to hell is paved with good intentions, as we say on Deneva," the voice spoke calmly, laced with traces of laughter. Every head whirled around to find a dark-haired young woman lounging against a wall. The air vent nearby was missing its cover; she'd come through so quietly they'd never heard her. A small smile graced the corners of her mouth, and intense blue eyes sparkled with amusement.
"How did you get in here?" Ackbar demanded, his unflappable countenance giving way to amazement.
"Every member of the Eagle's Talon has to think on their feet. Although it would have been easier for me to get out the forcefield, I figured I'd come this way." She moved closer to Noran Murandos and set one slim hand on his shoulder. "When it comes to loyalty, we Denevans know no bounds. Provided, of course, that we know where our loyalties lie." Noran had the good grace to look embarrassed.
"Who are you, woman?" General Nadine spoke sharply. The woman met his gaze squarely, unperturbed by his demeanor: she'd seen a lot worse from the squads under her command, and from her father.
"I am known as Coriana, but when I was worth anything my name was Aliana Calion, daughter of Torinos Calion of Deneva."
"I remember hearing of your father," Mon Mothma said quietly. "A number of us were furious when we learned of his execution. Treason seemed to be the last crime a Denevan would commit, especially the king." A few jaws dropped at her statement, but Aliana remained calm.
"And yet, in a sense those accusations were true. In secret he sent you supplies and pilots, while publicly he tried to maintain neutrality. I doubt the Emperor suspected the truth, but he knew where Deneva's loyalties truly were. We had become a threat."
"Did your father…" Aliana shook her head at the senator.
"I watched Vader kill both my father and my mother. My brother and I were separated as we ran. To my knowledge, I am the last. I wish to join your alliance, and seek justice for my people."
"My lady, what has happened? Why do you seek their assistance?" Noran asked quietly. Every eye favored him with a look, but Aliana's words brought them back to her.
"The Empire staged a coup d'etat as far as Deneva is concerned. He's turned the planet into a military outpost under an iron rule. My people are suffering, and I can't help them alone. I came to join your fight until I can free my homeworld."
"So you would ask us to free Deneva for you?" Nadine glared at the girl: she couldn't be much older that twenty!
"Hardly." Aliana stared at the older man; she knew contempt when she saw it. "I would ask you to let me help defeat the Emperor. A body without a head dies quicjkly enough, don't you agree?" She smiled at Nadine's surprised expression. "I am no foolish child, General, even though I'm barely nineteen years old. Among our people, talent and skill are more important than how many years you have."
"And how much do you know of combat?" Nadine still wasn't going to let the matter drop.
"I've seen my fair share, General, having led any number of squads in the Eagle's Talon, and being a decent pilot in my own right. Now the only question that remains, to my mind anyway, is whether or not you let me join up. Will you have me?"
"If your piloting skills are anything to go by, I for one would find you a most welcome addition," Ackbar stated. "Unfortunately, all must agree."
"My thanks, Admiral. I can wait for your decision," Aliana smiled, then turned to Noran Murandos. "Don't think I've forgotten that little 'incident' earlier, Noran. Be that as it may, I have no influence in your punishment. You can only hope for them to be lenient and send you away."
"My lady, I ask your forgiveness."
"Noran, it's not me you should be asking. I'm still a prisoner, remember?" Head held high, Aliana walked out of the room, flanked by a pair of security guards.