Coruscant, 9 ABY
Han Solo shifted uncomfortably in his chair as Senators and their various aids filed slowly into the hearing room. Each of the Senators buried their focus into datapads and reports, and Han felt his aggravation rising that none of the Senators – even ones he assumed might be relatively friendly, like the Senator from New Alderaan, Akeyla Ismaren – spared him even a cursory greeting. His lifelong disdain for politicians flared, threatening to erupt as Senator Brasaar burst into the room, his entrance drawing the attention of the assembled press. As lights flashed at Brasaar's entrance and the crowd behind him fell into whispered murmurs, Han felt his contempt glow like hot embers, and he glared at the Senator as his aids preened and bustled about him.
"Mr. Solo?" a quiet voice spoke.
Han turned away from Brasaar's absurd spectacle toward an unobtrusive Gotal with orange fur and a modest suit. The Gotal extended a hand, which Han accepted warily.
"I'm Dersh Larson, your council for this hearing," Larson explained. "If you have any questions about your obligations, rights, or just need some advice, I am here to help."
"You waited until now for this?" Han asked.
"My apologies, Mr. Solo," Larson said meekly. "Senator Brasaar only just pulled me from my other assignment and directed me here. There was no time to prepare."
"Of course there wasn't," Han grumbled, settling into his chair and glaring at Senator Brasaar. Brasaar seemed to notice that somebody was looking at him, and he glanced toward Han, his face a mask of supreme indifference.
"Now, I want to advise you that you do have the right to refuse to answer any questions, and that this refusal will not be treated as an admission of guilt. . ." Larson said quietly.
"Admission of guilt?" Han blurted, his focus snapping away from Brasaar. "This isn't a criminal trial. It's a Senate hearing."
"Of course," Larson said appeasingly. "But given the circumstances," Larson added.
"Circumstances?" Han bristled. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"Well, it's just that. . ." Larson stammered, and Han rolled his eyes as the Council lost his composure.
"How about this?" Han interjected. "Do I get to call witnesses?"
"Uh, yes?" Larson said, his anxiety evident.
"Well, then do me a favor and get this person on the holo," Han said, entering a name and holo-line into Larson's datapad.
"Mr. Solo, I, uh. . ." Larson stuttered.
"If you want to help, get this person on the holo," Han ordered. When Larson hesitated, Han added, "Now?"
Larson rose from his chair and shot an anxious glance at Brasaar. He looked back to Solo, then shuffled away, clutching his data pad to his chest.
"Gotals," Han grunted to himself. He snapped out of his aggravation as Brasaar banged a gavel on his desk several times.
Brasaar's voice rang out, and the beings in the room fell silent as Brasaar called the meeting to order. "Good evening, fellow Senators, the press, and aides. Today's hearing focuses on violations committed by erstwhile General and Intelligence Operative, Han Solo, during which he abandoned his post and responsibilities before releasing sensitive information to specified Mandalorian operatives – all of whom neglected to answer the subpoena demanding their testimony. Han Solo violated his responsibilities toward maintaining discretion and confidentiality, and his actions have exposed the recklessness and corruption festering within Chancellor Mothma's administration. Such evidence merits a thorough investigation into the command structure to determine what additional corruption and incompetence might also be impairing the Chancellor's efforts to govern."
Brasaar's voice carried through the chamber, his voice emphasizing the emotional notes in his accusations of contempt and corruption. Han chafed as he listened to the speech, recognizing the blatant and obvious political showmanship. If you only knew, pal, Han thought to himself.
"Solo's history of recklessness is well documented, and I enter that documentation into the Senatorial record so that there are no questions of Solo's methods and his various follies and incompetencies. While the Republic will always remain grateful for the heroism he showed on Yavin and Endor, his recklessness in violating orders repeatedly, his unorthodox strategies relying on criminal informants, and his past associations with some of the most unsavory characters in our galaxy's recent history – including, but not limited to Crimson Dawn, the Hutt Crime Syndicate, and many other criminal organizations – made him a poor choice for such responsibilities in the first place, and one must question the wisdom of General Madine – himself a former Imperial officer – and Chancellor Mon Mothma in trusting somebody with Solo's history, temperament, and reputation with such responsibility. Solo's actions since that time have only heightened the irresponsibility of the current administration, and I hope very much that Mr. Solo will be forthcoming in his answers to help us develop a full picture of just how dysfunctional things have become within the Chancellor's cabinet."
Brasaar ceased speaking and he banged his gavel, signaling for the hearing to begin. He turned to Han and leaned forward, his imperious gaze bearing down on Han as he said, "I see that you have dismissed your council."
"Uh, not exactly," Han replied. "I just sent him off to make a call for me."
"Then you are aware that your lack of council will not excuse you from taking accountability for your actions," Brasaar asked.
"I am now," Han retorted.
"Good," Brasaar said before launching into a torrent of speech. "Were you aware at the time that your actions violated several codes in the Republic Intelligence Agencies charter, including Code 38583.19, which prohibits unauthorized intelligence operations without expressed permission from the Director?"
"Yeah, but. . ." Han said, before Brasaar interrupted him.
"And were you aware that you violated your stated mission in overseeing the humanitarian efforts on Nothoiin following a raid and massacre committed by the Black Sun crime organization?"
"Yeah, but. . ." Han started.
Brasaar plowed through Han's rebuttal, asking, "And at the time were you aware that your responsibilities were to monitor intelligence collected about threats on the Outer Rim, thus preventing wherever possible such atrocities as those which Black Sun committed recently on Nothoiin and Pasaana?"
Yes, but. . ." Han said, attempting to interject unsuccessfully.
"And why then did you fail to anticipate the raids on Nothoiin and Pasaana, which has led to the deaths and disappearances of hundreds of thousands of people? Why instead did you turn your attention to a remote backwater whose only noteworthy features are hot springs and bounty hunters when you should have been doing your job?"
Han paused, waiting for a follow-up question. Brasaar stared at him savagely. "Do you want me to answer that, or do you have more questions?" Han retorted. An uncomfortable wave of chuckles broke out behind him, and Han allowed himself a lopsided grin.
"Do you think this is some kind of joke, Solo?" Brasaar accused. "Is that why you've failed to do your job? Are you too busy cracking jokes to make even a half-hearted attempt to protect people who don't have the same social advantages and privileges as you?"
"Privilege?" Han bristled indignantly. "I was an orphan on Corellia, and didn't even have a last name until an Imperial recruiter slapped one on me. Don't talk to me about. . ."
"You are deflecting, Mr. Solo," Brasaar interrupted. "Answer the question. Why did you fail to do your job in protecting the Nothoiins and the Pasanaans?"
Han opened his mouth but struggled to find the words as his anger and indignation flared up inside of him.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Solo, is this too much pressure for you? If you can't handle the pressure of a Senate Hearing, then why on Eriadu did Mon Mothma entrust you with so much responsibility?" Brasaar pontificated, his voice ringing and clear. Some of the other Senators behind the panel stole glances at each other. Han, still struggling to find his footing, turned to Akeyla Ismaren, who regarded him with an inscrutable expression.
"We're waiting, Mr. Solo," Brasaar said disdainfully.
"To be honest, Senator," Han said, willing his frustration to subside. "I'm not sure if you're trying to ask a question or trying to generate sound bites."
"Are you looking to have contempt charges added to the list, Mr. Solo?" Brasaar said, and for a moment, Han had the sensation that he was working to suppress his glee.
Han heard quiet footsteps approaching, and he looked over his shoulder to see his council creeping toward him. Brasaar looked up, irritated that somebody was interrupting the moment. The Gotal leaned over and whispered, "She's on the line, and she said she would wait for five minutes before she hung up."
Han nodded to the Gotal and whispered, "Do me a favor and have them project this image and this footage when this moof milker gives me a chance to speak."
"We are waiting, Mr. Solo," Brasaar called out.
Han turned back to the Senators and said, "Ok, do I get to talk then?"
"Provided you can show the requisite decorum that this body demands," Brasaar retorted.
Han broke into a lopsided grin and chuckled lightly before saying, "Alright." He regained his composure, then said, "I think you were asking me why I, quote, wasn't doing my job, unquote?"
"How astute," Brasaar chided.
"Well, then you might like to know that I received intelligence in the form of footage showing the aftermath of an attack on Nevarro. In this attack, a Mandalorian and a handful of others faced off against Moff Gideon, an unknown financier, and a brigade of Imperial troops, including death troopers, flame troopers, transports, and a next-gen TIE fighter," Han said.
"I should have known you would trot out some ridiculous story. . ." Brasaar began, but a woman's voice spoke over him.
"Pardon my interruption," spoke Senator Akeyla Ismaren. Han turned to her, and the lines around her eyes narrowed as she asked, "You are reporting that an unaccounted Imperial force led by somebody we have confirmed to be dead has appeared on the Outer Rim. Why are we just hearing about this now?"
"Search me," Han said. "I filed the report, and the evidence is. . ." Han turned toward Larson and gestured for him to enter the feed. The footage came up on the monitors above the Senators, and the Senators all turned to see the grainy video of destroyed Imperial soldiers and hardware strewn about the center of Nevarro's central square.
"And this is?" Brasaar interjected skeptically.
"The evidence of a battle on Nevarro," Han replied.
"This could be anywhere," Brasaar said.
He opened his mouth to launch into a tirade, but Senator Ismaren interjected, "I wish to reclaim my time." Brasaar lurched forward, then restrained himself, visibly frustrated that his momentum had been thwarted by procedure. Ismaren continued, saying, "And you reported this to Secretary Madine?"
"Yes, immediately," Han affirmed.
"And did he tell you to investigate directly?" Senator Ismaren asked.
"No," Han said. "He told me to go to Nothoiin. I completed my responsibilities on Nothoiin," Han looked to Brasaar for emphasis, then added, "And afterward, I stopped by Nevarro to investigate. Nothing I did went outside orders, except for the fact that I promised my wife I would come home for a vacation sanctioned by the Chancellor herself."
"Oh, so the Chancellor sanctioned a vacation for you in the middle of a humanitarian crisis. . ." Brasaar bristled as he puffed up indignantly.
"My time. . . " Ismaren interjected forcefully. Brasaar paused his attack and turned toward her, brimming with resentment. She glared at him, then said, "Is not up, Senator."
She waited in case Brasaar intended to continue, and when he remained silent, she continued her questioning. "And what did your investigation turn up?"
"We met the local Magistrate – a man by the name of Greef Karga - and he shared that a wealthy client offered a lot of beskar to a Mandalorian to capture a target alive. The Mandalorian refused to complete the job, and all hell broke loose. Karga, the Mandalorian, and another fought them off."
"Who was the other," Ismaren asked.
"Actually, I'm glad you asked, Senator," Han said. He nodded to Larson, and Larson activated the holoprojector, where a woman's face filled the screen. She had an impatient, bored expression. Akeyla Ismaren narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing the Rebel Alliance symbol tattooed on the woman's cheek.
"About damn time, Solo," the woman barked. "What took you so long?"
"Senator Brasaar had a lot of important things to say," Solo grinned.
Brasaar banged his gavel and barked, "And who exactly is this."
"Carasynthia Dune, ex-Rebel shock trooper, current Republic Marshall of Nevarro, Alderaanian by birth," Cara Dune said, a mixture of pride and defiance in her voice. "Who the hell is this?"
"I am somebody who will gladly see to it that you're stripped of your rank and held in contempt if you can't afford this body the respect it deserves," Brasaar declared.
"Ah, a politician," Cara smirked. "Anyway, Solo, I don't have all day. What do you want?"
Senator Ismaren interjected, saying, "Ms. Dune, I am Senator Akeyla Ismaren of New Alderaan. I have a few questions I'd like to ask. First, are you aware you're under oath?"
"I am now," Cara said, but her voice was more respectful toward her compatriot.
"Mr. Solo has just reported that you took part in a skirmish on Nevarro."
"One of several," Cara said. "We've spent the past two weeks cleaning up the Imperial presence here. The one Solo must have told you about was the first."
"Excuse me, there is no evidence of Imperial presence on Nevarro," Senator Brasaar interrupted.
"Whatever you say, Senator," Cara said. "I'm telling you under oath that there was. We fought Gideon. . ."
"Gideon is dead," Brasaar interrupted.
"Really? Then what was he doing trying to kill us on Nevarro?" Cara retorted.
"You have witnesses to this?" Senator Ismaren asked.
"Maybe," Cara said noncommittally.
Senator Ismaren continued, saying, "Han Solo spoke of a wealthy client paying in beskar. Do you know who this individual was?"
Senator Brasaar interrupted, blustering, "Oh, so now we're going to get into speculation about some nefarious plot, are we?"
Han narrowed his eyes, an old familiar Sabacc instinct flaring in him.
Cara Dune ignored Brasaar's question, and she said, "I met him, but none of us received the name. He showed up, offered a ton of beskar, and then he showed up again to collect the bounty."
"Could you identify him if you saw him?" Akeyla Ismaren asked.
"Senator, your time is up," Senator Brasaar interjected. "I am reclaiming my time."
"Excuse me," Akeyla Ismaren bristled.
Senator Brasaar began to shout over Akeyla Ismaren's objections, and as the two began to argue, Han turned to Larson and said, "Okay, Larson. The guy I told you about."
Larson fidgeted and fumbled with his data pad, and Han felt his frustration mounting. Cara Dune appeared bored and unimpressed, and she appeared to be on the verge of hanging up. Senator Brasaar and Senator Ismaren continued to argue, when suddenly the screen shifted away from the footage of the wreckage at Nevarro to an image of Elvyn Bolsko.
"Hey Cara," Han bellowed, his voice carrying above Brasaar's. "Recognize him?"
Cara's eyes went wide with alarm, and she said breathlessly, "That's the client."
"Elvyn Bolsko?" Akeyla Ismaren blurted in surprise.
"Oh, very cute, Solo," Brasaar called out. "You know that you are on the hook for reckless violation of the law and endangering the security of the galaxy with your indifference toward protocol. And you think you can scam this body by trying to accuse a friend and a financial supporter."
"Well," Han said, removing the burnt gorsythe medallion from his pocket. "I wouldn't go that far. You see, I removed this medallion from the scene, and we ran an analysis – which my friend, Sabine Wren, will happily provide. She traced this medallion to an individual from Kuat who also did business dealings on Bespin shortly before traveling to Nevarro. My friend Lando Calrissian, whom I also welcome you to call, can confirm Bolsko was there," Han said. "And here you have a Republic official confirming Bolsko's involvement."
Brasaar opened his mouth in impotent rage, and Han, taking advantage of his silence, asked, "Senator, did you know that your biggest supporter is secretly funding the illicit activities of an Imperial Moff who was believed dead?"
"This is outrageous!" Brasaar bellowed indignantly.
"Solo, this was fun, but I gotta go," Cara Dune said, and her feed cut out.
"I'm wondering, Senator," Han said, his voice slathering a thick layer of contempt on the word 'Senator', as he said, "Did you know anything about what Bolsko was up to?"
"How dare you accuse me!" Brasaar roared, rising to his feet. "My name was cleared, and I will not be defamed by some scurrilous, incompetent street rat from Corellia!"
"Who said anything about accusations?" Han chuckled, his eyebrows raised.
"This is an outrage!" Brasaar bellowed.
Han removed the device that Sabine Wren gave him and pressed the button. A high, resonant frequency erupted within the chamber. Those around him held their hands to their ears in discomfort. As it had before, the medallion in Han's hands began to resonate and sing at a harmonious frequency to the device's emitted pitch.
To the surprise of the Senators on the panel, a third resonant ringing sound began to emerge. The Senators turned toward Brasaar, searching for the source of the sound. Brasaar's fury turned to panic, and he clutched his hands to his heart, attempting reflexively and vainly to silence the sound.
"A gorsythe medallion!" Akeyla Ismaren called out.
"That's right," Han said. "They sing when activated by the right frequency. And we know that only a handful of people in the Emperor's inner circle ever had them."
Brasaar looked around wildly like an animal seeking to escape.
"Is there anything you would like to tell us, Senator?" Akeyla Ismaren said, looking at Brasaar with disgust and condemnation.
"I," Brasaar stuttered, and his face went pale as a quartet of Republic guards approached the front of the chamber, fanning out to flank Brasaar. Brasaar darted reflexively toward the door, his medallion singing as he ran. A Republic guard tackled him to the ground. Under the tumult and pandemonium of the chamber, Han thought he heard the pathetic wailing of an animal caught in a trap.
Space above Honoghr, 9 ABY
Vorst Myntal sat before the holoprojector, his face in his hands and his expression horrified. The feed showed Senator Baz Brasaar being led away out of the Senate Committee Hearing, and Vorst reflexively clutched his hand to the medallion hanging over his heart in an attempt to stem his dread.
"Take heart, Mr. Myntal," spoke a quiet voice from behind him. Myntal did not turn, and Thrawn's assurance did little to stem his horror.
"Brasaar will talk," Myntal said. "All of our work; our fortunes, our networks, Gideon's army. . ."
"I concur that placing faith in men like Senator Brasaar tells the most cautionary of tales," Thrawn affirmed. He turned off the video feed, and Myntal turned around, his eyes still rimmed with panic. "Yet, therein lies the assumption that all is lost. Quite the contrary."
"I don't know what you mean?" Myntal gasped, his voice ragged.
"Patience, my friend. I already prepared for such an outcome," Thrawn soothed. "Now we must discuss the other fool in your triad."
Myntal frowned, unsure for the moment who the third fool was. "Gideon?"
"And his forces," Thrawn added.
"He doesn't answer," Myntal moaned. He paused thoughtfully and said, "Will you send the Emperor's Hand to fetch him?"
"Alas," Thrawn said. "That piece is already in motion. I am afraid that we must. . ."
A notification pinged on Myntal's wrist device, which began to flash red. Myntal turned away from Thrawn and looked down at his wrist. He entered a code, and instead of a face, a distress signal coupled with a set of coordinates began to flash.
". . . that we must trust in our luck, apparently," Thrawn said, leaning forward to examine the coordinates. "If I am not mistaken, that appears to be in the same sector as Kriselist."
"What is he doing in deep space?" Myntal asked, bewildered at Gideon's unexpected distress call and curious location.
"It matters not," Thrawn said. "If Gideon is issuing a distress call, it is possible that he may soon be in the Republic's grasp. We cannot risk losing the forces he has marshalled." Thrawn broke away from Myntal, who stood up and watched Thrawn cross his chamber. Thrawn reached his desk and pressed a command on his communication unit. "Commodore Brandt?"
"Yes, Grand Admiral," spoke Brandt's cool, precise voice.
"Prepare the Chimaera for immediate departure," Thrawn ordered. "Set course for Kriselist."