“What can I do? ” Leia asked plaintively. “Nothing. Polneye wasn’t a member of the New Republic. They weren’t even applicants. “
“You’re talking about obligations, ” said Han. “I’m talking about the right thing to do. “
“But that’s the trick, isn’t it? You can’t get three people to agree on the right thing to do, ” Leia said. “Peace is impossible. No matter what, it seems like there’s always someone who wants to kill someone else. You can’t give them enough reasons not to. At least, I can’t. “
“Leia-“
“I’m sorry about the Polneye, I truly am. But it’s too late to help them. Besides, if I were to send forces anywhere near Koornacht, I wouldn’t have to resign-the Senate would hang me first and impeach me later. “
Leia shook her head. “I hope Mallar lives-though I’m not sure that’s not being cruel, if it turns out he’s the only survivor. Who else knows about him? Who else has seen the recording? “
“A very short list, ” Ackbar said.
“See that it stays that way, ” she said, and moved toward the door. “I’m going home, Han. Are you coming? “
Han was looking at her as though she were a stranger. “I think I’ll stay awhile, ” he said.
Leia shrugged. “Suit yourself. “
As soon as the door closed behind her, Han cocked his head to one side and shot Ackbar a quizzical look. “I have just one question-who was that person, and what have you done with Leia? “
“She is hurting, ” said Ackbar. “She is questioning herself, and her ideals. “
“Tell me something I don’t know, ” Han said. “What in the world happened while I was away? “
“I will tell you what I can, ” said Ackbar. “But I am afraid some of the answers will have to come from her. “
A stranger was sitting cross-legged in the street outside the family entrance, facing the house, when Leia reached it in a borrowed Fleet skimmer. He was dressed in a long robe the color of saffron, which spilled out around him in a circle on the pavement. She recognized neither his profile nor his species, and slowed only so that she could hop the fence at a speed that wouldn’t alarm the house defenses.
But after she had disembarked and sent the speeder heading back, curiosity got the better of her.
She walked out to the fence and, with the security droid hovering protectively nearby, called out to him.
“You-who are you? “
“Jobath, the councillor of the Fia, of Galantos, ” he said, and then his face brightened. “But I know you. You are Princess Leia, the warrior queen who rallied the oppressed to rise up against the Emperor. You saved my people from slavery. “
“Well-you’re welcome. But that was a long time ago, ” she said. “And I don’t know whose version of history you’ve been listening to, anyway. I don’t remember ever being a queen or a warrior. “
“Oh, yes, I know all the stories. You are a great woman. It is an honor to meet you. “
“What are you doing out there? “
“I am waiting for you, ” the Fian said. “Your metal servant said that you were not receiving visitors, but my need is urgent. And now I see you have re turned. May I rise and approach without alarming your loyal protector? “
“What? Oh, the droid. No, he doesn’t like people loitering around the entrances. What was your name again? “
“Jobath, of the Fia. “
“Did we have an appointment, Jobath of the Fia? “
“No, Princess. “
“All right. I was afraid for a moment I’d forgotten, ” she said. “Here’s the way it is, Jobath of the Fia-I intend to go inside and sleep for about three days. If I’m still president when I get up, you can make an appointment with the scheduling center, in the protocol office. ” She turned away from the fence and started toward the house.
“Princess! Please, wait! I’ve come about what’s happening in The Multitude. You must talk to me now! “
“Must I? ” said Leia, looking back. “The Multitude-what’s that? “
“The Great Multitude of the Circle of the Heavens, ” Jobath said earnestly. “There is another name, an ugly name-“
“Are you talking about Koornacht? “
“Yes! ” Jobath said brightly. “Koornacht. “
Leia scowled. “This is too much. You tell Ackbar that I’m tired of being manipulated. “
“Admiral Ackbar? “
“Right. Tell him he can have this job anytime he wants it. All he has to do is say the word. “