[Black Fleet Crisis(114)

Leia pulled a straight-backed chair out from under the small desk and sat down. “You know, General, I’ve been thinking a lot about resigning myself. I’ve made several-mistakes-lately that I’ve had trouble accepting.

“A little while ago, after talking things over with my best friend in the world, I decided that the hardest thing for me to do would be to stay where I am-and so that was what I was going to do. And it’s going to be hard enough that I think I’d better have your help. Your offer to resign is rejected. “

“I understand, Princess. If I may-has a date been selected for my trial? “

“Trial? ” She shook her head. “You don’t have time for a trial, General. You and I both still have work to do. “

“Sir? “

She sighed. “General-I was wrong. I can’t put it any more plainly. Will you accept my apology, and return to theIntrepid as commander of the Fifth Fleet? “

Surprise sat uncomfortably on the Dornean’s features.

“Princess, can I possibly have your confidence after what’s happened? “

“What happened shouldn’t have happened. But the blame is mine, not yours, ” Leia said. “Your conduct-and your judgment-were both faultless.

**** vice to the New Republic remains on such a high plane. “

A’baht was visibly embarrassed. “Then-Princess, I thank you for your apology, which you did not owe me. And I am at your disposal, to serve in whatever capacity you feel I can be useful. “

“Good, ” she said, standing and gesturing at their surroundings. “Because you really don’t belong here. Can I give you a ride to Eastport, General? “

The loyalty of small men can be bought cheaply, because greed has no pride.

Within minutes of General Etahn A’baht’s return to the Fifth Fleet, the armada jumped into hyperspace, heading for Farlax and Koornacht Cluster. Within minutes of that event, Belezaboth Ourn, extraordinary consul of the Paqwepori, had reported it to Viceroy Nil Spaar by hyperspace comm.

“I don’t know what orders the general has been given, of course, ” Ourn said. “But the princess herself was seen delivering him to his shuttle, and the entire fleet is gone, as quickly as it returned, and with as little explanation. “

“Thank you, Consul, ” Nil Spaar said gravely. “Your assistance will not be forgotten by the Yevetha. I urge you to be on guard for more lies from the princess and those who serve her. “

“Oh, we will watch her, we will watch her, ” said Ourn. “Viceroy-a small question. “

“Of course. “

“When can we expect delivery of the thrustship you promised, in payment for the damage toMother Valkyriewhich we agreed to allow? Should I decide to leave Coruscant, my only options are to charter a vessel,

at considerable expense, or take a commercial flight, at

considerable inconvenience. “

Nil Spaar smiled ingratiatingly. “Soon, Consul, soon. The newest vessel from our best shipyard is being altered to your specifications as we speak. Have patience. You will not be disappointed. “

In an empty room of a deserted lodge on the grounds of the diplomatic hostel in Imperial City, a hypercomm repeater answered a coded call from light-years away.

The repeater in turn activated a delicate and elegant transmitter, which bounced a curious signal into the heart of a bland-faced building filled with the machinery of the New Republic government’s official information net.

Moments later,