[Black Fleet Crisis(32)

“We do what we can-what we must, ” Leia said. “I like to think of Coruscant as a symbol of what’s possible, a mirror in which we can see our best face. The vitality you’ve seen is a reflection of the vitality of the entire Republic. I want Coruscant to stand for the idea that there’s an alternative to war and tyranny. Cooperation and tolerance-the best of all of us, available to all of us. “

“And there are so many of you! I am certain I saw more different species in my first hour here than I did in my entire previous life. Dozens, if not a hundred, ” Nil Spaar said. “How does it all work? Is membership political or genetic? “

“The New Republic is a mutual self-protection pact among over four hundred sentient species, and an economic partnership between eleven thousand inhabited worlds, ” said Leia. “But you’ll find that the autonomy of member worlds is hardly compromised at all-“

“So long as they are willing to be cooperative and tolerant, ” Nil Spaar said.

“That goes without saying. “

“Perhaps it ought not, ” said

Nil Spaar. “It might lead

to misunderstandings, and mistaken assumptions. “

Puzzled, Leia felt as though the ground had suddenly shifted under her.

“I don’t think a legation has ever come to Coruscant expecting anything else. “

“You would know better than I. But you might find some came here more committed to getting Coruscant to fight their fights than to Leia Organa’s ideals. The weak are always looking for champions. Are you certain there are none such hiding in your skirts? “

“If the weak can’t count on Coruscant’s protection, then there is no New Republic-only anarchy. And anarchy can only lead to more tyranny. “

“Well answered. “

“Thank you! ” said Leia. “But since you raised the issue, would you mind telling me why you and your legation are here? “

“Not at all. I think it important that there be no misunderstandings, ” Nil Spaar said. “As impressed as I am with your ideas, your capital city, and your con federation, the Duskhah League is not interested in membership in the New Republic. Not collectively, and not as individual worlds. Despite the fact that we submitted no application, you seem unclear on that fact. “

“I think the Duskhah League would be a valuable member of the New Republic, ” Leia said. “I wasn’t willing to dismiss the possibility without talking to you. “

Nil Spaar smiled tolerantly. “You may dismiss it now-please. “

“Then what are you seeking here? “

“As I’ve already said, an alliance. An agreement between equals, to the benefit of both. “

Frowning, Leia asked, “Viceroy, are you concerned that what you call the ‘weak’ members would be too much of a burden on you? “

“No. That is not an issue. “

“Very well, ” Leia said. “But I think you should know right now that it’ll be very hard for us to come to an ‘agreement between equals’ that’ll allow us to respond militarily if you’re threatened. The charter under which we operate allows for mutual defense and enforcement of the articles of membership-and that’s all. “

“Truly, you do not yet understand. We do not want or need your protection, ” Nil Spaar said. “We enjoyed the ‘protection’ of the Empire for half my lifetime, and we are determined to avoid such blessings in the future. What we want more than anything is to be left alone. Bear that in mind, and we may begin to speak the same language. “

At Leia’s prodding, Nil Spaar shared with her some of the Yevetha’s experiences at the hands of Emperor Palpatine’s generals and stormtroopers. The stories were familiar enough in flavor, if not in detail.

The Imperial governor of Koornacht had been given a free hand in subduing the Yevetha. In his turn, he had Yevetha women taken as pleasure slaves for his staff, and Yevetha men taken as live targets for his troopers. The brutalized bodies were displayed in schools, at sacred sites, and on the public information channels everyone was required to watch twice a day.

When that did not produce the desired degree of cooperation, the Imperial governor had children taken instead. Dissent crumbled, but the terror of random seizures continued. When the Imperial occupation army was finally driven from Koornacht, seven thousand Yevetha hostages were found in the governor’s garrison-and the bones of more than fifteen thousand dead.

“Enough, ” Leia said. “Please. I’m afraid we’ve already reawakened enough nightmares. “

“I wanted you to understand the depth of our feelings in this. “