[Black Fleet Crisis(51)

“Yes. But there’s another possibility, which concerns me rather more, ” said Ackbar. “The Empire preferred to establish military shipyards in every sector they controlled, so that no one facility was critical to the war effort, and damaged ships did not need to travel far for repairs-“

“Which would suggest that those unidentified yards were likely located somewhere in Black Sword Command’s patrol area. “

“Which would mean that as many as twenty Star Destroyers could be very much closer to us than the Core. “

Drayson squinted at Ackbar. “Ordinarily, I’d expect the Empire to destroy any assets they couldn’t take with them. “

“I would be happy to know that they had done so, ” said Ackbar “But we haven’t found any ruined shipyards in that area. Though that is not conclusive-there are large areas of Kokash and Farlax which have never been properly surveyed. Including the Morath Nebula and the Koornacht Cluster. “

“Ah, ” said Drayson. “I see where this is leading. “

“Hiram, I don’t want to know how you might know the answers. But I know you have resources not available outside your office. I am concerned by this business with Nil Spaan. Negotiations have been at a standstill for weeks, and yet Leia still urges patience. And I wonder to myself, could the Yevetha be hiding these ships for Daala? Is it possible the Duskhan League is still allied with the Core? “

After a moment’s measured consideration, Drayson said, “I have no information to support such a thesis. Or to rule it out. “

“Then I am at a loss as to how to proceed, ” Ackbar said. “The negotiations in progress make this a delicate matter. I cannot make accusations without evidence. Nor can I ignore a potential threat of this magnitude. “

“What would you do if the decision were yours? “

“I would begin a search for this Black Fleet, and not stop until we have found it, or its wreckage, and made certain it is not sitting on our doorstep. We must know the fate of these ships. “

Drayson nodded thoughtfully. “Then I think you should take Ayddar’s information to Princess Leia, and make that recommendation. Perhaps she’ll allow you to persuade her. “

“I fear otherwise, ” said Ackbar. “Still, I can but try. “

“I wish you success. In the meantime—can you see your way to-” Ackbar pressed a datacard into Drayson’s hand. “The list of the missing ships, and the mystery shipyards. “

Two other runners were in sight now and drawing nearer. With a perfectly practiced casualness, Drayson made the datacard disappear into a pocket. “I’ll do what I can, ” he said, and flashed a stage smile. “Nice seeing you again, Admiral. “

At the pace at which Drayson then struck out down the track, Ackbar doubted that any other runner would head him.





Chapter 8


“Let me make sure I understand, ” said Princess Leia, turning away from the broad windows of the executive conference room to face Admiral Ackbar and General A’baht. “No one has seen any of these vessels for ten years-and that’s why you’re worried about them? “

Ackbar and A’baht exchanged looks, negotiating who would answer.

“Essentially, that is correct-” said Ackbar, who lost.

“Why doesn’t it sound as silly to you as it does to me? I believe you’re worried about literally nothing. “

Ackbar cleared his throat. “Princess, you know the price of being wrong. It can be a fatal error to underestimate an enemy’s strength, or the seriousness of a threat. Our own success against the Empire owed much to the Emperor’s making exactly that error. “

“Better to take precautions that aren’t needed than to fail to take them when they are, ” A’baht said, almost to himself.

“No one is going to attack the New Republic, ” Leia said flatly.

Both Ackbar and A’baht were taken aback by her pronouncement. “If you’re so sure of that, then let’s mothball the Fleet and muster out the troops, ” A’baht said scornfully. “I’m sure we all have better things we could be doing. “

“General, it’s because of the Fleet that no one’s going to attack us, ” said Leia. “Ackbar tells me we can now call on more ships than fought on both sides in the largest battle of the Rebellion. Do I have that right, Admiral? “

Ackbar nodded silently.

“That’s more than enough to bloody the nose of anyone who makes the mistake of taking a swing at us. And everyone out there knows it, ” she said. “They have more to gain by joining us than they do by opposing us. Look at