[Black Fleet Crisis(58)

“And not more than our own security. The idea that we should stay away from Farlax because it might upset the Yevetha is absurd. If it comes from them, it’s unreasonable paranoia. If it comes from you, it’s unreasonable timidity. “

Leia’s eyes flashed dark anger. “General, you sound like you don’t care about the possibility of alienating the Duskhan League. “

“If you’re afraid to offend someone, they control you, ” A’baht said. “And that’s no way to govern. Or negotiate. No one respects weakness. “

“Is that all friendship is to you-weakness? “

“Treaties aren’t built on

friendship. They’re built on

mutual self-interest, or they’re no more than polite lies. “

“You are quite the cynic, aren’t you? “

“I’m afraid the general is right, ” said Ackbar. “We must honor the same claims we make on our own behalf. But we cannot sacrifice our freedom of action simply to please a would-be ally. We cannot shackle our own hands simply to appease a possible enemy. If we do, we have given away our strength to them. We have raised them up and made them equal to when they are not. “

“I thought equality was another of our principles. “

“Between members of the Republic, yes. But even there, you must admit, some are more equal than others, ” Ackbar said. “We must look to our own interests first, Princess, and our first and strongest interest here is to learn the fate of the Black Fleet. I would be more than glad if we confirm what the viceroy has told you. But we must confirm it. “

“The ships about which Nil Spaar could say nothing are enough in themselves for concern, ” said A’baht.

Leia ignored him, focusing her attention on Ackbar. “You feel that strongly about this? “

“Yes. If you do not agree to let the Fleet’s orders stand, you will have to find someone to replace me, ” said the Calamari. “I will have no choice. I cannot continue without your confidence. “

Leia closed her eyes and bowed her head slightly.

Searching her heart, she could not find the strength to resist Ackbar’s earnest certainty. How could she place her judgment above his? This was his domain. She did not trust herself that much.

“Very well, ” she said. “The orders stand. “

Han Solo knew that something was up when Leia came back to the president’s residence in the middle of the afternoon. But he could never have guessed what she was going to ask him when she found him in the garden.

“Han, I need you to go with the Fifth Fleet on this mission. “

“What? That’s crazy. What do you need me for? “

“It’s A’baht, ” she said. “I don’t know if he really accepts my authority and judgment. “

“Then ask Admiral Ackbar to relieve him of command. You have a right to senior commanders you have confidence in. “

“There isn’t anything I can point to to justify it, ” Leia said. “He hasn’t done anything wrong. I’m just not sure what he’ll do when he’s on his own out there. “

“That’s reason enough, ” said Han. “Ackbar will understand. “

“No, ” Leia said. “He won’t. Han, I just have a feeling that I need to be there, by proxy, right at General A’baht’s side. I can’t explain it. The idea of watching the Fleet sail tomorrow without a friend on board makes me very afraid. “

“Why me? “

“You’re the only person I trust completely, ” said Leia. “And you have all the necessary clearances in place. “

“What about the kids?

“I’ve already talked to Winter. She’s willing to come back and take over while you’re gone. “

Han glowered. “That’s not the way we decided it was going to be. “

“It’ll be all right. I’ll spend more time here. “

“You know A’baht’s going to hate this, ” said Han. “Commanders always hate feeling like they’re being watched. And he’s gonna take it out on me. “

“You’ll bear up. “

“He’s gonna expect me to be in full uniform. I’m gonna have to shave every morning-“

“I know I’m asking a lot, Han. The chances are it’ll be a long, boring deployment. I hope it will be. “

“So why am I going? “

“Just in case I don’t get my wish. “

He combed his fingers through his hair, then scratched the back of his neck vigorously. “Son of a-How you get me to do these things-” Leia hugged him and rested her head on his shoulder.