“And then blame the Fallanassi, ” Luke guessed.
“Yes. The Empire’s agents whispered against us, until those who’d been our friends feared us. The workers stopped coming to our village, and three of our circle were attacked when they went to Jisasu for food and to sell our medicines.
“That was when my mother sent me away—not to protect me, because she and the others could protect the children well enough. But she didn’t want to expose me to the hate that surrounded us then. I was one of five who were sent away, to friends on Paig, to schools on Teyr or Carratos. “
“How many of you went to Carratos? “
“Only me, ” Akanah said. She smiled sadly, her eyes bright with tears. “They were to send for us when Lucazec was peaceful again, or come for us when they headed for a new home. “
“But they never did. “
“No. I never heard from any of the body again. ” She shook her head. “I don’t know why. “
“And you still don’t know what happened? “
“All I was ever able to learn is that they left Lucazec, that our village was abandoned and in ruins. I couldn’t even find the other children, on Teyr and Paig. I think the circle came for them. I think I was the only one left behind. ” She tried to say it matter-of-factly, but the hurt still showed.
“Or maybe you’re the only one the Empire didn’t find. Have you considered that? “
“I have tried not to think about that, ” Akanah said, looking past him to the pale brown disk of Lucazec. “I would rather be the only one left behind than the only one left alive. “
The region of Lucazec that Akanah called the North Plateau had no true spaceport. Luke was directed to set theMud Sloth down at a quiet little airfield identified only by its latitude and longitude. There he and Akanah were met by three men wearing drab brown clothing so similar one to the next that it might as well have been a uniform.
They identified themselves as the airfield marshal, the district censor, and the port magistrate. The censor had a small recorder, into which he both spoke and repeated their answers. “Point of origin. “
“Coruscant, ” said Luke.
“Registry of your vessel. “
“Carratos, ” Akanah supplied.
“Do you affirm that you are both citizens of the New Republic? “
“We are, ” said Luke.
“Purpose of your visit. “
“Research, ” said Akanah. “Archaeological research. “
“No digging is permitted without a license from the proctor of history, ” the magistrate warned them. “All artifacts must be submitted to the Office of the Proctor so that the appropriate taxes can be determined. Evasion of antiquities taxes is a state crime punishable by-” Luke made a small gesture, slicing the air with his fingertips. “We are aware of the regulations, Magistrate. “
“What? Yes, of course, ” the magistrate said, and lapsed into silence.
Luke turned to the shortest of the three men.
“Marshal, I would like to arrange for my ship to be hangared. I wouldn’t want any curious children to accidently injure themselves. “
“I’m afraid there are no-“
“I’m prepared to pay the reasonable and customary fees, of course. “
“How long do you think you’ll be on Lucazec? “
“I couldn’t say, ” Luke said. “Is that a problem? “
“No, no. I believe some space recently became available in Hangar Kaa, our newest and most secure. I’ll have your ship towed in. A Verpine Adventurer, isn’t it? I hear that’s a fine vessel. I don’t think we’ve ever had one of those in here before-“
“Thank you, ” Luke said. His gaze settled on the censor.
“Was there anything else? “
“I must see your identity cards, of course, ” the censor said, puffing up his chest.
“We’ve already shown them to you, ” Luke said, intensifying his focus on the man.
“Of course, ” said the censor, his eyes suddenly blank. “Your destination was-“
“Jisasu, ” said Akanah.
“Yes, of course. You’ll want to hire a cart. Go by the East District Trail-the bridge at Crown Pass Road has been out since the last rain, and the river can’t be forded on account of the debris. “
Luke nodded. “Very kind of you, ” he said, smiling pleasantly. “I’ll be sure to mention your helpfulness in my report. ” He hoisted both their bags and slung them over one shoulder. “Come, Lady Anna. I’d like to see if we can’t get there before dark. “
“Lady Anna! ” Akanah said when they enjoyed the privacy of the road, jolting along in one of the big-wheeled, two-seated utility vehicles common on’ Lucazec. “I like that. And what shall I call you? The Duke of Skye? “