[Black Fleet Crisis(93)

There was a stir in the chamber, but less of one than Behn-kihl-nahm would have expected. Apparently Peramis was the reason for the turnout. Just as apparently, Behn-kihl-nahm had not heard all of the morning’s gossip and rumors, a prospect that brought a frown to his face. “Senator Peramis, ” he said with a nod, then stepped back from the podium.

“Thank you, Chairman. And I thank Senator Hodidiji for his indulgence, ” said Peramis. “Most of you know by now that the Yevethan consular shipAramadia made an unscheduled liftoff from Eastport this morning. I have been informed that three port employees are dead and more than a score injured-“

This time the stir had an angry edge to it.

Behn-kihl-nahm reached out and dragged an aide closer by means of a fistful of fabric. “Call the princess, ” he whispered harshly. “Tell her she’d better get herself down here, now-and bring her firesuit. “

“-Three ships were also damaged, including a consular ship belonging to the autonomous territory of Paqwepori. “However, it’s not the collapse of negotiations with the Yevetha, or the damage to property, or even the loss of life which should make this a matter of great import to us, ” said Peramis. “It is the reason why these things happened which must concern us.

“So far, there’s been no information forthcoming from the president’s office about these events-not a word of explanation, or regret, or indignation. The princess has been unavailable, and there’s been only silence from her staff.

“I’m not surprised by that. When you’ve heard what you’re about to hear, you won’t be surprised, either. There isn’t much they can say without lying, because the truth shames them. “

Senator Tolik Yar shot to his feet. “A point of privilege is not a license to slander and defame, sir?

“Chairman, I ask for order in the chamber, ” Peramis said, not even looking in Senator Yar’s direction.

“The chamber will be in

order, ” Behn-kihl-nahm said

without enthusiasm.

“I warn you, recant your words, before you flirt with treason-” Peramis shot the round-bodied Oolid a look of contempt. “Sit down and listen, Senator, and you will learn something about treason, and about this woman you call your friend. Chairman, I ask that the Senate recorder activate the chamber’s display screens and set them to Channel Eighty-one,

the diplomatic frequency. “

“For what purpose, Senator? “

“For the purpose of allowing Viceroy Nil Spaar of the Yevetha to address this body from aboardAramadia , which is presently orbiting Coruscant. “

Behn-kihl-nahm turned away from the podium just long enough to send a second aide on a hasty mission.

“This is most irregular, Senator Peramis. “

“So are the events in dispute, Chairman. And I consider the information the viceroy can provide this body not merely relevant, but essential to understanding those events. “

“Am I to understand that you already have knowledge of what the viceroy will say? “

“I was contacted by the viceroy and asked if I would help bring the truth to light. When I learned what the truth was, it seemed unlikely to me that we would hear it from any other source, and I agreed. “

There was a growing restlessness in the chamber.

“Let’s hear what the viceroy has to say! ” cried a voice from the high rows.

“It’s a point of privilege-he can introduce whatever he likes, ” shouted another. “If you don’t want to hear it, leave! “

“Senator Noimm made us look at recordings of her last brood-birth, and you allowed that irregularity. “

There was a ripple of laughter at that reminder, though Senator Noimm glared unhappily.

“Turn ‘em on! ” someone called, and it became a chorus. “Turn ‘em on! Let’s hear from the viceroy. “

Behn-kihl-nahm pounded his gavel. “The chamber will be in order. Sergeant, you are to eject the next member I identify who speaks out of turn. There will be order, or I will suspend this session. “

The sergeant-at-arms, a hulking Gamorrean, moved forward from his usual post to the center of the well, from which he glowered up at the front benches.

With Behn-kihl-nahm alternately pounding the gavel and pointing it at the worst offenders, the chamber slowly settled into something resembling civility.

“That’s better, ” Behn-kihl-nahm said scoldingly. “Remember who you are! This is the Senate of the New Republic. We are not a rabble. ” He peered down to his left.

“Senator Peramis. “

“Yes, Chairman. “

“Do you accept responsibility for your speaker’s remarks as though they were your own, including any and all sanctions which would fall on any member of this body for transgressions against the Senate’s code of conduct? “