[Black Fleet Crisis] - 02(33)

“I’ll see if he’s available, Colonel. One moment.”

Pakkpekatt’s impatience made the wait seem longer than it was.

“Brigadier Collomus, operations senior staff,” said a new voice. “How can I help you, Colonel?”

Pakkpekatt showed his teeth. “You can help me talk to General Rieekan, as I asked.”

“General Rieekan isn’t available at the moment,” said Collomus. “If you have any questions about your orders, I should be able to resolve them. I was in the planning loop for the Teljkon expedition.”

“I know who you are, Brigadier,” said Pakkpekatt.

“When General Rieekan becomes available again, please advise him that his last orders were garbled in transmission.

I will require a verified voice confirmation to proceed.”

“I can give you that, Colonel.”

“No, sir, I’m afraid you cannot.”

Pakkpekatt relaxed into the cushions and left the isolation shell up.

The callback came twenty-four minutes later.

“General Rieekan,” Pakkpekatt said with an acknowledging nod.

“Colonel, Brigadier Collomus tells me that you have a problem with your orders which for some reason only I can resolve. Would you care to explain what’s going on?”

“Sir, I must contest the decision to terminate the mission. This is a betrayal of–” “Colonel, this is not open for discussion.”

“There are six men dead and a contact team still missing.”

“Colonel, those facts are not relevant to the decision.”

“Not relevant? You—” “No, Colonel, they are not. All agents must be considered expendable, always. And your ships are needed elsewhere, most especially Glorious.”

“With all due respect, sir, you don’t understand the ramifications—” “Colonel, I wouldn’t finish that sentence,” Rieekan said sharply.

“Your reports have been carefully reviewed.

The probability of any positive outcome at this point doesn’t justify further investment. The decision has been made, and your exception is noted. The mission is terminated. Bring them home, Colonel.”

“Sir, I request permission to take an all-volunteer team and continue the search in General Calrissian’s yacht, Lady Luck. This would not—” “Denied.”

“Then I request immediate leave, in order to continue the search on my own.”

“Denied. All leaves have been canceled due to the crisis in Farlax Sector.”

“Then you leave me in an impossible position.”

“Why is that, Colonel? Do you find it impossible to follow orders?”

Pakkpekatt bared his teeth. “General, a Hortek does not leave the bodies of comrades in the hands of the enemy—ever.”

For the first time since the call had begun, there was silence. “I understand, Colonel. But I can’t help you.”

“I think you can, General.”

“I’m listening.”

“You said that all agents must be considered expendable.

I am asking you to count me among the missing from the Teljkon expedition. Because even if I did return, I would still be here in ways which would compromise my ability to do any other job for you.”

“This is that important to you,” Rieekan said, settling back in his chair. “Even though these missing men were not part of your command, flouted your orders, and are principally responsible for the failure of your mission.”

“One’s comrades and allies do not come neatly out of a mold, General,” Pakkpekatt said. “They are inevitably a mixed lot, and never without flaws. And I find I often must hope for as much tolerance from them in that regard as I am able to offer to them.”

Rieekan pursed his lips. “Very well, Colonel. I will extend you a little tolerance. Lady Luck, no more than three additional volunteers, and whatever unexpended mission supplies you choose and the yacht can carry.

Report any substantive developments promptly. And, Colonel—” “Sir?”

“My tolerance is fairly inelastic. Don’t try to stretch it.”

“Thank you, General.”

Slightly more than an hour later, Pakkpekatt, Captain Bijo Hammax, and technical agents Pleck and Taisden watched from Lady Luck’s tiny flight deck as the cruiser Glorious and the escort Kettemoor turned together and jumped toward Coruscant.

“It begins,” said Pakkpekatt to the empty sky.

Penga Rift found the pilot of IX-26 keeping a lonely watch over the bodies on Maltha Obex.

“What took you so long?” he demanded. “You were supposed to be here days ago.”

“Copy, this is Joto Eckels,” came the reply. “Sorry about the delay.