“You’re telling us that the Colony is ruled by a hidden nest?” Fel asked, incredulous.
“Only in the sense that any sentient mind is ruled by its own unconscious mind,” Leia said. “Influenced might be a better term-though in the Killiks’ case the influence is very heavy. We’re fairly sure the Dark Nest is responsible for the Colony’s decision to inhabit Qoribu.”
“For what purpose?” Fel asked.
“To start a war,” Han said. “And so far, you guys are playing right into their snappy little pincers.”
“It would be foolish to assume you know our plans, Captain Solo.”
“Your plans were clear enough when the Fleet of the Glorious Defender Queen arrived,” Gray said. “You were maneuvering to attack.”
“Obviously, I cannot discuss our plans with any of you,” Fel said. “I assume that the Jedi have located this Dark Nest on Kr and intend to break its hold over the Colony?”
“You could say that,” Han said. Kr was visible to the naked eve now, a fuzzy blue nugget about the size of a thumb. “If blasting it to bug parts counts.”
“With just the Falcon?” Gray asked.
“We have more than the Falcon,” Leia said. “Luke and Mara have already found the entrance to the nest.”
“That explains the activity on Kr,” Fel concluded. “The dartships seem to be swarming something.”
Though the Falcon’s tactical display showed no indications of weapons activity, Han had no doubt that the Skywalkers were busy dodging dartships. He could see it in the tautness around Leia’s eyes.
“Master Skywalker is under attack?” There was more excitement in Gray’s voice than concern.
“There’s no need for alarm, Dukat!” Leia commanded. “Luke and Mara can easily-“
A pair of Hapan Novas began to slip down the tactical display toward Kr. Han’s heart rose into his throat.
“Uh, what are you doing there, Dukat?”
“Sending support,” Gray said. “Queen Mother Tenel Ka would not be pleased if I allowed this Dark Nest to kill Master Skywalker and her husband-“
“Recall your vessels at once, Dukat,” Fel said. “We cannot permit any Hapan capital ship to approach the orbital plane.”
“It’s a small force,” Gray said. “Any fool can that see it poses no threat to-“
“Only a fool would allow his enemy to establish a forward position under the current circumstances,” Fel replied. A Chiss Star Destroyer and half a dozen cruisers started upward to meet the Hapan trio. “And we Chiss are not fools.”
“Oh, boy,” Han said under his breath. “I’ve got a-“
“-bad feeling. I know,” Leia finished. “Dukat Gray, leave this to us. We’ll let you know if-“
A chain of tiny orange flashes suddenly flared along Kr’s long axis as someone on the moon opened fire.
Two more Battle Dragons, accompanied by a dozen Novas, began to descend toward Qoribu’s rings.
“The queen’s fleet will not stand idly by while Master Skywalker is viciously attacked,” Gray declared.
“Dukat Gray-“
That was as much as Leia could say before Fel started to talk over her.
“The Chiss have no wish to see Master Skywalker and his wife injured, either.” A dozen Chiss cruisers joined the growing migration toward Kr. “But the Dark Nest is on our side of the rings. Allow us to support him.”
“Out of the question!” Gray shot back. Han had known even before the reply that Fel’s offer would never reach orbit. Gray cared more about being able to claim credit for rescuing Luke and Mara than whether they actually needed to be rescued. “The Chiss have made it clear they didn’t want the Jedi here in the first place. We have no assurance that you wouldn’t kill them yourselves.”
“Perhaps not,” Fel returned coolly. “But if you don’t recall those vessels, I can assure you-“
“Dukat Gray,” Leia said. “Sparking a clash with the Chiss is not going to win the Queen Mother’s favor. I suggest you recall your vessels and wait until your aid is truly needed.”
Another string of explosions lit Kr’s face. “It’s apparent to me that our aid is needed,” Gray said. “And if we must fight the Chiss to deliver it, we will.”
He closed the channel.
“Stubborn rodder!” Leia cursed. “Jag, you understand-“
“I’m sorry, Princess Leia,” Fel said. The Chiss fleet began to stream upward on all sides of the planet. “But my superiors refuse to take the chance that this isn’t a ploy. I suggest you avoid getting caught in the crossfire.”