[Hand Of Thrawn] - 01(123)

Plarx took the decision on himself. In an awesome blaze of laser fire the two Kruk battle-wagons opened fire as the Jompers pursuit ships leaped forward to meet the incoming X-wings. “New Republic forces,” Bel Iblis said coldly. “Engage at will.”

***

“The Frezhlix government has delivered a sharp protest to me over your actions a few hours ago,” Admiral Ackbar’s gruff voice came over the Peregrine’s comm speaker. “They claim you launched an unprovoked attack on a peaceful delegation.”

Standing a respectful distance from the general’s chair, Wedge caught Corran Horn’s attention and rolled his eyes in a silent gesture of disgust. The other grimaced in agreement. “On the contrary,” Bel Iblis told Ackbar. “They were engaged in a clear violation of free economic movement. Besides which, they attacked first.”

“That’s not the way the Frezhlix tell it,” Ackbar rumbled. “They say you clearly overstepped New Republic authority.”

“I’m sure they do,” Bel Iblis said. “Do you wish me to stand for an inquiry?”

“Don’t be absurd, General,” Ackbar said; and for the first time since the conversation had started the Mon Cal’s voice seemed to Wedge to have relaxed a little. “We need all the good commanders we can get. And I don’t doubt the Frezhlix deserved whatever you delivered to them. You said there was a smuggling ship in among the other freighters?”

Bel Iblis glanced up at Corran, who nodded. “Yes, sir, without question,” the general confirmed. “One of Booster Terrik’s. The Sif’krie authorities have impounded the ship and are checking for contraband.”

“I can imagine the conversation that will take place on the Errant Venture sometime in the near future,” Ackbar said, his voice going a little odd. Mon Cals had a long hatred for smuggling and smugglers, and the admiral was undoubtedly finding a certain poetic humor in what had happened. “Though the justification of your position will be dulled if there was indeed no contraband aboard.”

“The regulations don’t care whether the search comes up dry or not,” Bel Iblis reminded him. “Or are you suggesting that President Gavrisom might not choose to see it that way?”

“The President is bound by certain diplomatic and political necessities,” Ackbar said. “However, I’m certain that he will read your report on this incident before rendering any judgment. Still, I suggest you cut your patrol circuit short and return to-“

Abruptly the signal squealed and vanished. “Comm station, what’s going on?” Eel Iblis demanded.

“The problem’s not at our end, General,” a new voice reported. “Looks like the HoloNet carrier’s been cut off.”

Bel Iblis threw a look at Wedge and Corran. “Trouble on Coruscant?” he asked the comm officer.

“I don’t know, sir. I’m checking the other relays … no, sir, it’s not Coruscant. Looks like the relay at Mengjini has gone down.”

“Sir, we’re picking up a general alert on the secondary net,” a new voice put in. “The relay at Mengjini has allegedly come under attack from a small group of, quote, dissident elements,’ unquote.”

“Acknowledged,” Bel Iblis said. “Navigation, plot us a fast course for Mengjini. Comm, relay the alert to all New Republic forces and bases in the area. Tell them we’re going in and request backup reinforcements.”

He got acknowledgments and turned again to Wedge and Corran. “It looks as if your reports will have to wait,” he said. “Get back to your squadron, and get ready to fly.”

“Not good,” Corran puffed as he and Wedge jogged down the Peregrine’s ventral corridor toward their docking bays. “When they start messing with long-range communications, you know they’re getting serious.”

“We don’t have any proof it’s this Vengeance group,” Wedge pointed out, dodging around a Dresselian crouched over an open access panel.

“Maybe not,” the other countered. “But I never mentioned Vengeance. You thought of them on your own.”

Wedge grimaced. “Yeah,” he agreed. “I did, didn’t I?”

“Yes, you did,” Corran said. “And you’re also thinking that between killing riots, overt interplanetary attacks, and now long-range comm-kicking, this has gone way beyond a few zealots protesting Bothan involvement in Caamas.”

“Yeah,” Wedge agreed soberly. “I can hardly wait to see what happens next.”





CHAPTER


19


“Read and cry,” Lando said, laying his sabacc cards down on the table. “Twenty-three-a Pure Sabacc run.”