“Oh, I don’t know,” the Twi’lek said dryly. “Given the Hurts’ past performance, it might be entertaining to watch.”
“Not if it was someone like Jabba.”
“True,” Ven conceded. “At any rate, I’ll pass your offer on to Booster.”
The turbolift car settled to a slightly clunky stop, and the door slid open to reveal the aft bridge. “Booster asked me to apologize for not welcoming you in person, incidentally,” Ven said as he waved them toward the archway that led to the main bridge. “You’ll understand in a moment why he couldn’t.”
“No problem,” Karrde said, glancing casually around at the aft bridge consoles. Here and there an indicator light still winked, but for the most part the consoles seemed to either be on standby or to have been shut down completely. He stepped into the archway, turning back around to throw a quick look at the aft bridge’s hologram pad-which also seemed to be shut down&mdash
“Talon Karrde!” Booster’s voice boomed. Welcome aboard.”
Karrde completed his turn. Booster was striding down the command walkway toward them, arms flung wide open in expansive welcome.
And walking right behind him&mdash
“And look who else has come to visit the old man,” Booster continued, half turning to gesture just as expansively at them.
“Yes, indeed,” Karrde said, motioning Odonnl forward. “Odonnl, I don’t believe you’ve met Booster’s family. This is his lovely daughter Mirax, and his son-in-law Commander Corran Horn. Former-I’m sorry; current member of General Wedge Antilles’s celebrated Rogue Squadron.”
“Ah,” Odonnl said guardedly. “Pleased to meet you. That’s the group Ven here used to be with, isn’t it?”
“Nawara and I used to fly together, yes,” Corran said, his tone equally guarded, Booster, I suppose I don’t mind that Karrde knows we’re here, but-“
“Relax, Corran,” Booster soothed, stepping forward to briefly grip Karrde’s hand.
“Karrde’s top people are just as trustworthy as he is.”
Corran shot Karrde a decidedly ambivalent look. “That makes me feel so much better.”
“Don’t worry,” Karrde assured him, offering his hand. “We won’t tell Coruscant one of its most revered heroes is associating with riffraff.”
Corran took the proffered hand, his face relaxing into a slight smile. “I appreciate that. How’s Mara doing these days?”
“Quite well, thank you,” Karrde said. “As a matter of fact, she should be along anytime-she’s temporarily flying with the Starry Ice, which is supposed to be meeting me here.” He shifted his gaze to the woman. “Hello, Mirax; it’s been a long time. Where’s the little one?”
“Valin’s right down there,” Mirax said, giving Karrde a far more genuine smile than her husband’s as she waved toward the starboard crew pit. “And he’s six years old-not so little anymore.”
“Indeed not,” Karrde said, taking a couple of steps to the side and looking down the crew pit. The boy was perched on a couple of extra cushions in one of the chairs, staring at one of the displays, completely oblivious to the visitors or the scattering of Booster’s men manning some of the other consoles. “Teaching him to fly the ship?”
“Hardly,” Mirax said, coming up beside him and smiling fondly down at her son. “Dad set up one of the tractor beam consoles so he could play games. Do you want to say hello?”
“Don’t disturb him,” Karrde said. “Perhaps we’ll have time later. Is he still keeping up with his music?”
“Like a mynock with his tail on fire,” Booster said wryly. “I just bought him a new chordokeylo-he’d already worn out his first one. But seriously, Karrde, I’d appreciate it if you would keep Corran’s presence here to yourself. This is supposed to be a quiet meeting-only a handful of New Republic officials know anything about it.”
“I understand,” Karrde said, eyeing Corran again. “A secret mission, eh? Cloak and blade, skulking around darkened cantinas, whispered conversations with shadowy contacts-that sort of thing?”
“I’m sure you realize we can’t discuss it with you,” Corran said, his face not quite stony.
“Yes, of course,” Karrde said. “Say no more.” He nodded toward the crew pit. “Though I can’t say I approve of your superiors allowing you to take your family along on such a dangerous mission.”
“It’s nothing like that,” Booster said with a touch of mild exasperation. “All Corran needs is a little information-“