[Legacy Of The Force] - 04(13)

Gejjen scowled and spoke again, this time at a fullthroated shout: “Shut up!”

The others quieted and stared at the Corellian leader. Gejjen returned his attention to Wedge. “Admiral, are you saying that with the assault fleet, you could have kept the GA forces out of our system, kept us from suffering the blockade the GA has instituted?”

Wedge nodded. “It’s very likely.”

“Very likely … and you’re also saying that our best course of action now is to negotiate for a no-fault return to the GA.”

“Yes.”

“Even though it would inevitably cost us control of Centerpoint Station.”

The station, home to an ancient gravitic device that could he used to construct entire solar systems-or destroy them-had been near operational when a Jedi mission had sabotaged it, costing the Corellians their most significant weapon. Ben Skywalker, son of Wedge’s old friend Luke, had been the saboteur. Wedge’s association with the Skywalkers was one that everyone present knew.

Wedge nodded. “Chief Gejjen, that result is far superior to being starved into submission and then forced back into the GA under terms dictated by Cal Omas and Admiral Niathal.”

“So we can’t win.”

“Not without wealthy, powerful planetary systems joining on our side.”

“Which we were within a centimeter of having,” Koyan growled, “until Jacen Solo and his parents fouled up our action in the Hapes Consortium.”

Wedge bit down on a response. Assassinating a good ruler, such as Queen Mother Tenel Ka, so that a treacherous, deceptive pro-Corellian one could take her place might help win a war, but the peace that followed would be fragile, uncertain, even evil. However, saying such a thing before this body of men and women would do no good.

Gejjen, seeming to read Wedge’s reply in his expression, looked over at one of his aides. “Bring Admiral Delpin in.” He returned his attention to Wedge. “Admiral Antilles, we have a problem, and the problem is that I don’t think you’re willing to win at any cost.”

“I’m not,” Wedge said. “And neither are you.”

“I am,” Gejjen said.

“If winning meant the Corellian system was the only center of civilization to survive the war?”

Gejjen frowned. “That’s a ridiculous and extreme example.”

“Exactly.” Wedge nodded. “But I’ll bet that it constitutes an example of a victory you wouldn’t be willing to accept. Meaning that you’re not willing to win at any cost. We just have to establish, for this ruling body, what is the maximum consequence in victory that we’re willing to accept.”

Gejjen tried again, demonstrating a level of patience and even respect that Wedge found surprising. “Admiral, you were kept out of the loop on the decision to, eh, adjust Hapan politics because it was clear to the rest of us, based on your history of performance, that you would never sign off on it in its final form.”

“You might be right.”

“But we’re already in agreement that sacrificing the dictator of a distant government is well within the maximum consequence in victory that we’re willing to bring about.”

The door into the chamber hissed open, and a woman in the dress uniform of an admiral of the Corellian Defense Force, the same uniform Wedge wore, entered. She was Wedge’s height and was muscular of build, the sort of woman whose hobby time was probably all spent in a gymnasium. Her hair, cut close, was black and picked up blue glints from the glow rods around the room. She was about half Wedge’s age and good looking; there was no trace of makeup evident on her features.

There was, however, a trace of sympathy on them as she glanced at Wedge. She came to a stop in front of Gejjen’s chair, her cap tucked military-style beneath her left arm. “Admiral Genna Delpin, reporting as ordered.”

Wedge knew her. She was a fast-rising star in the Corellian armed forces, and had led the assault fleet in the disastrous coup attempt at the Hapes Consortium. Its defeat had reflected not on her ability but on factors well outside her control, such as the interference of the Jedi and unexpected armed forces.

Gejjen acknowledged her with a nod, then turned again to Wedge. “Admiral, what you accomplished in the liberation of Tralus makes it clear that we couldn’t have chosen a better leader for our united armed forces. But times change, and your personal code of conduct is, I believe, going to become a greater impediment in dealing with your government’s needs. Admiral Delpin has a clearer understanding of her role and her duties to the government, and has your skill at moving and motivating subordinates. For this reason-and understand, it’s nothing personal, we continue to hold you in the highest regardI’m removing you from the position of Supreme Commander of Corellia’s armed forces.” He turned his attention to the newcomer. “Admiral Delpin, I’m appointing you to that position.”