[Legacy Of The Force] - 03(16)

“The transport was the Millennium Falcon.” The admiral stated this as fact, not question. “Jedi aren’t technically under my command, so I won’t bother ordering you to answer me. But you should know that this is what I assume.”

Jaina’s heart fell. Her parents were about to have a pair of very big targets drawn on their backs. “The exact identity of the vessel didn’t seem relevant at the time.”

Bwua’tu’s voice grew sharp. “Obviously, it was. You don’t believe Han and Leia Solo would betray your friend.”

“I know they wouldn’t,” Jaina insisted. “You would have a better idea of that than I, of course.” Bwua’tu’s reaction was surprising in its mildness. “But the fact remains that they’re on their way to the Hape Consortium, and this is a very crucial moment for Corelllia. We must at least consider the possibility.”

He laid a furry hand on Jaina’s shoulder, then continued in a voice as gentle as it was raspy. “I want you to take a moment and think this over very carefully. I’ll believe whatever you tell me … but please remember that the lives of your parents are only two of the many billions that may depend on your accuracy.”

“I’m aware of that, Admiral,” Jaina said. “But thank you for the reminder.”

As much as Jaina wanted to leap to her parents’ defense again, she forced herself to do as Bwua’tu asked. The truth was, Jaina had no idea how her mother and father might be reacting to the change in Jacen. At one time, her mother had vowed never to have children because one of them might grow up to become another Darth Vader. With the holonews reporting that Jacen had imprisoned hundreds of thousands of Corellians, her parents might well have decided that Leia’s old fears were justified.

But Jaina had not felt any hint of guilt when her mother touched her through the Force earlier-and had the Solos been planning to betray Tenel Ka, she believed she would have. Besides, her parents had always been loyal to their friends-especially friends who were loyal to them-and she could not see that changing now.

Finally, Jaina sighed and shook her head. “I know it looks bad, but I just don’t think they would do something like that.”

Bwua’tu stared into her eyes. “You are sure?”

“It’s what I believe, Admiral. That’s the best I can do.” Jaina looked away. “Given what a monster my brother is becoming, I don’t think I can be sure of what anyone is capable of.”

Bwua’tu’s lip curled at the mention of her brother. “Yes, your brother is driving dissenters into the enemy camp even faster than he is killing them.” Jaina raised her brow in surprise.

The admiral winced visibly, then waved the comment off with a flip of his hand. “Waste no time fretting over my loyalty,” he said. “I swore a vow of krevi the day I became a fleet admiral. Even when Bothawui finally enters the war, I’ll continue to serve the Galactic Alliance.”

“When Bothawui enters the war?” Jaina asked. “Not if?”

“When,” Bwua’tu confirmed. “My people prefer treachery to war, but we do occasionally let outrage dictate our actions.”

Jaina frowned. “What are you talking about?” A gleam of understanding came to Bwua’tu’s eyes. “I’m sorry-you wouldn’t have heard. Your brother has started assassinating Bothans.”

“Assassinating Bothans?” Jaina gasped. “Jacen isn’t that stupid.”

“No, but he does protect his assets,” Bwua’tu said. “The World Brain is near death because of a recent attack, and it is Jacen’s best means of tracking Corellian terrorists through the undercity.”

Jaina frowned. She was hardly surprised to learn that her brother was employing the World Brain as a spy, but she was shocked to hear Bwua’tu talking as though they had discussed the matter personally. “I can’t imagine Jacen sharing that information with the military.”

“He didn’t,” Bwua’tu said.

“So your sources are … ?”

“Accurate,” Bwua’tu replied. “That’s all you need to know.”

“Okay,” Jaina said slowly. “And these sources think the Bothans are the ones who attacked the World Brain? The True Victory Party?”

“No.” Bwua’tu hesitated, then said, “According to my sources, the True Victory Party can’t even find it. But Jacen believes that Reh’mwa ordered the attack, and so my species is becoming an endangered one on Coruscant.”

Jaina’s stomach grew hollow and queasy. This was one more force pushing the galaxy closer to war, and-as usual-her brother was in the middle of it.