[Legacy Of The Force] - 03(31)

Jaina began to have a bad feeling about the CEC light transport that had jumped to hyperspace just as she and Zekk entered the system. It had been accelerating away from Hapes at a rate few freighters could achieve, and the fact that there had been two squadrons of Hapan starfighters on the vessel’s tail only tended to confirm that it had been the Millennium Falcon.

Zekk leaned close. “Han and Leia Solo did not do this,” he whispered. He was still in the same flight suit he had been wearing for more than a week, but the smell was nothing to the acrid stench that already filled the room. “It’s not their style.”

“I don’t need you to tell me that.” Jaina realized that Zekk was only trying to comfort her, but comfort was not what she needed right now. What she needed were facts. “Don’t you think I know my own parents?”

Zekk ran a hand through his sweat-matted hair, then shook his head and let out a disgusted snort. He started across the room without another word, leaving Jaina to stand there wondering what was wrong. It was not like Zekk to be short with her, and she did not understand why he should be upset. After all, it wasn’t bis parents they had seen fleeing the scene of an assassination attempt.

When Jaina did not immediately start after Zekk, the sergeant in charge of their escort nudged her in the back. “Stay together.” He motioned Jaina toward the vestibule. “We’ve had enough Jedi tricks for one day.”

Jaina turned to face the Hapan. He was tall and typically handsome, with chiseled features and dark blue eyes. “My mother didn’t have anything…”

“Tell it to Prince Isolder.” He rested a hand on the butt of his bolstered blaster, then used the other hand to point after Zekk. “Go.”

Tempted as Jaina was to Force-slam the sergeant into the nearest wall, she recognized that now would be a less-than-ideal time to adjust his attitude. She settled for a smirk of disdain, then followed Zekk toward the corner, where Prince Isolder was watching a female security officer interview a shaken-looking noble.

As Jaina and Zekk approached, two bodyguards stepped out to block their way. Isolder touched the arm of one.

“No, Brak.” Though it had a few new-and well-placed-lines, holder’s strong-featured Hapan face was as handsome as it had ever been. “They’re fine.”

Brak did not retreat. “They’re Jedi, milord. After what Just happened…”

Isolder clamped down on Brak’s arm and physically pulled him back. “They’re probably the reason my daughter survived what just happened.” He turned his attention to Jaina. “Unless I miss my guess, you were the source of the Queen Mother’s recent uneasiness.”

“I did reach out to her, yes,” Jaina said.

“I thought as much.” holder opened his arms, inviting an embrace. “It’s good to see you again, Jaina.”

“And you as well, Prince Isolder.” Jaina hugged him, then stood aside as he clasped arms with Zekk. “I’m only sorry we couldn’t arrive earlier.”

“Nonsense. We’re thankful for your, uh, warning. It prompted the Queen Mother to increase her guard.”

“And to sea! the residence’s inner blast doors,” Tenel Ka said, arriving behind Jaina and Zekk. “You have nothing to be sorry for.”

Jaina turned and saw Tenel Ka standing two meters away, surrounded by a small company of attendants and royal guards. Her rust-colored hair hung loose down her back, and she was dressed in a frock of green shimmersilk that managed to appear as practical as it did elegant. The effect was so striking and regal that Jaina had to consciously remind herself she was looking at an old Jedi academy classmate and comrade-in-arms.

“Your Majesty.”

Jaina bowed, and Zekk along with her. Tenel Ka’s eyes flashed with embarrassment at being exalted by her friends, but she was careful to hold herself tall and still to hide her discomfort from her subjects.

“Jaina, Zekk. What an unexpected pleasure.” She motioned them upright, then glanced over her shoulder, toward the great hall where most of the devastation had taken place. “I assume your visit has something to do with that.”

“Right-we came to warn you.” Jaina did not mention the Corellian assault fleet that Bwua’tu suspected would soon be on its way to help with the coup; she would share that intelligence later, once they were alone. “We didn’t think it would happen so soon.”

“I know you did everything in your power.” Tenel Ka’s face grew troubled. She continued, “What I don’t understand is why your parents were involved.”

Jaina felt like she had been kicked in the stomach. “Involved?” She glanced around at the devastation, unable to believe her parents would participate in an attack against Tenel Ka. “You’re sure?”