Zekk shrugged. “When we raided to get the information on Brisha Syo’s asteroid from his shuttle memory.”
“It would have been useful to have known this earlier.”
Han shifted, uncomfortable. “We’ve been busy putting out fires.”
Luke sighed, then continued. “With our new, fancy holocomm beacon on the Anakin Solo, we detect when Jacen begins his operation, and jump to Corellia. General Celchu brought us an expert who can help us figure out how to destroy it.”
“That’s not what I brought him for.”
“Regardless, he was willing to help blow it up once, he’ll be willing to help blow it up a second time.” Luke shrugged apologetically and moved on. “Meanwhile, we send a unit of Jedi aboard the Anakin Solo to distract Jacen… and to retrieve the Chume’da.”
“How do you plan to get them aboard?” Han sounded dubious. “I kind of doubt the old Love Commander trick will work a second time.”
Luke looked at Tycho. “General, when you arrived, your shuttle transceiver broadcast what I assume was a false registration and identity. I also assume that it’s capable of broadcasting a registration and identity consistent with General Celchu of Starfighter Command.”
Tycho nodded. “Of course.”
Luke spread his palms. “There you have it. We go in on General Celchu’s shuttle.”
Slowly, Tycho shook his head. “Much as I personally might want you to succeed in this, I sort of have to say no. Duty and officer’s oaths and all that. You understand.”
“Oh, that’s right.” Luke turned to Wedge. “Could I trouble you to set your blaster on stun and point it at the other general?”
“No, not really.”
“Please?”
Wedge sighed. “I’m not going to point a blaster at my best friend. Plus, his pilot will be obliged to jump in the way or do something equally noble and foolish. I’m not going to point a blaster at my little girl.”
“Thank you, Daddy.”
Wedge thought about it. “I do have a solution, though.” He pointed his forefinger at Tycho, aligning his thumb straight up. “Imagine that’s a blaster. Wait a second.” He adjusted an imaginary knob on his thumb. “Had to make sure it was on stun.”
Tycho looked at his hand. “I’m imagining that it’s a BlasTech DL-Eighteen.”
Wedge shrugged. “An adequate choice, under these circumstances.”
“Maybe. If we’d all imagined that it was a DL-Forty-four, big and imposing, I might actually be intimidated. A DL-Eighteen is barely worth surrendering to.” Syal shook her head, her expression sad. Luke began looking from face to face as he spoke. “Wedge, handpick a starfighter squadron. We’ll use it to chase the shuttle to safety aboard the Anakin Solo, then to support any operation against Centerpoint Station. I’ll lead a unit of Jedi to assault Jacen; our job will be to take him out if possible, and to distract him from the rescue operation in any case. Han, Leia, I want you to lead the expedition to rescue the Chume’da. Master Katarn, I want you in reserve for extraction of the assault and rescue teams. Doctor Seyah and our scientific staff will come up with the best ways to destroy Centerpoint Station. Ben, owing to your experience there, I want you on that mission.”
Ben shook his head. “I’ll be more useful accompanying you aboard the Anakin Solo.”
“How do you figure that?”
“Because with both of us boarding, Jacen will conclude that we’re there to kill him. It will help keep him from guessing that Allana is the mission’s real goal. And he won’t be wondering where I am or what I’m up to.”
Luke gave his son a close look. “And will diversion be your genuine intent? Not revenge?”
“Yes, Grand Master.”
“All right, then.” Luke rose, prompting the others to do the same. He turned to Tycho. “General, I’m sorry about imprisoning you and your pilot. And stealing your shuttle. And exposing you to Ewoks again. And such.”
Tycho shrugged. “I acknowledge that, from your perspective, you have to keep me a prisoner until your operation begins, to keep me from doing my duty and alerting the Alliance …”
“Yes?”
“There’s no reason why you couldn’t take me with you to Colonel Solo’s action against Corellia, put me in the cockpit of a starfighter, and let me make my way home from there. After I fly around getting a good look at everything, that is.”
“Good point.” Luke nodded. “We may do that. And your pilot?”
“Oh, you don’t have to imprison her at all.” Tycho reached into his tunic pocket.