[Republic Commando] - 02(160)

CorSec might have decided to take sides and throw their money and guns behind the Separatists. Want me to go on?”

“Fierfek,” said Fi. But it still didn’t feel as close a call as nearly killing Skirata. “That’s a new one for the training manual.”

“You said it. Heavy-handed Republic overreacts, storms in and kills top CorSec man. Nice stunt, whoever they are.”

Obrim shrugged. “Well, you can sleep soundly tonight in the knowledge that you’ve given Rugeyan a timely public relations coup. Just a shame it wasn’t live on RHN …”

He trailed off. Ordo had taken off his helmet. For some reason Fi wasn’t expecting the ARC to look like them, but of course he did. He looked Fi straight in the eye, but it wasn’t like looking in a mirror at all, although it was a striking enough resemblance to reduce Obrim to silence.

“We’re not supposed to be in the public eye,” said Ordo. “But it doesn’t do the Republic’s citizens any harm to know what we do.” He was staring intently at Fi. “And you, brother, are very mouthy, very annoying, and stupidly brave. I forgive you for the crack about the kama. This time, anyway.”

Fi didn’t feel brave, not right then. He also wondered if smothering the bomb had been any more courageous than Master Kaim’s actions. It was pure training, a split-second’s decision exactly like Darman’s or Atin’s-or Ordo’s.

And it was another thing Kal Skirata had taught him to do. He remembered that now.

Holonews Update, 1930: The siege at Galactic City spaceport has ended with the rescue of Senator Meena Tills and all the remaining hostages. Commando forces stormed a hall in the terminal building and shot dead four terrorists from a group opposed to Republic influence on Haruun Kal We now have our droid cams back online, and we’re going live to the scene

Rugeyan was as smug as Obrim had predicted. He came back into the terminal hall trailed by journalists and a cloud of fresh hovercams, oozing satisfaction. Obrim stopped them and took him aside, walking him to the knot of commandos and police that was waiting beside the shattered doors.

“Before you strike up the band, you ought to know the explosives were a hoax,” said the commander.

Fi watched absolutely nothing cross Rugeyan’s face. “So?”

“Looks like a stunt to get us to go in mob-handed and shoot a member of the CorSec Direx Board, and that has nothing to do with the Senator. We can’t be sure who’s behind it, so let’s think about this before we start crowing.”

Rugeyan maintained his blank expression in silence for a few seconds. Then a practiced smile snapped instantly into place. “Commander, those thugs held innocent people and murdered a Jedi Master whose sole concern was the welfare of the hostages. The Senate does not tolerate terrorism. We deal with it robustly, and we have shown billions of viewers tonight just what awaits anyone who wants to test our resolve.” His smile disappeared like a light going out. “The rest is detail, and that needn’t trouble our vigilant media.”

He gathered up his smile again and walked back to where the media were waiting.

“Will he remember all that for the cams?” asked Fi.

“He probably talks like that in his sleep,” said Obrim. “Anyway, I just want to get home. Unless you boys would like a drink.”

Skirata smiled uncomfortably. “We’re always on duty, Commander, so we don’t get to have a drink. But thanks. You go on home.”

Fi couldn’t find a joke that would help him right then. He was grateful for the privacy of his helmet.

I really would have fired.

Darman elbowed him in the back, more a playful gesture than one of annoyance. “We missed dinner,” he said. “Maybe you can talk the cooks into fixing us something when we get back.”

Ordo was listening to his private link, head down. It was a giveaway gesture with ARCs, Fi thought. “CSF transport’s here to take us back to barracks,” he said, straightening up. “You’re shipping out on a new deployment at 0600 tomorrow, Omega.”

Skirata jerked his head around for a second, dismay unguarded, and then gave them a smile that didn’t quite conceal his anxiety.

“You make sure you get them a decent meal first, Captain.” He jabbed a finger in their direction, then appeared to yield to some private thought and gave them all a slap on the back. “No damaging government property, okay? And we’ll have that drink one day soon, I promise you.”

He winked and pulled up his collar, limping into the crowds outside in the riot of neon and vehicle lights that was Galactic City, and changing before their eyes from time-served commando to anonymous old man as surely as any Gurlanin could shift shape.