[Thrawn Trilogy] - 02(157)

Leia threw Karrde a sharp look, suddenly seeing where he was going with this. “Is that true, Councilor?” she asked Fey’lya, putting disbelief in her voice. “All this talk about being on the side of the military was nothing more than a play for political power?”

“Don’t be foolish, Councilor,” Fey’lya said, fur rippling with contempt. “What other use are soldiers to a politician?”

“Is that why you don’t care if the men of Rogue Squadron die?” Karrde asked. “Because they prefer to stay out of politics?”

“No one cares if their enemies die,” Fey’lya said coldly. “And all those who are not on my side are my enemies. He gestured with his bllaster. “I trust, Captain Karrde, that I need not say more.”

Karrde raised his eyes from Fey’lya to the view outside. “No, Councilor.” he said. “I believe you’ve said enough.”

Leia followed his gaze. Between the Quenfis and the Katana, in twos and threes, Fey’lya’s X-wing squadrons were heading to Wedge’s support. Deserting the politician who had just defined the limits of his consideration for their welfare. “Yes,” she murmered. “You’ve said enough.”

Fey’lya frowned at her; but even as he started to speak the door to the bridge slid open. Captain Virgilio stood there, flanked by two soldiers. “Councilor Fey’lya,” he said stiffly. “I respectfully request you return to your quarters. These men will accompany you.”

Fey’lya’s fur flattened. “I don’t understand, Captain.”

“We’re closing off this room, sir,” Virgilio said, his voice respectful but with an edge. Stepping over to the Bothan’s seat, he leaned toward the intercom. “This is the captain,” he called. “All hands to battle stations.”

The alarm, promptly went off : and in Fey’lya’s eyes Leia could see the sudden shock of understanding. “Captain-“

“You see, Councilor, some of us don’t consider loyalty to be all that outmoded,” Virgilio cut him, turning turning to Leia. “Councilor Organa Solo, I’d like you to join me on the bridge at your convenience. We’ve called for a Star Cruiser to back us up, but it’ll take awhile to get here.”

“We’ll just have to hold them until then,” Leia said, standing up. She looked at Karrde. “Thank you,” she said quietly.

“Not for you or your war,” Karrde warned her. “Mara and my people could be arriving at any time. I’d just as soon they not be facing a Star Destroyer alone.”

“They won’t,” Virgilio said. “Councilor?”

“It’s a lost cause,” Fey’lya said, trying one last time as he surrendered his blaster to one of the soldiers.

“That’s all right,” Virgilio said, smiling tightly. “The whole Rebellion was considered nothing more than a lost cause. Excuse me, Councilor: I have a battle to run.”

The Chimaera was touring the region Pellaeon had privately dubbed the Depot when the report from the aJudicator came in. “Interesting,” Thrawn commented. “They’ve responded faster than I’d expected.”

“Karrde must have decided to be generous,” Pellaeon said, skimming the follow-up report. Five drop ships and three TIE fighters destroyed; one of the Dreadnaughts apparently under Rebellion control and joining battle. It looked like a major scrap was shaping up out there. “I recommend we send another Star Destroyer to assist, Admiral,” he said. “The Rebellion may have larger ships on the way.”

“We’ll go ourselves, Captain,” Thrawn said. “Navigation: set us a course back to the Katana fleet.”

The navigation officer didn’t move. He sat at his station, his back to them, unnaturally stiff. “Navigation?” Thrawn repeated.

“Admiral, message coming through from the sentry line,” the comm officer reported suddenly. “Unidentified Lancer-class Frigate has entered the system and is approaching. They insist on speaking with you, personally and immediately.”

Thrawn’s glowing eyes narrowed as he tapped the comm switch : and suddenly Pellaeon realized who it must be aboard that ship. “This is Thrawn,” the Grand Admiral said. “Master C’baoth, I presume?”

“You presume correctly,” C’baoth’s voice boomed from the speaker. “I would speak with you, Grand Admiral. Now.”

“We’re on our way to assist the aJudicator,” Thrawn said, his eyes flicking to the still-motionless nav officer. “As you perhaps already know. When we return-“