Star Wars_ Cloak of Deception - James Luceno [62]
He smiled thinly. “Be that as it may, we trust that you will not judge the Senex sector by what you are likely to encounter on Asmeru. The planet once supported great cities and grand palaces, but all those fell victim to sudden climatic change. The current population is comprised of Ossan slaves created on the Vandron world of Karfeddion, but banished here owing to defects of one sort or another. Bred for agricultural work, the slaves have managed to make a life for themselves, though we doubt that you will find them especially welcoming. That might have been the case with the members of the Nebula Front, as well, but for their superior weapons.”
“Charming,” Depa said, just loudly enough to be heard by her comrades.
“We’re sorry we can’t be of more assistance at this time,” the human added. “Perhaps when the present crisis is resolved, the Senex Houses and the Republic can meet to discuss matters of mutual concern and benefit.”
The miniature figure disappeared, leaving the seven Jedi to trade looks of misgiving.
“And not yet midway through the minefield are we,” Yaddle said.
The comm chimed again.
“Communication from Asmeru downside,” the pilot announced. “Nebula Front sentry ships are presenting no overt threat, but House Vandron fighters have dispersed to remove themselves from any possible action.”
Through the port viewport Qui-Gon could see the sleek Tikiars peeling gracefully away from the Prominence. When he turned back to the table, a leathery-skinned humanoid with a barbarous twist to his mouth stood in the holoprojector’s cone of blue light. His face was deeply pitted and his features were large. His skull was shaved, save for a braided topknot that fell to his shoulders. Qui-Gon thought that he was getting his first glimpse of one of Asmeru’s banished slaves, until the humanoid spoke.
“Republic cruisers, identify yourselves or risk being fired on.”
Saesee Tiin positioned himself for the holocam and spoke for the Jedi, his cowl lowered to reveal his tight, shiny face and downward-facing horns. “We are members of a diplomatic mission dispatched by Coruscant.”
“This is not Republic space, Jedi. You have no authority here.”
“We acknowledge that,” Tiin replied in a calm voice. “But we have prevailed upon the rulers of this sector to guide us to Asmeru for the purpose of opening negotiations with the Nebula Front.”
The humanoid showed his teeth. “The Nebula Front’s grievances are with the Trade Federation, not Coruscant—and we can settle those in our own fashion. What’s more, we know full well how the Jedi ‘negotiate.’ ”
Tiin leaned toward the holocam pickup, narrowing already narrow eyes. “Then let me provide you with a reason. Coruscant has grievances with the Nebula Front when they make an attempt on the life of a Republic dignitary.”
The humanoid blinked in apparent bafflement. “Your meaning escapes me, Jedi. Whose life was threatened?”
“The life of Supreme Chancellor Valorum.”
Concern tugged at the humanoid’s gross features. “Your guides have misled you. As I said, we have no issue with the Republic.”
“Some of the assassins were tracked to Asmeru,” Tiin pressed.
“They may have been tracked here, but we know nothing of their actions.”
Tiin pressed his point. “I propose that someone in a position of command come aboard and speak with us.”
The humanoid scoffed. “You must be space happy.”
“Then will you allow us to come to the surface and speak with you?”
“Do we have a choice in the matter?”
“No, not really.”
“I thought as much,” the humanoid said. “How many Jedi are you?”
“Seven.”
“And how many judicials?”
“Perhaps twenty.”
The humanoid turned to discuss the matter with someone out of view. “As a gesture of good faith, leave one of your cruisers in orbit, along with most of the Judicial force,” he replied at last. “Two of our CloakShapes will usher the other