Star Wars_ Darksaber - Kevin J. Anderson [167]
As Leia stepped to the makeshift podium, the New Republic honor guard snapped to attention, eyes locked forward. Luke glanced at the heavily decorated heroes of the recent Imperial onslaught. His old friend Wedge Antilles stood with new medals pinned to his chest, and beside him the ethereal scientist Qwi Xux blinked her indigo eyes, as if once again amazed to be the center of attention. Admiral Ackbar wore his bright white uniform, riding high as commander of the New Republic fleet.
The X-wings overhead finished their run and streaked off to battle stations in orbit. The glowing displays in the air faded out, sparkling with bright points of fire that gradually dimmed.
Leia began to speak, and dozens of image-recording devices, newsdroids, and Galactic Information Service representatives transmitted her speech to all the worlds in the New Republic.
“We are here to celebrate another victory,” Leia said, “and to acknowledge its cost. Once again the Empire has attempted to overthrow the rightful government of the galaxy, and once again they have failed. We will always defeat them, because we have the light on our side.”
She looked over at Luke who stared stonily ahead. “This victory has not been without pain, however. Many brave fighters on several wrecked ships have died in their service to the New Republic.
“Two Jedi Knights have fallen, as well. Dorsk 81 sacrificed himself in order to drive back a fleet of Imperial Star Destroyers. His action alone saved the lives of the other Jedi Knights on Yavin 4, who continued to fight until Admiral Ackbar and his reinforcements could arrive.
“Perhaps it is fortunate that Dorsk 81 did not live long enough to learn that his homeworld Khomm was one of the first targets in Admiral Daala’s renewed attack. That planet has been devastated, and even now the New Republic is sending aid and reparations in honor of the great sacrifice their kinsman made.
“We also acknowledge the loss of Callista, the Jedi Knight who, though she had lost her powers, still managed to bring about the destruction of the Super Star Destroyer, sending it into the planet Yavin, where we believe she and our nemesis Admiral Daala both perished.” Leia paused a moment in somber recollection.
“On another front,” she said, turning toward Wedge, “we are happy to report that the Hutts have been prevented from obtaining their own version of the Death Star superlaser, which they would have used to cause untold havoc upon peaceful systems. General Antilles successfully led the attack that scuttled the Darksaber weapon.
“However, this mission, too, has cost us dearly.” Leia’s voice dropped. “Because he kept a low profile, General Crix Madine was not well known to many of you. He was our Supreme Allied Commander for Intelligence. By working behind the scenes, he claimed more victories than most of us can imagine: accomplishing goals that were not politically possible to pursue in the open. Madine and his crew of commandos sought out the Hutts’ hidden weapon and led General Antilles to its site, though Madine’s efforts cost him his own life and the lives of his team.”
She paused and took a deep breath, shuddering. Luke looked over at her, able to feel the weight of responsibility crashing around his sister. But Leia was strong, and she held up. When she spoke, it seemed as if she were talking to every citizen individually and specifically.
“The New Republic is safe once again, thanks to the selfless efforts of our defenders. We must all continue to add our strength.” She swallowed. “And may the Force be with you.”
* * *
Luke returned to Yavin 4, intending to throw himself entirely into his duties as a Jedi Master—instructing trainees and bringing forth more defenders of the New Republic.
That was his main task now, the remaining purpose of his life.
Out of nostalgia, he and Artoo returned to the jungle moon in