• Choose a category
• All
• Classic-Fiction

“And she would have to stipulate that they’re not prisoners,” Leia added. “That they’re patients—and, as such, deserve the benefit of medical care—the Alliance’s finest medical care.”

“They already have the Alliance’s finest medical care,” Jaina said. “There isn’t anyone out there better than Master Cilghal.”

“But Master Cilghal and her staff have limits that the entire medical establishment of Coruscant does not,” Hamner countered. “This might even prove advantageous to the Jedi—provided, of course, that we retain access to the patients.”

“Yeah,” Han said, nodding. “That seems fair.”

Everyone fell silent again, and Han did not need the Force to realize that they were all growing excited about the possibilities. If Daala was telling the truth about wanting to work things out—or even if she was merely backed into a corner, as Dorvan had hinted—they just might have the beginning of a solution.

And that, of course, was when Jaina sat back and crossed her arms. “It might start out fine,” she said. “Then Daala will renege. She’ll refreeze them all, she’ll deny their data to us, and she’ll be holding all the cards. We’ll have no recourse.”

Hamner considered this, then shrugged. “And if that happens, what have we lost? One Jedi. But we will have no doubts left about her lack of good will.”

Han was incredulous. “You have doubts now?”

“Han,” Leia muttered. “Objective, remember?”

Jaina watched this exchange with a frown. “What’s going on, you two?”

“Nothing,” Han said. “I just sort of promised Daala I wouldn’t torpedo this deal … well, at least not if it didn’t deserve it.”

Jaina rolled her eyes. “Dad, you can’t trust her.”

“We don’t know that for sure. She might be trying to do the right thing.” Han shrugged. “What do I know? I taught you to mistrust all politicians except Leia, and now that’s coming back to bite me.” He jerked a thumb toward Leia. “Talk to your mother.”

Leia looked thoughtful. “Since Daala became Chief of State, we haven’t put her word to the test. This would seem to be the perfect time to do that. Then we’ll know for sure.”

Hamner nodded in agreement. “It’s about finding a way to work together when we don’t trust each other.” He turned a stony glare on Jaina. “Even the Sword of the Jedi should remember that much about negotiation.”

Jaina exhaled and slumped back in her chair.

“I’m skeptical, too, Jedi Solo,” Hamner said. “But we’ve got to start somewhere.” He turned to Han and Leia. “Take this to Daala and see how she reacts. That will tell us something about how sincere she is.”

Leia nodded, but did not rise. “Think we can spend a little time with our daughters first?”

“Of course.” Hamner rose and turned toward the door. “Take all the time you wish. It’s not like the situation is going to resolve itself without you.”

JEDI HILL CAMP, DATHOMIR

THERE WERE NO MORE ASSAULTS. THE RAINING LEAVES AND BROKEN Columns sat where they were stationed, wrapped blankets around themselves, and fell into exhausted sleep. They slept in small huddles. Some slept sitting up, propped back-to-back. Sentinels stayed awake at the hill crest.

And dawn came. The clan members awoke sleep-deprived and aching, some injured, many mourning their dead.

Dyon approached Ben, who was assembling some food and water to take to his father. “I was able to upload the updates to my document.”

Ben used a thong to tie the ends of his food-cloth together to make a simple bag. “Meaning the jamming is done?”

“For now.”

Ben pulled out his comlink. “Hey, Dad?”

“Ben. Good to hear from you.”

“Want some food?”

“I have some. I’m fine.”

“We’re about to have a meeting of the chiefs, subchiefs, and their favorite Jedi representatives. I’ll give you a report when we’re done.”

The gathering of chiefs did not take long. Its events had apparently been scripted by Kaminne and Tasander. Each summoned a priest of her or his clan. With the priests presiding, the subchiefs, Ben, Dyon, and Vestara as witnesses, Tasander and Kaminne wed in a short, simple